SpotLight on Elgin, Lossie & District March 2015

MARCH 2015

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3 Critical Features to demand from Your New Vet...

Moving to a new area is a challenging process for your family, your pet will be stressed by the process as well. At Moray Coast Vet Group we want you to know that we are here to help you and your pets settle into the area.

Why would you use us? Well it’s simple really, we have been vets in this area for a very long time and can offer your pet the following 3 critical benefits: to a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Accredited Practice, Access meaning your pet will be treated to the highest standards. convenient surgery locations making it easy to get to us Four day and night. and well equipped surgeries meaning we can treat all routine Modern conditions without the need to refer your pet.

So all you need to do now, for peace of mind for you and your pet, is call us to say ‘hello’ and we will do all that is necessary to register your pet with our practice. Oh, and we will call your old vet to request your pet’s existing notes, so we can be familiar with everything we need to know.

Now that is peace of mind for your pet.

Call us now on: CARING FOR YOUR COMPANIONS

Forres Surgery (main branch) 01309 672243 Nairn Surgery 01667 453161 Lossiemouth Surgery 01343 815335 Balloch Surgery 01463 794224 24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER 01309 672243 www.moraycoastvetgroup.co.uk

HARRISON BUILD LTD Extensions and New Builds Full Chartered Architectural Service and Local Authority Planning and Permissions Smooth Render Forming Doorways, Fyfestone Windows, etc Picking and Pointing (Slappings) Scratch Coating and Concreting, Floors, etc Harling (Dry Dash) Slabbing and Patios FREE quotation and project management

Building Kit and Traditional Blockwork Brickwork Sandstone

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Tel: 01343 551331 16 Linkwood Place, Elgin, IV30 IHZ

CLUBS & SOCIETIES 4TH LOSSIE BOYS’ BRIGADE Every Wednesday at Hythehill Primary School. Anchor boys (Primary 1,2 & 3) 5:30pm6:30pm; Junior Section (Primary 4,5 & 6) 6:30pm-8pm; Company Section (Primary 7 and high school) 8pm-9:30pm. Contact James Allan: 542305.

EARTHTIME TODDLER ADVENTURES Creative and exploring sessions for you and your child (2 - 5 year olds, accompanied by a parent /guardian). At Oakwood, Elgin or Grant Park, Forres. Call 07789 715380 see www.earthtime.co.uk or Earthtime’s Facebook page.

BUCCANEER THEATRE CLUB Club nights are Monday, 7pm at RAF Lossiemouth. New members interested in both onstage and back-stage activities welcome. For more info call Chris on 07789 552968 or Ally on 07887 513915.

ELGIN BRIDGE CLUB Mon - Fri, Elgin Bridge Centre, 1 Academy Street, Elgin. Contact Margaret on 549032 or Graham on 830638 or visit us at www.theelginbridgecentre.co.uk

DALLAS PARENT & TODDLERS Every Monday, 2pm - 4pm at Dallas Hall. Come join us for a cuppa & play. Contact Susan 01343 890439 / Emma 01343 890479 or find us on Facebook.

DIABETES UK MORAY Last Wednesday each month f7pm - 9pm (ex July & Dec) at The Inkwell at Elgin Youth Cafe, Francis Place, Elgin. All welcome for tea, coffee and chat. Support for people with diabetes and their carers. Call 01343 860671 • www.diabetesukmoray.org.uk

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page 4 - March 2015

ELGIN CITY COMMUNITY FOOTBALL Football activities for boys & girls of all ages. Call Robbie Hope 01343 551114 or visit www.elgincommunityfootball.co.uk ELGIN CYCLING CLUB Promoting cycling in the local area. Sundays 8.30am, Grant Lodge, Cooper Park. Call Kevin Thomson tel: 01542 834972 or visit www.elgincyclingclub.com ELGIN FLOWER CLUB Meets monthly at Elgin High Church Hall to enjoy the art of flower arranging. Call Mrs Frances Reddy on 01343 813397 or reception@lossiehouse.com ELGIN HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Sunday 11am (Winter) Mondays 7:30pm (Summer) Sociable group with runners of all abilities visiting all corners of Moray and beyond. To find out more and where we'll be next week Google elginhashhouseharriers calendar.

ELGIN ICE HOCKEY CLUB (JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT) Thursdays 7pm - 7.45pm and Sunday 8am - 9am, ages 6 - 16yrs at Moray Leisure Centre. Call Lesley Johnston 543355 or 890237. Email lj@abmsols.co.uk FREE SOCIAL GROUP Last Thursday every month 7pm Muckle Cross, Elgin. For over 21s in Moray. Walking group, weekends away, attending music, theatre & cinema events.

New members always welcome.

HANDS & FEET YOUTH GROUP 1st Friday every month from 7pm-9pm at St James Church of Scotland, Lossiemouth. Open to P6-S2. Contact Rev. Graham Crawford on 07817 504042.

HELGIN ROLLER DERBY Sundays, 4pm - 6pm in Bishopmill Hall, Elgin. Learn to roller skate with the newly formed Elgin Roller Derby Team and find out about how you can get involved!

Beginners welcome. Open to males and females 18+ Find us on Facebook for more details.

LOSSIEMOUTH ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION BRANCH AND SOCIAL CLUB Join us for a variety of social activities . For more details about the Club and Membership please visit www.lossiemouth-rna.org MACS MORAY AREA CANCER SUPPORT A support group which provides both practical and emotional support for anyone, of any age, affected by Cancer within Moray.

New members welcome. For more details call our Help Line on 07516 21915, e-mail us on : info@macsuk.org or visit us at www.macsuk.org or Facebook.

MONDAY DANCE CLUB Mondays 1.30pm - 4pm, Supper Room, Elgin Town Hall. Sequence, set, latin & ballroom dancing. £1.50. Tea & cakes available MORAY MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB Small, local group, meeting on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, to mountain bike the local area.

Organise day trips to both trail centres and natural trails. Visit www.moraymountainbikeclub.co.uk NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETIES (MORAY, BANFF AND BADENOCH BRANCH) 2nd Wednesday of the month, 11am, Sherwood Suite, Eight Acres Hotel. Lectures on a variety of arts related subjects are delivered by experts from across the UK. New members always welcome. Contact Jennifer Kerr on 01343 835258

tel: 01309 690063

NHS RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP Every 2nd Wednesday, 2pm, Bishopmill Hall, Elgin. Contact Mrs Val Thatcher on 01343 823919 for more details.

PET FOSTERING SCOTLAND Supporting pet owners in an emergency situation. Volunteers care for your pet in their own homes for short periods. Reg. charity SCO15672. Volunteers needed. Tel: 0844 811 9909 www.pfss.org.uk SPEY RUNNERS Official club night on Thursdays, 6:20pm for running at 6:30pm meeting at Milne's High School, Fochabers. A small and friendly club. All levels catered for. Also meet on Tuesday nights for efforts sessions at the Pavillion, East Street, Fochabers.

SPEY VALLEY CAGED BIRD SOCIETY 1st Tues each month, 7.30pm, Gordon Arms Hotel, Fochabers.

Call J.Munro 01343 870586 THE LUNCH CLUB Every Tuesday, coffee 11am 12pm & lunch 12pm - 1:30pm in the Williamson Hall, St. Giles’ & St. Columba’s South Church. A place to meet, eat & chat.

URQUHART BABY & TODDLER GROUP Meets every Monday during school term 9:30am - 11am at Urquhart Village Hall. Contact the treasurer: 01343 843395.

PLEASE NOTE: Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis.

If you would like details of your club or society included in this section, please let us know. All club listings are free. Not all clubs will be listed in every issue.

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

The Editor

Daffodils shoot, bunnies leap and lambs spring.

The world seems that little bit more acceptable when Winter comes to a close and the worst of the weather fades away. We are indeed fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of Scotland with so many outdoor activities available to us. Check out our What’s On and Clubs and Societies listings to see if something might be suitable for you.

PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes SALES .............................Jill Connor SALES ..........................Susan Innes ACCOUNTS ...................Wendy Day DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LAYOUT .................Tamsyn Dickson

April Issue Deadlines Editorial - Friday 27/02/15 Advertising - Wednesday 04/03/15

Words by the Wayside “And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, ...because thou believest not my words.”

(Luke 1:20)

Christian, the moment you repented of your sin and received The Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you received a gift or gifts from your Risen Lord in Heaven to edify, to build up, to minister unto His Church on earth.

“Every joint supplies”; if you're in His Body which is The Church you have a job to do and to minister according to the ability God has given you. Are you stirring up your gift? Or, are you neglecting your gift? Have faith in God and go forward ; you are blessed with everything you need in Christ Jesus. www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish charity SC041290

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PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS He is creator of a world that contains immense variety...

Is anyone other than me baffled by light bulbs? I don’t mean – how to change a light bulb, and yes I have heard the one about how many Free Church ministers it takes to change a light bulb (Change?? – we don’t do that). No, I’m talking about selection.

There are so many – different shapes and fittings and wattage and energy saving capacities... I go to the lighting aisle in the supermarket and take about ten minutes to decide.

It’s not only light bulbs. I used to find mobile phone chargers and manufacturers taxing my brain (not difficult) because they all have different fittings; could they not have one universal size and shape? You end up with drawers full of the things – always thinking you or someone in the family may get another phone that will fit them. They never do. I wonder what happens to retired phone chargers...

Sometimes I would like to say to the makers of these things (and many other everyday items too) – can’t you come together and work with one another to produce products that are

compatible and simple? It would make consumers like me so happy.

Many of us don’t want a greater number of things to choose from. We just want the things we have chosen to work – together.

Hmmmm...

Then I go back to thinking about the world we live in. And what an absolutely amazing and wonderful world it is - full of variety. As one poet said: “How many are your works O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number – living things both large and small”. That comes from a Hebrew song written over 3000 years ago – a song those familiar with the Bible might identify as Psalm I04, a song in praise of creation and creator. I don’t thank God enough for it and him.

So I have to stop and consider , perhaps, while contemplating the light bulbs. For, though God is not directly responsible for the light bulbs and the phone chargers and all the many other varieties of goods available to us – He is creator of a world that contains immense variety; He made

Moray Grace Fellowship The Warehouse Theatre, Lossie. Sundays 10.30am. Contact Vic Cameron: 07738 260550 Email: vic.cameron2803@btinternet.com.

Website: www.moraygrace.wordpress.com Parish of Duffus, Spynie and Hopeman First Sunday of the month, united service 10.30am. On other Sundays, services are 10am at Hopeman and 11.30am at Duffus or Spynie. Contact Rev. Jenny Adams: 01343 830276. Website: www.duffusparish.co.uk St Andrews-Lhanbryd and Urquhart Parish Church Sundays 11am including young church and crèche. Evening services 7pm on last Sunday of month at St Margaret's Hall, Urquhart. Contact Andrew Robertson: 01343 843765.

St Gerardine’s High Church Lossiemouth. Sunday family worship 11am. Contact Rev. G McKee 01343 208852 (manse).

St Giles and St Columba’s South Elgin. Sunday services 10:30am in January, March, May, July, September, and November in St Giles’ Church, High Street, Elgin. February, April, June, August, October,

page 6 - March 2015

a world full of amazing things to discover and enjoy.

It is then the light comes on in my somewhat dull brain. All this variety is not to be grumbled at – but celebrated because it reminds us of an incredibly creative God. The God who made us – fearfully and wonderfully (that’s psalm 139) and who knows how we are formed (psalm 103). A God who did not create a monochrome world for us to live dull lives, but instead made a rich tapestry that is a reflection of Himself.

And yes, for the most part, it does actually all work together in harmony.

All the more so when each part listens and learns from the One who made it and continues to give it life. I thank God for his great light, by which I walk, and for all the huge variety of lesser lights he has given as well.

Rev. Colin Morison Elgin & Forres Free Church

and December in St Columba’s South & The Williamson Hall, Duff Avenue at 10:30am. Wednesdays 6:30pm & Thursdays 12.30pm at St. Giles Church. Minister: Rev Stevie Thomson. Call 01343 551501 or visit www.elginstgileschurch.co.uk St James Church of Scotland Lossiemouth. Sunday family worship 11am including crèche and Sunday school. 6pm: evening service .

7pm: Hands & Feet youth group. Contact Rev. Graham Crawford: 07817 504042.

St Margaret’s Church Lossiemouth. Sunday 9.30am: family Eucharist . Thursdays 10am: Holy Communion. Thursdays 5pm: evening prayer.

St Sylvester's Catholic Church Elgin. Vigil Mass Saturday 7pm.

Sunday Mass 11.45am.Tel: 01343 542280. Contact Mgr. Matthew Edusei on 01343 551645 Listed from M to S and regularly rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed here and would like to be considered for inclusion or to amend any details please email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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USEFUL INFORMATION Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days Mothering Sunday British Summertime Starts Palm Sunday April Fool’s Day Maundy Thursday Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday

Sun 15th Mar 2015 Sun 29th Mar 2015 Sun 29th Mar 2015 Wed 1st Apr 2015 Thurs 2nd Apr 2015 Fri 3rd Apr 2015 Sun 5th Apr 2015 Mon 6th Apr 2015

Local Holiday ‡ Mon 6th Apr 2015 Local Holiday § Mon 13th Apr 2015 Early May Bank Holiday Mon 4th May 2015 Spring Bank Holiday Mon 25th May 2015 Local Holiday ‡ Mon 1st Jun 2015 Father’s Day Sun 21st Jun 2015 ‡ Hopeman, Burghead & Lossiemouth § Elgin, Lhanbryde & Urquhart

School Term Dates for 2014/2015 (all dates inclusive) Spring Term Ends Fri 27th Mar 2015 Spring Holiday Starts Mon 30th Mar 2015 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 10th Apr 2015 Summer Term Starts Mon 13th Apr 2015 Occasional Day Lossiemouth Fri 1st May 2015 May Day Holiday Mon 4th May 2015 In-Service Day Thurs 21st May 2015 In-Service Day Fri 22nd May 2015

Summer Term Ends Thurs 2nd Jul 2015 Summer Holiday Starts Fri 3rd Jul 2015 for 2015/2016 (all dates inclusive) Summer Holiday Ends Fri 14th Aug 2015 In-Service Day Mon 17th Aug 2015 Autumn Term Starts Tues 18th Aug 2015 Autumn Term Ends Fri 9th Oct 2015 Autumn Holiday Starts Mon 12th Oct 2015 Autumn Holiday Ends Fri 23rd Oct 2015

Useful Contacts Police Station ......................................................................101 Bus Station, Elgin ...............................................01343 544222 Citizens Advice Bureau.......................................01343 550088 Inverness Airport .................................................01667 464000 Dallas Village Hall ...............................................01343 890243 Elgin Town Hall ........................01343 547767/562600-To Book Lossie Town Hall ....................................01343 813327/815309 Pluscarden Village Hall ......................................01343 890412 Moray Council.....................................................01343 543451 National Rail Enquiries........................................08457 484950 Elgin Library ........................................................01343 562600 Lossie Library......................................................01343 813334 Elgin Community Council ..................................01343 540615 Moray Leisure Centre .........................................01343 550033 Lossie Swimming Pool ......................................01343 815299 Moray Cats Protection ........................................07837 342646 Railway Mission ..................................................078419 85768 Dial ‘M’ For Moray Buses ..................................03001 234565 SCHOOLS Alves Primary School ..........................................01343 850247 Bishopmill Primary School ..................................01343 547841 Burghead Primary School ..................................01343 835529 East End Primary School ....................................01343 542381 Greenwards Primary School ..............................01343 541661 Hopeman Primary School ..................................01343 830281 Lhanbryde Primary School..................................01343 842649 Mosstowie Primary School..................................01343 547119 New Elgin Primary School ..................................01343 547587 Seafield Primary School ......................................01343 547792 St Sylvesters R.C. Primary School ......................01343 541453 West End Primary School....................................01343 543161 Elgin Academy ....................................................01343 543485 Elgin High School................................................01343 545181 Hythehill Primary School ....................................01343 812014 St Gerardine Primary School ..............................01343 812251 Lossiemouth High School ..................................01343 812047

page 8 - March 2015

DOCTORS Dr Gray's Hospital, Elgin .....................................0845 4566000 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Hopeman ........01343 830269 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Burghead ........01343 835780 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Lossie ..............0845 3371190 Elgin Community Surgery ..................................01343 542234 Linkwood Medical Centre....................................0845 3376350 Maryhill Health Centre ........................................0845 3370610 DENTISTS Apex Dental Studio..............................................01343 556606 Glassgreen Dental Practice ................................01343 553131 Laich Dental Practice ..........................................01343 816316 Smiles Dental ......................................................01343 541164 South Street Dental Practice ..............................01343 542729 Trinity Dental Practice..........................................01343 542697 PHARMACIES Alliance Pharmacy..............................................01343 542186 Bishopmill Pharmacy ..........................01343 547374 / 547393 Boots The Chemist ............................................01343 543311 G.F Duthie Pharmacy, Burghead ......................01343 835370 G.F Duthie Pharmacy, Hopeman ......................01343 830249 Lhanbryde Pharmacy ........................................01343 842531 Lloyds Pharmacy, 48 High St ............................01343 547065 Lloyds Pharmacy, 176 High St ..........................01343 542571 Lloyds Pharmacy, Lossie ..................................01343 812818 Lossiemouth Pharmacy ....................................01343 813095 VETS Allen and Matthews ............................................01343 544811 Miller and Swann ................................................01343 542255 Moray Coast Vets, Lossie ..................................01343 815335 Wards Veterinary Centre ....................................01343 544811 If you would like to add a contact or if there are any amendments to be made to existing details, please email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Fitzgerald Interiors Painting & Decorating Efficient and Professional Service Email: fitzgerald-interiors@outlook.com Mobile: 07817 821162 Landline: 01343 842762

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PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES I hold regular surgeries around the constituency and it is a real pleasure travelling the length and breadth of Moray, given the spectacular scenery that our region boasts. One noticeable thing along the coast, however, is a notable amount of rubbish, something that has been raised in surgeries. Some of it has been dumped there, some of it washed up but either way littering is an issue I have been raising with organisations like Moray Council and Keep Scotland Beautiful. On the volunteering side of things I regularly get involved in litter picks and would encourage others to get involved as well. It’s actually a bit of fun and exercise and a great way to meet folk and support our communities.

Richard Lochhead MSP

A few weeks back I had the great pleasure of presenting an award at the Kiltwalk Awards Ceremony. The ceremony recognises a variety of outstanding achievements by the growing band of Kiltwalkers who take part in the annual charity walks supporting a huge amount of vital charitable work. I presented the award for Outstanding Physical Effort, which went to 6 year old Holly Myrvang from Knockando who completed all 5 of the ‘wee walks’ in 2014, while still only 5. Several Moray folk received outstanding achievement awards and their commitment to fundraising, in some cases despite significant personal challenges, is an inspiration to us all.

Angus Robertson MP LOW TIDE TIMES FOR LOSSIEMOUTH IN MARCH Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

AM 02:59 03:50 04:31 05:05 05:37 06:07 06:36

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F SA SU M TU W TH F SA SU M TU

AM 05:27 06:10 06:52 07:34 08:18 09:04 09:58 11:04 02:07 03:29 04:23

PM 17:53 18:37 19:19 20:01 20:44 21:31 22:25 23:37 12:28 14:57 16:01 16:48

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02.15

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When GreenThumb drive into a street, it’s easy to spot “our” lawns, and in some streets we do half a dozen lawns !. Ours are the best typically – UNLESS there is a lawn enthusiast in the street, in which case, they might have the absolute best lawn. Not surprising really, an enthusiast will be doing something to his grass maybe 300 days a year. We only visit 4 or 5 times a year. Not everyone is THAT keen however, and it’s pretty straightforward for us to get the basics right with a few well-timed treatments.

I think many of our customers regard us in the same way as they regard their window cleaner – we turn up once a quarter, we don’t clean the windows, but we do clean up the grass ! We also probably come into the same price bracket. I’m always struck by how many folk expect our help to be beyond their price range, and are very pleased that actually it’s very reasonable. Our customers tend to be either young families, maybe both working, no time, or retired with plenty time, and not enough energy !

We are now in the period before Spring when the most energetic job of the year is due on the lawn – scarifying out the moss and thatch. This can be pretty back-breaking for anyone, pensioner or not, even with a heavy machine like ours, and I guess that’s one very good reason why it makes a little sense to get help for those jobs where the cost/benefit analysis really does add up. Actually, even some of those lawn enthusiasts get US to help with scarifying !

14

For more information about seasonal lawn improvements from just £15 per qtr, plus useful downloads and photos, go to www.greenthumb.co.uk. Although GreenThumb is a national franchise with over 500,000 customers and 200 branches across the UK, we are the local franchise, based in Nairn and cover the whole Moray Firth area.

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UPCOMING EVENTS at Eight Acres Hotel & Leisure Club MARCH

Wedding Open Day

Saturday

28th

From 12pm-4pm • Free Entry

view our hotel and discuss your special day with our friendly events team MARCH

Saturday

14th

fABBAlous ABBA Tribute Evening

£10

per person

£25

per person - including three course Mother’s Day carvery lunch on Sunday 15th March

APRIL

Friday

Race Night

10th

DRESS YOUR BEST £8 per person with a glass of sparkling wine £25 per person with 3 course dinner

PRIZES TO BE

WON!

EIGHT ACRES HOTEL & LEISURE CLUB

MORRISTON ROAD, ELGIN TO FIND OUT MORE OR BOOK AN EVENT, CALL 01343 543 077 OR EMAIL EVENTS.EIGHTACRESCRERARHOTELS.COM EX

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TENDED SPA OPENIN G TIMES Please ask

Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area *Deadline for the April Issue: Friday, 27th February* Email: tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk Telephone: 01309 690063 Inclusion of events in What’s On is free.

We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops.

Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes to events.

Rolling Event until 4 march inverness music festival a competitive music festival open to all ages and abilities. come along and enjoy watching and listening to the performers. for tickets and info visit www.invernessmusicfestival.org

26 thursday dementia cafe 10:30am - 12 noon at covesea café, lossiemouth. an opportunity for anyone with dementia, carers and family members to meet up for a cuppa in a relaxed and supportive environment, run by alzheimer scotland. 01343 552080

27 friday scottish rock garden club (moray group) : sandy leven - rocky mountain plants & vistas 7:30pm, new elgin hall annex. call colinne souter (treasurer) on 01340 871504 or netta milne (secretary) on 01340 881558 cinema nairn : 'night of the hunter' (12) 7.30pm at nairn community and arts centre. tickets at door for further info: cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2015 23 monday - 24 tuesday free 2 day wrap (wellness recovery action planning) workshop. improve your mental health, manage difficult feelings, get more out of life. to book a free place or find out more contact: info@wrapmoray.org www.wrapmoray.org

NAIRN Nairn Community & Arts Centre Your local venue for films, shows, concerts, and parties. Wide range of activities for all ages.

24 tuesday quiz night & supper fundraiser - elgin landshut twintown association 7pm in the ashvale fish restaurant. £15 incl famous ‘fish supper’ or equivalent before the quiz. visit: elta quiz-night-supper-fundraiserelgin-landshut-twin-town-association-tuesday-24february-2015 for more info.

25 wednesday moray diabetes uk group agm with guest speaker russell clink from nairn oatcakes on; "the benefits (and some of the pitfalls) of an oat based diet." 7pm - 9pm, elgin town hall supper room. musical memories 1:30pm - 3pm at new elgin and ashgrove hall, land street, elgin. an opportunity for anyone with dementia and their carers to meet and share in the enjoyment of music, singing and memories. teas and coffees served. cost £1. admin@spotlighton.co.uk

MARCH EVENTS Sun 1st - .................................................................... Nairn 10k Run Fri 6th - ..........................................................Music Nairn Presents Chloe Hanslip & Danny Driver (Violin & Piano) Fri 13th & Sat 14th - .......................................“Spring in to Dance” Susan Airey Dance School Mon 16th - .... Cinema Nairn Matinee - “Gregory’s Girl” 1981 (12) Fri 20th - ........................ Cinema Nairn - “Untouchable” 2011 (15) Sat 21st - ............................. Rosebank PS Fundraising Film Night “Walking on Sunshine” Sat 28th - .................................................................Variety Concert An evening of Song, Music and Dance For further details, telephone 01667 453476, e-mail info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

March 2015 - page 21

.

WAIT & FOR

THE GREAT STOCK DISP

OUR STORE WILL BE CLOSED TO THE GE 20TH UNTIL 10AM ON FRIDAY 27TH F

ADDITIONAL HELP HAS BEEN HI

THE REASON FOR

To bring our customers more of what they have been looking for, we first, we are selling off our present stock to make room for our new OUR STORE WILL BE CLOSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC FROM 5P MARK DOWN PRICES on our entire stock of brand name produc famous name products will be sold at drastic sale prices. During this and special orders too! Please remember to bring room sizes, dime Nothing will be held back and we will not be undersold by anyone. F to the general public on Friday 27th February at 10am.

Royce Clark - GRAMPIAN FURNISHERS

SEE NEXT WEEKS NEWSPAPER FOR DETAILS! S

WATCH R…

T £440,000 POSAL SALE 44 Queen Street, Lossiemouth. IV31 6PN Tel: 01343 813271 www.grampianfurnishers.com

ENERAL PUBLIC FROM 5PM ON FRIDAY EBRUARY TO MARK DOWN PRICES!!

IRED TO HANDLE THE CROWDS!

THIS GREAT SALE

e have decided to improve our showroom and product selection. But w lines that are coming in soon!

PM ON FRIDAY 20TH UNTIL 10AM ON FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY TO cts. Over FOUR HUNDRED FORTY THOUSAND POUNDS worth of s sale period, you will be offered special savings on showroom stock ensions and colour samples.

First come, first served... you will not be disappointed. We will open

SALE BEGINS FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY AT 10AM ALL ITEMS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

© LSC 2015

outfit moray adventure talk series: david ‘heavy’ whalley 7:30pm (doors 7pm) universal hall, findhorn. tickets £5.50 from www.seetickets.com. all proceeds benefit outfit moray’s work with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. an audience with ian rankin 7:30pm at kingsmills hotel. music from 'all cat, no hat'. tickets £15 incl refreshments. available from merkinch community centre, tsb bank or www.purecharity.org/enf. all proceeds to 'the haven centre'. enquiries or to reserve a table of 10 contact 07734 958800 scooty & the skyhooks @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

28 saturday scooty & the skyhooks @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

MARCH 2015 1 sunday

sigma: moray’s astronomy club - "going over galaxies with a fine tooth comb", by megan argo university of manchester 7pm for 7:30pm at at birnie village hall near elgin. non-members welcome. refreshments are provided (for a small donation). karma and emptiness - public talk by buddhist nun venerable robina courtin: our happiness and suffering does not come from "out there", it is made up by our own minds 7.30pm, moray arts centre, the park, findhorn. £10 - 5. visit www.togmesangpo.org.uk or email togmesangpo37@gmail.com for more info. playpieces 'the gamekeeper' 1pm at the drouthy cobbler. tickets incl a windswept beer and royans pie. £10 from www.playplaypieces.co.uk or the bar. space jockeys - moray science festival race night doors open 7pm, first race 7.30pm at moray bowling club, seafield street, elgin. strap up, tack up, and bring your winning bets - bet to infinity and beyond. save 'space' for cakes 11am - 2pm in the breakout room at moray college. applied science level 6 will be holding a bake sale to raise money for the moray science festival! includes favourites such as space rock cakes, meteor muffins and alien squares. lunar cycle 11am - 2pm in the breakout room at moray college. they will be cycling 238 miles, each earth mile = 1,000 space miles. to raise money for the moray science festival. watch or take part to help us reach our target. netsounds presents: unknown pleasures feat. hunter & the bear lionel @ ironworks 8pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

7 saturday

indoor car boot sale 10am - 2pm, spey bay hall. tables £8 and should be booked by contacting heather pirie on 01343 823995. there will also be tea, coffee and home bakes.

4 wednesday new elgin wri : moray food bank 7pm cedarwood, edgar road, elgin. for more information contact ruth on 01343 544270 elgin writers group meet 7.30pm in elgin library to write poetry, fiction and history, and to listen to speakers. new members welcome.

5 thursday hunter and the bear 7:30pm at the drouthy cobbler. tickets £15 from the bar •www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

5 thursday - 7 saturday elgin musical theatre presents its 50th show - hello dolly at elgin town hall. thurs & fri 7.30pm, sat 2pm and 7.30pm. tickets £12 / u12 £10 available on-line at www.elginmusicaltheatre.com or from mathesons stores, batchen street, elgin, mon, tues, thurs - sat from 9.30 to 1pm. page 24 - March 2015

6 friday

halestorm+nothing more+wilson @ ironworks 7:30pm. 0871 7894173 • www.ironworksvenue.com

8 sunday the drouthy cobbler whisky society 7:30pm. evening of tutored whisky tasting with graham coull of glen moray. tickets £12 www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

9 monday elgin and district parkinson's support group meeting speaker: dr alison sands- consultant geriatrician with a special interest in parkinson's 7:30pm - 9:30pm, st sylvester's hall, 19 institution road elgin. for more info call gillian gibson (secretary) on 01343 541056 or email elginanddistrictpsg@gmail.com fiddlesticks (family concert) 5:30pm for 6pm start at elgin town hall. tickets £5. for info and tickets call jemma stewart on 0141 3348500 or visit www.childrensclassicconcerts.co.uk

10 tuesday elgin flower club : demonstrator - mrs linda souter, dunfermline 7:30pm in elgin high church hall. new members welcome. admission £4. more details available from frances 01343 813397

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

11 wednesday musical memories 1:30pm - 3pm at new elgin and ashgrove hall, land street, elgin. an opportunity for anyone with dementia and their carers to meet and share in the enjoyment of music, singing and memories. teas and coffees served. cost £1. nadfas fine art lecture - ‘revolutionary russia: avantgarde and visual culture’ by theodora clarke 11am sherwood suite, eight acres hotel, elgin. visitors welcome, £7 donation.

scottish folk promotions presents: the dangleberries @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

16 monday moray carer’s choir launching 10:30am at st giles church hall, elgin. for info call 01542-850441

18 wednesday

ivan drever 7:30pm at the drouthy cobbler. tickets £12 from the bar or www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

elgin writers group meet 7.30pm in elgin library to write poetry, fiction and history, and to listen to speakers. new members welcome. lcc live events presents: midge ure @ ironworks 7pm call 0871 7894173 • www.ironworksvenue.com

14 saturday

19 thursday

12 thursday orienteering at mayne wood (new elgin) 10:15am 11am at greenwards primary school. 3rd event in moravian's saturday series for 2015. incl. 3rd round of the moray & nairn schools league competiton. www.moravianorienteering.org the western front association: mad, bad, or extremely dangerous? shell-shocked soldiers in the asylum 1914 - 1920 - dr dee hoole, university of aberdeen 2:30pm, elgin library. for details call 01343 870562 or chairman.wfasnb@virgin.net moray science festival – “the final frontier” 10am 4pm (doors open 9.30) at moray college. fun hands on science experiments about space, rockets, stars and aliens.

mediation for beginners 6pm - 7pm at elgin youth cafe annexe, the inkwell, elgin. £5 / £3. easy, short techniques to help you relax. call ann on 07824 659714 or meditationmoray@hotmail.com for details and to book.

19 thursday - 20 friday saint joseph altar 10:30am - 6pm, greyfriars convent, abbey street, elgin. sicilian tradition of beautiful food, flowers and charity to honour joseph, foster father of jesus. view altar, add a prayer petition, enter cake raffle, take home a favour. admission free but tinned food or monetary donation to charity encouraged.

We offer a no obligation a free initial consultation

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admin@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

March 2015 - page 25

Launching on Monday 16th March at 10:30am St Giles Church Hall, Elgin Tel: 01542-850441

21 saturday elgin high church spring coffee morning 10am 12pm. there will be the usual stalls and home baking. all welcome. easter extravaganza 10am - 12am miltonduff hall. put on your best easter bonnet and join us for children’s crafts and activities, bottle stall, raffle and refreshments for all. £2 per adult, children free entry. all funds raised supports miltonduff pre-school group. find us on facebook.

21 saturday - 22 sunday moray geology: past, present, future 10am at uhi, moray campus. two day event exploring the history of elgin museum, its unique fossil collection and the geology of the moray area. £5 registration, plus £5 field trip. for more information email dr.sue beardmore at moraygeology2015@hotmail.com

the red blues 2pm - 5pm at the drouthy cobbler. relax with an afternoon of acoustic americana. join in or just sit back and enjoy! free and unticketed. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

23 monday moray carer’s choir 11am - 1pm at st. giles church hall, elgin. £4 per session. call 01542 850441 or email moraycarerschoir@gmail.com for info.

25 wednesday musical memories 1:30pm - 3pm at new elgin and ashgrove hall, land street, elgin. an opportunity for anyone with dementia and their carers to meet and share in the enjoyment of music, singing and memories. teas and coffees served. cost £1. do you like jokes? comedy club 7:30pm at the drouthy cobbler. tickets from the bar or online at www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

26 thursday outfit moray adventure talk series: al gilmour doors open 7pm for 7:30pm at universal hall, findhorn. tickets £5.50 from seetickets.com. proceeds benefit outfit moray’s work with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people

27 friday

22 sunday wedding open day @ brodie castle looking for a dream wedding venue? come along and experience the beauty of brodie castle as it opens its doors to showcase its magic. call 01309 641371 for further details. moray burial ground research group agm 2pm at lhanbryde community hal. a talk by terry mcqueen from the highlanders museum, fort george, will follow at 3pm. terry's special interest is military medals. all welcome. haughs of cromdale 10k road race entry on the day from 12 mid-day at cromdale hall. race starts at 1:30pm. for more info call 01479 873488

scottish rock garden club (moray group) : john mitchell - to stan and back 7:30pm, new elgin hall annex. call colinne souter (treasurer) on 01340 871504 or netta milne (secretary) on 01340 881558 dallas houldsworth institute annual fun quiz night 7pm for 7:30pm start. £1 entry per person, 4 per team. refreshments provided. james mckenzie and the aquascene 7:30pm at the drouthy cobbler. tickets £5 from the bar or online at www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk rock n wrestling presents: live wrestling @ ironworks 7pm. 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com

28 saturday ‘tree of life; the music of john tavener’ 7:30pm at st giles, elgin. tickets £8 at the door, reservations from sya@troilusensemble.com miltonduff public hall gardening club annual coffee morning 10am - 11.30am in the hall. home bakes will be served and there will be stalls including plants, cake & candy, bottle and raffles. all money raised is to provide floral displays throughout the hall grounds and village both summer and winter.

29 sunday moray craft fair spring fair 11am - 3pm at bishopmill stallholders. email rrdsmissgirls@hotmail.co.uk for a table. df concerts presents: the view @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com page 26 - March 2015

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

The Whisky Line

Keith & Dufftown Railway

Open weekends September, Open weekendsfrom from Easter Easter totoSeptember, plusplus Fridays June,July July and Fridays ininJune, andAugust.

August.

Come andenjoy enjoyaaday day out out on on the Come and the Whisky WhiskyLine.

Line.

There’s a fullseason seasonofofspecial special events, events, starting There’s a full starting with EasterEgg EggHunt.

Hunt. Spring Spring and with ananEaster andautumn autumn WhiskyFestivals, Festivals,aa1940s 1940s weekend weekend in Whisky inJune June and endingwith withaaGhost Ghost Train Train in and ending in October.

October.

We welcomegroup groupbookings bookings and We welcome and have havedisabled disabled facilitesatatboth bothstations. stations. facilites Full our website website Full details details on on our

www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk 01340 821181 (weekends) or 01343 870429 )weekdays)

This space could have been promoting your business!

SpotLight covers six areas along the Moray Firth Coastline from Buckie & Keith across to Inverness and then down to Aviemore - and all the places in between!

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Barn The

STEAKHOUSE & GRILL RESTAURANT

Restaurant Review

A tasty night out The Barn Steakhouse and Grill is very easy to find, just east of Lhanbryde on the A96 and has plenty of parking right outside the restaurant, so no long distance to walk if the weather is not great and being in Scotland, that is more than likely.

From the minute we entered the restaurant we were made to feel very welcome. The waitress greeted us with a big smile and took us to a ‘welcome’ table. Looking over the menu we were offered a glass of sparkling Perry and tasty canapés.

The modern look and ambiance was pleasing and the lighting made the restaurant a very relaxing place to be. The NEW menu was vast with lots of different choices that should suit everyone.

Once we had ordered our meal we were taken to our table and served our starters. I had the Pan Seared Scallops on a Pea & Mint Puree and it was just perfect - bursting with flavour My boyfriend had the Haggis Bites which he thoroughly enjoyed too.

We eat out a lot and both agreed that these were the best starters that we have had in a long time. I could have had the Scallops twice over.

There was a huge choice of main courses and I went with the Mediterranean Pan Seared Chicken filled with goats' cheese on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach which, again, was bursting with flavour and deliciously succulent. My boyfriend had Fillet Steak with all the trimmings and it was cooked to perfection, just the way he likes it.

After the main meal I was just too full to have dessert, my boyfriend, however, managed a cheese board which had many different cheeses to choose from and he really enjoyed the chilli chutney that accompanied it.

The Barn Steakhouse has an amazing New menu which covers all tastes (not just steaks!) and a large selection of wonderful whiskies, wines and cocktails... Where else would you go for a enjoyable evening out?

I would definitely recommend the Barn Steakhouse and Grill and I will certainly be going back. It was relaxing and friendly and the staff could not be more helpful and always around if you needed anything. p.s.

I would recommend you book though, to avoid disappointment!

Review, Saturday 31st January- Susie & Chris

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Our delicious shortbread factory also happens to have a very tasty Café Bistro & Gift Shop attached Café Bistro & Gift Shop OPEN 7 DAYS Mon to Sat 9am–5pm Sun 10am–4pm For more information call us on 01466 794105 Or visit www.deans.co.uk

Dean’s, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, AB54 8JX

The Larder

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GREAT TASTE at the SPEY LARDER Visit the Spey Larder & enjoy the Finest, Award Winning Food and Drink from Scotland and beyond ÊEÊ ÌiÀ >Ì > Ê iÊv `ÃÊUÊ-V ÌÌ Ã Ã] UÊ-V ÌÌ Ã ÊEÊ Ì i Ì>

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EVERY DAY LUNCHTIME SPECIALS The Sandwich & Soup or Chips Fresh bread every day baked on premises

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TO BOOK YOUR TABLE PHONE 01309 641605

emergent Meeting the future

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