SpotLight on Elgin and district

SEPTEMBER 2012

ELGIN, LOSSIE & DISTRICT THE

NORTH’S

FAV O U R I T E

FREE

WEE

MAG’!

# / - - 5 . ) 4 9 s 3 4 9 , % s % !4 ) . ' / 5 4 s &! 3 ( ) / .

INSIDE Clubs & Societies p4 Pastoral Letter p6 Parliament Blog p8 Useful Numbers p10 Travel USA p12 What’s On p15-18 Property Pointers p20 Chef’s Confidential p26

Embarrassing Skin Problem?

Unwanted Hair, Red Veins, Skin Tags, Tattoos, Nail Fungus, Acne, Wrinkles, Loose Skin, Pigmentation, Scars, or other Skin Problems?

See our advert inside

UNIQUE Beauty

Tel: 07840 804207

Transport can be arranged

VENUE

G

%

G

G

G CHRISTMAS G G PARTIESG G G

G

K BOO !!

NOW

" $ $

$

$

$

! $

Saturday 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd December

G ONLY ÂŁ25 G

$ $

$

%

#

3 COURSE MEAL PLUS disco

! $

!

! !#

% #

07840 804207 9am-6.30pm Professional skin treatments performed by a Registered Nurse in a discreet environment

Beauty

7KH /RIW (DVW *UDQJH )DUP .LQORVV

7HO

ZZZ HDVWJUDQJH FR XN ‡ WKHORIW#HDVWJUDQJH FR XN

w w w. u n i q u e b e a u t y. c l a r a . c o . u k

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

““Hopeman Harbo ur At Spring” Brian J Smith. Co pyright.

Pastoral Letter Gold fever has hit Great Britain recently as we have witnessed the wonderful drama of the Olympic Games.

At the Olympics, athletes from all over the world gathered to compete in every kind of sport you can imagine, swimming, shooting, archery, badminton, athletics, rowing, gymnastics, cycling, diving to name just a few!

The men and women who compete have trained very hard in the hope that they will win a medal; to win they will need to never give up even when things don’t work out. Only one person can win the top prize – GOLD! For those who won gold for Great Britain, their face was on a stamp and a post box in their home town was painted gold.

The Olympic Games was a significant competitive sporting event in the life and times of Jesus, carrying right on through the life of the early church and the ministry of the apostles. It’s no surprise then that the writers in the

New Testament make so many athletic references to “running races”, “training”, “prizes”, “crowns”, all of which were part of the tradition of the Games.

In the Bible a man called Paul talks a lot about running the race, winning the race, and keeping on no matter what we face (perseverance). He is not talking about the Olympics but rather about becoming and living as a Christian.

He uses the image of a race to encourage people to put their faith in Jesus Christ and begin the race. To run the race with perseverance is seeking to encourage Christians to live for Christ and to persevere.

In his letters to Christians around him he builds them up by telling them to look at the prize that we will gain at the end of our lives.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:25, “everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it for a crown that will not last; but we do it to

get a crown that will last forever”.

Some people live their lives working hard to get a good job or be famous or have lots of money. They don’t know anything about heaven and God’s promises and what Jesus did for them on the cross.

You see money or fame will not last forever but the prize the bible talks about does. God promises all those who love him that they will be given eternal life with Him in heaven. There is not just one winner here and the prize lasts forever and is for anyone. In the Olympic Games, there can be only one winner, but in the game of life we can all be winners if we live for Jesus.

Rae Mackenzie Lossiemouth Baptist Church

MOBILITY DEALS

Wheelchairs

͚ZĞĂůŝƐƟĐ͕ ,ĂŶĚƐͲKŶ dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ͛ tĞůĚŝŶŐ &ŽƵŶĚĂƟŽŶ ^ŬŝůůƐ !"#$%&'&()*+,-.$%&/0#+$+$1 &ŝƌƐƚ ŝĚ ŽƵƌƐĞƐ ;,^ ƉƉƌŽǀĞĚͿ (".-.$%#02&3445&621+.$. ;Z ,/^Ϳ

sŽĐĂƟŽŶĂů YƵĂůŝĮĐĂƟŽŶƐ ;EsY͛ƐͿ ŝŬĞ DĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ; ǀĞŶŝŶŐƐͿ /0#+$&%7.&/0#+$.0 3+0.&8#05.$

άϮϬϬ /> &ƵŶĚŝŶŐ ŽŶ ŵŽƐƚ ĐŽƵƌƐĞƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ƚŽ ĞůŝŐŝďůĞ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐ

Scooters Riser/Recliners Electric Beds

ƉƉƌŽǀĞĚ WƌŽǀŝĚĞƌ ĨŽƌ > ^ ĂŶĚ ^ƚĂŶĚĂƌĚ >ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ƌĞĚŝƚƐ

Hours of Business MON - FRI 9am - 5pm

&Žƌ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƵƐ ŽŶ

9:;9<&=<=<;>

ǁǁǁ͘ǀĂƌŝƐͲƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ

01309 676677 sales@wheelchaircare.co.uk 21 West Road, Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres IV36 2GW (Behind Lidl) Easy Parking & Disabled Toilet Facilities

Contents

Clubs & Societies 4 Pastoral Letter .....4 Parliament Blog ...8 Tide Times ...........8 Useful Nos .........10

Local Holidays ...10 School Term Dates .................10

What’s On.....15-18

October Issue Deadlines

Editorial: Friday 31st August Advertising: Wednesday 5th September

EASYMOVE EASYMO OVE REMOVALS REMO OV VALS Low Prices, Pricess Reliable, Friendly, Local Service

THE BIRNIE INN BIRNIE (nr Elgin)

Fully Licensed Restaurant Function Room Outside Catering Service Licensed for Civil Weddings The Birnie Inn, Birnie, Elgin IV30 8SP tel/fax: 01343 862 951 Fully licensed Restaurant open 7 days Tuesday booking essential, all other days booking advisable

No Ta Taasskk too Small Just Give us a Call

0 07912 7912 424512 424512 O OR R 01343 01343 559594 559594

Relax Eat Drink Christie’s Deli

Thornhill Road Elgin IV30 6GR 01343 552223 Open Mon – Sat

Contemporary Coffee Bar opposite Glassgreen Medical Centre

EIGHT ACRES ACRES H HOTEL OTEL & LE LEISURE ISURE CLUB, CLUB, EL ELGIN GIN

Eight Acres Leisure Club

Stay fit for less!

Get a 12 ual nn month a rship membe ice of r for the p ths!

9 mon

SAVE UP TO £132

For more information please call Eight Acres Leisure Club on 01343 543 551

Dance the Night Away! at Eight Acres Hotel & Leisure Club

With Michael

Bublé and Rod Stewart Tribute Nights!

Bob Wyper is Rod

Stewart

November 10th - ONLY £10 Jason Porter is Michael

Bublé

December 1st - ONLY £10

Europe’s ’s

No

Miichael 1 B tribute aublé ct 2012

Festive Party Nights

Tic i kets

ONLY

£29

p e r p e rs on For more information please call &JHIU "DSFT )PUFM -FJTVSF $MVC

on 01343

543 077

EIGHT EI G HT A ACRES CR E S HOTEL HO T EL &L LEISURE E ISUR E CLUB CLUB

Morriston Road, Morriston Road, Elgin, Ellgin, IIV30 V30 6 6UL UL Telephone: Telephone: 01343 543 077 Email: E mail: eightacre eightacres@crerarhotels.com es@crrerarhotels.com erarho

HOTELS H OTELS WITH HEA HEART RT & S SOUL OUL

WWW.CRERARHOTELS.COM WWW W. CR E R A RHOT E LS . COM

TEL: 01343 813271 Grampian Furnishers, 44 Queen Street, Lossiemouth IV31 6PN

r e m m u s

n o i t c e l l Coizzling Savings!

S

NO W

499

Atlantis V Viva iva Dining Set was £599

Oxford Large

349

Michelle

Cof Coffee fee T Table able

was £399

6 Drawer Chest was £469

£

NO W

189 9

NO W

£

399

£

£

Triesta T riesta 3+R+R

Akita King Sizee

Elegance 3+1

Recliner Suite was £2399

5' Bed Frame

Corner Group was £1109

was £449

799

£ Natalia 2+2 Corner Group

was £899

NO W

999

£

379

NO W

NO W

NO W

£

NO W

£ Hebden

219

Recliner Chair was £279

Last few weeks of Sale ale so HURR HURRY RY Y while stocks last! www.grampianfurnishers.com www.grampianfurnishers.com OPEN OPEN 7 DAYS DAYS BUY ONLINE BUY O NLINE AND AND IINSTORE NSTORE E Email: mail: info@grampianfurnishers.com info@grampianfurnishers.com Follow us on Facebook

Tel: T el: 01343 813271 Grampian G rampian Furnishers, Furnishers, 44 4 4Q Queen ueen Street, Street, Lossiemouth Lossiemouth IV31 IV31 6PN 6PN

See S e e iit, t, b buy u y iit, t, g get e t iit! t!

“Hopeman Pebb le Cove” Stewart Mitchell.

Copyright.

Parliament Blog & Tides

“

Parliament Blog

While there are events all year round, the summer is arguably the busiest time with multiple highland games, vintage vehicle events, charity car boot sales and the many gala weeks that take place.

A huge congratulations - not just to the athletes and the team but also to the people from Moray who made the long trip to London to take part in the Olympic Games in the vital volunteer and support roles that make the games tick!

There is a veritable army of volunteers that make these events the successes that they are. I regularly attend community events right across the region and those involved deserve a huge vote of thanks.

Richard Lochhead MSP LOW TIDE TIMES FOR LOSSIEMOUTH IN SEPTEMBER Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

SA SU M TU W TH F

AM 07:09 07:43 08:14 08:46 09:16 09:50 10:28

PM 19:17 19:50 20:22 20:55 21:28 22:07 22:53

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

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

”

While I suspect I may be repeating sentiments of previous columns I am dedicating this month’s comments to the many volunteer organisers and supporters of the phenomenal range of community events that are successful in communities right across Moray.

I had the great pleasure of being able to attend the London Olympics and meeting some of the athletes. With a Lossie quine taking gold in rowing Moray has a fantastic new icon to inspire our young people in their sporting pursuits.

Angus Robertson MP

AM 11:15 01:33 03:07 04:10 04:54 05:31 06:06 06:41 07:18 07:55 08:34

PM 23:57 12:25 14:08 15:34 16:28 17:08 17:43 18:18 18:53 19:29 20:07 20:47

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

TH F SA SU M TU W TH F SA SU

AM 09:16 10:04 11:03 01:13 02:47 04:01 04:54 05:36 06:12 06:44

PM 21:32 22:27 23:38 12:20 13:54 15:18 16:20 17:07 17:46 18:20 18:54

yman Serv d n a H ice aI n’s 01309 676807

A reliable, friendly and tidy handyman service

01343 842761 or 07737083985 www.ians-handyman-serYLFH FR XN LDQVBKDQG\PDQ#EWLQWHUQHW.com

page 8 - September 2012

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Elgin and district

'''

## "! # $ !

$

"

&

%" ! ( # %

# )#$ "

$

)# ' & '" !

"$ $ " #$ " $ " &

E Z^KE͛^ Z DKs >^ ; h </ Ϳ >d

ϬϭϱϰϮ ϴϯϵϭϱϭ ǁǁǁ͘ĂŶĚĞƌƐŽŶƐ ǁǁǁ͘ĂŶĚĞƌƐŽŶƐ--ƌĞŵŽǀĂůƐ͘ĐŽŵ

ͻ WƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ͻ WƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ͻ ZĞůŝĂďůĞ ͻ ZĞůŝĂďůĞ ͻ &ƌĞĞ YƵŽƚĞƐ ͻ &ƌĞĞ YƵŽƚĞƐ ͻ &Ƶůů ƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ 'ŝǀĞŶ ͻ &Ƶůů ƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ 'ŝǀĞŶ ͻ ͻ džƉŽƌƚ Θ ŽŵĞƐƟĐ WĂĐŬŝŶŐ Θ WĂĐŬĂŐŝŶŐ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ ͻ džƉŽƌƚ Θ ŽŵĞƐƟĐ WĂĐŬŝŶŐ Θ WĂĐŬĂŐŝŶŐ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ ͻ &ůĂƚ ͻ &ůĂƚ--ƉĂĐŬ ƐƐĞŵďůLJ ƉĂĐŬ ƐƐĞŵďůLJ ͻ ͻ sĂŶ Θ ƌŝǀĞƌ ,ŝƌĞ ͻ sĂŶ Θ ƌŝǀĞƌ ,ŝƌĞ ͻ &ƵůůͬWĂƌƚ ŽŵĞƐƟĐ Θ ŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů ZĞůŽĐĂƟŽŶƐ &ƵůůͬWĂƌƚ ŽŵĞƐƟĐ Θ ŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů ZĞůŽĐĂƟŽŶƐ ͻ ͻ ͻ ŝƐĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ Θ ZĞĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ KĨ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ƉƉůŝĂŶĐĞƐ ͻ ŝƐĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ Θ ZĞĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ KĨ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů ƉƉůŝĂŶĐĞƐ ͻ ͻ ͻ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ĂƌƌŝĞƌ Θ ,ĂŶĚůŝŶŐ KĨ ŶƟƋƵĞƐ Θ &ŝŶĞ &ƵƌŶŝƐŚŝŶŐƐ ͻ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ĂƌƌŝĞƌ Θ ,ĂŶĚůŝŶŐ KĨ ŶƟƋƵĞƐ Θ &ŝŶĞ &ƵƌŶŝƐŚŝŶŐƐ ͻ ͻ

WE ALSO PROVIDE...

LOW COST STORAGE

KD ^d/ Θ KDD Z / > Z͕ /< Θ ^ >& ^dKZ ' /E >h^/s /E^hZ E ͚Z Z ͛ > ZD ^ hZ/dz ^z^d D t/d, Ϯϰ,Z ds Z Z ͛ > ZD ^ hZ/dz ^z^d D t/d, Ϯϰ,Z ds ͗ ŵƌŐĂƌĞƚŚĂŶĚĞƌƐŽŶΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ ZĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ EƵŵďĞƌ ϯϵϰϰϮϰ

LADIES

THIGHS, BUMS & TUMS With a hint of palates AT

info@ forrestreeservices.com

TREE SURGERY AND FIREWOOD Domestic and Commercial STUMP REMOVAL ALSO AVAILABLE!

Fully insured and qualified

www. forrestreeservices.com

01309 675834

This space could have been your advert.

If you wish to advertise in SpotLight, call us on 01309 690063 to discuss details.

We have magazines for Buckie, Keith, and district; Elgin, Lossie and district; Forres and district; Inverness and district; Nairn and district; and Strathspey.

LHANBRYDE COMMUNITY CENTRE Robertson Road IV30 8QQ

MONDAYS 10am – 11am AND

7pm – 8pm CLASSES START MONDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER BOTH CLASSES ARE FREE ON THE ABOVE DATE

THEREAFTER

£3.50 PER SESSION

THIS CLASS IS A MUST FOR ALL HEALTHY WOMEN WHATEVER AGE & ABILITY. NO NEED TO BOOK JUST TURN UP.

Please bring a mat if you have one.

CALL: Jo Adam 07787358092

Local Holidays, School Term Dates & Useful Numbers

“Spynie Loch” Ka ren Barclay.

Copyright.

Local Holidays Elgin Holiday § Lossiemouth Holiday ‡ Elgin Holiday § British Summertime Ends St. Andrews Day Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day

Autumn Term Ends Winter Term Starts In-service Closure In-service Closure Winter Term Ends

Mon 3rd Sept 2012 Mon 17th Sept 2012 Mon 15th Oct 2012 Sun 28th Oct 2012 Fri 30th Nov 2012 Tues 25th Dec 2012 Wed 26th Dec 2012 Tues 1st Jan 2013

Scottish Bank Holiday Burns Night Shrove Tuesday Mother’s Day

Wed 2nd Jan 2013 Fri 25th Jan 2013 Tues 12th Feb 2013 Sun 10th Mar 2013

‡ includes Hopeman & Burghead § includes Lhanbryde, Fochabers, Garmouth, Kingston, Mosstodloch, Spey Bay and Urquhart

School Term Dates

Fri 12th Oct 2012 Mon 29th Oct 2012 Mon 19th Nov 2012 Tues 20th Nov 2012 Fri 21st Dec 2012

Spring Term Starts Elgin Academy & Feeders Elgin High & Feeders Mid-term Holiday Mid-term Holiday

Mon 7th Jan 2013 Thurs 14th Feb 2013 Thurs 14th Feb 2013 Fri 15th Feb 2013 Mon 18th Feb 2013

Useful Telephone Numbers 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 Police Station ................................................0845 600 5700 Bus Station, Elgin .......................................(01343) 544222 Citizens Advice Bureau ...............................(01343) 550088 Dalcross Airport ...........................................(01667) 464000 Dallas Village Hall .......................................(01343) 890243 Elgin Town Hall ................(01343) 547767/562600-To Book Lossie Town Hall ............................(01343) 813327/815309 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

DOCTORS Dr Gray's Hospital, Elgin ...............................0845 456 6000 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Hopeman (01343) 830269 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Burghead (01343) 835780 Moray Coast Medical Practice - Lossie ........0845 337 1190 Elgin Community Surgery ..........................(01343) 542234 Linkwood Medical Centre ............................0845 337 6350 Maryhill Health Centre ..................................0845 337 0610 DENTISTS South Street Dental Practice ......................(01343) 542729 Trinity Dental Practice ..................................(01343) 542697 Apex Dental Studio......................................(01343) 556606 Pure Spa Dental ..........................................(01343) 541164 Laich Dental Practice ..................................(01343) 816316 PHARMACIES Alliance Pharmacy ......................................(01343) 542186 Bishopmill Pharmacy ..................(01343) 547374 / 547393 Boots The Chemist ......................................(01343) 543311 G.F Duthie Phramacy, Burghead ................(01343) 835370 G.F Duthie Phramacy, 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

If you have any suggestions for additional useful numbers, please contact us and we may include them in the magazine. page 10 - September 2012

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Elgin and District

2 courses

*

Including Bottle of wine For only

£40

Per Couple

2 course Lunch

*

(excludes Sundays)

For only

*Max’ table of 6

Delicious Autumn Dining

Cleaning Formulas /i \Êä£Î{ÎÊxxÈ££ ÊUÊäÇnä£ÊÈÎnäÓ{ www.cleaningformulas.co.uk

All types of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaned Sanitizers and Deodorizers Spot and Stain remover Stain Protection Treatment available Let us clean your carpets and give them a true deep clean!

person £9.95 95 Per

Knockomie Hotel is licensed to hold Civil Weddings

Our highly personal approach will create a perfect and memorable day, designed to match your specific requirements for you and up to 40 guests.

Telephone:

01343 850 066 Mobile:

07900 225 445 Taking clients from design & planning right through to completion...

knockomie HOTEL

Tel: Grantown Road, Forres

ZZZ NQRFNRPLH FR XN VWD\#NQRFNRPLH FR XN

www.excellenthomes.co.uk

Bringing life to your home and garden...

M&C

MACKENZIE & CRUICKSHANK

1 West Road, Forres IV36 2GW 01309 696940

travel

Dreaming of...

The United States

The United States has never been at the top of my â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wish listâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; but after my 3 week trip to the West coast I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to return! I split my time between San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, with a journey through Yosemite Falls Yosemite National Park and Death Valley.

San Francisco was my favourite, I pre-booked most of my excursions before I travelled to make the most of my 4 nights in the city. A highlight was Alcatraz, located on an island off San Francisco. It was used as a federal prison between 1933 and 1963 and housed such in-mates as Al Capone.

Instead of the usual flight between San Francisco and Vegas I decided to take a 1 night, 2 day trip through Yosemite National Park and Death Valley. Seeing the vast comparison between the green, lush National Park with Yosemite falls, the fourth tallest waterfall in the world in full flow (May is the best time to see this) and the barren emptiness of Death Valley was amazing.

Vegas is like nothing I have ever seen before! The Strip really comes to life at night with the fountain show at the Bellagio Hotel and an erupting volcano at the Mirage Hotel. A trip to one of the Wonders on the world, the Grand Canyon is a must. Excursion options are endless, we chose the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sunset helicopter tourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; landing in the canyon for a glass of champagne to view the sunset before flying home over The Strip.

My last stop was Los Angeles, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The City of Angelsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, where we split our time between Beverly Hills for shopping and celeb spotting and Santa Monica for the beach and surf. A tour of Los Angeles is recommended to see all parts of the city â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from Venice Beach, or Muscle Beach as it is perhaps better known Hollywood Walk of Fame and Sunset Strip. A day spent at Universal Studios for the launch of the new attraction â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Transformers 3Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was well worth the hour trip from Beverly Hills. Santa Monica was the perfect way to finish off what was a busy 3 weeks.

Editorial by Aimee (Elgin branch member)

12

Information kindly supplied by Hoover Dam

2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 Â&#x2021; +LJK Street, FRUUHV

www.beavtrav.com

Inverness departures

USA

Jersey - 15th and 22nd Sept - B&B from ........................................£409 Sorrento & Bay of Naples 6th & 13th Oct - B&B from ...£449

Las Vegas - from ...................... £871 San Francisco - from ...............£784 Los Angeles - from ................... £763 Above flights are from Glasgow, for travel Jan-June, 2013, booked by 31st Oct, '12.

Lake Garda 7th & 14th Oct - B&B from ...£389 French Riviera 6th & 13th July, '13 - from ....£639 Majestic Fjordland Cruise from and back to Leith 12th June, '13 from .............£599 Amsterdam - weekend return flights from ............................£168

Aberdeen departures:

Pantomime 4th Dec to 6th Jan

Golden Triangle Fare, based on visiting all 3 cities ...................£755

Direct flights to Turkey, Tenerife, Majorca, Tunisia and Costa Dorado - all available for half term holidays in October.

All holidays quoted are for 7 nights, per person based on 2 sharing, and direct flights.

For further details enquire at

Las Vegas - from ......................£854 San Francisco - from ...............£872 Los Angeles - from ...................£853 Above flights are from Inverness, for travel December - March, '13, booked by 31st October, '12.

at Eden Court Get your tickets from Beaver Travel - no booking fees.

Above fare is for travel December -June, 2013, booked by 31st Oct, '12, All fares above are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Beaver Travel, 2-6 South Street, Elgin ELGIN 01343 548844

78 High Street, Forres

FORRES 01309 672203

Beaver Travel (Elgin and Forres) is a ticket agent for Eden Court Theatre, Inverness - at Box office prices - NO BOOKING FEE!

15% off Hires and Sales

cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer expires 31st October 2012

McCalls of Elgin

54 South Street

01343 540590

www.mccalls.co.uk

events

City of Elgin Food & Drink Festival 2012 15th September

Elgin BID is delighted to be hosting the City of Elgin Food & Drink Festival on Saturday the 15th September 2012. The Festival will be the largest of the BID events in 2012 with more than 60 exhibitors confirmed so far, ensuring that there will be something for the whole family to do and see.

The event will open at 11.00am with a “Cook Off Challenge” between Richard Lochhead & Angus Robertson. The Cook Off will be held in the AEG cookery trailer courtesy of the Oakwood Cookery School.

For this event exhibitors and activities can be found all over the City Centre area including Commerce Street, Batchen Street, South Street and the Plainstones.

As well as a vast array of foods and crafts there will also be a Giant Tea Party, courtesy of Moray College, which is being held in support of the STV appeal and in the East End of the City (Cul De Sac opposite the Muckle Cross) we will be hosting “Medieval Elgin” with jousting, sword fighting and archery – lots of fun and specially arranged for the children. In the West End of the City we are hoping to hold a pancake making competition.

Throughout the day we will have live cookery demonstrations with chefs demonstrating delicious ways to cook locally grown and sold food. We are delighted to welcome back Wendy Barrie who has appeared on the BBC Good Food Show, Royal Highland Show and the London Restaurant Show, Olympia.

To top the day off we will have live music and dance throughout the town centre from local performers such as Nae Reel, Elgin and District Pipe Band to name a few. We are also running a special “Broons Treasure Hunt” with goody bags of Broons items for the lucky winners.

So come on down and join us for a fantastic, fun and fabulous day out. With free samples and tastings from the market stalls and lots to do and see, we are sure you will have a great day out at the City of Elgin Food and Drink Festival 2012.

For full programme listings and details of the exhibitors visit www.elginbid.co.uk or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/elginbid

City of Elgin Food & Drink Festival 15th September 2012 Help Elgin to celebrate the finest of Scottish Foods and Crafts with over 60 exhibitors from Elgin, Moray and Scotland. Exhibitors will be located across Commerce Street, South Street, Batchen Street as well as the Plainstones.

+ Experience ‘Medieval Elgin’ with jousting, sword fighting and archery (Muckle Cross) ..plus much much more..

+ ‘Cook off Challenge’ between Angus Robertson and Richard Lochhead plus a number of cookery demonstrations and tastings throughout the day.

+ Children’s Entertainment with Bubbles the Clown and Zig Zag Circus. + Prize Winning competitions, live music from Elgin and District Pipe Band, Nae Reel (plus more to be confirmed)…

An experience not to be missed!

Let’s all EMBRACE ELGIN and put the VIBRANCY back into the CITY CENTRE

For on going developments please go to www.facebook.com/elginbid or www.elginbid.co.uk

Elgin Rotory Club

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On &),-3 s 3(/73 s %6%.43 s #/.#%243 s %4#

Please send us details of Your events log on to www.spotlighton.co.uk email michelle@spotlighton.co.uk or call 01309 690063 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on listings deadline for the october issue is friday 31/08/12

mundole equestrian one day event closing date 24th august. contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com allotment 4pm. universal hall, findhorn. outdoor show. edinburgh fringe winner. ÂŁ7/ÂŁ6 concs/ÂŁ4 u16s.

4 tuesday - 9 sunday nairn book & arts festival for further details, telephone: 01667 453476 or email: info@nairncc.co.uk. visit: www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk or

Rolling Events august - september threads of history - falconer museum, forres. exhibition of fantastic textile work created by members of needleart north and inspired by the falconer museum collections. call 01309 673701 for details.

#

%

!& !%

!$ #%

28 tuesday august - 21 friday september â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;scottish contrastsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; art exhibition by angus donaldson 7pm. ÂŁ1 entrance fee or in included in the ÂŁ4 museum entrance fee

)

)

"&

AUGUST 30 thursday ironworks summer showcase #8 7pm. 14+. feat. roadway, jake bolt & toby michaels rolling damned. for tickets or information call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

)

"*

!#" !'

!#" !'

( $!

!% #%

!#" !'

(

!% #% !"$!* '*!""!

!"$!* '*""(!

http://www.nairnfestival.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 1 saturday

6 thursday

wrvs coffee morning 10am - 12noon. elgin high church hall. carve carrbridge 10:30am - 5pm, on the village sports field. top chainsaw carvers from the uk & around the world will compete for the magnificent claymore trophy & prize money. live music, activities, games, stalls and food & drink. concert with julie keen and friends 3pm. at st johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s episcopal church arpafeelie. garden party with refreshements. in aid of church funds. entrance fee ÂŁ5. contact linda: 01463 811629

2 sunday SpotLight on Elgin and District

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;habits of the abbotsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; presented by emma malone. 2 - 4pm. daily life in kinloss abbey. part of the moray society lecture series. lecture is ÂŁ3. ÂŁ2 for society members. contact elgin museum: 01343 543675. email: curator@elginmuseum.org culbin singersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual general meeting followed by first rehearsal 7.30pm. at st laurence church, forres. if you would like to join the choir, come along to the first rehearsal. new members are asked to undertake short informal voice test during their first term with the choir. regular thursday evening practice sessions take place over following weeks in st laurence church, forres. email: alasdair@manachie.eclipse.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

September 2012 - page 15

ters of loch ness with a floating performance by traditional musicians allan macdonald & friends, music on the mountain at cairngorm’s ptarmigan restaurant & an exciting array of events at eden court theatre, inverness. visit www.blas-festival.com

8 saturday

NAIRN Nairn Community & Arts Centre our local venue for films, shows, Your Y concerts, and parties.

W ide range of activities for all ages.

Wide

SEPTEMBER EVENTS Tues ..................................Nairn T ues 4th - Sun 9th ................................. . Nairn Book & Arts Festival Tues T ues 111th 1th ...... Blas Festival Concert featuring “Margaret Stewart” ....................................................Michael Sat 15th ................................................. ... Michael Card in Concert Sat 22nd ................................................. Glen Cunningham Concert Sat 29th ...................................

Music Nairn - Leon McCawley Piano ...................................Music

For further details, telephone 01667 453476, e-mail info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk

7 friday brodie castle (as part of nairn book festival) 11.30am. the archives of the national trust for scotland..... or what we have found in the cupboards and basements! ian riches, the national trust for scotland’s archivist, will speak about the importance, care and preservation of the trust’s collection. illustrated by source material, including some from st kilda and brodie castle. adult £5. lunch available in the tearoom. “from fact to fiction” 2.00pm.17th century banff and aberdeen are brought to life by the compelling details gleaned from research. adult £7. tel: 0844 493 2156 or visit www.nts.org.uk. fairy tales by firelight 7pm - 9pm, as summer comes to an end, celebrate nature with us as we share tall tales & adventures around the campfire. ages 8 and over. children must be accompanied by an adult. please feel free to bring a story to tell. call 01343 820 339 or email dolphincentre@wdcs.org simon hopper 8pm. at the loft, east grange farm, forres. tel: 01343 850111 or visit http://www.eastgrange.co.uk/

7 friday - 15 saturday blas festival celebration of gaelic & highland music. highlights include al fresco entertainment on the wapage 16 - September 2012

moray steiner school coffee morning 10am 12noon. drumduan house. to promote new cookbook “moray coast cooks”. doors open days: cullen auld kirk 10am - 4pm. guided tour of churchyard and thirteenth century church telling a fascinating history covering almost 800 years. tel: 01542 841590. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk doors open days: dufftown railway station 10.30am 4pm. victorian railway station and scenic railway (purchase tickets). tel: 01466 730327. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk doors open days: elgin museum 10.30am - 5pm. the earliest purpose built museum in scotland. talks at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. tel: 01343 543675. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk and www.elginmuseum.org.uk doors open days: falconer museum in forres. tours of the building and its past by the friends of the falconers. tel: 01309 696261. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk doors open days: greyfriars convent church in elgin.

11am - 3pm. fifteenth century friary. restored and opened as a convent in 1898 and lived in by the sisters of mercy until 2011. tel: 01343 543675. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk and www.elginmuseum.org.uk doors open days: kinloss abbey 10am - 4pm. extensive ruin of a thirteenth century cistercian abbey. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk doors open days: logie house in logie. 10am 12pm. tel: 01309 611278. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk doors open days: the michael kirk in duffus.

10.30am - 3pm. tours by moray burial ground research group. free entry. tel: 01343 546620. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk doors open days: st peter’s church in duffus. 11am 3pm. tours by moray burial ground research group. tel: 01343 546620. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk doors open days: tugnet icehouse in spey bay. tours by scottish dolphin centre staff at 12.15pm and 3.15pm. tel: 01343 820339. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk duffus village gala 1 - 4pm. great family day: pony rides, raffle, pottery painting, children’s races, bottle stall, refreshments, and much more. mr mcfall’s chamber - four corners 8pm. universal hall, findhorn. witty relaxed music from four corners of scotland. £10/£8 concs.

9 sunday

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Elgin and District

kingston community litter pick 10am - 11am. call the ranger for more info on 01343 820339. doors open days: findhorn icehouses 2-5pm. tel: 01309 690659. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk doors open days: kinloss abbey 10am - 4pm. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk doors open days: milnes primary school in fochabers. tel: 01343 821204. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk doors open days: tugnet icehouse in spey bay. tours by scottish dolphin centre staff at 12.15pm and 3.15pm. tel: 01343 820339. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk

11 tuesday blas festival concert featuring margaret stewart for further details, telephone: 01667 453476 or email: info@nairncc.co.uk. visit: www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk

11 tuesday - 12 wednesday first highland wheelchair curling triples hosted by the highland wheelchair curling club. inverness ice centre. come along and watch all scotland’s top wheelchair curlers in action, including several locals.

12 wednesday

postcards’. there will be a collection for branch funds. call derek bird 01343 870562 or visit www.wfascotlandnorth.org.uk coast to coast race staging through cawdor castle grounds. call 01667 404401 for more info or visit www.cawdorcastle.com folk night in the ice house 7:30pm - 9pm. join us in the atmospheric tugnet ice house for an evening of folk music. refreshments & food served. tickets £6 adults £3 children, booking essential. call 01343 820 339 or email dolphincentre@wdcs.org dance ihayami - seeing differently 8pm. universal hall, findhorn. magic mix of indian classical dance, music, and film. £10/£8 concs/£6 u16s.

16 sunday lhanbryde community centre car boot sale 9am - 12 noon. indoor and outdoor. call 01343 843025 for information and bookings. proceeds to lhanbryde community challenge (SC029433)

nadfas (national association of decorative and fine arts societies: moray banff and badenoch branch) fine art lecture on “creating a splash - the st ives society of artists 1927 - 1952” 11am. delivered by david tovey. at the sherwood suite, eight acres hotel, elgin. visitors welcome.

19 wednesday

14 friday

lofty pots 7.30pm - 10.30pm. east grange farm, kinloss, forres, iv36 2ud. lofty pots launches their first “wine & pot night” with pottery painting, wine, and cocktails. booking advised as places limited. tel: 01343 850111. the rotted @ flanagans bar, elgin 8pm. old school dbeat death metal. supported by aberdeen death metallers bonesaw and crusty punks filthpact. visit www.facebook.com/thesyndicate2008

concert with bel canto 7pm. “bel canto” (literally “sweet singing” in italian) is a small north-east group of youngsters aged 8 to 18 (approx) who enjoy beautiful singing for its own sake. students of ann munro of lossiemouth - a noted teacher - these indi viduals are soloists with huge talent who combine in small groups to sing as bel canto mainly for charities and deserving causes. we suggest early booking, £8 and £6 concessions. 0844 493 2156 or www.nts.org.uk.

15 saturday michael card in concert for further details, telephone: 01667 453476 or email: info@nairncc.co.uk. visit: www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk nairn’s breakfast club 9.45am for 10am. at windsor hotel, nairn. meet other christian and non-christian men to share food and fellowship and hear what god has done in people’s lives. speaker: stewart watt. contact campbell 01667 455149 by friday 14th september to book a place. food and drink extravaganza 10am - 4pm. the plainstones, elgin. the western front association meeting 2:30pm, ’the gallery’ elgin library. ‘the cameron highlanders in SpotLight on Elgin and District

masayuki kino & fumiko fujimoto 7.30pm. universal hall, findhorn. highly-acclaimed classical duo. £10/£8 concs/£6 u16s.

21 friday

22 saturday glen cunningham concert for further details, tele-

Stop paying too much to your accountant!

Many small businesses qualify to use a bookkeeper instead of an accountant for their financial statements and tax returns.

Call today to find out how much you can save!

Accounting & Administrative Services

ALL IN A DAYS

tel: 01309 690063

ORK

To book an appointment or further information please call 07709 176 955 or contact me at: www.www.allinadayswork.info

page 17 - September 2012

phone: 01667 453476 or email: info@nairncc.co.uk. visit: www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk jubilee community fair 10am - 4pm. territorial army drill hall, edgar road, elgin. stalls and entertainment. fun for all the family. special end of season children’s activity session 11am - 1pm. elgin museum. accompanying adults go free and a visit to the museum is included. bargain price of £2 per child. contact the museum: 01343 543675. email: curator@elginmuseum.org.uk stanley odd + team kapowski @ ironworks 7.30pm.

14+. £6. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com dodgy 8pm. the loft, east grange farm, forres. tel: 01343 850111 or visit http://www.eastgrange.co.uk/

23 sunday laigh o’ moray vintage charity rally & fun day @ inchkeil steading in aid of friends of moray archie appeal. adults £6, oaps £4, children £2, and under 5s free. located on elgin/burghead road 4 miles west of elgin. contact morag davidson 01309 676815 or gordon mckenzie 01343 541665

24 monday 'the mummy's return' presented by professor caroline wilkinson. 2-4pm. lecture is £3. £2 for society members. contact elgin museum: 01343 543675. email: curator@elginmuseum.org.uk

26 wednesday beyond presents: karima francis @ ironworks 7.30pm. 14+. £7. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

27 thursday - 1 monday october the whisky shop dufftown autumn festival focusing on the best of whisky with tastings, music, and food pairings daily. programme and tickets on www.whiskyshopdufftown.co.uk or phone 01340 821097.

28 friday ‘the boys are back in town’ pro night @ ironworks 7pm. 14+. professional boxing night. tickets or info call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

MORAY GROUNDWORKS

ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN GRASSCUTTING PATHWAYS CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS FENCING MIKE GIVEN

TEL: 07768 297629

italy to grant lodge: the making of robert adam' presented by dr lester borley. 7.30-9.30pm. part of the moray society lecture series. lecture is £3. £2 for society members. contact elgin museum: 01343 543675. email: curator@elginmuseum.org.uk

29 saturday music nairn: pianist leon mccawley for further details, telephone: 01667 453476 or email: info@nairncc.co.uk. visit: www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk bi-centennial celebration and restoration of the main stained glass window of st john’s scottish episcopal church 11am. a service of blessing and celebration led by bishop mark strange will start at 3.30pm. extensive flower arrangements can be viewed at 11am. all welcome. refreshments available. celebrations will continue with a service on sunday at 11am. dame emma kirkby & jakob lindberg in concert 7pm - 8:30pm, old high church, church street, inverness. fundraising for moray steiner school & a new upper school project. suggested donations for tickets start at £25, available at www.moraysteinerschool.org, from leakey’s bookshop, church street, inverness & phoenix, the park, findhorn. for those about to rock with livewire acdc & the zz tops @ ironworks 7.30pm. £17.50. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com filth & pulse presents: green velvet @ ironworks 11pm. 18+. £15. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

LOFTY ARTS @ East Grange Farm, Kinloss

Arts at tel: 01343 850111

Sunday 30th of September 11am- 1pm

Creative Fun

making mobiles/wind chimes, bag charms and cardboard monsters and free face painting

All children welcome

Sessions: £4 per child (booking desirable but not essential). children MUST be accompanied by an adult

don’t forget

30 sunday last day of opening for castle & gardens for the year. enquiries & ticket info call 01667 404401 or visit www.cawdorcastle.com

Legal Will Writers of Moray We offer a friendly professional and inexpensive service for Wills, Powers of Attorney and Estate Management.

Free Information Pack - Home Visits

01343 319509 www.legalwillwriters.co.uk

â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your Your bbeautiful eautiful hhome... ome. ... D Deserves eserves a beautiful beautiful ffloorâ&#x20AC;? loorâ&#x20AC;? Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021; /X[XU\ 'HVLJQ )ORRULQJ /X[XU\ 'HVLJQ )ORRULQJ . .DUQGHDQ $PWLFR DUQGHDQ $PWLFR 3 3RO\IORU RO\IORU Â&#x2021; &DUSHWV DQG &DUSHW 7LOHV Â&#x2021; &DUSHWV DQG &DUSHW 7LOHV Â&#x2021; \OV 6DIHW\ )ORRULQJ Â&#x2021; 9LQ\OV 6DIHW\ )ORRULQJ 9LQ\ Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021; 6ROLG :RRG /DPLQDWHV 6ROLG :RRG /DPLQDWHV 5HVLGHQWLDO &RQWUDFW 5HVLGHQWLDO &RQWUDFW 7 7HO HO 0 0RE RE

IORRULQJ FR XN Â&#x2021; ZZZ PUGIORRULQJ FR XN LQIR#PUGIORRULQJ FR XN Â&#x2021; ZZZ PUGIORRULQJ FR XN

â&#x20AC;˘ All Types & Sizes Of Interior Blinds Made To Measure â&#x20AC;˘ Conservatory Blind Specialists

the

Est. 1986

â&#x20AC;˘ Member of the British Blind & Shutter Association BBSA

spot

â&#x20AC;˘ Guaranteed After Sales Service

Elginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Manufacturers Blind Manufacturers

â&#x20AC;˘ Sales â&#x20AC;˘ Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Alterations

N il & &M Neil MaryR Ross

01343 549939 All types & sizes of interior blinds made to measure

options available

Child safety control

23 Castlehill Street â&#x20AC;˘ New Elgin Moray â&#x20AC;˘ IV30 6HB

Fax : 01343 555223 E-mail : blindspotinelgin@btinternet.com

on

Property

VALUE MATTÂŁRS A new house or a second-hand property? The following pointers may help you make up your mind.

Advantages of buying new

Advantages of buying second-hand Better bargains Second-hand houses are almost invariably cheaper than new build (all other things being equal). Buying from an individual often means you can negotiate on the price.

Fresh as paint One great advantage of a new build is - it's new!

New houses are clean, fresh, and in pristine condition.

They command a price premium simply because they're new. Think of it as a blank canvas on which to express yourself. If you catch the builder early enough you can often choose kitchen and bathroom fittings and sometimes agree changes to layout and specification.

Peace of mind Make sure your builder is NHBC registered or that construction is supervised by a professional with adequate professional indemnity insurance. A 10year guarantee helps you sleep at night.

Incentives Some builders are offering cracking incentives to purchasers. Stamp duty payment, part-exchange, shared equity arrangements, appliances, carpets and floor coverings - are all up for grabs. Don't be afraid to ask!

Price-holding In certain circumstances a second-hand property may hold its price better than new build. The premium on a new build house may not be achievable when you come to re-sell, particularly if new development is still on-going.

Established surroundings With second-hand properties the surroundings are generally well-established and often there is a settled feel to the community. There can often be a better mix of household types in an established area.

Whichever option you choose, do your homework well before taking the plunge!

Eco-friendly New houses come fully insulated and energy efficient, leading to reduced utility costs.

Douglas Mowat MRICS is a Chartered Surveyor with Harvey Donaldson & Gibson, Inverness. douglas.mowat@hdg.co.uk

Property section

Unbelievable Unbelievable as it sounds, sounds, no now w when yyou ou buy a new home fr om Kylauren, K Kylaur ylauren, yyouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ia R io 1.1 CRDi Eco Eco ouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get a new K from Kia Rio Dynamics absolutely FREE.* .* D ynamics absolut ely FREE anced, en vironmentally-friendly cars in One of the most adv advanced, environmentally-friendly the w orld, the K ia R io w world, Kia Rio won Design on the Red Red Hot D esign Award Award 2012.

A nd it â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the per fect ma tch ffor or o a br and new K ylaur y en Home.

Home.

And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect match brand Kylauren B oth ar designed for for o ccomfort omfo ort and built ffor or lif off ffer e Both aree designed lifee and both offer lev els of qualit afftsmanship tha levels qualityy and cr craftsmanship thatt ar aree simply miles ahead hen it ccomes omes tto o style, style, they â&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in a class of their own. own. ahead.. W When theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re FFor or mor able off ffer er,, moree details on this unbeliev unbelievable offer, don â&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out - call us no w. donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t now.

S Showhomes howhomes at: at: M Meadow eadow LLea, ea, Montgomerie Montgomerie D Drive, rive, Nairn Nairn IV12 IV12 5 5RW. RW. TEL:: 01667 452508 55IVSTEBZ .POEBZ BN UP QN t www.kylaurenhomes.co.uk IVSTEBZ .POEBZ BN UP QN t www.kylaurenhomes.co.uk *

Property section

Property section

< #3*(-&/-56 -1

"# *9

275*

7-/)5

246+&+*5 &44&1+*)

215*48&624-*5

:6*15-215

*164&/

*9 7-/)5

"*128&6-215

*&6-1+

!/70'-1+ %24. // $4&)*5 #733/-*)

7// 4(,-6*(674* #73*48-5-21 20*56-( &1) 200*4(-&/

$*/ 2'-/* 0&-/ 0-.*2)4-5(2// '6(211*(6 (20 999 0-.*2)4-5(2// (2 7.

4&1&4; #64**6 74+,*&) /+-1

Property section

Property section

THE

Wa t e r f r o n t

DEVELOPMENT L O S S I E M O U T H

Beautiful affordable Homes with Beautiful Finishes in a Beautiful part of Town.

ONLYT! F 4 LE

Solid Oak Finishes Gas Central Heating Fully Integrated appliances Door Entry Control TV, Sky & Telephone points

The Waterfront Apartments off Stotfield Road, Lossiemouth, offers the best of beautiful locations and affordable living. All the 2 bedroom flats are fully carpeted throughout, with integrated appliances and tiled bathrooms.

The Waterfront Apartments are close to shopping, restaurants, golf courses, sailing and gorgeous beaches... Beautiful!!

Flats available from only ÂŁ129,000

Golden Square (Scotland) Ltd

For more details and information Tel: 0800 0281294 or 07557433875 Or contact Grampian Property Centre on: 01343 549 944 or email: info@gpc-elgin.co.uk Property section

Property section

Legal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ease Landlord Deposit Scheme If you are a landlord new legislative changes mean that deposits taken at the commencement of a tenancy will now have to be held by an approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme provider until they need to be repaid at the end of a tenancy.

Key facts about the Scheme include:- Deposits are held by an independent third party

We can take on the responsibility for the maintenance of areas under common ownership on residential and commercial developments.

- There will be free access to independent legal advice to assist in resolving any disputes

Our Commitment - we will: Č&#x2C6; Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2019;Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; satisfaction Č&#x2C6; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2021;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Č&#x2C6; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Č&#x2C6; Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201E;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2022;

- Key information must be provided by the landlord to the tenant about the Scheme

We currently maintain 20 developments serving nearly 1000 customers.

- Provided the tenancy agreement sets out the circumstances a landlord may still be able to withhold part or all of the deposit to cover say any damage caused, cleaning bills, unpaid bills and unpaid rent

Contact: Lynne Hadden for a quote Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;ÇŁ 01343 555441 ÇŚÂ?Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;ÇŁ lynne@screenautumn.co.uk

Â? Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â?Č&#x20AC;Â&#x2122;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;ÇŁ Alexander Fleming House, Íş Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Ď?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;ÇĄ Â&#x17D;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2039;Â?ÇĄ ;Ͳ ͸

- The schemes are free to join - Where the landlord and tenant agree about the return of a deposit it will be returned within 5 working days

There are strict time limits in which a landlord must pay a tenancy deposit to a scheme provider dependent on when the tenancy commenced and penalties can be imposed on landlords who fail to comply.

If you are considering selling or purchasing a property and you would like further advice and/or legal representation please call:-

Cherry Fairley, Solicitor & Notary Public of Fairleys Solicitors, 7 Mayne Road, Elgin IV30 1NY Tel: 01343 551126

7 Mayne Road Elgin IV30 1NY tel: 01343 551126 e-mail: property@moraylegal.co.uk

FREE INITIAL 1/2 HOUR CONSULTATION

!

"

t &45"5& "(&/$: t $0/7&:"/$*/( t -&55*/( t t .035("(&4 t 8*--4 t &9&$653*&4 t t 108&34 0' "5503/&: t /05"3*4*/( %0$6.&/54 t

www.moraylegal.co.uk

Property section

Property section

A quality, affordable new development in Auldearn, why live anywhere else?

Completely re-built, and re-developed into 10 stunning, high quality, two bedroom flats.

The Lion Apartments at Auldearn by Nairn are distinguished by the beautiful finishes and tasteful fixtures and fittings.

With apartments starting from only £125,000, it’s the perfect time to buy your new home.

And for a limited period only there are huge additional savings to be made. Please ask for details.

For a brochure or for further details and viewing information, please call 0800 028 1294.

Prices start at only £125,000 0800 028 1294 07557 433 875 email: mike@pseproperties.co.uk

NE W

For more information please call

NOCOL W OU AV R AI BR LA OC BL H E UR

E

Special mortgage advice available

Property section

Property section

Property section

Windows

Windows that wont cost the earth.

Cairngorm Windows will save you money protect your home and add real value to your property. The company manufactures the highest rated energy efficient windows (A-rated) available on the market.

Conservatories

Ask anyone who has a conservatory and they will tell you - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sheer delight!

Conservatories are one of the most popular home improvements of recent years and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see why. Not only does a conservatory provide an exciting extra dimension to your living space, it also gives you a natural link between indoors and outdoors.

Doors

Doors that stand the test of time Our range of doors are secure, tough, long lasting and resilient to the harshest of Highland weather.

Solar Panels

UndecidedononSolar SolarPanels?

Panels?You You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t asrgue with the the truth Undecided argue with truth Produce 100% Free Electricity From Day One

Feed In Tariff Index Linked For 20 25 Years Years 7% To 9% Return On Your Investment Increase The Value Of Your Property Works 365 Days A Year 10 Year Comprehensive Warranty Installed In A Day

No Better Company No Better Deals Grampian Glass

and Glazing

01343238000 545315 01463 11 Tyock Industrial Elgin , Estate, 1 Longman Drive, Inverness www.cairngormwindows.co.uk www.cairngormwindows.co.uk

Apart from a couple of weeks fine weather early in

winter months) but already evident and in

the season, this spring and early summer will go

good health in the lawns now. Even more

down as one of the most disappointing on record,

important than usual therefore will be to

and this was after a washout last summer too. The

get some drainage and ventilation benefit

full horror of a shift in the Jet Stream and the

into the ground now by aerating the lawn,

resultant persistent cold, wet north-easterly airflow,

however you can manage it. Some use a

has been all too evident in our gardens. We have

garden fork, GreenThumb (and the golf

been hearing a lot about crop failures and blight and

clubs) prefer to use a big heavy hollow-

other wet related disorders. Apart from impossible

core tining machine which removes

mowing conditions, three problems are widespread

thousands of cores from the lawn. Now is

this year.

an excellent time to aerate the lawn in preparation for the predictably damp, cold

The first is weeds. With all the wet weather early on,

months. Let’s hope we now see an “Indian

the weeds have just kept coming, in the beds and in

Summer”, I think we deserve a break!

the lawns. My proud boast that “GreenThumb lawns don’t have any weeds” has been severely tested this year, and we have been making numerous repeat weedkill visits to customers’ lawns where heavy rain has washed off weedkill as fast as we put it on.

The second worry is Red Thread fungal disease, evident by July across the UK including up here.

80% of our lawns have been affected. The signs to look for are blotchy patches of brownish/red grass which looks like it’s dying. In some cases a mouldy top growth also appears. We have an effective fungicide which clears this unsightly condition, but in

For more information about seasonal lawn

nearly all outbreaks, the grass isn’t dying, and the

improvements from just £15 per qtr, plus

first frosts will tend to kill-off the “mould spores” for

useful downloads and photos, go to

this year. You will see photos on the GreenThumb

www.greenthumb.co.uk. Although

website, or if you Google “Red Thread”, you will see

GreenThumb is a national franchise with

a ton of information. At least you now know it’s not

over 200 branches across the UK, we are

terminal, if you think your grass has been affected !

locally based in Cawdor and cover the whole Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair or

The main worry of course, is moss, a pestilence in

Fiona for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on

these parts anyway. Moss thrives and blooms in

01667 404774, or email us at:

cool, damp conditions (usually peaking over the

inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

28

C Call all in in tthe he pprofessionals! rofessionals!

GreenThumb’s nnual treatments treatments GreenThumb’s aannual lookss lush, ensure your your lawn lawn looks lush, ensure green and and healthy. healthy. green With prices prices starting starting from With from £15 £15 per per treatment, your your lawn treatment, lawn nightmare nightmare will soon soon be be history. history. will Call your your local local bbranch Call ranch today tooday for a FREE FREE lawn lawn analysis analysis and and no no for obligation quote quote on: on: obligation

0800 0800 0111 0111 222 222

Services of our Lawn y n agazine a F O F £10 SpotLight M m o fr e r h vouc with this ! customers w for all ne

£10

} Ã Ã Ê iÀÌ ÊUÊ Ê ` i i 7 Ê Ê7 U Ê

Ê

Ê ÌÀÀ Ê ÃÃÊ

ÊÊUUÊ Ì > V V

v v

À > V ÊÊUÊ ÊU iÀ>Ì tails

for de Please ask

Find us online at: www.greenthumb.co.uk

recipe

Chef’s Confidential King Prawns ‘Pil-Pil’ This is a popular and typically Andalucían Tapas dish or starter. I have tried to find out the origin of the words ‘Pil-Pil’, some say it comes from an Arabic word ‘Felfel’, I assume it has something to do with spice or chilli, others say it comes from the sound of the prawns sizzling in hot oil!

I like both stories, almost as much as I enjoy making them at The Royal Hotel on our new lunch menu.

Serves 4 as light lunch or starter 400g King Prawns 2 x Red Chillies, de-seeded and chopped 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander, chopped 2 x Cloves Garlic, peeled and sliced Good pinch of Sea Salt 100g Butter 6 tbsp Good quality Olive Oil

Method 1) Heat the oil, garlic and chilli in a large pan. As the garlic starts to brown around the edges, add prawns.

2) Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, moving prawns around the pan, add butter, cook for another 1 to 2 mins 3) Add salt and coriander, take off heat.

4) Serve in small dishes with chunks of fresh bread or rice.

Enjoy!

30

Kris McKie, The Royal Hotel, Elgin

The Royal Hotel E L G I N

A warm welcome awaits you at Elginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest eatery.

New lunch menu now being served.

Monday - Saturday /XQFK SP Â&#x2021;ÂŞ'LQQHU SP SP Sunday Roasts 12 - 2pm & 5 - 7pm Follow us on Facebook www.theroyalhotelelgin.co.uk

For reservations telephone 01343 542320

Cleaning Formulas /iÂ?\Ă&#x160;ä£Ă&#x17D;{Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x160;xxĂ&#x2C6;ÂŁÂŁÂ&#x2122;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;äĂ&#x2021;nä£Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x17D;näĂ&#x201C;{ www.cleaningformulas.co.uk

Ladderless Gutter Cleaning and Pressure Washing Services

Â&#x2021; Ladderless Gutter Cleaning Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021; Reaching heights over 50 feet Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021; View & Record work - before & after Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021; Full maintance Gutter Check Â&#x2021;

% ,$'# $%$'# $'#%! %0

+ $ + -,,!*$'# % , ((" 0+,!&+

!'!* % )*()!*,0 & $',!' ' ! +!*.$ !

/! &$$ )!* & !& $% #%(!&! '

$ (" &$$ )!* &

$ ("

Station Rd, Elgin IV30 1QW Allan & Gwen McGregor

SPACE MAKING SLIDING DOORS "

Enhance your home with Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere brand of sliding door wardrobe solutions. Made to measure and bespoke interiors.

! !!

Pop into our showroom or call for your FREE home design sur vey.

A9 Seafield Road

Slideco, 12 Seafield Rd, Inverness IV1 1SG.

WE ARE HERE

A9

Road A82 Longman

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN at

Seafield Road

1SPCMFNT JO 4DIPPM /FFE JU GPS #VTJOFTT 0S KVTU GPS 'VO

-FBSO (FSNBO GSPN B /BUJWF 4QFBLFS

4JNPOF )FSSOLJOE

FNBJM IFSSOLJOE!HNY EF

www.slideco-inver ness.co.uk

01463 630009

Slideco

.

German build quality Italian design flair Superbly made in Scotland Est.1986

OVER

YEARS

IN BUSINESS

K I T C H E N S Beautiful, design-led kitchens of exceptional quality, and made by us in Scotland, which we only sell direct through our own showrooms to ensure outstanding value.

ELGIN:: 27 Tyock Tyock Industrial Estate.

Estate . T: T: 01343 545155 ABERDEEN: 1166 Murcar Commercial Park.

Park. T: T: 01224 703274 oad. T: T: 01463 711548 INVERNESS: 18 Carsegate R Road.

ashleyann.co.uk