SpotLight on Forres and district

SEPTEMBER 2012

FORRES AND 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 What’s On p15-19 Travel USA p20 Chef’s Confidential p22 Grass Roots p24 The Sun Follower p28 Life Through a Lens p30 Property Section p34-37

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

For Your Kitchen...

For Your Flooring...

Was: ÂŁ6495

995 Frominc: ÂŁ5 Fr vat

For Your Fires & Stoves...

2 m:: ÂŁ4.95m Fro From

inc vat

For Your Bathroom...

˜ ˜

m:: ÂŁ295 rom F Fro inc vat

˜ ˜ ˜

For Your Bedroom...

Was: ÂŁ5995

Frrom: ÂŁ4995 F inc vat

For Your Wet Walls & Tiles...

˜ ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜

m:: ÂŁ84.99 rom Fro F inc vat

We design, supply, install and project manage the whole process of your new kitchen, bathroom or flooring. You don’t have to worry about arranging a plumber, tiler, decorator, electrician, joiner or floorer - we have them all under one roof. So why go anywhere else for that new kitchen, bathroom or flooring? We cover everything from start to finish. www.theallanstudio.co.uk (T&C Apply)

Showroom: HK '.(14& 1#& ˜ 08'40'55 ˜ F L Visit our Showroom: HK '.(14& 1#& ˜ 08'40'55 ˜ F L 230231 ˜ +0(1u6*'#..#0567&+1T%1T701463 230231 ˜ +0(1u6*'#..#0567&+1T%1T7-

IAN FRASER

%

LOCAL PROFESSIONAL

DECORATOR For all your Interior and Exterior work

" $ $

$ $

ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN GRASSCUTTING PATHWAYS CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS FENCING MIKE GIVEN

TEL: 07768 297629

MOBILITY DEALS

Wheelchairs

Scooters Riser/Recliners Electric Beds Hours of Business MON - FRI 9am - 5pm

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

! $

$

$ $

$

%

#

01309 675191 MORAY GROUNDWORKS

$ !

!

! !#

% #

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

Beauty

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

Annie Griffiths

Physiotherapist

01309 676050 annielgriffiths@btinternet.com Cameron Court, Fleurs Place, Forres IV36 1LX

SPECIALISTS IN ALL THINGS BIKE

New s SPARES s REPAIRS s SERVICE

UMMER ERVICE IN OUR ON SITE WORKSHOP Book your bike in now for a professional look-over including a clean, service and lube

WE HAVE A LARGE SELECTION OF SPORTS EQUIPMENT IN STORE ALSO

STUARTS CYCLES OF FORRES

Tel: (01309) 672432 www.stuartscycles.co.uk -/5.4!). ")+%3 s 2/!$ s %,%#42)# s #(),$2%. ")+%3

Clubs, Societies & Regular Meetings AIR TRAINING CORPS 446 (FORRES SQUADRON) Community organisation open to young men & women aged 13 20. Victoria Road, Forres. Call Flt Lt Chris Leaney 690215 BABY BOP - PARENT & CHILD DANCE & PLAY CLASS Tuesdays , 18months - 3years, 9.30 -10.30am (£2.50) 3months18months, 10.30 -11am (£1.50).

Forres house Community centre Tel: Emma 07973491963 DROP-IN @ NO1 LEASK ROAD Fridays 10am-4pm, tea, coffee & biscuits. Bring & meet, old & new friends. Hospitality, listening ear & christian lending library. We welcome you to your friday meeting place.

FALCONER MUSEUM, FORRES Open: Apr - Oct, Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm (except public hols). “Fascinating Forres, Past & Present”.

Free admission FINDHORN TENNIS CLUB 2 full size & 1 short court. Family & young juniors rates available.

Adults £50 & Juniors £20 annual subscription for unlimited play.

Contact Ros Wright, tel. 691173 or email roswright@tiscali.co.uk or visit www.lta.org. (‘Findhorn’ into the search box)

Forres Bluefins Forres Bluefins Swimming Club Various training sessions for all levels of competitive swimmers.

Regular intakes throughout the year.

Call Jayne on 07825 951944 Email: bluefins@hotmail.co.uk FORRES HOUSE BRIDGE CLUB Wednesdays 7pm, Sept - Apr, Forres House. Tuition given in September. Beginners & new members welcome. Call Forres House Community Centre 672838 or Margaret Rankin 675353 FORRES / MOUNT DORA TWINNING ASSOCIATION Contact Kenneth J Laing 690398 FORRES MENS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

*2 $" *2 7+ " 6+ " /-$) -- +,*!$' /'' + "

5 5 5 5 5 5

$). , /,) $ . *(, $ # ** -$ ,( $)'*-'' ( . ,$ ' 1$.#$) .# +*. $"#. ( " 4$) - $- -/ % . .* !*,( ' *+3,$"#. , -.,$ .$*)- ) .# , !*, .# , +,* / .$*) *! )3 '$-. $)"$.*,$ ' 0 ,.$- , ,.1*,& *, )3 *.# , *). ). 1$.#*/. .# +/ '$-# ,8- +,$*, *)- ). 1$'' *)-$ , , # *! *+3,$"#.

page 4 - September 2012

1st Saturday each month for hot breakfast & Christian Fellowship. Call Barry Clarke on 676062 for details or email barrydclarke2@hotmail.co.uk HIGHLAND SPIRITUAL CINEMA

Inverness-based film group with monthly screenings of uplifting and inspiring films that educate, entertain and enlighten, with the opportunity to participate in post-film discussion. Tel: 01463 237452. www.highlandspiritualcinema.net JOG SCOTLAND FORRES Mondays 6.30pm, all welcome.

Walk and jog your way to better health. Call 676595 or 673859 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY (MORAY BANFF AND BADENOCH BRANCH) Meets 2nd Wednesday of the

“Kinloss Sunset” Alison Nelmes. Copyright.

month at 11am in the Sherwood Suite at the Eight Acres Hotel, Elgin. Monthly lectures on a variety of arts related subjects are delivered by experts from across the UK. New members always welcome. Contact Sarah Fennings-Mills: 01343 831002 or www.nadfas-in-elgin.org.uk ‘NO STRINGS ATTACHED’ CONFIDENTIAL HELPLINE Caring for someone affected by drugs, alcohol or mental health issues and feel that it’s having an impact on you and the rest of your family? Call 01343 555031 Anonymity if required QUARRIERS CARER SUPPORT SERVICE MORAY Practical and emotional support for unpaid Carers of Moray. If you could use some help or just want to find out more about what we do, call 01343 556031 RIDING FOR THE DISABLED (FORRES, NAIRN & DISTRICT) Opportunities to ride and give therapeutic benefit to disabled children in the Forres and Nairn area. Call Mrs C Negus 0845 241 5301 for details.

SALTIRE SOCIETY HIGHLAND BRANCH Meets Saturday mornings in Inverness for talks on a wide range of Scottish topics. We also have a St Andrews Day celebration, a Burns lunch, and a summer outing. Contact Alan Niven: 01667 459449.

Email: alan.niven@hotmail.com THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION (MORAY) FORRES Cubs - Mondays, Beavers - Tuesdays, Scouts - Fridays. beavers@morayscouts.org.uk (or cubs@.... or scouts@..... etc) SHRIMPS PARENT & TODDLER GROUP Fridays 9.30 - 11am, £2 per session. Crafts, Games, Stories & Songs, Findhorn Village Centre.

Call Karin 01309 692339 or just come along and Join in!'

24th September and meets fortnightly thereafter at 7:30pm until April in St. Leonard's Hall. New members always welcome. Call Frances Buchanan on 01309 675585 for more information.

THE HANDYPERSON SERVICE (MORAY) Providing a small (free of charge) repair/assistance service to those with no local family or friends available. Supports vulnerable, elderly, and disabled members of the community to maintain independence and a better quality of life in their own homes. Call 01343 559739 TREES FOR LIFE GREEN DAYS OUT For people in Moray & Invernessshire. Spend a day carrying out conservation tasks. Transport, tools and training free of charge.

Pick ups available. Volunteers over 18 with a reasonable level of fitness. Every Wed & last Sun of the month. Booking essential. Call Mick on 01309 691292 or email mick@treesforlife.org.uk TRIBAL BELLY DANCE CLASS FOR BEGINNERS Mondays 7-8pm, Findhorn Dance Studio. Call Caroline on 01340 810258 WESTERN FRONT ASSOCIATION We hold 9 meetings per year on Saturday afternoons in Elgin Library. Open to anyone with an interest in WW1. Contact Derek Bird on 01343 870562 or email chairman.wfasnb@virgin.net www.wfascotlandnorth.org.uk

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.

ST LEONARD’S GUILD New session begins Monday

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Forres and District

The Editor

As we go to press the London 2012 Olympics is drawing to an end. A magnificent event, which united the countries of the world, in a display of healthy competitiveness and unity.

If only it was a yearly event, what a wonderful world we’d live in!

Roll on Rio.

PUBLISHER ...............David Nelmes SALES ......................Eilidh Conners ASSISTANT DIRECTOR.....Lynn Wood LAYOUT ........................Michelle Ho DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LISTINGS................Tamsyn Dickson Clubs & Societies ............................4 Pastoral Letter.................................6 Church Details.................................6 Council News ..................................8 Useful Numbers ............................10 Local Holidays...............................10 School Term Dates........................10 Parliament Blog.............................12 Tide Times.....................................12 What’s On ................................15-19

Event

Elgin Food & Drink Festival.......14

Holiday

Visiting the USA ........................20

Garden

Caring for your lawn..................24

October Issue Deadlines

Editorial - Friday 31/08/12 Advertising - Wednesday 05/09/12

Round and square fencing posts, strainers, rails etc

Life through a lens ....................30

Property

Buying a home.....................34-37

FREE Car!

Kylauren Homes offer ...............37

FREE CAR en ri Op - F m on 4p M ‘til 9

Sawn Timber, Softwood and Hardwood

Photography

Seasoned hard/softwood firewood Timber cut to order

Local stockist: Christie-Elite Nurseries on the A96

Wardend, Altyre, IV36 2SH Potato Boxes, Gates etc.

Preservative pressure treatment applied

(1 mile past Dallas Dhu Distillery)

Tel 01309 673379 UÊ LÊäÇnÎÎÊ£Èx ÓÇ

v J> ÌÞÀiÃ>Ü °V °Õ ÊUÊÜÜÜ°> ÌÞÀiÃ>Ü °V °Õ

Pastoral Letter &

Church Meetings

Have you ever thought that the day’s work and the ways we set about doing it, are a vital part of religion?

Think about it this way, it is often what we are, or do on a Monday or a Tuesday that ultimately confirms or denies the stand that we take when choosing either to go, or not to go to church on Sunday! Some may challenge us and say, “What difference does being a Christian make to our working day?”. Does it really make any difference to our workplace or to our decision-making and the ends we all seek? As an employer or employee for instance, do you treat those working with you or for you with respect, or merely as a means to serve one’s own agenda?

“Establish thou the work of our hands upon us” – Psalm 90 :17 These days, the tendency for us is to fence off a part of life and label it religion. Jesus on the other hand, made the hero of one of his short stories, not as we might think a professional holy person, but as a man

of business. After all, that is what the Good Samaritan was! He was a trader, a sales-person, striking bargains, buying and selling and making money! It was on a normal working day and not Sunday that he displayed the spirit, kindness and neighbourliness which is at the heart of practical religion. We are not told anything else about this man’s prayers or the Religious Services, if any, that he attended. It was however, the business part of his life that is presented as an example of true Godliness and goodness by his taking the considerable risk and the time to assist a fellow human-being at a time of crisis. It’s true to say that what a person does in his or her weekday work is often much more important so far as the Christian cause is concerned than what they do on Sundays! Why so? Because the kind of witness he or she makes when at the workplace from Monday to Friday will probably count for more than any specific religious activity in which they engage in their spare time!

Caroline Street Gospel Hall Sundays 6.30pm: gospel meetings.

Tel: 01309 674375. Email: glcinfo@tiscali.co.uk Dyke Church - Church of Scotland Sunday 10am: family service.

On the last Sunday of the month, we enjoy fellowship over a cup of tea. Email: john_macg@hotmail.com Edinkillie Parish - Church of Scotland Sunday worship 11.30am.

Contact Mr Campbell Falconer (session clerk): 01309 674249.

Kinloss, Findhorn & Alves Church of Scotland Alternating weekly. Kinloss and Findhorn 10am. Alves first Sunday of each month at 11.30am. Tel: 01309 690931 or 01309 690349.

Lighthouse Church Clovenside Chapel, Forres. Sunday service 10am. Refreshments served afterwards. Contact: 01309 676434.

Email: info@lighthousechurch.co.uk Website: www.lighthousechurch.co.uk Moray Grace Fellowship Alves Village Hall. Sundays 10.30am.

Contact Vic Cameron: 01343 850142.

Email: vic.cameron2803@btinternet.com.

Website: www.moraygrace.wordpress.com Rafford Church Sundays 9.30am: family service. Our praise is

page 6 - September 2012

Brian J Smith. Copyright.

“I know thy works, and charity, and service and faith,and thy patience and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.” - Rev 2:19 14:13 This is a point raised by the untiring Baptist pioneer William Carey. He began his working life as a shoemaker and once said “My real business is to save souls, but I repair shoes to pay the expenses! He liked to think that his wages provided the means not only to take care of his needs and comforts but to advance the work of God! A provocative tract of some years ago said: “Jesus made it clear that when a man comes to judgement he will be asked what he did with cups of cold water, and bread and clothing, that is to say, in his work and business, in his relations with creditors and debtors and his every day living with his neighbours!”

Reverend Duncan Shaw

from CH3 and Mission Praise. After the service, we enjoy fellowship over a cup of tea and a biscuit. Contact Anne Garrow (session clerk): 01309 672930.

St John the Evangelist Scottish Episcopal Church Sundays 8am: communion. 10am: family communion. Tel: 01309 672856.

Email: stjohnsforres@btinternet.com.

Website: www.stjohnsforres.wordpress.com St Laurence Church Sundays 10am: family service. Tel: 01309 672260. Email: barryj.boydstlaurence@btinternet.com St Leonards Church Sundays 10.30am: family service. Tea and coffee served afterwards. Tel: 01309 672380.

Email: donald.prentice@tesco.net.

Website: www.stleonardschurchforres.com St Margaret’s Catholic Church Mass on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 10am. Contact Father Barnett: 01667 453323.

If you are a member of a church not listed here, please email us the details and we will print this in future issues.

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Forres and District

*Max’ table of 6

Delicious Autumn Dining 2 courses

*

Marian

Including Bottle of wine For only

£40

Per Couple

2 course Lunch

*

(excludes Sundays)

For only

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.

knockomie HOTEL

Tel: Grantown Road, Forres

ZZZ NQRFNRPLH FR XN VWD\#NQRFNRPLH FR XN

Professional Mobile Hairdressing

Fully qualified City & Guilds and NVQ3

Cuts, Colours, Perms

Family

Telephone:01309 672995 or 07788 935879

Group bookings

Moray Pest Control

RABBITS - MOLES - RODENTS - BIRDS - WASP AND INSECT CONTROL DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURAL SUPPLIER OF ELECTRONIC FLY UNITS AND FLY SCREENING

npla

Andy Wardley MBE

NATIONAL PEST TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION

Greylag Cottage Broom of Moy Forres,IV36 2SR

ATB Certificated

Tel: 01309 671990

Mobile: 07798 708628

Email: andrewwardley@btinternet.com

Bringing life to your home and garden...

M&C

MACKENZIE & CRUICKSHANK

1 West Road, Forres IV36 2GW 01309 696940

Community Council

Karen Barclay. Copyright.

EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 21ST JUNE 2012 OF FORRES COMMUNITY COUNCIL

PUBLIC SESSION The Police Report was given by Constable Laura Begg who told the meeting that in the last month there had been no serious assaults recorded in the Forres area. She said that there had been 4 reported thefts by shoplifting, 3 of which had been traced at the store and the fourth incident had a named suspect with an ongoing enquiry.

Driving offences have resulted in 2 males being charged and reported for various offences and possession of an offensive weapon, 2 others have been charged with dangerous driving after being caught racing with each other in the town. One further has been charged with speeding on the A96 between Forres and Elgin and a male has been reported for drink driving. Constable Begg told the Cllrs that Grampian Police were taking part in an ongoing Operation Zenith which seeks to improve motorcycle standards by targeting rider behaviour, and during the next few weekends anti social driving operations will be carried out in Forres area, concentrating on boy racers and associated offences. Patrols have been carried out in several areas of the town following intelligence on drug dealing and misuse.

A member of the public, Mr A Tissiman, said that following last month’s meeting there had been no response from FCWT in arranging a meeting with the residents group objecting to the Sanquhar Woods green burial area being developed. In spite of a number of attempts to contact the Chair to arrange a meeting they were still no nearer to it. Moray Cllr Alexander said that he would contact the Chair and expedite the meeting.

Following last month’s report on Waterford Industrial Estate and the information given to us by Ewan Tulloch, Cllr J Mackenzie

Dyke Landward Meets third Tuesday of each month (excluding July and December) 7pm at Dyke Village Hall.

Contact Karen Hamilton (secretary) tel: 641236 page 8 - September 2012

queried why the local businessman was being harassed by Moray Council for four vacant sites on the estate, which he has offered to pay rent for. He said that four sites were not needed while there were fourteen vacant and available. Harassing Mr Tulloch was liable to close his business down and the loss of jobs for his employees and Cllr Mackenzie was disgusted that the Local Authority could ignore travellers illegal activities but chase a tax paying business.

SECRETARY’S REPORT The Secretary said an email had been received from Chris Thompson, Moray Council Sustainable Transport Officer, regarding options for additional cycle storage in Forres. Although there was no budget available for dedicated racks from Moray Council there was match funding opportunities from Sustrans if we would be interested. The meeting agreed to make further enquiries.

Quarriers Care Support issued a bulletin sheet to mark the start of Carers Week 2012.

NHS Grampian and Moray Community Health & Social Care Partnership sent copies of the second edition of the Living Longer, Living Better newsletter for distribution.

CHAIR’S REPORT The Chair reminded members of Armed Forces Day on Saturday 30th June and the celebration of it commencing at 6pm at the War Memorial before marching to the RBL. He also handed over the Spring Bulletin 2012 from the Crown Estate.

been 253 visitors to Nelson’s Tower in May with Italian & Spanish information sheets now available. A laurel bush that obscures the view from the tower to Findhorn Bay has been found to need trimming and this is being arranged.

Cllr Duncan said that the American students from Mount Dora were here and enjoying their visit.

Cllr Hayward said that the Castle Inn failed to sell at auction.

Cllr Hellyer said that the Riverslea planning application had finally been approved, minus 2 parking spaces, permitting its sale.

He felt that rules and judgements were being made on the hoof with respect to planning decisions.

Moray Cllr Alexander said that he had attended the opening of the new Quarriers Offices in Elgin and had been impressed.

He also reminded members of the commencement of the Scottish Week and hoped to see all taking part in the various functions.

Moray Cllr Maclean said that as a member of the Licensing Committee he noted the restriction of licensing hours to the Eagle Hotel.

AOCB Cllr Hayward said that as a resident of Forres, living opposite to the building, she was disgusted at the physical state of the Castle Inn and called upon the Moray Cllrs to have something done under the duties of the listed buildings enforcement officer.

EXTERNAL GROUPS REPORT Cllr Mackenzie told the meeting there had

COMMUNITY COUNCIL CONTACTS Findhorn & Kinloss Community Council Meets last Thursday of every month (excluding July and December) 7.30pm at alternate venues.

Contact Mr Tim Negus (secretary) tel: 691823 tel: 01309 690063

Forres Community Council Meets third Thursday of every month.

7.30pm at The Tolbooth, High Street, Forres Contact Colin Lipscomb (secretary) tel: 675177 SpotLight on Forres and District

Home Comforts

by Sandra

Curtains

Ready made or Made to order

also

5 Orchard Road, Forres

01309 671617

BACK IN BALANCE OSTEOPATHY 142 High Street, Forres IV36 1NP

Tr ad

Bedding, Cushions & Blinds

Chloë Argyris and Marietta Olson Cranial & Viscer al O nal, Registered Osteopaths steo itio path al Acupuncture y Sp Medic orts & R e emedial Mass a g

ÊÊ/i \Êä£Îä ÊÈ {nÓ{ÊÊÊ L\ÊäÇn£äÊÇnÎ{ÓnÊUÊÜÜÜ°L>V L> > Vi°V °Õ Ê

R McGregor M O N U M E N TA L E N G R AV E R Additional inscriptions, Regilding, Raised lead lettering, Cleaning of headstones also re-fixing done in any cemetery Phone:01309671982 Mobile:07740950580 42 Randolph Lane Forres

%%% "#$ !#

LEN’S TAXIS

OPI Gelcolor manicure

F O R R E S

ONLY

For a Reliable, Friendly Service telephone

01309 673363 Airport, Station and Workruns welcome

$

September offer

£30

September offer

www.highlandbeautyclinic.com Tel:01309 675674 153 High Street, Forres

bag) 15Kg ba g)

FEEDS F EEDS

(25kg Peanuts £39.75 wild Bird seed £14.50)

All hor horse se ffeed eed and bedding plus accessories Craigfield Craigfield FFarm, arm, Kintessack, Kintessack, Forres IV36 2SP HHPDLO PDUNIHUUDUL #DRO FRP ZHEVLWH )HUUDULKRUVHIHHGV FRP PDLO PDUNIHUUDUL #DRO FRP ZHEVLWH )HUUDULKRUVHIHHGV FRP

FREE y er Deliv

TEL: 0 01309 1309 676353 676353

JAYCEE’S COMPUTER CENTRE

www.jaycees.co.uk

September

Dog FERRARI BIRD A ANIMAL NIMAL FOOD aand FOOD n d HORSE H O R S E FOOD (from (from £8.99 per

www.jaycees.co.uk

SPECIALISING IN THE DESIGN BUILD and INSTALLATION OF PC SYSTEMS

(Est 1987) G UPGRADES G SOFTWARE G CONSULTANCY G SUPPORT G EPOS SYSTEMS G COMPUTER GAMES

SMALL or LARGE APPLICATIONS STANDARD or BESPOKE SOLUTIONS

FORRES 676285, 55 HIGH STREET, FORRES FOR FREE ADVICE TELEPHONE BOB

Local Holidays, School Term Dates & Useful Numbers Local Holidays Forres Holiday Forres Holiday British Summertime Ends St. Andrews Day Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day Scottish Bank Holiday Burns Night

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 Wed 2nd Jan 2013 Fri 25th Jan 2013

Maggie Grigor. Copyright.

Shrove Tuesday Mother’s Day Good Friday British Summertime Begins Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Father’s Day British Summertime Ends

Tues 12th Feb 2013 Sun 10th Mar 2013 Fri 29th Mar 2013 Sun 31st Mar 2013 Mon 1st Apr 2013 Mon 6th May 2013 Mon 27th May 2013 Sun 16th Jun 2013 Sun 27th Oct 2013

Autumn Term Ends Fri 12th Oct 2012 Winter Term Starts Mon 29th Oct 2012 In-service Closure Mon 19th Nov 2012 In-service Closure Tues 20th Nov 2012 Winter Term Ends Fri 21st Dec 2012 Spring Term Starts Mon 7th Jan 2013 Forres Academy & Feeders Thurs 14th Feb 2013 Mid-term Holiday Fri 15th Feb 2013

Mid-term Holiday Spring Term Ends Good Friday Holiday Summer Term Starts May Day Holiday In-service Closure In-service Closure Summer Term Ends

Mon 18th Feb 2013 Thurs 28th Mar 2013 Fri 29th Mar 2013 Mon 15th Apr 2013 Mon 6th May 2013 Thurs 16th May 2013 Fri 17th May 2013 Fri 5th Jul 2013

SCHOOLS Andersons Primary School..........................(01309) 672887 Applegrove Primary School ........................(01309) 672367 Dyke Primary School ..................................(01309) 641275 Dallas Primary School ..................................(01343) 89020 Kinloss Primary School ..............................(01309) 690376 Logie Primary School ..................................(01309) 611258 Moray Steiner School ..................................(01309) 676300 Pilmuir Primary School ................................(01309) 673034 Rose Abbey School ....................................(01309) 691872 Forres Academy ..........................................(01309) 672271

PHARMACIES Lloyds Pharmacy ........................................(01309) 672614 Rowlands Pharmacy ..................................(01309) 672784 Boots ..........................................................(01309) 673370

School Term Dates

Useful Telephone Numbers

DENTISTS Orchard Road ..............................................(01309) 675544 Leys ............................................................(01309) 673553

OTHERS Police Station ................................................0845 600 5700 Bus Station, Elgin .......................................(01343) 544222 Citizens Advice Bureau ...............................(01343) 550088 Dalcross Airport ...........................................(01667) 464000 Dallas Village Hall .......................................(01343) 890243 James Milne Institute (Findhorn) ................(01309) 692365 Rafford District Hall......................................(01309) 674583 Forres Town Hall ..........................................(01309) 675140 Moray Council (Forres).................................(01309) 694000 Moray Council (Elgin) .................................(01343) 543451 National Rail Enquiries ..................................08457 484950 Forres Library ..............................................(01309) 672834 Forres House Com Education Centre ........(01309) 672838

VETS Moray Coast Veterinary Group....................(01309) 672243

If you have any suggestions for additional numbers, please contact us and we may include them in the magazine.

DOCTORS Forres Health Centre ....................................0845 337 1120 Leanchoil Hospital ........................................0845 456 6000 Dr Grays Hospital, Elgin................................0845 456 6000

page 10 - September 2012

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Forres and District

Anne Mobile Hairdresser

Sabai Sabai

Mobile Hairdresser including Manicures/Pedicures FULLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL WITH OVER 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE

GARAGE Est. 1994

‡

Please call Anne on 07516880796 www.rfyc.net MOT Testing Station

Royal Findhorn

Yacht Club

visiting membe rships available please call or po p

in for details

01309 690247

The Piers Cafe Snack? Lunch? Coffee, Tea? Why not try out Findhorn’s newest coolest eating spot!

Vehicle Servicing 4 Wheel Alignment ECU Remapping MOT’s Class 4 & 7

Unit 10d Balmakeith Industrial Estate, Nairn IV12 5QW i“>ˆÂ?\ĂŠÂœvvˆViJLÂˆĂŒĂ˘}>Ă€>}i°VÂœÂ°Ă•ÂŽĂŠUĂŠ7iL\ĂŠLÂˆĂŒĂ˘}>Ă€>}i°VÂœÂ°Ă•ÂŽ info@ forrestreeservices.com

OPEN 7 DAYS

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

Fully insured and qualified

www. forrestreeservices.com

01309 675834

Branching out!

Forres Tree Services provide a holistic approach to tree care. We aim to meet the customer’s needs, the tree’s needs and those of the broader landscape it sits within.

We will manage your trees throughout their life cycle from sapling to maturity with: on-going management plans, broad planting schemes, woodland management, emergency clean up and removal, stump grinding and can offer a timber merchant service for both private and commercial sectors.

We are a small company based in Moray covering the Highlands, Islands and Northeast. Projects further afield would be considered depending on the scale. With the latest training and techniques we are more than capable of carrying out works that the bigger companies can but keeping the individual needs of our customers as upmost. Whether you require firewood, site clearance,

tree care or management FTS are here to offer you an honest and quality service to meet your needs.

For further information please contact Forres Tree Services: s info@ forrestreeservices.com www. forrestreeservices.com

Parliament Blog & Tides

“

Parliament Blog

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.

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 FINDHORN 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 06:57 07:30 08:01 08:33 09:03 09:37 10:15

PM 19:04 19:37 20:09 20:42 21:16 21:55 22:42

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

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

”

Roger Carr. Copyright.

Angus Robertson MP

AM 11:04 01:24 02:59 04:02 04:45 05:22 05:56 06:30 07:05 07:43 08:21

PM 23:46 12:14 13:59 15:26 16:20 16:59 17:34 18:07 18:41 19:17 19:54 20:34

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

TH F SA SU M TU W TH F SA SU

AM 09:03 09:52 10:51 01:04 02:38 03:53 04:45 05:26 06:01 06:33

PM 21:20 22:14 23:27 12:10 13:46 15:10 16:11 16:58 17:36 18:10 18:42

01309 676807 page 12 - September 2012

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Forres and District

Telephone:

01343 850 066 Mobile:

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

CAKES TO MEASURE AND CHIMES OUTSIDE CATERING NOW UNDER ONE ROOF

www.excellenthomes.co.uk

PHIL’S SCHOOL OF MOTORING

DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE MANUAL & AUTOMATIC COMPETITIVE RATES FOR BOOKINGS OR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL:

01309 673891

Professional & Affordable Outside Catering ALSO

Cakes to measure

by Kevin Todd ask about our ‘Sugar Craft’ Classes

Chimes OPEN 7 DAYS Weekdays 8.45am to PM and Sun 10 am to PM

www.cakestomeasure.co.uk www.chimes-outside-catering.com ͚͝Ǧ͕͛ ǡ Ȉ ͔͕͔͗͝ ͚͖͙͖͛͘

FUSION TANG SOO DO Learn how to boost your confidence, gain better selfesteem, self-control and discipline whilst having fun and getting fit.

Korean Open Hand Forms (Hyungs) Weapons – Bo Staff, Knife, Short Stick & Sword Self-Defense Sparring – Light contact Pad Work & Drills Fitness & Flexibility Tues & Thurs: Juniors 6 – 7:30 Adults 7:30 – 8:30 Rose Abbey School, Kinloss

Contact Tracy on 0781 496 2178 or Jimmy on 0787 614 2953 Families welcome, beginners of all ages & shape

FIRST 2 CLASSES FREE

WEDNESDAY 4 - 4:45 Ages 4-7 Rose Abbey Nursery School, KINLOSS Contact Tracy on 07814962178

FUSION TANG SOO DO

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

What’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 What’s on listings deadline for the october issue is friday 31/08/12

Rolling Event

ties, games, stalls and food & drink. concert with julie keen and friends 3pm. at st john’s episcopal church arpafeelie. garden party with refreshements. in aid of church funds. entrance fee ÂŁ5. contact linda: 01463 811629 riton @ ironworks 7pm. 18+. support from ‘them & us’, ‘polymath’ & ‘the boomshank redemption’. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

2 sunday

july - september nelson’s tower now open daily until 30th september from 2pm - 4pm. visit www.moray.org/museums/ for more information.

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.

mundole equestrian one day event closing date 24th august. contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com wedding fayre 11am - 3pm. the glen mhor hotel, inverness. allotment 4pm. universal hall, findhorn. outdoor

28 august - 21 september

#

‘scottish contrasts’ art exhibition by angus exhibition elgin museum. ÂŁ1 fee or is included in the ÂŁ4 museum entrance fee. curater@elginmuseum.org.uk

)

AUGUST 29 wednesday

%

)

"&

soul masters (feature documentary), what’s in a smile? (short film) 7.30pm. highland spiritual cinema, highland rail house, inverness. visit www.highlandspiritualcinema.net

"*

SEPTEMBER 1 saturday

!#" !'

!#" !'

( $!

!% #%

!#" !'

(

!% #%

!"$!* '*""(!

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 www.nairnfestival.co.uk

6 thursday

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, activiSpotLight on Forres and District

!$ #%

!"$!* '*!""!

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

)

!& !%

‘habits of the abbots’ 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.

tel: 01309 690063

September 2012 - page 15

email: curator@elginmuseum.org chinese tea ceremony 7pm. dao tea house, 65 high street, forres. experience a chinese tea ceremony, energy checking, and charging with bio-resonance. £6.50 per person. tel: 01309 271075. stv appeal @ ironworks 7pm. 14+. standing. support feat. whisky river band, kobi, city in surveillance, & purple divide. £6. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com culbin singers’ 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

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 www.eastgrange.co.uk/

7 friday

8 saturday

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! a unique opportunity to learn something of the wealth of archive material held by the national trust for scotland. 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. an historian, specialising in 16th and 17th century scotland, shona maclean writes historical thrillers set in the northeast during these times. among her published novels are, the redemption of alexander seaton, a game of sorrows and the crucible . the archives she has used include the brodie diaries “ invaluable as sources on the presbyterian mindset and way of life in the northeast in the 17th century.” where better to hear about them than at brodie castle itself? adult £7. tel: 0844 493 2156 or visit www.nts.org.uk.

Going oing for Green! reen!

ECO-friendly lowCO2 emissions Early Morning Bookings Airports, Stations or get a quote for customised day outings.

07936 311924 www.macsecotaxi.co.uk www.macsec www .macsecotaxi.co.uk

page 16 - September 2012

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

cinema nairn presents ‘steamboat bill’ (u) 10am. buster keaton silent movie with live pianist. little theatre, king street, nairn. tickets: www.nairnfestival.co.uk 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. mid eighteenth century mansion with panelled library and newly restored gardens. tel: 01309 611278. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Forres and District

doors open days: the michael kirk in duffus.

10.30am - 3pm. gothic church built as a mausoleum to the gordon of gordonstoun family. 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. church ruin dating from the thirteenth century. 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. the largest icehouse in scotland built to store ice for the spey salmon fishing industry. tours by scottish dolphin centre staff at 12.15pm and 3.15pm. tel: 01343 820339. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk mr mcfall’s chamber - four corners 8pm. universal hall, findhorn. witty relaxed music from four corners of scotland. £10/£8 concs.

Nairn Community & Arts Centre Your Y our local venue for films, shows, 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

9 sunday mundole equestrian british dressage and unaffiliated dressage closing date 30th aug. contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com kingston community litter pick 10am - 11am. every month local people help to keep the spey bay reserve beautiful by sweeping the west side of the reserve for litter. if you would like to help out, please call the ranger for more info on 01343 820339. doors open days: findhorn icehouses 2-5pm. two nineteenth century icehouses used to store ice for the salmon fishing industry until 1986. tel: 01309 690659. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.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: milnes primary school in fochabers. grand neo-tudor school built through a legacy left to fochabers in 1845, now used as a primary school. tel: 01343 821204. free entry. visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk doors open days: tugnet icehouse in spey bay. the largest icehouse in scotland built to store ice for the spey salmon fishing industry. 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.

SpotLight on Forres and District

NAIRN

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

12 wednesday 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. olive tree chocolate tour 7.30pm - 10pm. organised by choctober, the uk’s most northerly chocolate festival. raising money for charity and awareness of mary’s meal and olive tree chocolate. at the loft, east grange farm, kinloss, forres, iv36 2ud. tickets are £3 with main proceeds going directly to mary’s meals.

14 friday 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 individuals are soloists with huge talent who combine in small groups to sing as bel canto mainly for charities and deserving causes. returning to brodie castle for a second time (the first was a sell-out!) on 14th september they will once again grace the gorgeous music room with a fine mixture of classic and scottish song. we suggest early booking, £8 and £6 concessions. 0844 493 2156 or www.nts.org.uk.

tel: 01309 690063

September 2012 - page 17

15 saturday michael card in concert for further details, telephone: 01667 453476 or email: info@nairncc.co.uk. visit: www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk coast to coast race staging through cawdor castle grounds. call 01667 404401 for more info or visit www.cawdorcastle.com 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. 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.

dodgy 8pm. the loft, east grange farm, forres. tel: 01343 850111 or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk

23 sunday mundole equestrian hunter trial with knockhill horse power/bhs scotland qualifier. closing date 14th sept. contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com 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

JOIN THE PARTY!

Monday 7.30 pm Mosset Tavern Tuesday 6pm British Legion, Forres

16 sunday mundole equestrian show jumping contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com

19 wednesday masayuki kino & fumiko fujimoto 7.30pm. universal hall, findhorn. highly-acclaimed classical duo. ÂŁ10/ÂŁ8 concs/ÂŁ6 u16s. rafford wri 7.30pm. at rafford village hall. meetings commence after the summer break. alistair urquhart will speak about the forres hydrotherapy pool. the monthly competition is a flower arrangement in a teacup and a jar of strawberry jam. the wri meets on the 3rd of each month at 7.30pm old & new members welcome. tel: 01309 672918.

21 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

22 saturday glen cunningham concert for further details, telephone: 01667 453476 or email: info@nairncc.co.uk. visit: www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk 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 page 18 - September 2012

The Latin-inspired easy-to-follow, calorie-burning, dance fitness-party™ Ditch the workout!

BEGINNERS WELCOME .DW\ 6TXLUUHOO ‡ ‡ katy-zumba@hotmail.co.uk

24 monday 'the mummy's return' presented by professor caroline wilkinson. 2-4pm. research information about elgin museum's peruvian mummy. part of the moray society lecture series. lecture is ÂŁ3. ÂŁ2 for society members. contact elgin museum: 01343 543675. email: curator@elginmuseum.org

26 wednesday the god delusion debate (filmed recording of the john lennox / richard dawkins 2007 debate in birmingham, alabama) 7.30pm. highland spiritual cinema, highland rail house, inverness. visit www.highlandspiritualcinema.net

28 friday cinema nairn presents ‘a separation’ (pg) 2011.

7.30pm. multi-award winning iranian film. nairn community and arts centre. tickets at door. ‘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 ÂŁ3. ÂŁ2 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

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Forres and District

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. suggested donations for tickets start at £25, available at www.moraysteinerschool.org, from leakey’s bookshop, church street, inverness & phoenix, the park, findhorn. leon mccawley 7.30pm internationally acclaimed virtuoso pianist playing liszt, debussy, rachmaninov, and schuman. nairn community and arts centre.

01667 455701. www.musicnairn.org.uk

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

LOFTY ARTS @ East Grange Farm, Kinloss

Arts at tel: 01343 850111

Sunday 30th of September

Tel: 01309 690539

We focus on good workmanship, honest advice, being approachable and fair pricing!

VEHICLE SERVICING priced according to engine size and level of service required.

REPAIRS INCLUDING MOT REPAIRS brakepipe replacement and welding

VEHICLE RESTORATION TYRES SUPPLIED & FITTED EXHAUSTS SUPPLIED & FITTED DIAGNOSTICS USING LAUNCH X431 to analyse your vehicle's electronics systems

WIPER BLADES AND BULBS supplied and fitted

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

Kinloss Garage, Seapark Road, Kinloss IV36 3TJ Tel 01309 690539 07516 126212 ÜÜÜ° ÃÃ}>À>}i°V °Õ ÊUÊ v J ÃÃ}>À>}i°V °Õ

.&#1 /11&2 8

͚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

0&. &5&17 %#7

#- 9

-*,&2 2/43) /' /11&2 /.

666 ,/(*& $/ 4+

0-

ƉƉƌŽǀĞĚ WƌŽǀŝĚĞƌ ĨŽƌ > ^ ĂŶĚ ^ƚĂŶĚĂƌĚ >ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ƌĞĚŝƚƐ

&Žƌ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƵƐ ŽŶ

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

ǁǁǁ͘ǀĂƌŝƐͲƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ

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)

20

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

Pantomime 4th Dec to 6th Jan

Aberdeen departures:

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.

at Eden Court

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.

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, 78 High Street, Forres FORRES 01309 672203

2-6 South Street, Elgin

ELGIN 01343 548844

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

The Baptist Church in Forres

www.eastgrange.co.uk

COFFEE SHOP & BISTRO

September Sermons The Baptist Church in Forres welcomes you to hear our September series of sermons presented by ministers from far and wide covering topics such as ‘The Lord Jesus Christ’, ‘The Sermon on the Mount’ and ‘The Parables of Jesus’.

Join us in worshipping God through prayer and singing.

All ages welcome, crêche and Children’s Sunday school available We meet at Clovenside Chapel, Clovenside Road, Forres every Sunday from 10.00am with tea and cofee following the service No invite needed - just turn up!

Sunday Evening services start at 6:30pm also at Clovenside Chapel - all welcome Jesus declared: “I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will have the light of life”

Fantastic Meat & Fish Dishes Exciting Salads Vegetarian Selections Gluten Free Alternatives Great Cakes & Bakes!

OPEN 7 DAYS 9AM - 8PM coffee & cake lunch dinner Tel: 01343 850111 Kinloss IV36 2UD

recipe

Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Confidential White Chocolate, Banana & Peanut Butter Bread Pudding At Simply Red we serve this delicious bread pudding with our original home made tonka bean ice cream, (a good quality vanilla ice cream or fresh cream would also suit this delightful dish) 750ml Double Cream 50g Smooth Peanut Butter 3 Sliced Bananas 450g White Chocolate 75g Unsalted Butter 2 Eggs 250g 1-2 day Old White Bread 75g Demerara Sugar 4 Egg Yolks 100g Roasted Peanuts 1) Pour double cream into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Remove pan from heat, stir in peanut butter and cool for 2 mins. Pour out mixture into a bowl over 350g of white chocolate and let mixture cool.

2) Heat butter in frying pan till foaming and add sugar.

When dissolved, add bananas to mixture and cook till golden.

3) Whisk eggs plus egg yolks together, pour in chocolate cream mix, strain through sieve and add diced bread. Set aside to absorb custard before fully mixing in the remaining chocolate, most of the peanuts and bananas.

4) Place mixture in a butter lined square tin (30 x 20cm), sprinkle remaining nuts on top and bake at 180 degrees c or gas mark 4 for 30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;40 minutes. Test by placing a sharp knife into pudding, the knife should be clean on removal.

22

David Cameron (Head Chef) ,EYS 2OAD s &ORrES s Tel (01309) 676737

r-elax e-at d-rink

r-elax e-at d-rink

Our Head Chef has created affordable excellence... small plates ... sharing plates... a la carte SERVING FOOD ALL DAY

Small plates from ÂŁ3.95 One Sharing platter + 3 Small plates only ÂŁ20 Leys RPBE t 'PSSFT t Tel (01309) 676737 & NBJM JOGP!TJNQMZSFESFTUBVSBOU DPN t XXX TJNQMZSFESFTUBVSBOU DPN

MACFARLANE ARBORICULTURELTD Tree Surgery Tree Supply and Planting Pruning Strimming/Ground Clearance Hedge Cutting Tree Surveys & Reports

FULLY QUALIFIED & INSURED

Rafford Cycles

T.01343 611787 M.07904 020636 01309 672811

Bicycle Sales, Service & Repair Collection / Delivery Open 9am to 6pm service available Wed to Sunday raffordcycles@tiscali.co.uk

CAROLINE STREET GOSPEL HALL, FORRES

Gospel Meeting every Sunday 6.30pm Prayer & Bible Study every Tuesday 7pm Monthly Message - Monday 10th September 2012 7pm If thou seek him, (God) he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off forever. (1 Chron 28:9)

Gateaux Regal Contact Jean Luc on 01667 455166 or visit at Unit 13 C1 Balmakeith Industrial Estate, Nairn www.gateauxregal.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:

24

cool, damp conditions (usually peaking over the

inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

C Call all in in the the pprofessionals! rofessionals!

GreenThumb’s annual treatments treatments GreenThumb’s annual ensure looks lush, ensure your your lawn lawn looks lush, green green and and healthy. healthy.

With With prices prices starting starting from from £15 £15 per per treatment, treatment, your your lawn lawn nightmare nightmare will soon soon be be history. history. will Call your your local local bbranch Call ranch today today 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

es L wn Servic e ny of our a a F t Magazin F ig h 0 O £1 m SpotL o fr r h e c vou with this ! customers e w for all n

£10

} Ã Ã Ê iÀÌ ÊUÊ Ê i` i 7 Ê Ê7 U Ê

Ê

À À Ê Ì Ê ÃÃÊ

ÊÊUUÊ >Ì V V

v v

À > V Ê ÊUÊ ÊU iÀ>Ì for Please ask

details

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

The Windsor Hotel ALBERT STREET, NAIRN IV12 4HP

Dining at the Windsor Hotel Not just for special occasions!

BRAND NEW

STEAK NIGHT

Friday & Saturday

Ă la carte Buy any Main and get a glass of wine or pint of beer for only ÂŁ1

Buy any Steak and get a glass of wine or pint of beer for only ÂŁ1

Saturday & Sunday 12 noon till 8pm

Carvery

ÂŁ4.95

ONLY per head Children under 12 eat for FREE. (Main meal only)

Monday to Friday Lunch Special

Two course lunch special menu ONLY

ÂŁ4.95 per head

Dinner Special

Three course dinner special menu ONLY

ÂŁ9.95 per head

Windsor Hotel Albert Street, Nairn IV12 4HP

Al Ma ns eR

be r

d

6 A9

tS tr e

Wind so Hotel r et

Wa ver ley R

gh Hi d

t ee Str

NAIRN

Â&#x2021; Email: Email: windsorres@btconnect.com

A9

6

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 JOIN OUR GROWING NUMBER OF LOCAL TURBINE INVESTORS IN FINDHORN AND FORRES Well-established professional company seeks additional investors for renewables projects underpinned by UK Government Feed-in Tariff. All developments are signed up, and private finance will take them to build stage.

01343 319509 www.legalwillwriters.co.uk

Investment up to 150k required, minimum investment 5k per individual. Very generous returns for 20 year FiT programme, or shorter period if preferred. Company and personal guarantees are available on a fixed repayment arrangement, or you can choose equity participation, offering the prospect of substantially greater returns.

Capital fully repaid in 2 years, then 18 years of clear income. Shorter payback periods can be arranged to suit, still providing very attractive returns.

To arrange a meeting in our offices, please call Ian on 07713 912473 or email ian@1renewables.com or alastair@1renewables.com You can also use our website enquiry form at http://www.1renewables/get-in-touch.php

T TO HE B

SPLASH SH

HS g SPL I AT

G

The North’s favourite FREE wee mag!

2500

Double Sided

A5

www.kinlosspool.co.uk

Children’s Swimmin g Lessons

ME ALON CO

KINLOSS SWIMMING POOL YOUR Community Swimming Pool situated opposite Kinloss Barracks and open to the public!

Public & Lane Children’s Le Club Training

PRINTING

swimming

arner Pool

Discount Me

mbership Sauna includ ed in price Private Party Hire

Telephone 01309 691950 or 617514

Septe mber

Speci FLYERS O al F

Full Colour NOW ONLY

£99

FER

Full range of printing services available. Email Eilidh or telephone 01309 690093 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.

outdoor

7KH %LUG 0DQ THE SUN FOLLOWER The Arctic Tern has an enviable lifestyle; it sees more sunlight than any other creature in the animal kingdom. How does it manage this?

By following the sun around the world!

Each year these beautiful and delicate birds migrate from one end of the earth to the other, on average covering 12 000 miles each way, so over a typical lifespan of thirteen years that is a staggering 312000 miles even further than flying to the moon! The oldest recorded bird was just under thirty so in her lifetime she would have travelled 720000 miles! And they are no slow coaches either, a bird hatched in 1982 at a colony near Northumberland was found in Melbourne Australia just three months later!

They arrive on our shores in the summertime to breed, forming large colonies at favoured beaches around the coastline of the UK, sometime mixing with their close relative the Common Tern. Pairs mate for life arriving back at the same colony each year and

performing an intricate bonding ritual that involves the birds flying with exaggerated wing beats sometimes to great heights, passing fish from male to female on the nesting site and displaying to each other with wings drooped on tail held high.

On first glance they look like a plain white bird with a grey back, black cap and red bill, however if you look closer you will see the throat and underparts are a very pale grey colour that sets off the pure white cheek and the blood red bill.

Where to see them? Anywhere on the coast at this time of year: Spey bay, Lossiemouth, Burghead and the Nairn foreshore all being ideal places to start. So choose a calm day, pick up your binoculars and go out looking for these fantastic sun followers.

For more detailed information log onto www.rspb.org.uk, www.swt.org.uk or www.roydennis.org Next month we will look at the Whitethroat, so until then â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good Birding!â&#x20AC;?

28

Information kindly supplied by Birding Ecosse, offering Birdwatching for beginners workshops. s WWW BIRDINGECOSSE CO UK s BIRDINGECOSSE HOTMAIL CO UK

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 e memb 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

Michael 1 B tribute aublé ct 2012

Festive Party Nights

Tickets

ONLY

£29

per pers 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, Elgin, IIV30 V30 6 6UL UL Telephone: Telephone: 01343 543 077 Email: E mail: eightacr eightacres@crerarhotels.com eightacres@cr es@crerarhotels.com es@cr erarhotels.com

H HOTELS OTELS WITH HEA HEART RT & S SOUL OUL

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

hobby

Life Thr Through ough a Lens

by Nicky Mack, Lossiemouth "The wonder of the world The beauty and the power, power The shapes of things, Their colours, lights and shades, These I saw.

Look ye also while life lasts."

Denys James W Watkins-Pitchford atkins-Pitchford MBE

SEE. The most minimal, or ordinary dinary object, person or being, can perfect from a different different make the per fect photograph, if seen from pictures & tells a tale. Try, Try, perspective. It gives depth to your pictures for instance, getting under neath your subject. For example, a underneath huddle of flowers reflecting reflecting bright against a sky blue and grass relatively flat and een backgr ound can present present itself as relatively green background uninter esting when taken face on. Go underneath underneath and there’s there’s uninteresting a whole new pr esentation. presentation.

I cannot think of a better way to encapsulate the joy of photography….

Scotland has been my home for 10 years. Scotland and particularly the Moray Coast, is an ever-changing canvass, which I imagine sadly, escapes the sights and really imagination of many people. My philosophy is to really ound you rather than just look. Y ou’d be see what’s ar around You’d amazed at what you find and discover in your very own back yard. yard. My own appreciation appreciation of my surroundings surroundings introduchas very much been compounded since the introduction of a camera into my every day life.

Most photographic rules state that a rule of thir thirds ds should be incorporated when composing the per perfect fect shot and straight horizons; this is useful, but don’t be afraid to go against the rules. I do it all the time and it gives images a more more powerful power ful and dramatic pr presentation. esentation. Try Try it. The mor more e intricate, fiddly bits later, making your pictures pictures even more more outstanding. can follow later, It’s all about gaining experience and taking photographs of e ar e plenty of areas areas of things you love. Keep it personal. Ther There are e, fast photography to explore; explore; portrait, landscape, natur nature, nt moving, the list goes on and all aspects of that can be lear learnt ess that later ou may or may one by one but we can addr address later.. Y You not find a niche, but whatever you chose, just enjoy it! grounded and rreminds eminds me Photography for me keeps me grounded oundings and how every day of the beauty of my surr surroundings care for it at all times (and take a important it is to watch and care picture of course!). I have a website of my own which I hope picture rreflects eflects the joy I have in taking pictur es, a joy that I hope I shar e pictures, share with others. I encourage you to go out and start snapping by whatever means, you’ll surprise yourself.

Two Two years ago I was gifted my first camera. Up until that point, use of a camera phone was all I had to capture captur visions and future future memories. What a joy to behold when my now trusty companion, the camera, opened up a whole new world.

I am still very much an amateur photographer and ning all the time. My camera goes almost lear learning everywher e with me as you never know when that very everywhere special moment may pr esent itself and clickety-click, present ther e’s your shot. Photography doesn’t need to be there’s per fect. It can be very easy to become overwhelmed perfect. by photographic rules and composition structur structures, which appar ently cr eate an acceptable shot. This can apparently create pr esent itself as a challenge however and puts people present of f. A few hints and tips and more more over over,, getting to know off. your camera and surr oundings, ar e the best tools to surroundings, are start of eating your special image. As offf with when cr creating your experience gr ows, so do the opportunities ar grows, around you. Y ou will start to look mor e deeply and begin to You more

My own work can be found at www.vianne.co.uk, any comments would be greatly appreciated. My inspiration is merely mer ely what surrounds surrounds me, you can shar share e that too.

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

Coffee Table Cof fee T able

was £399

6 Drawer Chest was £469

£

NO W

NO W

£

399

£

£

Akita King Size

Elegance 3+1

Recliner Suite was £2399

5' Bed Frame

Corner Group was £1109

379

was £449

799

£ Natalia 2+2 Corner Group

was £899

NO W

999

189 9 Triesta T riesta 3+R+R £

NO W

NO W

NO W

£

NO W

£ Hebden

219

Recliner Chair was £279

Last few weeks of Sale so HURRY HURRY while stocks last! www.grampianfurnishers.com www.grampianfurnishers.com O OPEN PEN 7 DAYS DAYS BUY B UY O ONLINE NLINE AND AND IINSTORE NSTORE E Email: mail: iinfo@grampianfurnishers.com nfo@grampianfurnishers.com Follow us on Facebook

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

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

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

01463 238000 1 Longman Drive, Inverness www.cairngormwindows.co.uk

GOLF VIEW HOTEL & SPA, NAIRN

Conservatory Bistro

GOLF VIEW HOTEL & SPA

at Golf View Hotel & Spa

Conservatory Bistro

Come and join us for lunch Monday Thursday and receive a complimentary glass of house wine per person.

Simply cut out the coupon to the right and bring it along with you to claim your complimentary glass of house wine.

Complimentary glass of house wine with lunch Monday - Thursday.

T&C – Please present this voucher when ordering and you will receive one complimentary glass of house white or red wine per voucher when ordering a main meal in the Conservatory Bistro. Only original copies of this voucher will be accepted and this vouchers has no residual value. Offer available Monday – Thursday from 12.30pm – 2.30pm and until 30.09.12.

Fairways Restaurant at Golf View Hotel & Spa GOLF VIEW HOTEL & SPA Let our chefs bombard your taste-buds with a variety of delicious dishes, prepared with the best locally-sourced ingredients.

Dine with us Monday - Thursday and receive a complimentary half bottle of house wine per person.

Fairways Restaurant Complimentary half bottle of house wine with dinner Monday - Thursday.

T&C – Please present this voucher when ordering and you will receive one complimentary half bottle of house white or red wine per voucher when ordering a main meal in the Fairways Restaurant. Only original copies of this voucher will be accepted and this vouchers has no residual value. Offer available Monday – Thursday from 6.30pm – 8.30pm and until 30.09.12.

To make a reservation please telephone

01667 452 301

GOLF VIEW HOTEL & SPA The Seafront, 63 Seabank Road, Nairn IV12 4HD Telephone: 01667 452 301

Hotels with Heart & Soul WWW.CRERARHOTELS.COM WWW.CRERARHOTELS.COM

Email: golfview@crerarhotels.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

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

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

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; We currently maintain 20 developments serving nearly 1000 customers.

!

"

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 ͸

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

!

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

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

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

"

! !!

$ (" &$$ )!* &

$ ("

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

Property section

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

A nd it â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the per fect ma tch for for a br and new Kylaur K ylauren Home.

Home.

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

SShowhomes howhomes at: at: M Meadow eadow LLea, ea, Montgomerie Montgomerie D Drive, rive, Nairn Nairn IIV12 V12 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 *Offer *O ffer ff er aavailable vailable on selec selected ted house st styles. yles. FFree ree car g given iven on ccompletion ompletion of sale sale.. Limit Limited ed time only only,, please ask ffor or details details..

Property section

Advertiser’s Index 1 Renewables Ltd......................................................................27 Allan Studio Kitchens & Bathrooms.............................................2 Altyre Sawmill LLP.......................................................................5 Anne Mobile Hairdresser Ashley Ann ........................................11 Ashley Ann..................................................................Back Cover Back in Balance ..........................................................................9 Beaver Travel....................................................................20 & 21 Bitz Motorsport...........................................................................11 Cairngorm Windows & Conservatories ...........................................32 Caroline Street Gospel Hall.......................................................23 Chimes ......................................................................................13 City of Elgin BID Limited............................................................14 Eight Acres Hotel.......................................................................29 Excel Scotland Ltd.....................................................................13 Fast Fix........................................................................7,9,11 & 13 Ferrari Horsefeeds ......................................................................9 Fiona McIntyre (ADI) .................................................................12 Forres Bluefins Swimming Club ..................................................4 Forres Tree Services .................................................................11 Fusion Tang Soo Do ..................................................................13 Gateaux Regal ..........................................................................23 Golf View Hotel .........................................................................33 Gordon Scott Chartered Accountant .........................................12 Grampian Furnishers.................................................................31 GreenThumb (Inverness)..................................................24 & 25 Harrisons ....................................................................Inside Back Harvey Donaldson & Gibson.............................................34 & 36 Highland Beauty Clinic ................................................................9 Home Comforts By Sandra .........................................................9 Ian Fraser ....................................................................................3 Jaycee's Computer Centre ..........................................................9 JC Chimney Sweeps .............................................................36 Katy Squirrell - Zumba...............................................................18 Kinloss Garage Ltd....................................................................19 Kinloss Swimming Pool .............................................................27 Knockomie Hotel .........................................................................7 Kylauren Homes........................................................................37 Legal Willwriters of Moray .........................................................27 Len’s Taxi’s ..................................................................................9 Logie Steading ..........................................................................19 Mac’s Taxi..................................................................................16 Macfarlane Arboriculture Ltd .....................................................23 Mackenzie & Cruickshank ...........................................................7 Marian Warrener..........................................................................7 Moray Odd Job Services .............................................................3 Moray Pest Control .....................................................................7 MRD Flooring ............................................................................36 Nairn Community & Arts Centre ................................................17 Nairn Kindling & Logs................................................................38 Olive Tree Chocolate.................................................................23 Phil’s School of Motoring ...........................................................13 Physiofirst....................................................................................3 PSE (Lossiemouth) ...................................................................35 R McGregor Monumental Engraver ............................................9 Rafford Cycles ...........................................................................23 Roof Wizard...............................................................................36 Royal Findhorn Yacht Club ........................................................11 Scotengineering ........................................................................36 Screenautumn Ltd .....................................................................36 Simply Red........................................................................22 & 23 Stuart Allan Plumbing & Heating .................................................9 Stuarts Cycles .............................................................................3 The Lighthouse Church .............................................................21 The Loft Bistro ...........................................................................21 Unique Beauty .....................................................Front Cover & 3 Universal Hall ............................................................................15 Varis Training.............................................................................19 Wheelchair Care..........................................................................3 Windsor Hotel............................................................................26

NAIRN KINDLING & LLOGS OGS TREE TR E SERVICES SERVICES & FIREWOOD SUPPLIES

ALL ASPECTS OF TREE SURGERY )(//,1* 3581,1*

3/$17,1* +('*(:25.

MOBILE SAWMILL NPTC QUALIFIED TREE SURGEONS

CALL US TODAY TODAY ON 07593745664 07593745664 07889502163 01667455095 01667455095 nairntrees@live.co.uk

HARRISONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOME IMPROVEMENTS LTD

Bathrooms

Option 1 Eco Choose From The following: Scenario - Crystal Reflection - Mirage - Ambiance - Petite Double Door Quadrant Shower Tray, & Enclosure Any Two Wet Wall Glade Mixer / Mira 8.5kw Shower Any Twin Flooring Colours (4 Sqm) Supplied and fitted

ÂŁ2999.00 inc VAT

Kitchens Option 1 Eco Choose From The following: Any 13 Units From Kitchen Groups Group 1 - Group 2 - Group 3

2 x Worktops - 2 x End Panels 3 x Cornice - Pelmet - kickboard Single Oven - Hob - Chimney Extractor Single Bowl Sink & Tap Supplied and fitted

ÂŁ4995.00 inc VAT

HARRISONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOME IMPROVEMENTS LTD

Where quality is our business 4IPXSPPNT BU )JHI 4USFFU &MHJO *7 && t UFM t GBY JOGPIBSSJTPOT!BPM DPN t XXX IBSSJTPOT HSPVQ DP VL

.

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.

Tyock Industrial Estate. T: T: 01343 545155 ELGIN: 27 Tyock ABERDEEN: 1166 Murcar Commercial Park.

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

ashleyann.co.uk