DECEMBER 2010
FREE
®
SpotLight Picture by Al Donnelly, Copyright
The North’s Favourite FREE wee mag’!
on Inverness and district ...information on your community
% # !
! %
"
$*67 2&) 5*6-23 67&7* 255*6
!*/ &;
2)*51 :*// *48.33*) 685,.(&/ +&(./.7.*6 8// &1,* 2+ 6*59.(*6 +25 -286*-2/) 3*76 48.1* &50 &1.0&/6 (8381(785* //*5,< 7*67.1, "/75&621.( )*17.675< "/75&6281) 1)26(23< 521(-26(23< 856* (/.1.(6 #.6.7.1, 23-7-&/02/2,.67 8// .1 -286* /&' +&(./.7.*6 +25 .167&17 ).&,126.6 .,.7&/ ; 5&< 352(*66.1, *).(&7*) *48.1* 9*76 8// 5&1,* 2+ 3*7 &1) -256* +**)6
" 7 "!
.1.&1 2&) 8**1 75**7 8//2)*1 2&)
+#!- ,--#.
Catering C atering for for all your your needs rrunning unning Christmas... up tto oC hristmas... ...Delicious lunches... ... Delicious ccoffees offees and lunches ... ...Gifts Christmas shopping... ... Gifts ffor or yyour our C hristmas shopping ... ...Holidays ... Holidays and Business Business Travel Travel Services... S ervices... ...Inverness Aberdeen direct ... Inverness and A berdeen dir ect departures speciality... depar tures a sp eciality...
....all all under one rroof! oof! ELGIN 01343 548844 FORRES 01309 672203 03
*')#. .,0/& ,$ ,--#. ,+ 111 ),%'# ", 0(
Beaver Travel, 2-6 South Street, Elgin also at: 78 High Street, Forres Be aver Travel Travel in Forres Cour t Forres is also a ticket ticket agent agent for for Eden Eden Court Beaver Theatre, Theatre, Inverness Inverness - at Box Box Office Office Prices Prices
www.beavtrav.com www .beavtrav.com
CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY.
PA 80%Y OW 100 N %
There are Shared Equity homes available across these developments in Inverness. Plus, conclude before the 10th December and get an iPad.
Westercraigs 3 bed homes From £140,000* 0845 890 9441
Gleann Mòr House 1, 2 & 3 bed apartments From £100,000* 0845 890 9441
Marketing Suite open Thursday to Monday, 10.30am to 5.30pm.
robertsonhomes.co.uk *Shared Equity scheme, 80% of the purchase price payable now and 20% being paid either when the property is sold, after a period of 10 years or at any other point within the 10 years upon owner’s instigation. Robertson Homes nominated mortgage broker must be used. All loans subject to availability and status. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Offer is available on selected plots for reservations, which are concluded no later than 10th December 2010, and is subject to Robertson Homes’ Terms and Conditions. Prices are correct at time of going to press. Images are of a typical Robertson Home and may not be representative of the particular developments advertised.
SpotLight Picture by Eileen Fitzpatrick, Copyright
In this issue...... Clubs & Societies 3 Where’s Santa? 4 Pastoral letter 6 Tide Times 6 Church Details 8 What’s On 9/10/11/13 Cinema Guide 11 Chef’s Confidential 12 Council News 14 School Dates 16 Parliament Blog 16 Useful Contacts 17 Culloden Battlefield 18 Local Holidays 19 Advertisers Index 19 SAmPLe ADverT rATeS Box £57 Big Box £106 ¼ Page £194 ½ Page £365 Business Profile £624 Full Page £691 enhanced Listings in What’s On pages from £61 All rates are per month plus vAT and based on a Black & White 12 month series.
ACTIVE CHEER & DANCE
Offering classes for all ages and abilities. The only IASF (International All Star Federation) Levels 1-5 certified coaches in the North of Scotland. Min Age 3 years, contact Kerri Love, Head Coach Mob: 07789 715553 www.acdstars.com
LOCH NESS TOASTMONSTERS
Encourage the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle and to provide support to those with cardiac disease, together with their families. Open 6.30pm Wednesdays, Sports Hall 1, Inverness Leisure Centre tel: 704554
We’re a group of people who’ve joined together to face one of the most feared things in general life - speaking in public, which isn’t the monster that many people seem to think it is! So, if you are interested in taming your own beast, in friendly and supportive surroundings, then please get in touch or drop into one of our fortnightly meetings. www.toastmonsters.co.uk
BOLESKINE SHINTY CLUB
Tel: 791955 or email: lizbmacd@aol.com www.myweb.tiscali.co .uk/shinty/ CHARLESTON YOUTH THEATRE
For ages 12-18, Charleston Academy, Inverness CLACHNACUDDIN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FC
Tel: 791458, email drew@tesco.net or www.clach-youth.info
Deadline for January issue is Wednesday 8th December
HIGHLAND HILLWALKING CLUB
Call 01309 690063 for more details. SpotLight on Inverness is published by Winterburn media Ltd, Comraich, Woodside Farm, Kinloss Iv36 3UA
Tel: 791572, email: highlandhillwalkers@ fsmail.net www.spanglefish.com/ HighlandHillwalking Club
All material contained within the SpotLight magazines is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertiser artwork or any other content, without the publishers prior consent, will be considered to be a breach of copyright.
INVERNESS BRAVEHEARTS
HIGHLAND SCHOOLS GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION
To promote participation in the sport of gymnastics within schools across Highland.
SpotLight - Inverness and District
INVERNESS CLASSIC JAZZ SOCIETY
Tel: 01463 223857 www.ds.dial.pipex.com/ jazzitoria/home.htm INVERNESS CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
A group of music lovers who promote concerts of chamber music by professional performers in the Town House, Inverness, September to April/May, Contact Paul Crowe, tel: 221535 visit www.inverness chambermusic.com INVERNESS HARRIERS AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB
Cross country, road and hill running and track and field athletics from beginner to elite level, Queens Park Athletic Stadium, Inverness, tel: 791110 www.inverness harriers.org.uk
www.spotlighton.co.uk
SALTIRE SOCIETY HIGHLAND BRANCH
The Society has wide ranging interests including history, literature, music, science & engineering, architecture and arts & crafts. We have talks, St Andrew’s Day celebratios, a Burns Lunch and a summer outing. For details contact Philip Shimmin tel: 231421 or send an email to philip.shimmin107 @btinternet.com THE HIGHLAND CHILDREN'S TRUST
Tel: 243872 www.hctrust.co.uk If you would like details of your club or society included in this section please let us know. Not all clubs will be listed every issue.
December 2010 - page 3
Festive Wishes Wishing W ishing g you you all F estiv ve Che er Festive Cheer a nd Happiness! Happiness! and
McD McDonald Donald & Munro Ltd Ltd Munro
SSeasons easons Gr Greetings eetings ttoo all our C Customers ustomers
SSANTA ANT A TA WILL BE A T AT
ROOF WIZARD
Decora, Decora, LLossiebank ossiebank M Mills, ills, Elgin. 4 SSat at & 5 Sun/ Elgin. 11 SSat at & 12 Sun/18 Sat Sat & 19 Sun SSanta’s anta’s Grotto*, Grotto*, 10am-12noon noon and 1pm-4pm
Wish W ish yyou ou a Happy Happ pp py Ho Ho Holiday
*A booking system stem will be in operation, tion
REINDEERS WILL BE A AT T
SSANTA ANT A TA WILL BE A AT T
ountryfare Br Brodie odie C Countryfare d, R eindeer 23rd, Reindeer TThursday hursday 23r day, from da y, fr om 11am, special winter win ter bbq; stall selling freshly eshly made delicious fr donuts donuts,, children’s childr en’s tteacups eacups Ride ide R
Mackenzie Mackenzie & Cruickshank Cruickshank Garden Garden Centre, Centre, FForres, orres, 4 SSat at & 5 Sun/11 SSat at & 12 Sun/18 SSat at & 19 Sun Santa’s Santa’s Grotto, Grotto 1pm-3pm, 1pm-3pm £4.50* for for a gift gift & phot photo o *£1 going to Forres rres christmas lights fun fund
SSANTA ANT A TA WILL BE A AT T
SSANTA A TA ANT WILL BE AT AT
V Victoria ictoria M Market arket Inverness Inverness 4 SSaturday/ aturday/ 11 SSaturday aturday /18 SSaturday. aturday. SSanta anta aatt Victorian IInverness nverness V ictorian M Market, arket, 11am-3pm, am-3pm, SSanta anta will b be under the clock ev ery every SSaturday aturday
Baxters (Fochabers) ochabers) Baxters (F December December 4th & 5th, 11th & 12th ,19th & 20th – 23rd 23rd , 11am - 4pm Visit Visit Santa Santaa in his special Baxters Baxters Grotto. Grotto. Giftt ffor every Gif or ev er child £5.00
SSANTA A TA ANT WILL BE AT AT Holm M Mills ills Shopping Village, V illage, Dores Dores Rd, Rd, IInverness nverness 4 Sat, Sat, 5 Sun/11 SSat, at, 12 Sun /18 8 SSat, at, 19 Sun Santa’s Santa’s Gr Grotto, ot 11am-4pm (Sat) (Sat) 12-4pm 4pm (Sun).
SSANTA A TA ANT WILL BE A AT T Castle Castle Stuart Stuart ((nr nr IInverness) nverness) O Open pen u until ntil T Thurs hurs 23rd 23rd D December ecember W Weekdays eekdays SP SP W Weekends eekends 1 10am 0am - 6 6pm pm
bi g s ky certified environmental print
We a re a l o c a l l y b as ed et h i c al c o m p a n y o f f e r in g g r e a t p r i c e s , q u a l i t y a n d se rv i c e t o c er t i f i ed e n v i r o n m e n t a l s ta n d a r d s !
01309 691641 info@bigskyprint.com FULL COLOUR LITHO & DIGITAL PRINTING GRAPHIC DESIGN
SUPPLIER
Certified ISO 14001:2004 International Environmental Standard
TT-COC-002653 Š 1996 FSC A.C. Responsible forest management
ARE YOU... BUILDING, ALTERING RE-FURBISHING?
For A FREE, no obligation quote contact
VISTA Construction Â&#x2021; Building on our reputation!
HIGHLAND BEAUTY CLINIC & day spa
T r e a t yo u r l o ve d o n e t o a SNpEaWd aS y PA w i t hDlAY u n c hPA . . . tC h eKpAeG r fE e cSt g i f t t h i s c h r i s tDETOX m a s . SPA DAY BEAUTY SPA DAY Gift tokens available
Elemis Aromapure Taster Facial over the Elemis mini Ocean Wrap (can be purchased phone & Aromaspa mailed too!) Detox Box (Far Infra Red sauna) Swedish back massage Shower Detox Box (Far Infra Red sauna) Toenails filed and painted ShowerForres Tel: 01309 675674 153 High Street, Fingernails filed and painted Reflex Therapy
www.highlandbeautyclinic.com
SpotLight Picture by Kurt Simon, Copyright
When it comes to this time of year and the lead up to Christmas our thoughts usually turn to the giving or receiving of gifts. Some of us take time and trouble throughout the months leading up to the special day, selecting the perfect presents, meticulously ticking names off long lists of family and friends whom we have to buy for. Others are perhaps more like me and leave it all to the last minute. Whatever you buy (or make), you will want your gifts to demonstrate your generosity and thoughtfulness. But maybe as I have done before now, you might find yourself asking inwardly if the person receiving your gift actually appreciates it, or, for that matter really needs it. If you thought “I could get this or that, but he has got it already…” then you know what I driving at. We all may be guilty of having given or received things that we don’t want or, perhaps more importantly, need. Freddie Mercury, the former lead singer in the rock group Queen, who had all that money could buy said in an interview shortly before his death “You can have everything in the world and still be the loneliest man.” So just what do you give the person who has everything? If you had every-
LOW TIDE TIMES FOR INVERNESS IN DECEMBER Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times AM PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
W TH F SA SU M T
01.55 03.03 04.00 04.50 05.36 06.16 06.53
page 6 - December 2010
14.26 15.37 16.30 17.18 18.02 18.45 19.26
thing what would you give yourself? There is an old Christmas Carol called “See in yonder manger low.” In that song there is a verse which you might remember which says: “Sacred Infant, all divine, what a tender love was thine Thus to come from highest bliss, down to such a world as this.”
and me and ultimately (unlike you and me I expect) he was put to death on a cross because God required someone to take the blame for the wrong we do as humans. Another book in the Bible puts it like this: “The wages (penalty) of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6.23)
Down to such a world as this! To the Freddie Mercury’s of this world, and everyone else who has ever cried “I want it all, I want it all, I want it all, and I want it now!” God actually came to us and generously presented not just any old gift; He presented himself to us, as a baby, called Jesus. John’s Gospel in the Bible describes it like this: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John1.14)
So how is this relevant to Christmas 2010? It may well be that you will give or receive gifts this year which are not needed, perhaps not even wanted. But this Christmas God offers you a gift you can’t do without - eternal life. Jesus also said that he “had come that we might have life,” and as he described it “have it to the full” (John 10.10). He wasn’t just meaning that we can have hope only for the life to come after this one. He was talking about a life you and I can experience now which truly fulfills, not just one which might be momentarily satisfying, wrapped up in a tinsel bow.
In the glitz of Christmas we can easily forget that what we are celebrating is the fact that God, amazingly, became human, entering our world as a baby. Jesus’ arrival has already impacted us all, in terms of how we measure time BC (before Christ) or AD (in the year of our Lord). But it is much more significant than that. You may well know the story of how that baby Jesus grew up, he knew pain and emotions like you
8 W 9 TH 10 F 11 SA 12 SU 13 M 14 T 15 W 16 TH 17 F 18 SA 19 SU
AM 07.28 07.58 08.11 08.21 09.01 09.56 11.03 00.44 01.49 02.38 03.22 04.08
tel: 01309 690063
PM 20.07 20.50 21.32 22.11 22.46 23.33 12.32 14.26 15.18 16.05 16.52
This gift is free. It is a gift which is offered to you personally. The question is will you accept it? R. Murray McCheyne Secretary, St Columba Church of Scotland New Charge, Inverness
20 M 21 T 22 W 23 TH 24 F 25 SA 26 SU 27 M 28 T 29 W 30 TH 31 F
AM 04.58 05.46 06.32 07.15 07.55 08.32 09.08 09.50 10.41 11.40 01.09 02.35
PM 17.39 18.25 19.10 19.55 20.41 21.27 22.13 23.00 23.55 12.56 15.16
SpotLight - Inverness and District
STYLE, QUALITY & VALUE Reserve your new home now for 2011 Part exchange available on selected plots*
15% D SHARE Y EQUIT E ABL AVAIL TED LEC ON SE TS* PLO
2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes at Meadow Lea, Nairn Show Home Opening Times: Thursday to Monday 11:30am till 5pm
Sales Office Telephone: 01667 452508 www.kylaurenhomes.co.uk * Offers available on selected plots subject to availability and Kylauren Homes terms & conditions
SpotLight Picture by Natalie Hunt, Copyright
Black Isle Charge Episcopal Churches 1 Deans Road, Fortrose, tel: 01381 622241 Cale House, C of S, Millburn Road, Inverness, tel: 718616 Culduthel Christian Centre, Culduthel Avenue, Inverness tel: 222795 Pastor Reverend Bill Slack www.culduthelchristiancentre.org Culloden, C of S, 45 Oakdene Court, Culloden, Inverness Croy & Dalcross Parish Church C of S, Croy Village, serices every Sunday at 12 noon Dingwall Baptist Church, Tulloch Street, Dingwall www.dbc.org.uk Dingwall Episcopal Church, St James The Great Castle Street, Dingwall tel: 01349 862204 www.stjames-stannes.org.uk Dingwall Catholic Church, St Lawrence 21 Castle Street, Dingwall tel: 01349 863143 Free North Church, Bank Street, Inverness, tel: 224332 www.freenorthchurch.org Grace Community Church meets Sundays 10.30am at Inshes Primary School. Email thenewseed@yahoo.com Hilton, C of S, Tomatin Road, Inverness, tel: 233310 www.hiltonchurch.org.uk Inshes, C of S, Sir Walter Scott Dr, Inverness tel: 226727 www.insheschurch.org Inverness Baptist Church, 69 Castle Street, Inverness Rev Tom Urquhart email tajurquhart@btinernet.com tel: 223506 Inverness Crown Church, C of S, 3 Midmills Road, Inverness, tel: 230537 Inverness Methodist Church, Huntly Street, Inverness tel: 231170 or visit www.churchesinverness.com Kings Fellowship meets at Smithton Industrial Estate, Culloden IV2 7WL tel: 792700 info@thekingsfactory.com Ness Bank C of S, Inverness. Sunday Service 11am
(10am July/Aug), tel: 793926 visit www.nessbank.com North Kessock, C of S, Main Street, North Kessock tel: 731712, www.churchofscotland.org.uk Old High St Stephen's, C of S, 1. Old High Church, Church Street, Inverness tel: 250802; 2 Southside Road at Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness tel: 250802 www.oldhighststephens.com St Andrew's Cathedral, Scottish Episcopal Church, Ardross Street, Inverness, tel: 233535, www.invernesscathedral.com St Columba, Inverness, C of S we meet at 11am each Sunday at Holm Primary School, Alpha Course between now & Christmas, at 11am each Sunday & stay for lunch! Contact murray mcCheyne info@stcolumbainverness.org, tel: 07535 290092 or visit www.stcolumbainverness.org St John the Evangelist, Episcopal Church, Southside Road, Inverness. Sunday Service at 10.45am and Holy Communion on Wednesdays at 11am. Tel: 716288 or visit the website www.stjohns-inverness.com St. Ninian's Catholic Church, 21 Culduthel Road, Inverness tel: 236620, www.saintninians.org.uk St. Mary's Catholic Church, 30 Huntly Street, Inverness tel: 233519, www.stmarysinverness.co.uk St Mary-in-the-Fields, Episcopal Church, Culloden, Sunday Service 9.45am and Holy Communion on Fridays at 10.30am. Tel: 716288 or visit the website www.stjohns-inverness.com St Michael & All Angels, Abban Street, Inverness. Canon Len Black tel: 233797 or www.angelforce.co.uk Salvation Army, 84 Firthview Drive, Inverness tel: 225276 www.salvationarmy.org.uk Smithton Free Church, Murray Road, Smithton, Inverness tel: 790977, www.freechurch.org If you are a member of a church not listed here please email us with details and we may print this in future issues.
MORAY BASED ROOFING SPECIALIST
Slating Tiling Fascias Guttering Single Ply & GRP Flat Roof Systems G
G
G
General property maintenance service. Chartered surveyor ref on request
OF RO O F WIIZARD Z ARD 01343 850063 07765 947025
email: enquiries@roof-wizard.co.uk
FAMILY RUN FOR 21 YEARS
page 8 - December 2010
tel: 01309 690063
SpotLight - Inverness and District
Advertise your event here from only £61 per month plus VAT. Call 01309 690063 or email natalie@spotlighton.co.uk Deadline for January issue is Wednesday 8th December
SpotLight
DECEMBER 2010 from end Nov through to 8th January 2011 beauly gallery & gifts - winter/christmas exhibition, featuring local artists, christmas gifts and traditional range of hand knitted stocking fillers, open tues-fri 10am-4pm, sat 10am-5pm, www.beaulygallery.co.uk
ment, scottish country and ceilidh simple dances (with instruction!), light refreshments, byob, raffle, all welcome, £6, tel: 01381 620121 or 01349 863489 slam at the ironworks, £10, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
DECEMBER 1 wednesday
5 sunday
the boy who trapped the sun at the ironworks, 7.30pm, £7.50, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
santa’s grotto, 12noon-4pm, holm mills shopping village, dores road, inverness
2 thursday
pure brass, 8pm, the town house, inverness, visit www.eden-court.co.uk or tel: 234234
‘heire bannag’ - a celtic christmas surprise with music by fiona j. mackenzie and poetry by angus peter campbell, 8pm, tickets £12/£10, visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org or tel: 01997 420124
3 friday brodie countryfare foodhall tasting day, 10am-4pm, tel: 01309 614555 for more details caledon scotland’s tenors - ‘let it snow!’, 8pm, strathpeffer pavilion, tickets £14 (£5 for school pupils) on sale soon, www.strathpefferpavilion.org or tel: 01997 420124 or visit www.caledonmusic.com coast & support from bruce & jamie watson at the ironworks, £12, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
3 friday, 4 saturday and 5 sunday exclusively highlands christmas craft & food fair, 3pm-9pm friday:10am-5pm saturday & sunday, bishops palace, eden court, inverness, free, visit www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk for more details
7 tuesday to january 9 sunday beauty and the beast, eden court theatre, inverness, visit www.eden-court.co.uk or tel: 234234
7 tuesday pure brass, 8pm, the town house, inverness, visit www.eden-court.co.uk or tel: 234234
9 thursday professor green plus ed drewett at the ironworks, £13.50, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com bruce molsky, 8pm, bogbain adventure & heritage farm, inverness, £10, tel: 772800 or visit the website at www.bogbainfarm.com
10 friday one night of queen at the ironworks, £18, tel: 772800 or visit the website at www.bogbainfarm.com
10 friday & 11 saturday
4 saturday inverness farmers market, 8.30am-4.30pm, local produce and goods on sale, eastgate precinct children’s christmas crafts workshop, 10.30am12.30pm, inverness museum & art gallery, tel:237114 or visit inverness.highland.museum santa at inverness victorian market, 11am-3pm, santa will be under the clock every saturday christmas bazaar, 11am-2.30pm, charleston community complex, inverness, tel: 220128 santa’s grotto, 11am-4pm, holm mills shopping village, dores road, inverness clan donald ceilidh, 7.30pm-11.30pm, munlochy hall, featuring hamish polson band, piping, entertainSpotLight - Inverness and District
7 tuesday
cinderella - the pantomine comes to phipps hall, beauly, friday & saturday 7.30pm £7/£5 concessions - saturday only 2.30pm £6/£4 concessions, in aid of highland hospice, info and tickets from liz hoey tel: 01463 831422; robertson’s larder and morison’s hardware of beauly
10 friday, 11 saturday and 12 sunday creation - a community show, 7.30pm, eden court theatre, inverness, tel: 234234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk
www.spotlighton.co.uk
December 2010 - page 9
DECEMBER 2010 continued
11 saturday festive choirs at eastgate shopping centre, carols & songs by hilton church choir and a choir raising money for blythswood care christmas craft fair, 10am-4pm, town house, inverness, unusual gifts from exclusively highland storytelling and christmas crafts, 10.30am-12.30pm, inverness museum & art gallery, tel:237114 or visit inverness.highland.museum santa at inverness victorian market, 11am-3pm, santa will be under the clock every saturday santa’s grotto, 11am-4pm, holm mills shopping village, dores road, inverness thank you for the 70’s!, 8pm, strathpeffer pavilion, a celebration of 70s music, including an abba tribute, from the team who brought us abba-cadabra, tickets £13 (£5 for school pupils) from www.thebooth.co.uk or visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org dreadzone plus support from she is danger at the ironworks, £12.50, tel: 772800 or visit the website at www.bogbainfarm.com
11 saturday and 12 sunday rudolph’s winter wonderland, 4pm-7pm, whin park, inverness, a magical wonderland full of light, free
12 sunday santa’s grotto, 12noon-4pm, holm mills shopping village, dores road, inverness
19 sunday
13 monday from the jam, 7.30pm,eden court theatre, tel: 234234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk scottish ensemble candlelit concert, 8pm, eden court theatre, £14.50, tel: 234234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk
16 thursday, 17 friday, 18 saturday holly at christmas, 7.30pm, eden court theatre, with tribute band buddy & the cricketers, £15, tel: 234234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk
17 friday children’s christmas crafts workshop, 10.30am12.30pm, inverness museum & art gallery, tel:237114 or visit inverness.highland.museum dyke primary school carol singing, 12.30pm-1.30pm, brodie countryfare, by forres tel: 01309 614555 showstopperz - another concert by the exciting inverness-based group led by gail and reno troilus, 8pm, strathpeffer pavilion, including both professional and talented amateur singers, more details soon, www.showstopperz.co.uk abba mania at the ironworks, £18, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com inverness choral society carolthon, eastgate page 10 - December 2010
santa’s grotto, 12noon-4pm, holm mills shopping village, dores road, inverness
20 monday
14 tuesday
18 saturday
strathpeffer market’s last minute gift shopping event, 9.30am-1.30pm, free entry, strathpeffer community centre, happy hour 12.30pm-1.30pm - for £2.50 receive a free wine/beer with shortbread & a gift wrapping service for every present bought at the market, for details or to book tel: 01997 423209 or 421989 children’s christmas crafts workshop, 10.30am12.30pm, inverness museum & art gallery, tel:237114 or visit inverness.highland.museum santa at inverness victorian market, 11am-3pm, santa will be under the clock every saturday santa’s grotto, 11am-4pm, holm mills shopping village, dores road, inverness st michael & all angels christmas concert (puer natus est ), 7.30pm, featuring the ross-shire-based early music group cnoc fyrish, tel: 233797 cinema nairn - the pink panther (PG), 7.30pm, nairn community centre, king street, nairn, £4 aduts/£3 under 18’s, visit www.cinemanairn.blogspot.com the peatbog faeries, 8pm, strathpeffer pavilion, skye’s peatbog faeries have become one of scotland’s best-known names in contemporary folk music and have taken their individual brand of scottish music to audiences all over the world, tickets £15 (standing only) on sale at www.thebooth.co.uk or www.ticketweb.co.uk skerryvore with support from torridon at the ironworks, £10, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
dyke primary school carol singing, 12.30pm-1.30pm, brodie countryfare, by forres tel: 01309 614555
20 monday and 21 tuesday will it snow?, will it snow?, will it snow?, eden court theatre, a winter show for under 5’s, £4, tel: 234234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk
20 monday to 24 friday santa at inverness victorian market, 11am-3pm, santa will be under the clock every saturday
HOW THe “WHAT’S ON” WOrKS
All line listings are free Send us details of any events coming up to natalie@spotlighton.co.uk Permissable events include any event open to the public (whether they have a ticket price or not, charitable or money-making) such as; pub music, entertainment, coffee mornings, fetes, fairs, rallies, walks, runs, sports, theatre, drama, car boots, markets, crafts, equestrian, fundraising etc etc... If you would like an enhanced listing (white box) this costs from £61 plus vat. Call 01309 690063 for details. Deadline for January Issue is Wednesday 8th December
tel: 01309 690063
SpotLight - Inverness and District
Universal Hall, Findhorn Showing films throughout the year. Visit www.findhorn.org/uhall or call 01309 691170 for details.
Cinema Listings December 2010 Eden Court Theatre, Inverness Burke And Hare (15) Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows:Part One (12) Warren Miller’s Wintervention (12) The Kids Are All Right (15) plus many others
Vue Cinema, Inverness 3rd December Megamind (2D and 3D) 10th December Chronicles of Narnia: Legend of the Dawn Treader (2D and 3D) The Tourist 17th December Tron Legacy 3D Animals United (2D and 3D) Burlesque 24th December Meet the Parents: Little Fockers 26th December Gulliver's Travels(2D and 3D)
Visit www.eden-court.co.uk or call 01463 234234 for details
KidsAM - Every Saturday & Sunday at 10.15am - 95p per ticket Seniors Club - Every Tuesday at 12.30pm - £3 inc. refreshments NEW Teen Screen Every Thursday & Friday £1.95 2D or £2.95 3D
Moray Playhouse, Elgin New Screenings begin on Fridays Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk
Cinema Nairn 17th - Film Fans Choice 18th - The Pink Panther (PG)
Visit cinemanairn.blogspot.com or contact Nairn Community Centre on 01667 453476 for details
SpotLight - Inverness and District
Visit www.myvue.com for details
Portessie Public Hall Regular films including Saturday matinees. For further details email portessiepublichall@hotmail.co.uk
www.spotlighton.co.uk
December 2010 - page 11
SpotLight
Pan Seared Fillet of Beef wrapped in Parma Ham with SautĂŠed Mushrooms
This dish is a classic in its own way and its a great dinner party dish. Ingredients - Serves 2 2 6-8oz fillet steaks 4 slices of parma ham Butter 2 garlic cloves 500g of mixed mushrooms small bunch of parsley 2 dessert spoons of red wine salt and pepper extra vigin olive oil This dish is a classic in its own way and its a great dinner party dish. Ingredients - Serves 2 2 6-8oz fillet steaks 4 slices of parma ham Butter 2 garlic cloves 500g of mixed mushrooms small bunch of parsley 2 dessert spoons of red wine salt and pepper extra vigin olive oil
Add the mushrooms, chopped, simmer for a couple of minutes then add parsley and red wine. Give the pan a good shake making sure the mushrooms are well coated. To serve place your fillet in the centre of a plate and drizzle the mushrooms over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes or new poatoes and vegetables Enjoy!
Allan Little,Head Chef River House Restaurant, Inverness 01463 222033 Photograph by Lucy Knott Š
To Cook Place a frying pan on a high heat with a little extra virgin olive oil, season the fillet with salt and pepper and place in the pan. Keep turning the steak for the first minute or two then leave for three mins either side. On a chopping board lay the parma ham out in a cross, place the fillet in the middle and fold up to form a parcel. Place under a grill turning regularly until ham is crisp. Meanwhile back in a new frying pan add a knob of butter along with two cloves of garlic which have been crushed.
page 12 - December 2010
tel: 01309 690063
SpotLight - Inverness and District
DECEMBER 2010 continued
23 thursday brodie countryfare reindeer day, from 11am, special winter bbq; stall selling delicious freshly made donuts, children’s teacups ride; shop for last minute food, gift ideas, toys and stocking fillers, tel: 01309 614555 for more details
24 friday come dine at
lush rollers, 7pm-2am, ceol-mor, tomnahurich street, inverness, tel: 250690 or visit www.ceol-mor.com
26 sunday funk d’void and we see aliens, alan macpherson, planisfear & thundercat at the ironworks, £8, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
27 monday the complete stone roses at the ironworks, £12.50, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
28 tuesday RESTAURANT 1 Greig Street, Inverness Telephone 01463 222033 www.riverhouseinverness.co.uk IImage mage b byy LLucy ucy K Knott nott
Are you a local Burns Society or Club? Are you hosting a Burns Supper or event? Let us know & we will print the details FREE Call 01309 690063 or email natalie@spotlighton.co.uk Deadline for submissions is Wednesday 8th December
HOW THe “WHAT’S ON” WOrKS All line listings are free Send us details of any events coming up to natalie@spotlighton.co.uk Permissable events include any event open to the public (whether they have a ticket price or not, charitable or money-making) such as; pub music, entertainment, coffee mornings, fetes, fairs, rallies, walks, runs, sports, theatre, drama, car boots, markets, crafts, equestrian, fundraising etc etc... If you would like an enhanced listing (white box) this costs from £61 plus vat. Call 01309 690063 for details. Deadline for January Issue is Wednesday 8th December
netsounds unsigned showcase, free, hootananny, inverness, tel: 233651 or www.hootananny.co.uk
31 tuesday hogmanay church service, 7pm, ness bank church the red hot highland fling-take 2, 8pm, northern meeting park arena, inverness, the biggest hogmanay party in the highlands with the red hot chilli pipers; peatbog faeries & blazin’ fiddles hogmanay shindig, from 9pm, strathpeffer pavilion, the pavilion’s now famous, family-friendly hogmanay shindig, tickets £21 (£14 for under 14’s), limited numbers on sale soon, www.strathpefferpavilion.org filth resolution new years party 2010-2011 at the ironworks, 10pm, £5, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com hootananny hogmanay extravaganza, free, hootananny, inverness, tel: 233651 or visit www.hootananny.co.uk hogmanay extravaganza @ ceol-mor, from 7pm, ceol-mor, tomnahurich street, inverness, tel: 250690 or visit www.ceol-mor.com
JANUARY 2011 (in brief)
6 thursday and 7 friday roy ‘chubby’ brown at the ironworks, £20/£30, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
20 thursday russell kane - smokescreens and castle at the ironworks, £12 tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
29 saturday erol alkan at the ironworks, £15, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
SpotLight Picture by Roger Carr, Copyright
ExtRACtS FRom tHE DRAFt miNutES oF tHE mEEtiNg oF 4tH oCtobER 2010 oF iNvERNESS City CommittEE
Business • the Chairman congratulated mrs Sheila graham, Council officer, on becoming the first ever female Halbardier in the 400 year history of inverness Kirking of the Council and presented her with a picture of herself on the day to mark the occasion. • members were shown the new pipe banner displaying the Highland Council Crest to be used by Pipe majors at any official event attended by the Provost. • members noted the retiral of mr Harry Lawless, victorian market Superintendent, and noting his 20 year service, expressed their best wishes for a long and happy retirement. Inverness Flood Prevention Scheme - South West Relief Channel the Project Design unit manager briefed members on the progress of the project. members were pleased to note the progress of the project commenting that: • flooding had been a problem for local residents for many years and this development was long overdue; • this provided reassurance for the future; • this was a major project bringing work into the area; and • any concerns raised by local people during construction were being well handled. City Pride the City manager summarised the report and members commented on the impact of the initiatives as follows: • these initiatives were trying to introduce civic responsibility and pride; there was evidence of improvements to the number of fly tipping incidents and dog fouling; • there was a need to pay particular attention to fly posters; • there was a need to continue with education and enforcement, when necpage 14 - December 2010
essary; • shop owners and householders should be encouraged to look after areas outside their own premises; • there was a perception that the City Centre was receiving more attention than outlying areas; • safer school routes needed priority attention; • visual campaigns, such as collecting a days rubbish and displaying in one place, would have a bigger impact than press releases; • the timing of enforcement campaigns was important, with Friday and Saturday evenings being prime time; • areas on the riverside and inverness Castle still required attention; • business premises owners should be encouraged to maintain their buildings and remove damaging and unsightly weeds and grafitti; empty shop units and large numbers of advertising for sale/to let boards had a hugely negative impact on any area. officers responded to members’ comments, stating that: • the Council could not do it all alone and the business community had to recognise that partnership working to ensure cleaner and safer streets was the only way ahead; • bye-laws were being reviewed with a view to encouraging premise owners to maintain their properties; • Enforcement officers within tECS were currently able to issue notices and it was also intended to enable Community Wardens to do so in conjunction with tECS staff; and • it was more difficult to catch offenders in rural areas. Winter Payments Scheme 2010 members were concerned that the introduction of a new Single grant application form might have a detrimental affect on the number of applications
tel: 01309 690063
being completed for Winter Payments and called for officers to clarify whether the existing Winter Payment Scheme form could remain in place. Inverness Common Good Fund Donations Working Group the Committee AgREED to award the following •Hilton Community Centre - youth Club £6,000 - subject to standard terms and conditions and all other funding having been secured. • Homeless Day Centre - Dalneigh garden Project. £15,000 for financial year 2010/11 on condition that an evaluation/progress report be supplied to the City manager, no later than march 2011, who would then consult with the Donations Working group. £12,500 for financial year 2011/12 subject to the terms of the above report being satisfactory to the Council, with a condition that a second report be supplied and considered in the same way, no later than march 2012. £12,500 for financial year 2012/13 subject to the terms of the above report being satisfactory to the Council, with a condition that a further report be supplied and considered in the same way, no later than march 2013. • youth inclusive £11,600 subject to standard terms and conditions and all other funding having been secured. • inverness Synchronized Skating team £3,000 subject to standard terms and conditions and all other funding having been secured. • the Committee agreed to DEFER the Highland Homeless trust application until further info had been provided on the group’s usage of a mini bus.
SpotLight - Inverness and District
Providing a quality product %8,/',1* &2175$&7256 &,9,/ (1*,1((56 3/$17 +,5( +286( %8,/'(56
NEW BUILD HOUSE
MINOR WORKS Our business encompasses all aspects of construction and you can be assured that we are committed to providing the very
COMMUNITY CENTRE
best workmanship and support services and that your project will be completed to your satisfaction on time and within budget.
PLANT HIRE MINOR WORKS: KITCHENS GARAGES EXTENSIONS NEW BUILD John A Jack Contracts Limited, Units 5/6, T Tom om Semple Road, Balmakeith Industrial Estate, Nairn, IV12 5QW
Telephone: Telephone: 01667 455157 Email: info@jackcontracts.co.uk ww www.jackcontracts.co.uk w.jackcontracts.co.uk
SpotLight Picture by terry Harvey, Copyright
for 2010/2011 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Thursday 23rd December 2010 Spring Term Starts Monday 10th January 2011 Holiday Closure Monday 14th February 2011 Holiday Closure Tuesday 15th February 2011 Regional Closure Wed. 16th February 2011 Regional Closure Thursday 17th February 2011 Regional Closure Friday 18th February 2011 Spring Term Ends Friday 8th April 2011 Good Friday Holiday Friday 22nd April 2011 Easter Monday Holiday Mon. 25th April 2011 Summer Term Starts Tuesday 26th April 2011
“ Parliament Blog ” As I’m sure readers will know I have been working heavily on the recent Spending Review which is responsible for looking at savings within the public sector. Throughout that time I have been acutely aware that every decision we took, every option we considered, would have a direct impact on people across the UK. None is more painful locally than the outcome of the Strategic Defence and Security Review and the decision not to proceed with Nimrod. Whilst the right decision given the threats we now face, it leaves huge uncertainty facing RAF Kinloss. No decisions have yet been made on closures. The MoD is reviewing its bases to see where closures need to take place and whether locations can be put to other uses, including the possibility of accommodating British troops who are returning from Germany. There are no guarantees, but it is important that a strong case is presented and listened to in government. The families affected have served this country loyally and with distinction and it is essential that, whatever the outcome, they are given full support and assistance through this very difficult time. As the local MP for many of those people who work at RAF Kinloss, I will do all I can to help. Dan ny A lexander MP page 16 - December 2010
May Day Holiday Monday 2nd May 2011 Summer Term Ends Friday 1st July 2011 or 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 16th August 2011 Autumn Term Ends Friday 7th October 2011 Regional Closure Monday 24th October 2011 Winter Term Starts Tuesday 25th October 2011 Winter Term Ends Thu. 22nd December 2011 Spring Term Starts Monday 9th January 2012 Regional Closure Wed. 15th February 2012 Regional Closure Thursday 16th February 2012 Regional Closure Friday 17th February 2012
Every day as a Minister in the Scottish Government is different. This Tuesday began with my two year old daughter giving me a very clear instruction “Ammm” - clutching in her tiny hand one of the dvds of her favourite “Fireman Sam” which I was to put on! The first work task was an appearance before the Justice committee of the Scottish Parliament to provide our evidence on a new law which aims to help women who are victims of domestic violence. During this 90 minutes session, Nigel Don MP asked if Sheriffs should not have a measure of discretion in how to apply the law -“ after all they are not computers” he pronounced. I was able to confirm that no matter how savage the cuts may be, we have no plans, as a Government, to replace Sheriffs with computers. At about 11.45am I answered questions from four secondary schools pupils who were all studying for their highers, the justice system, and in particular how prison works, and what we should do to tackle drugs. As is often the case, I was very impressed by the children who had read up about the legal system. I am the Minister who works with Kenny MacAskill , who sits as the Cabinet Secretary for Justice. Since he was in Brussels at a Meeting of the EU Council, I had to deputise for him, at a meeting of senior staff, where I press for action on progress on a number of fronts. After a
tel: 01309 690063
quick sandwich and coffee (lukewarm!) lunch, I attended with the First Minister, John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon at a meeting with COSLA to discuss the impending Scottish Budget. Then, again at St Andrews House, I sat in for Kenny on the Cabinet meeting. Collective responsibility means that my lips are sealed, but my advice for anyone who has serious business to do with Alex Salmond is - do your homework first to make sure that you can answer any questions he has - they tend to be good ones! By now the clock says 6.45, and I attend, somewhat late, a parliamentary reception I was to host for the Scottish Gamekeepers association. They were doing a presentation to MSPs from all parties about their work, and their concerns about what some laws may mean for their members. They are great guys - rooted in the countryside - and far more knowledgeable about what actually happens on our moors and mountains than most folk. They are also a good laugh. We finish the day with for me, a rare meal out - at a pizza resteraunt just round the corner from the Parliament. Harold Wilson the Labour PM once said that a week is a long time in politics. Sometimes, a day can be fairly long too. Fergus E wing MSP SpotLight - Inverness and District
SpotLight Picture by Karen barclay, Copyright
Police Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08456 005703 Bus Station, Inverness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239292 Citizens Advice Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 706014 Dalcross Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 464000 Highland Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01349 886606 National rail enquires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08457 484950 Ardersier Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 462658 Beauly Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782930 Cromarty Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 600318 Culloden Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 792531 Fortrose Community Library . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 622235 Inshes Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 725928 Inverness Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 236463 Black Isle Leisure Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 621252 Culloden Academy Community Complex . 01463 792794 Inverness Leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 667500 vILLAGe HALLS & COmmUNITY CeNTreS Abriachan village Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 861257 Ardersier Old School Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 462658 Cameron Youth Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 234785 Cannich Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 459224 Croy Public Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 493480 Culduthel Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712844 Farr Community Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01808 521244 Floral Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 713553 Kiltarlity Community Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 741447 Kirkhill Community Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 831737 merkinch Community Centre. . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239563 Phipps Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782930 Smithton-Culloden Youth Centre . . . . . . . . 01463 793284 Smithton Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 792794 Spectrum Centre & Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 221842 Stratherrick Public Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 486464 Strathnairn Hall (Daviot) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 772228 veTS Burgess & Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 237000 Crown vets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712202 Culloden veterinary Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 793700 eastgate veterinary Practice . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 230893 Fish vet Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 717774 Inshes veterinary Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 711777 Kessock equine veterinary Clinic . . . . . . . 01463 731107 moray Coast vet Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 794224 SCHOOLS Aldourie Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 751272 Ardersier Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 462344
Advertise in this space from only £53 per month plus VAT. Call 01309 690063 or email david@spotlighton.co.uk. Deadline for January issue is Wednesday 8th December SpotLight - Inverness and District
Auldearn Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 452118 Balloch Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 790287 Balnain Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 476262 Beauly Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782576 Bishop eden’s Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 237103 Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 725980 Cannich Bridge Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 415304 Cauldeen Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 235905 Cawdor Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 402460 Central Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 233906 Charleston Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 234324 Cradlehall Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 791195 Crown Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 233879 Croy Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 493356 Culloden Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 790851 Dalneigh Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 232636 Daviot Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 772226 Dochgarroch Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 861240 Drakies Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 236032 Drummond School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 701050 Duncan Forbes Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 791897 Farr Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01808 521246 Foyers Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 486612 Glen Urquhart High School . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 459134 Glenurquhart Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 450458 Hilton Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 230435 Holm Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 232697 Inshes Primary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 725920 Inverness High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 233586 Inverness royal Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 222884 Kinmylies Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239720 Kirkhill Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 831543 Lochardil Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 230250 merkinch Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 232962 millbank Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 452240 millburn Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 729152 muirtown Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239537 Nairn Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 453700 raigmore Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 234971 rosebank Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 454090 Smithton Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 791606 St. Joseph’s r.C. Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 231837 Strathdearn Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 226197 Stratherrick Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 486630 Teanassie Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782581 Tomnacross Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 741497
Gateaux Regal Contact Jean Luc on 01667 455166 or visit at Unit 13 C1 Balmakeith Industrial Estate, Nairn
www.spotlighton.co.uk
December 2010 - page 17
Culloden Battlefield
SpotLight
The 16th April 1746 is a date which has been etched deeply into the annals of this nation’s history due to the battle of Culloden and the far-reaching effects of its aftermath. Essentially the battle of Culloden was to end the possibility of restoring the Stuart household to the thrones of England and Scotland after a long period of risings which had begun with the deposition of James VII and II in 1689. The roots of this struggle between the Stuart and Hanoverian dynasties were steeped in religious and ideological differences. The battle lasted no more than an hour and saw the army of approximately 5-7,000 Jacobite soldiers robustly beaten by the 10,000 Government troops. It is estimated that 1,500 Jacobites were left dead compared to the 50 Government losses in the hour of battle. In terms of global conflict history, these are by no means a large number of losses or, indeed, even a large battle. It is perhaps due to the immediate aftermath of the battle that it has come to have such an extraordinary connection in Scottish history. To this day the battle still evokes strong emotions in many visitors and conjures strong support for Gaelic culture, which was irrevocably changed by the systematic ‘Pacification of the Highlands’ by the Hanoverian Government.
The project was funded by a wide variety of benefactors and, with backing from the Scottish Government, the European Union, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, as well as other generous donations from various trusts and sponsors. As well as these, donations were made by individuals; including many National Trust for Scotland members; and fund-raising projects were also set up which saw a large amount of support from Scottish descendants all over the globe. This gave the opportunity for inscribed stones and ceiling names to be displayed at the centre in exchange for donations to the Memorial Project. The visitor to the centre will be able to experience an incredible journey through the 1745 rising. The story is told through a plethora of interactive media. Highlights of this include: The ‘Character Stations’, which give the visitor first hand accounts of the key events; ‘Campaign Tables’, which show the movements of both armies during the campaign. Most notable are the four minute ‘Battle Immersion Film’, which puts the visitor right at the heart of the hand to hand fighting, giving the visitor a shock of emotions to bring the style of fighting and the ferocity of the battle to life; and the ‘Battle Table’, which shows the battle happening from an aerial viewpoint, clearly showing the movement of regiments and the tactical decisions that were made to create the outcome. As well as the modernistic use of museum technology there is a remarkable collection of weaponry and objects on show, and alongside this the costumed Living History presentations will be guaranteed to bring the story of Culloden to life. Having experienced all of this, the visitor can also take a handheld GPS guide onto the battlefield itself, giving them information at various points as they see for themselves the place where this infamous event took place.
Today, Culloden Battlefield is owned and cared for by Scotland’s leading conservation charity, The National Trust for Scotland. The Trust depends on membership, donations and revenue raised at the properties to protect, maintain and provide education and enjoyment at over a hundred unique and amazing sites throughout Scotland. At Culloden, the site is also a war grave and memorial to the fallen on both sides.
The visitor centre also boasts a well stocked shop which is famed for its excellent collection of books, a fully licensed restaurant and spacious rooms for corporate hire. More information on this and upcoming events, as well as opening times, can be found on the property website at www.nts.org.uk/culloden or by phoning 0844 493 2159.
Commemoration of such an event is of the upmost importance to the National Trust for Scotland. In December 2007 the Culloden Battlefield Memorial Project was successful in creating a state-of-the-art £9.6 million visitor centre as a memorial to the events that occurred on the bleak moor, just 5 miles east of Inverness. The Battlefield Visitor Centre is widely regarded as one of the best in the world and has already received many awards; most notably becoming a Scottish Tourist Board 5 Star Visitor Attraction.
Article by Andrew Grant McKenzie M.A. (Hons) Senior Admissions and Membership Assistant The National trust for Scotland Culloden Battlefield & Visitor Centre
page 18 - December 2010
tel: 01309 690063
SpotLight - Inverness and District
SpotLight Picture by Keith J bissett, Copyright
1st Pizza Direct ............................Outside Back Cover Beaver Travel..............................................................2 Big Sky Print ..............................................................5 Castle Stuart ............................................Front Cover Gateaux Regal ........................................................17 Highland Beauty Clinic ..............................................5 John A Jack ............................................................15 Kylauren Homes ..................................................4 & 7 Logie Steading ..........................................................2 McDonald & Munro....................................................4
Moray Coast Veterinary Group ................Front Cover Mr Builder ..................................................................8 River House Restaurant ..........................................13 Robertson Homes......................................................2 Roof Wizard ......................................................4 & 13 Seaforth Windows Home Improvements ..................5 Spotty Bag Shop......................................................19 Unique Beauty ..........................................Front Cover Vista Construction......................................................5 Wheelchair Care ........................................................5
Local Holidays 2010/2011 St Andrews Day Christmas Day * Boxing Day * New Years Day *
Tuesday 30th November Monday 27th December Tuesday 28th December Monday 3rd January 2011
2nd January * Good Friday Early May Bank Holiday * substitute day
Tuesday 4th January Friday 22nd April Monday 2nd May
s
d
1
st
1st
Christmas Is A Coming ...And You Know What That Means..... Party Time!!!! And What Better Way To o Celebrate Than With 1st Pizza Directs Original And Best Party In A Box!! For Office Office Partys, Work Work Bashes, Family Gatherings Or Just Having The Lads (Or The Girls) Round For A Few Beers What Better Way To Celebrate Than With The Famous Mega Party Pack!
XMAS P PARTY PART ARTY PACK PACK ...of our freshly baked Extra Large Pizza bases (deep pan or traditional its up to you) spread with our special pizza sauce and slathered with loads of pure Mozzerella. T op them your way Top with up to four of our delicious toppings on each one Baked to perfection and served with Fresh Garlic Bread. Fresh Garlic Cheese Bread. 8 crunchy Chicken Dippers with a BBQ dip. 8 lightly spiced Chicken Wings, Large Coleslaw,, Crispy Onion Rings and Coleslaw a large box of chunky chips ...phew add it all up and this gives you in excess of 50 quids worth of the most deliously mouthwatering party food you can think of Its yours for just
£25.00
....What ....W hat a deal!!!
WINGS & DIPPERS Buy a bo box x of stic sticky ky BBQ wings for for just
£3.99
box of and get a box Souther n Fried Fried Chicken Chick Southern for FREE!! for
NEW NEW NEW NEW Why W hy not tr try y our new and delicious Home Homemade Stic ky T offee Sticky Toffee Pud ding onl y £1 Pudding only 1.99 .99 And don’t don’t forget forget our great great Homemade Lunchtime Lunchtime Specials... day Deals on every ever y day, from from just £1 1.99 .99
MAC ‘N’ CHEESE
MIDWEEK MADNESS
Everyones favourite Our Homemade Macaroni Cheese is fantastic, real Italian Pasta, creamy Cheese sauce and the flavour sensation that can only come from mature Scottish Cheddar makes this a real winner with everyone, served with chunky Chips to mop up that sauce!!! And this month buy a Macaroni Cheese with Chips...for just
MONDAY MON DAYY DA
FREE KEBABS!!! KEBABS!!! Buy any lar large ge K Kebab ebab and get a rregular egular the same FREE!!
£3.95
and get a portion of fresh garlic bread for FREE!!!
TUESDAY TUE SDAYY SDA
KIDS EAT EAT FREE
FREE PIZZA!!! Any Pizza any siz size e with 4 or mor more e toppings and get another the same FREE!!
For the whole month of December Buy any kids meal from just
£2.99
and get another of your choice for
FREE
WEDNESDAY WEDNESDA SDAYY
All kids meals come in a box with chunky chips, juice and a toy Choose from, Macaroni cheese, chicken nuggets, chicken fillets, haddock, sausage, beef burger burger,, cheese burger burger,, chicken burger or crunchy French bread pizza fingers.
FREE FISH*!!! Buy a Haddock Haddock and Chips and get a single single Haddock Haddock FREE!!
DELIVERY DELIVER Y HO HOTLINES TLINES
CULLODEN CULL ODEN 01463 798400 Unit 2, Keppoch Road
INVERNESS 01463 717171 Unit 2, Glenurquhart Road
NAIRN AIRN
01667 456268
The Bus Station
DINGWALL
01349 864979
61 High Street
*Not aavailable vailable aatt our Dingw Dingwall all store store
ORDER ONLINE AT www.1stpizzadirect.co.uk