DECEMBER 2013
I NV E R NE S S & D I S T RI C T THE NORTH’S FAVOURITE FREE WEE MAG
Are you looking for a reliable and inexpensive Accounting or Tax Service? For a FREE consultation Please call Wendy at
(SS°0U°( +H`Z°Work (JJV\U[PUN ;H_ :LY]PJLZ
01463 419381 07860 367686 www.allinadayswork.info
A LOT OF SHOPPING UNDER ONE ROOF GROUND FLOOR ͚ Ȉ Ȉ Ȉ Ȉ Ȉ Ȉ ͛ Ȉ Ȉ Ȉ Ȉ ͜ Ȉ Ǥ Ǥ Ȉ Ȉ
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easy to call • easy to click • easy to go ONLY SCOTTISH COMPANY LIKE US OPEN ‘TIL 9PM! All offers include evening meal and breakfast unless otherwise stated. Hotels with include leisure facilities. BB = bed & breakfast.
MORE BREAK AVAILA S B TO BOO LE K ONLINE & ON T H PHONE E
We’ll price match if you find any of our breaks at a better price elsewhere!*
ABERDEEN
ST ANDREWS
Hilton Aberdeen Treetops Hotel
Fairmont St Andrews
2 nights (Thur-Sun)
November to March 3 nights (Thur-Sun)
£90
£129
2 nights (Sun-Thur)
November to March 2 nights (Fri arrival)
£166
£176
DUNBLANE
EDINBURGH
DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro
Thistle Edinburgh City, The King James
1 night (Mon-Thur)
November to March 2 nights (Fri arrival)
£68
November to December
£156
£119
2 nights
January to March 2 nights
£104
INVERNESS
CARNOUSTIE
Kingsmills Hotel
Carnoustie Golf Hotel
November to March 2 nights
£140
2 nights (Sun-Thur)
Call 08430 55 44 33 or book online at www.easy-breaks.com Open 7 days 9am to 9pm
November to February 2 nights (Fri arrival)
£109
£119
easy-breaks.com gift vouchers available now... the ideal Christmas present
Terms and conditions: All rates are per person, per break based on two guests sharing a double or twin room and include dinner, bed and breakfast unless otherwise stated, please check for family and single room rates and availability. All reservations must be pre-paid at time of booking by credit or debit card and an administration charge applies to each reservation. All rates are subject to availability which may be limited- when they’re gone, they’re gone, and excludes festive period, so book quickly to avoid disappointment. *If you find the same deal cheaper on any other third party booking site, we will match that rate. Full terms and conditions apply, please see website.
ADULTS
CHILDREN & TEENS
NEW day, evening & weekend classes start January.
Private tuition. Language Classes afterschool & Saturdays. Higher evening classes start January.
94 Academy Street, Inverness: near bus/rail & car parks
01463 71 61 51 www.mftcollege.co.uk
Pilates And Yoga Classes Weekly Combined Workshops Monthly CHRIS TM VOUCH AS ER AVAILA S BLE
Range of High back chairs Riser/Recliner Chairs & Electric Beds... ...everything to keep you comfortable this winter. Hours of Business MON - FRI 9am - 5pm
Contact Brigid at Tel: 07884 497 547 Email: b.aitken614@btinternet.com www.thornhall.co.uk/workshop
01309 676677 sales@wheelchaircare.co.uk 21 West Road, Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres IV36 2GW (Behind Lidl) Easy Parking & Disabled Toilet Facilities
3 Critical Features to demand from Your New Vet... Moving to a new area is a challenging process for your family, your pet will be stressed by the process as well. At Moray Coast Vet Group we want you to know that we are here to help you and your pets settle into the area. Why would you use us? Well it’s simple really, we have been vets in this area for a very long time and can offer your pet the following 3 critical benefits: to a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Accredited Practice, Access meaning your pet will be treated to the highest standards. convenient surgery locations making it easy to get to us Four day and night. and well equipped surgeries meaning we can treat all routine Modern conditions without the need to refer your pet. So all you need to do now, for peace of mind for you and your pet, is call us to say ‘hello’ and we will do all that is necessary to register your pet with our practice. Oh, and we will call your old vet to request your pet’s existing notes, so we can be familiar with everything we need to know. Now that is peace of mind for your pet.
Call us now on: CARING FOR YOUR COMPANIONS
Forres Surgery (main branch) 01309 672243 Nairn Surgery 01667 453161 Lossiemouth Surgery 01343 815335 Balloch Surgery 01463 794224 24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER 01309 672243 www.moraycoastvetgroup.co.uk
CLUBS & SOCIETIES BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP Last Thursday of the month, 7pm - 9pm, Best Western Palace Hotel, 8 Ness Walk, Inverness. For those who have lost a baby before, during or after birth. Bring along any photos or memory items. Contact Susan 07771358382 or Denise on 07724306983 BOLESKINE SHINTY CLUB Call 791955 or email: lizbmacd@aol.com and visit www.myweb.tiscali.co.uk/shinty/ CHARLESTON YOUTH THEATRE For ages 12-18, Charleston Academy, Inverness CHEERFUL CHESTERS Meet Mondays, 11am at Raigmore Recreation Hall. Main objective is to help people with severe respiratory problems through regular gentle exercise under the direction of a qualified physiotherapist. For more info call Maureen on 01463 221204 CROWN CHURCH MENS CLUB Call 237768 or email mackenzie17 @mackenzie17.plus.com
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page 4 - December 2013
CROY & CULLODEN MOOR SENIOR CITIZENS' LUNCH CLUB Alternate Wed 1 - 3pm, Church Hall, Croy, ÂŁ3 for 2 course meal & afternoon tea. Dominoes, jigsaws and other activities CULLODEN FENCING CLUB Tuesdays 7pm - 9pm during term time at Culloden Academy Community Centre. Call 792794 DINGWALL FRISBEE CLUB Sundays 3-4pm at Dingwall Leisure Centre. Call Luke 07970 597770 or ljsh@hotmail.co.uk DINGWALL TAEKWONDO WTF Classes Tues 7.30pm, Dingwall Sportscentre, Fri 7.30pm Dingwall Academy. More than 45 years in the running. Black Belts advanced students only. Professional training and examinations. FAMILIES ANONYMOUS Meet every Thursday night. For families & friends affected by drug addiction & alcoholism. Anonymity & confidentiality respected. Newcomers welcome without prior arrangements. Call Denise for more details on 07983 001962. Helpline number: 0845 1200 660. FAMILY FIRST A support service for families with at least one child 0-3 yrs old. Tel: 703033 or email: alisonstanley@smoothmail.co.uk FRIENDS OF THE BIRNIE PLAYGROUP Wednesdays 9:30am - 11:30am & 12:30pm - 2:30pm in the playroom at The Birnie Centre, Raigmore Hospital. For children with additional needs & their families and carers. Call Anne on 07542712381 for more info. FITNESS FRENZY Fitness sessions Thursday lunchtimes at the palace hotel. Visit www.fitnessfrenzy.co.uk FORTROSE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB Mondays at 7.30pm (7.00pm for beginners) at Gordon Memorial Hall, Rosemarkie. All welcome. Contact Susan 01381 610253
HARMONY MUSIC THERAPY SCOTLAND Individual & Group Music Therapy sessions to encourage, enable and empower all ages and abilities through interactive music experiences. Will travel to private homes, facilities and schools. Call Kristen Macleod on 07770427396. HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS AUTISM SOCIETY Support group. Last Wednesday of the month, MacKenzie Centre, Culduthel Road, Inverness at 7.30pm. All welcome. HIGHLAND SCHOOLS GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION To promote participation in the sport of gymnastics within schools across the Highlands. HIGHLAND SPIRITUAL CINEMA Meets last Wednesday each month at Highland Rail House, Inverness. Film group screening uplifting & inspiring films. Members can also use our postal service to borrow films for home viewing. For details call 01463 237452 or visit www.highlandspiritualcinema.net INVERNESS CATHEDRAL SOCIETY OF BELL RINGERS Thursdays 7.30pm - 9pm. Anyone can be a bell ringer! We ring for Sunday services, weddings and other special occasions. Tel: 01381 610411 or email inverness@sacr.org INVERNESS CHESS CLUB Wednesday, 7pm - 10:30pm, Chieftain Hotel, Inverness. Provides coaching and games for all ages & standards, juniors welcome. www.spanglefish.com/ invernesschessclub INVERNESS CLASSIC JAZZ SOCIETY Tel: 01463 223857 www.ds.dial.pipex.com/ jazzitoria/home.htm
INVERNESS RADIO VOLUNTEERS Do you have spare time at the weekend and have the use of a car? Then the IRV would like to hear from you as we are looking for more volunteers. For more information call 794984 or visit invernessradiovolunteers .co.uk INVERNESS RADIO CLUB Contact Mr Norman Baird, tel: 242841 INVERNESS ROWING CLUB On the Caledonian Canal 5 mins drive from the centre of Inverness, Sundays 10:30am www.invernessrowingclub.co.uk INVERNESS SWIMMING CLUB We are a competitive club. Club night is Wednesday from 6.15pm, but training sessions are throughout the week. Inverness Leisure, Bught Lane. NORTHERN COUNTIES CRICKET CLUB Providing cricketing opportunities to all members of the local community. Tel: Hamish Christie on 239894 or 07761 119604 NORTH KESSOCK BOWLING CLUB For more information about Indoor bowling call 01463 793502 and for Outdoor bowling call 01463 731052.
PLEASE NOTE: Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis.
If you would like details of your club or society included in this section, please let us know. All club listings are free. Not all clubs will be listed in every issue.
INVERNESS & DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY CLUB Meet Tuesday evenings in Inverness to promote model railways. New members always welcome. Contact Gerry Parks for details on 07801 593637.
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
The Editor It only seems like
5 minutes ago that Christmas came and went last year. Christmas is a time of conflicting emotions - in theory it is a time for family and giving but for many it can be a challenging time too. When finances are tight and family spread about, the reality of Christmas can be different from the media driven utopia found in adverts and films. If we can be a friend to someone on their own this Christmas then all will be well.
PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes SALES ..........................Peter Evans ACCOUNTS ...................Wendy Day DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LAYOUT .................Tamsyn Dickson
January Issue Deadlines Editorial - Friday 29/11/13 Advertising - Wednesday 04/12/13
LOGIE STEADING 8
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)1*23-$2 $,'
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Pre Christmas Lunches and Dinners at...
...Bog Roy Inn At the Bog Roy Inn we pride ourselves on our Passion, Flair and Excitement. Our friendly, attentive staff and creative new Kitchen staff would love to make your time with us a memorable one.
...Clachnaharry At our Award winning Clachnaharry Inn we offer good company, great ales, fine wine and spirits and the best of food! Where else could you possibly want for go for your Christmas Lunch or Dinner?
Call now for Menu & December bookings Kirkhill, IV5 7PX (Sits in the small village of Inchmore on the A862 just 7 miles from Inverness)
Tel: 01463 831 296
17-19 High Street, Clachnaharry, Inverness, IV3 8RB. Tel: 01463 239 806
Clachnaharry Inn UNDER NEW MANAGEM
ENT
PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS Despite the massive commercialism, there is a great generosity at Christmastime and many people give extravagantly. Some give generously to charities via charity Christmas cards, appeals like the Shoe Box Appeal, or even direct giving. However, it seems that most people spend the greater proportion of their Christmas giving on family members - or food and drink. Indeed, most of us are very extravagant with the latter, even though we know it’s excessive! This is, of course, in sharp contrast to the millions who have little or nothing at Christmas or at any other time. I wonder if any of us work out a budget for Christmas that includes a substantial amount for those much less fortunate than ourselves? The heart of Christmas is love. We give out of love for others, and we receive even unwanted gifts because we know “it is the thought that counts”. The giving and the receiving both matter. You may know the Bible verse that says, “God so loved the world that he gave his only son…” (John 3:16) God gave, but the same Gospel writer, St John, said of Jesus that “He came to his own people, but they didn't want him.” (John 1:11 The Message translation). The people God himself created did not want to receive
this particular gift. Did God sulk and refuse to give anything else in future? No, he continues to love his children, including those who continually reject him. That does not mean that everyone will eventually get to heaven, of course. The conditions for our salvation were laid down long ago. The only sure way we can know our eternal future is in our response to God’s gift of love now – how we receive Jesus, the ultimate expression of God’s love at Christmas. We can receive him with true, committed love – a genuine response of gratitude and desire to live differently, or we can try a kind of passive casual friendship that doesn’t demand much. The former can lead us into a deeper relationship with God himself, and a quality of life worth everything. The more ‘casual friendship’ with God may lull us into a false sense of security and cause us to be careless about the way we live, so that we miss what God invites us to receive. It’s easy to get sentimental over the Christmas story, with Mary and Joseph trying to find somewhere to stay in a very busy Bethlehem, 2000 years ago, and the picture of the baby in a manger. Many do not associate this baby with the man who, thirty years later, died a criminal’s death, but it was the same
St Andrew's Cathedral, Scottish Episcopal Church Ardross Street, Inverness. Tel: 01463 233535. Website: www.invernesscathedral.com St Clement's Parish, Church of Scotland Church Street, Dingwall. Sundays 11.30am. 6.30pm: evening worship. Sunday school meets in church hall 11.20am (term time). Tel: 01349 863063. St Columba, Church of Scotland Inverness. Sunday 11am. Wednesday 8pm: prayer at Holm Primary School. Tel: 07535 290092. Website: www.stcolumbainverness.org St John the Evangelist, Episcopal Church Southside Road, Inverness. Sunday service 10.45am. Wednesdays 11am: Holy Communion. Tel: 01463 235881. Website: www.stjohns-inverness.com St Ninian's Catholic Church 21 Culduthel Road, Inverness, IV2 4AN. Saturday Vigil 5pm. Sunday Mass 10am. Tel: 01463 236620. Website: www.saintninians.org.uk St Mary's Catholic Church 30 Huntly Street, Inverness, IV3 5PR. Saturday Vigil 6.30pm. Sunday Mass 11am and 6.30pm. St Columba’s Catholic Church Culloden, IV2 7PW. Sunday Mass 9.30am. Tel: 01463 233519. Website: www.stmarysinverness.co.uk St Mary-in-the-Fields, Episcopal Church Culloden. 9.45am: Sunday service and family communion. Tel: 01381 622438. St Michael & All Angels Abban Street, Inverness. Sunday Mass
page 6 - December 2013
generous love God that was pouring out for you and me, just so we could be what he meant us to be. A Christmas song I know says, “Christmas isn’t Christmas, till it happens in your heart. Somewhere deep inside you is where Christmas really starts, So give your heart to Jesus, you’ll discover when you do That it’s Christmas, really Christmas for you.” Enjoy all the good things that are part of Christmas. Enjoy God’s generosity and try being generous yourself to those who otherwise will have little to celebrate. Enjoy the carols with their deeply Christian lyrics and think about what they say and how you might respond to God’s heart of Christmas. In that way, maybe you will receive more of the heart of Christmas.
Rev. Alan Price St Mary-in-the-Fields, Inverness
11am. Contact Rev. Gerald Stranraer-Mull: 01463 870986. Email: stranraer-mull@btinternet.com. www.stmichaelandallangels.org.uk Smithton Free Church Murray Road, Smithton, Inverness. Sundays 11am (with crèche) and 6pm. Tel: 01463 793191. Website: http://www.smithtonchurch.com/ The Reformed Baptist Church Telford Road, Inverness. Website: www.wicketgate.co.uk The Salvation Army Tomnahurich Street, Inverness. Sundays 10.30am and 6.30pm. Tel: 01463 225276. www.salvationarmy.org.uk Trinity Church, Church of Scotland 60 Huntly Place, Inverness. Sundays 11am. First Sunday of the month: 6:30pm service. Website: www.trinityinverness.org.uk Urray & Strathconon Free Church Urray at West Road, Muir of Ord and Strathconon at The Strathconon Community Hall. Tel: 01463 871223. Email: dgmartin@homecall.co.uk West Hill Free Church (Continuing) Culloden, Inverness. Sundays 11am & 6.30pm. Thursdays & Saturdays 7.30pm. Tel: 07532010595. Listed S to W and regularly rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed here and would like to be considered for inclusion or for any amendments to existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
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USEFUL INFORMATION Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days St Andrew’s Day Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Eve New Year’s Day Scottish Bank Holiday Chinese New Year Local Holiday ‡
Sat 30th Nov 2014 Wed 25th Dec 2013 Thurs 26th Dec 2013 Tues 31st Dec 2013 Wed 1st Jan 2014 Thurs 2nd Jan 2014 Fri 31st Jan 2014 Mon 3rd Feb 2014
Valentine’s Day Local Holiday ‡ Mother’s Day Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday May Day ‡ Inverness
Fri 14th Feb 2014 Mon 3rd Mar 2014 Sun 30th Mar 2014 Fri 18th Apr 2014 Sun 20th Apr 2014 Mon 21st Apr 2014 Mon 5th May 2014
School Term Dates for 2013/2014 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Fri 20th Dec 2013 Spring Term Starts Mon 6th Jan 2014 Holiday Closure Mon 17th Feb 2014 Holiday Closure Tues 18th Feb 2014 Regional Closure Wed 19th Feb 2014 Regional Closure Thurs 20th Feb 2014 Regional Closure Fri 21st Feb 2014 Spring Term Ends Fri 4th Apr 2014
Good Friday Holiday Fri 18th Apr 2014 Easter Monday Holiday Mon 21st Apr 2014 Summer Term Starts Tues 22nd Apr 2014 May Day Holiday Mon 5th May 2014 Summer Term Ends Thurs 3rd Jul 2014 for 2014/2015 (all dates inclusive) In-Service Day Mon 18th Aug 2014 Autumn Term Starts Tues 19th Aug 2014 In-Service Day Thurs 25th Sep 2014
Useful Contacts Ardersier Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 462658 Beauly Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782930 Black Isle Leisure Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 621252 Bus Station, Inverness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239292 Citizens Advice Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08444 994111 Cromarty Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 600318 Culloden Academy Community Complex . . . . . 01463 792794 Culloden Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 792531 Dalcross Airport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 464000 Fortrose Community Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 622235 Highland Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01349 886606 Inshes Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 725928 Inverness Leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 667500 Inverness Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 236463 National Rail Enquires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08457 484950 Police Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 SCHOOLS Aldourie Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 751272 Ardersier Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 462344 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
page 8 - December 2013
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 Rotated on a regular basis. To add a contact or to amend existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
Mussels Wednesdays
Use our website enquiry form at: www.1renewables/get-in-touch.php
INVESTORS WANTED
Every Wednesday!
JOIN OUR GROWING LIST OF INVESTORS IN SINGLE TURBINES 1 RENEWABLES LTD, a local wind-power company, seeks investors for renewables projects secured by the UK Government Feed-in Tariff. Our 1st portfolio is now almost fully funded by a combination of large and small investors, with 2nd and 3rd portfolios developing. Minimum amount 5k, no maximum amount. Excellent returns for 20 year FiT programme, or for shorter periods if preferred. Corporate and personal guarantees provided.
A bowl of steaming hot west coast mussels tossed in a sauce of your choice ….. ...Classic Moules Mariniere ...Thai red curry ...Cabbage, smoky bacon, ale and cream sauce ...Tomato and basil Plus a bowl of skinny fries, homemade crusty bread and a bottle of Loch Ness Ale or a glass of house wine
£15.00pp
CONTACT Ian on 07713 912473 ian@1renewables.com or alastair@1renewables.com
RESTAURANT
Our full menu is also available.
£Ê Ài }Ê-ÌÀiiÌ]Ê ÛiÀ iÃÃÊUÊ/i \Êä£{ÈÎÊÓÓÓäÎÎ www.riverhouseinverness.co.uk
15% off Hires and Sales
Gift Vouchers also available expires 31st January 2014
McCalls of Elgin
54 South Street
01343 540590
www.mccalls.co.uk
PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES
“
Parliament Blog
I was delighted to be able to open the terrific new courts at Inverness Tennis and Squash Club, this Autumn. The work that members of the club have done to attract £104,000 worth of funding from various bodies, to replace the old worn out courts, deserves great credit. Remarkably, £70,000 of the money raised was gathered together by contributions from the 450 members alone. With the popularity of tennis on the rise, thanks to icons like Andy Murray, the new courts will be very well used and of great benefit to the area. Although my tennis isn’t of the highest quality, on the day of the opening I very much enjoyed a brief match with some of the club’s youngest members. I look forward to seeing the facility help many young tennis players reach their potential with the help of the club and contribute to the future health of the game. It's fantastic to see our local sports clubs going from strength to strength.
”
2013 has seen Scotland voted the best country in the world to visit - by the news organisation CNN. 2014 will see Scotland on the world stage hosting the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup. Never have we hosted larger events, nor will there be more people watching us. An estimated 500 Million will watch the golf and 70 countries take part in the games. They are, of course, for young people particularly, so it was a great pleasure once again to judge the Millburn Academy Public Speaking competition and see so many articulate young people take part. 2014 I hope, for Scotland, will be a year of aspiration.
Danny Alexander MP
Fergus Ewing MSP LOW TIDE TIMES FOR INVERNESS IN DECEMBER Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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‘Life
page 10 - December 2013
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
Please send Us details Of YOUr events Deadline for the January Issue: Friday, 29th November Website: www.spotlighton.co.uk Email: tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk Telephone: 01309 690063 Inclusion of events into the What’s On is free. We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops. Please note: contact venues and organisers first as there may be changes to events.
Rolling Event until 11 January "winter exhibition" & "cd collection" at inchmore gallery. opening times over the christmas period may be different to the usual tues - sat, 10am - 5pm. for more information visit www.inchmoregalleryco.uk
NOVEMBER 26 tuesday sportmoray recognition awards elgin town hall. recognising sporting individuals and teams from moray. for further details, contact 01343 563657. highland literary salon 7:30pm in the glenmhor hotel, inverness. guest speakers: helena nelson, kenneth steven, jane riddell, rivka spicer. for more information visit www.highlandlitsalon.com
28 thursday moray society lecture 2pm, elgin museum hall. a talk by margaret woodward. entry is £3, £2 for society members, £1.50 for students. for more information call elgin museum on 01343 543675 or email curator@elginmuseum.org.uk
29 friday the lafontaines @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com band showcase @ strathpeffer pavilion doors open 7:30pm. 4 acts for £12 from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, june’s card shop, dingwall & the pavilion 01997 420124. visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org
christmas fayre 1pm - 4:30pm in longmore hall, keith. santa’s grotto, teas, craft stalls & local entertainment. stalls can be booked through susan on 07811 801961 james ross concert @ brodie castle within the main drawing room. for further details and to book call 0844 493 2156 or go onto www.nts.org.uk/events highland senior citizens network coffee morning and charities christmas fayre 10am - 2pm, old high church hall, academy st, inverness. stalls include home baking, books, christmas cards and much more. face painting for the children. christmas and craft fayre 10am - 12:30pm, fairburn memorial hall, marybank. craft tables, children’s activities and santa's grotto (additional charge applies). home baking & refreshments. raffle with fabulous prizes. adults £2.50, children 5 and over £1, under 5s are free. admission incl. refreshments. men’s health highland group stand 10am - 4pm eastgate centre, at the top of the escalator. free health leaflets and a nurse taking heights, weights & blood. celebrate st andrew's night with a 'reel' ceilidh 7:30pm at the waterside hotel, inverness. tickets £7.50 contact reelceilidh@yahoo.com great glen walking club gallowhill and redcastle. 8 miles. meet 10am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for further information.
DECEMBER 1 sunday walk, jog, run moray winter 5k and 1.5k challenge buckie. www.walkjogrunmoray.org.uk inverness ramblers glen glass hidden waterfall. 7 miles. meet 10am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for further information. glenn tilbrook @ ironworks 7:30pm. cabaret seating. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
2 monday cinema nairn presents scrooge (a christmas carol) 2pm at nairn community and arts centre. tickets £2.50 at door. includes tea and bakes. for further info: cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk
3 tuesday
29 november - 1 december arts, crafts & food fair by exclusively highlands at eden court theatre. supporting inverness ms centre. free admission. for info call 01463 250127 or visit www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
30 saturday
scottish ornithologists' club: ‘ boreal birds: close encounters by a forest dweller’ by desmond dugan. 7:30pm, culloden library. call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740 £3 members; £4 non members
tel: 01309 690063
December 2013 - page 11
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5 thursday nadfas art lecture, ‘deck the halls – yuletide customs and traditions” talk by david bostwick ba (hons) 2pm - 3:30pm at smithton free church, inverness. new members welcome. non members £5. for more info contact membership sec mary harrison on 01667 493640 or chair davidmartin30@hotmail.com rspb office update - talk and slide show 7:30pm at fraser park bowling club, macewen dr, inverness. christmas food demonstration @ strathpeffer pavillion 7:30pm for 8pm. by louisa mclean from the kitchen range, dingwall. £5 on sale at the pavilion: 01997 420124. visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org black star riders @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
6 friday troilus ensemble – carols by candle light 7:30pm, dornoch cathedral. dougie maclean @ strathpeffer pavilion 8pm. tickets £17.50/£16.50/£6 from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, june’s card shop, dingwall & the pavilion 01997 420124. visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org
7 saturday inverness ramblers craigmonie and balmacaan. 9 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for further information.
dancing queen abba tribute @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
7 saturday - 8 sunday brodie castle christmas craft fair 10am - 4pm. find the perfect present for those who have everything. adults £4. free mince pie and mulled wine at the stables further details at www.nts.org.uk/events
8 sunday troilus ensemble - carols by candle light 3pm, inverness cathedral. great glen walking club craigmonie woods. 7 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for further information. alabama 3 - undaground 4 life tour @ ironworks 7:30pm. 0871 7894173 / www.ironworksvenue.com
9 monday royal scottish geographical society lecture 7:30pm highland council chamber, inverness. doug scott: significant and joyous moments in the mountains adults £8, students, u18 and rsgs members free.
10 tuesday pink castle philosophy club christmas cracker! 7:30pm riverside lounge, glen mhor hotel, ness bank, inverness. filosophical fun & plans for 2014 merry christmas! www.pinkcastle.eu
13 friday torridon @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
14 saturday
NAIRN Nairn Com Community mmunity & Arts Centre C Your Yo our local venue for f films, shows, concerts, and parties. W Wide ide range of activities for all ages.
DECEMBER EVENTS Mon 2nd .... Cinema Nairn “A Christmas Carol” (u) Matinee 2pm 2nd....Cinema Sat 7th ......................................... Rotary Club Christmas Auction 7th.........................................Rotary 14th................. Music Nairn – Richard Morrison and Friends Sat 14th.................Music
Not organised your Christmas Party yet?? Why not join us at our Christmas Party Night on 13th December? A few places still st available.
The Board of Dir Directors rectors ectors an and nd Staf Stafffff wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New YYear! ea For further details, ttelephone elephone 01667 453476, e-mail info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at ww w.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk
page 14 - December 2013
great glen walking club fort augustus - bridge of oich. 11 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for further information. cake walk with story 10am. avoch to fortrose. tel. 07724 992790. www.guyandjocelyn.org dingwall choral society presents britten’s ‘a ceremony of carols’ and other christmas favourites @ strathpeffer pavilion 7:30pm. visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org or www.dingwallchoralsociety.co.uk music nairn presents richard morrison and friends 7:30pm at nairn community and arts centre. call 01667 453476 for more information. sister bliss (faithless) dj set @ ironworks 10:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
15 sunday inverness ramblers carrbridge circular. 10 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for further information. rspb coach trip, christmas birding and lunch 9am, station hotel, avoch. booking essential 01997 433283 red kites @ ironworks 7:30pm. over 14s. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
18 wednesday social diners - why eat alone? 7pm for 7:30pm dining at the coul house hotel, contin, strathpeffer. for more information and to book call gill on 01349 877061
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
19 thursday
Where’s Santa?
df concerts presents: the view @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
20 friday - 21 saturday time travellers tavern presents: medieval christmas banquets 2013 @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
21 saturday inverness ramblers roseisle to burghead circular. 9 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for further information. christmas coffee morning 10am - 12pm at the british legion, nairn. christmas carol singing & festive bakes. £2 entry.
22 sunday great glen walking club loch gynack circuit. 8 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for further information. christingle service 3pm, st john church, southside road, inverness.
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24 tuesday midnight mass 11:30pm at st john church,southside road, inverness.
25 wednesday family communion service with carols 11am st john church, southside rd, inverness
26 thursday great glen walking club boxing day walk. 6.5 miles. go directly to the car park in fortrose by 10am. contact 01463 236204 for further information.
28 saturday great glen walking club roseisle to burghead circular. 9 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for further information. slam @ ironworks 10:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
29 sunday inverness ramblers mid festive wander by dores / aldourie. 7 miles. meet 10:30am highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information.
31 friday bogmanay with mystic shoes / donald macdonald & the islands / ceilidh 7pm. bogbain farm, inverness. 01463 772800. www.bogbainfarm.com hogmanay @ strathpeffer pavilion 8pm - 1am. familyfriendly hogmanay hooley. tickets £24 / £16 for u16 from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, june’s card shop, dingwall & the pavilion 01997 420124. advance booking essential. visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org rhythmnreel hogmanay party @ ironworks 9pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com admin@spotlighton.co.uk
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December 2013 - 15
PERU Peru was the home to the Incas, the most advanced civilisation in the world, until the Spanish conquered them in the early 16th century and took them in a totally different direction. It is now a democratic republic, with land varying from the arid plains of the Pacific coast to the peaks of the Andes Mountains and the tropical forests of the Amazon basin. Thus a 3 week trip to Peru is full of fascination.
Children on a floating island, Lake Titicaca
Dreaming of...
travel
We started in Lima, the capital city which rarely sees the sun or rain but is warm, and travelled down to Paracas to see the ancient Nazcar lines â&#x20AC;&#x201C; large drawings in the desert best seen from light aircraft. Because Peruâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s land is quite volatile an earthquake in the 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exposed interesting geology which has been transformed into a National Reserve, and includes a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Peruâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Galapagosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The islands are covered in many varieties of birds and sealions, with penguins, pelicans and storks to top it off. Then we flew to Arequipa in the Volcano country, a city close to a live volcano, known as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;White Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; due to its volcanic Sillar stone buildings. The main features include several old monasteries and convents, and being on a river the countryside round about is very green. From there we went to the Colca Canyon which is larger than the Grand Canyon, and saw the bread basket of the Inca Empire â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fields upon fields in the terraced format producing vegetables and fruit. In Cusco we saw a very fine, developed city, the capital of the old Inca Empire, and today a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Inca remains are extraordinary, and it is from here that we went to Lake Titicaca, staying on an island for 2 nights, and then on to Machu Picchu and the early morning climb up Wanapicchu, the small mountain behind the village. At 3,800m above sea level Lake Titicaca also has inhabited floating islands, accessed in reed boats, and ships on it built on the Clyde in the 1890â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and transported up to the Lake in pieces and reassembled. Finally we spent 3 days in the Amazon Jungle, going Caiman spotting in the evenings (small crocodiles) in motorised canoes, and walking through Nature Reserves seeing various types of monkeys, spiders, lizards and birds of all types followed by a spot of fishing for Piranha (caught 2!).
16
Machu Picchu
The hotels generally were of a very good standard and service was excellent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Peru is well geared for tourists, the Inca trails are fascinating, and the textile industry is alive and well with Vicuna and Alpaca as their fine fibres.
Information kindly supplied by
2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 Â&#x2021; +LJK Street, FRUUHV
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(01309) 690063
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Christmas & New Y Year ear 2013 The Royal Hotel & Restaurant Restaurant es
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Party arty Nights h Saturday 7th December 4 Course Meal £32.95 Dancing to “Savannah”
Our Royal Christmas Day Lunch £49.95 5 Course Lunch including Traditional T Turkey urkey with all the T Trimmings rimmings
cks F Fizz izz on Saturday 14th December A Glass of Bucks arrival and Christmas Gifts “Gala Night” £39.95 for all the Children 5 CourseNMeal ight onwith Gala ow n c e Champagne on Arrival 14th D ut “Let us make your Featuring ea Sold &ODancing Christmas Day Special” to Great Show Band “Burlesque” (Children under 10 half price and children under der 3 F Free) ree) Saturday 21st December 4 Course Meal £32.95 Dancing to “Savannah” 26th Boxing Night Disco 31st Hogmanay Dance with “F Free” ree” Bubbly
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Top 5 Xmas Tips 1.
Fairy lights arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for your Christmas tree. You can use this lighting to create different atmospheres in different rooms. Perhaps drape them across a mantel piece or you could wrap them around old urns or statues for a subtle but effective look. Decorating the tree is the most important part. I tend to keep it light and simple, with my Christmas colours being silver and white and add lots of fairy lights, to give it that extra special Christmas twinkle. You can add pussy willow to all the branches which make them fan out.
3.
One of the main things I associate with Christmas is scents and fragrance. The addition of scented Christmas candles is vital. Place them throughout the house so that you are constantly reminded what time of year it is. When you are sitting down to eat Christmas dinner, you want your guests to feel as though they are in a enchanted Christmas home. Use big bold accessories on the dining table to help create this atmosphere. I use big chunky napkin rings on simple linen napkins or and a large centre piece for the table. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to put all your xmas cards up, get a big bowl and throw the rest into it.
5.
.2
Great Christmas accessories and displays are a must around the house. I like to fill large glass vases with baubles, usually in colour co-ordination with my tree! These look great especially when displayed in rows.
Have a Merry Xmas from everyone at SpotLight
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recipe
Chef’s Confidential Mandarin Orange, Thyme and Mint Mousse
INGREDIENTS 12 Mandarin oranges Grated zest of 1 lemon 2 Fresh lemon thyme sprigs 4 Large fresh mint leaves 1 Quantity pâte á bombe 1 Quantity Italian meringue 300ml double cream
Pâte á bombe 100ml Water 150g Caster sugar 5 Large free-range egg yolks Put water and sugar in a small heavy pot and slowly dissolve. Turn up the heat and boil for 5 to 7 minutes to 120°C.Whisk the yolks until pale. Continue whisking and slowly add the sugar syrup until it’s a thick foam. Italian meringue 120g Caster sugar 2 Tablespoons water 2 Large free-range egg whites Use the same method as pâte á bombe taking the egg whites to soft peak stage before adding the syrup. Whisk for about 5 minutes. For the mousse Grate the zest from 4 of the mandarins and lemon then reserve. Half all the fruit and squeeze the juice. You should have 500ml. Pour the juice into a sauce pan and add the thyme and mint, boil to reduce to 200ml Make the pâte á bombe and meringue and cool both. Strain the infused fruit juice through a fine sieve into a bowl. Stir the mandarin juice into the pâte á bombe until smooth and then fold in the meringue. Finally whip the cream until softly stiff and fold into the mousse. Divide between individual dishes or spoon into one large bowl chill until softly set.
Kindly supplied by Head Chef, Martin W Ewart
20
The Newton Hotel, Nairn, IV12 4RX. Tel: 01667 459001
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When the party is over... We see in the Bible that we are all unclean in God’s sight because of our sins. You may not think that you are a hell-deserving sinner, but God is Holy and He hates sin. Sin will keep you from being with God in heaven for eternity and damn you to Hell, unless you receive God’s forgiveness for sin which is found only in His Son Jesus Christ. God’s word reveals that if you die in an unclean & unforgiven state, because of your own choice, you’ll go to hell with all the other people who refused God’s mercy. There are many people, and you may be one of them, who believe that life should be one never ending party; friends to meet, places to go, and things to get and do, seeking constant amusement in the pursuit of happiness, needing non-stop activity to fill the emptiness inside, to fight the boredom that surrounds them.
You may think. “That’s okay - all my party friends will be there too!” Yes, sadly they will be there too if they too reject Christ, but the thick blackness of “outer darkness” will separate you from each other. It is a place of torment, never ending fear and punishment and you’ll be there on your own.
Right now you are without God in this world and have no hope, but in Christ Jesus you, who are far off, can be brought near by the blood of Christ; He Drugs, alcohol, immoral relationships, money can be your peace. You can know that when you and music are some of the most popular die (and you will die) you will be in Heaven, not choices in this party called life. We don’t want Hell. to think about the fact the party will end. However there is an enemy to all this pleasure- Take a moment, please consider and underseeking excitement. It is death. We all have an stand God’s love for you in giving His Son, the Wonderful Lord Jesus Christ to die for your sin on appointment with death and eternity. The Cross of Calvary and then three days later to You have a God-given eternal soul and the rise again from the dead. He can be your Saviour. Bible makes it clear that you will spend You must call upon the name of the Lord, acknowleternity somewhere when the party is over. edging and turning from your sins and trusting Where you will be in eternity may not matter to Him, and only Him, to save you. you right now. The thought of facing a sin-hating, Holy God or talk of His dear Son the For God so loved the world that he gave his only Lord Jesus Christ are subjects you probably begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He avoid at all costs. that believeth on him is not condemned: but he The Lord is trying to reach you now, because that believeth not is condemned already, because once your “party” is over it will be too late. he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16,18)
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