I NV E R NE S S & D I S T RI C T THE NORTH’S FAVOURITE FREE WEE MAG
http://weddinglight.photos/
DECEMBER 2014
Photos
Video portfolio
&INFO
InLoveWithScotland.co.uk
07532270322
Beautiful Scotland In
Heart & Sight
Landscape
Prints & Gifts
Crossbar, Step-through, Folding, Road & Mountain Bikes available.
INVERNESS
For a FREE test drive call Cameron on 07828 154 683 or visit www.freegoelectricbikes.co.uk
CLUBS & SOCIETIES AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS Self help group for families and friends of people with a drink problem. Meetings throughout the Highlands. Call 020 7403 0888 • www.al-anonuk.org.uk CHARLESTON YOUTH THEATRE For ages 12-18, Charleston Academy, Inverness CHEERFUL CHESTERS Mondays, 11am at Raigmore Community Hall, Ashton Rd. 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 CROMARTY CAMERA CLUB Thurs 7.30 - 9.30pm Sept - Apr, Victoria Hall, Cromarty. Digital camera club welcoming all levels of experience. Training in all aspects incl. use of Photoshop. Members able to participate in club competitions & field shoots. CROWN CHURCH MENS CLUB Call 237768 or email mackenzie17 @ mackenzie17.plus.com
*2 $" *2 7+ " 6+ " /-$) -- +,*!$' /'' + "
5 5 5 5 5 5
$). , /,) $ . *(, $ # ** -$ ,( $)'*-'' ( . ,$ ' 1$.#$) .# +*. $"#. ( " 4$) - $- -/ % . .* !*,( ' *+3,$"#. , -.,$ .$*)- ) .# , !*, .# , +,* / .$*) *! )3 '$-. $)"$.*,$ ' 0 ,.$- , ,.1*,& *, )3 *.# , *). ). 1$.#*/. .# +/ '$-# ,8- +,$*, *)- ). 1$'' *)-$ , , # *! *+3,$"#.
page 2 - December 2014
CROY & CULLODEN MOOR SENIOR CITIZENS' LUNCH CLUB Alternate Wed 1 - 3pm, Church Hall, Croy, £3 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 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. FRIENDS OF THE BIRNIE SUPPORT GROUP 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. £2 per session. Snack/refreshments provided. For more info call Anne on 07542 712381. HIGHLAND DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY (HDFAS) 2nd Thursday, 2pm, at Smithton Free Church, Inverness IV2 7YU. Interested in learning more about art? Encouraging Young Artists? Volunteering to record Churches for posterity? £5 per month. Contact 07595 219308 or drmaryharrison2@yahoo.com or davidmartin30@hotmail.com
HIGHLAND HISTORICAL SEARCH SOCIETY Inverness based metal detecting club. Free equipment loan, tuition and regular places to detect. Beginners/new members welcome. Contact Len tel: 01808 521340 anytime HIGHLAND RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Coaching & competitive opportunities in Rugby Football for the whole community. Call Andrew Russell on 243972 or 07786 256891 HIGHLAND SCHOOLS GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION To promote participation in the sport of gymnastics within schools across the Highlands. HIGHLAND SPIRITUAL CINEMA A small, independent film group screening films that uplift and inspire, that entertain and inform. Monthly film nights at The Little Theatre in Nairn. For more information go to: www.highlandspiritualcinema.net or telephone 01463 237452 HIGHLAND WHEELCHAIR CURLING CLUB Tues 1.30 - 3.30pm,Inverness Ice Rink. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility problems come and see what we do. Equipment provided. Call Mo Simpson 01463 716227 or 07798 710404 email: wheel77uk@yahoo.co.uk INVERNESS CHESS CLUB Wednesday, 7pm - 10:30pm, Chieftain Hotel, Inverness. Provides coaching and games for all ages & standards, juniors welcome. www.spanglefish.com/ invernesschessclub
HIGHLAND GERMAN SOCIETY 1st Wednesday each month, 8pm, St.Ninian’s Church Hall, Culduthel Road, Inverness. Call Rosa Finlayson on01463 238560 or rosafinlayson@btinternet.com
INVERNESS WINE APPRECIATION SOCIETY Bringing together people with an interest in wine and to develop their interest by holding tastings, usually led by a member of the wine trade and accompanied by suitable food, tel: 221535
HIGHLAND HILLWALKING CLUB Call 791572 or email: highlandhillwalkers@fsmail.net www.spanglefish.com/ HighlandHillwalkingClub
NORTHERN COUNTIES CRICKET CLUB Providing cricketing opportunities to all members of the local community. Tel: Hamish Christie 239894 or 07761 119604
tel: 01309 690063
NORTH KESSOCK BOWLING CLUB For more information about Indoor bowling call 01463 793502 and for Outdoor bowling call 01463 731052. PERFECTING LAW OF ATTRACTION CLASSES Teaching motivational self help for you to become all you can be, " the mind body matter conection". At Millburn Academy every Wednesday, 7pm to 9pm. Rolling eight week programme. £5 per week. For info and booking, text 07826543001, or go on www.perfectinglawofattraction.co.uk PET FOSTERING SCOTLAND Supporting pet owners in an emergency situation. Volunteers care for your pet in their own homes for short periods. Reg. charity SCO15672. Volunteers needed. Tel: 0844 811 9909 www.pfss.org.uk ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION CITY OF INVERNESS BRANCH 2nd Wed, 7:30pm at "The Club", Gordon Terrace. Ex or serving members or those with a connection or interest in the Royal Navy? Guest speakers, day trips & swinging the lantern along with a tot or two. Email: Gordon Ross (Secretary) at gwross@btinternet.com or Evan Jessiman (PRO) at evan.jessiman@btinternet.com
PLEASE NOTE: Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis.
If you would like details of your club or society included in this section, please let us know. All club listings are free. Not all clubs will be listed in every issue.
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
LOGIE STEADING 5
Would like to wish all our customers a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 3FDFOUMZ 0QFOFE 4BMPO JO /PSUI ,FTTPDL ' 3 & & 1" 3 , * / ( "7" * - " # - &
VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS 5FM t XXX TBSBIGSBODFTIBJSBOECFBVUZ DPN !
"
" # #
"
Garden Design & Construction FULL GARDEN DESIGN STONE/MASONRY Š PAVING WATER FEATURES Š TURFING PLANTING Š DRIVEWAYS
")-2&0 ./&-)-( 2),&1 6 $'& ./&- '0.,
$, $,
/,
07917 274101 01463 630013 Email: iain@awlandscape.co.uk www.awlandscape.co.uk
444 +.()& %. 3*
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
PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS Jesus is worth giving up everything else for... Some Scots will be disappointed that this St. Andrew’s Day is not the first one being celebrated in a new, independent Scotland. Others will be glad that this St. Andrew’s Day, as before, is being celebrated in a Scotland that remains part of the Union. In my far-flung school-days it was a public holiday and, therefore, a great reason to celebrate as far as me and my holiday-loving cronies were concerned! Who cared whether it was an odd time of year for a holiday? A day off school made us Andrew fans, whatever he and his day were all about! Older and wiser, I grew up taking more interest in cultural things and I must have heard the stories about how St. Andrews in Fife got named and how some of the great man’s bones had once arrived there and how some of them were maybe still lying in Edinburgh and about how he’d been crucified on an X-shaped cross so as to be slightly different from Jesus, whom he felt unworthy to imitate and about how the Picts claimed to have seen a cloud formation as a white cross against a blue sky the day before a great battle-victory, hence our adoption of the symbol on the
flag to this day. I have no idea how much truth there is in any of these legends, but they’re interesting old stories anyway! What I definitely do believe is the Bible’s account of Andrew, the man who became one of Jesus’ twelve disciples long before any of these other tales got started. He only gets mentioned about twelve times in the Gospel stories, most of which are fairly minor references like when the twelve disciples get listed by name. But the other references are much more significant. Once we find him and three others asking Jesus theological questions (Mark 13:3) – it’s always good to want to know more about the Bible and about the things of God.
Like Andrew, we never know true meaning and purpose in life until we find Jesus, the Messiah and come to know Him as our own Lord and Saviour. And, like Andrew, our calling doesn’t stop there, but continues with the wonderful privilege of helping others to come to meet and know Jesus too.
Once is the story of how Andrew came to be a disciple of Jesus - intrigued by Jesus’ character and teaching (John 1:39) he begins to follow him around, eventually giving up his fishing to be a full-time helper and learner and one of Jesus’ closest companions. He effectively reminds us that Jesus is worth giving up everything else for and how those who do so are never the losers - either in this life or the next.
If this little article can help anybody at all to begin to make the greatest of all discoveries, I’ll be thrilled and humbled to be a little bit of an Andrew as well and will be thankful to God again for using this obscure Middle Eastern fisherman in such a prominent way in Scotland’s national identity.
But, perhaps, his loveliest legacy is the three times we find him bringing other people to Jesus. In John 1:41 it’s his
Murdo MacLeod Nairn Free Church
Inshes, Church of Scotland Insches Retail Park, Inverness. Rev. David Scott. Tel: 01463 226727. Website: www.insheschurch.org Inverness Baptist Church 69 Castle Street. Rev. Tom Urquhart. Tel: 01463 223506. Email: tajurquhart@btinernet.com Inverness Christian Fellowship Millburn Academy, Diriebught Road. Sundays 10.30am. Website: www.icfchurch.co.uk Inverness Church of God Friars Lane. Sunday 10.30am and 6.30pm. Tel: 01463 241318. Inverness Crown Church, Church of Scotland 3 Midmills Road. Tel: 01463 230537. Inverness East Church, Church of Scotland Academy Street. Contact Rev. Professor ATB McGowan: 01463 236695. Website: www.invernesseast.com Inverness Greyfriars Stratherrick Free Church Greyfriars at Balloan Road, Inverness, and Stratherrick at Errogie, Stratherrick. Tel: 01463 714085. Website: www.greyfriarschurch.org Inverness Methodist Church Huntly Street, Inverness. Tel: 01463 239784. Website: www.churchesinverness.com Kiltarlity Church of Scotland Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire. Sundays: 11:15am. Website: www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Kiltarlity Free Church of Scotland Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire. Tel: 01463 741729. Email: jfraser@gmail.com Kings Fellowship Meets at Smithton Industrial Estate, Culloden. Tel: 01463 792700. Email: info@thekingsfactory.com
page 4 - December 2014
brother Peter whom he tells, ‘We have found the Messiah’. In John 6:8 it’s Andrew who finds the boy with the five loaves and two fishes and brings him to Jesus, which results in the miracle we know as ‘The Feeding of the 5000’. And in John 12:22, when some travelling Greeks say, ‘we would like to see Jesus’, it’s Andrew who brings them to meet the Master.
Kingsview Christian Centre Balnafettack Road, Inverness, IV3 8TF. Sundays 11.30am and 6pm. Wednesdays 7.30pm. Tel: 01463 716843. Kinmylies Church of Scotland Kinmylies Way, Inverness. Sundays 10.30am. Tel: 01463 714035. Website: www.kinmylies.co.uk Kirkhill (Wardlaw) Church of Scotland Sundays 10am. Website: www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.uk Knockbain Free Church Ferry Brae, North Kessock. Tel: 01463 731368. Email: nwmacleod@talktalk.net Maryburgh & Killearnan Free Church Seaforth Place, Maryburgh tel: 01349 863367. Killearnan Manse, Bogroy, Tore - tel: 731369 email: cswan@ctlconnect.co.uk Ness Bank Church of Scotland Inverness. Sundays 11am. Tel: 01463 243165. Website: www.nessbank.net North Kessock, Church of Scotland Main Street, North Kessock. Tel: 01463 731712. Website: www.churchofscotland.org.uk Old High St Stephen's, Church of Scotland 1) Old High Church, Church Street, Inverness. Sundays 11.15am. Tel: 01463 250802. 2) St Stephen’s Church, Southside Road at Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness. Sundays 10am. Tel: 01463 250802.www.oldhighststephens.com Listed I to O 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
The Editor
Here comes Santa, here comes Santa! If you have your own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or any other children ,then you may well have heard these cries already and if not I’m sure you will shortly. For us adults, however, Christmas also gives us the opportunity to figuratively “open up the door” to a neigbour or acquaintance and offer a hand of friendship putting disagreements behind us.
PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes SALES .............................Jill Connor ACCOUNTS ...................Wendy Day DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LAYOUT .................Tamsyn Dickson
January Issue Deadlines
Words by the Wayside "And hereby we do know that we know him, (Jesus Christ) if we keep his commandments." (1st John 2:3)
Reader, Don't call yourself a Christian or say that you know God if your life speaks otherwise. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. Whosoever is born of God through faith in His Son does not practise or habitually live in sin, The Lord Jesus says, Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk
Editorial - Friday 05/12/14 Advertising - Wednesday 10/12/14
Registered Scottish charity SC041290
15% off Hires and Sales
Gift Vouchers also available expires 31st January 2015
McCalls of Elgin
54 South Street
01343 540590
www.mccalls.co.uk
USEFUL INFORMATION Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days St Andrew’s Day Sun 30th Nov 2014 St Andrew’s Day Observed Mon 1st Dec 2014 Shortest Day Sun 21st Dec 2014 Christmas Day Thurs 25th Dec 2014 Boxing Day Fri 26th Dec 2014 New Year’s Eve Wed 31st Dec 2014 New Year’s Day Thurs 1st Jan 2015
Scottish Bank Holiday Valentine’s Day Mothering Sunday British Summertime Starts Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday
Fri 2nd Jan 2015 Sat 14th Feb 2015 Sun 15th Mar 2015 Sun 29th Mar 2015 Fri 3rd Apr 2015 Sun 5th Apr 2015 Mon 6th Apr 2015
School Term Dates for 2014/2015 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Fri 19th Dec 2014 Christmas Holiday Starts Mon 22nd Dec 2014 Christmas Holiday Ends Fri 2nd Jan 2015 Spring Term Starts Mon 5th Jan 2015 Mid Term Holiday Mon 16th Feb 2015 Mid Term Holiday Tues 17th Feb 2015 In-Service Day Wed 18 Feb 2015 Spring Term Ends Thurs 2nd Apr 2015
Spring Holiday Starts Fr 3rd Apr 2015 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 17th Apr 2015 Summer Term Starts Mon 20th Apr 2015 May Day Holiday Mon 4th May 2015 In-Service Day Mon 1st Jun 2015 Summer Term Ends Thurs 2nd Jul 2015 for 2015/2016 (all dates inclusive) In-Service Day Mon 17th Aug 2015 Autumn Term Starts Tues 18th Aug 2015
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
VILLAGE HALLS & COMMUNITY CENTRES Abriachan Village Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 861257 Ardersier Old School Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 462658 Balloch Community Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07955 756310 Cameron Youth Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 234785 Cannich Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 459224 Culduthel Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712844 Farr Community Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01808 521346 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 The Green Hall, Smithton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07977 852083 Spectrum Centre & Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 221842 Stratherrick Public Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 486350 Strathnairn Hall (Daviot) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 772228
page 6 - December 2014
VETS Crown Vets (Argyle St) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 237000 Crown Vets (Carsegate Rd Sth) . . . . . . . . . . . . 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
DENTISTS 21 Kingsmills Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 233416 Abban Street Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 718140 Academy Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 232423 Burnfield Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 241515 Black Isle Dental Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01349 877082 Castle House Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 234598 Dalneigh Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 243767 Dental Clinic, New Craigs Hospital . . . . . . . . . . 01463 704000 Fraser Street Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 242344 High School Dental Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 235468 Inshes Dental Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 794949 Inverness Dental Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 255866 Ness Bank Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 236295 Riverside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 226358 Southside Surgical Dentistry Centre . . . . . . . . . 01463 710760 Southside Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 710760 Torwood Dental Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712772 Dental Helpline 0845 6442271 Rotated on a regular basis. To add a contact or amend existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
Clachnaharry Inn LEARN NEW SKILLS Better err career prospects AVAILABLE NOW
NEWLY REFURBISHED LOUNGE & NEW MENUS
CSCS Scheme Labourers Green Card £
FORKLIFTS WELDING MEWPs 94¶V SCAFFOLD BANKSMAN FIRST ST TAID FOOD HYGIENE IOSH IOSH HARNESSES FIRE SAFETY CHAINSA AWS APPRENTICESHIPS
Why not come along and enjoy a lovely meal in our newly refurbished lounge and restaurant? To coincide with the re-opening of our lounge and restaurant we have launched two brand new menus! Choose from our Autumn/Winter Menu, available daily from 12pm, or our Carvery from 12pm-3pm every Sunday.
01309 696932
CHRISTMAS MENU We are now taking bookings for our Christmas Menu, available from Monday 1st December! 2 Courses - £14.95 3 Courses - £17.95
17-19 High Street, Clachnaharry, Inverness, IV3 8RB. Tel: 01463 239806
up
ive O F S er a T ce Re % NDse a Vi 50 STAurcha TVen you p
wh
to
F
V
RECEIVE
EXPERT
FREE
6 YEAR
BACK-UP
LOCAL
WARRANTY
& SERVICE
DELIVERY
SSHOP HOP OONLINE NLINE www.panasonicstore-inverness.co.uk www.panasonicstore-inverness.co.uk 112 AAcademy cademy Str Street, eet, Inv Inverness erness IV1 IV1 1LX 1LX | Tel: Tel: 01463 716646 | sales@shopatpanasonic-inverness.co.uk sales@shopatpanasonic-inverness.co.uk
PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES At the time I write this blog, I am Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism in the Scottish Government. By the time you read it, I hope that I still hold the post which is one of the most absorbing in the country! But of course the decision of choice of Ministers is that of the First Minister, and Nicola Sturgeon will now be Scotland's first female First Minister. She will rightly bring her own style and character to the post, and whomsoever she picks for her team, I will support her. In the words of the song: Que sera, sera. Whatever will be will be. Whatever her decision, I will continue in my prime responsibility as the MSP for Inverness and Nairn, and to do my best to help people who need my assistance, whether by e mail, phone or at one of my three monthly surgeries in Grantown on Spey, Nairn and Inverness. One of the things about my party is that we are a strong and united team - united by a shared vision of Scotland running her own affairs, and doing our best to do good for people in Scotland. Fergus Ewing MSP
2014 has been quite a year. It seems like only yesterday I was writing in these pages while thinking about the momentous year we had before us just twelve months ago. So a year on, how far have we come? Seeing our economic recovery take root and having more people in work than ever before has been very encouraging. There is more work to do, but 2014 has been a record breaking year for employment and opportunity. And the historic Scottish Referendum has inspired more political engagement, and has inspired more, much needed, powers for Scotland. I’m sure that the coming year will bring new challenges for all of us, but we will face them as we always do – with strength and community spirit. As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can help you with any problems, address any issues or answer any questions. I’m always happy to help. I’d like to wish everyone in Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Danny Alexander MP 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
M TU W TH F SA SU
AM 01:16 02:37 03:40 04:33 05:18 05:55 06:28
PM 13:59 15:09 16:06 16:55 17:40 18:19 18:56
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
M TU W TH F SA SU M TU W TH F
PM 19:32 20:08 20:44 21:18 21:15 22:04 23:42 12:35 14:50 15:39 16:24
estwoo W
Ca ry tte
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
SA SU M TU W TH F SA SU M TU W
AM 04:30 05:20 06:07 06:52 07:35 08:20 09:03 09:46 10:32 11:24 00:31 02:11
PM 17:09 17:54 18:38 19:22 20:07 20:55 21:44 22:33 23:26 12:37 14:47
Westwood, Littlemill, Nairn Tel. 01667 454536 or
gillian@westwoodcattery.co.uk
d
Firthview Windows
AM 06:56 07:19 07:29 07:44 08:15 08:56 09:52 11:01 01:09 02:07 02:55 03:41
www.westwoodcattery.co.uk
Feline Advisory Bureau Registered, Listed in Good Cattery Guide
DOUBLE GLAZING DOORS & ROOFLINE 4EL s www.firthviewwindows.co.uk page 8 - December 2014
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area *Deadline for the January Issue: Friday, 5th December* Email: tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk Telephone: 01309 690063 Inclusion of events in What’s On is free. We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops. Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes to events.
Rolling Event until 1 february the "winter exhibition" & "cd collection" at inchmore gallery. a wonderful variety of mediums and styles plus gorgeous, miniature works of art that make wonderful presents for your loved ones and best friends, or for yourself! for more information and opening times visit www.inchmoregallery.co.uk
great glen walking club lochs ashie, duntelchaig and bunachton circular. 7.5 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for info. fairtrade bazaar 10:30am - 3pm, the town house, inverness. shop ethically for cards, gifts, food for christmas. refreshments, coffee tasting, cupcakes, drumming performance and much more. call heath mitchell on 01463 790842 for more info.
29 saturday - 30 sunday brodie castle christmas craft fair by exclusively highlands 10am - 4pm beautiful crafts, wonderful foods, mulled wine, mince pies and music. £4 per adult, children free. includes a glass of non-alcoholic mulled punch and a mince pie. call 0844 493 2156.
30 sunday inverness ramblers craigmonie and the falls of divach. 6.25 miles. meet 10am highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information.
NOVEMBER 2014 26 wednesday social diners - why eat alone? 12:30pm at the birch tree restaurant, delny. for information and to book call gill on 01349 877061
27 thursday music hall tavern @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
27 thursday - 30 sunday art fair @ strathpeffer pavillion organised by friends of the pavilion and showcasing hundreds of original works by highland artists. for times & more info call 01997 420124 • www.strathpefferpavilion.org
28 friday stanley odd @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
29 saturday the springsteen sessions - bruce springsteen tribute act @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com moray firth ice hockey club v kirkcaldy face offs u12 5:30pm, u14 6:45pm and u20 8:15pm at inverness ice rink. £5 adults , £2 conc, £10 family at the door. hot and cold refreshments available in the cafe. for more inf call jacqui ferguson on 01343 843788 admin@spotlighton.co.uk
tel: 01309 690063
December 2014 - page 9
BREATHE, STRETCH, RELAX
2 HOUR SESSION OF SIMPLE, STRESS BUSTING EXERCISES 2-4pm on Saturday, 3rd December 2014 Triratna Highlands Buddhist Centre, Ballantyne House, Academy St, IV1 1LU. Cost: Free
.BY OVNCFS t DBMM
DECEMBER 2014 2 tuesday scottish ornithologists' club: "abernethy national nature reserve. who owns this land?" by desmond dugan 7:30pm, culloden library. call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740. ÂŁ3 members; ÂŁ4 non members.
4 thursday soft play extravaganza @ strathpeffer pavillion 10am - 4pm. from 1 year up. ÂŁ4 per child – adults go free. www.strathpefferpavilion.org bl'azz presents 'gentle jazz' nostalgic melodies; slightly swinging songs from 1pm at the town house, inverness. featuring nigel mackenzie at the piano, with 'my favourite things’. admission: ÂŁ5 highland decorative & fine arts society (hdfas) - art lecture: ‘faberge at the court of the tsar’ with lecturer nicholas merchant 2pm - 3:30pm at smithton free church, murray road, inverness. non members ÂŁ5. new members welcome. contact membership sec averillbrodie@ymail.com or chair davidmartin30@ hotmail.com (07595 219308) visit www.hdfas.org
5 friday torridon @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com gaelic society talk: 300 years on: the wit and wisdom of rob donn by donald john macleod 7.30pm at inverness gaelic school. all welcome.
5 friday - 7 sunday arts, crafts and food fair by exclusively highlands fri 1pm - 8pm, sat & sun 10am - 5pm at eden court theatre, inverness. free admission. supporting inverness ms centre. call 01381 621962 or visit www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk
0 )-*+!+ , )"$! ,! * !($(" 1 #$( !( $(" 1 *0 ,)(! &&$("
( ')*!
&&
page 10 - December 2014
$("
1 +%!, ' %$(" 1 *!/!& ' *)$ !*0 1 ))% $( $("
)* .$+$, /// &)"$!
) -%
6 saturday inverness ramblers glen glass and towards meall mor. 10 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. oasis uk: oasis tribute + dj phil smith @ ironworks 7:30pm. 0871 7894173 • www.ironworksvenue.com
7 sunday troilus ensemble – carols by candlelight 3pm at inverness cathedral. great glen walking club kincraig to aviemore. 10.25 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for more information. wee boppers discos presents: frozen disco @ ironworks 3pm. for details call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com the tomintoul winter wonderland 10am - 4pm, the balfour manor hall. craft sale and merchants and so much more..santa will be there for the kids and treats for the kids all free!
8 monday royal scottish geographical society lecture iceland: a land of water battles? by prof. roger crofts 7:30pm, highland council chamber, glenurquhart road, inverness. admission: adults ÂŁ8; free for students, under 18's and rsgs members.
10 wednesday social diners - why eat alone? 7:30pm dining at the national hotel dingwall. for information and to book call gill on 01349 877061
11 thursday rspb talk: caribbean capers - in search of nature in central america 7:30pm fraser park bowling club, inverness.
12 friday rnw presents: rock n' wrestle @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
13 saturday christmas fair 11am - 4pm at cantraybridge college activities, stalls and gift making. a great family day out. our event cafe will be serving homemade treats too. visit www.cantraypark.co.uk for more details. moray firth ice hockey club v dundee stars face offs u12 5:30pm, u14 6:45pm, u20 8:15pm at inverness ice rink. ÂŁ5 adults , ÂŁ2 conc, ÂŁ10 family at the door. hot and cold refreshments available in the cafe. for more inf call jacqui ferguson on 01343 843788 yule gig @ strathpeffer pavillion 8pm. in association with inverness gigs. for more info call 01997 420124 or visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org great glen walking club loch carn nam badan circular. 9 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for more information. the vatersay boys christmas cracking ceilidh dance @ ironworks 7pm. for info call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
14 sunday inverness ramblers loch kinellan & the cat’s back strathpeffer. 7 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. christmas carols with dingwall choral society and the invergordon singers @ strathpeffer pavillion 8pm. tickets £10. for more info call 01997 420124 or visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org
HIGHLAND CATERHAM HIRE BADENTINAN, ELGIN IV30 8QX, MORAYSHIRE
01343 842657 07831 847212
16 tuesday sticky kids christmas singalong @ strathpeffer pavillion 10am. for 2 - 6 year olds. tickets ÂŁ6. call 01997 420124 or visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org
17 wednesday social diners - why eat alone? 12:30pm at coul house hotel, contin. for information and to book call gill on 01349 877061
17 wednesday - 18 thursday pantomime – rapunzel @ strathpeffer pavillion 1:30pm & 7pm. for more info call 01997 420124 or visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org
19 friday schnarff schnarff vs indieness + foreignfox + searching for donkeys @ ironworks 8pm. for info call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
20 saturday inverness ramblers inverarnie and farr byways. 8 miles. meet 9:30am highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information.
Highland Caterham Hire offers you the opportunity to self drive hire an iconic British sports car, the Caterham Seven. Additionally, chauffeur driven days / tours, gift vouchers and wedding use are all catered for. We are based in the beautiful county of Moray, near Elgin, and ideally situated to allow you easy access to the best driving roads and scenery that Scotland has to offer. Should you wish to explore beyond the wonders of Scotland then the cars are available for European tours.
DA Y TR I P S H O L I DA YS
TH E ID E A XMAS L or B IR TH D A Y G IF T GIFT VOUCHERS
AVAILABLE
PLEASE CALL FOR BOOKINGS OR DETAILS
a f ^ g 8 ` a _ `d Yf \[ Yl]j `Ye ` aj ] & [ g & m c o o o& ` a _ ` d Yf \[Y l] j ` Ye ` aj ]& [g & m c
28 sunday
great glen walking club tombaraidh woods to raitts and return. 5 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for more information.
inverness ramblers kinveachy forest, beinn ghuilbin circular. 8 miles. meet 9:30am highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. the ironworks winter showcase : acoustic 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
27 saturday
31 wednesday
21 sunday
great glen walking club fortrose - rosemarkie circular. 6 miles. depart 10am from inverness and 10:30am from fortrose. call 01463 236204 for info. the ironworks winter showcase @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
Panasonic STORE
Approved
hogmanay ceilidh @ strathpeffer pavillion 8pm 1am. for more info and tickets call 01997 420124 or visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org rhythmnreel hogmanay bash @ ironworks 9pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
Range of High Back Chairs Riser/Recliner Chairs & Electric Beds
Aerial Satellite Services
...everything to keep you comfortable this winter.
Aerial Satellite Services specialists supply, installation and repair of Digital Aerial and Satellite Systems. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE digital tv and radio aerials installed and repaired, plasma, lcd tv wall mounting and more.
tø
INVERNESS & SURROUNDING AREAS
FREE AT HOME DEMONSTRATIONS FREE DELIVERIES
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
Easy parking & disabled toilet facilities
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE OPTIONS
Going out for a meal, appointments, shopping theatre or cinema Call or email us to book in advance liftandgo@hotmail.com Find us on Facebook
Private Mobility Hire 01463 418571
Legal Will Writers of Moray We offer a friendly, professional and inexpensive service for Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney and Estate Planning, from Inverness to Aberdeen Free Info Pack - Home Visits - Wills by Post & Email
‡ info@legalwillwriters.co.uk www.legalwillwriters.co.uk
FULL PRICE LIST CAN BE FOUND ON OUR PAGE FULL OVEN VALET & 2 CARPETS CLEANED... £110 (standard oven) Before
After
DISCOUNT AVAILABLE 10% DISCOUNT WHEN YOU AND A FRIEND BOOK ON THE SAME DAY SAME TOWN
10% OAP DISCOUNT ON OVENS & CARPET CLEANING
FULL DOUBLE OVEN & 3 CARPETS CLEANED... £135 (double ovens & Ovens and Grill section) FULL RANGE CLEANED & 3 CARPETS CLEANED... £155 (grill & 2 oven sections) extra £10 for gas topped ranges
10% DISCOUNT REBOOKING WITHIN 6 MTHS OF LAST VISIT
BOOK 2 CARPETS GET 3RD FREE
For bookings or further information
07779 080830 T&c's prices may be subject to a travel fee and are not in conjuction with any other discounts on our page extractors are seperate to this offer
Timberline Harvesting Ltd (Forestry management)
2S[ FY]MRK WXERHMRK XMQFIV SV [MRHFPS[R XVIIW EPWS YRHIVXEOMRK GPIEV JIPP XLMRMRK GSRXVEGXW *YPP TVSNIGX QEREKIQIRX JIPPMRK PMGIRGI ETTPMGEXMSR ;I EPWS YRHIVXEOI JIRGMRK TVSTIVX] KVSYRH QEMRXIRERGI TPERXEXMSR QEREKIQIRX VI WXSGOMRK WTVE]MRK JMVI[SSH FMSQEWW (IIV QEREKIQIRX ZIVQMR GSRXVSP
Professionaly managing the environment 8IP ˆ XMQFIVPMRILEVZIWXMRK$ESP GSQ TIMBERLINE HARVESTING LTD A HARRISON COMPANY
Ask about our
Gift Vouchers The perfect Christmas present
W Thomson SAW SERVICE LTD
Lawnmowers Chainsaws Brushcutters Ride on Mowers Logsplitters
Circular Saws Guillotine Blades Chipper Blades Bandsaws Kitchen Knives SALES t SERVICE t REPAIR t HIRE
60 Seafield Rd, Inverness
WORLD OF BLINDS
ALL THE LATEST TRENDS & STYLES, MADE TO MEASURE! Call now for a FREE no-obligation Quote in the comfort of your own home. pick up and call now!
(01463) 222 522 www.horizonblinds.co.uk
This space could have been promoting your business! SpotLight covers six areas along the Moray Firth Coastline from Buckie & Keith across to Inverness and then down to Aviemore - and all the places in between!
Contact us for details of rates and sizes:
(01309) 690063
20% BACK ON WINTER SERVICING OF GARDEN MACHINERY Wanted old, unused and broken machinery for recycling Opening Times: .POEBZ 5IVSTEBZ QN 'SJEBZ QN t 4BUVSEBZ QN
Waterford Ind. Est., Forres, Moray IV36 3EE TFM t 'BY
wthomsonsawserviceltd.co.uk
Building on Design The aim of 1 Architects is to produce functional, elegant buildings that respect their surroundings and the environment, and to provide our clients with an efficient, professional service. So whatever your project we can provide you with a complete range of services from inception to completion. Office 01463 216121 RIAS
reception@1renewables.com Ian 07713 912473, Alastair 07799 526585 Or use our website enquiry form at
RIBA
www.1architects.com ARB
SIMPLE CHANGES are SIMPLY BETTER Solar Panels can provide practical and economic solutions
3.5%* reduction on Feed in Tariff from the1st January 2015 Become more energy self-sufficient by producing your own electricity Minimise the impact of energy providers potential price increases Invest in the simple installation of Solar (PV) Panels *Ofgem
Invest in a guaranteed financial return Government backed payments for 20 years A Tax free income for 20 years
Office: 01343 818102 Email:gmrenewablesltd@live.co.uk
www.greenmorayrenewables.co.uk Your Local Installers
Your new home in the country with Quick Move* £1,000 from Richmond Wight cashback Residential Park Park Homes and Holiday Holiday Lodges Lodges for Sale
Come along and disco discover ver a new way way of life at Riv erview Country P ark. W e have have superior Riverview Park. We residential park homes and luxury lodges that y ou could call home. Reserv e and mo ve in, in just you Reserve move 4 weeks and we ’ll e ven giv e you you £1,000 cashback we’ll even give on completion!*
Reserve Reserv e now for just
£500 £ 500
• Downsize and release equity to enjoy enjoy life
upon completion
£79,995 to £150,000
• Low Low maintenance, low cost, 2 and 3 bedroom, fully furnished homes • No agents fees or stamp duty • Park Park Exchange Exchange aavailable vailable on some homes Excellent years • Holiday Holiday lodges - Ex xcellent cellent rental re return, 8% per annum for 3 y ears • Immediate completion available available on show homes Forres
A96
Inverness ss A9
Nairn
Riverview Country Park
Elgin A96
Owner Enquiry Centre open daily from everyone 9am to 6pm, e veryone welcome.
SPECIAL DECEMBER OFFERS
F or more information, For call us on 01343 812 000
www.RiverviewCountryPark.co.uk www .RiverviewCountryPark.co.uk
Riverview Park, Forres, Morayshire, 2TA Riverview Country P ark, Mundole, F orres, Mor ayshire, IV36 6 2T TA A *Quick Move Move aavailable vailable on selected homes for for pur purchasers chasers able to complete within 4 weeks. weeks. Cashback pa payable yable within 7 da days ys of completion. Off Offer er ends 31st December 2014.
CHRISTMAS LUNCHES Celebrate Christmas in our brand new Kingsmills Suite with fantastic local bands, Rhythm and Reel, Torridon and Totico, to keep you dancing all night long. Arrival time of 7pm for 7.30pm, and includes a glass of bubbly on arrival.
Menu 1 £14.95 Menu 2 £24.95
Friday 5th December Rhythm and Reel - £49.00 per person Half bottle of wine per person Half bottle ofincluded wine included Saturday 6th December Torridon - £49.00 per person Half bottle of wine per person Half bottle ofincluded wine included
From 1st to the
Friday 12th December Totico per person 24th- £49.00 December Saturday 13th December inclusive Torridon - £49.00 per person 19th December ToFriday book please phone Rhythm and Reel 01463 - £49.00 257102 per person or20th email Saturday December Torridon £49.00 per person events@kingsmillshotel.com
To book any Fun Festive Event or for further information:
Telephone: 01463 257102 | Email: events@kingsmillshotel.com Please quote “SpotLight” when contacting us for our special offers
THE MERCHANT Over 25 years experience WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING UNUSUAL, DIFFERENT AND EASY ON THE POCKET Next time you are in town take a quick bounce across the Greig Street Bridge to The Merchant in Greig Street. The Merchant, an Aladdin’s cave of interesting paraphernalia, furniture and collectable pieces
38 Greig St, Inverness. 01463 417 618 themerchant@btinternet.com
look
Look Interiors is located upstairs at The Merchant
Elaine creates beautiful curtains, roman blinds, cushions, lampshades, and many other accessories to enrich your home style. Choose beautiful window dressings, in all types of fabrics, colours and edgings, to co-ordinate with or compliment your existing furnishings.
38 Greig Street Inverness 077764 66674 sales@lookblinds.co.uk
The Chocolate Place has Christmas all wrapped up! T 01463 719085 E info@thechocolateplace.co.uk W thechocolateplace.co.uk A The Chocolate Place, 11 Chapel St, Inverness. IV11NA
Evening courses We have an exciting range of certificated and leisure courses to enhance your learning, gain confidence or just for pure enjoyment. Creative metalwork, pilates, military boot camp, cooking for Christmas, All the courses are on a Tuesday or Wednesday night for a number of weeks suitable to the level of course. We have evening classes enabling you to gain a qualification – how about National Certificate (NC) Beauty over two years, HNC Motor Vehicle two nights a week over a year or Introduction to Counselling for 12 weeks?
Call 01463 273000 to book. 3 Longman Road, Longman South, Inverness, IV1 1SA