SpotLight on Inverness & District February 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

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Winter Warmer Offer Large Luxury Hot Chocolate or large Latte with Churros for one only ÂŁ5.00

ENERGY SOLUTIONS WHICH CAN There is a range of reasons for farmers to invest in renewable energy and each IN TURN SAVE MONEY farm business will have its own particular set of drivers. The renewable energy sector offersaplenty of appeal to farmers wishing to growaadditional streams, operating Creating more energy efficient environment has become viable cost revenue cutting method for cut businesses and costs and ensure security of supply.

Low-rate loans are available for a range of purposes. homeowners looking to cut back and make changes to their properties in a bid to cut costs.

Many farming businesses will prefer to take financing for their asset purchases, rather than

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ADULTS

CHILDREN & TEENS

NEW Language, Art

HIGHER REVISION WEEK 7-11 April Booking Now

and Creative Writing classes this term.

94 Academy Street, Inverness: near bus/rail & car parks

01463 71 61 51 www.mftcollege.co.uk

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

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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 AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS Self help group for families and friends of people with a drink problem, with meetings held locally throughout the Highland area. Call 020 7403 0888 for a local number in your area or visit www.al-anonuk.org.uk CROMARTY BOWLING CLUB Outdoor at the Green - May Sept, Bowling for Beginners Fri 2pm - 4pm Indoor at Victoria Hall - Nov -Apr, Bowling for Beginners Fridays 2pm - 4pm Causeway, Cromarty.

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 of photography incl. use of Photoshop. Members able to participate in club competitions and field shoots.

INVERNESS & DISTRICT FUCHSIA SOCIETY 2nd Wednesday at 7.30pm in Trinity Church Hall (Not Dec or Jan). All welcome. Contact Dan Matheson on 07857 962431 or dan.matheson@btinternet.com

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INVERNESS FIELD ARCHERY CLUB To teach & participate in the sport of field archery visit www. invernessfieldarcheryclub.webed en.co.uk INVERNESS FILM FANS Fortnightly at Eden Court for screenings & discussion. New members welcome. Details: www.invernessfilmfans.org INVERNESS GARDENING CLUB 2nd Tuesday, 7:30pm at the Mackenzie Centre, Culduthel Road from Sept - May. Members share a common interest in general gardening, meetings are informal, usually with an invited speaker. Annual Flower Show in August. New members or visitors are always welcome. For info call Valerie (Sec) on 01456 486656 email v.weir656@btinternet.com INVERNESS HARRIERS AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB Cross country, road and hill running, track and field athletics, Beginner to elite level. Queens Park Athletic Stadium. Tel 791110 www.invernessharriers.org.uk INVERNESS HOSPITAL RADIO Email requests to be played in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness to: requests@invernesshospital radio. co.uk. Looking for ward visitors & technical team members. Contact Mr Atholl Menzies on 704500/704501 or enquiry@invernesshospitalradio .co.uk INVERNESS LOCAL HISTORY FORUM For details call 07843113414 or email info@invernesslocal historyforum.org.uk

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INVERNESS PETANQUE CLUB Wed 7 - 9pm & Sun 2- 5pm at Fairways Golf Club. Boules can be supplied. Call John Mudd on 790912

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INVERNESS RACING PIGEON CLUB Seeking new members young and old. Races held from Inverness to as far away as France with the North East Federation. All ages welcome.

Call 01463 243038.

page 4 - February 2014

INVERNESS SEA CADETS Tues and Thursday evenings, 7.15pm-9.30pm, tel: 226069 INVERNESS TENNIS Bishop’s Road, Inverness, tel: 230751 or email: itsc.information@googlemail.com or visit www.itscnews.com INVERNESS TENNIS & SQUASH CLUB Call 230751 or email: info@ invernesstennisandsquash.org alternately you can visit us at www.invernesstennisandsquash.org INVERNESS TOUCH RUGBY Wednesdays 6pm-8pm, Bught Pitches (by Ice Rink). Fast & fun for men and women, all abilities & fitness levels welcome. Email info@invernesstouch.co.uk or "Inverness Touch" on Facebook KILTARLITY CAMERA CLUB Meets on two Tuesdays of the month at Brockies Lodge, Kiltarlity at 7:30pm. Contact the secretary: 714330. Welcomes all ages and abilities.

LGBT 5K RUNNING GROUP Wednesdays, 6pm, Inverness Leisure. www.gay-ness.org.uk Text / call 07941 553620 or email jampa40@yahoo.co.uk NOAH'S ARK TOTS Tues - Fri 9:45am - 11:30am at Culduthel Christian Centre, Culduthel Avenue, Inverness Due to Mums and their tots moving on there are currently places available for the new term. See www.culduthel christiancentre.org for details.

SCOTTISH ORNITHOLGISTS’ CLUB - HIGHLAND BRANCH Call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740.

THE INVERNESS SINGERS Wednesdays, 7:30pm - 9:15pm, Crown Church Hall, Inverness.

Contact Ken Young on 232835 or kenmag20@btinternet.com

MEDITATION CLASSES Mondays 6.30pm at Millburn Academy, Diriebught Road, Inverness. £5 (£4 conc.). Call 0141 334 1334 or visit www.meditateinglasgow.org All welcome.

MERKINCH MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB Regular monthly trips, ages 12 to adult. Call 07879 443979 or email: ewanharper@yahoo.co.uk PINK CASTLE PHILOSOPHY CLUB 2nd Tuesday of the month. Fun & sociable chat with meaning for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender community. Visit the website www.pinkcastle.eu or tel: 07745 930383 PLANEFIELD BOWLING CLUB Open to visitors Mon - Sat from 2pm - 5pm. Members can play from 11am onwards most days of the week. Contact Mrs Gillian Farquhar 07752 300367 RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING HIGHLAND Confidential relationship counselling service in Inverness for anyone experiencing problems in their intimate, personal relationship. Call 712888, or email viewplaceapts@yahoo.co.uk www.counsellinghighland.org 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.

THE NESS BRIDGE CLUB Visitors & beginners welcome.

Located above the Cale Social Club, Greig Street, Inverness.

Contact: Don 01463 232976 or Laura 07808 107130.

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

I saw a TV documentary recently about the Roman Invasions and whether or not the phrase veni, vidi, vici (which I am told means I came, I saw, I conquered) was actually used or not. I guess we will never know but it did make me think about my own Christmas Day and the phrase that comes to mind for me was “I woke, I rose, I survived the day! At least for another year anyway!

PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes SALES ..........................Peter Evans ACCOUNTS ...................Wendy Day DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LAYOUT .................Tamsyn Dickson

March Issue Deadlines Editorial - Friday 31/01/14 Advertising - Wednesday 05/02/14

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“Photo Noir”

By Jack Rutherford Photography Jack's ‘Photo Noir’ is both personal and desirable. A single light and a black background is all that is needed to produce these timeless and striking works of art.

Presented in stunning black frames, this is probably the most emotional style of portraiture you will ever possess. It is both simple and elegant. Clothing is kept dark to maximise the impact of the image and bring attention to the sitter’s face.

Jack Rutherford Photography is located in the lovely seaside town of Nairn and specialises in Black and White and Location Portraiture.

“Photo Noir” Competition

To win a portrait session and a 10” framed print worth £180, answer this simple question. In what town is Jack Rutherford located?

To enter, simply visit the Jack Rutherford Photography web site, click on the “Photo Noir” Competition link and complete the simple form. The winner will be picked on Monday 10th February 2014. Don’t delay and enter today!

To book tel : 01667 456640 or email: jack@jackrutherford-photography.co.uk www.jackrutherford-photography.co.uk

PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS

‘I don’t know what I’d say to them!’ Isn’t that often how we feel when we’re meeting someone for the first time especially when it’s someone a bit special? It could be a first date. It could be a celebrity. Or it could be God. What do the people, on hand to give us advice, say in response? What top tip do they offer for speaking to this person who makes you feel just a little bit nervous?

‘Just be yourself! Just be who you are with them.’ Interestingly, that’s what Jesus says about talking to God, too.

I’ve got this friend called Simon. Simon is from a farming family, the sort who doesn’t have time for fancy-schmancy language, long speeches, show-offs and hypocrites. He likes people who call a spade a spade.

Some of his mates got him to come along to one of those courses that churches run to help people find out about faith in Jesus. Simon heard about what Jesus said and did, how He lived and died, the claim that He rose again.

He looked into the Bible for himself. And when I and some other mates asked him what he thought of it all, he said, ‘Aye... I think it’s probably all true.’

So I asked him, ‘If it’s all true, what’s stopping you from starting to follow Jesus then?’

‘Praying. I just can’t see myself doing it, to be honest. I mean, it just feels stupid, and awkward. And I don’t know what I’d say to God.’ You can look into all of Jesus’ claims, you can investigate the intellectual arguments, you can decide the Bible’s true and still not see yourself following Jesus - all because of a hang up about prayer.

That was the last thing Jesus wanted. In Matthew 6, Jesus explained how God actually wants people to pray. In verse 5, He said, ‘And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.’

Then in verses 7-8, He said, ‘And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.’ Jesus explained that God doesn’t want people talking to Him with fancyschmancy language and long speeches, and He’s not best pleased with praying show-offs and hypocrites. Much like Simon, then.

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 Church of God Sundays 10.30am & 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: 12noon. 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:

page 6 - February 2014

Like Simon, God prefers it when people are themselves with Him. Calling a spade a spade. Asking questions.

Getting things off their chest. Saying thanks. Looking for help.

Whatever is holding you back from having a relationship with God, don’t let it be ‘not knowing how to pray.’ In February, our church is looking at what God has to say about how we talk to Him. You’re welcome to join us for that.

In the meantime, why not put this magazine down and just talk to God for a minute.

Just tell Him your questions, feelings, requests for help and words of thanks.

Be yourself. And if you keep going with it, don’t be surprised to see things change. Be who you are with God. And like any new relationship, don’t be surprised if talking with Him changes who you are.

Rev. Scott McRoberts St. Columba Church

01463 792700. Email: info@thekingsfactory.com 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 10.30am.

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 changes 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

Chinese New Year Local Holiday ‡ Valentine’s Day Local Holiday ‡ Mothering Sunday British Summertime Starts Good Friday Easter Sunday

Fri 31st Jan 2014 Mon 3rd Feb 2014 Fri 14th Feb 2014 Mon 3rd Mar 2014 Sun 30th Mar 2014 Sun 30th Mar 2014 Fri 18th Apr 2014 Sun 20th Apr 2014

Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Father’s Day Longest Day Local Holiday ‡ Summer Bank Holiday ‡ Inverness

Mon 21st Apr 2014 Mon 5th May 2014 Mon 26th May 2014 Sun 15th Jun 2014 Sat 21st Jun 2014 Mon 7th Jul 2014 Mon 4th Aug 2014

School Term Dates

for 2013/2014 (all dates inclusive) 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 In-Service Day Fri 26th Sep 2014 Autumn Term Ends Fri 10th Oct 2014

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

Riverside Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 715999 Raigmore Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 704000 RNI Community Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 706966 Strathlene Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 870843 The Aird Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782214 The Surgery, Munlochy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 811200 Southside Road Surgery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 710222

Useful Contacts

DOCTORS Beauly Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782794 Burnfield Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 220077 Cairn Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712233 Cromarty Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 600224 Culloden Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01463 793400 Crown Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0844 576 9977 Drumnadrochit, Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 450577 Dunedin Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712157 Fairfield Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 713939 Fortrose Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08444 772497 Foyers Medical Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 486224 Kingsmills Medical Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 235245 New Craigs Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 704000

page 8 - February 2014

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 to amend existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

© Pauline Lewin

PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES Our seasonal Highland Burns’ Suppers are always a welcome treat through the cold winter months. I’m very lucky this year, as I have two suppers to attend in February!

For 2014 I was keen to invite the new Secretary of State for Scotland, Alistair Carmichael, to join us in Inverness for the Highland Lib Dems’ Burns’ Supper. He, of course, agreed, but only on the condition that I join him in Orkney for their evening. To my delight! Alistair is always the life and soul of the party, and it will be a real pleasure to hear him speak in Inverness, and host in Kirkwall. I cannot think of better words for the new Scottish Secretary to usher in 2014 than those of the immortal Rabbie Burns’ poem ‘Does Haughty Gaul Invasion Threat?’: ‘O, let us not, like snarling curs, In wrangling be divided’. Whether you’re attending a Burns’ Supper or not I hope all spotlight readers have has the opportunity to enjoy our most celebrated poet this winter.

We know that each year is brought in by singing Auld Lang Syne. But how many know that this song is reputed to be the best known song in the world. Sung in versions in China Russia India and Japan, it is a curious fact that whilst few people may understand far less know all the words, nonetheless it remains the tune that is most commonly associated with friendship and remembrance of times past. Singers as varied as Shirley Temple Bing Crosby and our own Andy Stewart have sung it, though Hollywood films such as "It's a wonderful life" have made it known all over the globe.The song was rescued as so many were by Robert Burns, whose immortal memory I recently had the honour to toast, in Boat of Garten. In this year when Scotland is on the world stage with the Games and the Ryder Cup, this song is one that will receive I am sure a rendition or two, and will bring peoples together from all round the world. In that respect, like our history heritage tartan, the clans bagpipes haggis and shortbread, it is part of Scotland and a part of our culture of which we can be proud.

Danny Alexander MP

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR INVERNESS IN FEBRUARY Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

SA SU M TU W TH F

AM 07:08 07:49 08:29 09:07 09:41 10:16 11:04

PM 19:42 20:26 21:08 21:48 22:25 22:59 23:50

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

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

“Stitch it and Fix it” Repairs and Alterations to the following

Fabrics, PVC and Canvas Tarpaulins.

Everyday items Coats, Bags, Leather goods.

Equestrian - Horse Blankets, Saddles etc.

Game Sports equipment.

Industrial, Commercial, Offshore.

Marine and Agricultural repairs ........

Bespoke work and mobile repairs undertaken Tim Phipps (Mobile) 07891576529

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TH F SA SU M TU W TH F

AM 07:49 08:23 09:07 10:12 00:53 02:16 03:25 04:29 05:23

PM 20:17 20:50 21:44 13:28 15:01 16:11 17:10 17:58

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admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area

*Deadline for the March Issue: Friday, 31st January* 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 end February exhibition 'from the heart' @ beauly gallery 10am 5pm, tues - sat. an intimate collection of originals in oils by fiona gilmour. jewellery exhibtion dominated by the heart theme. unique, hand-made scottish arts and crafts. visit www.beaulygallery.co.uk

4 tuesday scottish ornithologists' club: ‘breeding common scoter in scotland’ by mark hancock 7:30pm, culloden library. £3 members; £4 non members. call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740 infifa ‘love in the afternoon’ 7:15pm at eden court cinema and followed by informal post film discussion. for more info visit www.invernessfilmfans.org

7 friday free public talks on men's health inshes church: mr andrew pyott, ‘men and visual problems’, mr simon spence, ‘men and grieving’, mr lindsay mckerrow, ‘men and common foot problems’. for details or to get involved in the work of men’s health highland call dr. trevor escott on 01463 239746 or email tescott@btinternet.com

JANUARY 2014 30 thursday rspb talk “swanning around in scotland and iceland”- whooper swans 7:30pm, fraser park bowling club, macewen dr, inverness.

NAIRN

31 friday free public talks on men's health inverness town house: dr martin wilson, ‘healthy ageing’, nurse brian corr, ‘prostate cancer’, duncan macgregor, ‘personal experience of prostate cancer’. for further details or to get involved in the work of men’s health highland contact dr. trevor escott on 01463 239746 or tescott@btinternet.com

Your local venue for films, shows, concerts, and parties. Wide range of activities for all ages.

FEBRUARY EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2014 1 saturday

Fri 7th..................Cinema Nairn “Cool Runnings” (PG) 1993

inverness ramblers clava estate, beinn buidhe mhor.

9 miles. meet 10am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. rspb car outing – ‘around the beauly firth’ meet at 9:30am, highland council car park. for info call 01463 237836

2 sunday great glen walking club glenmore circular. 8 miles. depart 10am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for info. admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Nairn Community & Arts Centre

Sat 8th............. Music Nairn- “Doric Quartet” String Quartet Sat 22nd............................Feis Workshops & Family Ceilidh Fri 28th........... Cinema Nairn – “A Very Long Engagement” (PG) 2004 English subtitles For further details, telephone 01667 453476, e-mail info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

February 2014 - page 11

11 tuesday

MORAY GOLF CLUB www.moraygolf.c o.uk

Come and Celebrate our 125th Anniversary with us Country Memberships Available with many additional benefits Pay by Direct debit instalments

14 friday chaz royal’s valentines burlesque extravaganza @ strathpeffer pavilion 8:30pm. a glamorous evening of world class burlesque and cabaret. tickets £16 already online with wegottickets & ticketweb uk the rat pack is back! valentines special @ ironworks 7:30pm. 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com

15 saturday inverness ramblers kiltarlity and cabrich by ways. 12 miles. meet 9:30am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. cake walk with story loch morlich. 4 miles. call 07724 992790 or visit www.guyandjocelyn.org

Moray Golf Club with its Championship Courses is a great place to be!

Contact us on: 01343 812018

16 sunday

or email: secretary@moraygolf.co.uk cinema nairn celebrates the winter olympics with 'cool runnings' 7:30pm at nairn community & arts centre. tickets at door. for more information visit cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk

8 saturday scooty & the skyhooks @ ironworks 7:30pm. u16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com music nairn presents ‘doric string quartet’ playing haydn, janacek and beethoven 7:30pm at nairn community and arts centre. www.musicnairn.org.uk or call 01667 455701 great glen walking club river meig &creag na hiolaire. 9 miles. depart 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for info.

9 sunday inverness ramblers raigbeg-insharn. 12 miles. meet 9am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information.

10 monday royal scottish geographical society lecture: richard else (mountaineering film-maker): thirty years at the sharp edge 7:30pm, highland council chamber, glenurquhart road, inverness. adults £8; students, under 18's and rsgs members free. page 12 - February 2014

inverness botany group - talk: plant remedies in scotland 7:30pm, smithton free church, murray rd, smithton, inverness. 01463 791348. pink castle philosophy club - lgbt history month ‘what's left to fight for?’ 7:30pm, riverside lounge, glen mhor hotel, ness bank, inverness www.pinkcastle.eu inverness horticultural society discussion - the future of the annual flower show 7:30pm, mackenzie centre, culduthel road, inverness. for more info call Valerie on 01456 486656 v.weir656@btinternet.com

great glen walking club cromarty - navity circular. 7 miles. depart 10am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for info.

20 thursday paper aeroplanes @ ironworks 7:30pm. over 14s. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

20 thursday - 23 sunday w.o.w! wedding open week @ strathpeffer pavilion 11am - 4pm, main hall. open house (free entry) on sat 22nd & sun 23rd. call 01997 420124 to make an appointment for 20th or 21st. for more info visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org/weddings

22 saturday great glen walking club ord hill – loch lundie circular (black isle). 8 miles. depart 10am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for info. ivan drever 8pm in ardross hall. tickets £10 and £7 conc. tickets can be booked on the booking line 01349 880591

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Confidential Helpline admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Cake Walk with h a good story

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BUSINESS & TRADES DIRECTORY

Merry Maids of Inverness and East Highland

Enjoying life, creation & each other’s company.

Because there’s more to life than meets the eye.

Regular walks - see ‘what’s on’ page p (15th February).

. P C t ̓ X X X H V ZB O E K P D F M Z O P S H

Domestic Cleaning (Regular; one-off; end-of-tenancy; builders) inverness@merrymaids.org.uk www.merrymaids.co.uk

PROPERTY SERVICES

GARDEN SERVICES Time-to-Let

inverness ramblers grantown on spey circular. 8 miles.

01309 672 633 meet 9am at highland council car park. call 01463 matt@christie-elite.co.uk 236204 for further information. www.christie-elite.co.uk

highland literary salon 7:30pm in glenmhor hotel, inverness. guest speakers: denise mina & alex gray www.highlandlitsalon.com

27 thursday

janinehyslop@yahoo.com www.expressbeauty.info

Cell-Grown & Bare-Root Trees for Forestry. Hedging

25 tuesday

01463 559341 07758 321413

01463 250229

Christie Elite Nurseries

23 sunday

Mobile beauty therapist Contact: Janine

Property Letting Agency Services

01309 651258 07796 200640 timetolet@btinternet.com www.time-to-let.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY Dazzles Hair Studio The friendly hairstylist with the most reasonable prices.

df concerts presents: the stranglers + nine below 29 Castle Street, Inverness. zero @ ironworks 7pm. over 14s (u16s with adult). call Contact: Tony 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com 01463 238448 rspb talk ‘ultima thule’ a journey to the remoter isles of 07896 158697 northern and western scotland 7:30pm at fraser park tonycpollock@hotmail.co.uk bowling club macewen dr, inverness.

SPORT & LEISURE Beaver Travel Well Travelled...

Forres: 01309 672203.

Elgin: 01343 548844. www.beavtrav.com

Make Valentines or Mother’s day a special day at...

...Bog Roy Inn

...Clachnaharry 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.

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?

Book early to avoid disappointment 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

ENT UNDER NEW MANAGEM

WHERE TO EAT IN MORAY

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There were so many superlatives bouncing across the dinner table that fittingly describe our visit to The 1629 Restaurant in Lossiemouth on the last weekend of the Old Year.

These included “stunning,” “magnificent,” “heavenly,” “superb,” “exquisite” and many more – not only in recognition of the delights eaten, but also to reflect the marvelous friendliness and impeccable service offered by all the staff involved in creating a memorable evening.

From the outset we were made to feel really special with every attention to detail. There are menus to suit all tastes; ‘Supper,’ ‘A la carte’ and ‘Specials’ - each with a mouth-watering array of delights to tempt us - and friendly staff to explain the dishes where necessary!

As starters we tried three dishes which were Lobster Bisque, Cullen Skink and Haggis Cannelloni. The Lobster Bisque was “to die for” especially as, tucked under the surface, was a whole lobster claw (shelled of course) that was “huge” and “gorgeous” to eat.

My Cullen Skink was more than excellent (and I am a bit of a Cullen Skink expert!). It was full of delicate flakes of smoked haddock and other fish too, I believe, together with generous pieces of potato, and it was probably the creamiest of soups I’ve ever tasted.

The Haggis Cannelloni was selected from the ‘Scottish Specials’ board and was accompanied by typically Mediterranean sauce – tomatoes, chorizo, herbs, spices and more. What a terrific start!!

The Wine List was most extensive, and those who wanted wine enjoyed a pleasing and smooth carafe of the house red.

Again we had three different main courses; a Salmon dish, Scampi and a Chicken with Wild Mushroom sauce. That sounds like simplicity itself, but the way these simple foods were prepared, cooked and served left us swooning with pleasure. My Chicken with Wild Mushroom sauce on a bed of rice was divine – slices of chicken breast in a creamy sauce of really tasty baby wild mushrooms, all infused expertly with basil and other herbs. The Salmon was cooked to perfection and was lying on a bed of crushed prawn and mackerel pieces aided by yet another deeply and well-flavoured sauce. The Scampi were large, succulent and lightly battered (though bread crumbed scampi was also available) and the accompanying chips were “beautiful.” The homemade Tartare Sauce was so creamy that fingers were constantly being dipped into it!!

Homemade Lemon Meringue pie was our choice of dessert which we shared between us.

It was deep and dreamy - the lemon filling was not tart and seemed to include a hint of mango, and the meringue not overly sweet, which can often be the case. Mmm! The whole evening was an absolute delight. No less than 6 friendly faces regularly appeared to ensure that our evening would pass without a hitch and that we would leave happy. There was no waiting to have dirty plates removed or empty glasses taken away. Similarly there was only a short break between courses. Our grateful thanks go to David, his daughter’s Erin and Julie, the chefs and all the waiting staff for making one meal an experience to remember.

We recommend that you go there soon – and remember to book as it can get quite busy!

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CONTINENTAL & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

DATES TO REMEMBER

R’ S DA Y VALENTINES MOTHE WK 0DUFK WEEKEND

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HIGH TEAS 3 - 5pm

3RS GRZQ IRU U $IWHUQRRQ 7HD 6DQGZLFKHV &DNHV *DWHDX[ DQG 3URVHFFR

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disappointment Book your table early to avoid

Book your table early to avoid disap pointment

2 COURSE EARLY BIRD MENU

TRADITIONAL 3 COURSE SUNDAY LUNCH

£15.50

£17.50

per person

per person

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

5.30 - 7.30pm Sunday to Friday

12.30 - 4pm

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SUNDAY LUNCH 2 Course...£9.50

FISH SUPPER TEA* 9.50

4pm-6pm..£

*Fresh Local Fish cooked to your liking served with Bread & Butter, finished of with delicious Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding

garden

Caring about...

Before Renovation

...complete Lawn Renovation.

A project this year ?

Many of you will, in your darkest moments, consider giving up on your lawn… too far gone… wouldn’t know where to start… best to get it dug up and put down a new lawn ! Replacing a lawn can be very expensive however whether you plan to replace it with a new lawn or even slabs or gravel. Consider this, a worn-out lawn can actually be renovated in situ at a fraction of the cost of removing and replacing the whole thing. I have included here a before and after picture taken just a few weeks apart last summer. I suggest there are 4 stages in the process, and you could either try this yourself, probably with some hired machines, or get some help (probably best as you have to live with the results for years to come).

1. Hollow tine Aeration removes thousands of cores, reducing compaction and allowing air to move in the root zone, encouraging microbial activity and root development.

2. Severe Scarification removes as much thatch as possible, allowing the seed to find the soil surface which always aids germination. Once the thatch has been removed it has to be cleaned off the surface by either raking or sweeping, using a leaf sweeper.

3. Seeding should be applied at a rate of 20-25gms per m². The seed, being on the soil surface, puts it in direct contact with the material that will help it germinate; it is however open to the elements and can be disrupted by heavy winds and birds’ feasting.

4. Top Dressing covers the seed. Many think top dressing should be a sandy soil mix. We actually use a lawn compost, manufactured from recycled green waste and therefore environmentally friendly. It contains nutrient to assist existing grass and promote good germination from the seed and aids good microbial activity. This is applied at 2kg per m².

All that’s required now is regular watering until the seed germinates (regular rainfall isn’t usually a problem in these parts). The best time to tackle this is June-Sept in Scotland, and that means starting planning now for your new lawn this summer. At around £2 per m2 to renovate, compared with around £12 per m2 to replace, it really is worth considering.

16

After Renovation For more information about a personalised lawn improvement plan for your lawn, from just £5 per month on monthly DD, plus useful downloads and photos, look us up at www.greenthumb.co.uk.

Although GreenThumb is the UK’s No.1 national lawncare franchise with over 200 branches, and treats half a million lawns, we are your local branch and cover the whole Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair or Fiona for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on 01667 460012, or email us at: inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

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

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travel

Dreaming of...

MOROCCO A very popular destination currently is Morocco.

This amazing country has thrived on being at the north end of the Sahara Desert and on the trade route to Europe. We spent three nights in Marrakech, 3 nights in the Atlas Mountains and 3 nights on the West coast.

In Marrakech we walked for miles taking in all the sights, sounds and smells which make it such an extraordinary and vibrant city. We enjoyed the Djemaa El Fna Square with its music, snake charmers, street entertainers and stalls selling delicious freshly squeezed orange juice and in the evening hundreds of barbeques seem to appear from nowhere.

The rabbit warren of the Souks are unlike anything we had seen before. We stayed in a wonderful Riad within the Medina. The staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly and our room combined Moroccan style with a contemporary twist and we enjoyed being able to lie back and rest on our own roof terrace. It was one of the best places we have ever stayed in but was a world away from what we found outside the Riad and by the time we moved on we had really had enough of being hassled endlessly to buy things. Beware the carpet stores, serving peppermint tea and being very persuasive!

From Marrakech we went into the Atlas Mountains for three nights of peace and tranquillity.

The weather was lovely and we enjoyed a few walks through the hills passing small hamlets where children who appeared from nowhere were not sure whether to hide or ask for 'bonbons' and ‘stylos’ (pencils). We were then driven west across the country to Essaouira, a charming fortified emplacement created by the Portuguese in the 15th Century, which is now an unspoilt fishing port – not a bar or club to be seen! We found excellent fish restaurants and stayed in another excellent Riad with a roof top pool. There are miles of lovely beaches and at other times of the year the Atlantic breezes attract windsurfers. The early morning drive back to Marrakech was fantastic – it was market day in one of the towns and we watched hundreds of men riding across fields on donkeys draped with panniers bringing their wares to market – it was an unforgettable and almost biblical sight.

Morocco is ideal for a long weekend or for longer multi-centre journeys as we did. Riads are smaller boutique hotels with central atriums open to the skies and roof terraces, negating the need for widows to the exterior, and Kasbahs are larger guest houses with grounds – both are generally very characterful and certainly a contrast to a normal city hotel. Temperatures in the towns and cities are comfortable all year round, becoming hotter from June to October, and being really at their hottest from July to September.

Evenings tend to be cooler, and in the mountains it can also be cooler all of the time. The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham, not generally available outside the country, but it gives good value for money.

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Information kindly supplied by

2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 ‡ +LJK Street, FRUUHV

LOCAL DEPARTURES ABERDEEN

INVERNESS

Lake Garda Lake Garda 19 October .................from £499 12 October .................from £527 Sorrento and the bay Sorrento and the Bay of Naples of Naples 21 June.......................from £599 18 October .................from £599 Dubrovnik Riviera Sicily 04 October .................from £699 13 October ................from £605

All prices are for direct departures, for per person, per week B&B based on 2 adults sharing.

FORRES 01309 672203

beaver Travel

ELGIN 01343 548844

Beaver Travel, 78 High Street, Forres

Also at: 2-6 South Street, Elgin www.beavtrav.com Beaver Travel is also a ticket agent for Eden Court Theatre, Inverness - No booking fee.

W Wedding

Wedding Feature

H O T E L

&

Our Duty Managers are very experienced in wedding planning and event management, helping you have that perfect day!

O R C H I D

R E S TA U R A N T

Perfect place A charming Victorian villa, located in a quiet residential area close to the beach and between two championship golf courses.

Perfect people Our professional, caring staff are committed to making your wedding a day to remember.

Perfect day

If you would like more information, please contact us at 45 Seabank Road, Nairn. Tel:01667 453321 email: frontdesk@clubhousehotels.co.uk Web: www.clubhousenairn.co.uk Wedding Feature

Wedding Feature

“The big day itself was all that we wished it to be and more” We had both fallen in love with the Scottish Highlands since coming up on holiday to visit my family, so when we got engaged it seemed like the perfect location to have our wedding.

We needed somewhere that could hold both the ceremony and the reception plus have enough rooms for our guests to stay. We visited venues around the Highlands and the Newton Hotel was the clear winner. The hotel itself is stunning, successfully combining old fashioned charm with more modern additions. Seeing the grounds and the views across the Moray Firth for the first time took our breath away... and once I’d seen the field of Highland Cattle the deal was sealed!

Throughout the planning stage all the staff at the hotel were really helpful, so rather than being a stressful experience, planning our wedding turned out to be an enjoyable one. It did sometimes feel as though I was at the Newton Hotel so often that staff must be getting fed up of me but they never showed it if they were!

The big day itself was all that we wished it to be and more.

The hotel had kindly cordoned off the car park so we had some gorgeous pictures of us at the front of the hotel, uninterrupted by other vehicles. We had originally planned to have the ceremony outside but the weather had other ideas! We always knew it would be a risk (it is the Highlands after all!) and the hotel staff were very happy to be flexible, giving us the option of the Chapel as our back up plan. In the end, even though we couldn’t have our wedding outside, the Chapel looked absolutely beautiful and it comfortably seated all our guests.

The staff were excellent throughout and ensured that everything ran smoothly without a hitch, leaving us to enjoy our special day to the full. The food was always very important to us and the hotel did not disappoint, giving us a wide range of options for both the wedding breakfast and evening buffet, even allowing us to add some of our own suggestions.

We are so glad that we chose to have our wedding at the Newton Hotel, it gave us both everything we ever wanted our wedding to be and we will cherish the memories for a lifetime. Plus our guests are still telling us what a great time they had!

Vanessa and Tony Wedding Feature

Wedding Feature

Wedding Feature

recipe

Chef’s Confidential Spiced Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup Ingredients 2 medium size sweet potatoes (peeled) 1 red pepper 1 small onion (peeled) 1 clove of garlic crushed 1 carrot (peeled and grated) 1 table spoon of curry powder 1 table spoon of paprika A knob of butter 1 tin of chopped tomatoes 1 litre of vegetable stock Salt and pepper Small handful of fresh coriander Method Roughly chop the sweet potatoes, onion and pepper.

Heat a thick based pan and slowly sweat all the vegetables with the butter, curry powder, paprika and garlic for 10 minutes.

Add the tin of tomatoes and vegetable stock, simmer for 1 hour until all the vegetables are soft ensure the soup does not go too thick. Add a little water if necessary.

Take off the heat and liquidise.

Return to the heat; chop the coriander and add it.

Season with salt and pepper.

If the soup is too thick add a little more vegetable stock.

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Recipe supplied by Head Chef, Steven Munro

Wedding Feature

McCalls of Elgin Ex-Hire Sale starts 1st March McCalls of Elgin, on South Street, are the ultimate Highlandwear outfitters, supplying exceptional tailored kilts starting from ÂŁ285 and high quality hire outfits from as little as ÂŁ47.

McCalls’ friendly staff pride themselves in offering a high standard of service and unmatched choice, from the initial tightening of the tape measure to the last stitch made to your kilt.

Choose from the contemporary classics of the PRIDE range, or get kitted out in the more traditional Flower of Scotland. McCalls will always have something to suit.

McCalls of Elgin begin their Ex-hire sale on Saturday 1st March 2014 at 9.00am.

Perhaps you have a wedding or graduation this year, want to buy a 21st birthday gift for that special someone or want to dress to impress then now is the perfect time to do so.

For one week only McCalls of Elgin have fantastic bargains to offer, including:A wide range of Gent’s Kilts starting from only..................... £100 McCalls very own exclusive PRIDE of Scotland range from ...... £155 Ghillie Brogues from ................... £25 Sporrans from ........................... £30 Plus many more deals that are just too good to miss.

We’ve also 20% off our current stock throughout the sale.

There really is no excuse not to pick up a bargain.

But hurry, sale ends 5.00pm Saturday 8th March 2014.

Call McCalls of Elgin on 01343 540590 or visit www.mccalls.co.uk for more information.

McCalls of Elgin

Ex-Hire Sale

1st March - 8th March

Â?…Ž—†‹Â?‰ǣnj ‹Ž–• ˆ”‘Â? ÂŁ140 ƒ…Â?‡–• ˆ”‘Â? ÂŁ85 ’‘””ƒÂ?• ˆ”‘Â? ÂŁ30 and more!

McCalls of Elgin

54 South Street

01343 540590

www.mccalls.co.uk

Wedding Feature

easy to call • easy to click • easy to go ONLY SCOTTISH COMPANY LIKE US OPEN ‘TIL 9PM! include leisure facilities.

Hotels with DBB = Dinner, bed & breakfast BB = bed & breakfast.

MORE BREAK AVAILA S B TO BOO LE K ONLIN & ON T E H PHONE E

We’ll price match if you find any of our breaks at a better price elsewhere!*

SSE HYDRO ARENA GLASGOW

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE 28th March

11th April

2 nights ONLY £16 5

2 nights ONLY £16 5

per person

per person

Includes: • Ticket to Dancing on Ice at the SSE Hydro Arena on the Friday night • Stay at Menzies Hotel, Glasgow • Dinner in the hotel on Saturday night • Accommodation on bed and breakfast basis

PERTH

ST ANDREWS

Huntingtower Hotel

Fairmont St Andrews

February to March 2 nights

Includes: • Ticket to West Side Story at the Edinburgh Playhouse on the Friday night • Stay at Thistle Edinburgh City Centre, The King James • Dinner in the hotel on Saturday night • Accommodation on bed and breakfast basis

£88 DBB

Call 08430

3 nights

£128 DBB

February to March 2 nights (Sun-Thur)

Includes dinner on first night of your stay

£159 BB

55 44 33 or book online at www.easy-breaks.com Open 7 days 9am to 9pm

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, so book quickly to avoid disappointment. Booking protection does not cover Dancing on Ice and West Side Story breaks and is non-refundable. *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.