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MARCH 2014
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I NV E R NE S S & D I S T RI C T
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THE NORTH’S FAVOURITE FREE WEE MAG
BOOK NOW FOR SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH 30th March
SEE ADVERT INSIDE FOR FULL DETAILS
This Month’s Feature - Home Improvements
THE MERCHANT Over 25 years experience ...in house clearances, removals and valuations. We will buy or sell anything!
20 Clifton Road, Lossiemouth Morayshire IV31 6DJ
01343 813743
01463 417 618 38 Greig St, Inverness. themerchant@btinternet.com
“ Are you looking for a reliable and inexpensive Accounting or Tax Service? � For a FREE consultation please call Wendy on t̓ F XFOEZ BMMJOBEBZTXPSL!HNBJM DPN t XXX BMMJOBEBZTXPSL JOGP
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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:
ALWAYS C
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
PETITIVE OM
LAWN CARE
SPRING
YOUR LAWN IN SAFE HANDS
SUMMER
Now is the time to have your lawns expertly prepared for spring and summer!
All types of lawn repaired, maintained and beautifully developed All works carried out by professionally trained, skilled and experienced greenkeeper Clean, tidy, neat and efficient work Moss Control, Hollow Tine Aeration and Deep Scarifying as required Domestic and commercial services available Spring Treatment Programme Our renowned Spring/Summer treatment formula slowly releases nutrients by feeding and strengthening the roots, developing the leaf and maintaining the lawn's deep green presentation. For your no-obligation survey, analysis & quotation, please contact the experts on:
01343 811 114 NPTC Qualified
A local business built on trust, reliability & quality of service www.highlandgreenlawncare.co.uk
SEPA Registered
CLUBS & SOCIETIES BEFRIENDERS HIGHLAND Voluntary organisation, coordinating friendships between volunteers and people who have mental health problems & feel lonely or isolated. Email info@ befriendershighland.org.uk or call 01463 712791. Visit the website www.befriendershighland.org.uk CAPITAL SKATEPARK GROUP Tel: 714516 or email: agapeclothing@hotmail.co.uk CAKE WALK & STORY GROUP Regular walks for all ages. For more details call Guy on 07724 992790 / www.guyandjocelyn.org CHANONRY SAILING CLUB Provides a safe & fun environment for people to come together and sail. The Harbour, Fortrose, tel: 01381 621973 www.chanonry.org.uk/ CHILDREN’S HIGHLAND DANCE Thursdays at Merkinch Community Centre. Beginners 4pm - 5pm. Fridays at Kirkhill Community Centre. Beginners 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Call Elizabeth Fraser on 01463 729477
CLACHNACUDDIN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FC Tel: 791458. drew@tesco.net or visit www.clach-youth.info COMUNN GÀIDHLIG INBHIR NIS- INVERNESS GAELIC SOCIETY Monthly talks on Fridays from September to March in Netley Centre, Bishops Road. For details visit: www.gsi.org.uk DINGWALL INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Tuesdays 7.30pm &Thursdays 7pm, Dingwall Sports Centre Have fun on dark nights. Bowls are available, however flat soled shoes or slippers are necessary. FORUM FOR MEN Wednesdays, 8pm at Macnabs Bar, Columba Hotel. For gay and bi men. Look for the small red post box on our table. Text 07941 553620, www.gay-ness.org.uk or e-mail jampa40@yahoo.co.uk HIGHLAND BONSAI SOCIETY 3rd Wednesday every month, 7.30pm in Balloch Village Hall Contact Chris on 01349 865485 HIGHLAND ITALIAN CIRCLE 3rd friday of the month 7.45pm from October to March. Visit: www.highlanditaliancircle.co.uk
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page 4 - March 2014
HIGHLAND QUILTERS 3rd Tuesday Sept- June. Meet in Smithton Free Church Hall at 7.30pm. New members and visitors welcolme. Contact Alice (234076) for more details. INVERNESS 41 CLUB The Assoc. of Ex-Round Tablers Clubs meets as Inverness 41 Club on last Thursday of the month Sept - May then occasionally during summer. New ex-Round Table members most welcome. Tel 01463 223504. Email brielafraser@ gmail.com for details.
Cawdor
ROSS AND CROMARTY ADVANCED MOTORISTS To improve the standard of driving on our roads. Associates may enrol throughout the year. www.rossandcromarty-iam.org SALVATION ARMY COFFEE MORNING Tuesdays 10am -12pm Salvation Army Hall, Tomnahurich Street, Inverness. All welcome. No charge. Tel: 225276 SALTIRE SOCIETY HIGHLAND BRANCH Saturday mornings in Inverness for talks on a wide range of Scottish topics. St Andrews Day celebrations, Burns lunch and summer outing. Call Alan Niven on 01667 459449 or email alan.niven@hotmail.com SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING IN INVERNESS Beginners: Crown Church Hall on Mondays 7.30pm -9.30 pm. General class: St Mary's Hall, Huntley Street on Thursdays 8.15pm-10.15pm. All welcome. Tel: 01463 235384. SOUNDS FAMILIAR SINGING GROUP Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday every month at 2:30pm - 4pm in the Craigmonie Hotel, Annfield Rd, Inverness. For people with dementia & their carers. For details call 01463 233231 or 01463 230803 or email soundsfamiliarmusic@aol.com STARLIGHT MUSICAL THEATRE New amateur musical theatre group. For more information email starlightmusicaltheatre@ live.co.uk with your details. STITCH THREAD AND BEYOND 2nd Wednesday every month, Community Room, Culloden Community Centre. To promote the Art of Embroidery & related Crafts in the Highlands. Call Kate MacKenzie 01463 790924
T-EXCHANGE MAKERSPACE Make things, build things and exchange ideas. Third Friday of every month 7:30pm at Findhorn Village Centre. Details on www.t-exchange.net or contact Bill on 07925 551191. THE CLAN DONALD SOCIETY OF THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS For details call the Membership Secretary on tel 01381 620121 email: contact@clandonald.org or visit www.clandonald.org THE HIGHLAND BRIDGE CLUB Meets every Wednesday all year. New members welcome. Call Marsalaidh on 01463 224434 or Graham on 01463 792811 THE WAY FOUNDATION Help each other rebuild our lives after widowhood. Call us on 0870 011 3450 or email info@wayfoundation.org.uk TORCH (FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED) Meet at the Kingsview Christian Centre at 2pm on the last Saturday of the month. Contact Clark Walls: 01463 221597. WILDCATS CHEERLEADERS Call 01463 792360 or 07912650440 Email: wildcats cheerleaders@googlemail.com www.wildcatcheerleaders.co.uk 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.
tel : 01667 404766 mob : 07903 048235 email : info@cawdorfencing.co.uk web : www.cawdorfencing.co.uk
Fencing•Decking•Patios•Landscaping tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
The Editor
April Issue Deadlines
Editorial - Friday 28/02/14 Advertising - Wednesday 05/03/14
FULL GARDEN DESIGN STONE/MASONRY Š PAVING WATER FEATURES Š TURFING PLANTING Š DRIVEWAYS
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PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes SALES ..........................Peter Evans ACCOUNTS ...................Wendy Day DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LAYOUT .................Tamsyn Dickson
Garden Design & Construction
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If, like me, you hadn’t quite been aware of the Neknomination craze where young people are being encouraged to drink “lethal cocktails� - then check out what one young student did in Aberdeen. He saved the money he would have spent and bought a sandwich, bag of crisps, chocolate bar and an irn bru and gave them to a homeless person. Google adam davidson neknomination and watch his video. Well done Adam!
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Highland Cat Caterham erham Hire Hire offers offers yyou ou the opportunity oppor tunity ttoo self dr drive ive hir hiree an iconic Seven. British Br itish spor sports ts car, carr,, the Caterham Caterham Seven. AAdditionally, dditionally, chauffeur chauffeur driven driven days days / tours, tours giftt vvouchers gif ouchers and w wedding edding use are are all catered catered for. for. We We ar aree based ased in the beautiful county of Moray, near n Elgin, and ideall situate to Moray, ideallyy situated allow you you easy access to to the best best driving drivi allow roads and scener roads sceneryy that Scotland Scotland has to t offer. you wish ttoo explore Should you explore beyond beyond the th wonders of Scotland wonders Scotland then the car carss are are available for Eur available European opean tours. tours.
SPECIAL MOTHER’s) DAY LUNCH (from 12pm
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01343 813027
PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS
For most of us life consists of a mixture of good times and difficult times. One of the highlights for my wife and I, in the recent weeks, has been the birth of our first grandchild who arrived on the 5th December 2013 and among many things one of the most amazing is the fact of new life. As I write this, at the end of January, I have noticed some snowdrops in flower and again new life captures the imagination. Questions arise in the mind; where did this life come from? How did it begin? Okay we realise that a child arrives because of the coming together of mum and dad, but that does not explain how or why life came into being. We know that the snowdrop will have arrived because of the bulb from last year and the conditions of the earth, but those facts alone don’t begin to scratch the surface of the beginning of life. Perhaps we could study the theory of evolution and the picture given to us of an unfolding story that began so many millions of years ago where amoeba developed into fish, then to frogs, reptiles, birds, animals etc.
But even if that were true, it still does not tell us where life came from. Or should we look at the medical world with all its expertise and brilliance in being able to preserve life and enhance life in so many ways? But even the medical world cannot produce life and for so many of its patients death takes its toll. With so many unanswered questions I have come to a conclusion that the Bible actually gives us an accurate account of the beginning of life so that in its opening lines it records for us ’In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth’ Genesis 1:1 and begins to unfold the picture of how things came into being and the climax of it all, with the creation of Adam, and records for us ‘That God breathed into him the breath of life and he became a living soul’ Genesis 2:7. The Bible continues and describes Jesus as the life giver and the one who came to give fullness of life (John 10:10). Jesus stands at the graveside of Lazarus and declares ‘I am the resurrection and the life’
St Andrew's Cathedral, Scottish Episcopal Church Ardross Street, Inverness. Tel: 01463 233535. Website: www.invernesscathedral.com St Clement's Parish, Church of Scotland Church Street, Dingwall. Sundays 11.30am. 6.30pm: evening worship. Sunday school meets in church hall 11.20am (term time). Tel: 01349 863063. St Columba, Church of Scotland Inverness. Sunday 11am. Wednesday 8pm: prayer at Holm Primary School. Tel: 07535 290092. Website: www.stcolumbainverness.org St John the Evangelist, Episcopal Church Southside Road, Inverness. Sunday service 10.45am. Wednesdays 11am: Holy Communion. Tel: 01463 235881. Website: www.stjohns-inverness.com St Ninian's Catholic Church 21 Culduthel Road, Inverness, IV2 4AN. Saturday Vigil 5pm. Sunday Mass 10am. Tel: 01463 236620. Website: www.saintninians.org.uk St Mary's Catholic Church 30 Huntly Street, Inverness, IV3 5PR. Saturday Vigil 6.30pm. Sunday Mass 11am and 6.30pm. St Columba’s Catholic Church Culloden, IV2 7PW. Sunday Mass 9.30am. Tel: 01463 233519. Website: www.stmarysinverness.co.uk St Mary-in-the-Fields, Episcopal Church Culloden. 9.45am: Sunday service and family communion. Tel: 01381 622438. St Michael & All Angels Abban Street, Inverness. Sunday Mass
page 6 - March 2014
John 11:25, so that, actually, we gather that Jesus not only is the life giver, He himself is life and the author of all life. The message of the Bible simply is that Jesus wants to share his life with people just like you and me. He did that through his death on the cross and the resurrection, showing to us that his life is stronger than death and the grave. The apostle Paul wrote; ‘But thanks be to God He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ’ 1 Corinthians 15:57. May you ask Jesus into your experience, receive his life that will help in time and prepare you for eternity.
David Williams Inverness Christian Fellowship
11am. Contact Rev. Gerald Stranraer-Mull: 01463 870986. Email: stranraer-mull@btinternet.com. www.stmichaelandallangels.org.uk Smithton Free Church Murray Road, Smithton, Inverness. Sundays 11am (with crèche) and 6pm. Tel: 01463 793191. Website: http://www.smithtonchurch.com/ The Reformed Baptist Church Telford Road, Inverness. Website: www.wicketgate.co.uk The Salvation Army Tomnahurich Street, Inverness. Sundays 10.30am and 6.30pm. Tel: 01463 225276. www.salvationarmy.org.uk Trinity Church, Church of Scotland 60 Huntly Place, Inverness. Sundays 11am. First Sunday of the month: 6:30pm service. Website: www.trinityinverness.org.uk Urray & Strathconon Free Church Urray at West Road, Muir of Ord and Strathconon at The Strathconon Community Hall. Tel: 01463 871223. Email: dgmartin@homecall.co.uk West Hill Free Church (Continuing) Culloden, Inverness. Sundays 11am & 6.30pm. Thursdays & Saturdays 7.30pm. Tel: 07532010595. Listed S to W and regularly rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed here and would like to be considered for inclusion or for any amendments to existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
MOBILITY Y DEALS BROUGHT TO YOU INVERNESS & SURROUNDING AREAS
WHEELCHAIRS SCOOTERS RISER/RECLINERS RECLINERS ELECTRIC BEDS
PLEASE ASK ABOUT OUR IN-HOUSE MOBILITY REPAIR, SERVICING & MODIFICATION CENTRE All mobility repairs, servicing and modifications are made at our work-shop in Forres. We offer a collection and deliver service covering all areas in Moray and the North of Scotland*
*Exclusions apply, please ask for details.
HOURS OF BUSINESS Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm 21 West Road, Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres IV36 2GW (Behind Lidl)
Easy parking & disabled toilet facilities
Make Mother’s Day on the 30th March - 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 UNDER NEW MANAGEM
ENT
USEFUL INFORMATION
Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days
Local Holiday ‡ Mothering Sunday British Summertime Starts Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday
Mon 3rd Mar 2014 Sun 30th Mar 2014 Sun 30th Mar 2014 Fri 18th Apr 2014 Sun 20th Apr 2014 Mon 21st Apr 2014 Mon 5th May 2014 Mon 26th May 2014
Father’s Day Longest Day Local Holiday ‡ Summer Bank Holiday Local Holiday ‡ British Summertime Ends Halloween Local Holiday ‡
Sun 15th Jun 2014 Sat 21st Jun 2014 Mon 7th Jul 2014 Mon 4th Aug 2014 Mon 6th Oct 2014 Sun 26th Oct 2014 Fri 31st Oct 2014 Mon 3rd Nov 2014
for 2013/2014 (all dates inclusive) 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 In-Service Day In-Service Day Autumn Term Ends Autumn Holiday Starts Autumn Holiday Ends Winter Term Starts Winter Term Ends Christmas Holiday Starts
Tues 19th Aug 2014 Thurs 25th Sep 2014 Fri 26th Sep 2014 Fri 10th Oct 2014 Mon 13th Oct 2014 Fri 24th Oct 2014 Mon 27th Oct 2014 Fri 19th Dec 2014 Mon 22nd Dec 2014
School Term Dates
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
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
VILLAGE HALLS & COMMUNITY CENTRES
page 8 - March 2014
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
VETS
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
DENTISTS
Useful numbers are rotated on a regular basis. To add a contact or if there are any amendments to be made to existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
7KH %LUG 0DQ SAINT CUDDY’S DUCK “I want to see a St Cuddy’s Duck� was a recent request and “I would love to hear it call as well.� No problem said I, and promptly started to research exactly what a St Cuddy’s Duck was! The name is derived from Saint Cuthbert, the patron Saint of Northumberland, who in 676 gave the bird special protection because of its soft and warm down feathers used in pillows and duvets, and it is of course the Eider Duck. The Common Eider, to give it its full name, is Britain’s heaviest duck, weighing between 2lbs and 7lbs. It is also recorded as being the fastest British duck in level flight reaching speeds over 50 mph. Now that I knew what the bird was, it was an easy choice of where to go. A local fishing port is the ideal location to see the St Cuddy’s Duck up close and personal! The birds when you initially see them appear just to be black and white, but as they drift slowly toward you then you begin to realise their full beauty and range of colours. The green on the side of the neck, the pink blush to the feathering on the breast really is a treat to the eyes. Then just as we were admiring the plumage one male pulled his head right back, threw it forward and uttered its famous mating call “aaaooooaaa� very similar to the famous comedian Frankie Howerd’s catch phrase! The main focus of the bird’s attention is of course the female Eiders. Once again on first appearance it looks like a plain brown duck. However look closer and you will see a beautiful mixture of warm browns, rust hues and buff colouring, all set off with intricate dark barring, another stunning looking bird. If you would like the chance to see and hear the Eiders then why not join Birding Ecosse on one of their guided walks; just log onto www.birdingecosse.co.uk and check out the planned trips. So until next month “Good Birding.�
Information kindly supplied by Birding Ecosse, offering Birdwatching for beginners workshops. s WWW BIRDINGECOSSE COM birdingecosse@hotmail.co.uk
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PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES Last month I joined with thousands of people to honour the survivors and those who died during the Holocaust by signing the Educational Trust’s Memorial Day Book of Commitment. This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day marked the 69th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz - Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history. In 2007 I was privileged to visit the site with pupils from five Highland schools. It is impossible to imagine the scale of mass murder. The sight of tons of human hair, mountains of shoes, piles of suitcases bearing the names of their owners and baby clothes taken from murdered infants is heartbreaking. It is vital to remember the lives of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Whether it is racism, sexism, xenophobia or homophobia, we must never stop challenging these irrational beliefs and promoting tolerance and understanding instead. We all have a responsibility to end hatred, prejudice and repression. To not do so would be to fail to bear witness to the suffering of so many. Danny Alexander MP
LOW TIDE TIMES FOR INVERNESS IN MARCH Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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page 10 - March 2014
Part of the work I do is as a kind of salesman - for Scotland. So, my job is to work with teams of people who promote Scotland in tourism, energy and the economy. It was a pleasure to open a new office for CRC Evans, pipeline construction experts, at Alness, and I will in May at the Oil Conference in Houston have a chance to meet their owners there. In January, I travelled to Oslo to meet Statoil, CEO. They are committed to taking forward a massive oil project in Scotland, and looking to do a floating offshore wind turbine contract. Selling Scotland is not difficult, as the "brand" is highly regarded throughout the world - especially in Oil and Gas, but also renewables, including hydro power. It also helps that we have unique recognition for our distinctive traditions the Kilt, the Pipes, the Clans and foodstuffs - haggis, shortbread, Scotch beef and salmon. Oh and I forgot to mention whisky! Fergus Ewing MSP
AM 10:19 00:14 03:03 03:54 04:33 04:53 05:14 05:49 06:27 07:03 07:37
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tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area
*Deadline for the April Issue: Friday, 28th February* 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.
FEBRUARY 2014 24 monday - 1 march business growth week craigmonie hotel, 9 annfield road, inverness, iv2 3hx. meet the expert sessions, workshops,lunches, networking events, coaching sessions and some drop in support sessions everything you need to help your business grow. sessions: free, £5 or £10. the full programme and bookings links are on www.fusionlinking.co.uk
2 sunday great glen walking club bynack more (munro). 12 miles. depart 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for info. dm concerts presents: the orchestra feat. former elo & elo II members @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
4 tuesday scottish ornithologists' club: ‘east scotland sea eagles’ by rhian evans 7:30pm, culloden library. £3 members; £4 non members. call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740 for more information. infifa ‘le jour se leve (daybreak)’ 7:15pm at eden court cinema. followed by informal post film discussion. visit www.invernessfilmfans.org for more information.
25 tuesday highland literary salon 7:30pm in glenmhor hotel, inverness. guest speakers: denise mina & alex gray www.highlandlitsalon.com
NAIRN
27 thursday
Nairn Community & Arts Centre
df concerts presents: the stranglers + nine below zero @ ironworks 7pm. over 14s (u16s with adult). call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com rspb talk ‘ultima thule’ a journey to the remoter isles of northern and western scotland 7:30pm at fraser park bowling club macewen dr, inverness.
Your local venue for films, shows, concerts, and parties. Wide range of activities for all ages.
MARCH EVENTS
28 friday cinema nairn: ‘a very long engagement’ 7:30pm at nairn community & arts centre. tickets at the door. for more info visit cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk
MARCH 2014 1 saturday inverness ramblers sluggan pass & creag a ghreusaiche. 12 miles. meet 9am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. rspb car outing - sea duck safari meet 9:30am highland council car park. call 01997 421193 for info admin@spotlighton.co.uk
Sun 2nd ........................................................................ Nairn 10K Fri 14th & Sat 15th......... Exhibition of paintings and drawings by local Art Group Sat 15th.......................................................................... Craft Fair Mon 17th............Cinema Nairn Matinee “The Maggie” (U) 2pm Fri 21st............... Cinema Nairn “Spirit of ‘45” (U) 2013 7.30pm Sat 22nd.................................................................Comedy Night Thurs 27th .............. Music Nairn – Divertimenti (String Sextet) Sat 29th.................... Variety Show in aid of Highland Hospice 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
March 2014 - page 11
FULL-ON AWESOME EXPERIENCE
@GREENFIELDS The newest venue for family and corporate days out has opened this year as an exciting new brand‌ @Greenfields is the latest, all-welcoming visitor attraction - just 4 miles east of Elgin on the A96 outside Lhanbryde. @Greenfields is where kids can laugh and scream with joy in The PlayBarn; youngsters and adults can catch the adrenaline-filled thrills of both the Kart Raceway and Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting; families can experience full-on fun for all age groups and finish the day with a supremely tasty chef-cooked meal in The Barn Steakhouse & Grill Restaurant. As a short-term visitor you are welcome for coffee & cake or Scottish cream teas, and businesses can incorporate all the above to create the most exhilarating corporate venture.
Established exactly 5 years ago, this is the North of Scotland's largest indoor play centre. Extensive research into children's indoor play and leisure has been paramount in developing The PlayBarn concept to match the entertainment needs of visiting kids and their parents. The PlayBarn is a massive 3,780 square foot building packed to the rafters with fun and adventurous activities for children. We encourage parent and child interaction by allowing adults to play with their children in the frame. Anne, our Supervisor, and her dedicated team are always there to ensure children have a memorable stay and play, and are able to offer the most exciting Party
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Packages, too. Refreshments are always available, and watch out for our outdoor play area. Off peak The PlayBarn is open 5 days a week, while peak times see it opened 7 days. We are open from 10am to 5pm, extending to 7pm on Fridays. Please phone 01343 843101 or check our website for regular up to date information – www.greenfieldsfunfarm.co.uk.
The Barn Steakhouse & Grill Restaurant The welcome found at The Barn Steakhouse & Grill Restaurant is second to none. Restaurant Supervisor Fiona, together with new Head Chef Rudy and staff are on hand to ensure an excellence of menus and service that surpasses other local establishments. This unique restaurant has so much to offer its customers; from speciality coffees and cake through to all-day-breakfasts; from weekday luncheons to Sunday roasts; from high teas to full-blown suppers and evening dinners; from succulent steaks to sumptuous specials. We also cater for weddings. Produce is deliberately sourced both locally and from within Scotland wherever possible, and always freshly cooked to order. Of course the restaurant is licensed, offering local real ales and a full wine list to accompany your meal, together with all the usual spirits and liqueurs. It is virtually unheard of to find any restaurant that can not only offer all the great food, service, comfort and ambience that one could wish for, but also offers whisky aficionados the brilliant opportunity to savour more than 80 different
whiskies from around Scotland – that’s worth repeating – more than 80 whiskies! Last orders Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 4pm, Friday and Saturday at 8.30pm. For reservations call 01343 843101, or visit www.greenfields funfarm.co.uk
Laser Pigeon Shooting LaserClay Clay Pigeon Shooting @Greenfields has a sport which can be enjoyed by everyone and is now available in conjunction with karting. Players use modified shotguns to fire an infra-red beam at clays launched from a conventional clay launcher. Whenever a trigger is pulled, the control module/scoreboard generates the shotgun ‘bang’ and when a player hits the target it reproduces the sound of breaking clay. An indicator on the gun instantly tells the player whether he has hit or missed the target. Package deals available
Elgin Kart Raceway Elgin Kart Raceway with @Greenfields offers the ultimate in outside Karting. The track offers the option of ‘Arrive & Drive’ or ‘Mini Grand Prix.’ Whether you're looking for a fun day out for the family, a team-building event with a difference or a corporate hospitality day with a buzz, then Elgin Kart Raceway is the place for you. No experience necessary - we'll show you what to do! Everything is provided including helmets, gloves and suits. We'll even provide you with waterproof suits if it is raining. The wetter... the better... we believe! Your safety is assured - we have an excellent safety record. So what are you waiting for?
Corporate Days Stuck for somewhere different to hold your business conference, your corporate days, or even your corporate family days – give @Greenfields a call and they will arrange everything you need. You will have time for fun, great food (and drink), excitement, and hopefully time to debate and discuss business matters, too.
Future Attractions In the expectation that visitors always want more to do, more entertainment and an awesome experience, @Greenfields plan to add to its attractions with Music days and evenings, Create & Craft markets, and by providing access through acres of forests and lochside trails. The latter will not just be for visitors but for their dogs, too. Check our website for these forthcoming developments. The PlayBarn and The Barn Steakhouse Grill: Tel: 01343-843101 Email: theplaybarn@live.co.uk www.greenfieldsfunfarm.co.uk Elgin Kart Raceway and Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting: Tel: 01343 843666/07769 882582 Email: info@elginkartraceway.co.uk
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE Telephone 01343 843 101
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Moray Science Festival 2014 Families Day Moray College UHI, Elgin Saturday 22nd March 10am - 4pm
“The Triumphs of Transport” Glider Army Trucks Rockets Bugs and Reptiles Zombies and much more
global energy inverness 1/2 marathon incl. 5k team attack & 5k fun run registration from 9:30am - 11:45am /12pm. races start on bught road, inverness at 12:30, 12:40 & 12:45. runners cross the finish line at the queen's park stadium running track. prize-givings at 2pm & 2:45pm. come along and support the runners. spring wedding fair @ strathpeffer pavilion 12pm 4pm. suppliers should ring andrew or mary dawn on 01997 420124 to book a place. free entry for the public. visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org/weddings
10 monday royal scottish geographical society talk: david edwards – montserrat: reclaiming paradise – how the island has recovered from the volcanic eruption in 1995 7:30pm, highland council chamber, glenurquhart road, inverness. admission: adults £8, students, u18 & rsgs members free.
11 tuesday
For ongoing information visit www.moray.uhi.ac.uk/ moray-science-festival www.facebook.com/MorayCollegeUHI https://twitter.com/MorayCollege
6 thursday nairn & district gardening club, "growing vegetables in containers" with donald mcbean 7:30pm at nairn community & arts centre.
7 friday free public talks on men’s health inshes church. Ms margaret somerville; ‘men and smoking’, mr andrew pyott; ‘men and visual problems’, mr william mckerrow; ‘men and hearing’. 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 world day of prayer check locally for a service in your area.
8 saturday great glen walking club AGM walk contact 01463 236204 for info. stress reduction and relaxation through breathing 2pm - 4pm at triratna buddhist centre, ballantyne house, academy st. (opp. farmfoods). cost - by donation. no booking required. call 01463 223951 the jive aces @ strathpeffer pavilion 8pm. tickets £14 from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, june’s card shop, dingwall & the pavilion 01997 420124. for more info visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org page 14 - March 2014
9 sunday
inverness horticultural society annual bulb show and supper 7:30pm, mackenzie centre, culduthel road, inverness. for more information call valerie on 01456 486656 or e-mail v.weir656@btinternet.com inverness botany group - cairngorm rare plants project 7:30pm, smithton culloden free church, murray rd., smithton, inverness.
13 thursday derek acorah, spirit medium @ strathpeffer pavilion 8pm. tickets £17.50 / £16.50 from 24-hr hotline 08444 771000, june’s card shop, dingwall & the pavilion 01997 420124. visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org highland decorative & fine arts society (hdfas) lecture - “music and instruments of the 16-18th centuries” 2pm - 3:30pm, smithton free church, murray road, inverness. non members £5. email membership sec drmaryharrison2@yahoo.com or chair davidmartin30@hotmail.com (07595 219308)
14 friday dr feelgood @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
15 saturday inverness ramblers loch coire nan crogachan (kintail). 6 miles. meet 9am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information.
16 sunday mundole equestrian: show jumping entry on the day. contact 07901 602042 or mundole1@btinternet.com great glen walking club loch morlich sugarbowl bridge rothiemurchus lodge circular. 9 miles. depart 9am highland council car park. 01463 236204
17 monday cinema nairn: ‘the maggie’ 2pm at nairn community & arts centre. tickets at the door. for more info visit cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
18 tuesday leo and anto @ ironworks 7:30pm. over 14s. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com infifa ‘the hustler’ 7:15pm at eden court cinema. followed by informal post film discussion. more info visit www.invernessfilmfans.org
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Confidential Helpline
social diners - why eat alone? 7pm for 7:30pm dining at the beaufort hotel, inverness. for information and to book call gill on 01349 877061
21 friday free public talks on men’s health inverness town house. mr garry coutts; ‘public involvement in health service redesign’, ms amy cowan; ’diabetes and diet’, mr keith walker; ‘men and suicide’. 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 cinema nairn: ‘spirit of ‘45’ 7:30pm at nairn community & arts centre. tickets at the door. for more info visit cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk troilus ensemble perform gesualdo - responsories 7:30pm, dornoch cathedral. all male chamber group sederunt will perform works by tallis & van ness pbw presents: rock n wrestle 2@ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
22 saturday great glen walking club meikle conival & little conival. 6 miles. depart 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for info. cake walk with story glen strathfarrar. 4 miles. meet 10am at highland council, glenurquhart rd, inverness. call guy on 07724 992790. www.guyandjocelyn.org troilus ensemble perform gesualdo - responsories 7:30pm, inverness cathedral. the all male chamber group sederunt to perform works by tallis & van ness
23 sunday mundole equestrian: british dressage & unaffiliated contact 07901 602042 for details and schedules or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com inverness ramblers am faochagach. 10 miles. meet 8:30am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. brodie castle wedding open day 12pm - 4pm. free entry. great opportunity to see the castle and stables setup for your wedding. for more info visit www.nts.org.uk/events sport relief join the national campaign by entering a 1, 3 or 6 mile run in the village of cromdale. enter at www.sportrelief.com. for local info call 01479 873488 opera bohemia presents ‘eugene onegin’ @ strathpeffer pavilion 7:30pm. for more information visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org / operabohemia.co.uk
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
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27 thursday music nairn presents ‘divertimenti string sextet’ 7:30pm nairn community and arts centre. playing strauss, martinu, boccherini, brahms. for more info visit www.musicnairn.org.uk or call 01667 455701 rspb talk - tales from the russian taiga 7:30pm, fraser park bowling club, macewen dr, inverness.
28 friday dingwall gaelic choir grand concert @ strathpeffer pavilion 7:30pm. for more information visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org
29 saturday al-anon family groups ‘public meeting’ 10:30am 12pm at the thistle hotel, millburn road, inverness. if you are concerned about someone else’s drinking please come along - perhaps we can help. rspb car outing - west coast meet 9:30am, highland council car park. call 01997 433283 for info. inverness ramblers beinn an eoin (coigach). 7 miles. meet 8:30am at highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information. nairn variety show 2014 @ nairn community centre. a night of song, music & dance. tickets £15. proceeds to highland hospice. call jill on 07795 818089. in memory of fraser cruickshank who died at only 19. ceilidh 7:30pm, glen mhor hotel, inverness. reel ceilidhs is holding another popular evening of live music & ceilidh dancing, just for the fun of it! all welcome! advance tickets £5 online only from www.reelceilidhs.moonfruit.com. standard tickets £6.50
30 sunday mundole equestrian: show jumping entry on the day. contact 07901 602042 for details and schedules or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com great glen walking club roseisle - hopeman. 10 miles. depart 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for info.
Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area
*Deadline for the April Issue: Friday, 28th February* 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.
tel: 01309 690063
March 2014 - page 15
BLINDS & CURTAINS
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WE’RE ALL EYES AND EARS Specsavers is a trusted name in eyecare but did you know that more people also choose Specsavers for their hearing care than any other private provider? The high street hearing specialists now offer services in Moray and the Highlands at three new clinics. The state-of-the-art Hearing Centres, based within the Specsavers stores in Elgin, Inverness and Dingwall, offer customers free in-store hearing tests, advice and help with hearing problems. Dorothy Goodson, Specsavers’ senior audiologist who has joined the team to head up the new Hearing Centres following 10 years with the NHS, says: ‘One in seven adults in the UK experience some degree of hearing loss so there’s no need to feel embarrassed about hearing problems. ‘There are different demands on our ears at different times so our hearing is something we
should have checked regularly – particularly as we grow older. One thing to remember is that with the advances in technology there’s no need to live with a problem, we can prescribe a solution to suit your lifestyle.’ With a fully qualified team of dedicated hearing aid professionals equipped with the latest advanced audiology technology, each centre offers customers access to Specsavers Hearing Centres’ years of experience in taking care of the nation’s hearing. As well as offering free in-store hearing tests, the clinics offer a full range of innovative digital hearing aids. To schedule a free check-up for you or someone you know who may have a hearing loss, contact: Specsavers Elgin, Inverness or Dingwall today.
SPECSAVERS HEARING CENTRE NOW OPEN COMPLETE DIGITAL HEARING PACKAGE FROM £495 At your Specsavers Hearing Centres, we offer free hearing tests and you will only ever be seen by a qualified hearing professional. Plus our advance range of digital hearing aids uses the latest technology from world-leading manufacturers. Our hearing aid package includes two hearing aids, four years’ worth of batteries and aid enhancements such as directional microphones and auto telephone/telecoil. And for peace of mind, we will also guarantee your hearing aids for four years. All of this from £495. So call us today for a free, no obligation hearing assessment. Or find out more at specsavers.co.uk/hearing
Dingwall 16-17 High Street. Tel 01349 869 850 Elgin 96-98 High Street. Tel 01343 552 204 Inverness 44-48 High Street. Tel 01463 241 341
Applies to Specsavers advance range. Both hearing aids for customer’s sole use. Cannot be used with other offers. ©2014 Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited. All rights reserved.
recipe
Chef’s Confidential Butterscotch Meringue Pie Ingredients: 8oz shortcrust pastry 4oz light brown soft sugar 2 egg whites 3oz butter 3oz castor sugar 1 tablespoon water 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 2oz flour ¾ pint milk 2 egg yolks 3-4 drops vanilla essence Method: Set oven to 350oF or Gas mark 4. Roll out pastry and line an 8” flan dish. Bake blind for 20 minutes. Place 1oz butter in a saucepan, add sugar and water. Heat gently until sugar dissolves but do not boil. Set aside. In a second saucepan melt remaining butter, add the flour and stir. Add the milk, bring to the boil stirring well and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the caramelised sugar from the first saucepan. Allow to cool before adding egg yolks and vanilla essence. Beat them in well. Pour into cooked pastry case. Reduce oven to 325oF or gas mark 3. Topping: Put egg whites into a clean bowl, beat until they form stiff peaks and fold in the castor sugar. Pile meringue onto top of pie and sprinkle with granulated sugar, bake for 20 to 30 minutes until meringue is a pale golden colour.
David Bell – Head Chef
18
Brockie’s Lodge Hotel. Tel: 01463 741257
5 Comfortable Centrally-Heated En-suite Bedrooms with Sky TV, Hospitality tray, fridge and hair dryer available Bar open all day with Sky and BT Sport channels available Complimentary WiFi in public areas
MEALS SERVED DAILY from 12 noon to 8.30pm
SUNDAY CARVERY SERVED from 12.30 to 3pm
TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH HIGH TEA SERVED
Our Kitchen Team
are in the process of preparing exciting NEW MENU and wine list due for launch on April 1st. so don’t be an April Fool and miss out!
SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY
from 4pm to 8pm
Carvery Menu served from 12.30 to 8pm. Booking is advised.
Home Baking. Locally sourced fresh produce used.
See website for details of all special offers www.brockieslodgehotel.co.uk
Brockie’s Lodge Hotel . Kiltarlity . By Beauly . IV4 7HW . Tel: 01463 741257 . Email: info@brockieslodgehotel.
Net Datatel “Our commitment to the North of Scotland” Net Datatel opened its new base in Chanonry Road North in Elgin. In the three years since its launch in Lossiemouth it has a turnover in excess of £1.5 million pounds. The broadband, telecoms and fibre connectivity specialist currently employs 10 staff, eight of them at its Moray base. It has four licence holders who have taken the company brand to Aberdeen, Glasgow, Manchester and the Highlands. Net Datatel also hopes to expand into Edinburgh, Dundee and Newcastle this year. Net Datatel prides itself on trusted technology solutions and offers extensive training and on-call engineering resources to clients who have had a new system installed. NetDatatel is rigorous in its commitment to make the communications experience and technology efficient for its clients. Differing business needs will dictate priorities such as reliability, security, cost, scalability and the ease with which it can be added. It also offers fraud prevention maintenance and dedicated account management. Net Datatel does not operate from a call centre instead choosing to handle queries from start to finish by a member of its own dedicated team. Net Datatel has recently become an executive partner of the Inverness Chamber of Commerce and was shortlisted for the prestigious Reseller of the Year for small businesses accolade at the Comms Business Awards. For further details, please telephone 0844 3814773
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NetDatatel 2 Chanonry Rd North Elgin IV30 6NB
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travel
Dreaming of... The Channel Islands
The island of Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands. Although the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey are often referred to collectively as the Channel Islands, the "Channel Islands" are not a constitutional or political unit. Jersey has a separate relationship to the British Crown from the other Crown dependencies of Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It is not part of the United Kingdom, and has an international identity separate from that of the UK but the United Kingdom is constitutionally responsible for the defense of The Channel islands. Jersey and Guernsey are not a part of the European Union but have a special relationship with it, being treated as part of the European Community for the purposes of free trade in goods. The cash machines dispense ÂŁ Sterling while the street names are in French, giving a continental feel without having to think in other currencies! Jersey and Guernsey are traditionally holiday islands, with their warm climates, combined with Financial centres and Agricultural producers. The Financial sector takes advantage of tax and trust laws which are not common with the UK, and Agriculture was the ‘early’ growers until countries even warmer and further south such as Spain made it so easy to get fruit and vegetables out of our traditional seasons. Flowers were a similar product – early flowers came from the Channel Islands despite even earlier ones coming in from elsewhere. Hotels vary from the 5-star Grand Jersey with its Michelin Star and the Longueville Manor Hotels on Jersey and the Old Government House Hotel and Spa on Guernsey, to a full range of hotels and Bed and Breakfasts on every level. The famous 4-star St Pierre Park Hotel on Guernsey boasts a 9-hole gold course designed by Tony Jacklin. So with the direct flights from Inverness to Jersey and the warm climate why not jet off for a family break to the Channel Islands, and do a bit of island hopping while there. Masses of sandy beaches combined with historical sites make it interesting for almost all families. The islands of Alderney, Herm and Sark also make great landing spots and their exploration is a must! All of these islands are excellent for walking and cycling holidays.
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inverness@greenthu
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