SpotLight on Inverness November 2017 by david nelmes

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC

NOVEMBER 2017

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8 View Place, Inverness, IV2 4SA 01463 231 975 jmmacdonald.co.uk Sushi Inverness Nov 17.pdf

29/09/2017

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www.pamperedpetshighlands.co.uk

We love sushi and would like to give Inverness an opportunity to eat it

fresh and delicious! Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:

Closed 12pm - 9pm 12pm - 9pm 12pm - 9pm 12pm - 9pm 12pm - 9pm Closed

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Family run business selling pet food, raw food, leads, collars, toys, dog and cat treats, health and herbal remedies, in fact, we have access to over 35,000 products. If we do not have what you want, we can order it in for you. Store loyalty card offering ÂŁ10 store credit once filled. We offer advice on all pet products, pet nutrition, dog training, pet health and wellbeing. INVERNESS 18-20 Harbour Road, Inverness. IV1 1UA Tel 01463 236088 Mon - Sat 9.30-6pm Sun 10-4.30pm

Colbre Pampered Pets, our pet holiday accommodation in the country tel 01667462441

www.spotlighton.co.uk

The Free Community Information website - Free to view and Free to upload your listings. View our entire database of Clubs and Societies, Trades Listings, What’s On Diary, Restaurants, Reviews and articles, Schools, Holidays Tides, Useful Numbers and more...

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING 3rd Wed of month,10.30am 11.30am, Dalneigh Church Hall, St Marys Avenue, Inverness. Whether you are 9 or 90. Everyone Welcome. FAMILIES ANONYMOUS Thurs night. For families & friends affected by drug addiction & alcoholism. Anonymity & confidentiality respected. New-comers welcome without prior arrangements. Call Denise on 07983 001962. Helpline number: 0845 1200 660. HIGHLAND CHARITY JIVE Fri, 7.30pm - 10.30pm, Culcabock & Drakies Community Hall, Grebe Avenue, Inverness. Entry £5. Modern Jive - Beginners Class & Freestyle. No partners required. All profit goes to local Charities. See our Facebook page. HIGHLAND GERMAN SOCIETY 1st Wed of month, 7.30pm (Oct Dec) & thereafter 2pm, St.Ninian’s RC Church Hall, Culduthel Road, Inverness. Call

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page 4 - November 2017

Rosa Chisholm on 01463 238560 or email at rosakchisholm@gmail.co.uk HIGHLAND LGBT FORUM Reg. charity with regular social events in Inverness for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. www.gay-ness.org.uk HIGHLAND QUILTERS 3rd Tues (Sept- June, (Dec meeting 2nd Tues). Meet in Smithton Free Church Hall at 7.30pm. New members & visitors welcolme. Call Alice on 234076 HS CLUB Regular LAN parties for players of all ages & experience. Call Me on 01234 567890 or email at me@example.com

SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS CLUB - HIGHLAND BRANCH For further information. Call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740.

01456 486656 or email at v.weir656@btinternet.com INVERNESS HARRIERS AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB Cross country, road & hill running, track & field athletics, Beginner to elite level. Queens Park Athletic Stadium, Inverness. Call 791110 or see website www.invernessharriers.org.uk

SOUNDS FAMILIAR SINGING GROUP 1st & 3rd Tues of month, 2.30pm - 4pm, the Craigmonie Hotel, Annfield Rd, Inverness. For people with dementia & their carers. Call 01463 233231 or 01463 230803 & email at soundsfamiliarmusic@aol.com

INVERNESS HOSPITAL RADIO Email requests to be played for someone in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness to: requests@inver nesshospitalradio.co.uk. We are looking for ward visitors & technical team members. Call Atholl Menzies on 704500 or 704501. For more info email at enquiry@invernesshospital radio.co.uk

THE ARTS SOCIETY HIGHALND 2nd Thurs of month, 2pm, Smithton Free Church, Inverness. Want to learn more about art? Encourage Young Artists? Volunteer to record Churches for posterity? £8 per monthly lecture. Call David Martin/Averill Brodie on 07595 219308 or email at averillbrodie@ymail.com/ davidmartin30@hotmail.com. www.hdfas.org.uk

INVERNESS & DISTRICT FUCHSIA SOCIETY 3rd Wed of month, 7.30pm, Trinity Church Halls, Huntly Street (Not Dec or Jan). Flower Show in August. All welcome. Call Dan Matheson on 07857 962431 or email at dan.matheson@btinternet.com

INVERNESS NETBALL CLUB Wed, 7pm - 9pm, Inverness Royal Academy Sports Centre. For ladies aged 16+ All abilities welcome. Call 07983168044 or invernessnetballclub@gmail.com. www.invernessnetball.co.uk.

INVERNESS & DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY CLUB Tues & Thurs, 7pm - 10pm, Old TA Drill Hall, Seaforth Road, Muir of Ord. New members welcome. Email at sec.imrc@yahoo.co.uk. www.invernessmrc.org.uk

INVERNESS RADIO VOLUNTEERS Do you have spare time at the weekend and have the use of a car? Then the IRV would like to hear from you as we are looking for more volunteers. Call 794984. See www.invernessradio volunteers.co.uk

INVERNESS & HIGHLAND PARACHUTE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION 2nd Mon of month, 7.30pm, the Royal British Legion, Huntly Street Inverness. All ex Airborne are welcome. Call 01349 862287 or at dennistoun38@gmail.com INVERNESS BLITZ American football, ages 11 to adult. All equipment supplied. Call 242431 or email info@invernessblitz.co.uk INVERNESS GARDENING CLUB 2nd Tues of month (Sept - Dec), 7.30pm, the Mackenzie Centre, Culduthel Road . Meetings are informal, usually with an invited speaker. New members or visitors always welcome Call Valerie Weir (Sec )on

INVERNESS TOUCH RUGBY Mon, 6.15pm - 8pm, Bught Pitches (by Ice Rink). Fast & fun for men & women, all abilities & fitness levels welcome. Email invernesstouch@gmail.com "Inverness Touch" on Facebook KILTARLITY CAMERA CLUB Meets on two Tues of month at Brockies Lodge, Kiltarlity, 7.30pm. Welcomes all ages & abilities. Call 714330 NORTHERN COUNTIES CRICKET CLUB Providing cricketing opportunities to all members of the local community. Call Hamish Christie on 239894 or 07761 119604

tel: 01309 690063

THE HIGHLAND BRIDGE CLUB Wed all year. New members welcome. Call Marsalaidh or Graham on 01463 224434 or 01463 792811 TORCH (FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED) Last Sat of month, 2pm, the Kingsview Christian Centre. Call Clark Walls on 01463 221597 TRIRATNA HIGHLANDS BUDDHIST CENTRE Suite 4, Ballantyne House, Academy Street, Inverness. www.buddhistcommunity highlands.org.uk

PLEASE NOTE Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis. If you would like your details to be included in this section please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Am I the only person in the world who is just getting a bit weary of “celebrities”? I have no issue at all with people who have excelled in their chosen field be it in creative arts, sporting excellence, business achievements, scientific developments or other worthy fields of expertise, but it seems to me that many of our “celebrities” are just drawn from TV. Don’t get me wrong - I like watching TV, it is entertaining and relaxing, but surely we can find a better “barometer” of celebrity status. Maybe not though!!

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Serving Inverness and surrounding area ‘After having our dishwasher for 12 years, we thought it had given up the ghost. David found the issue and fixed it. We have had another 2 years out of it to date.” Mrs Alison, Inverness

December Issue Deadlines

Editorial - Friday 03/11/17 1 11/09/2017 Advertising - Wednesday 08/11/17

Raigmore Oct 17.pdf

15:43

T: 07561 185454 E: david@tumbleandspin.net W: tumbleandpsin.net F: facebook.com/tumbleandspin/

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www.spotlighton.co.uk

The challenge of communication IThe challenge of communication It is impossible to overestimate the power of our spoken and written words. Words carry immeasurable significance. How important it is to choose the right words. Wise people, wrestle with words until they are able to communicate ideas in a way that captures attention, stimulates imagination, motivates towards action and lifts spirits. Words can build or destroy trust. Experience teaches us that face to face communication is by far the best, but we increasingly have to become skilled at communicating remotely through technology. Today’s communication can be instant – it goes out immediately; it can be constant – 24 hours a day; it can be global – once it’s out, it’s out to the world; and it can be permanent – once it’s out there, it’s out there forever. In Politics, we see journalists pouring over Donald Trump’s Twitter messages. Complex issues reduced to a soundbite confuses more often than it clarifies. In business, you may remember Gerald Ratner who in an infamous after-dinner speech, wiped £500 million from the value of his jewellery business. He said ‘the earrings are cheaper than an M&S prawn sandwich but probably wouldn’t last as long.’ In education, we all remember our best teachers who inspired and encouraged us with well chosen words. In a busy family life, we make the most of opportunities which arise often when we least expect – not straight after school but

sometimes in the middle of a long car journey. In our closest and most important relationships we are humbled by the ongoing challenge to persevere in listening and speaking the truth in love. A difficult message is always received better when the person knows they are valued and loved. Some people are especially gifted at using words of affirmation. This oxygen of appreciation gives life to all our relationships. A friend of mine was invited to teach a group of children from the first chapter in the bible which says that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” To get the discussion going he asked what he thought was a simple question: What did God create first? A child put up her hand and said: “The answer is communication.” He was stunned by this profound answer but collected himself and went on to explain that God did indeed create the earth with words. God said: “Let there be light.” But the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit were always communicating in a language of love before they created the earth. God words have the power to create life and God sustains life by his Word. God has been speaking life giving words from the beginning of time but we are often not listening or not trusting. He gave life giving commandments to Israel through Moses on two tablets of stone. Today, nobody pays much attention to this word from God. We have got rid of the 10 commandments in the name of freedom, yet there is nothing quite

Ardersier with Petty Parish Church, Church of Scotland Ardersier Sundays 10.15am. Petty Sundays 12 noon. Tel: 01667 462224. Avoch Congregational Church High Street, Avoch. Sundays 11.30am. Refreshments afterwards. www.avochcongregationalchurch.co.uk Barn Church of Scotland Culloden. Sundays 10.30am. First and third Sundays of the month 6.30pm service. www.barnchurch.org.uk Black Isle Charge Episcopal Churches 1 Deans Road, Fortrose. Tel: 01381 622241. Cale House, Church of Scotland Millburn Road, Inverness. Tel: 01463 718616. Celt Street Evangelical Church Celt Street, Inverness, IV3 5JD. Sundays 11:45am and 5pm Tel: 01463 772147. www.celtstreet.org.uk City Life Church Mercure Hotel, Church Street, Inverness. Sundays 10:30am. Tel: 01463 714839. Email: info@citylifechurch.org.uk. Website: www.citylifechurch.org.uk Culduthel Christian Centre Culduthel Avenue, IV2 6AS. Sundays: 11am. Free debt counselling available. Pastor Alasdair Macleod. Call 01463 222795 or visit www.culduthelchristiancentre.org. Culloden-Balloch Baptist Church Wellside Road, Balloch, Inverness. Sundays 10.30am. Tel: 01463 794005. Email: culloden.baptist@btconnect.com. Website: www.cullodenbaptistchurch.org.uk Culloden Gospel Hall for meeting times & locations please visit www.cullodengospelhall.com Croy & Dalcross Parish Church Church of Scotland Croy Village. Every Sunday 12noon. Dalneigh & Bona Church of Scotland St Mary’s Avenue, Inverness.

page 6 - November 2017

as enslaving as total freedom where there is no right or wrong. Even though people ignored or rebelled against God’s word to us he persevered sending many prophets to speak truth to our world. These prophets spoke God’s message of truth, justice, grace and hope but people did not really listen. God loved us that He sent His only Son so that we would trust Him and have life. Jesus came to tell us about God’s grace and truth that can set us free. Jesus spoke with authority because his actions matched his words. He spoke about God’s acceptance of sinners and he demonstrated it in his actions. Jesus came to build a bridge between us and God, knowing that our sins needed to be forgiven before the relationship could be repaired. On the cross, his body broken for us and his blood shed for us speaks to us today. It speaks of the lengths God has gone to rescue us and restore our relationship with him. Today, God is still speaking to us directly through the life, death and resurrection his Son. He does this so that we will seek him, reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. Now is the time to communicate with God.

Pastor Alasdair Macleod Culduthel Christian Centre

Bona Church, Lochend by Inverness: 10am. Dalneigh Church, St Mary’s Avenue, Inverness: 10.30am and 6.30pm. Tel: 01463 224795. Dingwall Baptist Church Tulloch Street, Dingwall. www.dbc.org.uk Dingwall Castle Street Church of Scotland www.dingwall-church.co.uk Dingwall Catholic Church, St Lawrence 21 Castle Street, Dingwall. Tel: 01349 863143. Dingwall Episcopal Church, St James The Great Castle Street, Dingwall. Tel: 01349 862204. Website: www.stjames-stannes.org.uk Dingwall Free Church High Street. Sundays 11am and 6pm. Website: www.deep-river.co.uk Dores FCC Reformed Church - (Up the brae from the village on B862) Sundays 11am (Children welcome) & 6:30pm. Wednesdays 7:30pm. Web: www.dores-church.org.uk - Rev. D. Ratti 07599 298946 Ferintosh and Resolis Free Church Rev. Chris Smart. Website: www.ferintosh.org.uk Free North Church Bank Street, Inverness. Tel: 01463 224332. Website: www.freenorthchurch.org Fortrose Free Church, 5 Church Street, Fortrose, IV10 8TE. Sunday: 11.30am and 6pm. Website: www.freechurch.org Highland International Church Sundays, 11am at the Craigmonie Hotel, 9 Annfield Road, Inverness. www.hicinverness.org.uk Hilton, Church of Scotland Tomatin Road, Inverness. Tel: 01463 233310. Website: www.hiltonchurch.org.uk Inverness Presbytery www.invernesspresbytery.co.uk/congregations Listed A to H 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 linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

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PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES

I am currently progressing my proposal to provide children with equal protection from assault. My proposal will ensure that children in Scotland receive the same legal protection as adults, by removing the defence of ‘Justifiable Assault.’ My proposal sets out to change attitudes in society and send a message that we reject violence in every setting. Earlier this year I held a consultation and was delighted to have the support of almost 75% of the individuals and organisation which responded. I am delighted that the Scottish Government announced its support, a move I believe helps us take one step closer to making Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.

John Finnie MSP

In 2010 there were about 200,000 passengers from Cruise Liners who visited Scotland, disembarking at various ports around the country. There are now around 650,000. Success in business is no accident. It comes from hard work and good relationships. Cruise Scotland and the many cruise liner companies view Scotland as a leading cruise destination. Last week I spoke to people from these companies and our ports across the country in a dinner aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. It was a good night to celebrate a modern Scottish success story and one where there are further good things to come!

Fergus Ewing MSP

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR INVERNESS IN NOVEMBER

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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For a while, there were pledges about ‘no branches closing’– with both The Royal Bank and the Bank of Scotland saying they were ‘with you every day’ and ‘with you all the way’ respectively. These warm words have disappeared now as the relentless run down of local branches has picked up pace. Kingussie branch, in my constituency, is just one of the many closures this month in the Highlands. First, they cut hours and days of opening, increasing inconvenience and thus ensuring demand weakens allowing them to accelerate the decline making branches “unviable”. Exercises carried out without any meaningful discussion with the people and businesses affected. Studies show that it costs six times more for a bank to attract a new customer as it does to retain a loyal one because people have often been reluctant to switch banks. However, the trend of ‘loyal customers’ is changing and it should serve as a warning to the banks.

Drew Hendry MP

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admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Words by the Wayside â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his richesâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? (Psalm 52:7)

Reader, is this you? What good is anything, if you know not the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour? All for you is vanity and vexation of spirit. What if you gain the whole world and yet lose your own soul? While you are living in pleasure you are dead in trespasses and in sins, without God and without hope in this world, and yet Jesus Christ died for you. Eternity where?

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www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish charity SC041290

Stone carving Masonry repairs & replacements Masonry building Lime pointing Lime harling / lime washing Lime plastering

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Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days

British Summertime Ends Sun 29th Oct 2017 Halloween Tues 31st Oct 2017 Bonfire Night Sun 5th Nov 2017 Mon 6th Nov 2017 Local Holiday ‡ Remembrance Sunday Sun 12th Nov 2017 St Andrew’s Day Thurs 30th Nov 2017 1st Sunday in Advent Sun 3rd Dec 2017

2nd Sunday in Advent 3rd Sunday in Advent Shortest Day Christmas Day Boxing Day Hogmanay

for 2017/2018 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Fri 22nd Dec 2017 Christmas Holiday Starts Mon 25th Dec 2017 Christmas Holiday Ends Fri 5th Jan 2018 Spring Term Starts Mon 8th Jan 2018 Mid Term Holiday Mon 19th Feb 2018 Mid Term Holiday Tues 20th Feb 2018 In-Service Day Wed 21st Feb 2018

Spring Term Ends Spring Holiday Starts Spring Holiday Ends Summer Term Starts May Day Holiday In-Service Day Summer Term Ends

Sun 10th Dec 2017 Sun 17th Dec 2017 Thurs 21st Dec 2017 Mon 25th Dec 2017 Tues 26th Dec 2017 Sun 31st Dec 2017 ‡ Inverness

School Term Dates Wed 28th Mar 2018 Thurs 29th Mar 2018 Fri 13th Apr 2018 Mon 16th Apr 2018 Mon 7th May 2018 Mon 4th Jun 2018 Fri 29th Jun 2018

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03457 484950 Police Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 NHS 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

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

VILLAGE HALLS & COMMUNITY CENTRES

page 10 - November 2017

Strathnairn Hall (Daviot) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 772228

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

DENTISTS

Rotated on a regular basis. To add a contact or amend existing details, email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

EVERYTHING TO KEEP YOU COMFORTABLE THIS WINTER Standard with variable angle lift & tilt on seat lift. Supplied as standard in maximum tilt lowest lift position but may easily be adjusted to achieve higher flatter lift or very high virtually flat lift. Top quality British action stringently tested to ensure product strength, rigidity, safety & durability.

Single motor tilt-in space action maintains initial sit position throughoutrecline,eliminates friction & shear forces whilst spreading body weight over a wider area to minimise pressure points.

Simplicity of just two handset buttons & choice of handsets. Very effective high ankle elevation & good TV watching position.

21 West Road, Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres IV36 2GW (Behind Lidl) 0QFO .POEBZ 'SJEBZ BN UP QN t &BTZ QBSLJOH EJTBCMFE UPJMFU GBDJMJUJFT t TDPUMBOE!NPPSJOHTNFEJRVJQ DPN River House Sep 17 v2.pdf 1 06/10/2017

14:22

OPENING HOURS

Tue s d ay - Sat u rd a y 3 . 0 0 pm - 9 . 4 5 pm Ci c c he tti Menu: 3.00 pm - 5.30 pm (small plate menu)

Full Menu:

5.30 pm - 9.45 pm

01463 222033 chef@riverhouseinverness.co.uk w w w. r i v e r h o u s e i n v e r n e s s . c o . u k

R E S TAU R A N T

1 Greig Street l Inverness l IV3 5PT

Words by the Wayside “...He (Jesus Christ) is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him...” (Hebrews 7:25)

Reader, The Lord Jesus Christ is able to save you if you come. He is able to save you if you come unto God. He is able to save you if you come unto God by Him. He is able to save you to the uttermost. He is able to save to the uttermost because He ever liveth to make intercession for His people. Do you know Him as your God and your Saviour?

W W

www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk 1 06/10/2017

Castle Tavern Nov 17 .pdf

Registered Scottish charity SC041290

16:26

Christmas Menu Welcome Drink - Mulled Wine or Fruit Cocktail

Starters

Soup Prawn Cocktail Pigeon & Walnut Salad Fig and Blue Cheese Tart

Main Course

Now Taking Bookings for Staff & Private Parties Lunchtime and Evenings 3 Course - £28.00 2 Course - £22.00 Tel: 01463 718178 enquiries@castletavern.pub www.castletavern.pub

Roast Turkey Venison Wellington Vegetarian Wellington Pan Roasted Salmon Roast Gammon

Dessert

Mini Pavlova Sticky toffee Pudding Traditional Christmas Pudding Apple and Rhubarb Crumble TEA OR COFFEE WITH AFTER DINNER MINT

Promote your events in the SpotLight ‘What’s On’

centre, centre opening hours. opening night on friday 20th oct from 6.30pm - 8.30pm

You can now go online at www.spotlighton.co.uk Register an account and put your event online and in the magazine - both for free

Any events uploaded to the website by the closing date will be automatically printed in the magazine. Now there’s clever!!

until 31 december year of history, heritage & archaeology 2017 tbc, moray, speyside & the highlands. various events. www.visitscotland.com

October 2017 23 monday elaine paige in concert 7.30pm, eden court , inverness. call 01463 234234

*December Issue Deadline: Friday 3rd November*

24 tuesday blood donors 5pm - 7pm, holm primary school, inverness. please book an appointment. call 0345 301 7270 or at nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.net

Alternatively, you can still Email: linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk or Telephone: 01309 690063

24 tuesday - 26 thursday

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.

6th highland wheelchair curling triples competition 2017 tues 10am - 4pm (opening ceremony) inverness ice centre. come along & watch wheelchair curlers from all over scotland & the north of england in action. call mo simpson on 07798 710 404 or email at wheels77uk@yahoo.co.uk

25 wednesday session a9 8pm, eden court, inverness. call 01463 234234. www.eden-court

Rolling Events

27 friday

until 11 march

colonel mustard and the di-jon 5 'yellowe'en' + spring break@ironworks. inverness 10.30pm www.ironworksvenue.com comunn gàidhlig inbhir nis: "the appin murder": speaker prof allan macinnes. 7.30pm, sgl room, eden court, inverness. all welcome. www.gsi.org.uk

art installation by robyn woolston, artist in residence tbc, ground floor of the highlanders museum, fort george, nr invernesss. call ann-marie peckham, curator on 0131 3108764/0131 3108702 or email at ann-marie@thehighlandersmuseum.com. www.thehighlandersmuseum.com

until 31 october richard watt (18th c artist): exhibition tbc, grantownon-spey museum. explores the turbulent & intriguing world of a highland clan at the time of the jacobite

until 4 november nairn art society exhibition nairn community & art admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

28 saturday

great glen walking club: guisachan & plodda falls 9am (please arrive 15 mins earlier), uhi car park, ness walk, inverness. distance: 9 miles; grade: b

29 sunday

just sing concert 7pm, eden court, inverness. performance £8 workshop £10. call 01463 234234

tel: 01309 690063

November 2017 - page 13

garden

GreenThumb

UK FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR RUNNER UP

2013

Lichen – fungus on the lawn explained ! I’ve mentioned this before. One of the joys of our wonderful environment up here is the clean air, and one of the organisms which thrives locally (but rarely in Glasgow) is dog lichen. There are hundreds of species here, growing on trees, rocks and on the grass ! It is particularly at home on ground which has become compacted and is low on nutrients. It is one of the most common questions we get from baffled homeowners, and many have found that the garden centre people aren’t Aerator sure how to deal with it. lichen

programme for the lawn strengthens the grass and this tips the balance of conditions back in favour of the grass. As with all things in nature, it’s about competition. There are no chemical products which remove lichen. Golf courses do this all the time, and so do we. Aerating the ground over winter should be part of routine lawncare in any case. The freeze/thaw, freeze/thaw weather we get compacts most ground round here which prevents tender new plant roots spreading, even if the grass has had a spring feed. The ground is too solid.

For more information about our annual lawncare plans from just £11.25 per mth, plus useful downloads and photos, go to www.greenthumb.co.uk. Although GreenThumb is a multi-award winning national franchise, and is the runaway leader in the sector with half a million customers, we are the family-run local franchise covering the wider Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair or Fiona for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on 01667 460012, or email us at:

inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

We shift it by aerating the ground with a big hollow-core tining machine which removes thousands of cores from the ground allowing air to circulate. A regular feeding

Alastair Watt

PRICES FROM

Â£11.25 MONTH Autumn Offer 1st Treatment FREE valid until 31 December 2017

01667 460012 www.greenthumb.co.uk Email: Inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

31 tuesday

9 thursday

scouting for girls@ironworks, inverness 7.30pm www.ironworksvenue.com

the arts society highland: double dutch speaker, lynne gibson on symbols, emblems & 'double entendre" in dutch genre painting tbc, smithton cullloden free church. non members £8. new members welcome. email averillbrodie@ymail.com or davidmartin30@hotmail.com. www.hdfas.org.uk

November 2017 2 thursday

10 friday

inverness big tasting@ironworks 6pm, www.ironworksvenue.com

3 friday laurence perkins: 1pm, spectrum centre, inverness sleepless giants@tooth & claw 8pm

4 saturday jericho hill@ironworks, inverness 7.30pm inverness bonfire & fireworks dsiplay 7.30pm, bught park, inverness. hot food stalls & hornes fun fair highland branch seagull trust cruises: christmas craft fayre 10am - 12.30pm, north kessock community hall. £3 (incl refreshments & home baking). over 21 stalls. all proceeds to the highland branch seagull trust cruises.

5 sunday afternoon dance: live band, "dancing with sharks" 3pm - 5pm , the waterside hotel, inverness. £10 at the door. free dance class. 2pm - 3pm swing, modern jive, ballroom, latin. all welcome.

6 monday royal scottish geographical society inverness: crossing continents & cultures - from london to tehran by bike 7.30pm – 9pm, highland council chamber, glenurquhart road, inverness. visitors £10; members, students, u-18s free. for info email rpreece@onetel.com. www.rsgs.org

7 tuesday scottish ornithologists' club: curlews in crisis - talk by rspb scotland 7.30pm, culloden library, inverness. £3 members; £4 non-members. call 01463 772539 or 01808 511740 highland astronomical society: comets - speaker, paul jenkins 7.20pm, smithton cullloden free church www.spacegazer.com

7 tuesday - 8 wednesday children 1st christmas fair 5pm & 12pm (wed), drumossie hotel, inverness. £3 (incl refreshments & shortbread). craft, food & present ideas. raffle.

8 wednesday virtual reality expo (inverness) 1pm - 4pm hghlands & islands enterprise, inverness. free. book through www.hellodigital

page 16 - November 2017

iona fyffe band@hootananny, inverness 9.30pm the indians@the british legion (inverness) 7.30pm music nairn: escher string quartet; mendelssohn, mozart & grieg 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre. £19, £15, £3. call 01667 455701. www.musicnairn.org.uk

10 friday - 11 saturday

north hop: beer & food festival - selection of craft beer, cider, gin, street food, sweet treats & live music tbc, macdonald aviemore resort. call 0844 879 9152

11 saturday

cc smugglers@ bogbain farm, inverness 8pm, call 01463 772800 cairngorm ski club snowsports equipment sale 9am - goods in; 3.30pm - sale. dalfaber golf & country club, aviemore. adults £1 to enter sale, children free. buy & sell second hand & new ski & snowboard equipment & clothing. email at sale@cairngormskiclub.co.uk grant saunders - hypnotist@the ironworks, inverness tbc. www.ironworksvenue.com

13 monday

the shakespeare schools festival 2017 7pm, eden court (one touch theatre.

14 tuesday

lulu - all about the music tour 7.30pm, eden court (empire theatre), inverness. call 01463 234234 inverness botany group: montane willows speaker - diane gilbert 7.30pm, smithton culloden free church. www.invernessbotanygroup.com

15 wednesday

november lights@ mad hatters, inverness 7.30pm inverness field club: john allen of the cairngorm mountain rescue team speaks about his life in the mountains 7.30pm, milburn academy hall, inverness www.invernessfieldclub.org.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON AT IRONWORKS

INVERNESS BIG TASTING

JERICHO HILL THE SOUND OF JOHNNY CASH

THU 02 NOV // 6:00pm // 18+

SAT 04 NOV // 7:30pm // SEATED // 16+

THE SELECTER & THE BEAT

SHED SEVEN

DAY OF THE DEAD COMES TO INVERNESS

MACFLOYD PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE

WILL ATKINSON + MADDOG & RAYMOND GOLD

SAT 25 NOV // 7:30pm // SEATED

SAT 25 NOV // 11:00pm // 18+

TIDE LINES

GIMME ABBA ABBA TRIBUTE

ROCKNWRESTLE

SAT 02 DEC // 7:30pm

SAT 09 DEC // FROM 5:00pm // SEATED

THU 16 NOV // 7:30pm

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM

GRANT SAUNDERS STAGE HYPNOTIST

SAT 11 NOV // 7:00pm // SEATED // 16+

MON 20 NOV // 7:00pm

FRI 24 NOV // 9:30pm // 18+

FRI 01 DEC // 7:30pm

GARY BECK

WINTERSLAM 2017

SAT 16 DEC // 11:00pm // 18+

0871 789 4173 www.ironworksvenue.com

Ironworks Venue, 122b Academy Street, Inverness, IV1 1LX *calls cost up to 10p per minute, mobiles may charge more

16 thursday

the selecter & the beat@the ironworks, inverness tbc. www.ironworksvenue.com jake bugg@the strathpeffer pavillion 8pm

17 friday

the elephant sessions@tooth & claw, inverness tbc www.skiddle.com showwaddywaddy 7.30pm, eden court (empire theatre), inverness. all welcome liz mclardy & friends@spectrum centre, inverness 1pm. programme for soprano, piano, clarinet & accordion

26 sunday

ladies' do 2017 1pm, kingsmill hotel, culcabock road, inverness. glass of bubbly on arrival, afternoon tea & access to the beautiful quality stalls & pampering/sample stalls highland hospitals' annual carol concert 3pm, eden court (empire theatre), inverness

27 sunday - 3 december

20 monday

shed seven@ ironworks, inverness tbc www.ironworksvenue.com

book week scoltand 2017 tbc, week-long celebration of books & reading. various events in libraries, bookshops, etc

23 thursday

30 thursday

rspb (highland): wild images of the highlands speaker - neil mcintyre, local wildlife & landscape photographer 7.30pm, greyfriars church, balloan road, inverness. group members £3, visitiors £4 call doreen manson on 01997 433283 or email at doreen.a.manson@gmail.com

model aeroplanes@tooth & claw, inverness

24 friday

day of the dead comes to inverness!@ironworks, inverness 9.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com

This space could have been promoting your business!

24 friday - 26 sunday

christmas craft fair from exclusively highland at brodie castle 11am - 4pm. £4 adults (incl nonalcoholic mulled wine & mince pie), children free. food, clothing, jewellery, art, stoneware, etc. call rebecca harrison on 01309 641371 or email at raharrison@nts.org.uk. www.nts.org.uk/events

25 saturday

inverness choral society concert: mozart 'mass in c minor'; haydn 'te deum' & other works 7.30pm, eden court theatre. call sandra riach on 01997 466253 or at sandra.riach1@btinternet.com www.invernesschoral.org.uk rspb (highland): local birding around the inverness area 9.30am, inverness area. departing inverness retail car park (opposite burger king). call doreen manson on 01997 433283 or email at doreen.a.manson@gmail.com

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

SpotLight covers six areas along the Moray Firth Coastline from Buckie & Keith across to Inverness and then down to Aviemore - and all the places in between!

tel: 01309 690063

(01309) 690063

November 2017 - page 19

Spiced Roast Parsnip Soup - Serves 4 Ingredients 1 Kg Parsnips, Peeled And Cut Into Chunks 3 Tbsp Olive Oil 2 Tsp Chilli Flakes 1 Onion, Peeled & Chopped 3 Garlic Cloves, Peeled And Finely Chopped 1 Tsp Ground Cumin 1 Tsp Ground Ginger 1 Tsp Turmeric 1 Litre Vegetable Or Chicken Stock 400 Mls Coconut Milk Salt & Pepper To Taste Dean's Cheese & Chilli Oat Bites To Serve

Method Preheat the oven to 200degC /180degC fan Place the parsnips in an even layer on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tbsp of the olive oil and 1 tsp of the FKLOOL IODNHV 5RDVW IRU Ä¥ PLQXWHV WXUQLQJ RFFDVLRQDOO\ XQWLO FRRNHG WKURXJK 0HDQZKLOH LQ D ODUJH SDQ KHDW WKH UHPDLQLQJ WEVS RI WKH ROLYH RLO DQG DGG WKH RQLRQ Ä¥ FRRN IRU DERXW minutes until softened and translucent Add the garlic, the remaining 1 tsp of chilli flakes, cumin, ginger and turmeric and stir to combine Add the roasted parsnips and stir to coat with the spices then cover with the stock and coconut milk. 6HDVRQ WKHQ OHDYH WR VLPPHU IRU Ä¥ PLQXWHV Remove the pan from the heat and using a stick blender, blitz the soup until smooth adding a little extra water if required. Ladle into warm bowls and serve with Dean's Cheese & Chilli Oat Bites on the side

www.deans.co.uk/recipes

Old Mill Inn BRODIE

Brodie, Near Forres IV36 2TD

01309 641605

Taking bookings NOW for Pre-Christmas Lunches and Dinners Both Menus are served from 1st - 24th December 2017 excuding Monday evenings (Christmas Steak Night).

Details of the Menus are as follows: CHRISTMAS LUNCH MENU (served 12 - 5pm) 2 courses £16.95 (pre-order £14.50) 4 courses £20.95 (pre-order £18.50) CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU (served 5.30- 9pm) 2 courses £19.95 (pre-order £18.95) 4 courses £26.95 (pre-order £24.95) Call or email enquiries@oldmillinnbrodie.com for your copy of the menu

St ea k Ni gh ts Usu al Rum p & Sirlo in As Norm al: from 8oz £9.9 5 - £18. 95 per coup le from 16oz £15. 95 - £28. 50 per coup le NEW - regu larly chan ging butc her’ s stea ks; Gam mon , pork , lamb etc from £8.9 5

g O u r ev er ch a n g in m on th ly M en u N ew a t th e s ta rt. of ev er y m on th P lu s th e ol d fa v ou ri te s .. .

The Turra Coo Story A strange and interesting exists in the market town of Turra, in Aberdeenshire Story (Turriff to you and me)! Under the Liberal government of the 1910s, the Chancellor of the Exchequer David Lloyd George introduced a scheme whereby National Insurance contributions (by employer) became compulsory for all workers between the ages of 16 and 70. This was enacted via the National Insurance Act, and caused outrage among the farmers local to Turriff, who claimed that their contributions were too high; and that, as they were rarely able to be off work due to illness like industrial workers, it was unfair for them to have to pay for a service they were unlikely to use. In Turriff, popular protests were held in the Johnston and Paterson Mart, and Lendrum farmer Robert Paterson refused to stamp the insurance cards of his employees. Paterson was charged under the National Insurance Act and sentenced to pay a fine of £15 plus the arrears of national insurance contributions. Paterson paid the fine, but refused to make up the arrears, resulting in orders on 13 November 1913 for Turriff's sheriff George Keith to seize property to the value of £7 from Paterson's farm. However, this was more difficult than it seemed as officers could not move property without local assistance, and the locals refused to help in protest.

The Cow Sheriff's Officer George Keith “poinded” the only piece of property which was easily mobile: Paterson's white milk cow, which was set to be sold in Turriff on 9 December, the delay being due to the fact that both of Turriff's agricultural marts supported Paterson and refused to handle the sale, requiring a special licence to be granted for a public sale and an auctioneer to be brought in from elsewhere. On the appointed day, the cow was taken from Paterson's farm and led to Turriff on foot. The citizens of Turriff found the cow tied in the village square, decorated in ribbons and painted with the words 'Lendrum to Leeks' in reference to Lloyd George's Welsh origin, and representing the sheriff's and government's victory over the hostile farmers. The cow was put up for auction. The response was a near riot, and a 100-strong mob proceeded to pelt the sheriff's officers with rotten fruit and soot. Amidst the melee, the cow herself escaped from her handler and ran away, later being found in a nearby barn. Eight farm workers, including Paterson, were subsequently put on trial in Aberdeen for disorderly conduct but all were acquitted, having received verdicts of "not proven".

The cow was eventually taken toÂ AberdeenÂ where it was sold to a farmer, Alexander Craig, for ÂŁ7 (which, balanced against the cost of the operation, resulted in a loss to the Sherriff's Department), but Bryony Miller, a local girl and wife of the Patersons' farmhand John Miller, with his help, rallied the local community together to buy back the cow for Lendrum. The presentation of the cow back to the Patersons on 20 January 1914 was a major public event; it was estimated that more than 3,000 people turned out to see the cow paraded in triumph through Turriff, adorned with ribbons and garlands of dried flowers, painted with the slogan "Free!! Divn't ye wish that ye were me" and accompanied by a band playing "See the Conquering Hero Comes". The cow returned to the Patersons' farm at Lendrum, where she died six years later and was buried in a corner of the farmland. The case became aÂ cause celebreÂ at the time and numerous souvenir items were produced featuring likenesses of the Coo and frequently adorned with the slogan "Lendrum to Leeks". On 31 October 1971, a roadside monument was unveiled at Lendrum, with a plaque featuring a silhouette of a cow's head and the words "The Famous "Turra Coo" incident took place in 1913 when Robert Paterson headed resistance to injustice to farm workers in the insurance act." On 20 November 2010, a sculpture of the Turra Coo by David Blyth, Charles Engebretsen and Ginny Hutchinson was unveiled in Turriff town centre, at the junction of the two major shopping streets, a spot now known locally as "Coo Corner". Â The sculpture was based on a stuffed cow known as "Alese" and bearing a strong resemblance to photographs of the original Turra Coo. Alese herself is on display at the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum inÂ Mintlaw.

The centenary was officially marked in Turriff on 16 November 2013, with various events revolving around a dramatic re-enactment of the story. ,Q WKH WRZQ VÂŹ +LJKODQG /HDJXHÂŹ IRRWEDOO FOXE ÂŹ 7XUULII United F.C., adopted a mascot based on the Turra Coo (though unlike the original, the mascot is usually referred to as male).

Recipe

Chef’s Confidential

Christmas Cake Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a Christmas cake. The process of making it over a number of weeks, the aromas when cooking and then the joy of the deep, rich flavours when we come to eat it. In my house we always eat it with a good cup of tea in the early afternoon when there is just a “wee space to fill” even when there probably isn’t a “wee space to fill”!!

Ingredients: 525g currants 225g sultanas 225g raisins 110g candied peel 165g glacé cherries 300g plain flour pinch of salt ½ tsp mixed spice ½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg 300g soft butter 300g soft brown sugar Zest of one lemon 6 large egges, lightly beaten 3 tbsp brandy, extra to feed

Method: 150 °C, 23cm tin – line with 2 layers of baking parchment 1. In a large bowl, mix the fruit, flour, salt and spices 2. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add lemon zest.. beat in the egg, little at a time (if you rush adding the egg the mixture will curdle). 3. Add Half the fruit mix to the creamed butter, fold to incorporate. Add the second half and then the brandy 4. Tip mixture into the cake tin making a slight dip in the centre so as the cake cooks it will level out leaving a flat top to decorate 5. Bake for about 4 ½ hours 6. Leave to cool in the tin for at least an hour, then remove from tin and cool completely. 7. Once cool, prick with skewer and slowly drizzle 3-4 tbsp brandy over. This is feeding! The cake should then be “fed” every 2 weeks until being iced with marzipan and icing before Christmas.

Enjoy!! 118 High Street, FORRES IV36 1NP

Entertainment

THE DROUTHY COBBLER

This month of music kicks off on the 3rd with Aberdeen band The Deportees. With an emphasis on natural instrumentation, The Deportees are known for their strong melodies and signature four-part vocal harmonies, combining the best of Celtic folk with 80’s Americana. They will be supported by Northern Irish singer/songwriter Brash Isaac, as well as local band Gordon James & the Power. The 4th carries on the local theme with new and exciting independent artist, LILURA. Hailing from Nairn, LILURA (or Jemma as she is known to her friends) captivates audiences with dark, electronic beats infused with fun, glittery, pop. Anyone who is a fan of Kate Bush, David Bowie and even Radiohead will find something to like here. Two of the Drouthy’s most popular acts that they have hosted - Adam Holmes & Rachel Sermanni - team up to do a two night stint on the 9th and 10th. Adam has just released his 3rd album, Midnight Milk, to a great reception, gaining a 4 star review in The Scotsman, while Rachel has been called one of Britain’s “most promising folk acts” and has just been on tour in America. This is an excellent chance to see two of Scottish music’s most exciting young artists. Not to be missed! Aberdeen based band The Little Kicks have been described as both ‘Indie-pop’ and ‘Disco-rock’. Whatever they are, they are bound to get you moving. Having toured around the world and shared stages with the likes of Twin Atlantic, Twilight Sad and Frightened Rabbit (to name a few), the bands focus on vocal harmonies and infectious guitar hooks, combined with a knack for writing incredibly catchy songs, The Little Kicks’ sound is incredibly engaging live. You can catch them on the 24th, supported by Inverness band Lional. On the 25th, The Drouthy Cobbler play host to Dante, an alternative folk band from Edinburgh. Dante have spent the last two years working on their first full-length album, Wake, with Frightened Rabbit guitarist, Andy Monaghan. Drawing on indie and folk influences in unusually equal measure, The Herald has described the new material as a collection of “folk-flecked gems”. They will be supported by Jamie Bacon, a singer from the Highlands, as well as Gordon James & the Power. And finally, don’t miss the monthly Comedy Club. Featuring some of the best in both up-and-coming and established talent in the Scottish comedy scene, it is gaining a reputation as one of the best monthly events in the Moray area.

The Deportees

C r o ss wo r d

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Hi, my name is Spotty. Can you find 10 of me hidden in this issue?

The Garden TOM ANGEL IS A CHARTERED HORTICULTURIST AND GARDEN DESIGNER BASED IN AVIEMORE. TOM PROVIDES GARDEN DESIGN AND SOFT LANDSCAPING SERVICES AS

‘ANGEL HORTICULTURE’, HAVING PREVIOUSLY RUN HIS OWN COMMERCIAL GARDENING

DON’T hesitate to give your grass a final late cut if it needs it – try not to do it when it is particularly wet, but a low temperature does not matter. DON’T do any significant pruning at this time of year, you do not want to encourage any tender new growth. DON’T forget to make sure your garden is ready for winter storms, check tree stakes, fences and gates and anything likely to blow away!

BUSINESS FOR TWELVE YEARS.

TOM ALSO BLOGS AS ‘THE MOUNTAIN GARDENER’. We’re in the thick of autumn now, and despite the occasionally inclement weather I have to say that this is my favourite time of the year for working in the garden. I think childhood memories of bonfires and chilly days linger in my mind, and I still derive great satisfaction from a good afternoon’s work in the garden, followed by a hot bath and hearty winter stew for dinner. My dog, Solly, enjoys the piles of gathered leaves too, and doing his level best to un-do my hard work when he can! A bit of work done in the garden at this time of year can ensure that you have a tidy garden to look out on over the winter months, but it also benefits the garden immensely if it is not sitting under a blanket of fallen leaves. So here are a few DO’s & DON’Ts for this month.

DO clear leaves whenever you can – if you have space in the garden you can create a pile for leaf-mould. DO spike boggy patches in your lawn and rake in sharp sand. DO re-define lawn edges with an edging tool (also called a ‘half moon’). DO plant Tulip bulbs, November is the ideal time for this. DO plant out winter bedding plants to add some colour to your garden. DO feed your birds regularly and reliably, regular visitors come to rely on this over the winter. DO leave a messy corner for wildlife if you can. DO cut down any dead growth on plants that is not going to provide interest over the winter.

It is all too easy to forget about the garden over the winter months and abandon it to the elements, but with a bit of planning it can become one of the magical times of the gardening year. I am in the process of planting up new beds in my garden and I am deliberately choosing plants that look magical with a heavy coating of frost on them. Ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis can look great in the winter, and reliable summer flowers such as Astilbes can provide wonderful shapes too (if they have faded gracefully!) I am also going to be underplanting a new birch tree with Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ to provide some vivid orange winter stems in future winters. There is more about winter planting ideas on my blog, The Mountain Gardener. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT I’M UP TO IN MY OWN GARDEN AT THE MOMENT YOU CAN CHECK OUT MY BLOG (‘THE MOUNTAIN GARDENER’) WHICH YOU CAN FIND ON MY WEBSITE AT WWW.ANGELHORT.COM

01343 542218

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Mon - Fri 9.00am - 7.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 6.00pm Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm

Opening times of Store:

Decora, Lossiebank Mills, Elgin, IV30 4DE

18th - 19th November Every weekend until Christmas. Book early to avoid Disappointment Sat 9.30am - 5.00pm and Sun 10.00am - 4.00pm

Santa Arrives

WOW!!!