Lamplight Autumn 2016

FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE

/DPS/LJKW AUTUMN 2016

ISSUE 2

YOUR QUARTERLY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR MORAY & NAIRN BURGHEAD HARBOUR & GRANARY Thomas Telford

Pa nn y La ing

Picture by Anne Burgess

7

Autumn Glow - From Head to Toe Mo un tai n Mi nis ter

KT Tunstall visits Moray Arron Cooper - Art & Genetics

13 22

The Old Mill Inn - Review Mountain Minister The Woman Behind Logie Steading

25 30 36

Thomas Telford - The Colossus of Roads 41 Autumn “High 5” - Adventure time

uns tal l T KT

Th e Ol d Mi ll Inn

46

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Because if it matters to you, it matters to Digby Brown.

Editor’s Letter Welcome to the second issue of Lamplight - the premier quarterly lifestyle magazine for Moray and Nairn.

The first issue back at the beginning of Summer was really well received by our readers and a big thank you to all those people that contacted us to commend us on the publication. We are well into our stride now and hope that you enjoy this Autumn Issue just as much. Following various reader suggestions we are trying harder to get the magazine into more smaller locations and so, if you are a dentist or doctors or other such organisation and you haven’t got a copy or two - please give us a ring and we will pop one round and add you to our permanent delivery list.

Again, following various suggestions, we have broadened the range of articles which are aimed at having wide appeal - male and female, old and young - again - we hope you enjoy it! My particular favourite this month, is the article headed Autumn Glow - from Head to Toe. Whilst the magazine is free to pick up - we are not government funded and do rely on local companies to support the publication so please mention that you saw their advert in Lamplight when you contact the companies. It is always good to receive positive feedback!!

Contents Autumn Glow - From Head to Toe

LAMpLIGHT IS pubLISHed by:

WINTerburN MedIA LTd CoMrAICH, WoodSIde FArM, KINLoSS, IV36 3uA - TeL: 01309 690063

edITor

dAVId NeLMeS david@winterburnmedia.co.uk

- page 7

KT Tunstall visits Moray

- page 13

The Moss Season Approches

- page 20

Arron Cooper - Art & Genetics

- page 22

The old Mill Inn - review

- page 25

Mountain Minister

- page 30

The Woman behind Logie Steading

- page 36

Thomas Telford - The Colossus of roads

- page 41

Autumn “High 5” - Adventure time

- page 46

deSIGN TeAM

LINdA FerGuSoN - linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk SArAH JoHNSToNe - sarah@winterburnmedia.co.uk

SALeS

SuSAN INNeS - susan@winterburnmedia.co.uk HeATHer WArd - heather@winterburnmedia.co.uk

All material contained within the LampLight magazine is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertiser artwork or any other content, without the publishers prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright.

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Autumn Glow

From head to toe....

We can’t quite believe it either; it’s that time of year again! I’m sure you’re already thinking about your winter wardrobe – maybe you’ve already invested in some woolly numbers. Yes, the weather’s getting cooler and the leaves are starting to fall off the trees but that doesn’t mean you should fall short on your usual skincare regime. Whilst we often talk about how we should switch up our wardrobe for winter, we don’t always consider changing the way we treat our hair and skin. No matter what the season – whether it’s summer, autumn, winter or spring – our skin and hair needs special attention and it’s important to learn how we can take care of our skin’s needs during the colder months. As far as the autumn goes, the atmosphere is much cooler and dryer than other seasons, so getting your regime right is really important.

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Autumn Is Your Skin Ready to Say Goodbye to Summer?

Too much sun? Not enough? Whatever your summer experience was, your skin will need some help to get ready for the colder weather to come. Whether it's dry skin repair or combatting the pale skin blues, see what you need to be doing to get perfect skin this fall.

larger pores. Sun and heat stimulate the

1. It's way too dry

makes pores even more dilated. Look for

Colder weather is your cue to add more

peels, serums or hydrators with salicylic

moisturising products to your routine. No more

acids to clean out pores.

of that bar of soap business - you need a gentle cleanser that hydrates instead, as well as moisturiser for your entire body.

which, along with dirt and k ǡ Ƥ and stretch out pores. UVA radiation, which penetrates into the dermis, weakens and breaks down collagen and elastin, the structure foundation of the skin, and this

4. It's more vulnerable to sun damage Not because the sun is stronger per se, but the UV index may continue to be high and

2. It's super sensitive

you're less aware of it/motivated to slather

Skin becomes way more susceptible to the

on the protection. Wear a moisturiser with

environment as the temperature drops -

sunscreen every morning, and SPF 50

sometimes it's best just to let it have a break.

sunscreen when doing outdoor activities.

Skip aggressive treatments for a little bit and try exfoliating less (once a week as opposed to twice, every other week) - concentrating instead on gentle cleansing and moisturising.

8

sebaceous glands to produce more oil,

5. It could be under-circulated Cold temps constrict blood vessels and thus can hinder circulation. Without proper ƪ ǡ mplexion can

3. It has summer aftershock

look sallow, says celebrity esthetician

Whether you've spent the past few months at

Renée Rouleau. To ensure you don't lose

the beach or not, you have sun damage - most

your glow, look for antioxidants that are

likely in the form of sun spots and more visible

known to st ƪ w, like

signs of ageing. Add a retinoid to your routine to

rosemary, ginseng extract, and pepper-

repair and renewǤ Ƥ

mint. We suggest adding Rouleau's

wrinkles and lines and dull, sullen skin.

Revitalizing Ginseng Toner, which works to

Another symptom of the summer months is

dilate the blood vessels.

Autumn First Aid To Your Hair - Hair Care In Autumn In summer we try so hard to take care of our ơ weather, hot sun and salty water. However, it is hardly possible to be 100% successful and keep our hair in ideal condition all summer long. That is why in autumn, many of us start experiencing hair loss, weakness and brittleness. It is absolutely essential to continue doing various hair care procedures in autumn as well.

Below, you Ƥ d several recommendations on hair care in autumn Choose 2-3 ơ ǡ and moisturizing, which would be the most suitable for your hair. Those can be all natural home-made masks, special commercial mixtures for hair treatment or even special regular spa procedures. Apply your mask and keep it for 20-25 minutes on your hair, then wash i Ƥ water. After this, wear a head-towel on your hair and keep your hair wet for 20-30 minutes. It will rest and keep moist for this time.

Steep 75 g of dried burdock root in 200 ml of vegetable oil and keep in a dark place for 24 hours. Then boil the mixture on a medium heat for 15 minutes and let it cool down. Strain out the pieces of roots and rub the mixture into your scalp. Cover with a head-towel, keep for 1-2 hours, then wash it away with warm water.

Your hair will look healthier and shine if you rinse it after washing with some high quality water. The best idea is to boil 30g - 50g of dried ƪ amomile, lime-tree blossom or dried nettle leaves in 3-4 liters of water, and use this tea for rinsing your hair.

Remember that it is necessary to pay a lot of attention to your hair condition at this time of ơ for hair care in autumn. This will help you to look beautiful Ƥdent, as well as prevent hair loss and thinning. Use all natural remedies you have in your house to help your hair look gorgeous!

You can use one ơ to treat your hair as an element of your program ơ Ǥ ͚ lks with 1 table spoon of lemon juice and add 10 drops of jojoba, almond, avocado, tea tree or another oil.

Spread the mixture along your hair, leave for 30 minutes and then rinse your hair with warm water.

In order to prevent brittle hair and split ends, it is ơ Ǥ 9

Autumn 7 Steps to a Perfect Autumn Manicure .

Keeping your nails in good condition and looking perfectly polished can be a bit of task, even for the most nail-savvy! Here’s a simple stepby-step guide for a home manicure to rival even the best mani-pedi salons.

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2. ơ ǡ ơ

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10

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-

Autumn Get your feet back to normal this Autumn ƪ ƪ ƥ ǡ Ǥ ǯ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ Th ǯ

ȋ ǯ ȌǤ ǡ ǯ Ǩ

Moisturise

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Exfoliate T ơ ǡ Ǥ ơ

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Ǥ ǡ

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Lose The Hard Skin a Ǥ R

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Take Care of Your Nails

̹ ̹ ǡ ̹

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GET YOUR FEET AUTUMN READY

Get a Medi-Pedi

ǡ ƪ ƪ Ǥ ǡ a ǡ ̹ o ̹ Ǧ ̹Ǥ

P ǣ

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th a Ǥ

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11

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Scottish singer - songwriter and musician

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Across the pond and back again

By Mari Acciaioli Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall is currently in the middle

With 24 hours to prepare for her performance, Tunstall

of what some have labelled a “triumphant return”.

performed as a one-man band, using her guitar, tambourine and a

Having taken some time out of her whirlwind music career, she is

loop pedal, making a notable mark on the industry. The album was

back and ready to unleash a whole new catalogue of material.

then re-released, spurting to No.3 in the charts, having earlier charted at No.73.

Born in Edinburgh, she later moved to St Andrews, where at the age of four, she began to spark her musical endowment by taking up the piano.

Tunstall was said to have been a part of a very academic family, but had dreams to persevere with a musical-oriented path.

She attended Lawhead Primary and Madras College, in St. Andrews, before then progressing on to studying at the Royal Holloway, London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama & Music.

During Tunstall’s 20s, she played in the band Elia Drew and Tomoko, which produced predominantly indie music, before moving on and turning her talents toward songwriting, alongside preforming, with the novice Fence Collective Tunstall launched onto the music scene in the early naughties, with the release of her debut album, Eye to the Telescope, in 2004.

She then went on to captivate audiences with her live solo performance of “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”, on Later…with Jools Holland, which according to Chart Stats, went on to become on of the most radio-played singles of 2005 in the United Kingdom.

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As Tunstallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s musical career blossomed, her material was being used on the big screen, by the likes of Ugly Betty and The Devil Wears Prada.

In 2006, she launched her second album, which was solely DFRXVWLF $W ¾UVW WKH DOEXP ZDV H[FOXVLYHO\ DYDLODEOH YLD SRVWDO orders, from her website, but it was re-released a few months later in stores, worldwide. +HU WKLUG DOEXP IROORZHG QHDUO\ D \HDU DIWHU SUHPLHULQJ ¾UVWO\ in Scotland, with the remainder of Britain following a week later. The album reached No.1 on the Scottish Album Charts and No.3 on the British Charts, and was a considerable milestone in Tunstallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career.

Tunstall had come a long way from touring and supporting other acts, to being nominated for a Grammy, winning a BRIT and having her music used for Hillary Clintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2008 campaign.

In 2014, she decided to move to Venice Beach, California, where VKH WRRN WLPH RXW WR WUXO\ JHW WR NQRZ ZKDW SDWK WR WDNH QH[W DQG GXJ GHHS WR XQFRYHU ZKDW VKH ZDV FDSDEOH RI DQG H[SDQG her musical talents, after stating that she felt burnt out.

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According to the singer-songwriter, the music that she has produced since moving to California is the most “impassioned and inspired of her life”, invigorated by the inspiring nature and scenic spots, and new memories.

This September, KT is introducing her new full-length album, which has been branded as the follow-up to her debut and on her earlier work.

She will also be performing with the BBC’s Scottish Symphony Orchestra at the Proms in the Park, in Glasgow.

Tunstall is currently in the middle of the “Highlands and Islands” tour, where she will be performing an array of material in preparation for the launch of her new album.

The singer-songwriter has been performing in venues at Aberdeen, Forres, Inverness and Lerwick.

“As an artist I felt like I died,...”

described as psychedelic rock, a different musical perspective

‘The Loft’ Review Review supplied by Roddy & Pricilla Huggan.

What KT Did Next KT Tunstall's recent relocation to California has paid dividends as her return to Scotland, for a tour of the Highlands and Islands, found her reinvigorated and bringing the Californian sunshine with her to her show at the Loft.

transformed into a sold-out 500 capacity venue (490 humans and 10 cows), we were guided to our table upstairs in what is often used as the Loft's more intimate music venue.

The Loft

23rd Aug 16

As KT was playing in the barn, yes an actual barn magically

The special gig menu went down a treat, the veggie burgers are the best in the area bar none and we all agreed that the raspberry cranachan was the best we'd ever tasted. Service was well timed allowing us to make it to the show in time to see a classy support act from Stornoway teenager, Eleanor Nicolson, whose smoky vocals and dreamy tunes warmed the crowd up for the main event.

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KT was quite simply a phenomenon. From start to finish she was full of energy, a whirlwind of new songs, classic KT material, and even a song about losing her tambourine the night before in Wick which we all enthusiastically joined in with.

A special evening from start to finish.

IAN FRASER

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The Moss Season Approaches !

GreenThumb

UK FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR RUNNER UP

2013

We live in a cool maritime climate, which is ideal for moss to thrive. You cannot

pretty traumatic for the grass, and some recovery time is required, during which

change the weather, and you cannot banish moss permanently, but you can

time it looks pretty shabby. Doing it off-season allows recovery, then you put on

control its’ infestation with some basic good husbandry, and a bit of work. I’m

a spring feed, and have a season of decent grass to mow. Enjoy !

talking about scarifying again of course. This will also be featuring in all the TV gardening programmes and magazines about now, and it is what we at GreenThumb spend all winter doing. We will have 3 heavy blade scarifier machines out clearing (at the last count) 700 lawns round here. – oh joy !

Scarifying moss and thatch out is undertaken to clear the lawn surface of all the dead material and moss to allow fresh grass plants to dominate the lawn environment, providing the best conditions for absorbtion of sunlight, moisture and nutrients. If this task is overlooked (or avoided), the following season there is even more build-up, and in no time, the lawn is more moss than grass.

There’s no getting away from it, this is hard work and often generates haystacks of debris (see picture). It can be done by hand with a spring rake, but some mechanical help is really the best option for anything more than quite a small lawn. You can hire a blade scarifier for the day at some garden machinery centres, but be warned, these are pretty vicious machines and it’s only too easy to “plough” your garden, and then need a new lawn ! An “average” lawn usually takes 2 experienced crew half a day to do with machines and blowers.

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 Fionaa for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on 01667 460012, or email us at:

The best time to tackle this is either side of Christmas. Scarifying is never

m inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

recommended in the growing season because the very nature of the exercise is

ches a ro p p A n so ea S ss o T he M

!

Tel: 01667 460012

Alastair Watt

18% DISCO UNT with

ARRON COOPER

The spectral influences of genetics and ideologies

22

As an artist, the study and realisation of my career has come to me later in life. I am now 42 years old and a mature student of the University of the Highlands and Islands, having just completed my BA fine art degree and moving on to the one-year honours course in September at Moray School of Art in Elgin.

This will be the end of a chapter of a life changing journey that began about 4 years ago. At this time my father was at the midway point of his decline at the hands of vascular

and depth of touch of each pencil mark he made, focusing on his hand and the gestures he made as he drew. I now recognise this in my own sketching technique, with the same depth of touch and movement within my hand.

The mannerisms I elude to, I feel, use the body as a conduit, permitting a genetic conversation, a form of communication more commonly recognised as a family trait.

These familiar gestures and movements ruminating from within our bodies give rise to my concepts within the feelings and thoughts of past generations. Family traits, and their spectral force within genetics, inspire me within my work, along with the ancestral ideologies haunting human cultural societies.

My working method starts with research into the evidential thoughts of science and philosophy behind an idea, so that I can establish an in-depth understanding. I have no fixed artistic media to convey my concepts within my work, often striving for a different perspective on a classic technique, involving mixed media painting, sculptural work or digital media installations.

Self portrait, oil on canvas

As humans, our physical forms will inevitably vanish, but the thoughts and ideas we produce will evolve. Speech, literature and modern day technological gains will increase the multiple versions of the future we have set before us.

Dad, Acrylic on canvas

dementia. Being a witness to the slow disappearance of the person I called dad from this terrible disease forced me to see the true importance of identity, both individual and collective.

This was to be the catalyst, which prompted me into applying for the Introduction to Art course, based within the UHI in Inverness, progressing on to the Contemporary Art Practice Higher National Diploma, where I started to build an art practice through mostly the medium of painting, at first with acrylics then on to oils. During the latter part of the HND course my father sadly passed away, leaving me within his memory the seeds of conceptual thought that would drive my practice into the future.

One recurring memory of my father is of a rural cottage scene that my father sketched. I remember watching the movement

As an artist, I have a responsibility to explain and emphasise these spectral influences of genetics and ideologies, recognising the importance of observing our ancestral past to extend human capability, today and into the future.

Arron Cooper Mature Student 3rd year BA(hon) Fine Art degree course

23

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The Old Mill Inn, finalist in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards 2015â&#x20AC;&#x2122; for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Friendliest Pubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 24

B R O D I E

A very special place

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The Old Mill Inn is located on the A96 at Brodie by Nairn just opposite Brodie Castle and Brodie Countryfare. It is one of my favourite restaurants in Moray and I love coming back each time and have never been disappointed...

By Susan Innes

â&#x20AC;?

25

THE MEAL MILL

Ǥ creamy and just the prefect size for a starter not too much so you can't manage your main meal and with this came homemade bread and something which I thought was a lovely touch, homemade butter which was very tasty.

What I love most about The Old Mill Inn is the

For our mains I decided on breast of chicken, fettucine, basil

sincere welcome you always get and the really cosy atmosphere. I'm not quite sure how they do it – is it

and parmesan 'batter', asparagus, mushrooms and sun-dried

ǡ ͠ Ƥ

because it is so often busy, the warm panelling, the

Ƥ ȋ ǨȌ

and a peppercorn and brandy sauce to complement the steak.

ƪ

or that feeling of history that goes with the building? Ƥ ͚͘͝

both meals was lovely.

old I am told. I believe that it used to be a “Meal Mill” ̹ Ǩ

You don't always expect food to be as good as this in ǡ Ƥ

makes The Old Mill Inn stand out from the rest. They always use proper professional chefs and you can certainly taste that in the quality of the food, and it met our every expectation again. Maybe this is why some of our previous visits have been very special to my partner and I. As always when we arrived we were greeted by the owner Kevin, who showed us to our seats. We had decided on a meal in the restaurant area, though if you like you can have a bar meal which is served in the other areas of The Old Mill Inn. Kevin handed us the menus and took our drink orders, the restaurant was full and there was a really good atmosphere.

I knew exactly what I was going to have for a dessert which

ơ Ǥ

For starters I had the seared Orkney scallops, Stornoway black pudding and pulled pork, ƪ

ǡ

Ƥ Ǥ

ǡ

onions and leeks – both starters were perfect - the

26

say? They do one of the best and every time I am there I order

Scallops were cooked to perfection and the

ǡ ơ

outside for a seat as it was a lovely night and our drinks were

Stornoway Black Pudding, as always, a great

ȋ ȌǤ

Something I hadn't realised is that The Old Mill Inn is not just a restaurant and pub, it is also a Bed & Breakfast with ƤÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x2021; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; see us soon and, therefore, I asked if we could see some Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x2122; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; ƤÂ&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; beautifully restored antiques and one of the rooms holds Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x160; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Ǥ Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; ƤÂ&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; Â&#x192; ĆŞÂ&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; all have en suite facilities. So if you want to make a night of it you can book a room and enjoy a relaxing night and Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x192; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x160; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2C6;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Ǩ If I was asked to sum up the evening, it would be one of a really positive experience. Each course we had seemed to do the impossible and outdo the previous one. The whole meal was just sublime and it will not be long before we Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â?ǨǨ Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â?Â? Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;ƥǨ

The atmosphere is just wonderful and The Old Mill Inn is a very friendly and relaxed place to eat, the owner Kevin really can't do enough for you and the wonderful interior in the restaurant area can make a night very romantic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the beams, the wooden wall panelling, the perfect lighting Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x160; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; ĆŞÂ&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Č&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;ÇĄ Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â?Â?Č&#x152;Ǥ I was not surprised to learn that The Old Mill Inn was Â&#x192;Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x201D;Â&#x192; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2014;Â&#x201E; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; years ago and were in the top 3 friendliest pubs in the North of Scotland Tourism Awards. Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x192; DzÂ&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2020;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â?Çł Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Í&#x17E;Í&#x2DC; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;ĆĄÂ&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; ƤÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; hand-pulls and a wide selection of real ales. To go with this, there is a fantastic beer garden which has lots of Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; ƤÂ&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;ĆĄÂ&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; really is lovely to sit outside on a warm day or night and relax with a drink.

The Old Mill Inn, Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;ÇĄ Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A; Í&#x203A;Í&#x17E; Í&#x161; Č&#x2C6; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2122;ǤÂ&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â?Â&#x201E;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;ǤÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2019;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; Í&#x2DC;Í&#x2122;Í&#x203A;Í&#x2DC;ÍĄ Í&#x17E;Í&#x153;Í&#x2122; Í&#x17E;Í&#x2DC;Í?

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When it comes to the Scottish hills, you PD\ WKLQN RI œZLOGHUQHVV ¡ )RU PH DV someone who grew up in the flat county of Essex, with its large and densely populated towns, moving to the Highlands was a revelation and a joy.

Wild, rugged hills, with peak after peak

ŠJon Mack From enzie the r idge of La dha

disappearing into the mist as far as the eye

r B he

inn lo oking over Loch Hour n an

can see, huge sweeping corries like those

d b ey ond

found at Lochnagar or Seana Bhraigh, or massive geological splits in the side of

WKH ODVW WLPH \RX GLGQ¡W VSHDN RXW ORXG IRU

mountains such as the traverse up to Sgurr

thirty hours? When did you last do nothing but

na Ciche or the gapping breach in the ridge

listen for a whole day?

of Beinn Alligin, with the atmosphere of

The sounds you hear in the wild lonely places!

EHLQJ LQ RU QHDU œ*LDQW &RXQWU\ ¡

Wind, both whispering and roaring. Water,

I once climbed a ring of five Munros on a

cascading at times and almost imperceptibly

solo overnight trek beginning with An

flowing at others. The really unmistakable

Socach in the Forrest of Atholl near

crunch of a heavy boot into virgin snow

Braemar, and finishing on the fifth hill of

cracking through a thin veil of ice! Nature is

Carn Bhac. I starting walking about 10:00

always making its own noises, speaking its own

in the morning and returned back to the

language, somehow lost in translation by our

car about 16:30 the following day; it was

LQDELOLW\ WR KHDU 0RVW œ0XQUR EDJJHUV ¡ LI

one of those rare occasions where I had no

WKH\¡UH KRQHVW GRQ¡W HYHQ DSSUHFLDWH WKH ZLOG

time restraints and no meetings to get

as much as we would like. Far too often, the

back to. I had time to both wander and

day is comprised of a long drive with friends,

wonder and I was determined to use it well.

banter on the move, and a deadline to reach

The thing that was particularly lovely

the summit with a quick march back down, in

about that trip was that from leaving the

order to get home for some reason or another.

car to stumbling back to it some 30 hours

7KLV LV ZKHQ WKH œORQJ ZDON¡ RU WKH RYHUQLJKWHU

ODWHU , GLGQ¡W PHHW RU VHH D VLQJOH VRXO

comes into its own, because both indicate the

<RX VHH œZLOGQHVV¡ IRU PH LV KHLJKWHQHG

prospect of real wilderness.

somehow by solitary exploration. When was

No-one who has climbed the two Munros next

31

to the Glenshee Ski Centre (a half hour

walk in or a boat ride from Mallaig to Inverie,

trek from car to summit on rough bulldozed

but boy is it wild! There is an almost

tracks) will be waxing lyrical about the

prehistoric feel to the place and weather to

Scottish wilderness! On the other hand, if

match. In the overnight trip I took to climb

you manage to bump into someone returning

DOO WKUHH RI .QR\GDUW¡V 0XQURV ZLWKLQ D WZHQW\

from a few days in the aptly named â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rough

four hour period, I walked in sun, mist, cloud,

%RXQGV RI .QR\GDUW ¡ \RX¡OO EH JXDUDQWHHG WR

rain, hail and snow, and this was in June!

meet a poet, for no-one who has trod those

Of course, one of the many benefits of

ancient paths can possibly come away

spending time out in the wild, is the increased

unimpressed by its wild and rugged beauty.

chance of glimpsing some spectacular wildlife,

7KHUH¡V D FOXH \RX¡UH HQWHULQJ LQWR

and Scotland has its fair share. There are your

somewhere special as soon as you leave the

common beasts, your toads and lizards, your

FDU EHFDXVH WKHUH¡V D VLJQ ZKLFK UHDGV

ptarmigans and grouse, hares and sheep, but

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TAKE CARE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; You are entering remote,

every now and again you may be blessed to see

sparsely-populated, potentially dangerous

some of the more secretive creatures. I once

PRXQWDLQ FRXQWU\ ¡ .QR\GDUW ZLWK WKH

saw a huge black snake sunning itself on a

PDLQODQG¡V PRVW :HVWHUO\ 0XQUR /DGKDU

roasting hot path in the Cairngorms, another

Bheinn (pronounced Larven), is one of the

time I saw wild horses on the slopes of Sgurr

last bastions of prime wilderness left in

a'Chaorachain (wild in the sense of free-

Scotland. To drive home the point, there is

roaming, unaccompanied and with no man-made

QR URDG WR JHW WKHUH LW¡V HLWKHU D ORRRQJ

attachments).

The animal I really love to see on the hill however, is the majestic Scottish stag.

Their speed and roar, those magnificent DQWOHUV WKH\¡UH MXVW VXFK D IUHTXHQW emblem of our wild places. On a recent walk around Loch an Daimh, I passed the summit of Stuchd an Lochain and before reaching Meall an Odhar I dropped down some steep slopes toward the Loch.

As I descended with some care on the

e Ben Alder e heart of th

'Lizard in th

32

ie ŠJon Mackenz Estate

upper reaches, I watched a number

important theme in Scripture, the nation of Israel wandered in it for forty years and it became a place of angst for them. Centuries later Jesus would find himself in the wilderness for forty days being tempted by the devil but he overcame, and often withdrew

ch Quoich kenzie on the shores of Lo ŠJon Mac Stag

to solitary places to spend time with the Father. For the nation of Israel it

of red deer bounding over the peaty

became a place of death, but for Jesus it

tussocks spooked by my strange presence.

proved to be a place of abundant life.

A good way further down, and, much to my

Another Psalm says: As a deer pants for

surprise, I nearly stood on a recently born

flowing streams, so pants my soul for you,

fawn, that was nestled and lying perfectly

O God.

still in the long grass. As soon as I saw it

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

I moved away (you should never touch a

6R ZKLOH P\ ORQJ OHJV FDQ FDUU\ PH ,¡OO EH

deer), but from a safe distance and with a

heading out to the wilderness and among

SRZHUIXO FDPHUD OHQV , FRXOGQ¡W KHOS WDNH

the deer, for it may

a moment to stare and capture at least

LW¡V EHDXWLIXO DQG IXOO RI OLIH DQG WKHUH P\

one shot of this rare and wild sight.

soul is refreshed by my Creator and his

With no-one to talk to or share this

creation.

be wild, but to me

wonderful moment with, I continued on with a beaming smile, thanking God for a glorious experience. Knowing that deer

ŠJon Mackenzie

are mentioned in the Bible, I later did a little investigation. Sure enough, the Psalmist captured my special moment to perfection. Psalm 29:9 says, The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Glory!â&#x20AC;? The wilderness is an ve Loch an Daimh fawn on the hillside abo

33

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An interview with someone

y n n a P aing L special...

ŠHeidi M. Sands

Logie Steading

36

Logie’s in good hands

by Heidi M. Sands.

Meeting Panny Laing is inspiring; she’s like a breath of fresh air,

Created a Baronet in the same year that he purchased the estate,

full of ideas for the future and leaves you feeling that anything

Sir Alexander was a generous benefactor to the town of Forres

is possible. It’s these ideals that have her firmly at the helm of

where he was born and brought up, purchasing Forres House and

Logie Steading where she’s in the managerial role, with much

grounds, now Grant Park for the benefit of the town. He also

help and support from her husband, Alasdair, son, Alec and

provided Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald with a car at one

daughter-in-law, Jo.

time and donated heavily to Leanchoil Hospital. Further afield, he gave generously to create the National Library for Scotland

Panny’s family has under their care the 4,500 acre Logie estate.

and supported the science campus at King’s Buildings, part of the

Situated 6 miles from Forres, just off the A940 road to

University of Edinburgh.

Grantown-on-Spey, the family’s history is steeped in tradition

A family run estate, Logie is largely made up of farming, forestry

and understanding of the country way of life, and while

and some renewables, as well as the steading enterprise plus 40

embracing the best of the past, their’s is clearly a case of having

or so let houses and various other businesses. Add in fishing on

an eye to the future at all times.

two beats on the Findhorn and roe stalking and you have a fairly diverse package.

Logie estate came into the family in 1924 when it was purchased

by Alexander Grant. Alexander, the son of a railway worker, was

It’s the renowned steading enterprise that has Panny’s eye

an apprentice baker in Forres. He re-located to Edinburgh with

though. Created from the original Home Farm steading buildings

the aim of making his fortune. Weighing up his options Alexander

that once housed the Logie herd of Ayrshire milking cows; (the

approached McVitie’s looking for a job. Initially turned down by

herd was disbanded in the mid 1980s), the idea of creating an

Rob McVitie, Alexander quipped, on leaving the interview, that he

individual home for a collection of independent businesses, all

could make a better scone than McVitie. Rob liked Alexander’s

run by their owners, was born in 1991. With assistance from the

forthright attitude, and signed him up. Working his way through

then Highlands and Islands Development Board, a visitor

the company, Alexander then started his own shop in Inverness

attraction with a difference came into being; you could actually

which sadly burnt down. Returning to Edinburgh he asked for his

see the individual craftspeople at work. Part of the remit of the

job back at McVitie’s. Baulking at the idea initially, McVitie’s

HIDB was the inclusion of a tea room and it was whilst in

ultimately agreed, deciding that Alexander was probably better

discussion about this and other aspects of running this new

working with them rather than against them. Alexander went on

and exciting opportunity, that Panny realised that alongside

to take over the company, developing probably the best known

caring for three young children, she’d be running the retail side

biscuit in the UK, the digestive biscuit. With a thorough approach

of things.

to all that he did, Alexander built a bigger factory in Edinburgh and then opened another in London.

In spite of having no background in this kind of enterprise Panny stepped up to the mark and with an interest in art she thought to

The story goes that following his development of the digestive

open an on site gallery selling the work of other artists; Today

biscuit, Alexander kept the biscuit cutter with him so that no-one

this is still run by Panny, along with the well-stocked farm shop.

could make the biscuits until he was there to oversee the quality

Always evolving, the steading attracts a series of creative people.

of the product. From the proceeds of his time at McVitie’s,

Those that come and make the biggest success of their time at

Alexander purchased the Logie estate. Sadly, Alexander caught a

Logie are also those who have given their prospective ideas a

chill in 1936 whilst at the funeral of George V, developed

great deal of thought and ironed out any initial problems.

pneumonia and ultimately died.

With nine businesses in place at the moment Logie Steading 37

currently attracts 60 thousand visitors a year. “People enjoy it

calf bred by the late Joe Henson, father of Adam Henson of

all,” says Panny, citing ‘life in the slow lane,’ as being one of the

BBC TV Countryfile fame. At the time a rare breed, the

biggest draws. The success of the venture, Panny believes, is

Longhorn has now re-established itself and is no longer under

down to the beautiful location and the diversity of what’s on

threat. She values the cattle for their longevity, mothering

offer at Logie. From a dog walk to a cup of tea, a browse in the

ability and superb eating. Panny’s Longhorns are traditionally

on-site bookshop or Logie’s wine and whisky shop there’s

reared on grass with bullocks finished between 22 – 27 months

something for everyone. As Panny says, you don’t actually need

old. Beef from the herd is hung for 21 days and is sold through

to spend anything to enjoy this beautiful place; yet people

the farm shop at Logie Steading. Minimum food miles and

come for an hour and stay all day. A few years ago the Laing

maximum flavour from the marbling within the meat means

family expanded the steading enterprise by developing a

buyers are in for a treat, especially when you realise that this is

second building nearby, formerly known as ‘the big garage’.

Outside of the steading enterprise, Panny has two abiding interests, that of her garden and her herd of pure-bred pedigree Longhorn cattle; both of which are on view to visitors to the steading.

Established in 1982, Logie Longhorns started life with the purchase of three cows, one was the very first Longhorn

©Heidi M. Sands

©Heidi M. Sands 38

award winning beef, obtaining a gold star in categories for both

garden, Panny is always tweaking her growing plants and

rump and topside. Not only that, but the herd has been voted

moving bulbs for an ever greater effect.

Best Small Longhorn Herd in the north; an area covering from Yorkshire to the north of Scotland. Panny’s interest in livestock

It’s this effect, Logie’s situation and the uniqueness of the

doesn’t stop there though. Each year she buys in a few Jacob

Steading that has got the estate noticed. One of Panny’s

wethers for fattening; her mother Araminta Adlington founded

proudest achievements has been the inclusion of Logie in

the Jacob sheep breed society in Kent when Panny was just a

‘Scotland The Best’ publication, written and produced by

girl. Logie’s Longhorns graze

Peter Irvine every other year.

the home paddocks, lining

The publication lists the best of

the drive to the steading and

everything from beaches to

close to Panny’s other interest,

shopping and awards ticks on

her garden.

merit. Logie has two ticks, high praise when you consider that

Enter Panny’s garden and you

the much bigger enterprise of

could almost be in Heaven; it’s

the House of Bruar also has two

absolute perfection, especially

ticks. The determination of the

to any other gardening fanatic,

tick system and the write up is

and there are plenty of those

especially important to Panny

who visit this special place.

as it is arrived at only after Peter

Overlooked by the

or one of his team has visited

magnificent Logie House, the

and evaluated what’s on offer

gardens at Logie started life as

personally. Only if he likes

a traditional walled garden;

what he sees do you actually

albeit with only two walls

get an entry into his much

enabling views onto the river.

respected book.

Today the garden embraces Panny’s love of interesting

So what’s next for Panny and

species, use of colour, form

Logie? Lottery funding for new

and leaf structure or as Panny

river paths to enable locals and

says ‘painting with plants’.

visitors alike to gain better access to the estate, a visit from

Keen to have interest in her five acre garden all year round,

international plantsman/ designer and journalist Noel

Panny is currently ‘taming the jungle,’ she likes it verging on

Kingsbury for a hotly contested garden workshop day, a wind

jungle; that is plants which merge into each other and do away

farm that comes on-line in the next six months and signposts

with as much weeding as possible. She sees it a bit like being

to link the Dava Way with the windfarm, means that Logie as

playground monitor, where she has to rule over the garden

an estate is always moving forward.

enabling the more delicate plantings to emerge and take their

Working with the local community and the next generation

rightful place within the scheme of things. With such a large

ensures that Logie is in good hands for the future, something

garden to care for it’s inevitable that Panny needs help. One

very close to Panny’s heart.

day a week a lady from Forres comes in to help and a series of ‘WWOOFers’; (WWOOFers are volunteers linked with growers to promote educational experiences beneficial to both parties) have enabled Panny to develop fruit, orchard, woodland and herbaceous borders along with wetland planting alongside the burn. With a constantly evolving

Logie Steading

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Thomas Telford

The Colossus of Roads

by Glynis Stainton

Scotland, 1750 – A land of two parts: The Lowlands: civilised,

months old. His widowed mother, Janet, used charity money to

prosperous, wealthy, successful and improving. The other, the

provide her son with a basic education at the local village school.

Gaelic speaking and clannish Highlands, bruised and brutalised

That child was named Thomas.

by the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden and whose

At the age of fourteen Thomas was apprenticed to Andrew

topography made it wild, remote and all but inaccessible from

Thomson, a Langholm stonemason who was kindly and skilled. It

the rest of Britain. One English visitor gave the following

was a time when trade was bustling and important improvements

impression of life in the Highlands as follows:

were taking place: regular roads for wheeled carriages were being

“My eyes encountered, in a cluster of mud-built sheds, a number

constructed to replace old horse tracks, bridges were built over

of miserable wretches, ragged, bare-footed and squalid, almost

small mountain streams. Thomas avidly drank in all the knowledge

beyond the power of description. Nor was this misery confined to

and information available, laying down a basic store of experience,

a single spot, for it attended every village I met with”

capability and understanding that was to stand him in good stead

But in August 1757, in the unlikely setting of a poor shepherd’s

for the rest of his career. In later life he is quoted as saying,

cottage by the River Esk in the southern uplands of Scotland, a

“As knowledge is my most ardent pursuit, a thousand things occur

child was born that would transform the Scottish Highlands in his

which call for investigation which would pass unnoticed by those

own lifetime. His father, John Telford died when he was just three

good easy people who are contented with trudging on in the 41

beaten path, but I am not contented

parts of Europe, and occasionally useful

unless I can reason on every

to His Majesty’s Navy. These purposes

particular.”

appear likely to be best answered by the

Despite being brought up in poverty,

Murray Firth or the Firth of Cromarty ………

Thomas was always noted for having

You will also examine the most

a cheerful disposition and sense of

convenient situation for the Erection of

humour. In later life, his hearty

Towns or Villages ….”

guffaw earned him the nickname

Telford’s extensive surveys also found

“Laughing Tam”. But his relentless

that hardly any roads existed north and west of the Great Glen, the only ones

pursuit of knowledge and a punishing work regime left him little

Craigellachie Bridge Plaque

being Wade’s military roads built for

time for socialising. He never married.

purposes other than the convenience of the population.

Once his apprenticeship was over in 1780 a young Thomas,

And so began Telford’s transformation of the Highlands. He set about

aged twenty three, set off on foot to find work in an

the project with his customary energy, enthusiasm and zeal, travelling

Edinburgh which had recently been transformed by the New

widely throughout the area

Town of George Street, Queen Street and Princes Street. With

“ from the tempestuous wilds of Lochaber, on each side of the far

his imagination fired, Thomas was introduced to a new

famed Johnny Groats, around the shores of Cromarty, Inverness, and

discipline: the art of drawing out architectural plans on paper.

Fort George and likewise.”

Immediately realising its importance, he threw himself into

He ended with saying,

studying the ambiguities of plans and elevations, greatly

“ I have now nearly accomplished all the main objects of my mission,

adding to his education and intellectual horizons.

and shall be able to make out a plan and surveys of one of the

Full of confidence, armed with his experience as a stone-mason and with his new-found knowledge, still aged just twenty four, Thomas set out for London, intent on transforming the world. Here his energy and talent attracted the attention of influential men who became his patrons, enabling him to develop his career further. One of these men was Sir John Sinclair who had estates in Caithness and was passionate about improving his native Highlands. He realised that the only way to start was the putting in place of a sound infrastructure. By 1786, aged twenty nine, he had already taken control of many major works. These included the building of roads, bridges and canals. The age of the train had not yet dawned.

With the Highlands beginning to suffer from depopulation due to the hardships, in 1801 the Government decided to act

42

Burghead Harbour and once Granary Building

and turned to the trusted engineer who had overseen so many

noblest projects that was ever laid before a nation.”

fine works in England, Thomas Telford, now aged forty four,

Continuing his interest in harbours and canals, between 1798 and

him having previously being called upon to design Ullapool

1825 he built or improved many harbours around Scotland

for the British Fisheries Society in 1788. In the first instance

including those at Kirkwall, Wick, Portmahomack, Dingwall,

he was charged with

Invergordon, Fortrose, Nairn, Burghead (see our front cover

“ …. The making of harbours on the North Eastern coast

image), Cullen, Banff, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Aberdeen, Dundee,

subservient to the purposes of commerce with the Northern

Leith, Tayvallich, Portree, Tobermory and Port Logan.

One of his greatest visions was the building of a navigation

alone, in 1823, aged sixty six, at the behest of the Government he

canal linking Inverness to Fort William which became known

also built thirty two “Parliamentary Churches”, nineteen in the

as the Caledonian Canal. This was achieved between 1803

Highlands and thirteen in the Islands, each comprising of a

and 1822, utilising the series of lochs along a natural fault

T-shaped church and a manse. Some still exist including a fine

line, building twenty miles of canals linking 60 miles of

example at Tomintoul which has been extended from its original

freshwater lochs. Unfortunately, this was never the success

footprint.

he envisaged due to the fact that significant developments

As well as being a sociable and amiable fellow, well regarded by

in shipbuilding meant they could not navigate the canal. He

everyone who knew him Thomas enjoyed expressing himself in

also redesigned the Crinan Canal on the west coast.

poetry. He said of his poetry

Already dubbed with the nickname, “The Colossus of Roads”

“It is to me, something like what a fiddle is to others, I apply to it in

by his good friend and eventual Poet Laureate Robert

order to relieve the mind after being much fatigued with close

Southey, between 1804 and 1824 he continued with his

attention to business.”

endeavours in Scotland, building nine hundred and twenty

Although somewhat nervous of sharing it, he nevertheless had

miles of Parliamentary roads which included the following

some published, though it is fair to say that it is unlikely that he

roads: Carlisle to Glasgow; Carlisle to Portpatrick; Fort

would ever have become famous for it.

William to Arisaig; Perth to Inverness; Invergarry to Loch

On reading an account of the death of ROBERT BURNS,

Hourn; Ardgour to Acharacle; Gen Shiel; Dingwall to Lochcarron and Shieldaig; Dingwall to Tongue; Dingwall to Dornoch, Wick and John o’Groats; Carrbridge to Banff; Fort William to Kingussie; Kyleakin to Portree and Uig; and the “String Road” across Arran. Telford’s roads were expensive but remarkable for their durability, and built on the principles of solid foundations and good drainage.

As a natural consequence of road-building, large and wild Highland rivers needed to be bridged, including the Spey and Findhorn.

“Those who are born to modern travelling can scarcely be made to understand how the previous age got on. The state of roads may be judged from two or three facts. There was no bridge over the Tay at Dunkeld or over the Spey at Fochabers or over the Findhorn at Forres. There was nothing but wretched pierless ferries, let to poor cotters, who rowed, or hauled, or pushed a crazy boat across or more commonly got their wives to do it.”

Naturally, these crude craft were subject to the vagaries of the elements. There had been many disasters and loss of life. Bridges designed and built by Telford include The River Don Bridge at Alford, Tongland Bridge, Dunkeld Bridge, Bonar Bridge, Craigellachie Bridge, Ballater Bridge, and Roy Bridge together with Fochabers and Findhorn Bridges. He additionally built Dean Bridge in Edinburgh and Glasgow Bridge at Broomielaw.

Not content with concentrating on infrastructure projects

the SCOT POET

Clad in the sable weeds of woe, The Scottish genius mourns,

̹ ƪ ǡ The "narrow house" of Burns.

Each laurel round his humble urn, She strews with pious care, And by soft airs to distance borne, These accents strike the ear.

Farewell my lov'd, my favourite child, A mother's pride farewell!

The muses on thy cradled smiled, Ah! now they ring thy knell.

- ten verses and then -

And round the tomb the plough shall pass, And yellow autumn smile ; And village maids shall seek the place, To crown thy hallowed pile.

While yearly comes the opening spring, While autumn wan returns ; Each rural voice shall grateful sing, And Scotland boasts of Burns.

22nd August, 1796. T.T.

43

Working to the end, Thomas Telford died peacefully in London, at the end of the summer of 1834, aged seventy seven. As a mark of respect to this most remarkable of men, he is buried in Westminster Abbey. By the laying of a comprehensive and sustainable infrastructure he left behind him a Scotland he had personally transformed, improving the lives of every member of its population.

44

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Logie Ste ading

Select sho pping villa ge and Sco ttish

The Whis i ky Lin Keith & e

Tourist Bo

ard 4

Visitor Cen tre

Duff f town Railway

gie g Loadin e St

MORAY’S HIGH 5 3'$ +.%3 _ +.&($ 23$ #(-& _ 3'$ 6'(2*8 +(-$ _ ,4+!$- '.42$ _ /(-9 The views expressed in “Moray’s High 5” are those of an independent reviewer and do not necessarily reflect the views of LampLight

A sunny Sa turday was made enjo visit to Logi yable with e Steading a , which is south of Fo only 6 mile rres on th s e Grantow n Ro ad.

This four st ar visitor ce ntre is in th steadings e old within the beautiful gr Estate. An ounds of Lo amazing ar gie ray of shop crafts, whi s including: sky, gin & wine, antiq food, gard ues, clothi ening and ng, café/bistro. everyday ty Not just yo pe items, ur ev er yt certainly w hing is un ique and orth the vi sit.

Logie Stea ding also ha s gardens, heritage ce walks, ntre, fishing , outdoor ac children’s tivities, play area an d througho many exhi ut the year bitions an d theatre ev ents.

My visit to Logie Stea ding with fr enjoyable iends was afternoon an at one of M locations. oray’s love A definite liest must for al l ages.

Logie Steading Visitor Centre & Shopping Village

DO THEY O R

4.5/5 DONT THE Y

DISABLED FACILITIE S

ALL AGES OPEN ALL

YEAR

FOOD

Logie Estate, Logie, Forres IV36 2QN 01309 611 378 www.logie.co.uk

2 HELLYGOG

Logie Steading, the select shopping village and visitor centre, lies at the heart of Logie Estate. It is home

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46

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The views expressed in “Moray’s High 5” are those of an independent reviewer and do not necessarily reflect the views of LampLight

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Dare you ride with me?

Keith & Dufftown Railway Departing Dufftown Station at 18:00 th

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Fri 28 October & Sat 29 October Contact 01309 691 265 Booking is ESSENTIAL for these trains www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk for details 48

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Line’ , ‘The Whisky in enthusiasts Not just for tra m Dufftown to fro y rne jou l is a nostalgic rai again.

Keith and back s distilleries thi ich to GlenIsla From Glenfidd gh some of ou thr s sse pa y g 11 mile journe nery. Glimpsin spectacular sce Moray’s most including Red te rou the ng alo varied wildlife through the and buzzards squirrels, deer and the rk Pa ch Lo n of forests and Gle Isla. Catering te of the River meandering rou delights. ty tas h wit ilable facilities are ava will be you ove ab of the Mixed with all t. relaxing day ou guaranteed a p the ‘Buffet Sto nd me om o rec Oh, I would als fftown Du the on ted situa Café’, which is point for al stopping off platform. An ide by. rssse pa

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3

Wedding Fair

23rd October 2016

FREE ADMISSION

Does your partner snore?

Is work noisy?

The Chapel

The Wedding

FREE

Free hearing tests and hearing aid trial

The Newton Hotel

17 Cluny Square Buckie AB56 1HA 01542 831423

PRIZE DRAW

The Newton Hotel

23rd October 2016 12pm - 3pm

NAIRN

Ask about our new wedding brochure

For further information call: 01667 453144 or email: sales.newton@bespokehotels.com

F O R R E S f r i e n d l y

p u b

Open seven days a week 11am - 9pm for food

www.morayhearing.co.uk

T H E

THE RED LION Y o u r

All types of hearing protection available.

The he RED LION

Wed 5-9pm: Burger & A Pint..................£7.95 Thur 5-9pm: Steak Night 2 steaks with all the trimmings & a bottle of house wine.......... £29.99 Friday 5-9pm: Fish ‘n’ chips & a Pint .....£12 Saturday 5-9pm: Moules Frites, & a Chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc ......................................£12 Sunday Meal Deal: 1 Course £7.95, 2 courses £9.95 3 courses £11.95 - All day from 12-9pm Music every Saturday Night from 9:30pm

Great selection of Gins, Whiskies & Real Ales with BT & Sky Sports

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ELGIN MARBLE C O M PA N Y

Craftsmen in MARBLE, GRANITE & SLATE since 1919

Fireplaces & Stoves Kitchen Worktops in Granite, Quartz & Silestone Traditional and Contemporary designs supplied and fitted Showroom open 9-5 Mon-FrL -4 Sat New Elgin Road | Elgin | Moray | IV30 6BA

Tel: 01343 547289 info@elgin-marble.co.uk www.elgin-marble.co.uk 49

www.spotlighton.co.uk .....the biggest online portal of community information for the moray firth.

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Launch Date 26th September 2016

50

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26 East Church Street Buckie AB56 1AB 51

Recognised by the Guild of Master Craftsmen

Create your perfect outfit via our online outfit designer at

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