APRIL 2011
NAIRN AND DISTRICT THE
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• WHISKY • DINING • WILDLIFE • VISITING • HISTORY
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AIRN LEISURE
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In this issue...... Clubs & Societies 4 & 6 Cleaning Tips 7 What’s On 11-14 Cinema Listings 13 Lifestyle Section 15 Boath House Review 18 Johnstons Tour 20 Spirit of Speyside 22 Pictish Stones 24 Grass Roots 26 Wild April 28 Chef’s Confidential 30
Council News 32/34/36 Property Review 33 SpotLight News 37 Parliament Blog 38 School Term Dates 38 Useful Contacts 40 Local Holidays 40 Tide Times 40 Pastoral Letter 42 Church Details 42 Advertisers Index 43
MAY ISSUE Editorial Deadline - Friday 1st April Advertising Deadline - Wednesday 6th April
To advertise in the next issue of SpotLight on Nairn call 01309 690063 or go online for more details www.spotlighton.co.uk
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SpotLight Clubs and Societies
AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS Self help group for families and friends of people with a drink problem, with meetings held locally throughout the Highland area. Are you concerned about someone else’s drinking? Telephone 020 7403 0888. They will give you a local contact number for the area you live in. All enquiries are treated in strictest confidence. Make that call. It could change YOUR life. BOYS BRIGADE Contact 452950 CAWDOR BOWLING CLUB Provides a six rink green where club and open competitions are played. Spoon competition Friday’s 7pm. Coaching is given to learners on a Tuesday evening. Contact 453698 CAWDOR CURLING CLUB Contact 404291 or 07831 760049 or email dave_rob@hotmail.com CAWDOR HERITAGE GROUP Family and local history archive facility within Nairn Museum. Contact 456791 or email manager@nairnmuseum .freeserve.co.uk www.nairnmuseum.co.uk CAWDOR SWRI Meets on the last Wednesday of each month from September until April, at 7:30pm in the Community Room at the new Cawdor Community Centre, but not December when we go out for our Christmas Meal. For more information contact Brenda on 493361 or email gbshone@ btinternet.com CROSSROADS Provide and develop, within Nairn & Distict, a high quality, cost effective, domiciliary respite care service for carers. Contact 455369 CVS NAIRN An umbrella group for voluntary organisations in Nairn. It provides advice and information
page 4 - April 2011
to groups regarding funding and establishing new groups. Contact 455234 or email ed@cvsnairn.org.uk FAMILY FIRST (BADENOCH, STRATHSPEY & NAIRN) Provides a support service via home based volunteer support and or group support for families with a child under 4. Contact Lynne 452865 FÈIS INBHIR NARAINN Reg. Charity No. SC038460. Running weeklay traditional music classes in guitar, fiddle, whistle, accordion, chanter, keyboard & bodhran. Any ability from age 8. Instrument hire available. Tel: 462681 or visit www.spanglefish.com /inbhirnarainn GEDDES W.R.I. Contact Mrs. Evelyn Cumming 404237 GIRLGUIDING NAIRN Contact District Commissioner Helen Guy tel: 452746 HIGHLAND LGBT FORUM Registered charity with regular social events in Inverness for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Contact 07512 231904 or visit www.gay-ness.org.uk HIGHLANDS OPEN STUDIOS 60+ artists, makers, designers and galleries throughout the Highlands who host events and 60+ exhibitions throughout the year. Visit the website for details www.highlandsopenstudios.co.uk INVERNESS AND HIGHLAND BRANCH PARACHUTE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION All ex Airborne are welcome to our meetings which are held the second Monday of the month at 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion Huntly Street Inverness. Email: macski38@yahoo.co.uk INVERNESS CANOE CLUB Inland, sea and surf kayaks as
well as open canoe SCA affiliated club. SCA Coaches provide in club training and courses. Equipment hireable by club members. Pool lessons throughout the year. Contact Emma Garden via email on pinkpaddler@yahoo.co.uk www.invernesscc.org.uk INVERNESS ORIENTEERING CLUB Contact 454546 LEAGUE OF FRIENDS OF NAIRN HOSPITAL Our charity raises funds to provide extra comforts for the staff and patients at Nairn Town County Hospital and also provide much needed equipment for the hospital. Contact 452243 LYNX NETBALL CLUB OF NAIRN All abilities welcome. S1 upwards. Contact Kim Neill tel: 455486. MEN’S CHOIR A new choir just for men. All kinds of music. Meets fortnightly at St. John’s Church, Forres. Alternate Tuesdays 7.30pm9.30pm. No experience necessary. For more details contact Bill tel: 01309 672951 MORAY & NAIRN FLORAL ART CLUB Enjoy flowers? Come and watch talented flower demonstrators at work. Meets 2nd Wednesday each month Applegrove Primary School Contact May Bichan tel: 01343 850634 MORAY & NAIRN PONY CLUB Contact 01309 641483 or email willandjudith@btopenworld.com www.pcuk.org MORAY ADVANCE MOTORISTS AND MOTORCYCLISTS Reg. Scottish Charity (SC 033561) visit www.morayiam.org.uk or tel: 01309 673954
tel: 01309 690063
MUSIC NAIRN A charitable organisation to promote about 20 events each season. Classical and chamber music of the highest quality, poetry, chamber opera. Contact Nairn Community Centre 453476 NAIRN & DISTRICT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION An Association for beekeepers in and around Nairn. We welcome new beekeepers or visitors to join us for our monthly meetings. Contact 404314 or email mickcanham@hotmail.com NAIRN & DISTRICT PIPE BAND As a Pipe Band our aim is to keep the Traditional Scottish Music alive and to entertain the many visitors during the summer months at Highland Games, Gala''s and Street Performances etc. Also to encourage the youth. Contact 454645 NAIRN & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Meets on the second Thursday in month at Nairn Community Centre at 7.30pm. A variety of topics are covered from visiting speakers. Contact 452331 for further details NAIRN AMATEUR ATHLETICS CLUB We coach all aspects of athletics on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6pm - 7.30pm. Ages 9 years and upwards. Road runner as well, come and try at the Maggot Track. NAIRN ANGLING ASSOCIATION Contact 459250 or email nairnangling@tiscali.co.uk NAIRN BOWLING CLUB Meets Monday & Wednesday 2pm, Friday 7pm, AprilSeptember, Juniors Sunday. Contact Mary Pellow 455515. New members welcome
SpotLight on Nairn and District
Seaforth rth th W Windows indow Ltd Ƥ ͖͗ ̵ Ƥ ͖͗ Ƥ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ƥ ǡ ǡ ƥ ǡ ƥ Ǥ Ǥ “You want the best double glazing money y can buy buy, and you ou want the best workmanship in your our a area. Mr W ilson Wilson, i n, Forres Fo Seafort rt Windows Windows offers both.”
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SpotLight Clubs and Societies
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NAIRN COMMUNITY AND ARTS CENTRE Contact Sam Morrison 453476 NAIRN COUNTY CRICKET CLUB A friendly club, eager to involve all ages in cricket. Games on Saturdays. Practice night Tuesday at Nairn Links NAIRN COUNTY FOOTBALL CLUB LTD Contact 453286 NAIRN DISABLED SPORTS CLUB We cater for bowlers and athletes who have a disability. Contact 07766 952477 NAIRN DOMINO LEAGUE Contact 452496 NAIRN DRAMA CLUB Contact 455899 or email sandramcgowan1 @btopenworld.com NAIRN EQUESTRIAN FUN CLUB Contact 01309 641474 NAIRN GAELIC CHOIR Performing of Gaelic and other choral music, while promoting the Gaelic language. Contact 452584 or email christinagillies@hotmail.co.uk NAIRN HYDROTHERAPY POOL Open 6 days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9.30am. For general health and well-being, helps all ages and many mobility problems. Contact 455351
NAIRN LADIES CURLING CLUB A friendly ladies curling club offering good fun social curling. New members very welcome. Contact 404256
horse riding. We are always looking for volunteer helpers. Contact 01309 691823 or email tw-cm@negi.fsnet.co.uk
NAIRN YOUTH CLUB Contact 453476
NAIRN MINIBUS ASSOC. Contact 452422
NAIRN YOUTH THEATRE CLUB NYTC is an organisation for young people who are interested in all aspects of performance and theatre arts. NYTC work in association with Nairn Drama Club - youths, Nairn Academy, local Primary Schools and Eden Court. Contact 456902
NAIRN MUSEUM Local history museum with 6 rooms of archives and memorabilia. Changing photo exhibitions. Children's Area. Disabled Access. Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 4.30pm, Easter to October. Contact 456791 NAIRN PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP People with Parkinson’s, carers and family members meet on the last Wednesday of the month in Nairn Hospital, usually at 2pm. Speakers and discussion on medical matters and topics of general interest. Contact tel: 455236 NAIRN SCHOOL OF DANCING Meets Wednesdays at 3.30pm at the BB Hut, Old Parish Chruch. Contact Mrs Fraser tel: 01463 729477
NAIRNSHIRE FARMING SOCIETY Contact 01309 641121 or email secretary@nairnshow.org.uk NAIRNSHIRE CEILIDH DANCE GROUP Meets every Tuesday 7.30pm10pm & Thursday 2pm-4pm in the Seaforth Club, Gordon Street, Nairn. Anyone interested in learning & enjoying old time and ceilidh dancing in a friendly and informal group. All welcome. Contact Doreen 451430 or Alistair 01309 674499
NAIRN SOCCER SEVEN'S Qualified SFA coaches provide coaching and games. Mondays 6pm - 7.15pm, Easter to October. Primary 2 - Primary 7. Contact 452930
NAIRN PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AND CAMERA CLUB Meets 7.30pm every Tuesday night in Nairn Community Centre from September to April. Contact Claude Hayward (President) tel: 459921 or email claude.hayward @btinternet.com
NAIRN SYNCHRO SWIMMING CLUB Synchronized swimming a sport with a difference. Nairn synchro has both international and
RIDING FOR THE DISABLED We are a voluntary organisation that enables physically and mentally disabled children & adults to enjoy the benefits of
SpotLight on Nairn is published by Winterburn Media Ltd, Comraich, Woodside Farm, Kinloss Iv36 3UA All material contained within the SpotLight magazines 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. All rates are per month plus vAT and based on a Black & White 12 month series. Call 01309 690063 for more details. page 6 - April 2011
national swimmers. Contact 454223 or email wyn.mcfadyen@tesco.net
SAMPLE ADvERT RATES Box £23 Big Box £43 ¼ Page £78 ½ Page £46 Business Profile £250 Full Page £277 Enhanced Listings in What’s On pages from £25
tel: 01309 690063
ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION (RAFA) RAFA is an organisation offering friendship and welfare support to serving and ex-serving members of the RAF and their families. The Branch meets every second Tuesday of the month in the Royal British Legion, Nairn at 8pm. Contact 455001 or email cazsimmo@zoom.co.uk SEAFORTH CLUB A private members club, welcoming guests and visitors to a warm, comfortable and friendly environment. Entertainment at weekends, including bingo & dancing to live music. Contact 452509 SEWING GROUP NAIRN Contact 455012 SPEAKERS CLUB Leisure pursuit which encourages and develops proficiency in public speaking. A training manual is available and new speakers follow a 10 speak programme which is individually evaluated. Contact 453373 SSPCA INVERNESS Contact 455012 VOLUNTEERING HIGHLAND Volunteer Centre in Nairn Welcomes anyone who would like to volunteer in the local area. Contact Fiona Barnes 453055 or nairn@volunteeringhighland.org
If you would like details of your club or society included in this section please let us know. All club listings are free. Not all clubs will be listed every issue.
SpotLight on Nairn and District
Carpet Cleaning Hints & Tips from the Team at Can-Do Services Welcome to a new regular feature of Hints and Tips form the cleaning specialists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CanDo Services. All the tips are tried and tested and if you need any further help please call the team on the numbers below. We hope that you enjoy the feature and find it useful! There are many products on the market that guarantee to remove stains quickly and effectively with every supermarket shelf stocked with the latest potions. Stain removal is one of the most common problems when cleaning carpets whether it simply be dirt from shoes to blood, drink stains, bodily fluids and much much more.
The secret to effective stain removal is to act quickly to remove as much of the stain as possible and then through cleaning with an effective carpet cleaning system to withdraw as much of the stain as possible. The best way to remove stains is by blotting the stain through a cloth, paper towel or towels. Stains are often left due to acidic compounds and quick action will increase the chance of effective removal. Rug Doctor products are designed specifically to breakdown these compounds with specialist treatments available for Urine, Grease, Paint, Nail Varnish, Wax and many more. So remember BLOT the stain quickly to remove as much as possible and if possible use an effective stain removal product to enhance the breakdown of compounds that cause the stain.
GOLF VIEW HOTEL & SPA
FEBRUARY
Enjoy quality food and outstanding views whilst dining in our Conservatory or AA Red Rosette Restaurant New Lunch, Evening & Sunday Lunch Menus ON SINGLE, DOUBLE & FAMILY 25% OFF
LEISURE CLUB MEMBERSHIPS
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P 6ZLPPLQJ 3RRO 6DXQD 1HZ VSD WUHDWPHQW URRPV RSHQ IURP WKH WK $SULO 6WHDP 5RRP -DFX]]L *\P Book a spa day including a treatment, lunch & use of leisure facilities. (Introductory offer the £49.00 per person until enddebit. of May 2011) Spread cost with direct
Leisure Club Memberships Available view Pool the leisure facilities call 01667 ext 302. 14m Sauna Steam Room452301 Jacuzzi Gym
GOLF & SPA EIGHT VIEW ACRES HOTEL HOTEL & LEISURE CLUB
The Seafront, Nairn Morriston Road, ElginIV12 IV30 4HD 6UL 01667 452301 Email: Email:golfview@crerarhotels.com eightacres@crerarhotels.com Telephone Telephone: 01343 543 077
WWW.CRERARHOTELS.COM
www.beavtrav.com
Local Departures for 2011 FROM INVERNESS
FROM ABERDEEN
Portugal 16th May 4 star all-inclusive ....................... from £699
Sorrento 4th June B&B ................. from £559
Sorrento 25th June B&B ................. from £559 Venetian Riviera 3rd July B&B .. from £589 Lake Garda 3rd July and 16th October B&B ................. from £479
Sicily 11th Jun HB ... from £609
FORRES 01309 672203
Lake Garda 19th June B&B ................. from £558 Dubrovnik 27th June, 12th Sept HB.. from £619
ELGIN 01343 548844
Portugal 4th July 4 star all-inclusive .... from £699
All prices are per person for 7 nights
Sicily 8th October HB.................... from £619
Western Norway 20th Sept HB.. from £639
Beaver Travel, 78 High Street, Forres Beaver Travel, 2-6 South Street, Elgin
Beaver Travel in Forres is also a ticket agent for Eden Court Theatre, Inverness - at Box Office Prices
Beautiful & Romantic Jewellery
113 High Street, Forres
78 High Street, Nairn
Tel: 01309 675577 Tel: 01667 456777
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Eggs, Eggs, Eggs The charity the National Trust for Scotland has teamed up with Cadbury to bring Easter egg trails to 40 historic places across Scotland this year. Follow the trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and then enjoy your chocolatey reward - a delicious Cadbury Egghead - as well as enjoying plenty of activities and fresh air! Each trail is completely different, so why not join us with your family as you turn detective at some of Scotland’s most stunning locations.
Latest fashion n Jewellery, Jewellerryy, handbags etc. AVAILABLE A VAILABLE FOR
Fayrres, Fete’ Fayres, Fete’s, ’s, s, Fundraisers, F Charity events, and d Home Parties Phone to book
01667 452294 orr 07887 0 871728 I will be at Brodie Castle - ‘Daffodil Daffodil Teas Teas Weekend’ Weekend’ Sat/Sun 9th and 10th April and ‘Easter Egg Weekend’ Weekend’ Sat/Sun 23rd 24th April
Alexandra Mackenzie-Copp, Property Manager of Brodie Castle says ‘The Cadbury and National Trust for Scotland Easter Egg Trails will offer lots of activities for the whole family and this year the fun and games will range from traditional Easter Egg Trails and face painting through to more interactive children’s entertainers and outdoor games at some places, providing mums, dads and even grandparents with a great way of getting involved in a fun filled day out.’ ‘With 40 trails across Scotland, all you need to do is choose which trail (or trails!) to visit!’ You can find information on your nearest trail by visiting www.nts.org.uk
for your event
Mike & Ali Vass
Promote your event here for free. Call 01309 690063 or email natalie@spotlighton.co.uk Deadline for May issue is Wednesday 6th April
MARCH / APRIL 2011
APRIL 1 friday to 30 saturday pictish throne exhibition at brodie castle, during normal opening hours, an opportunity to see this recreation of a pictish throne, the first to be made in over 1000 years, by master craftsman adrian mccurdy, who took his lines from ancient stone carvings, on loan from the national museum of scotland, included in tour of the castle, contact tel: 0844 493 2156
1 friday and 2 saturday moray & nairn floral art club present an exhibition of wedding dresses and flowers through the ages, friday 7.30pm-9.30pm : £8 includes glass of bubbly & shortbread, saturday 10am-4pm : £5, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 01343 850634 for info
1 friday fil campbell, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8/£6, tel: 01309 691170 for details
2 saturday al-anon family groups ‘public meeting’, 10.30am12noon, the thistle hotel, millburn road, inverness iv2 3tr, if you are concerned about someone else’s drinking please come along - perhaps we can help the call of the loonbird, 4pm, universal hall, findhorn, £6/£5/£4, tel: 01309 691170 for details
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SpotLight What’s On
www.almacubana.co.uk music nairn presents kurt nikkanen (violin) and maria asteriadou (piano), 2.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, performing works by bach, beethoven, debussy, de falla and waxman, tickets £17/members £14/students £2, contact 455701 or 453476
8 friday dyke garden club - ‘sweet peas - allan mcgowan’ followed by agm, 7.30pm, dyke village hall, contact 641342 or 641565
9 saturday highland russia connection - talk by russian doctor of history, dmitry fedosov:‘under the saltire: scotland - russia links from the middle ages to the present’, 10am, nairn community and arts centre, free entry, enquiries to elena reid tel: 456245, for more details visit www.highlandrussia.org.uk forres farmers market, 10am to 2pm, andersons primary school playground, local foods, products and crafts, for further details contact anne marie skidmore tel: 01309 691616 mike and ali vass, nairn community & arts centre, king street, nairn, tel: 453476
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3 sunday cuban dance workshops with noel hernandez (UKAPTD) british open professional salsa champion 2010, 11am-1pm cuban son all levels £15; 2-4pm cuban salsa all levels £15, 4-6pm social dancing £3, full day pass ONLY £25, elgin city football club, contact helenmustard@hotmail.com or claire on 07795 166433 salsa@almacubana.co.uk for tickets, private lessons also available, go to
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Playing a varied mix of traditional and contemporary tunes, songs with close vocal harmonies and footstompin’ jigs and reels, Mike and Ali’s performances are bursting with energy, drive and vitality. SpotLight on Nairn and District
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April 2011 - page 11
13 wednesday
APRIL 2011 continued jon fratelli, the loft venue, by kinloss, £12, tel: 01343 850111 or visit www.loftgigs.co.uk murder mystery dinner, best western windsor hotel, nairn, £19.95, tel: 453108
highland rock garden club - ‘the wild flowers of the north-west highlands of scotland by ken butler, 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 01309 641405 caged, 7pm, universal hall, findhorn, £6/£5/£4, tel: 01309 691170 for details
9 saturday and 10 sunday
14 thursday
9 saturday
daffodil tea at brodie castle, 1.30pm-4pm, enjoy
The Highland-Russia Connection Charity Registered No SC040352 Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s space flight
15 friday
Tuesday 12th April Rocket Party “Rockets For Yuri!” 12noon Nairn Links Toy Rockets will be supplied for a small donation
Yuri Gagarin’s film night and talk by Paul Jenkins of the Highlands Astronomical Society 7pm The Little Theatre, Nairn Tickets £7 available at Pat Fraser, 41 High Street, Nairn tel: 453038
For more info contact Elena Reid tel: 456245 www.highlandrussia.org.uk home baking from the castle kitchens in a marquee on the lawns, brodie is famous for its daffodil displays and cut flowers will be available for sale, live music, free entry, teas charged as taken, daffodil display in drawing room, contact tel: 0844 493 2156
Jon Fratelli at The Loft Venue Saturday 9th April Jon Fratelli’s debut solo album is called Psycho Jukebox and, like any jukebox wirht it’s salt, is chock full of the kind of solid gold, easy action that makes you want to smile broadly.
www.loftgigs.co.uk tel: 01343 850111
12 tuesday highland russia connection - rocket party ‘rockets for yuri!’, 12noon, nairn links, the highland-russia connection charity is inviting you to a family day out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of yuri gagarin’s space flight, toy rockets suitable for the event will be supplied for a small donation, enquiries to elena reid tel: 456245, for more details visit www.highlandrussia.org.uk highland russia connection - the little theatre, nairn yuri gagarin’s film night and talk by paul jenkins of the highlands astronomical society, tickets £7 available at pat fraser, 41 high street, nairn tel: 453038, 10am, nairn community and arts centre, free entry, enquiries to elena reid tel: 456245, for more details visit www.highlandrussia.org.uk page 12 - April 2011
lgbt curry night, 6.30pm, wetherspoons, church street, inverness, contact tel: 07512 231904 or visit the website www.gay-ness.org.uk sean hughes, 7.30pm, universal hall, findhorn, £14/£12, tel: 01309 691170 for details cinema nairn - ‘chinatown’ (15), 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 453476 western front association - postal and paper ephemera of the great war - jim mackay, branch member, 2.30pm, the gallery, elgin library, contact derek bird tel: 01343 870562, email chairman.wfasnb@virgin.net or visit www.wfascotlandnorth.org.uk
16 saturday red room, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8/£6, tel: 01309 691170 for details freddie mercury tribute, best western windsor hotel, nairn, £10, tel: 453108
16 saturday and 17 sunday north east FIS races, cairngorm mountain, visit www.ski-scotland.com
17 sunday mundole equestrian british dressage and unaffiliated dressage, closing date 8th april, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com
23 saturday and 24 sunday cadbury easter egg trail at brodie castle, 11am-4pm, enjoy following the trail around the grounds then claim your easter egg, extra children’s activities available, £2 per child, contact tel: 0844 493 2156
24 sunday mundole equestrian showjumping and arena event, contact tel: 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com
28 thursday to may 2 monday spirit of speyside whisky festival 2011, 5 days of whisky, food, music and fun throughout speyside, for more details and a full programme of events visit www.spiritofspeyside.com
30 saturday lgbt coffee morning, from 11am, mcnab’s bar & bistro, columba hotel, inverness, contact tel: 07512 231904 or visit the website www.gay-ness.org.uk
tel: 01309 690063
SpotLight on Nairn and District
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness The Eagle (12a) You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger (18) My Blueberry Nights (12a) plus many others
Visit www.eden-court.co.uk or call 01463 234234 for details
Cinema Listings April 2011
Moray Playhouse, Elgin
New Screenings begin on Fridays Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk
Vue Cinema, Inverness
From Friday 1st Hop () Killing Bono () From Friday 8th Rio 2D & 3D () Mars Needs Moms 2D & 3D () From Friday 15th Scream 4 () Red Riding Hood () Winnie The Pooh () From Friday 29th Thor 2D & 3D () KidsAM Every Saturday & Sunday at 10.15am Tickets £1 / VIP Tickets £2.50 Teen Screens Every Thursday & Friday afternoon Tickets £2 / VIP Tickets £3.50 Over 18 Screenings Every Sunday & Tuesday evening Tickets £1 / VIP Tickets £2.50 extra on top of standard ticket price Senior Screenings Every Tuesday afternoon Tickets £3.05 / VIP Tickets £4.55
Highland Spiritual Cinema
Monthly screenings of uplifting and inspiring films that inform, enlighten and entertain. For further details please visit www.highlandspiritualcinema.net or telephone 01463 237452
Cinema Nairn
Visit cinemanairn.blogspot.com or contact Nairn Community Centre on 01667 453476 for details
Includes tea/coffee & biscuits
Visit www.myvue.com for details
Portessie Public Hall
Regular films including Saturday matinees. For further details email portessiepublichall@hotmail.co.uk
Universal Hall, Findhorn
Showing films through the year Visit www.findhorn.org/uhall or call 01309 691170 for details. SpotLight on Nairn and District
www.spotlighton.co.uk
April 2011- page 13
Vladimir McTavish The Loft Venue
APRIL 2011 continued
30 saturday BOOKING DEADLINE - highland salsa weekend - cuban dance workshops with noel hernandez (UKAPTD) british open professional salsa champion 2010 in conjunction with lorraine mason and les murray of mancuban salsa (manchester and chester), eden court theatre, inverness including a salsa cruise down loch ness, numerous one hour classes and cuban dance styles to choose from, only £6 per class, for full details go to www.almacubana.co.uk, or cruise tickets contact helenmustard@hotmail.com or claire on 07795 166433 salsa@almacubana.co.uk highland rock garden club - annual spring flower show, plant sale & coffee morning, 10.30am, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 01309 641405 paranormal entertainment - mind reading, esp, tarot readings and much more, best western windsor hotel, nairn, £10, tel: 453108 concert - songs in english and gaelic with nairn gaelic choir and artistes, 7.30pm, cawdor church, £5, contact vivian tel: 451278
Saturday 30th April This top comedian will give you an illustrated tour round whisky country & a hilariously sobering look at drink.
www.loftgigs.co.uk tel: 01343 850111 vladimir mctavish, the loft venue, by kinloss, £10/£12.50/whisky dinner and show for two £70, tel: 01343 850111 or visit www.loftgigs.co.uk HOW THE “WHAT’S ON” WORKS All line listings are free! Send us details of any events coming up to natalie@spotlighton.co.uk Permissable events include any event open to the public (whether they have a ticket price or not, charitable or money-making) such as; pub music, entertainment, coffee mornings, fetes, fairs, rallies, walks, runs, sports, theatre, drama, car boots, markets, crafts, equestrian, fundraising etc etc... If you would like an enhanced listing (white box) this costs from £25 plus vat. Call 01309 690063 for details.
Deadline for May Issue is Wednesday 6th April
MAY 2011 in brief 1 sunday mundole equestrian british dressage and unaffiliated dressage, closing date 22nd april, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com paul anderson - scots fiddle champion - plays music in a marquee at brodie castle, 1.30pm-4pm, a renowned scots fiddle player and composer, paul plays a selection of his favourite music, home baking including whisky cake, this event is part of the spirit of speyside whisky festival, free entry, teas charged as taken, contact tel: 0844 493 2156 5 thursday the wilders, 7.30pm, universal hall, findhorn, £13/£11/£9, tel: 01309 691170 for details 6 friday too many kooks, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £9/£7/£5 u16, tel:01309 691170 for details 7 saturday and 8 sunday mundole spring show, new classes include a qualifying class for blair for ridden clydesdales and 4 bright stars classes - lead rein; first pony; hunter pony and hunter classes - ponies and riders do not need to be members of BSPS to compete, closing date 22nd april, catering from fiona’s snacks on the day, anyone interested in stewarding/helping on either day please contact secretary tel: 07901 602042 7 saturday cawdor community centre spring dance in aid of breast cancer care, 8pm-1am, tickets £12 (to include buffet supper) available from cawdor village shop, village green coffee shop or tel: 493361 10 tuesday cinema nairn parent and baby special- ‘an education’ (12a), 10am, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 453476 eduardo niebla, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8/£6, tel: page 14 - April 2011
01309 691170 for details 13 friday eduardo niebla, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8/£6, tel: 01309 691170 for details 14 saturday western front association - hitler’s first war : adolf hitler, the men of the list regiment, and the first world war - dr thomas weber, university of aberdeen, 2.30pm, the gallery, elgin library, contact derek bird tel: 01343 870562, email chairman.wfasnb@virgin.net or visit www.wfascotlandnorth.org.uk 18 wednesday salsa celtica, 7.30pm, universal hall, findhorn, £14/£12, tel: 01309 691170 for details 21 saturday mundole equestrian charity car boot sale, 10am-12noon, box park, £6 per stand, contact tel: 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com 22 sunday mundole equestrian show jumping, jnr qualifiers for keith & turriff shows, contact tel: 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com 25 wednesday session a9, 7.30pm, universal hall, findhorn, £12/£10, tel: 01309 691170 for details 27 friday cinema nairn - ‘bright star’ (pg), 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 453476 jj gilmour, the loft venue, by kinloss, £10/£12, tel: 01343 850111 or visit www.loftgigs.co.uk 29 sunday mundole equestrian unaffiliated dressage, closing date 20th may, contact tel: 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com
tel: 01309 690063
SpotLight on Nairn and District
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MIDWEEK MADNESS
CULLODEN CULLODEN 01463 798400 Unit 2, Keppoch Road
SIDE SIDE ORDERS ORDERS GARLIC BREAD ((V) V) GARLIC CHEESE BREAD ((V) V) ONION RINGS ((V) V) CORN ON THE COB ((V) V) HOMEMADE COLESLAW ((V) V)
£ 1.99 2.30 1.60 1.75 1.60
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MARGHERITA Extra Toppings Extra Cheese
£ 3.90 5.95 8.50 11.95 0.80 0.95 1.25 1.70 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50
FAVOURITES F AVOURITES HAWAIIAN
SML MED LRG X-LRG G £ 4.95 7.35 9.95 13.95
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Ham and Mushroom
4.95 7.35 9.95 13.95
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4.45 5.90 8.50 10.95 14.45 10.95 1
Green Chilli, Hot Jalapenos, Fresh Tomato, Onion and Mixed Peppers
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4.45 10.95 14.45 5.90 8.50 1 0.95 1
Mushrooms, Mixed Peppers, Fresh Tomatoes and Fresh Garlic
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SEAFOOD PIZZA
5.90 8.50 10.95 14.45 4.45 10.95 1
Tuna, Onion and Prawns
10.95 14.45 0.95 1 4.45 GOURMET SEAFOOD 5.90 8.50 1
Cockles, Mussels, Squid, Prawns, Crabsticks and Anchovies
ANCHOVY CLASSIC
10.95 14.45 5.90 8.50 1 0.95 1 4.45
BIG BIG EATERS EATERS HERBIES BITE
10.95 14.45 £5.90 8.50 1 0.95 1 4.45
NEW YORKER
10.95 14.45 5.90 8.50 1 0.95 1 4.45
PAZZA
10.95 14.45 5.90 8.50 1 0.95 1 4.45
Pepperoni and Double Anchovies
SML MED LRG XX-LRG
Onions, Sweetcorn, Bacon, Meatballs, Pepperoni and Jalapeno Peppers Onions, Mushrooms, Mixed Peppers, Pepperoni, Spicy Beef and Smoked Sausage Pepperoni, Smoked Sausage, Spicy Beef & Ham
MEAT FEAST
10.95 14.45 5.90 8.50 1 0.95 1 4.45
PEPPERONI PLUS
10.95 14.45 5.90 8.50 1 0.95 1 4.45
MIXED GRILL
5.90 8.50 1 10.95 0.95 1 14.45 4.45
Pepperoni, Salami, Bacon and Spicy Meatballs
Double Pepperoni, Mushrooms and Smoked Bacon
Smoked Sausage, Smoked Bacon, Fresh Tomatoes and Mushrooms
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CHILLI DELUXE
10.95 1 4.45 5.90 8.50 10.95 14.45
TANDOORI PIZZA
5.90 8.50 1 0.95 1 4.45 10.95 14.45
DONNER TOPPER
5.90 8.50 1 0.95 1 4.45 10.95 14.45
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THE FAMOUS ROOSTER 10.95 14.45 5.90 8.50 1 0.95 1 4.45
Chunks of Chicken Breast, Tandoori Chicken and Chinese Chicken, a delicious combination
CHICKEN FEAST
10.95 14.45 5.90 8.50 1 0.95 1 4.45
CAJUN DELUXE
10.95 14.45 5.90 8.50 1 0.95 1 4.45
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INVERNESS 01463 717171
NAIRN
Unit 2, Glenurquhart Road
01667 456268
The Bus Station
DINGWALL
01349 864979
61 High Street
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£ single £4.25 £5.35 £4.30 £1.95 £1 .95
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CHICKEN MEALS C HICKEN M EALS £ single BREAST 3.95 CHICKEN BREAST CHICKEN LEG 3.30 CHICKEN STEAK STEAK IIN N A BUN 2.60 BREASTT FILLETS HOMEMADE BREAS FILLETS 4.35 CHICKEN MARYLAND MARYLAND 6.30 fillets,mushrooms,bacon, 5 breaded fillets,mushrooms,bacon, onion rings and pineapple onion BREAST NUGGET S 2.90 CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS STICKY BBQ DR UMSTICKS 2.90 2 STICKY DRUMSTICKS CHIPS £ small CHIPS N TTHINGS HINGS 1 .60 CHIP P PORTIONS 1.60 ORTIONS AUCE CHIPS GRAVY,CURRY SAUCE CHIPS N GRAVY GRA VY,CURR VY ,CURRY S OR BEANS CHIPS N CHEESE CHEESE OR COLES LAW CHIPS COLESLAW CHIPS N MUSHY PEAS PEAS OR MAYO MAYO MAY CHIPS CHIP BUTT BUTTY Y EXTRA CHEESE CHEESE EXTRA CURRY,GRA ,GRAVY VY,, VY TUBS OF CURRY,GRAVY, BEANS OR MUSHY MUSHY PEAS PEAS PUDDINGS P UDDINGS AND AND SAUSAGES SAUSAGES RED P UDDING PUDDING WHI TE P UDDING WHITE PUDDING BLA CK P UDDING BLACK PUDDING HA GGIS PUDDI NG HAGGIS PUDDING JUMBO S AUSAGE SAUSAGE S MALL S AUSAGE (2) SMALL SAUSAGE S MOKEY S AUSAGE SMOKEY SAUSAGE MOKEY BATTERED BA TTERED S SMOKEY BATTERED BA TTERED VEGE S AUSAGE (2) SAUSAGE
3.90 3.90 3.90 3.90 3.90
£ supper 5.55 4.90 4.20 5.95 7.90 7 .90
KIDS C ORNER KIDS CORNER ALL KIDS MEALS ARE SER VED IN A MEAL BOX BOX WITH SERVED JUICE AND A TTOY. OY. CHOOSE FROM: FROM: BEEFBURGER-CHEESEBURGER-HADDOCK BEEFBURGER-CHEESEBURGER-HADDOCK MACARONI CHICKEN BREASTT N NUGGETS MACARONI CHEESE- CHI CKEN BREAS UGGETS FILLETS-SAUSAGE-FISHCAKE CHICKEN FILLET S-SAUSAGE-FISHCAKE
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4.50 4.50
HO CKEN S TEAK IIN N A BUN OR KI DS P IZZA FI NGERS HOTT DOG CHI CHICKEN STEAK KIDS PIZZA FINGERS
£ regular 2.25
£ large 2.95
2.50 2.90 2.60 1.70 1 .70 1.60 1 .60
3.10 3.10 3.50 3.20
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ONLY £3.49 ONLY BEEF BURGERS BURGERS BEEF 100% pure beef quarterpounders quarter erpounder pounders cooked cooked fresh too too order order and served served in 100% a floured bap. With your your choice choice of fried onions,relish,ketchup, onions,relish,ketchup, mustard mustard or salad. (it comes plain if you you don’t say) say) 10 BEEF BUR GER £2.50 BURGER £4. 4.10 BURGER CHEESE BURGER 2.70 4.30 BA CON CHEESE BUR GER 3.30 BACON BURGER 4.90 MEGA BUR GER MEGA BURGER 4.80 6.40 burger,double bacon, double ccheese heese Double burger,double MONSTER 7.55 MONSTER BURGER BURGER 5.95 7.55 Triple Triple burger,triple burger,triple bacon,triple ccheese...triple heese...triple bypass!! bypass!! DONNER BUR GER 3.20 BURGER 4.80 CHI LLI BUR GER 3.20 CHILLI BURGER 480 CHILLI CHEESE BUR GER 3.35 CHILLI BURGER 4.95 RODEO BURGER BURGER 3.70 RODEO 5.30 Topped with onion rings,bacon and ccheese heese Topped (V) VEGE BURGER 2.45 3.95 BURGER (V)
KEBABS KEBABS Whether Whe ther yyou ou cchoose hoose our ORIGINAL ORIGINAL SPICY DONNER, our deliciously chucnks of chicken chicken breas w PIRI PIRI CHICKEN w e spiced chucnks breastt or our ne new we guarant ee yyou ou w ont be disappoint ed, All served served in a w armed pitta guarantee wont disappointed, warmed bread with yyour our choice choice of chilli chilli or garlic sauce and a super fresh salad of shredded iceberg le ttuce,mixed pepper s, cucumber,tomatoes, cucumber,tomatoes, cucumber,t lettuce,mixed peppers, redonion and a slice of fresh lemon tto o drizzle....all served served sepereatly ffor or yyou ou to to build your your own own kebab!! kebab!! £ reg £ lge £ monster IRI P IRI 5.20 6.70 7 .50 CHICKEN P PIRI PIRI 7.50 ORIGINAL DONNER 4.00 5.55 7 .20 ORIGINAL 7.20 CHICKEN KEBAB 5.20 6.70 7 .50 7.50 MI XED KEBAB 4.50 6.20 7 .50 MIXED 7.50 DONNER MEAT MEAT AND CHI PS 4.70 6.20 ---CHIPS CHICKEN KEBAB MEAT MEAT AND CHI PS 5.90 7 .20 ---CHIPS 7.20 MIXED MEAT MEAT AND CHI PS 5.20 6.75 ---MIXED CHIPS
dining
Sumptuous & delightful... and handmade canapes, and enquired as to our specific dietary requirements.
AULDEARN - NAIRN tel: 01667 454896
A Spotlight on The Boath House By Natalie Hunt Boath House, nestled in 20 acres of secluded woodland on the outskirts of Auldearn, is a dining experience not to be missed. This stunning Georgian Hotel & Restaurant has a coveted Michelin Star and 4 AA Rosettes. Making it one of only 3 restaurants in Scotland to have achieved these accolades. Head Chef Charlie Lockley, Scottish Chef of the Year 2010, creates a different menu for each day, using locally sourced meat, fish and vegatables, as well as produce grown in Boath House’s own walled garden. Offering Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner, Boath House has a range of meals to suit all diners. My husband & I opted for the 3-course lunch menu which is available daily from 12.30pm, though it is advisable to book. Jonny, the General Manager, greeted us in the reception hall and settled us into the Lounge with beautifully upholstered easy chairs, an open fire and stunning views over the gardens. om While we made our choices from the menu, Jonny brought us drinks
tripadvisor
get the truth. then go.
18
With beautiful views over the lake and gardens, the relaxing & peaceful atmosphere in the dining room encourages a long & leisurely lunch and we took full advantage of the unhurried service. Jonny was incredibly knowledgable on all aspects of the meal and was happy to spend the time describing each course in detail. Charlie’s skills in the kitchen were clearly eveident with every dish, and the attention to detail and stunning presentation made every mouthful a treat to be savoured. Highlights of the meal were the Salmon starter, cooked to absolute perfection; Roe Deer for main course, which had a wonderful smoky flavour, and the divine Alpaco Chocolate Pudding, cooked from scratch to order with a meltingly delicious centre. After our meal we retired to the Lounge & enjoyed freshly ground coffee with handmade Petit Fours and took the time to view some of the beautiful art on display – Boath House is a designated art gallery and the pieces on display are all available to purchase. Boath House is truly exquisite and should be enjoyed by all. Whilst not inexpensive, the culinary experience is really quite stunning. We are fortunate to have a top class Michelin starred restaurant on our doorstep, serving the most delightful food and offering a warm & inviting welcome to each and every guest. We would unreservedly recommend Boath House to all walks of life.
See us at
Auldearn, Nairn IV12 5TE s tel: 01667 454896 s fax: 01667 455469
... no better description!
Voted Voted AA National National Hotel of the the Year Year 2010/2011 available Lunch, Lunch, Afternoon After noon Tea Tea and Dinner are are available oom each each day day of to non-residents non-residents in our dining rroom the week. fer a per sonal touc Approachable Approachable local staf stafff of offer personal touchh ser vice to a visit to Boath. Sample menus and service bsite. Please call or email times are website. are listed on our we to book your table. your ta ble. W Wee ar aree a licensed to hold mar marriages riages and ci civil vil par tner ships. partnerships. Gift vouc her s are are av ailable ffor vouchers available or specific ggoods oods and ser vices inc luding beauty treatments treatments in our Aveda services including beauty ther apy rroom. oom. therapy Auldear n, Nairn, Boath House Hotel, Auldearn, Nair n, IV12 5TE (PDLO LQIR#ERDWK KRXVH FRP Â&#x2021; 7HO (PDLO LQIR#ERDWK KRXVH FRP Â&#x2021; 7HO
web: www.boath-house.com s email: info@boath-house.com
places
A Spotlight on Johnstons of Elgin B Byy LLynn ynn W Wood ood Independently run since 1797, Johnstons has been knitwear,r, clothing and accessories ffrom making beautiful knitwea rom the most luxurious wools known to man for over two centuries. At the mill on the banks of the River Lossie in produce home-Elgin, Johnstons still p roduce woven accessories, home wares more. wa res and much mo re. pioneered Cashmere The mill pionee red the weaving of Cashme re and Vicuna V icuna (a rrelative elative of the Llama) in Scotland in 1851 and processing fibres have been p rocessing luxury fib res since that period. The transform flagship mill at Elgin is the only mill in Britain to transfo rm cashmere fibre ensures cashme re ffrom rom raw fib re to finished article and ensu res consistent quality. In the 1920's, Scotland established itself as a specialist supplier of fabric and sweaters, knitting and weaving. Coco Chanel and fellow Parisian couturier Jean Patou loved wonderfully r fully diverse spectrum of working with the fine Scottish jersey weights and the wonde cashmere re became a must have item for film stars like colours, and Scottish cashme Grace Kelly. TToday, oday,
Cashmere Cashme re
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Everest attempting Eve rest as well as those scaling the You heights of luxury fashion. Y ou will find Johnstons designer collections in some of the world's most famous outlets ffrom rom London to TTokyo. okyo. Woolen Centre Johnstons W oolen Mill has a fabulous Heritage Cent re offering o ffering FREE tours of the Mill and allowing visitors to processes, Cashmere follow the p rocesses, ffrom rom raw Cashme re to the product. children finished p roduct. I took 3 very enthusiastic child ren along and it was a great great experience for them and was educational at the same time.
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The tour began in the beautiful g rounds of the Courtya rd whe re a tour guide grounds Courtyard where Manager, her met us. Our guide for the day was Sue who is Assistant Manager, real passion for enthusiasm and knowledge of the family run business showed a real the job. The children Centre where re whe re they touched children particularly enjoyed the Heritage Cent different from, different wools and had to guess which animals each one came from, examples were Cashmere re and the most expensive were Camel Hair, Hair, Angora, Cashme Vicuna, Vicuna, a luxury jumper made with this will cost ÂŁ1500. Watching interesting thoroughly resting and a thoroughly process from from Mill to Shop is very inte Watching the process enjoyable
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fascinating The kids absolutely loved the whole were experience and we re delighted to cashmere re leave the tour with some cashme samples. We off W e rrounded ounded o ff our visit with a browse b rowse rround ound the gift shop and enjoyed some rrefreshments efreshments in the wonderful wonde r ful and highly rrecommended ecommended Courtyard Coffee where rd Co re you Courtya ffee shop, whe coffee can enjoy a light snack or co ffee and cakes. Overall this was a fantastic family ecommend to outing, which I would rrecommend visitors of all ages. To To have this on our doorstep and easily located within Elgin makes it a must-do for moray rresidents esidents as well as those visiting area. the a rea.
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Johnstons, Newmill, Elgin Morayshire IV30 4AF Scotland
events
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Thursday 28th April to Monday 2nd May 2011
w e h i s k y galore d i s y e Sp
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Held each year during the first long weekend in May, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is a five day celebration of Scotland’s national drink – and you don’t even have to drink a drop of the stuff to enjoy yourself! From drams to drama and the angels’ share to the open air there is something to suit all ages and tastes at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (Thursday 28th April to Monday, 2nd May). Distilleries, shops, hotels, restaurants, pubs and villages throughout Speyside will be welcoming visitors with quality malt whiskies, special tastings, outdoor activities, music and many other entertaining events. One of the biggest whisky festivals in Europe, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival sees some of the world’s most iconic whisky distilleries – names such as Cardhu, Glen Grant, The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, The Macallan and Benromach - lining up to take part in what has become a major international event on the Scottish tourism calendar. Festival goers can also enjoy a rare peek behind the scenes at other well-known distilleries in the area, usually closed to the public, including Benrinnes, Glenrothes and Mortlach. Events range from distillery tours, whisky masterclasses, cooperage tours, guided whisky walks and landrover tours to ceilidhs, live music, book launches, free events and locally organised family friendly activities. For the first time, this year’s Festival programme highlights Speyside’s culinary heritage, abundance of natural resources and wide array of traditional food producing skills, with the introduction of two Food and Drink Tours. Visitors can learn about top quality Scottish barley, meats and game direct from the farmers themselves, sample offerings from across the region, which is home to iconic Scottish brands Baxters and Walkers, and visit Pluscarden Abbey where the spiritual community offers an alternative ‘spirit of Speyside’ made with apple juice and honey. Continuing along the food theme, whisky lovers and would-be gourmets can take the
opportunity to learn more about the spirit’s role as an ingredient or accompaniment. Workshops looking at the relationship between whisky and chocolate to whisky and sausages will run throughout the festival. Look out for special whisky dinners in distilleries and at restaurants, cookery demonstrations, whisky flavoured lunches and picnics, food fairs and farmers’ markets. Several free events offer the opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the culture of Scotland’s whisky country including the Benromach Forres Theme Day, when the pretty market town of Forres plays host to a collection of some of the finest vintage and classic vehicles from around Scotland; afternoon tea and fiddle music in a marquee in the grounds of the beautifully conserved Brodie Castle; an art and craft exhibition at Strathisla Distillery with demonstrations ranging from spinning, kiltmaking, fused glass, jewellery and architectural ceramics; and some rousing music from the Keith and District Silver Band and the Dufftown and District Pipe Band who will both be playing in Dufftown during the Festival. Alternatively, festival-goers and families can step back in time and enjoy a journey on the historic 11-mile stretch of line with the Keith & Dufftown Heritage Railway – reopened in 2001 by
e – and s o much more volunteers - with shortbread or whisky cake and a dram for the adults; take part in an evening of Scottish country dancing at the Fleming Hall in Aberlour; or join in the excitement of a Fun Day & Grand Ceilidh at Coleburn Distillery in Elgin with the all-terrain whisky barrel buggy races, Johnstons of Elgin Tartan Fashion Show, cookery demonstrations, interactive Kiddies Adventure corner and live music culminating in the
Grand Coleburn Ceilidh Finale. There’s more than just whisky on offer at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival guaranteeing visitors five days of undiluted whisky, music, food and fun blended together with the true spirit of Speyside hospitality. To find out more and book tickets for events go to www.spiritofspeyside.com, and keep up-to-date with the Festival programme on www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside.
WHISKY MUSIC FOOD FUN AT VENUES THROUGHOUT SPEYSIDE
>
DON'T MISS THE OPENING DINNER
FOR ALL EVENTS AND TO BOOK ONLINE
The Pictish stones of Moray and where to see them Who were the Picts? The question is still only partly
In the east is the eleven feet high ogham stone on
answered. One problem is the dearth of
the Altyre estate (NJ039544), originally from
conventional writing left by them or reliable
Longhillock Farm, Duffus Parish (area NJ141641). Also
record written about them by their contemporar-
bearing oghams, an ancient linear script of possible
ies. As the Picts’ major visual legacy is their
Irish origin, is ‘Rodney’s stone’. Now near the visitors’
enigmatic stone carvings, the meaning of the
entrance gate at Brodie Castle, it was found in
symbols has been the subject of much conjec-
digging the foundations for the church of Dyke and
ture. The term “Pict” was first applied by the
Moy, and put up in Dyke village to commemorate
Romans to the “painted people” they met in the
Admiral Rodney’s victory in 1782 over the French fleet
third century in what is now Scotland. The Pictish
during the American Wars of Independence.
culture, their stone and elaborate metalwork, died out when the Scots became dominant
The Falconer Museum, Forres was given a very
after 843 AD.
mutilated symbol stone, from a garden wall in St Leonard’s Road, about twenty years ago, so new
In Moray, we are fortunate in the number of
carvings still come to light. The find site is not far from
Pictish carvings that are readily accessible, or for
St Leonard’s Chapel, Chapelton (NJ046581),
which a visit can be the basis of an expedition of
opposite Leanchoil Hospital. Was this a reuse of stone
discovery in our countryside – and seaside.
from an early Christian site with Pictish connections?
Starting in the south at Inveraven church, there
Sueno’s Stone, at the east end of Forres, if Pictish,
are four stones, and the Parish has an exciting
probably dates from the ninth century, but has not
project to bring the stones under shelter. There are
been convincingly shown to commemorate any
also Pictish stones at the old church at Mortlach,
specific battle.
just outside Dufftown, and at Knockando Church; those at Knockando came from the old burial
In the area south of Elgin, there is a simple stone in a
ground at Pulvrenan (NJ203422), on the
field at Upper Manbeen Farm (NJ 187576), and
Speyside Way.
another by the old entrance gate at Birnie Kirk. Pictish stones found at Birnie suggest occupational links between the present Kirk and the adjacent field, excavated by Dr Fraser Hunter and his team and where the Roman coin hoards were found. In Elgin Cathedral is a granite stone, moved there from Elgin’s Plainstones area. Moray’s other surviving Pictish carvings use the far easier worked local sandstones, but despite this, the Cathedral stone depicts a hunting scene, complex early Christian iconography, Pictish symbols and intertwined beasts. On the coast, Moray’s northern edge, there is a concentration of evidence of the Picts from Burghead to Lossiemouth. In the first millennium A.D., the coastal ridge would have been backed by a
24
substantial body of water, where now we have only
Article contributed by Elgin Museum:
the Loch of Spynie and a still active drainage system. The Firth would not have been a barrier but
www.elginmuseum.org.uk,
a route of communication, for example with
curator@elginmuseum.org.uk
Portmahomack on Tarbatness , now with its
Janet Trythall, Elgin Museum Volunteer,
excellent museum of Pictish stones in the old parish
trythallj@btinternet.com 31/1/2011
church. Burghead, a Pictish naval fort, is famous for its magnificent series of carvings of powerful bulls, and has an excellent visitor centre on the site. Seven miles east is Kinneddar, the old graveyard near the entrance to RAF Lossiemouth. Around here, some thirty Pictish stones have been found at what may have been an early monastery and stone workshop. One is now in the National Museum in Edinburgh, donated by a somewhat notorious nineteenth century collector. The rest are on display in Elgin Museum, with two Burghead bulls and a replica of the bull in the British Museum. An illustrated catalogue of all the known Burghead and Kinneddar stones is published by Elgin Museum. Between these two settlements, in a cave at the base of the cliffs at Covesea, are several Pictish carvings, for which it is known as the Sculptorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cave. The cave has been fully excavated but only recently have the surviving bones been radiocarbon dated. The neck bones that show signs of beheading date to 250-350 AD: the Roman Iron Age, earliest Pictish period. Several of the finds are on display in Elgin Museum, and a guide to the Cave is available giving advice about access. Elgin Museum is a must for anyone with an interest in the story of Moray from before the dinosaurs, via the Picts to the present day. The Museum opens for the season on 1st April, but in the winter months welcomes visitors by appointment, and is always looking for more volunteers.
Spring is upon us, and thank goodness. Winter was very hard again in the Moray Firth area, causing lots of problems, and challenges, for gardeners. Prolonged lying snow with frost and ice does inevitably leave the grass looking pretty poorly. Specific problems to look out for at the end of this winter are fusarium, or snow mould, fungal diseases presenting as patches and blotches of brown, sometimes pinkish mould (even with a furry top in bad cases). It has been widely reported across the UK by GreenThumb branches, who have seen the damage on thousands of lawns in the last 3 months, especially in Scotland and the North East of England where snow cover was most persistent. Don’t scarify your lawn until it has been treated as it may kill the affected patches. The grass does usually recover when new growth starts, but if you appear to have a bad case, we have a fungicide treatment for it, give us a ring and we’ll come round.
Insert photo ?
Around March in Scotland, you should also look out for brown, possibly dying patches appearing. These may be a symptom of leatherjacket activity. Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, or daddy-long-legs, which hatch from eggs laid in turf in the Autumn. If you remember seeing lots of crane flies around last Summer, or see flocks of starlings pecking furiously at the grass, investigate further. The grubs start to feed on the roots of the grass plants, which kills the grass and can cause severe damage to a lawn very quickly if not treated. Try lifting a square of turf if you see damage, and if there are lots of grubs evident you should treat the whole lawn as soon as possible with a suitable insecticide. We spray with a very effective insecticide and the next morning there are usually thousands of dead grubs lying on the grass. With the mower coming out of the shed now, it is a
good time to check the blade, and if it is blunt or pitted, get it sharpened. A blunt blade chews the grass rather than cutting it, and will leave a ragged cut on the grass leaf causing bruising and brown tips, and making the plant more susceptible to disease. Also check the cutter height is not set too low, we recommend a cut of not less than 1” as it leaves a decent amount of leaf on the plant, allowing good photosynthesis to occur and a green and healthy plant. The most common problems we see are scalped, weak lawns with poor colour and the resultant bad moss.
Insert photo ?
Now is a good time to aerate and scarify the lawn, especially if you didn’t get it done last Autumn. We tend not to scarify once new grass starts growing as we find it often takes too much of a hammering from a vigorous scarifying machine such as ours. We use a professional blade scarifier which cuts through thatch build up (the perfect habitatfor moss to flourish). This is a more rigorous process than simply raking out existing moss (which just grows back) as it actually removes the main cause of moss growth. For more information about seasonal lawn improvements from just £15 per qtr, photos and downloads, see the GreenThumb website, or contact Alastair or Fiona in Inverness for a FREE lawn analysis (contact details opposite). We serve the whole Moray Firth area, and a bit beyond ! We look forward to helping you maximize your lawn’s potential this year.
Welcome corner. ner. I’m Ian MacLeod, a W elcome to wild, Spotlights wildlife cor Great Glen. Over photographer and wildlife guide living in the Gr the months to come, I’ll be telling you about the wildlife you can see in the highlands. I’d also like your help in keeping up to date great Wildlife stories with what’s happening so if you have any gr let me know. This month, I’m going to start on my home patch Glengarry, offf the Gr Great eat glen. Loch just of Garry itself is a magnet for a birds, and whole host of special bir protection area otection ar has special pr status. In the summer the loch is home to the common scoter (which is anything but common) and the black throated diver.. The bir birds thr oated diver ds will be from arriving back fr om their winter habitats around around now.
from £240
April
around Only ar ound 50 pairs of scoter nest in the UK and they favour small birds were counted on lochs in the north and west of Scotland. 28 bir breeding Loch Garry last year, year, over 25% of the br eeding population. The easily from £47 identifiable male is all black with a yellow patch on in its beak. Think Chairs blackbird pretty of a duck shaped blackbir d and you’ve pr etty well got it!
throated birds The black thr oated diver is one of the most beautifully markedCommodes bir £70 from board patterned to be found in the UK, with its chinstrap and chess boar AndÊmuchÊmore! back. I would defy any wildlife lover not to be moved by the bird haunting, eerie call of this bir acr across oss the loch on a still spring evening. The black thr oat is clumsy on throat land and so it builds a nest close to the waters edge. Consequently the nest and chicks ar e vulnerable to are changes in the water level, a d on Scottish constant hazar hazard lochs. The RSPB and for estry forestry commission have built nesting rafts in a number of locations to encourage the bir ds to nest wher birds where they will be safe from fluctuating water levels. A number of these have been successfully used. are privileged to have had On loch lochy for the past five years we are osprey nesting, successfully rearing rearing a number of youngsters a pair of osprey Ospreys of course ar e one of the great great conservation in that time. Ospreys are grown fr om a single pair in 1960 to success stories, numbers having grown from 150 pairs today. Speyside is ospr ey central but the bir ds ar e now osprey birds are throughout the highlands. In 2010, the Loch lochy pair found throughout fledged two youngsters and I look forwar d to seeing if any of these forward return to this ar ea return area Next month. Extr eme squirr eling Extreme squirreling Ian MacLeod runs W ild W est, www.wildwestsafari.co.uk Wild West, ian@wildwestsafari.co.uk Of fering wildlife safaris in the Gr eat Glen and surr ounding areas. areas. Offering Great surrounding
28
“Get mobile in spring” with
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Visit our showroom
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For over two decades we have been supplying and servicing a wide variety of mobility and daily living aids throughout the North of Scotland and beyond.
We are one of the longest established Business of our type within the area and that is down to our commitment to first class service and after sales backup. Our ongoing improvements to our premises have recently benefited from our showroom area being extended and our product range expanded. Access to our showroom is easy with good parking and full disabled wash facilities. A very friendly atmosphere and pleasant surroundings ensure that your purchase or browse will always be comfortable. We also have two full time Area Consultants who are available to take equipment to your home for demonstration and they will always encourage a ‘Free of charge’ trial period where you can take your time to assess equipment suitability within your own environment.
Buy on the internet Full online shopping service from the comfort of your home on www.mooringsmediquip.com
getting the community moving Easy Parking & Disabled Toilet Facilities
Hours of Business MON - FRI 9am - 5pm
01309 676677 sales@wheelchaircare.co.uk 21 West Road, Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres IV36 2GW (Behind Lidl)
®
SpotLight Chef’s Confidential
Provençale Chicken
Now that the days are stretching out and Spring is on it's way this is a lovely chicken dish that is quick to make, delicious and goes very well with Spring vegetables, such as purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower, spring greens and new potatoes. Serves 4 8 boned chicken thighs (skin on or off) 125g mushrooms quartered 1 red pepper roughly chopped 4 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced 150g shallots, peeled 500ml dry white wine 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon 125ml crème fraiche salt and ground black pepper 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil Fresh tarragon leaves to garnish
page 30 - April 2011
Heat the oil in a large frying pan, or heat proof casserole, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and add to the heated oil and fry until golden brown. Once brown remove to a plate to rest. Add the vegetables to the pan and stir and cook for 23 minutes as the shallots turn golden. Add the white wine to the pan, return the chicken to the pan, add the freshly chopped tarragon and let it bubble on a high heat for 5 minutes before turning the heat down and let it barely simmer for 40 minutes to allow the chicken to cook and the liquid reduce. Remove the chicken to a warm plate and, if there is still a large amount of liquid, turn the heat up and reduce it to about 250ml. Once it is reduced remove, from the heat, stir in the crème fraiche and return the chicken and serve. Garnish with spigs or leaves of fresh tarragon. Penny Ellis, Owner Knockomie Hotel, Forres tel: 01309 673146
tel: 01309 690063
SpotLight on Nairn and District
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HOTEL
Tel: 01309 673146 Grantown Road, Forres
LOGIE STEADING
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Spring Fayre
near Forres
CAFE
ART GALLERIES
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SECONDHAND BOOKS RIVERWALK AND PLAYGROUND
FARM AND GARDEN SHOP OPEN FROM APRIL 1st Hardy plants and wonderful Longhorn beef! 6 miles south of Forres on A940
01309 611378
www.logie.co.uk
Join our Springtime celebrations! Thursday 14th April 2011 11am - 4pm Meet Mr Rabbit, Miss Lady Bug & Friends Lambs and Rabbits Face Painting 11am-3pm Lucky Dip Delicious Food Tastings Tastings New Spring Fashion Egg-citing Gift Ideas Br Brodie odie by Forr Forres es 01309 641555 Open 7 days 9.30am - 5.30pm w www.brodiecountryfare.com w w. b r o d i e c o u n t r y f a r e . c o m
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SpotLight Council News
Picture by Roger Carr, Copyright
extRaCts fRom the DRaft minutes of the meeting of 19th JanuaRy 2011 of naiRn West Community CounCil
Correspondence sa received letter from mr Craig milroy, stakeholder manager of moray offshore Renewables ltd regarding the proposed development of offshore Wind energy in the outer moray firth. this letter dated 9 December 2010 was written to have consultation with Community Councils as to what people thought about proposed 200 wind turbines being placed offshore, and questionnaires were available for the public to fill in and return. Jf stated that there are already two turbines set in place which are visible from helmsdale and are close to Beatrice oilfield, they are proposing to increase to 200 which would install as much as 1500 mW. Replies to the questionnaire have to be submitted by 28 february 2011. Ry has received many letters from residents concerned with the planning application for the Claymore hotel, these were submitted to the Planning Dept. before 18 January 2011 but Ry reiterated to those present that should anyone wish to submit a letter after this date, the Planning Dept. would consider and could also be included with nWCC response letter to this planning application. Claymore Planning Application the three elected Councillor members vacated the room prior to discussion on the proposed Planning application of the Claymore hotel. nWCC welcomed mr Colin armstrong (architect) of Colin armstrong associates who presented plans for the Claymore hotel in seabank Road. mr armstrong showed plans that had been modified slightly taking onboard comments received from consultation with some neighbours. he pointed out that the collection of timber sheds and snug bar would be replaced to create a more uniform look and that the fire page 32 - April 2011
escape had been changed to have a pitched roof more in keeping with the period of the building. the extension to the rear would be smaller at the back, and the clerestory window on the raised roof of the restaurant area would be removed, as the space did not require daylight. the change of roof and reduction in glazing should improve noise level concerns, though modern construction building standards for thermal requirements greatly moderate noise levels, acoustic building standards such as triple glazing further cut noise levels as in building that armstrong associates constructed in Kinloss. Ca concluded by stating that parking would increase from 12 currently to 21 parking spaces and would be tarmac surfaced thus reducing the noise compared with the currently gravelled surface. Ry thanked mr armstrong and gave short statement to clarify that the applicants, mr and mrs fotheringham had asked her advice as former owner as to the potential of the Claymore hotel as a boutique hotel. Ry suggested that a boutique hotel would be welcomed in nairn but that functions had been difficult due to noise factor. Ry had met with mr fraser fotheringham and invited him to attend this evening but he had declined. Ca (architect) stated that mr and mrs fotheringham were on holiday and fraser had just been to a funeral of a friend. Bs addressed the meeting to declare that as a notifiable neighbour with property 20 metres from the Claymore hotel, he must exclude himself on discussing this subject at the CC meeting. he had already submitted his own comments direct to highland Council as a notifiable neighbour. Ry had received a number of residents tel: 01309 690063
letters regarding the proposed planning application, there then followed a question and answer session between attendees and mr armstrong (architect). the question of why the rear of the building had been cut back but at an angle, was explained that it had been realised that the coffee shop was larger than required but that it could not be reduced all the way along as access was required to a bedroom. there were also concerns about parking and size of parking spaces, attendees were assured by Ca that these were to thC specifications 2.5m x 5m. attendees noted that there was only one combined entrance and exit cars in the car park could be trapped by service vehicles offloading to the hotel. there was a concern about the appearance of the construction of the tower to the left of the building to house the emergency exit for upper floors. Ca explained that the tower now had a change of roofline, but that the present steel fire escape is not to code, if any changes were made then this fire exit would not comply with regulations and a proper fire exit has to be constructed to allow exits from upper and first floor levels. it was suggested that the fire exit be constructed on same side as it is at present but Ca said that this was not practical. Comments were also made on the aesthetics of a conservatory running the entire façade of the building, this was thought by some not to be particularly attractive. access to the function suite/coffee shop through the front of the building rather than at the side was another option that was suggested to reduce noise. Continued on Page 34 SpotLight on Nairn and District
homes
property market report W h a tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s h a p p e n i n g i n th e S c o t ti s h propert y m arket an d wh at a re our p red ict ions for 20 11? We ar e e xp e c ti ng a f a ir ly st e a dy m a r ket fo r 2 0 11 . We p re d ic t p r ic es wil l b e u nd e r a l i t t l e p r e s s u r e b u t ov e r a l l t h e y w i l l h o l d u p w e l l a n d w e a l s o p r e d i c t a m o de r a t e i n c r e as e i n t h e o v e r al l s a l e s v o l u m e . T h e s e p r e d i c t i on s h a v e t a k e n i n t o c o n s i d e r a ti o n a n t i c i p a t e d i n c r e as e s i n i n t e r e s t r a t e s an d t h e r e d u c t i o n s i n e x p en d i t u r e a t t h e v a r i o u s g o v e r n m e n t l e v el s . G e n e r a l r e g i s te r s o f S c o t l a n d i n d i c at e d t h a t f o r 2 0 1 0 t o t a l t r a n s a c t i o n s t o ta l l e d 7 4 , 5 4 0 c o m pa r ed w i t h 6 7 , 0 0 0 f o r 2 0 0 9 w e b e l i e v e t h a t 2 0 1 0 r ep r es e n t e d t h e b e g i n n i n g o f t h e p r o p e r t y m ar k e t t ur n a ro un d in S c o tl a nd . We a re o p ti m i s t i c a b o u t th e S c o t ti s h a n d i n d e e d t h e l o c al p r o pe r t y m a r k e t a n d w h i l e i t wi ll b e unl ike ly t ha t t he ma r ke t w ill e v e r r e t u r n t o t h e s tr a to s p h e r i c l e v e l s o f s a l e s e x p er i e n c e d i n 2 0 0 7 t h e n e x t f ew y ea r s w i l l s e e a g r ad u al l y a n d s t e ad i l y
i m p r o v i n g p r o p e r t y m ar k e t i n t e r m s o f bo t h p r i c es an d v o l u m e o f s a l e s . O n a m o r e l o c a l c o m p a r i s o n s i m i l ar f i g u r e s s u g g e s t M o r a y s a w to t a l tr a n s ac t i o n s f o r 2 0 1 0 o f 1 , 3 9 9 c o m p a r e d w i t h 1, 2 48 f o r 2 00 9 . T h e f i g u r e s f o r Hi g h l a n d w e r e 3 , 3 7 8 f o r 2 0 1 0 c o m p ar e d w i t h 3, 2 05 i n 2 0 0 9. C on s i d e r i n g t h e l o c a l e c o n o m i c c l i m a t e (u n c e r t a i n ty o v e r t h e R A F b a s e s ) th e s e figu re s a re in d ee d pr o m isi ng fo r b ot h t h e l o c a l m a r k et a n d t h e S c o t t i s h m a r k e t ov e r a l l . T h e S c o t t i s h m a r k e t s h o w e d a c o n s i d e r a b l e i n c r e as e f o r t h e s ta r t o f 2 0 1 1 w i t h a r i s e o f h ou s e s a l e s i n e x c e s s of 6 0 % i n t h e m on t h o f F e b r u a r y p e r h a p s pa r t l y d u e to a s l o w l y i m p r o v i n g av a i l ab i l i t y o f m o r t g a g e f i n an c e , pa r t ic ula r ly t o t h e fir st t im e bu ye r. G re e n s h o o t s i n d e ed . J i m M a r s h al l R E / M A X C o a s t 2 co u n t ry E lgi n 01 3 43 5 52 1 14
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Continued from Page 32 the major concern to those present was the possible noise levels from late night functions and persons leaving the premises in the early hours. this would be exacerbated by windows and doors being open in summer, smokers gathering to the back and side close to boundaries causing noise to neighbours especially those with children. Ry enquired as to whether there were sound levels that had to be adhered to. Ca (architect) replied that as long as building regulations were complied with, any modern construction built today would be better than even one constructed last september, but that short of making the thick walls of reinforced concrete containment of noise pollution is difficult. the clients were having background noise levels checked now in current building to enable comparison with future new construction. gV mentioned that some of the most annoying noises were from Plant rooms, kitchen extractor fans, air conditioning etc. Ca pointed out that the Plant room had been moved to an internal space to enable venting upwards rather than on the outside of the building, which would hopefully reduce the impact of this noise. gV picked up on Ca point that triple glazing would not necessarily be required for thermal insulation under building regulations and even though Ca had stated that it was effective for sound containment, it was not currently specified, by his client. gV voiced concerns expressed from some neighbours that the building had progressively grown in size over the years, to the point that it was outgrowing its residential area surroundings. gV reported that the planning officer had informed him that it was important to disregard the declared intent of the developer but to examine what the intended proposed building would be capable of being used for. gV drew attention to the coffee shop and function room/restaurant where the plans have a collapsible screen which separates these two rooms. gV suggested that a masonry wall be built instead of the collapsible screen, thus providing for the possibility of smaller functions with dancing/dining in one room and buffet in another but inhibiting larger dance functions of 100 or more people. this
page 34 - April 2011
could perhaps be accompanied by a planning condition requiring a further planning consent before this masonry wall could be removed. Ry gave summary of key points for attendees to consider and then asked how did they wish nWCC to respond to this planning application. aCtion: letter to thC planning – seCRetaRy/ChaiRman Proposed Arms Length Organisation for Leisure Facilities sandy Park (Councillor/Convenor thC) introduced mr ian murray (im/thC) to give short presentation and explanation of arms length organisations and the impact this will have upon our leisure facilities. sP explained that thC was under pressure with budget constraints and was looking at alo to taking over leisure facilities and running them as they have in the south of scotland. since this was first introduced, sP welcomed the fact that nairn swimming Pool has increased in number of users, facilities must be utilised in order to be maintained. im explained that one of the ways thC was looking to save money was to place leisure facilities into an alo (trust) which would have charitable status and therefore would not have to pay non domestic rates which would amount to a saving of approx £800,000 to thC. this transfer of leisure facilities into charitable trust is being used throughout the country and would encompass the following highland Council services: • adult and youth learning - 29 youth Workers, adult learning service, outdoor education, managing service Delivery Contracts and providing in kind support to a range of voluntary organisation. • Culture - 3 art galleries, 3 archive Centres, 2 museums, exhibitions unit and managing service Delivery Contracts with eden Court theatre, highland Print studio, feisean nan gaidheal and 19 independent museums. • facilities - 16 leisure Centres, 9 swimming Pools, 22 Community Centres and youth Clubs, 6 Community schools, 96 Community Pitches, managing service Delivery Contracts and providing in kind support to a range of voluntary organisations. • libraries - 40 libraries and 9 mobile units. • sport - 38 active schools co-ordina-
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tors, Coaching Development, Junior golf Development, Disability sports Development and Primary school teacher training in specialist Pe, managing service Delivery Contracts and providing in kind support to a range of voluntary organisations. • health and Well Being - partnership working with a range of agencies for community based initiatives. the above are potentially the services which would come under the alo. the alo would lease buildings from the Council for 25 years, and there would be three options regarding property leases, a full repairing and insuring lease, an internal repairing lease, or a full repairing and insuring lease qualified by a separate property agreement between the alo and the Council. Various stakeholder groups would feed onto the board, and 8 independent people preferably with business, property and leisure experience would be recruited from the community, it would be advisable if someone from nairn would step forward for this role to take an active part in the alo, there are also posts to be set up in conjunction with sports scotland who will feed into the group. im reassured those attending that the alo staff would be tuPe protected under terms and conditions of employment. Ry questioned as to whether business rates were paid into the highland Council, scottish government or the uK treasury and if this approx £800,000 were to be a saving for thC but would be a loss to the uK treasury and perhaps the government would change its mind about this 100% reduction in rates for charitable organisations? im stated that the government could of course change its mind on this policy, but it was very much part of mr David Cameron (Prime minister) ‘Big society’ thoughts and also the scottish governments policy of reduction in Council workers. Bs admired thC for all the work that had gone on to get this far and to persuade and reassure the public but was concerned that that thC not focus on just those that ‘shout the loudest’ but that libraries, museums and art galleries have just as much value as swimming pools and leisure facilities. Continued on Page 36
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Continued from Page 34
im said it was all about timing and that the alo user should not notice any difference in the organisation, the process is a technical one and that as little as possible would be lost. gV asked if there would be duplication of management in particular middle management. im assured gV that there would be no new managers in the alo. Bs asked three questions: 1) is the alo a single unit embracing facilities in all of the highland Region? 2) is it a single organisation? 3) in categorising and prioritising the facilities to be transferred to the alo, what criteria do you use? im answered: 1) alo is a highland Wide organisation 2) everything is in the pot, one organisation. 3) there are four categories:i) largest Buildings with largest rates ii) smaller Buildings or deed or gift of deed iii) land thC owns on which a building stands and is utilised (no saving of rates) eg; Community Centre, Charleston Community school iv) Parcels of land that stay in the Council with negligible amount of rates Cllr liz macDonald questioned the description of category 4 as they include Viewfield, and the Community Centre which are substantial pieces of land. lm also raised concerns regarding Common good land i.e. the cricket pitch, paddling pool as to whether these would also be included in the alo. lm was concerned that as a trustee of Common good had not been consulted as to what was happening to these. lm also questioned how the categories could change during the process and how the community could monitor these possible changes. Jf said that businesses had to take advantages of changes and if the alo had a business plan in place and was there a 25 year budget for the alo. im responded by mentioning that once directors of the company are selected, 6 weeks later after signing the leases,
page 36 - April 2011
the alo would submit a mission statement and Business Plan. NWCC Member Vacancy nWCC has 6 Community Councillors of whom 2 are co-opted voting members and 4 original members, which means we have a vacancy for two further co-opted members, mark Bain and stuart Davidson attending this evening expressed an interest and will be given the Code of Conduct for Community Councillors by gV. stuart Davidson will check with louise Clark regarding his current role as youth Representative on River Community Council. should mark Bain and stuart Davidson wish to join nWCC they may be formally elected and welcomed into nWCC at our 9 february meeting aCtion: stuart Davidson/mark Bain Nairn Common Good Fund gV raised the issue of the Common good fund having been charged total debts by highland Council of approx ÂŁ3/4 million pounds to rectify the earlier Council errors over the agricultural lease and the recent failed sales process. Cllr graham marsden stated that the agricultural lease had to be bought out from the farmer to enable the sale of the land. gV reminded Cllr marsden that it was an administration error by the earlier Council which allowed the farmers grazing rights to default into a full agricultural tenancy. gV did not believe that the cost of rectifying this error by the Council as trustees of the Common good should be charged to the Common good, rather than being met by the Council. gV further challenged the charging of another ÂŁ300,000 plus to the Common good as being attributable just to costs of the failed sales process. he wished to know if any of the costs of preparing the planning development brief, the planning application or the planning appeal had been included in this sum. sP (Councillor/Convenor) responded that this further charge included the failed attempt at a joint venture as well as the failed sales process. he assured gV that none of the planning costs had been included and offered to provide a breakdown of the costs charged. gV stated that he looked
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forward to seeing these. aCtion: sandy (Councillor/Convenor)
Park
Town Centre Development Jf stated that niCe had been active and had recently written to the Director of Planning with copies going to the 3 Community Councils and nairnshire Community Councils. niCe had produced a document which would be uploaded onto their website next week and he had a copy to view, this document was in preparation for the Ward forum on 26 January 2011. Bs wished to emphasise that niCe and nWCC are not the same thing. nWCC will also submit a letter reflecting discussions from December meeting and had hoped that there would be a joint CC letter, however each CC wishes to submit its own letter with thoughts as to what their residents wish to see or not see in the town centre. aCtion: BRian steWaRt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (draft letter to Planning) Any Other Business licensing Board - as a tourist town dependant on licensed hotels and the second largest town in highland after inverness, it was seen as an extreme disadvantage that none of our elected members are on the licensing committee. sP (Councillor) mentioned that laurie fraser had put his name forward but lost out on the vote, lmac (Councillor) stated that there are 3 members from inverness but none from nairn, one from Badenoch and strathspey, there are dozen members on the licensing board. Time, date and place of next meeting Ry thanked those at the meeting for their attendance, gV announced that our next meeting would be in the Community Centre on Wednesday 9 february at 7.30 pm. gV reported that under the proposed CC Review meetings would in future have to be fixed 12 months in advance. sP (Councillor/Convenor) confirmed that though the CC meetings should be planned in advance, changes to dates could be made where necessary.
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SpotLight School Term Dates
Picture by terry harvey, Copyright
for 2010/2011 (all dates inclusive) Spring Term Ends Friday 8th April 2011 Good Friday Holiday Friday 22nd April 2011 Easter Monday Holiday Mon. 25th April 2011 Summer Term Starts Tuesday 26th April 2011 May Day Holiday Monday 2nd May 2011 Summer Term Ends Friday 1st July 2011 for 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 16th August 2011 Autumn Term Ends Friday 7th October 2011 Regional Closure Monday 24th October 2011 Winter Term Starts Tuesday 25th October 2011 Winter Term Ends Thu. 22nd December 2011
Spring Term Starts Monday 9th January 2012 Regional Closure Wed. 15th February 2012 Regional Closure Thursday 16th February 2012 Regional Closure Friday 17th February 2012 Spring Term Ends Friday 30th March 2012 Good Friday Holiday Friday 6th April 2012 Easter Monday Holiday Monday 9th April 2012 May Day Holiday Monday 7th May 2012 Summer Term Starts Tuesday 17th April 2012 Summer Term Ends Friday 29th June 2012 for 2012/2013 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 14th August 2012 Autumn Term Ends Friday 5th October 2012
“ Parliament Blog ”
By the time Spotlight hits the doormats, the Budget and all its attendant media hype will be behind us. At the time of writing, it is still taking shape. There are challenging decisions ahead of us, but we are determined to get the balance right between steadily bringing down the historic deficit and making sure we do what we can to support growth. There are hugely important matters, but they are thrown into a different relief by the events we have seen
unfolding in Japan. It seems to have been a tumultuous year - and too often a sad one - on the international stage. Even so, the earthquake and tsunami which have devastated a large section of Japan’s Pacific coast dwarf the loss of life we have seen in the Middle East and in the earlier quake which hit Christchurch. It is very hard to comprehend loss of life on such a scale or the power of forces of nature, without plan or purpose, to tear apart families and sweep whole communities off the map. There will be many difficult days, months and years ahead as people come to terms with what has happened and deal with the full force of it. While we work hard on the real challenges we face at home, we will do everything we can to stand shoulder to shoulder with Japan and her people.
The Parliament this last week has all the look of a family moving home! We are about to cease being MSPs until, hopefully, reelected on May 5th. Packing cases gather and are gradually being filled with everything from pens and paper to law books, and indeed I am sure a saw a teddy bear being tucked into one, I kid you not!
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SpotLight on Nairn and District
Fergus E wing MSP
Dan ny A lexander MP
page 38 - April 2011
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SpotLight
Useful Contacts Holidays and Tide Times
SCHOOLS Auldearn Primary School ............................(01667) 452118 Cawdor Primary School ..............................(01667) 402460 Logie Primary School ..................................(01309) 611258 Millbank Primary School..............................(01667) 452240 Rosebank Primary School ..........................(01667) 454090 Nairn Academy ............................................(01667) 453700 Moray College Nairn Learning ....................(01667) 456759 DOCTORS Nairn Hospital A&E .....................................(01667) 452101 The Lodgehill Clinic ....................................(01667) 452096 Arderseir Medical Practice ..........................(01667) 452278 Nairn Sports Medicine Clinic ......................(01667) 454523 DENTISTS Jones Jones & Behrendt ............................(01667) 453189 RM Donald & Associates ............................(01667) 454603 PHARMACIES Lloyds Pharmacy ........................................(01667) 453100 Boots The Chemist ......................................(01667) 453169
VETS Moray Coast ................................................(01667) 453161 Inshes Veterinary Clinic Inverness ..............(01463) 711777 OTHERS Police Station ..............................................(01667) 452222 Stagecoach Inverness .................................(01463) 239292 Citizens Advice Bureau ...............................(01667) 456677 Nairn Museum ............................................(01667) 456791 Dalcross Airport .............................(01667) 464000/462280 Inverness Job Centre ....................(01463) 888100/888200 Highland Council ........................................(01667) 458500 Victim Support ............................................(01463) 710806 Samaritans ..................................................(01463) 713456 Gas - Emergency ............................................(0800 111999 Water - Emergency ........................................08456 008855 British Red Cross Inverness ........................(01463) 231620 Crossroads ..................................................(01667) 455369 National Rail Enquiries ..................................08457 484950
If you have any suggestions for additional useful numbers please email these to us on admin@spotlighton.co.uk
Local Holidays Inverness Holiday Good Friday Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Inverness Holiday Summer Bank Holiday
Mon. 4th April 2011 Fri. 22nd April 2011 Mon. 25th April 2011 Mon. 2nd May 2011 Mon. 30th May 2011 Mon. 4th July 2011 Mon. 1st Aug. 2011
LOW TIDE TIMES FOR NAIRN IN APRIL Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times AM PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
F SA SU M TU W TH
05.48 06.02 06.24 06.58 07.33 08.07 08.33
page 40 - April 2011
18.18 18.34 18.52 19.19 19.50 20.18 20.32
8 F 9 SA 10 SU 11 M 12 TU 13 W 14 TH 15 F 16 SA 17 SU 18 M 19 TU
Inverness Holiday Inverness Holiday St Andrews Day Christmas Day * Boxing Day * New Years Day * 2nd January
Mon. 3rd Oct. 2011 Mon. 7th Nov. 2011 Wed. 30th Nov. 2011 Mon. 26th Dec. 2011 Tues. 27th Dec. 2011 Mon. 2nd Jan. 2012 Tues. 3rd Jan. 2012
* substitute day, as this holiday falls on a weekend or other bank holiday AM 08.16 08.36 09.16 10.25 02.01 03.21 04.20 05.12 05.57 06.41 07.24
PM 20.13 20.43 21.29 22.48 13.48 15.01 16.01 16.56 17.46 18.30 19.12 19.54
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20 W 21 TH 22 F 23 SA 24 SU 25 M 26 TU 27 W 28 TH 29 F 30 SA
AM 08.06 08.51 09.38 10.33 11.47 02.02 03.10 04.02 04.43 05.14
PM 20.35 21.17 21.58 22.33 23.25 13.30 14.47 15.46 16.35 17.15 17.39
SpotLight on Nairn and District
Cadbury Easter Egg Trail at Brodie Castle Sat 23 & Sun 24 Apr, 11am - 4pm Follow the trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury Egghead! To add to the fun there’ll be face painting and lots of activities to keep the children entertained, and adults can just relax and take in the stunning surroundings! Why not make a day of it - explore the castle and treat yourself to a spot of lunch before you turn detective with our egg trail! There are trails at 40 places across Scotland and they’re all completely different! Brodie Castle, Forres, Moray, IV36 2TE Tel 0844 493 2156
£2 per trail. If you’d like to visit the castle, usual entry prices apply.
For more information on family events across Scotland visit
www.nts.org.uk
The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC007410
®
SpotLight
Pastoral letter and Church Meetings
Picture by Karen Barclay, Copyright
It’s a secret “Therefore” is an important word and we frequently rush past and overlook important things. I have been reading an ancient document which contains an amazing secret. “Therefore” implies – as a consequence of all I have said, and of everything that has gone before, what follows is vital. This ancient document is the letter Paul wrote to the Church of Jesus Christ at Philippi. You probably have a copy of it in your home. If you do, pick it up and read it. In the final section he says, “Stand firm!” These are disturbing days, when so many things are being shaken. We need every encouragement to stand firm. What was Paul sharing? Because of my chains in this Roman prison, and because of what you have experienced in Christ, have the mind or outlook or attitude of Christ. “Stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!” and for Paul that Lord was the living Lord Jesus Christ. These precious people were a source of joy to him. His friends mattered.
How does this letter help us serve Jesus Christ, and live as disciples of Jesus? That church had a crack in the wall. Paul draws attention to it. He knows it could ruin and destroy the whole building. He appeals to two people to sort things out. Our attitude to Jesus Christ can resolve most issues. If you belong to the family you cannot walk out! Paul realised that they were going to need help. Facilitators were needed. Detect the crack. Get in and repair it. This is his remedy. Take a penny. Hold it near your eye, and it darkens your whole horizon. That crack could affect the whole church at Philippi. “Rejoice in the Lord always.” How do we do it? We just do it, and we have good reasons for rejoicing in the Lord. “Do not be anxious about anything.” That is a courageous thing to say, especially when you are in prison! Paul encourages us to be specific with our prayers, and spell things out, and to do so with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is an important matter when it comes to praying. What is the result? The peace of God acts like a sentry over our lives.
Nairn Baptist Church meets in Nairn Community Centre, King St. All welcome 11am every Sunday and 6pm every third Sunday of the month. Contact the Pastor 459672 or visit the website www.nairnbaptistchurch.org.uk Auldearn and Dalmore Parish Church Morning Service 12 noon. Contact Rev. Ricky Reid 451675. Cawdor Parish Church Morning Service Sunday 10.15am. Contact Rev. JS Mathieson 493217 Nairn Free Church Morning Service 11am with Sunday School & Creche (Gordon St); Evening Service 6pm (Rosebank Hall); Youth Club for S1 upwards Wednesday 6.30pm (Rosebank Hall); Prayer and Bible Study Thursday 7.30pm (8 George St). Minister Murdo MacLeod 459131. Nairn Christian Fellowship Sunday Worship 10.30am; Praise and Bible Study Wednesday 7.30pm. Contact Sandy Shaw 456492. Old Parish Church meets at 10.30am for morning Worship, Sunday School & Creche. Rev. Ian WF Hamilton. page 42 - April 2011
Fill your mind with strong positive thoughts, and we have seven guidelines. There comes a time when we have to guard our mind, and filter what we allow into our mind. What does God wants us to fill our minds with? Here is God’s answer. Check it out. Our thought life is vitally important. The God of peace shall be with you. He wrote earlier of the peace of God. Now Paul writes that the God of peace shall be with you. We need to hear and be reminded of that today. Harmony, friendship, rejoicing, no anxiety, peace – and we still have to come to the secret! “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” To be content when you have nothing, or when you have little, is a secret worth learning, and let’s not limit this to financial circumstances. While in prison, Paul’s secret still worked. Learn the secret “of being content in any and every situation”. Put it into practice. Sandy Shaw Nairn Christian Fellowship
St Ninians Church Morning Worship and Sunday School 10.15am; Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7.30pm. Rev. Ricky Reid 451675. St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Family Worship 10.30am; Evening Prayer 6.30pm. Rev. Canon Alison Simpson 452458. St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Sunday Mass 11.30am; Saturday Vigil 6pm. United Reformed Church Morning Service with Sunday School and Creche 11am. Contact Rev. Steven Manders 451443. The Pentecostal Church of God Nairn Sunday Service 10.30am. Minister: JD Grant 456088. www.churchofgodnairn.org Nairn Joint Service 1st Sunday monthly St Ninians 6.30pm
If you are a member of a church not listed here please email with details and we will print this in future issues.
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SpotLight on Nairn and District
®
SpotLight Advertisers Index
Picture by Cameron Davidson, Copyright
1st Pizza Direct............................................................16 /17 Alastair Munro Plumbing & Heating ..................................5 Alba Business Services ......................................................5 Beaver Travel ......................................................................9 Boath House ....................................................................19 Brodie Castle - National Trust for Scotland ......................41 Brodie Countryfare............................................................31 Caledonian Kilts ................................................................43 Can-Do Services ................................................................7 Excel Scotland Ltd ..............................................................5 Gateaux Regal ....................................................................5 Golf View Hotel....................................................................8 Gordon Scott Chartered Accountant ................................43 GreenThumb (Inverness) ..................................................27 Hazel’s Jewellery ..............................................................10 JC Chimney Sweeps ........................................................43 Knockomie Hotel ..............................................................31 Kylauren Homes ..................................Outside Back Cover Logie Steading ..................................................................31
Mackenzie & Cruickshank ................................................39 Masonry & Lime ................................................................35 McDonald & Munro ..........................................................35 Michael Sharp Joinery ......................................................35 Moray Coast Vet Group ......................................................3 Nairn Community & Arts Centre ..............................11 & 43 Nairn Leisure ......................................................................2 Robertson Homes ............................................................35 Roof Wizard ........................................................................5 Sarah Dunbar Hypnotherapist ..........................................31 Seaforth Windows Home Improvements............................5 Smith & Castle Jewellers ....................................................9 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival ....................................23 The Highland-Russia Connection ....................................12 The Loft Bistro ....................................................................9 TNT Gardens ......................................................................5 Unique Beauty ............................................Front Cover & 3 Universal Hall ....................................................................11 Wheelchair Care................................................................29
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