JANUARY 2011
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SpotLight on Nairn and district ...information on your community
The North’s Favourite FREE wee mag’! In this issue...... Clubs & Societies 3 The Clavie 4 Pastoral Letter 6 Church Details 6 CAP Don’t Panic 10 What’s On 12/13 Cinema Listings 13 Chef’s Confidential 14
Council News Parliament Blog School Term Dates Useful Contacts Local Holidays Tide Times Advertisers Index
16 18 20 22 22 22 23
FEBRUARY ISSUE Editorial Deadline - Friday 31st December Advertising Deadline - Wednesday 5th January
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SpotLight Clubs and Societies
Picture by Maryan Whyte, Copyright
I.T. Blog Browsing the Internet
Happy New Year! Hopefully your computers have functioned stoically over the holiday period and your systems have been running trouble free. In all likelihood that old PC is running a bit slower than it should and all of the information flying around about what you should & shouldn’t do on the Internet is leaving you, at best, confused! Hopefully we can use our monthly blog to help you get over that & dispel some of the popular myths surrounding your PC & the internet. On occasion it might even be entertaining! For January we are focusing on Web Browsers and which ones you should or shouldn’t use. Most people will immediately think of one of 3 browsers if you start talking about the Internet - Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome, with Safari and Opera occasionally getting a look-in. Now there are alternatives but we don’t come across them often, so I won’t mention them. Essentially, any of these browsers are absolutely fine & from a security perspective there is very little to choose between them, and we have stats to back that up. One thing you must remember to do is keep the browser up-to-date with the latest patches & also to update any plug-ins that you have e.g. Java, Flashplayer, Shockwave. As long as you do this, then use whichever of these browsers you like the best, even if it’s just because it looks pretty! Check out our website for a lot more information.
IT support and enhancements for your business
Tel: 01309 676151
www.fireflyits.com Email: info@fireflyits.com Contact us today and talk to Ian or Richard
SpotLight on Nairn and District
AULDEARN SWRI Meetings include talks and demonstrations including craft, travel, social and international affairs. Preserves and enhances awareness of Scotland's rural heritage. Second Wednesday of month, 7.30pm, Dunbar Hall (excluding July & August). Contact 451374 or email prentice@ godsquad.fsnet.co.uk BEFRIENDERS HIGHLAND Voluntary organisation, which co-ordinates friendships between volunteers and people who have experienced a mental health problem and are lonely or isolated. Contact Heather Forbes 451444 email nairn@befrienders highland.org.uk website www.befrienders highland.org.uk BODY & CORE YOGA FITNESS Train & tone yourself fit to excellent music. Cawdor Community Centre every Tuesday at 7.30pm. Mats provided - bring water & a smile! Contact Debs tel: 07840 659358 BOYS BRIGADE Contact 452950 CAWDOR CURLING CLUB Contact 404291 or 07831 760049 or email dave_rob@hotmail.com
NAIRN ROAD RUNNERS We are a small & friendly club and cater for all running abilities. Come & join us on our club night every Thursday at 7.30pm at the Maggot. For more details contact Louise Scott tel: 451835, email info@nairnroad runners.co.uk or visit www.nairnroad runners.co.uk NAIRN SCHOOL OF DANCING Meets Wednesdays at 3.30pm at the BB Hut, Old Parish Church. Contact Mrs Fraser 01463 729477 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 SPORTS CLUB Nairn Sports Club has something for everyone Fitness classes, Gym, Tennis, Squash & Badminton Courts, Sauna, Non-members welcome. Contact 454523 or email info@nairnsportsclub.co.uk NAIRN ST NINIAN BADMINTON CLUB Currently held at Nairn Academy gym hall every Thursday, September to Easter from 6pm 7.30pm. Age between 8 & 15 years. Contact 454716 or email mariadicarlo46@hotmail.com
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 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. www.spotlighton.co.uk
NAIRN THUNDERBOLTS Nairnshire’s Mini Rugby Club. For children in Primary 4 - 7. Training on Sunday mornings 10.30am - 12noon at Viewfield, behind Nairn Museum. Affiliated to SRU. For more details tel: 01667 454963 or visit www.pitchero.com/ clubs/nairnminirugbyclub/ 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. Tel: 456902 RELATE HIGHLAND Offering the services of a counsellor in Nairn on Wednesday afternoons. Contact 01463 712888 (Monday-Thursday 10-1, or leave a message and you will be called back) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Entertainment and dancing every weekend. Highland Hall function suite available for weddings and parties of all sizes. Contact 453201 SEWING GROUP NAIRN Contact 455012 VOLUNTEERING HIGHLAND Volunteer Centre in Nairn Welcomes anyone who would like to volunteer in the local area. Contact Fiona Barnes 453055 or email nairn@ volunteeringhighland.org
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 January 2011 - page 3
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SpotLight Local Interest
The Clavie 11th January Why 11th January? This is the date of the Burning of the Clavie, a fire festival unique to Burghead, which greets the New Year, first recorded in records of the Presbytery of Elgin 1655. Banned by the Church in the 17th18th centuries as idolatrous, the earlier history behind this fire festival is unrecorded. Such ceremonies may have pagan origins, and at Burghead could date back to the pre-Christian Pictish occupation. The significance of the 11th January dates back to the 1750’s, when the Julian calendar was reformed in Britain and the new Gregorian calendar was introduced. People rioted demanding back their 11 days but not in Burghead. Brochers decided to have the best of both worlds, by celebrating New Year twice on 1st January and 11th January. Now every 11th January the flaming Clavie (a barrel full of staves) is carried round the town by the Clavie Crew followed by a large crowd. Certain favoured residents along the route have a lucky burning ember delivered to their door. The final destination of the Clavie is the Doorie Hill on the ramparts of the ancient fort, where it is firmly wedged. After refueling several times, it is allowed to burn out and fall down the hill, when still smoldering embers are eagerly gathered.
Possession of a piece of the Clavie is said to bring good luck for the coming year and pieces are sent round the world to exiled ‘Brochers’. The Burning of the Clavie dates much further back
page 4 - January 2011
than the 1750’s, of course. Before the coming of Christianity, the priests of the day were the Druids, the men of wisdom and learning. The common people held them in
superstitious reverence. Many were the strange rites performed at their hands, many the sacrifices they demanded. Their chief instrument of ceremonial was fire. It was the great purifier. Shaw, the 18th century historian of the Province of Moray recounts a Druid rite, which was enacted when a disease broke out amongst the cattle. The fires in the houses around were extinguished. Sparks were ‘forced’ by rubbing pieces of wood together, and from these, bunches of juniper were lit, to be burned in the stalls of the cattle. The smoldering branches were carried in a basket (Gaelic word ‘cliabh’ pronounced cleeav) among the cattle in order to combat infection. When this had been done, the flaming juniper was carried round the houses in the vicinity, to rekindle the fires on their hearths. From such a custom is surely derived the Burning of the Clavie. On that anniversary night of pagan ceremonial, Burghead reverts to the mood of primitive times, reenacting some form of fire worship many centuries have not forgotten.
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Sorrento 25th June B&B ................. from £549 Venetian Riviera 3rd July B&B .. from £579 Lake Garda 3rd July and 16th October B&B ................. from £539
FORRES 01309 672203 ELGIN 01343 548844 All prices are per person for 7 nights
Sorrento 4th June B&B ................. from £549 Sicily 11th Jun HB ... from £599 Lake Garda 19th June B&B ................. from £548 Dubrovnik 27th June HB.................... from £649
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
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Pastoral letter and Church Meetings
Picture by Maggie Grigor, Copyright
Change seldom comes easy. If you’re anything like me, you don’t forget to change your calendar at the start of the year, or to buy a new diary or whatever, but what happens when you come to write the date down on something you’re writing? - 2010, instead of 2011! Every year - weeks into the new year, and I’m still at it! Sign of my age, no doubt, though I’m sure I remember doing it at school too… Remembering to get the date right when I’m writing things down isn’t usually too big a deal - though it’s occasionally caused problems with cheques and things! But there are other changes that bring much bigger issues, and some of these come readily to mind over the Christmas and New Year period. How poignant it is to remember loved ones that have gone. Families often get together at Christmas time, which is wonderful,
but doesn’t it just make it that bit harder at future Christmasses when it’s no longer possible? I lost my mum in 2010 and it’s just so weird not to have her around this year, when she’s been involved in every Christmas I’ve ever known. Life brings a constant stream of changes - some happy, some sad. Some had children this past year, others found out they never can. For some, their wedding day came around, for others their divorce came through. Some got a new job, others got made redundant. Somebody got great news from the doctor, somebody else got devastating news. Life and time bring changes - the only thing that doesn’t change is change. Well, almost. There is one who never changes. Never sleeps, never grows weary or tired. For whom one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. Tran-
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 6 - January 2011
scending time and space and change. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 6:8). In all the issues of human life he remains constant. He is ever faithful, ever true. And for those who know him and seek to follow him he is the God who never leaves or forsakes his people whatever else changes in life. His word stays constant - truth unchanged, unchanging. He never changes his mind, because he never has to. He never has to switch to Plan B, because Plan A never goes wrong. What could be more comforting than that? Please make sure your changing life is committed into his unchanging hands this new year.
Murdo MacLeod Nairn Free Church
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 first Sunday of each month 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 Local Interest
Don’t Panic Help is at hand So it’s back to normality after the Christmas and New Year celebrations! How are you feeling now that the festive hype has passed? For some people it’s a welcome return to the usual routine of life. Maybe that’s your experience; you’re quite glad to take down the cards, pack away the decorations and put them in the loft until next year. However for others, if Christmas and New Year is a real time of joy and happiness, it can be a struggle to say goodbye to the holiday period and hello to the regular pattern of life again. Maybe some of you are struggling to get back into the normal routine because you know that you have to face up to your difficult financial position. Perhaps in the last year you’ve lost your job or have struggled to cover your regular outgoings. The Christmas break has maybe taken the focus temporarily away from your problems.
But as January comes and normality resumes again, the reality of your situation remains the same. For a lot of people, the Christmas spending begins to bite as the bank statements or credit card bills come tumbling through your letterbox. You might even have taken out an extra loan to cover the cost of the festive season, potentially adding to existing debts. And so a tight financial position becomes even tougher. If this is you & you’re really struggling to meet the costs of everyday life or have debt which is spiralling out of control then what can you do? Firstly, don’t think you are alone! One effect of being in debt is that you can feel very isolated. However, a recent survey by Credit Action found that during December Citizens Advice dealt with 9,389 new debt problems every working day. page 10 - January 2011
Secondly, be assured that there is help at hand! There are a range of services available to help those struggling to make ends meet or repay personal debt. It is often hard to take that first step and admit your need of help. But as hard as it is, this step is crucial to begin getting your finances back on the right track. One such resource is CAP. This initiative has come about through local churches partnering with award winning charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to offer a comprehensive solution to those struggling in debt. Through a combination of budgeting advice, creditor liaison and personal support, CAP can empower people to work themselves out of debt and transform their finances. You might ask, why would churches want to get involved in helping people in the whole area of finance? Simply because we believe that God cares for everyone and that each aspect of our lives is important to him. A common description of God is found in Psalm 86: But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. So this love is reflected by providing a very practical resource to those struggling with debt. CAP’s services are completely free of charge and are available to everyone regardless of your belief or background. So hopefully, whatever your situation is as we begin this New Year, you will be able to look ahead to the coming year with confidence. For those facing financial issues, may you know that help is at hand, and through resources such as CAP that you need not feel alone or isolated. Instead be assured that there are people who care about your situation. Above all, be encouraged that the Lord is indeed a compassionate and gracious God who cares deeply for you. Gordy Mackay Culduthel Christian Centre For further details visit www.capuk.org
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GOLF VIEW HOTEL & SPA
JANUARY
SPECIAL OFFERS ON SINGLE, DOUBLE & FAMILY LEISURE CLUB MEMBERSHIPS
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Advertise your event here from only £25 plus VAT. Call 01309 690063 or email david@spotlighton.co.uk Deadline for February issue is Wednesday 5th January
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SpotLight What’s On
DECEMBER 2010 / JANUARY 2011
DECEMBER 31 friday
gourmet dinner & ceilidh dancing to skirley beat, dinner at 6.30pm - ceilidh 9.30pm-1am, the loft venue, by kinloss, families welcome, tel: 01343 850111 to book or email info@eastgrange.co.uk
JANUARY 2 sunday
short service for first sunday in the year, 10.15am, cawdor parish church, tel: 01667 493217
11 tuesday
burning o’ the clavie, 6pm, granary street, burghead
12 wednesday
highland rock garden club - ‘the plants & people of bhutan’ by julia corden of the explorers’ garden, pitlochry, tel: 01309 641405
raymond wood; guest entertainers - colin campbell and ian cruickshank, organised by rotary club of elgin
9 wednesday
highland rock garden club - ‘snow drops and other small bulbs’ by ian christie of christie’s nursery, 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 01309 641405
11 friday
dyke garden club - ‘shrubs for all seasons’ archie mclaren, 7.30pm, dyke village hall, contact 01309 641342 or 01309 641565
18 friday
red hot chilli pipers, 7:30pm, ogstoun theatre, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £12/£6, visit our website www.thegcs.org.uk for details or tel: 01343 837917
15 saturday
music nairn presents passacaglia, nairn community & arts centre, visit www.musicnairn.org.uk
20 thursday
voces8, 7:30pm, st christopher’s chapel, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £12/£6, visit our website www.thegcs.org.uk for details or tel: 01343 837917
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28 friday
logie p.t.a. adults & teens quiz night, 7.30pm, edinkillie hall, tea and biscuits, £2 per head, byob, all welcome, tel: 07561 552090
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HOW THE “WHAT’S ON” WORKS
burns night (in aid of croy & dalcross church funds), croy village hall, tel: 01667 493217 for details
FEBRUARY 5 saturday
bothy ballads - champion of champions, 7pm (doors open 6.15pm), elgin town hall, tickets, £8.50 upstairs, £7.50 downstairs, available elgin library, cooper park, elgin, tel: 01343 562600, judge - joe aitken; compere page 12 - January 2011
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 £25 plus vat. Call 01309 690063 for details.
Deadline for February Issue is Wednesday 5th January
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SpotLight on Nairn and District
Cinema Nairn Visit cinemanairn.blogspot.com or contact Nairn Community Centre on 01667 453476 for details
Cinema Listings January 2011 Vue Cinema, Inverness From 7th January 127 Hours (12a) Season of the Witch (12a tbc) From 14th January The Green Hornet (12a TBC) From 21st January Never Let me go (TBC) From 28th January Tangled (PG)
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness Mary and Max (12a) Somewhere (15) Of Gods and Men (15) The King’s Speech (12a) 127 Hours (15) Legend Of The Guardian (PG) Mr Nice (18) Chico & Rita (15) Adrift (12a) The Tourist (12a) plus many others
KidsAM - Every Saturday & Sunday at 10.15am - 95p per ticket Seniors Club - Every Tuesday at 12.30pm - £3 inc. refreshments NEW Teen Screen Every Thursday & Friday £1.95 2D or £2.95 3D
Visit www.eden-court.co.uk or call 01463 234234 for details
Visit www.myvue.com for details
Moray Playhouse, Elgin New Screenings begin on Fridays Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk
Portessie Public Hall
Regular films including Saturday matinees. For further details email portessiepublichall@hotmail.co.uk
Universal Hall, Findhorn Showing films throughout the year. Visit www.findhorn.org/uhall or call 01309 691170 for details. SpotLight on Nairn and District
www.spotlighton.co.uk
January 2011- page 13
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Apple and Pear Crumble with Fresh Egg Custard
SpotLight Chef’s Confidential
As I predicted the long winter has certainly started early, the snow has come upon us with her friend cold, cold nights, so to counter these long nights I think we have come to one of the most loved winter desserts Crumble. There are many varieties and a combination of this classic but this is the one we serve at Knockomie and is very simple and tasty. The basic crumble mix is half fat to flour and the same amount of sugar as fat (or a little more if you want it sweeter). So in general to make enough of the crumble mixture if you want a deeper crumble topping you can just half it again For the custard (Crème Anglaise) 75 ml milk 75 ml double cream 1 vanilla pod split open length ways 4 egg yolks 50g caster sugar
For the crumble 100g/4oz Flour 50g/2oz Butter or Margarine Zest of Lemon, Orange and Lime 50 g/2oz Medium Oatmeal (Optional) 50g/2oz Sugar Rub the butter into the flour until they come together and are of a Sand texture, add the zest, Oatmeal if adding and sugar.
For the Apple and Pear Mix 4 Cooking Apples Cored and Skinned 4 Pears Cored and Skinned 1 table spoon Mixed Spice (to taste, or none) 100g/4oz Caster Sugar 50g/2oz Unsalted Butter 100 ml Apple Juice 100 ml Water Cut Apples And Pears Into roughly about 8 pieces each, put into a pan with the Mixed Spice, sugar, butter and liquid, cook on a medium heat until they are just tender still with a little bite to them they should take roughly about 8 to 10 minutes. Tip the fruit into a sieve and leave to cool slightly.
page 14 - January 2011
Place the milk and cream in a sauce pan, scrape out the vanilla seeds with a tea spoon and add to the liquid, bring slowly to the boil. Place the egg yolks in a heat proof bowl, add the sugar, and whisk to combine. Place the heat proof bowl over a simmering pan of water and whisk constantly until the egg yolk double in quantity, gradually add the boiled milk to the yolks, it will thicken to a custard when it reaches 83°c. Preheat the oven to 200°c/Gas mark 6. Share the Apples and Pears into Ramekins, a small oven proof tray or metal cutters, top with the crumble topping and bake till golden brown. Serve with your custard for a lovely warming dessert. February is the most romantic month of the year, and our Valentines menu is on our website, remember to book early 01309 673146 or email stay@knockomie.co.uk.
tel: 01309 690063
Peter Norrie, Head Chef Knockomie Hotel, Forres tel: 01309 673146 SpotLight on Nairn and District
A Perfect Wedding Our highly personal approach will create a perfect and truly memorable day, designed to match your specific requirements for you and up to 40 guests. Enjoy our 5 acres of secluded gardens, delicious menus and warm hospitality. Also ask about our All inclusive Weddings Wrapped Up Packages. See us at the 4th Annual Annual W edding Exhibition Wedding February at on the 13th February )PKMR 8S[R ,EPP EQ TQ )PKMR 8S[R ,EPP EQ TQ
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Knockomie Hotel is licensed to hold Civil Weddings.
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*£700 - £1000 mortgage subsidy for 1 year, for reservations taken prior to 31st January 2011, and legal completion no later than 31st March 2011. Offer advertised is available on selected plots and developments, not available in conjunction with any other offer, and is subject to Robertson Homes terms and conditions. Images used are typical of a Robertson Home and may not be representative of the particular developments advertised.
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SpotLight Council News
Picture by Roger Carr, Copyright
extRaCts fRoM the DRaft Minutes of the Joint MeetinG of 12th oCtobeR 2010 of naiRn subuRban, West & RiveR CoMMunity CounCils
Mr youngson commented that the consultation meeting with highland Council at the town house was interesting and stated that it was clearly conveyed that hC options for the town Centre were not the best ones. it is important that we leave a legacy for the town that is beautiful and should include an attractive view from the a96. this might take the form of a well-designed market square that reveals the high street. the Petrol station should be removed and capped and the Coop should be strongly encouraged to build a really attractive commercial outlet where the Regal now stands. it was suggested a competition might be held between younger architects to design a suitably attractive building. highland expo has shown what can be done in the highlands .the existing old buildings should be kept and used imaginatively, maybe as centres for craft and art studios, making and selling attractive wares. the old school is listed and should be used not just for offices but imaginatively to attract tourists. the Community centre could also be refurbished and put to good use. there is a need for good quality public toilets. Dr noble added that the bus park should be included in the new plans and if possible library building demolished to make a gateway into the high street and relocating the library into an existing building. Mr vine underlined the strong feeling that building flats would sterilise the town and he supported the importance of making use of the old buildings, maybe as a co-op of local artists, instead of demolishing them. he also suggested the library in one of the existing buildings could be modelled on the second hand books shop in Church street inverness and also contains a bistro/café.
page 16 - January 2011
Mrs thomson agreed and suggested that the old Kirk could be de-rendered to reveal stonework and decrepit extensions could be removed. Maybe a glass front to the building could be added showing a mezzanine floor and an inviting interior. she felt that a large, decorated, wrought iron archway saying “Welcome to nairn” would be a good framework to add to attracting visitors into a square. it could have a main piazza with boards charting nairn’s history. she felt that it should have one entrance and one exit and maybe provision for bands to play to add to tourist attraction. it is essential it is attractive for people passing through in order to get people into nairn. Mrs scholes reminded us that parking is limited and this should be considered in any plan. Mrs tolmie suggested ways of looking imaginatively at parking citing that some seaside towns had small trains that drove from parking around town to transport tourists, but adding there are all sorts of ways of doing this. Mr stewart asked us to consider the purpose of the town centre. is it a transit zone? an entrance to the high street or a destination in its own right? Different people have different ideas. We have already discussed the latter. We do need to be imaginative about parking. We have to be practical and this development will take a long time and will have to progress in stages. he suggested :i) tidy up and clean the area; ii) Demolition; iii) Consolidation and review; iv) Resurrection - using structures already there and not unnecessary demolition. it is cheaper to adopt item; iv) brian thought that this development should be done in bite-size chunks, making links with the surrounding area. Money is available though grants if we explore the possibilities eg e.u. funding. it would be a bad economic move to sell off the town
tel: 01309 690063
centre and we must persuade h.C. that it is not feasible to do so We need a master plan that we can fulfil step by step. Mr ferguson agreed, adding that we must take ownership of such a plan. Mr scholes encouraged us to take on this planning to ensure that it actually happens. he felt that highland Councillors had to focus on the whole of the Region but nairn Community Councillors are singularly placed to carry this through and their work is focused on nairn. Dr. noble and Mrs. baker both said that earlier artist’s impressions of a new commercial outlet were available and we should ask the developers for a copy to help with ideas. they emphasised that we need to ensure that this plan works and it brings people and money into nairn. there was some discussion that the lease on the library building was due for renewal. Many felt that if it was demolished it would make a wonderful gateway from the a96 to the high street. Councillor Macdonald offered to be part of a steering group for the town Centre Development and it was agreed that a meeting should be held as soon as possible with most people present volunteering to help. it was agreed that a letter should be sent to Mr stott, Principal Planner at highland Council to ensure that we obtain support from highland Council. action? it is presumed that the steering group will do this. Councillor Macdonald will prepare an issues paper to help scaffold our ideas and Jimmy ferguson will proof read it before meeting on 21st. virginia Maclean offered to do research to help too. as the meeting closed, as a separate issue, Mr ferguson asked for two representatives from each Community Council to work on traffic issues in nairn and this was agreed.
SpotLight on Nairn and District
Cashmere Heritage Centre, Clothing, CoďŹ&#x20AC;ee Shop, Food Hall and Free Guided Mill Tours
“ Parliament Blog ” I think it is rare for MPs not to be secretly flattered when they find themselves the butt of cartoonists’ jokes - even though these images can be the most lasting and ultimately the most damaging to political careers.
are a minority not to be riled. Poor Harriet Harman cannot have known what she was unleashing with a throwaway remark about red squirrels ‘and other ginger rodents’. I can remember little else about Labour’s recent conference, so dominant did the ensuing controversy become.
Perhaps I am lucky that my red hair seems to hold the attention of most of the caricaturists. Better that than John Major’s grey complexion or Tony Blair’s mad, staring eye. At least my ‘ginger thatch’ is something which I hold in common with many others here in the Highlands and elsewhere. Ginger solidarity only manifests itself very occasionally, but the red-heads
I was happy to accept Ms Harman’s apology - and I would welcome her back to the Highlands to pursue her squirrel interest any time. I am not certain that her Scottish Labour colleagues will forgive her so fast… On a more serious note, I wish all Spotlight readers a very Happy New Year. Danny Alexan der MP
The Scottish Parliament was reconvened in 1999 by my mother Winnie, so we are now as an institution not yet in our teenage years! So it is early to claim that we have “traditions” such as in Westminster where each MP has a place to hang his sword! Or wear a top hat in order to make a point of order. But one incipient tradition in the Scottish Parliament is that we welcome children and school parties and every MSP frequently speaks to school parties in our education room and we do our best to answer questions. Indeed most schools prepare their pupils before the visit with basic facts about our Parliament. Most children are very interested, keen to learn and ready with their questions which are often more difficult than those of adults, such as “what have you achieved today?” or “why do politician’s argue so much?”
My wife Margaret was MP for Moray from 1987 until she passed away in 2006. She was once asked by a young lad from her patch “what does your husband do for ironing his shirts when you are away in London?” I think she explained that yours truly was perfectly capable of using the iron himself!! Male chauvinism is still with us! Another newer tradition is the work on committees which sees us discuss issues in a detailed fashion and without so much partisan party politics. These are the engine rooms of the Parliament - not regularly inspected by the public – but where much of the real work is done. Should any Spotlight reader wish to come to see the Parliament and witness our First Ministers Question Time or indeed committee work then we are always open to the public – accessible – and perhaps that is the most important tradition to have! Fergus Ewin g MS P
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SpotLight School Term Dates
Picture by Kurt simon, Copyright
School Term Dates for 2010/2011 (all dates inclusive) Spring Term Starts Monday 10th January 2011 Holiday Closure Monday 14th February 2011 Holiday Closure Tuesday 15th February 2011 Regional Closure Wed. 16th February 2011 Regional Closure Thursday 17th February 2011 Regional Closure Friday 18th February 2011 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
page 20 - January 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
tel: 01309 690063
SpotLight on Nairn and District
STYLE, QUALITY & VALUE Reserve your new home now for 2011 Part exchange available on selected plots*
15% D SHARE Y EQUIT E ABL AVAIL TED LEC ON SE TS* PLO
2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes at Meadow Lea, Nairn Show Home Opening Times: Thursday to Monday 11:30am till 5pm
Sales Office Telephone: 01667 452508 www.kylaurenhomes.co.uk * Offers available on selected plots subject to availability and Kylauren Homes terms & conditions
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SpotLight
Useful Contacts Holidays and Tide Times
Picture by Karen barclay, Copyright
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 Christmas Day Holiday* Boxing Day Holiday* New Years Day Holiday* 2nd January Holiday* Good Friday Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday
Mon. 27th Dec. 2010 Tues. 28th Dec. 2010 Mon. 3rd Jan. 2011 Tues. 4th Jan. 2011 Fri. 22nd April 2011 Mon. 25th April 2011 Mon. 2nd May 2011 Mon.30th May 2011
LOW TIDE TIMES FOR NAIRN IN JANUARY Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times AM PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
SA SU M TU W TH F
03.24 04.18 05.03 05.41 06.11 06.39 07.06
page 22 - January 2011
16.01 16.54 17.38 18.17 18.53 19.28 19.59
8 SA 9 SU 10 M 11 TU 12 W 13 TH 14 F 15 SA 16 SU 17 M 18 TU 19 W
Summer Bank Holiday Mon. 1st August 2011 St Andrews Day Weds. 30th Nov. 2011 Mon. 26th Dec. 2011 Christmas Day Holiday* Tues. 27th Dec. 2011 Boxing Day Holiday* New Years Day Holiday* Mon. 2nd Jan. 2012 Tues. 3rd Jan. 2012 2nd January Holiday* * substitute, as this holiday falls on a weekend or other bank holiday
AM 07.32 07.51 08.13 08.47 09.33 10.43 00.08 01.38 02.31 03.18 04.12 05.07
tel: 01309 690063
PM 20.29 20.45 20.54 21.34 22.34 13.26 14.32 15.24 16.15 17.04 17.50
20 TH 21 F 22 SA 23 SU 24 M 25 TU 26 W 27 TH 28 F 29 SA 30 SU 31 M
AM 05.56 06.38 07.19 08.00 08.39 09.20 10.04 11.03 00.18 02.05 03.15 04.12
PM 18.34 19.18 20.03 20.48 21.33 23.09 23.09 12.22 14.51 15.58 16.50
SpotLight on Nairn and District
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SpotLight Advertisers Index
Picture by Carl bailey, Copyright
1st Pizza Direct ....................................Outside Back Cover Alastair Munro Plumbing & Heating ................................23 Bakehouse Cafe..................................................................8 Beaver Travel ......................................................................5 Brodie Countryfare..............................................................7 Caledonian Kilts ................................................................23 Can-Do Services ....................................Front Cover, 7 & 15 East Grange Activity Centre ................................................5 Firefly IT Solutions ..............................................................3 Golf View Hotel..................................................................11 Gordon Scott Chartered Accountant ..................................7 JC Chimney Sweep ..........................................................23 John A Jack ........................................................................2 Johnstons of Elgin ............................................................17 Knockomie Hotel ..............................................................15 Kylauren Homes................................................................21
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SpotLight on Nairn and District
www.spotlighton.co.uk
January 2011 - page 23
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HAPPY NEW YEAR HAPPY NEW MENU MIDWEEK MADNESS
PIZZAS PIZZ AS NEW
CHICKEN TIKKA PIZZA Massala sauce base, chunks of chicken breast roasted in a tikka marinade, surrounded with mixed peppers, red onions and jalapenos PIRI PIRI PIZZA chunks of roast Piri Piri chicken with mixed peppers, red onions and a prinkling of red Chillis MIXED MUSHROOMS AND GORGONZOLA A selection of chantrelle, portebello and shitake mushrooms crumbled gorgonzola and loads of pure mozzarella GODFATHER THE GODFATHER Bolognaise base, with Pepperoni, Salami, spicy meatballs and chunks of Chorizo sausage..sprinkled with Parmesan and loaded with pure Mozzerella STAROPOLSKA PIZZA STAROPOLSKA Chunks of polish Kielbasa sausage, with mushrooms onions fresh garlic and Mozzarella FRY PIZZA!!! STIR FRY Chunks of mixed peppers, red onions sweet corn,mushrooms, corgettes, tomato, stir fried in a delicious sauce spread over one of our famous pizza bases, slathered with Mozzarella and oven baked to perfection
MONDAY MON DAYY DA
TUESDAY TUE SDAYY SDA
WEDNESDAY WEDNESDA SDAYY
FREE FISH*!!! Buy a Haddock Haddock and Chips and get a single single Haddock Haddock FREE!!
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TUNA MAYONAISSE MA YONAISSE HAM AND CHEDDAR PRAWN PRA WN MARI ROSE CORONATION CORONA TION CHICKEN
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HAM H AM CHUNKS CHUNKS WITH WITH MATURE M ATURE CHEDDAR CHEDDAR FFRIED RIED CHICKEN CHICKEN & CHEESE CHEESE PEPPERONI MOZZERELLA P EPPERONI & M OZZERELL A CHICKEN CHICKEN TIKKA TIKK A MASSALLA MASSALL A MIXED MIXED MUSHROOM MUSHROOM & GORGONZOLA¬ GORGONZOL A¬ V ROASTED ROASTED PEPPERS, PEPPERS, ONIONS CHEDDAR ONIONS & C HEDDAR WITH WITH A JJALAPENO AL APENO KICK KICK V
FREE PIZZA!!! Any Pizza any size size with 4 or more more toppings and get another the same FREE!!
Shredded Iceberg lettuce, mixed peppers, diced tomatoes. cucumber,, sweetcorn, red onion cucumber and of course our famous home made coleslaw coleslaw..
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HOMEMADE H OMEMADE CHILLI CHILLI &C CHEDDAR HEDDAR MELT MELT CRISPY BBQ CHICKEN C RISPY B BQ C HICKEN FFRANKFURTER RANKFURTER & FFRIED RIED ONIONS ONIONS
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01349 864979
61 High Street
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Vegetarian V : Vegetarian
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