SpotLight on Nairn & District April 2014

APRIL 2014

NAI R N & D I S T RI C T THE NORTH’S FAVOURITE FREE WEE MAG

embroidery

This Month’s Features Eating Out & Gardening

printing signs vehicle graphics

01343 541414 www.dallas designs.co.uk

LUNCH SPECIALS Homemade Soup and Sandwich .................... £5.95 H O T E L

&

O R C H I D

R E S T A U R A N T

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MOBILITY DEALS BROUGHT TO YOU

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All mobility repairs, servicing and modifications are made at our work-shop in Forres. We offer a collection and deliver service covering all areas in Moray and the North of Scotland*

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FREE AT HOME DEMONSTRATIONS FREE DELIVERIES SERVICE & MAINTENANCE OPTIONS

HOURS OF BUSINESS Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Easy parking & disabled toilet facilities

3 Critical Features to demand from Your New Vet...

Moving to a new area is a challenging process for your family, your pet will be stressed by the process as well. At Moray Coast Vet Group we want you to know that we are here to help you and your pets settle into the area.

Why would you use us? Well it’s simple really, we have been vets in this area for a very long time and can offer your pet the following 3 critical benefits: to a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Accredited Practice, Access meaning your pet will be treated to the highest standards. convenient surgery locations making it easy to get to us Four day and night. and well equipped surgeries meaning we can treat all routine Modern conditions without the need to refer your pet.

So all you need to do now, for peace of mind for you and your pet, is call us to say ‘hello’ and we will do all that is necessary to register your pet with our practice. Oh, and we will call your old vet to request your pet’s existing notes, so we can be familiar with everything we need to know.

Now that is peace of mind for your pet.

Call us now on: CARING FOR YOUR COMPANIONS

Forres Surgery (main branch) 01309 672243 Nairn Surgery 01667 453161 Lossiemouth Surgery 01343 815335 Balloch Surgery 01463 794224 24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER 01309 672243 www.moraycoastvetgroup.co.uk

HARRISON BUILD Extensions and New Builds Full Architectural Service and Local Authority Planning and Permissions Smooth Render Forming Doorways, Fyfestone Windows, etc Picking and Pointing (Slappings) Scratch Coating and Concreting, Floors, etc Harling (Dry Dash) Slabbing and Patios FREE quotation and project management

Building Kit and Traditional Blockwork Brickwork Sandstone

Granite

Tel: 01343 815855 Mob: 07815 794043 East Cliff, Lossiemouth IV31 6QT

CLUBS & SOCIETIES AJG FORRES AND NAIRN WELFARE FOOTBALL LEAGUE April - September games played in Nairn, Forres, Kinloss and Elgin. Match details available in local press and via the website www.leaguewebsite.co.uk/ forresnairnwfa/Home or via email at forresnairnwfa@hotmail.co.uk AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS Free, confidential help & support to the relatives & friends of problem drinkers. Local weekly groups in Highland area. Call 020 7403 0888 for a local contact number for your area or visit www.al-anonuk.org.uk BEFRIENDERS HIGHLAND Voluntary organisation, coordinating friendships between volunteers and people who have mental health problems and feel lonely or isolated. Contact Heather Forbes 451444 or email nairn@befriendershighland.org.uk www.befriendershighland.org.uk CAKE WALK & STORY GROUP Regular walks for all ages. For more details call Guy on 07724 992790 / www.guyandjocelyn.org

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page 4 - April 2014

CROSSROADS Provide and develop a high quality, cost effective, domiciliary respite care service for carers within Nairn & Distict. Contact 455369 CULBIN SINGERS Regular Thursday evening practice sessions take place in St Leonard's Church Hall in Forres. New members welcome. alasdair@manachie.eclipse.co.uk FAMILY FIRST (BADENOCH, STRATHSPEY & NAIRN) Support service via home based volunteer support and or group support for families with a child under 4. Contact Lynne 452865 FORUM FOR MEN Wednesdays, 8pm at Macnabs Bar, Columba Hotel. For gay and bi men. Look for the small red post box on our table. Text 07941 553620, www.gay-ness.org.uk or e-mail jampa40@yahoo.co.uk FREE SOCIAL GROUP Last Thursday every month 7pm Muckle Cross, Elgin. For over 21s in Moray Walking group, weekends away, attending music, theatre & cinema events.

New members always welcome.

HIGHLAND LGBT FORUM Reg. charity with regular social events in Inverness for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Call 07512 231904 or visit www.gay-ness.org.uk NAIRN DOMINO LEAGUE Contact 452496

INVERNESS ADVANCED MOTORISTS 5 Tuesdays from 22nd April, 7:30pm, Holiday Inn Express, Inverness. Improve your driving with the Inverness branch of the IAM - lectures and practical tuition to bring you up to the IAM test standard. For details email info@inverness-iam.org INVERNESS CHORAL SOCIETY Mondays, 7:30pm (except summer holidays) at Smithton Free Church, Inverness. The largest choir in the Highlands, performing two classical concerts a year at Eden Court Theatre. New members welcome in Jan & Aug. For details visit www.invernesschoral.org.uk LEAGUE OF FRIENDS OF NAIRN HOSPITAL Our charity raises funds to provide extra comforts for staff and patients at Nairn Town County Hospital and also provide equipment for the hospital. Contact 452243 MUSIC NAIRN Charitable organisation to promote about seasonal events.

Classical and chamber music of the highest quality chamber opera, poetry. Contact Nairn Community Centre 453476 NAIRN DRAMA CLUB Mondays from 7:30pm, The Little Theatre in Nairn. Amateur drama club open to everyone, whatever your interest in theatre. Visit www.nairndrama.org.uk, email enquiries@nairndrama.org.uk or phone Helen Wright tel: 452505

OPENING NEW DOORS FOR YOUR HOME IN 2014 FrontGuard - Steel door leaf with foam filled core. 11- point security. Classic, contemporary and modern designs.

Garage Door, Front Door and Security Shutter Specialists

NAIRN & DISTRICT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION New beekeepers or visitors welcome at our monthly meetings. Call 454887 or email jandjburns@hotmail.com NAIRN BOWLING CLUB Monday & Wednesday 2pm, Friday 7pm, April-Sept, Juniors Sunday. Contact Mary Pellow 455515. New members welcome NAIRN DISABLED SPORTS CLUB We cater for bowlers and athletes who have a disability.

Contact 07766 952477 NAIRN GAELIC CHOIR Gaelic and other choral music, promoting the Gaelic language.

Contact 452584 or email christinagillies@hotmail.co.uk NAIRN LADIES CURLING CLUB Friendly club offering good fun social curling. New members welcome. Contact 404256 NAIRN SOCCER SEVEN'S Mondays 6pm - 7.15pm, Easter to October. Qualified SFA coaches provide coaching and games. P2 - P7. Contact 452930 NAIRN SPORTS CLUB Something for everyone - Fitness classes, Gym, Tennis, Squash & Badminton Courts, Sauna, Nonmembers welcome. Contact 454523 or email info@nairnsportsclub.co.uk PLEASE NOTE: Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis.

If you would like details of your club or society included in this section, please let us know. All club listings are free. Not all clubs will be listed in every issue.

GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS

01309 671477

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The Editor

Easter is upon us and hopefully some warmer weather to match!

I overheard a conversation recently about the origins of Easter and it seems that there are as many theories for this as there are spring flowers in the parks. All I know is that it presents the best excuse yet for over-indulging in the consumption of chocolate at all times of the day.

Long live Easter!!

PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes SALES ......................... Peter Evans ACCOUNTS ...................Wendy Day DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LAYOUT .................Tamsyn Dickson

May Issue Deadlines Editorial - Friday 04/04/14 Advertising - Wednesday 09/04/14

FAST FIX - ELGIN Lido Close, Off High Street. 01343 550679 FAST FIX - FORRES 86 High Street. 07725 209110 FAST FIX - NAIRN 5 High Street. 07801 124414

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Lucky Dip Discover an array of Easter treats in our Foodhall Delicious Food Tastings Exciting Easter Competitions New Spring Fashion Brodie by Forres 01309 641555 Open 7 days 9.30am - 5.30pm www.brodiecountryfare.com

PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS Do you know?

The women were talking nonsense.

The men regarded the testimony of the women as idle tales and thought they were delirious and fevered! Had all the drama and emotion of these past days been too much? That is what the women had to face from the men on Resurrection Morning.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ lies right at the very heart of the Christian Faith. No other faith has a leader who is alive. In Luke Chapter 24, the women made their way through the streets of Jerusalem early in the morning. It had been a long wait, three days and three nights, since the body of Jesus Christ was taken off the Cross, dead, and laid in that tomb.

They go prepared to anoint the dead remains of the Jesus they had loved.

The voice of God had been silent over these three long days. Those who had wanted Jesus Christ out of the way and silenced once and for all, thought they had won. We have got rid of that troublemaker at last. Dead men don't rise. They had little knowledge of the power of God. They were unaware of what the Holy Spirit

could do. Those who plotted and planned to have Jesus crucified knew very little about the ministry of angels, and not a clue as to the will of God the Father!

When the women arrived at the tomb, they found two things they were not prepared for - the stone rolled away and no dead Jesus inside! How would you have reacted? God is full of surprises. We never know what He is going to do next.

Angels appear and ask, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?

This is the cemetery - the graveyard.

He is not here. He is risen. Do you not remember that he told you all this when he was with you?”

Problems and fears arise when we forget the words of Jesus. They were hearing what common sense was saying, but had forgotten what Jesus had said. It is not easy for common sense to come to terms with the Resurrection of Jesus.

The angels continue, “He explained everything to you. He told you He would be delivered into the hands of sinful men. He told you he would be crucified. He told you that on the third

Ardersier with Petty Parish Church, Church of Scotland Sundays 10.15am. Petty Sundays 12 noon.Tel: 01667 462224.

Auldearn and Dalmore Parish Church Sundays 12noon.

Contact Fraser Turner (interim moderator) on 01463 794004 Cawdor Parish Church Sunday 10.15am. Contact Rev. JS Mathieson: 01667 493217.

Nairn Baptist Church Nairn Community Centre. Sundays 11am. Contact the pastor: 01667 459672 or secretary 01667 452351 or visit www.nairnbaptistchurch.org.uk Nairn Christian Fellowship Sundays 10.30am. Wednesday 7.30pm: praise and Bible study. Contact Sandy Shaw: 01667 456492.

Nairn Free Church Sundays 11am with Sunday school and crèche (Gordon St). Evening 6pm (Gordon St). Youth club for S1 up on Wednesday at 6.30pm (Rosebank Hall). Prayer and Bible study Thursday 11am or 7:30pm onalternate weeks (Gordon Street). Contact Minister Murdo MacLeod: 01667 459131.

Nairn Old Parish Church 10.30am: holiday worship and crèche. Contact Rev. Alistair S. Younger on 01463 242873

page 6 - April 2014

day he would be raised”. Then they remembered his Words. Jesus does not dismiss us if we do not get everything right first time.

Two of these things had come true.

Could they not believe for the third?

We all need reminders of the words of Jesus - and we need reminding often.

It is when we forget the Word and move away from the Word, that things tend to go wrong.

The women returned from the tomb, to tell the disciples what they had experienced. They openly told their story. Peter and John went to check out what the women were saying, and soon all Jerusalem knew that Jesus Christ was alive.

Do you?

Sandy Shaw Nairn Christian Fellowship

St Ninians Church Sunday services and Sunday school: 10.15am. Wednesday 7.30pm: prayer meeting. Contact Fraser Turner (interim moderator) on 01463 794004 St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Family Eucharist on Sundays at 10.30am. Holy Communion on Wednesdays at 10.30am. conatct Rev.Canon Alison J Simpson 01667 452458 St Mary’s Catholic Church IV12 4RJ. Saturday Vigil 6pm.

Sunday Mass 11.30am. Tel: 01667 453323.

United Reformed Church Sunday services and Sunday School with crèche 11am. Contact Rev. Steven Manders: 01667 451443.

The Pentecostal Church of God Nairn Sundays 10.30am.

Contact Minister JD Grant on 01667 456088 or visit www.churchofgodnairn.org Nairn Joint Service at Nairn St Ninian's Church of Scotland.

First Sunday each month at 6:30pm.

If you are a member of a church not listed here and would like to be considered for inclusion or if there are any amendments to existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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USEFUL INFORMATION Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days Mothering Sunday British Summertime Starts Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Father’s Day Longest Day

Sun 30th Mar 2014 Sun 30th Mar 2014 Fri 18th Apr 2014 Sun 20th Apr 2014 Mon 21st Apr 2014 Mon 5th May 2014 Mon 26th May 2014 Sun 15th Jun 2014 Sat 21st Jun 2014

Summer Bank Holiday Mon 4th Aug 2014 British Summertime Ends Sun 26th Oct 2014 Halloween Fri 31st Oct 2014 Bonfire Night Wed 5th Nov 2014 St Andrew’s Day Sun 30th Nov 2014 St Andrew’s Day Observed Mon 1st Dec 2014 Shortest Day Sun 21st Dec 2014 Christmas Day Thurs 25th Dec 2014 Boxing Day Fri 26th Dec 2014

School Term Dates

for 2013/2014 (all dates inclusive) Spring Term Ends Fri 4th Apr 2014 Good Friday Holiday Fri 18th Apr 2014 Easter Monday Holiday Mon 21st Apr 2014 Summer Term Starts Tues 22nd Apr 2014 May Day Holiday Mon 5th May 2014 Summer Term Ends Thurs 3rd Jul 2014 for 2014/2015 (all dates inclusive) In-Service Day Mon 18th Aug 2014 Autumn Term Starts Tues 19th Aug 2014 In-Service Day Thurs 25th Sep 2014

In-Service Day Autumn Term Ends Autumn Holiday Starts Autumn Holiday Ends Winter Term Starts Winter Term Ends Christmas Holiday Starts Christmas Holiday Ends Spring Term Starts Mid Term Holiday Mid Term Holiday

Useful Contacts

SCHOOLS Auldearn Primary School ..............................01667 452118 Cawdor Primary School ................................01667 402460 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 Nairn Healthcare Group ................................01667 452096 Nairn Sports Medicine Clinic ........................01667 454523 DENTISTS Jones Jones & Behrendt ..............................01667 453189 RM Donald & Associates ..............................01667 454603 Dental Unit at Nairn Hospital ........................01667 422722 PHARMACIES Lloyds Pharmacy ..........................................01667 453100 Boots The Chemist ........................................01667 453169 page 8 - April 2014

Fri 26th Sep 2014 Fri 10th Oct 2014 Mon 13th Oct 2014 Fri 24th Oct 2014 Mon 27th Oct 2014 Fri 19th Dec 2014 Mon 22nd Dec 2014 Fri 2nd Jan 2015 Mon 5th Jan 2015 Mon 16th Feb 2015 Tues 17th Feb 2015

VETS Moray Coast ..................................................01667 453161 Inshes Veterinary Clinic Inverness ................01463 711777 Nairn Community Centre ..............................01667 453476 Police Station ..................................................................101 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 would like to add a contact or if there are any amendments to be made to existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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Woodend, Ardclach by Nairn Guide Price £285,000 This 5/6 bedroom property has been reduced to a give away price £35,000 below survey value!!!

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7 Sandwood Drive Fixed Price £172,000 Deceptively spacious family home.

4 bed/2bath, lounge/ diner, Kichen/diner, utility room, sun trap south west facing garden. Large drive for several cars. Must view!

Dalmore Farmhouse, Auldearn Guide Price £275,000 Oozing with charm this Victorian farmhouse is located in a truly idyllic setting with stunning south facing rural views. Included in the sale is a plot of land with planning permission. Comprises 2 Reception Rooms, 3 double bedrooms, attic room, bathroom, kitchen/diner. Good sized gardens and extra plot.

9 Colin Young Place Fixed Price £82,000 Lovely modern one bed flat with partial sea views in centre of Nairn. Ideal first time buy or buy to let.

17, Balmakeith Park, Fixed Price £229,950 (Reduced £20,000 below survey value) Fabulous four bed family home with new sun room extension.

2 bath, lounge, kitchen/diner, utility room, garage. Lovely views –south facing garden and fields beyond. Picture of views.

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PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES Every Highlander can be proud of our superb primary schools. I recently showed off the excellent Ardersier Primary to my colleague, the Secretary of State for Scotland, Alistair Carmichael and the following week I was treated to a Dragon's Den style presentation by the pupils of Bunsgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis in ASDA supermarket. In Ardersier Primary, youngsters take part in a range of citizenship activities. Needless to say, the children were all very enthusiastic and incredibly well rounded. The staff are doing a wonderful job. The would be entrepreneurs of Bunsgoil Ghaidhlig Inbhir Nis also astounded. As part of youth enterprise which helps primary school children create and run their own company, the team of eleven year olds gave a very professional and articulate business pitch. No doubt we will see them on future episodes of The Apprentice! It is important that we encourage responsibility, creativity and innovation in our young people from an early age and I want to see more initiatives that help develop the next generation. Danny Alexander MP

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR NAIRN IN APRIL Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

TU W TH F SA SU M

AM 07:43 08:19 08:56 09:31 09:57 10:07 11:15

PM 20:10 20:44 21:16 21:23 21:29 22:12 23:24

People the world over are contra suggestive. For example, on my travels to promote Scotland’s wave and tidal energy sector, I recently visited Stornoway. The visit was to host a summit to consider the challenges facing delivering to the Western Isles and Orkney and Shetland the increased connections they need to the mainland to export renewable energy - up to no less than 5% of the whole of the UK electricity needs. One man in his early forties, a native of Stornoway told me that 250 of his contemporaries from the island had recently held a school reunion there. He told me that all of them said that the Islands were the safest and best place in the world to bring up their children, but they had to leave the island for work. The opportunity exists now to bring renewable jobs on a large scale to the islands, and deliver opportunities for generations of young people to come. A prize worth striving for.

Fergus Ewing MSP

AM 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

TU W TH F SA SU M TU W TH F SA

03:04 03:55 04:33 05:00 05:30 06:06 06:43 07:20 07:58 08:35 09:14

PM 14:29 15:31 16:17 16:54 17:26 17:58 18:34 19:10 19:48 20:26 21:04 21:43

M OTO R FAC TO R S

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SU M TU W TH F SA SU M TU W

AM 09:58 11:00 00:48 02:33 03:45 04:40 05:29 06:10 06:48 07:24

PM 22:27 23:31 12:15 13:50 15:16 16:21 17:14 17:58 18:38 19:13 19:45

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page 10 - April 2014

estwoo W

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garden

Caring about...

Lichen – fungus on the lawn explained!

One of the joys of our wonderful environment up here is the clean air, and one of the organisms which thrives locally is dog lichen. There are hundreds of species here, growing on trees, rocks and on the grass ! It is particularly at home on ground which has become compacted and is low on nutrients. It is one of the most common

For more information about seasonal

questions we get from baffled homeowners, and

lawn improvements from just £15 per qtr,

many have found that the garden centre

plus useful downloads and photos, go to

people aren’t sure how to deal with it.

www.greenthumb.co.uk. Although

We shift it by aerating the ground with a big

GreenThumb is a national franchise with

hollow-core tining machine which removes

over 200 branches across the UK, we are

thousands of cores from the ground allowing air

locally based in Nairnshireand cover the

to circulate. A regular feeding programme for

whole Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair

the lawn strengthens the grass and this tips the

or Fiona for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on

balance of conditions back in favour of the

01667 460012,

grass, as with all things in nature, it’s about competition. There are no chemical products which permanently remove lichen. You need to improve the ground conditions, otherwise nothing really changes. You’ll be stuck with moss and lichen problems. Golf courses do this all the time, and so do we.

Aerating the ground at the end of winter should be part of routine lawncare in any case. The freeze/thaw, freeze/thaw weather we get compacts most ground round here which prevents tender new plant roots spreading, even if the grass has had a spring feed. The ground is too solid. You should of course still be thinking about scarifying before putting on a spring feed.

12

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history

LOGIE STEADING

Alexander Grant (1864 – £ ÎÇ®]ÊÌ iÊÃ Ê vÊ>Ê}Õ>À`Ê Ê the Highland Railway, was born, and educated in Forres. Apprenticed to a Forres baker he progressed to Edinburgh where he worked for Robert McVitie eventually becoming Chairman of the biscuit business. He developed the Digestive Biscuit and opened factories in Edinburgh, London and Manchester. Becoming a wealthy man and a generous benefactor, he bought Forres House and }À Õ `ÃÊ­ ÜÊ À> ÌÊ*>À ®Êv ÀÊ ÀÀiÃ]Ê> `Ê«> `Êv ÀÊ improvements to Nairn Harbour. Further afield he gave £200,000 to create the National Library of Scotland, and £50,000 to the University of Edinburgh to support the new science campus at King’s Buildings.

Sir Alexander Grant bought Logie estate in 1924 – in the same year that he was created a Baronet. He renovated Logie House and built the sandstone farm buildings. After his death, Sir Robert, his son, started work on the adjacent garage and chauffeur’s >VV `>Ì Ê­> >Ê/ iÊ }Ê >À>}i®ÆÊÌ ÃÊÜ>ÃÊ iÛiÀÊ completed due to the outbreak of WWII. Sir Robert’s i« iÜ]Ê-> `ÞÊ > }]Ê iÀ Ìi`ÊÌ iÊiÃÌ>ÌiÊ Ê£ {Ç°ÊÊ During his tenure a herd of 100 Ayrshire cows were milked in the farm buildings. The milking parlour was where the Heritage Centre is now; the bull pens were where Cloudhowe is, and the cows wintered where the café is. Quite a change!

14

In 1983 the decision was made to sell the dairy herd, and the buildings became redundant. Alasdair Laing inherited from his father, Sandy, in 1988. In 1991, with financial assistance from HIDB, the Steading was developed into workshops - the first tenants were the Tea Room, Logie Gunmakers, Neil Oliver the engraver, and the Art Gallery; over the next 20 years, the River Findhorn Heritage Centre opened, the playground was built, river walks developed, there have been open air theatre performances, and new businesses have opened.

In 2012 it became evident that the Café needed larger premises to cater for the increasing number of visitors.

It seemed to be the right time to develop the Big Garage.

Giles Pearson’s Antiques, and the Farm & Garden Shop moved across the car park, and the Olive Tree Café has opened to great acclaim in the vacated space.

} iÊ ÃÌ>ÌiÊ"vv Vi]Ê ÀÀiÃ]Ê À>Þ]Ê 6ÎÈÊÓ+ ]Ê-V Ì > `ÊUÊ/i \Êä£Îä ÊÈ££ÊÎÇn

Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area *Deadline for the May Issue: Friday, 4th April* Email: tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk Telephone: 01309 690063

Inclusion of events in What’s On is free.

We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops.

Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes to events.

MARCH 2014 27 thursday

APRIL 2014 2 wednesday wildlife warriors @ the scottish dolphin centre spey bay’s kids club is back for easter. £2 per child. call 01343 820 339 for more information. spring finger puppets @ the falconer museum 1pm 3pm, forres. free family friendly workshops, all children must be accompanied by an adult. peatbog faeries @ universal hall 7:30pm. tickets £14 / £12 / £10 u16's (concessions). for more info visit www.universalhall.co.uk

3 thursday

music nairn presents ‘divertimenti string sextet’ 7:30pm nairn community and arts centre. playing strauss, martinu, boccherini, brahms. for more info visit www.musicnairn.org.uk or call 01667 455701

holiday time with shrimps active play 10am - 12pm, findhorn village centre. babies - nursery. £2.50 per child including refreshments. call 01309 692339.

29 saturday al-anon family groups ‘public meeting’ 10:30am 12pm at the thistle hotel, millburn road, inverness. if you are concerned about someone else’s drinking please come along - perhaps we can help. nairn variety show 2014 @ nairn community centre. hosted by stv news reporter nicola mcalley and john the prof matheson. a night of song,music & dance. tickets £15. all proceeds to the highland hospice. call jill on 07795 818089. in memory of fraser cruickshank who died at only 19. ceilidh 7:30pm, glen mhor hotel, inverness. another popular evening of live music & ceilidh dancing from reel ceilidhs. all welcome! advance tickets £5 online only from www.reelceilidhs.moonfruit.com. standard tickets £6.50 in praise of elephants @ universal hall 7:30pm. tickets £10 / £8 / £6 U16's (concessions). for more info visit www.universalhall.co.uk

30 sunday mundole equestrian: show jumping entry on the day. contact for schedule: 07901 602042 or mundole1@btinternet.com james ross concert @ brodie castle within the main drawing room. for further details and to book call 0844 493 2156 or go onto www.nts.org.uk/events

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

NAIRN Nairn Community & Arts Centre Your local venue for films, shows, concerts, and parties. Wide range of activities for all ages.

APRIL EVENTS Fri 4th & Sat 5th....................SCDA Festival of One Act Plays Highland Divisional Finals 7pm Sat 12th.......................................................................... Craft Fair Fri 18th & Sat 19th............................. Affordable Art Exhibition Sat 19th............................................ Talk by “Laurie Campbell” Scotland’s premier wildlife photographer 7.30pm Sat 26th.........................................Highland Rock Garden Show Sat 26th.... Cinema Nairn “Grow Your Own” (PG) 2007 7.30pm Sun 27th ..............................Music Nairn “Beard Quartet” 3pm For further details, telephone 01667 453476, e-mail info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

April 2014 - page 15

6 sunday

YOUTH LEADER VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME If you are aged 15-24, love the great outdoors, care about the environment and are keen to help and inspire others, the Wild things! Youth Leader Volunteer Programme is for you!

To find out more about volunteering with us and our free training course, contact us on...

www.wild-things.org.uk

...01309 690450

4 friday holiday drop in, shrimps parent & toddler group 9:30am - 11am, findhorn village centre. open to all the family. £2 per family including refreshments & real coffee. call 01309 692339.

5 saturday baby & children's market 10am - 1pm at millburn academy, inverness. 1000s of pre-loved items all under one roof! clothing, toys, books, furniture, prams, carseats, garden toys and footwear all at bargain prices direct from the owners. adult entry £1 (under 16s free) • info@happymumsmarket.co.uk mind, body & spirit fair 10:30am - 4pm, mosset tavern, forres. £3 admission. over 20 stalls and many ‘taster sessions’ in a choice of therapies. for more information contact sandy combe on 01343 850087 or email enquiries@sand-ease.co.uk highland landscape & the future - what do we value?

9:45am - 4:30pm, smithton free church, inverness. study day with speakers & workshops on how we would like to see our landscape develop. £20 which includes lunch contact jenny on 01381 610301 or email jenny.brogden@btinternet.com scottish teas & crafts 1pm - 5pm, findhorn village centre. all funds raised to the findhorn village centre charity. call 01309 692339 for more information. highland darts challenge @ ironworks 7pm. over 18s. call 0871 77894173 • www.ironworksvenue.com

Bushcraft Clubs BOOK ON-LINE NOW! Wild things! Bushcraft Clubs running in the Easter Holidays and throughout the summer term. Ages 8 - 16yrs.

Contact us for full details.

Subsidies available for low income families

Call 01309 690450 www.wild-things.org.uk page 16 - April 2014

mundole equestrian: british dressage & unaffiliated contact 07901 602042 or mundole1@btinternet.com ranger walks - finding the findhorn 1pm - 5pm. meeting place given out on booking. adults £5, conc. £3, family £12. booking essential. contact john orr on 01463 255291 or email rangers.inverness@highland.gov.uk

9 wednesday highland rock garden club 7:30pm, nairn community centre. ian young, (ex beechgrove potting shed) srgc website “bulb log live”. call 01320 366246 for details. wildlife warriors @ the scottish dolphin centre spey bay’s kids club is back for easter. £2 per child. call 01343 820 339 for more information. make your own sundials @ the falconer museum 1pm - 3pm, forres. free family friendly workshops, all children must be accompanied by an adult. ranger walks - culloden creature trail 2pm - 4pm. meet at culloden avenue car park, next to the doocot. adults £3, conc. £2, family £8. booking essential. contact john orr on 01463 255291 or email rangers.inverness@highland.gov.uk

10 thursday nairn & district gardening club: "the fife garden trail" with lindsay murray 7:30pm at nairn community & arts centre. culbin singers spring concert 7:30pm, st laurence church, forres. tickets, £12, £10 and £5 (u12) from members, gazette office, r&r urquhart solicitors, bookmark, grantown, sound and vision, elgin or email alasdair@manachie.eclipse.co.uk highland decorative & fine arts society (hdfas)‘out of the blue: the story of blue in art’ by alexandra drysdale ba (hons) 2:15pm - 3.30pm. non members £5. nadfas lecture at smithton free church, murray road, inverness. new members welcome. email membership sec drmaryharrison2@yahoo.com or chair davidmartin30@hotmail.com (07595 219308) holiday time with shrimps active play 10am - 12pm, findhorn village centre. babies - nursery. £2.50 per child including refreshments. call 01309 692339.

11 friday holiday drop in, shrimps parent & toddler group 9:30am - 11am, findhorn village centre. open to all the family. £2 per family including refreshments & real coffee. call 01309 692339.

12 saturday craft fair 10:30am - 4pm, nairn community centre. fundraiser for nairn citizens advice bureau. 30 tables of mixed crafts with refreshments available plus raffle where first prize will be cash. for more info contact nairn cab on 01667 456677 macfloyd: into the distance 1967 - 1994 @ ironworks 7:30pm. 0871 77894173 • www.ironworksvenue.com

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

12 saturday - 13 sunday daffodil tours @ brodie castle as part of scotland’s garden scheme. the walks will take place on the hour from 11am with the last tour at 3pm and will last for around 45mins. the cost is £3 per person including nts members. visit www.nts.org.uk/events

13 sunday mundole equestrian: show jumping entry on the day. contact 07901 602042 or mundole1@btinternet.com

15 tuesday

abbamania @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 77894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

27 sunday music nairn presents ‘the beard quartet’ 3pm, nairn community and arts centre. playing brahms clarinet trio and messiaen's 'quartet for the end of time'. visit www.musicnairn.org.uk or call 01667 455701

29 tuesday mark thomas @ universal hall 8pm. tickets £15 / 10 (concessions). visit www.universalhall.co.uk for info.

e 37 xperie n ce 43

ranger walks - aquabeasts on the river nairn 2pm 4pm. meeting place given out on booking. adults £3, conc. £2, family £8. booking essential. contact john orr on 01463 255291•rangers.inverness@highland.gov.uk

19 saturday nairn men’s breakfast 9:45am for 10am at dunbar golf club, nairn. testimony by colin murray. share food and fellowship and hear what god is doing in other people’s lives. contact campbell on 01667 455149 by 6:30pm friday 18th to book your place. talks by laurie campbell, scotlands premier wildlife photographer 7:30pm, nairn community & arts centre. tickets from nairn community & arts centre or online at www.nairncameraclub.co.uk bags of rock @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 77894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

19 saturday - 21monday cadbury easter egg trail @ brodie castle 11am 4pm. further details at www.nts.org.uk/events

20 sunday

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www.1629lossiemouth.co.uk 1629restaurant@btconnect.com

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43

20 Clifton Rd, Lossiemouth IV31 6DJ Bookings Now being taken for (20th APRIL)

SPECIAL EASTER SUNDAY LUNCH (from 12pm) or TRADITIONAL HIGH TEA (from 5pm)

iches, Cakes, Gateaux and Pop down for Afternoon Tea, Sandw why not finish off with a glass of Prosecco.

2 COURSE BACK BY EARLY BIRD MENU POPULAR! 5.30 - 7.30pm Sunday to Friday £1 15.50 DEMAND per person

ironworks easter showcase 2014 @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 77894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com

23 wednesday beyond presents: ryan keen @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 77894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com

25 friday - 27 sunday cromarty arts trust - crime and thrillers weekend for info or to book tickets call 01381 600354 or see www.cromartyartstrust.org.uk

TRADITIONAL 3 COURSE SUNDAY LUNCH

scottish rock garden club highland show and plant sale plant sale opens 10:30am, show opens 12pm at nairn community centre. call 01320 366246 cinema nairn: ‘grow your own’ 7:30pm at nairn community & arts centre. a comedy for the gardeners! tickets at door. info at cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk

12.30pm - 4pm

£17.50 per person

La Caverna Caverna Cave erna LOSSIEMOUTH

26 saturday

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

CONTINENTAL & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

M

moray steiner school may fair 11am - 3pm, at moray steiner school. face painting, bbq, cafe and crafts. call 01309 676300 more more details. lostalone @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 77894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

ng

17saturday

ITALIAN TAPAS BAR & PIZZARIA

SUNDAY LUNCH 2 Course...£9.50 FISH SUPPER TEA* 4pm - 6pm...£9.50 *Fresh Local Fish cooked to your liking served with Bread & Butter, finished of with delicious Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding.

01343 813027

tel: 01309 690063

April 2014 - page 17

La Caverna Review Thurs 27th February We were just two for supper, Karen and myself, and were immediately made to feel extremely welcome. However, we were not alone as La Caverna was really buzzing for a Thursday night, far more diners than we expected. We enjoyed the less-formal atmosphere that the downstairs offers diners and we found ourselves seated in the fascinating architecture of an original 17th Century Salt Cellar. We were asked to consider menus that cover all tastes, offering a huge choice of continental dishes and delights. While we could select from 9 succulent starters, 7 pasta dishes, 15 pizzas, 8 different burgers, half-a-dozen ‘Specials,’ and far more besides, we fancied trying the tapas, as there were 14 different dishes helped by the fullest explanation of each one within the menus.

For starters we chose the Paté and Minestrone Soup – these were a great way to start the meal, especially as the Soup consisted of the full and flavour-filled freshness of Mediterranean vegetables, and the Paté was cleverly aided by a whisky infusion and the tastiest of salsas.

The tapas we chose were very diverse, and included 3 choices from the standard tapas menu – Chicken and Ham Strips with Mozzarella, Braised Beef in Red Wine and Cannelloni Beans, Sauted Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes with Salsa, and a further 3 choices from the ‘special’ tapas list – Fresh Crab with Lemon and topped with Prawns, Parma Ham and Buffalo Mozzarella with Melon, and Smoked Scottish Salmon with Marie Rose Prawns. Once again we were astounded by the variety of taste explosions that were placed on the table. Karen believed the Smoked Salmon and Parma Ham dishes were ‘to-die-for’, while I could not over-praise the Chicken and Ham Strips or Braised Beef – both were ‘melt-in-your-mouth’ heaven.

In summary - deepest levels of pleasure for the food and wine coupled with the awesome atmosphere of care and attention that came from all the staff at La Caverna. Friendly faces regularly appeared to ensure that our evening would pass smoothly and that we would leave so happily. Our grateful thanks go to all the waiting staff for making the meal a memorable experience and one to heartly recommend without reservation to family and friends.

La Cav Caverna erna LOSSIEMOUTH

18

ITALIAN TAPAS BAR & PIZZARIA

Review by

Peter & Karen Portnockie

The Barn Steakhouse & Grill Review Friday 28th February Walking into The Barn Steakhouse & Grill we couldn't help but be impressed by the superb dĂŠcor. Although modern and spacious it maintains a warm and cosy feel. They have a fabulous bar which is very well stocked with a vast selection of local beers, lager and cocktails as well as an impressive whisky collection and you can't help but be mesmerised by the funky lighting.

With a warm welcome we were shown to our table and talked through the brand new menu and specials. Complimentary canapes while we waited for our starters was a nice touch and perfect to get the taste buds going.

Our starter of Goats Cheese Bruschetta arrived shortly after and was not only a visual delight but a treat for the taste buds too.

The mains include all the steakhouse classics with a few slightly more exotic choices such as Wild Boar Burgers and Bison Ribeye.

I had one of the specials - the Spicy Chicken Tower Burger comprising 2 spicy coated chicken fillets, mexicana cheese, tomato, red onion and lettuce on a brioche bun, my wife had Southern Fried Chicken & half rack of BBQ Ribs and the kids chose the 4oz Burger & Chips. A generous portion of chunky chips and coleslaw accompanied both adult meals. Everything was perfectly cooked, succulent, juicy and delicious with the quality of ingredients evident.

Although completely sated we simply had to sample a dessert.

The ice cream choices included bubblegum ripple, choco mallow and banana, to mention a few and we decided to share a Rich Chocolate & Caramel Mousse with Pistachio ice cream. Again, faultless and left us fighting over the spoon.

The restaurant also has a light bite menu and a full roast menu on a Sunday and since it is conveniently located next to the Playbarn (a huge childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indoor soft play centre) and a karting track it could be the perfect place to combine with a fun day out with the kids.

All in all a delightful evening with scrumptious food, fantastic service and great atmosphere. We can't wait to go again!

The

Barn

STEAKHOUSE & GRILL RESTAURANT

01343 843101 w w w. g r e e n f i e l d s f u n f a r m . c o . u k

Review by

Jeff & Tamsyn Elgin

19

Ramnee Hotel Review Sunday 9th March The Ramnee Hotel, Forres, is a century old, listed building offering diners a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy a truly splendid menu. It is currently run by Garry Dinnes and team, who all provide an excellent level of service.

Diners can choose to eat in the bar with its wood burning stove and relaxed atmosphere or in the dining room, an elegant candlelit room.

The full menu including the specials is available in both rooms.

The menu is diverse using many Scottish ingredients. It also includes vegetarian and gluten free dishes. Each dish is well thought out, well prepared and beautifully presented. There is a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu with freshly prepared dishes devoid of the usual frozen fare.

To start I chose Stornoway Benedict a wonderful combination of muffin, baked ham, Stornoway black pudding, an exquisitely poached duck egg and hollandaise sauce, followed by a Lime and Pepper Marinated Chargrilled Chicken Breast served with coriander olive oil, steamed vegetables and chilli pepper jam, an excellent combination of flavours.

My husband chose West Coast Scallops that were succulent and cooked to perfection served with black pudding, vanilla and parsnip puree which he declared delicious. Main course was a tasty Roast Breast of Chicken served with white bean and sausage stew.

For pudding I chose the delicious Iced Espresso and Dark Chocolate Parfait. George chose Rice Pudding served with a contrastingly sharp fruit compote, another great dish. Our compliments to chef Hamish Davidson and team who produced an excellent meal.

They have a vast wine list and a huge whisky menu with detailed tasting notes.

Our waitress Jen provided professional, friendly and unobtrusive service throughout our meal.

The team is currently developing a new Spring Menu, which will be available soon and will include many new and enticing dishes. Take my advice and pay them a visit. Best to book a table though, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a busy place.

Review by

George & Laura Elgin T

20

01309 672410 w w w. r a m n e e h o t e l . c o m

Eating Out

Easter Sunday Lunch Sunday 20th April 12:30pm to 3pm

@ Greenfields

1 Course Lunch per person

Elgin, Moray, IV30 8LN

3 course Sunday lunch £15.95

2 Course Lunch

STEAK DEAL Buy any 2 Steak Dinners and receive a bottle of house wine to enjoy with your meal

01343 843101

thebarnbistro@live.co.uk www.greenfieldsfunfarm.co.uk

£12.95

per person

£13.95

3 Course Lunch per person

Please book early

£15.95

The Newton Hotel

To book Contact Hannah on 01667 459001 or email sales.newton@bespokehotels.com

Reserve now for

Easter Sunday Lunch

HOTEL

BAR

RESTAURAN T

Easter & New Spring Menu

Delicious 3 course lunch only £ 19.50

All Day Easter Sunday Roast Carvery Served 12 – 8 pm

New Evening Menu

For new season menu go to:

for Spring with fabulous new dishes to tempt the palate

table reservations

New Kiddies Menu

Eat well… for less! www.ramneehotel.com

01309 672410

Available now

Informal Dining . Restaurant . Private Dining . Weddings . Special Events VICTORIA 2OAD &ORRES -ORAY )6 ". s info@ramneehotel.com Eating Out

Brockie’s Lodge Review Wednesday 26th February Exciting things are happening at Brockie’s Lodge! New management and a new head chef are shaking things up at this Kiltarlity fixture.

The current menu provides traditional options such as a Roast of the Day with potatoes, vegetables, gravy and a whopping Yorkshire pudding! The starter that caught my eye was a Stornoway black pudding and bacon salad and it tasted as good as it looked. A sweet honey mustard dressing on the salad made the dish light and complimented the earthy flavour of the black pudding.

The deserts are a real treat too, with a summer fruit Eton Mess and a Chocolate Brownie with hot fudge sauce that is to die for!

Some of the other options include Smoked Haddock and Salmon Fishcakes, a particularly good Hunters Chicken and Beef Lasagna. There are vegetarian options such as Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Spinach Curry and they are happy to accommodate Gluten Free diets, which is a great service for any restaurant these days.

Put all the good food along side a cosy atmosphere, generous seating, a great location and lovely wait staff and you will definitely have a wonderful experience dining here.

They also offer room for functions for up to 160 people and have a large outdoor seating area for the good weather.

A few highlights from the new menu include Arbroath Smokies with Rumbledethumps, a Beef, Mushroom and Guiness Pie and a starter of Moules Mariniere. They have also added a Malt Whisky list and extended their already generous wine list.

In my opinion, Brockie’s Lodge is worth a visit any day of the week!

Review by

B RO C K I E ’ S L O D G E HOTEL 22

01463 741257 Email: info@brockieslodgehotel

Mary MacDiarmid Inverness

Eating Out

Later@

01343 835222 r-elax e-at d-rink

STEAK NIGHT’S SPECIAL 2 x 8oz

ATURDAYS NOW OPEN - S

Served with Hand-cut Chips, Onion Rings, Mushrooms and fried egg

Serving Fresh Cocktails, Champagnes, Fine Wines & Premium Spirits.

1 Bottle House Wine

Enjoy the finest acoustic entertainment in comfortable surroundings

Sirloin Steaks (Red, White or Rose)

All for the great price of Served Wed & Thu 6 - 8pm

T NEW TUESDAY NIGHTS ARE

THEME NIGHTS

LATE NIGHT LOUNGE BAR

£35

SATURDAY 10PM - 1.30AM NEW 3-COURSE SUNDAY LUNCH DEAL

EASTE R FRE CHOC E E FOR K GGS IDS

H O T E L

&

Leys Road, Forres. Tel: 01309 676737 Email: info@simplyredrestaurant.com W: www.simplyredrestaurant.com

O R C H I D

R E S T A U R A N T

LUNCH SPECIALS Homemade Soup and Sandwich .................... £5.95 Homemade Soup, Sandwich and Dessert £6.95 Club Sandwich Chips and Salad .......... £8.95 45 Seabank Road, Nairn. Tel:01667 453321 email: frontdesk@clubhousehotels.co.uk Web: www.clubhousenairn.co.uk Eating Out

recipe

Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Confidential Amaretto Cheesecake Serves 12 Ingredients

300g digestive biscuit crushed 125ml melted butter 180ml double cream 1 vanilla pod 1 tin condensed milk 80ml amaretto 200g caster sugar 700g cream cheese Preparation method

Line a 9 inch spring tin with grease proof paper.

Mix the crushed digestive biscuit with the melted butter and press in the the bottom of the tin.

Making sure it is level. Place in fridge to chill and harden in a mixing bowl.

Beat the cream cheese with 150g sugar and seeds from the vanilla pod.

Slowly add the tin of condensed milk and amaretto.

Fold the cream through the cheese mix a little at a time.

Return to fridge to set for at least 2 hours or longer if possible.

Kindly supplied by Head Chef, Martin W Ewart

24

The Newton Hotel, Nairn, IV12 4RX. Tel: 01667 459001

RAF REGIMENT RESERVESNot your normal spare time activity 2622 Highland Squadron RAF Lossiemouth Want to hear from those aged 18-50 who think they could handle an exciting, active and challenging Part-time activity as a Gunner in the RAF Regiment Reserves.

The Squadron has the vital role of reinforcing the RAF Regiment on deployed operations if and when required. The part-time Gunners are trained in a wide range of infantry skills including field-craft, tactics, navigation, communications, first aid, weapon handling, live firing, how to operate effectively as part of a Team and much more.

Gunners are expected to attend for training one weekend per month. They are paid on a daily rate including travel expenses to and from the Unit and also receive a substantial Annual Tax Free Bounty.

Our Reservist Gunners come from all walks of life from tradesmen, office and retail workers, self-employed,

Search RAF Reserves to find out more 0845606 9069

RAF Regiment Gunner

unemployed, teachers, students etc. It’s a great way to make new friends and earn some extra money.

You will have access to the many clubs and facilities within RAF Lossiemouth including weekend accommodation if required. Find out more, search RAF Reserves online, or speak directly with our Squadron Recruiter on 01343 810776, who will be happy to answer any questions and send you an information pack.

There are added incentitives for those who have recently left regular military service.

RECRUITING NOW! From day one you’ll be learning new skills, you’ll get paid and still keep your day job.

Discover a different side of yourself

travel

Dreaming of...

A Cruise One of the most rapidly expanding sectors of the Travel Industry is Cruising. It can be described as living in a luxury hotel, which moves from destination to destination, and there is no need to pack or unpack your suitcases more than once!

The Cruise market has seen huge growth, driven by innovation and the quality of the experience. There are large capacity increases being launched all the time, so what might have seemed like a very exclusive mode of transport historically, a spin off from the days when it was the only way to do long distance travel, has become much more available to the seasoned holidaymakers. Traditional Trans-Atlantic ships took three and a half days to cross the Atlantic, replaced by aircraft doing it in seven hours.

There is a perception that cruising is very formal and only for the older generation, but that is changing. The average age of Cruising people comes down each year, and new larger ships are coming into service to cater for different needs. Some prefer to do a Fly Cruise, where you join the ship in an already exotic or interesting destination. Some prefer a Fly and Stay, where they join the ship and before or after their cruise they spend some time in that country. Some prefer to depart and return to a home port, negating the need to fly at all.

There are an increasing number of activities available on modern Cruise ships such as climbing walls and panorama viewing bubbles which lift you 300ft above sea level. Many ships carry troupes of entertainers, have libraries and Planetariums, and as one customer observed recently there was only one hour in 24 that you couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be served hot food.

Pricing might sometimes seem high but remember that covers all your meals, entertainment and soft drinks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the only extras you are likely to run up are for alcoholic drinks and flutters on the gaming tables if that is what takes your fancy.

Imagine spending a day in an interesting European city, retiring to the ship for dinner and a good night's sleep, and then waking up in the morning in another fascinating destination. That's Cruising!

26

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The oldest continually operating rural mill in the country, Knockando Woolmill has been manufacturing tweeds and blankets on the banks of the Knockando Burn since 1784.

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