SpotLight on Nairn & District - December 2015

DECEMBER 2015

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emergent Meeting the future

Drumduan Upper School leads the way in a new approach to secondary school level education with a sustainable, holistic and practical curriculum for adolescents.

Lessons covering the sciences and humanities are taught by specialist teachers. Academic study is enhanced and balanced by movement, music and artistic work, with crafts, environmental and outdoor activities part of the weekly timetable.

To arrange a tour of the school, please contact Rachel Phillips.

Drumduan Upper School, Clovenside Road, Forres IV36 2RD

T: 01309 671973 E: reception@drumduan.org W: www.drumduan.org

ENGRAVING SERVICES Trophies Giftware Computerised Engraving 5 High Street, Nairn Telephone: 07801 124414 dcsmiff@btinternet.com

your choice, your style BUILDING QUALITY INTO EVERY JOB WE DO

Windows and Conservatories A Division of Sinclair Taylor Building Services

t Windows t Conservatories t PVCu Doors t Solid Roof Conservatories t PVCu Fascias, Soffits & Guttering Visit us at www.stvision.co.uk

t New Build t House Extensions t Loft Conversions t Insurance Work t Renovations t Commercial Property

Scottish Building Federation

Visit us at www.stbuild.co.uk

Tel: 01309 677747 Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

CLUBS & SOCIETIES CAWDOR SWI Last Wednesday of each month, 7:30pm, Sept - April, Community Room at Cawdor Community Centre, (not December when we go out for our Christmas Meal).

Call Brenda on 493361 or email bjshone@gmail.com

HIGHLAND HISTORICAL SEARCH SOCIETY Inverness based metal detecting club. Free equipment loan, tuition and regular places to detect. Beginners & new members welcome. Contact Len tel: 01808 521340 anytime

CHILDREN’S HIGHLAND DANCE Wednesdays at Nairn British Legion Hall. Preschool 3:30pm 4:30pm and Beginners 4:30pm 5:30pm. Call Elizabeth Fraser on 01463 729477

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

GIRLGUIDING NAIRN Contact District Commissioner Jane Burns tel: 07962 190557 nairnshiregirlguiding@gmail.com

HIGHLAND QUILTERS 3rd Tuesday of the month, SeptJune (December meeting 2nd Tuesday). Meet in Smithton Free Church Hall at 7:30pm. New members and visitors welcome.

Visit www.highlandquilters.com

GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND New branch volunteers needed at Nairn & Moray Branch. Call 0845 372 7406 for details.

HEADWAY HIGHLAND (NAIRN) SOCIAL GROUP Second Monday of each month 10am - 12pm at St Columba's Church Hall, Queen Street. Tea, coffee and biscuits served. For people and families affected by acquired brain injury. Call Blayne 01667 451392 for more info.

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page 4 - December 2015

INVERNESS FIELD ARCHERY CLUB Available to interested parties wishing to take up archery and are located in Nairn, Forres, Elgin and all surrounding areas.

Contact Secretary, Gerry Parks on 01667 462219 (evenings) or 07801 593 637. Visit invernessfieldarcheryclub.webeden.co.uk

NAIRN ANGLING ASSOCIATION Contact 459250 or email nairnangling@tiscali.co.uk NAIRN CARDIACTIVE GROUP Mondays, 7pm - 8pm, Nairn Community Centre.

Physiotherapist led exercise group. Intended mainly to help people recovering from heart & stroke problems, but all welcome. Call 01667 456397.

NAIRN COMMUNITY CENTRE Contact Sam Morrison 453476 NAIRN COMMUNITY TRANSPORT Call 01667 459337 or email nairncommunitytransport @googlemail.com 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 NAIRN EQUESTRIAN FUN CLUB Contact 01309 641474

INVERNESS RACING PIGEON CLUB Seeking new members young and old. Races from Inverness to as far away as France with the North East Federation. All ages welcome. Call 01463 243038.

NAIRN PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AND CAMERA CLUB Tuesdays at 7:30pm in Nairn Community Centre. Sept - April.

For info contact Dave Freeman (President) on 360026 or email dave@nairncameraclub.co.uk

KITE SURFING The vast sandy beaches in the Highlands of Scotland provide a perfect platform for year round activity. The Scottish Power Kite Assoc covers all good kite surfing spots at Ardersier, Nairn, Findhorn, Lossie and Burghead.

Visit www.spka.org/activities

NAIRN ROTARY CLUB Tuesdays 12.30pm for 1pm, Golf View Hotel, Nairn. There is usually a speaker and all Rotarians are welcome. To join or support fundraising, email nairnrotary@gmail.com.

LEAGUE OF FRIENDS OF NAIRN HOSPITAL Raises funds to provide extra comforts for staff and patients at Nairn Town County Hospital and also provide equipment for the hospital. Contact 452243 MORAY & NAIRN PONY CLUB Contact 01309 641483 or email willandjudith@btopenworld.com www.pcuk.org

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

PET FOSTERING SCOTLAND Volunteers care for your pet in their own homes for short periods. Reg. charity SCO15672.

Volunteers needed. Tel: 0844 811 9909 www.pfss.org.uk RIDING FOR THE DISABLED (FORRES, NAIRN & DISTRICT) Volunteer at Burgie on Mondays 9:15am - 11:15am or 11am - 1pm, or all morning during term time.

No experience necessary.

Training will be given. Your time provides long lasting benefit to the children. call 01343 890745 or forresnairnrda@gmail.com ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION (RAFA) 2nd Tuesday, 8pm, Royal British Legion, Nairn. Offering friendship & welfare support to serving & ex-serving members of the RAF and their families.

RTR ASSOCIATION (MORAY FIRTH BRANCH) Meet monthly & arrange dinners and outings for ex-RTR personnel. Call Peter on 01542 841740 or Clive on 01542 841529 for more info.

SPEAKERS CLUB Leisure pursuit encourages & develops proficiency in public speaking. Training manual is available & new speakers follow a 10 speak programme individually evaluated. Call 01667 453373 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.

NAIRN SWIMMING CLUB (NDASC) Swimmers aged 7 & up. Trained to compete and for fitness & fun. www.ndasc.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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Everyone at SpotLight would like to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2016.

Whilst this is a time of the year when we think of family we should also perhaps spare a thought for our neigbours. If you have space at your table why not invite someone to eat with you this Christmas and make their day!

Let’s hope we get some snow!

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PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS Saviour As we remember the birth of Jesus Christ may it lead to deeper commitment.

Who was it who came into our world when Jesus was born? It was the Son of God who came to earth, splitting history into A.D. and B.C. God was invading our broken world, to forgive, restore, heal, and repair. If you want to know what God is like, take a good look at Jesus.

People often say, “Why does God not do something to sort out this messy, sore, painful world?”

God has done all that was and is necessary to rescue man from his sin and sins. This is not a myth, nor a rumour, nor a legend, but truth.

He was born like us. There was no flashy entrance into the world, although His conception was miraculous. He grew like us

in every way and was even tempted like us, but Jesus never sinned, and that is why Jesus can relate to our struggle. Jesus knows what struggles and pain and loneliness are like. Jesus came to ordinary people and for ordinary people. Jesus did not come for religious people, but for sinners, and people in need and that includes each of us and all of us.

Who were first to see Jesus in Bethlehem? Ordinary shepherds.

Jesus moved into the local Nazareth neighbourhood and not the big house, or the gated community, or the palace with its guards. Because we could not reach up to God, God came down to reach out to us.

When Jesus came there was very little room for Him. Have you got room in your life for Jesus? If not, then you might miss the whole significance and

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 Revd. Thomas M Bryson on 01667 451675.

Cawdor Parish Church Sunday 10.15am. Contact Rev. JS Mathieson: 01667 493217.

Nairn Baptist Church Nairn Community Centre. Sundays 11am. Contact the Pastor: 01667 452764 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 and 6pm at Gordon St, Nairn. Wednesday cafe, 10am.

Wednesday Youth Club, 7pm for S1-S6. Thursday 425 Club, 4pm for P4-P7. Thursday Bible Study Prayer Meeting at 7pm 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 - December 2015

meaning of His coming into our world.

Why did He come to earth? He came for our benefit. He came that we might have life. He came to tell us the truth. God always tells us the truth - be careful about basing your life on faulty information. The truth sets you free and part of this truth is that we need a Saviour. Each of us is flawed.

Jesus came to give us life. He did not come to spoil our fun, or restrict us in any way, but to set us free from regrets, and from the sins of the past. Jesus came to forgive us and save us and take care of every basic need in our lives.

If you did not need a Saviour, God would not have sent one!

Sandy Shaw Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship

St. Ninian’s Church Sunday services and Sunday school: 10.15am. Contact Revd. Thomas M Bryson on 01667 451675.

St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Family Eucharist on Sundays at 10.30am. Holy Communion on Wednesdays at 10.30am. Contact Rev. Dean Alison J Simpson 01667 452458 St Mary’s Catholic Church IV12 4RJ. Saturday Vigil 6pm.

Sunday Mass 10am. Tel: 01667 453323.

United Reformed Church Sunday services and Sunday School with crèche 11am. Contact John C Brown (Secretary) 01667 453373.

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 St Andrew’s Day Mon 30th Nov 2015 Shortest Day Tues 22nd Dec 2015 Christmas Day Fri 25th Dec 2015 Boxing Day Sat 26th Dec 2015 Boxing Day (substitute day) Mon 28th Dec 2015 New Year’s Eve Thurs 31st Dec 2015 New Year’s Day Fri 1st Jan 2016 Scottish Bank Holiday Sat 2nd Jan 2016 2nd Jan (substitute day) Mon 4th Jan 2016 Burns Night Mon 25th Jan 2016

Shrove Tuesday Tues 9th Feb 2016 Ash Wednesday Wed 10th Feb 2016 Valentine’s Day Sun 14th Feb 2016 Mothering Sunday Sun 6th Mar 2016 Palm Sunday Sun 20th Mar 2016 Maundy Thursday Thurs 24th Mar 2016 Good Friday Fri 25th Mar 2016 British Summertime Starts Sun 27th Mar 2016 Easter Sunday Sun 27th Mar 2016 Easter Monday Mon 28th Mar 2016

School Term Dates for 2015/2016 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Tues 22nd Dec 2015 Christmas Holiday Starts Wed 23rd Dec 2015 Christmas Holiday Ends Wed 6th Jan 2016 Spring Term Starts Thurs 7th Jan 2016 Mid Term Holiday Mon 15th Feb 2016 Mid Term Holiday Tues 16th Feb 2016 In-Service Day Wed 17th Feb 2016 Spring Term Ends Thurs 24th Mar 2016 Spring Holiday Starts Fri 25th Mar 2016 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 8th Apr 2016

Summer Term Starts Mon 11th Apr 2016 May Day Holiday Mon 2nd May 2016 In-Service Day Mon 6th Jun 2016 Summer Term Ends Fri 1st Jul 2016 for 2016/2017 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tues 16th Aug 2016 Autumn Term Ends Fri 7th Oct 2016 Autumn Holiday Starts Mon 10th Oct 2016 Winter Term Starts Mon 24th Oct 2016 Winter Term Ends Fri 23rd Dec 2016 Christmas Holiday Starts Mon 26th Dec 2016

Useful Contacts 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 ........................................03456 008855 British Red Cross Inverness ..........................01463 231620 Crossroads ....................................................01667 455369 National Rail Enquiries ..................................03457 484950 Railway Mission..............................................078419 85768 DOCTORS NHS 24 ...........................................................................111 Nairn Hospital A&E .......................................01667 452101 Nairn Healthcare Group ................................01667 452096 Nairn Sports Medicine Clinic ........................01667 454523 page 8 - December 2015

PHARMACIES Lloyds Pharmacy ..........................................01667 453100 Boots The Chemist ........................................01667 453169 VETS Moray Coast ..................................................01667 453161 Inshes Veterinary Clinic Inverness ................01463 711777 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 DENTISTS Jones Jones & Behrendt ..............................01667 453189 RM Donald & Associates ..............................01667 454603 Dental Unit at Nairn Hospital ........................01667 422722 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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A Special “Highland” Moss - Do You Have This ?

UK FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR RUNNER UP

2013

where there is little competition offered by stunted, weak lawn grass, usually exacerbated by being habitually cut too short.

I need to talk today about “upright moss” or “tufted moss”. Many lawns in this area have patches of this,

The remedy suggested is to aerate the ground

as well as the usual “cushion” moss. It is well

with a fork or machine, and apply lime to

described in gardening books and magazines, and

reduce the acidity. This works best in

on the internet. It is a difficult moss to treat as it has

conjunction with a programme of regular

roots, not unlike heather, rather than a moss which

feeding of the grass, and crucially, allowing the

grows from spores like the usual stuff. This means that

grass to grow a bit to recover some strength

a regular moss treatment, usually containing iron to

and provide some competition. Don’t cut it

de-hydrate and blacken the top growth, therefore

short in other words. We typically spend a good

killing it prior to it being raked out or scarified, doesn’t

part of the winter months aerating lawns and

actually finish the job. It still blackens the top-growth,

spreading lime on this moss, before beefing up

but doesn’t kill the roots, so it just takes a hit, and

the grass in the spring with a spring feed. It

carries on growing, leaving a disfiguring blackened

generally takes at least a season to turn

patch, with new growth coming through. It also

around. Very little happens instantly with

doesn’t rake out or scarify very successfully as it has a

lawn care !

good grip of the ground.

For more information about seasonal lawn improvements from just £11.25 per mth, plus useful downloads and photos, go to www.greenthumb.co.uk. Although GreenThumb is a national franchise with over 200 branches across the UK, we are locally based in Nairnshire and cover the whole Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair or Fiona for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on 01667 460012, or email us at:

It usually gets established where there is high acidity in the ground, pinewood country is a favourite, hence its’ prevalence in this area. It also thrives on ground that is poor in general, compacted, and

10

inverness@greenthumb.co.uk Alastair Watt

Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area *January Issue Deadline: Friday, 4th December* 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.

saltire society of inverness st andrew's day lunch 12.30pm for 1pm at craigmonie hotel, annfield road, inverness. with guest speaker. all welcome. for more information call jim miller on 01463 713552 the elephant sessions @ the drouthy cobbler 8pm the blue room. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk ironworks & let it bleed present jackmaster @ ironworks 10pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com

28 saturday - 29 sunday christmas craft & food fair presented by exclusively highlands @ brodie castle £4 adult entry includes a glass of non-alcoholic mulled punch and mince pie. tickets at www.nts.org.uk/events or on the day.

Rolling Event 28 november - 6 december

30 friday

christmas arts & crafts fair @ the bike shed 12pm 4pm daily except mon 30th, 10am - 12pm and thurs, 6:30pm - 8pm. 33 grant street, inverness. shop local and support small businesses while bagging a unique gift. free entry to the exhibition. for info call the clay studio on 01463 719712

NOVEMBER 2015 24 tuesday

gaelic talk - religion and attitudes to religion in 20th century gaelic poetry, by maoilios campbell. 7:30pm at inverness gaelic school. all welcome. visit www.gsi.org.uk for more info.

The House of Automata Yule!de

POP-UP SHOP

highland literary salon 7.30pm at glen mhor hotel inverness. guest speaker: doug johnstone for further info see www.highlandlitsalon.com

25 wednesday df concerts presents : idlewild @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

27 friday cinema nairn: 'kon tiki' (pg13) 7:30pm at nairn community and arts centre. tickets at the door. for more info visit cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk christmas arts & crafts fair preview evening @ the bike shed 6pm - 8pm, 33 grant street, inverness. shop local and support small businesses while bagging a unique gift. for info call the clay studio on 01463 719712 waterstones present : an evening with paula hawkins @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

28 saturday jazz nairn presents - nova scotia jazz band 8pm at nairn community & arts centre. bringing dixieland style to nairn. tickets available in advance from the box office or on the door. visit www.jazznairn.org admin@spotlighton.co.uk

!

1st - 24th December Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm

!

98 HIGH STREET

FORRES IV36 1NX

! !

through the gates

and into a Magical Wonderland of Unusual

Gifts www.thehouseofautomata.com

tel: 01309 690063

December 2015 - page 13

DECEMBER 2015 1 tuesday

NAIRN ART SOCIETY

world aids day 2015 community event from 1.30pm 6.30pm, eden court inverness. raise awareness about hiv, challenge stigma and show support for those living with hiv and commemorate those who have died. for information call 01463 711585 or email highland@waverleycare.org. scottish ornithologists' club : “update on golden eagle survey" by stuart benn and “presentation on submitting records” by peter gordon 7.30pm at culloden library. call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740

Winter Exhibition at the

Nairn Community & Arts Centre Exhibition of work by local artists.

Great opportunity to purchase your Christmas presents exhibition ends 12th December

1 tuesday - 24 thursday the house of automata christmas pop up shop monday to saturday 10am - 5pm, 98 high street forres (through the gates) unusual gifts in a magical wonderland setting. www.thehouseofautomata.com

3 thursday nairn & district gardening club - agm, quiz, buffet & raffle 7:30pm - 9:30pm nairn community & arts centre. www.spanglefish.com/nairnanddistrictgardeningclub ntm promotions present : fat suit @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com logie steading dec 09:52 Page 1 beside the bothy fire15 @ 06/11/2015 the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm the blue room. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

4 friday nairn literary institute illustrated talk : the secrets of moray by jim royan 7.30pm at nairn free church, gordon street, nairn. non-members £3 admission. www.nairnliterary.org.uk beside the bothy fire @ the drouthy cobbler an afternoon performance in the blue room. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk for more info.

4 friday - 5 saturday bandeoke christmas nights featuring midas touch @ ironworks 7pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com

4 friday - 6 sunday christmas arts, crafts & food fair fri; 12pm - 8pm, sat & sun 10am - 5pm at eden court, inverness. brought together by exclusively highlands. free entry.

5 saturday st andrew’s cathedral christmas coffee morning and fayre 10am - 12pm in the old boys school. tombola, baking, handicrafts and bishop eden’s primary school stalls. efreshments available. £2 entry.

7 monday cinema nairn: ‘brave' (pg) 2pm at nairn community and arts centre. tickets at the door. for more info visit cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk

8 tuesday fred morrison @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm the blue room. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

9 wednesday

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING Thursday 3rd December 5 - 7pm 10% Discount Evening LOGIE STEADING VISITOR CENTRE, NEAR FORRES, IV36 2QN MORE INFORMATION AT WWW.LOGIE.CO.UK TEL: 01309 611378

page 14 - December 2015

highland rock garden club - altai adventure : a talk by elspeth mackintosh (royal botanic gardens edinburgh) 7.30pm at nairn community & arts centre. £2.50 incl. refreshments. all welcome. call john owen on 01320 366246 u3a : nairn academy steel band 1.45pm at nairn community centre. all welcome. for info call pauline on 01667 453537 or visit www.nairnu3a.org.uk

10 thursday wine tasting: sparkling wines @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

The Park, Findhorn, Moray IV36 3TA

01309 692426 www.morayartcentre.org

what's on EXHIBITION

Macbeth Costumes At The 0RUD\ $UW &HQWUH XQWLO WKH WK 'HFHPEHU

Helping shine a light on the /HJHQG 2I 0DFEHWK Costumes and props including jewellery, daggers and DUPRXU IURP WKH Č´OP 0DFEHWK ZKLFK RSHQHG LQ FLQHPDV DFURVV WKH 8. RQ QG 2FWREHU ZLOO EH H[KLELWHG DW WKH 0RUD\ $UW &HQWUH IURP WKH VW 1RYHPEHU. The costumes including Lady Macbethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Banquet dress, /DG\ 0DF'XÎ?Č&#x2021;V &RURQDWLRQ GUHVV 0DFEHWKČ&#x2021;V ERRWV DQG VKRHV DQG RQH RI WKH :LWFKHVČ&#x2021; FRVWXPHV will be on show across the Elgin Museum, the Falconer Museum in Forres, Brodie Castle and Johnstons of Elgin until the start of November when all the costumes will move to the Moray Art Centre, Findhorn. $OO RI WKH DERYH DUH IUHH WR WKH SXEOLF WR YLHZ WKH FRVWXPHV 7KH FRVWXPHV KDYH EHHQ ORDQHG E\ Č´OP GLVWULEXWRU 678'Î&#x2013;2 &$1$/ DV SDUW RI D SDUWQHUVKLS DJUHHPHQW ZLWK 9LVLW6FRWODQG WR SURPRWH 6FRWODQG RQ WKH EDFN RI WKH Č´OPČ&#x2021;V UHOHDVH LQ 8. FLQHPDV RQ 2FWREHU 7KH QHZ Č´OP DGDSWLRQ E\ DFFODLPHG GLUHFWRU -XVWLQ .XU]HO VWDUV 0LFKDHO )DVVEHQGHU DQG 0DULRQ &RWLOODUG

Macbeth Costumes Until the 30th Dec 2015 FREE WR WKH SXEOLF

3ULRU WR WKH Č´OPČ&#x2021;V UHOHDVH D QHZ RQOLQH JXLGH 0DFEHWK WKH 0DQ 0\WK DQG /HJHQG ZDV ODXQFKHG E\ 9LVLW6FRWODQG WR DOORZ YLVLWRUV WR IROORZ LQ WKH IRRWVWHSV RI 0DFEHWK WKURXJK WKH Č´OP ORFDWLRQV 6KDNHVSHDUHČ&#x2021;V 0DFEHWK RU WKH UHDO 0DFEHWK ZKR FDPH IURP Moray.

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For further details call 01309 692426 or check out our new website: www.morayartcentre.org

Accidentals Christmas Concert Saturday 12th December 2015 At 7.30pm United Reformed Church, Nairn In aid of Inverness & Nairn Branch MS Society And Parkinson’s UK Nairn Support Group Tickets £5.00 including refreshment - Raffle

christmas at the castle with james ross and the marvel of peru @ brodie castle performances at 3pm and 5pm. performing a variety of christmas carols. £14 incl. non alcoholic mulled wine and mince pie served 30 mins before performance. www.nts.org.uk/events or call 01309 641371. lazy jazz @ the drouthy cobbler 1pm - 4pm. with brian keddie & band. www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

16 wednesday

11 friday rock n wrestle winter slam @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

12 saturday chimes international present abbamania – christmas special @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

12 saturday - 13 sunday christmas market 10am - 3pm at logie steading. over 30 stalls with festive crafts, gifts, baking, jewellery, candles, tweed & tartan accessories, wreaths and trees, mulled wine, mince pies, hot food and more! free entry. www.logie.co.uk • 01309 611348

13 sunday christingle service 4.30pm at dyke church. come and join edinkillie/dyke messy church families beforehand to make your christingle. contact alison rodgers 01309 641413

do you like jokes? comedy club 7:30pm, the drouthy cobbler. monthly comedy club with 5 pro comics, jay lafferty as mc and vladimir mctavish as headliner. book in advance! www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

18 friday netsounds presents guilty pleasures with dr wook + the little mill of happiness + searching for donkeys @ ironworks 8pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com

19 saturday carolthon 11am - 4pm, eastgate shopping centre, inverness. inverness choral society's annual nonstop marathon of carol singing near the upstairs entrance of m&s. raising funds for the society and a chosen charity. see www.invernesschoral.org.uk and www.chas.org.uk lantern of the north present : a very victorian christmas 11am - 4pm, st. giles church & elgin high street. singing, dancing, puppet shows & side shows plus an appearance by santa claus who will be on hand to receive your christmas letter. for more details on this free event email info@lotn.co.uk

27 sunday back for good fundraiser @ ironworks 7:30pm. with jetstar • lymerick smith • the lush rollers • findo gask • the mystic shoes and netsounds djs. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com brass & beer @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

29 tuesday red hot chilli pipers @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com be like pablo @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

31 thursday hogmanay in the square - grantown on spey from 11pm. music, dancing, fireworks, refreshments etc. entry by donation. for more info call 01479 873488 rhythmnreel hogmanay bash @ ironworks 9pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com hogmanay 2015 @ the drouthy cobbler 9pm 1:30am. a ticketed celebration of the coming of the new year with drams, stovies, fizz and music from dallahan. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk the red hot highland fling 8pm - 12:30am, northern meeting park, ardross street inverness. scotland's biggest free hogmanay concert. children welcome! page 16 - December 2015

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Duaisean Na Trads MG ALBA 2015 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2015

Tha MG ALBA toilichte taic a chur ri Duaisean Na Trads 2015 MG ALBA is pleased to support the Scots Trad Music Awards 2015 Oidhche nan Duaisean | Awards Night Disathairne 5 Dùbhlachd | Saturday 5 December Talla Caird | Caird Hall

Dùn Dèagh | Dundee

Airson fios mu thiocaidean cuiribh fòn gu: | For ticket information contact: Phone: 01382 434940 or visit www.dundeebox.co.uk @gaelicmedia

facebook.com/gaelicmedia

mgalba.com

Gra ab b Chrisst tm mas by by t th he e antlers at www.nts.org.uk

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS Brodie Castle, FForres orres IV36 2TE Brodie Castle Christmas Craft and Food Food Fair Fair

Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov; 10am–4pm

,UQV` MLZ[P]L ZOVWWPUN PU [OL ILH\[PM\SS` KLJVYH[LK JHZ[SL WHJRLK ^P[O NVYNLV\Z NPM[ PKLHZ KLJVYH[PVUZ HUK Z[VJRPUN ÄSSLYZ Our Food Hall will showcase an array of festive treats to try and buy.

James Jam es Ross presen esents ts Christm tmas as at Brodie Castle

Sun 13 Dec; 2.30pm and 4.30pm

Join us for a magical afternoon as renowned musician James Ross returns to Brodie with The Marvel of Peru. Early booking is advised at www.nts.org.uk

For Christmas events across Scotland visit

www.nts.org.uk The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410

PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES As autumn nights get darker and the heating is turned on and runs for longer my work on getting fairer electricity charges continues. My colleagues and I will continue to press for a fairer deal on electricity charges for the Highlands despite stubborn resistance to changing the rules from the UK government's energy minister. Many people and families are finding heating their homes a real challenge, given stretched domestic budgets and that's why I was pleased to be asked to highlight the work of Home Heat Helpline recently at Parliament. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with energy bills please contact the helpline for free advice on how to reduce energy costs and make a home warmer. You can contact them on 0800 33 66 99. Christmas is approaching and I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and, when it comes, a Guid New Year. I look forward to updating you all again then.

In our household we have, for our 7 year old daughter, Natasha's benefit, a "Santa Chute". This is a narrow circular space leading to a kitchen skylight, through which, on 24th December, Santa enters our abode bearing gifts as ordered, earlier in the year from his Lapland depot. Natasha has asked though, how Santa, being very fat, can squeeze through to which we explain that he has been on a diet. The age of innocence in children is a universal joy! What a shame it must end. May all your Christmas shopping gifts for the wee ones delight or amuse them - and please do this year use our local small shops to the maximum. Those such as in Grantown-on-Spey, Nairn or in the Inverness Victorian Market often offer quirky, interesting or unusual gifts for all the family. They deserve our custom and support.

A very merry Christmas to all Spotlight readers.

Drew Hendry MP LOW TIDE TIMES FOR NAIRN IN DECEMBER Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times AM PM 08:02 22:07 1 TU 08:39 23:06 2 W 09:35 3 TH 00:22 10:49 4 F 01:38 14:15 5 SA 02:27 15:03 6 SU 02:58 15:39 7 M

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PM 12:49 14:34 15:36 16:30 17:18 18:01 18:43 19:26 20:06 20:48 21:28 22:03

Westwood, Littlemill, Nairn Tel. 01667 454536 or

gillian@westwoodcattery.co.uk

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Fergus Ewing MSP

www.westwoodcattery.co.uk

Feline Advisory Bureau Registered, Listed in Good Cattery Guide

!

page 18 - December 2015

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

GIFT IDEA

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STARTERS

Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019;, handmade bread and butter. Â&#x2021;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; ÇŽÂ&#x201E;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x201E;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2022;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, roast beets, chutney and H.P. dressing (v) Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2122;Â? Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;, seafood sauce, shredded iceberg and lemon. Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;, heritage tomatoes, basil and parmesan.

Cream of Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;ĆŞÂ&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019;, smoked Applewood cheese, handmade bread and butter (v) Home Â&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â?Â&#x2018;Â? ÇŽ Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;ÇŻ, textures of apple, malted sourdough toasts.

Terrine Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?ƤÂ&#x2013; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2026;Â?, mulled pear, parsnip puree and sherry caramel. Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022;, Galloway goats cheese, toasted pistachios and house dressing (v)

MAINS Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020;ÇĄ Â&#x201E;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2018;Â&#x161;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;, lentils, button onions and creamed potato. Â&#x2018;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A;ÇĄ Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â? Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;ĆĽÂ?Â&#x2030;ÇĄ Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; sausages, duck fat roasters and gravy.

MAINS

Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x203A;ÇĄ Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160; Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;, olive tapenade, aubergine puree (v)

Â&#x2018;Â?ƤÂ&#x2013; ƤÂ&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2C6;, oxtail croquette, honey roast parsnips, smoked garlic mash. Â&#x2018;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A;, Granny Fraserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skirlie, kilted sausages, duck fat roasters and gravy.

Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x153;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;ÇĄ wild mushroom and chestnut tart, pecorino cheese, carrot top pesto (v) Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; ƤÂ&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022; ÇŽÂ&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;ÇŻ, crab and chilli, Tomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s korma sauce, rice pilau.

DESSERTS

DESSERTS

AND TO FINISH

AND TO FINISH

Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; ÇŽ Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122; ƤÂ&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;ÇŻÇĄ Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;ĆŞÂ&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; and crispy shallots.

Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2021;Â&#x192; Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;ĆĄÂ&#x2021;Â&#x2021; ĆŹ Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021; Í&#x2013; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; ǤǤǤǤǤ Í&#x2021;Í&#x2022;Í&#x161;ǤÍ?Í&#x2122; Č&#x2039;Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;ÇŚÂ&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Í&#x2021;Í&#x2022;Í&#x2DC;ǤÍ&#x2122;Í&#x201D;) Í&#x2DC; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; ǤǤǤǤ Í&#x2021;Í&#x2013;Í&#x201D;ǤÍ?Í&#x2122; Č&#x2039;Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;ÇŚÂ&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Í&#x2021;Í&#x2022;Í&#x153;ǤÍ&#x2122;Í&#x201D;)

Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2014;ĆŤÂ&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2022; Č&#x201A; ÇŽÂ&#x2022;Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;ÇŻ Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2021;Â&#x192; Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;ĆĄÂ&#x2021;Â&#x2021; ĆŹ Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021; Í&#x2013; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; ǤǤǤǤǤ Í&#x2021;Í&#x2022;Í?ǤÍ?Í&#x2122; Č&#x2039;Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;ÇŚÂ&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Í&#x2021;Í&#x2022;Í&#x153;ǤÍ?Í&#x2122;) Í&#x2DC; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; ǤǤǤ Í&#x2021;Í&#x2013;Í&#x161;ǤÍ?Í&#x2122; Č&#x2039;Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;ÇŚÂ&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Í&#x2021;Í&#x2013;Í&#x2DC;ǤÍ?Í&#x2122;)

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Lair of the

Wolf

Elgin Cathedral

Dunkeld Cathedral

Lochindorb

Early autumn, the heather is out, cloaking stark hills in a mantle of mauve. From a winding road across the high Dava Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â?ÇŚÂ&#x2018;Â?ÇŚ Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A;ÇĄ Â&#x192; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x203A; ƤÂ?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; sign points down a single track road with passing places. It says Lochindorb. No sign of human habitation accompanies the narrow track. Then, without warning, the vista of Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201E; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019; Č&#x201A; Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â?Â&#x2039;ƤÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x201E;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;ÇĄ Â&#x192; Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; arena nestled in an amphitheatre of surrounding hills.

The track drops down until level with the shores of the loch.

The atmosphere is tangibly eerie, the eye inescapably drawn to the ruins of a desolate castle on an isolated island in the centre of the loch.

Although undoubtedly a safe location for a fortress it is not Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;ĆĽÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;ĆĽÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160; Â&#x192; place. Was there a docking point with an armada of rowing boats ferrying people, food and fuel to the island stronghold?

Could there have been a stout rope to haul laden rafts across the lochâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s murky waters; or a secret stone causeway hiding just beneath the lochâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface? And what about animals? Were they housed on the tiny island or beside the lochâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shores?

What happened when the loch iced over in the winter?

Perhaps no-one will ever know. Experts believe the island to be manmade with speculation that it was originally the site of a crannog. But there is no doubt who made it infamous, for it was the lair of the wolf â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Wolf of Badenoch, whose evil notoriety has survived for over 650 years.

Although the legitimised son of King Robert II, born in 1343, Alexander, Lord of Badenoch and Earl of Buchan, is pronounced by history and legend as a malicious monster. He Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x192; ĆŞÂ&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;ÇĄ Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; enormous black beard. From his stronghold lair at Lochindorb he launched a reign of terror; murder, rape, burning, robbery, imprisonment and torture. In an age when brutality was commonplace, his black reputation stands unrivalled down the centuries.

He had no legitimate children with his wife, Euphemia, Countess of Ross who he married for her vast wealth and lands when he was aged thirty nine. However, he reputedly fathered

The burning of Elgin Cathedral over forty children, several belonging to his mistress, Mairead of Eachann. Several of his sons inherited their fathersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; legacy of violence, three eventually ending up imprisoned in Stirling Castle.

The Wolfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most infamous escapade occurred in 1390, the result of several factors over time, particularly associated with Bishop Bur of Moray.

The Wolfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anger had been left brooding, seething, fuelling a black rage. At the end of May, heading up his ceatharn army, he sallied forth from his fastness at Lochindorb bent on violence and mayhem. He brutally ransacked Forres and Pluscarden Abbey before arriving at Elgin on 17 June. There, he destroyed much of the town, Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; ĆŞÂ&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;ÇĄ concentrating particularly on the demolition of ecclesiastic establishments: amongst others he torched St Giles parish church, the Hospital and Greyfriars monastery. The remains of Elginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s once Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â?Â&#x2039;ƤÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x152;Â&#x2018;Â&#x203A;Ǥ Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;ĆĽÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; imagine the terror, havoc and destruction reeked Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x2013;ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;ĆĽÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; imagine errant children being warned, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wolf will come!â&#x20AC;?

The Wolf of Badencoh died a few years later. A recumbent armour clad statue tops his tomb at Dunkeld Cathedral in Perthshire, one of the few Scottish royal monuments to have survived from medieval times. The survival of the Wolfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heinous Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â?Â&#x2018; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2030;Â?Â&#x2039;ƤÂ&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2013;Ǥ

By Glynis Stainton

Words by the Wayside

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“And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.”

(Exodus 17:11)

Christian, We as God’s servants only overcome and prevail in this life day by day over the flesh and the sin that so easily besets us when we are clothed with God’s Power. Our hands must be held up by the light of God’s Word and by the purity of our lives, only then will we have spiritual power and be good soldiers of Jesus Christ. www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish charity SC041290

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Keith FC

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By L. Macdonald

HIGHLAND

Wildlife Personally, I really enjoy going wildlife spotting. I love searching for swans, buzzards etc, but my favourites are dolphins, red deer, golden eagles, red squirrels and harbour seals. Below are some facts about these amazing creatures and where to spot them!

Moray Firth Dolphins The Moray Firth dolphins are very special as they are the most northerly resident bottlenose dolphins in the world. There have been sightings recorded of them since 1900. They eat about 8-15kgs (15-33lbs) Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; ƤÂ&#x2022;Â&#x160; Â&#x192; Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Ǥ Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x192;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x161;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A; every 2 years and in the wild they live from 20-50 years of age.

The best place to see these dolphins is Chanonry Point, but they are also regularly spotted at Kessock Bridge, Fort George, Burghead, Hopeman and Spey Bay. Red Deer Majestic and beautiful, the red deer is Britain's largest land mammal and native to Britain, but is also found in southern Scandinavia, Turkey, even as far as China and Mongolia. Red deer stags (males) live to about 10 years and hinds (females) about 12

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years. They eat mainly grasses, heather, leaves and twigs.

The best places to look include Perthshire and the north west Highlands. Spending most of the summer months in Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hills and remote glens, red deer can be spotted on lower ground during winter, where food is more readily available.

Golden Eagles Golden eagles have a wingspan of 2 metres and are the second largest bird of prey in the UK. Males weigh about 3.5kg but females are heavier as they weigh about 5kg. There are estimated to be over 50,000 pairs worldwide.

The UK population is about 5% of the total European population.

Harris, Mull, Rum and Skye are very good for Golden Eagles. On the mainland quiet glens with dead end roads are good places to look.

They have even been spotted on the A9, at Drumochter Pass.

Red Squirrels The red squirrel is the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only native species of squirrel and Scotland boasts over 80% of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population. Squirrels donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hibernate, but bury supplies of seeds and nuts underground to eat in the winter, and can locate their buried food supplies in over 1 foot of snow! The body length of a fully

grown male is 20-22cm and its tail length is 17-18cm. The life span of a Red Squirrel is on average 3 years although in captivity they have been known to live for up to 10 years! Red squirrels are now a protected species.

The red squirrels are best spotted in the central Highlands in and around the Cairngorms. There Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;ƤÂ&#x2026; Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â?ÇĄ Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Red Squirrel Walk through Dalbeattie Forest in Dumfries & Galloway, and the Red Squirrel trail at Landmark.

Harbour Seals The harbour seal is also known as the common seal. They have large eyes to see in murky water and long necks which they can shoot out Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160; ƤÂ&#x2022;Â&#x160; Â&#x2122;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2022;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â?Â?Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2030;Ǥ Â?Â&#x17D;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2022;ÇĄ harbour seals breathe out before diving. They Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â&#x161;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2020;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2026;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; while under water, and their heartbeat slows from about 100 beats per minute to 10. An adult harbour seal can reach a length of 1.85 meters (6.1 ft). Females live for about 30-35 years, whilst males only live for about 20-25.

They are found mostly near the Moray Firth, Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s west coast and the outer Hebrides, as well as the waters around Orkney and Shetland. It is against the law to disturb harbour seals and other marine mammals!

I hope that this information was useful!

Bridal Boutique Opens to Raise Funds for Highland Hospice Highland Hospice has opened a beautiful bridal boutique in Inverness, offering brand new and pre-loved wedding dresses as well as other wedding related accessories.

The pop up shop, located on the city’s Church Street, opened on Wednesday 4th November and is run by shop supervisor Nicola patients and families who require Highland Hospice’s specialist care. This fantastic opportunity is simply unmissable for any bride to be.”

Highland Hospice would love to hear from anyone who wishes to donate their own wedding dress to help the hospice’s care.

They are also looking for volunteers to join Nicola and her team in delivering friendly, professional bridal advice. If you can gift a few hours a week to help Highland Hospice with MacKiggan-Bisset. Nicola said, “Highland Hospice Boutique has a beautiful selection of brand new wedding dresses which were kindly donated by Inverness’s Exclusively Bridal shop when they closed down earlier this year. These gowns make up our stock, along with other pre-loved wedding dresses, bridesmaid and evening gowns, mother-of-the-bride outfits, hats, shoes, bags and hair accessories.”

Recently-married Nicola added, “It is so exciting to be able to offer wedding dresses at such affordable prices. Our shop allows everyone,

this exciting new venture, please get in touch

regardless of budget, to feel like a princess on

with Maria or Louise on 01463 227902 or

their special day – with the added bonus of

apply online:

knowing that buying their dress will help the

www.highlandhospice.org/get-involved

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