SpotLight on Nairn & District - March 2016

FEBRUARY 2016

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS Help & support to the relatives & friends of problem drinkers. Local weekly groups in Highland area.

Call 0207403 0888 for a local contact or 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 CAWDOR HERITAGE GROUP 3rd Wed every month excl Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec & Jan, 7.30pm at Cawdor Community Centre. Talks on Local & Family History and research facilities at Nairn Museum. Call 01667 493218 for details.

HIGHLAND RUSSIA CONNECTION Russian language lessons, art and craft workshops, Russian dancing, educational talks, displays and exhibitions. Call Elena Reid 456245 or e-mail elena.k.reid@homecall.co.uk www.highlandrussia.org.uk

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HIGHLAND SPIRITUAL CINEMA Meets last Wednesday each month at Highland Rail House, Inverness. Film group screening uplifting & inspiring films.

Members can also use our postal service to borrow films for home viewing. For details call 01463 237452 or visit www.highlandspiritualcinema.net 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

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page 4 - February 2016

NAIRN SAILING CLUB (NSC) Friendly club offering dinghy & cruiser sailing for all levels and ages. Beginners welcome.

Regular social events at our clubhouse at Nairn Harbour. www.nairnsailingclub.co.uk nairnsailingclub@yahoo.co.uk

INVERNESS CANOE CLUB Inland, sea and surf kayaks, open canoe SCA affiliated club.

SCA Coaches provide in club training and courses. Pool lessons throughout the year.

Contact Emma Garden pinkpaddler@yahoo.co.uk www.invernesscc.org.uk

NAIRN U3A Speaker meetings fortnightly on Wednesdays at 1:45pm, interest groups monthly on various days.

For people no longer working full time who want to learn, explore special interests and meet new people. Groups include Mah Jong, history, reading, Scottish country dancing, Scrabble, films and eating out. New members welcome. For details call Pauline on 01667 453537 or visit www.nairnu3a.org.uk

LGBT 5K RUNNING GROUP Wednesdays, 6pm, Inverness Leisure. www.gay-ness.org.uk Text / call 07941 553620 or email jampa40@yahoo.co.uk

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Entertainment & dancing every weekend. Highland Hall function suite available for weddings & parties of all sizes. Call 453201

MORAY & NAIRN FLORAL ART CLUB 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm in The Tolbooth, Forres.

Mar - Jun & Sept - Dec. Annual fee. New members welcome. For more information call Jean on 01309 672552 MORAY ADVANCE MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS Reg. Scottish Charity SC 033561 visit www.morayiam.org.uk or call 01309 673954

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NAIRN ROAD RUNNERS Thursdays, 7.30pm club night at the Maggot. Small, friendly club catering for all running abilities.

Call Louise Scott on 451835 info@nairnroadrunners.co.uk www.nairnroadrunners.co.uk

NAIRN & DISTRICT SENIOR CITIZENS LUNCH CLUB Mondays & Thursdays, 12:30pm at Nairn Community Centre. Two course lunch, tea, coffee & biscuits. Bingo, raffle, trips out & entertainment. New members always welcome. Apply to Pat Clark 01667 452916 NAIRN COUNTY FOOTBALL CLUB LTD Contact 453286

SALTIRE SOCIETY HIGHLAND BRANCH Saturdays, 6 per annum 12 noon at various venues. To promote Scotland's cultural heritage, arts and imagination through a series of events and awards with local talks and events. Call Convener Jim Miller on 01463 713552 SEAFORTH CLUB Private members club, welcoming guests & visitors to a warm, comfortable and friendly environment. Eentertainment, incl. bingo & dancing to live music. Contact 452509

more). Handypersons service carrying out jobs around the home (many at no cost) for the elderly and those living with a disability.

Contact 01667 455234 or email nairn@signpost-inc.org SJÖGREN'S SYNDROME AND LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP Meetings arranged on an adhoc basis. For more information call Sheena on 01343 820635 or Susan on 01343 842656 SOUNDS DEEP MEN’S CHOIR Alternate Tuesdays 7.30pm9.30pm at St. John’s Church, Forres. All kinds of music. No experience necessary. Contact Bill 01309 672951 for more details.

SOUNDS FAMILIAR SINGING GROUP Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday every month at 2:30pm - 4pm in the Craigmonie Hotel, Annfield Rd, Inverness. For people with dementia & their carers. Come and enjoy our friendly, popular group. For details call 01463 233231 or 01463 230803 or email soundsfamiliarmusic@aol.com T-EXCHANGE MAKERSPACE Make things, build things and exchange ideas. Third Friday of every month 7:30pm at Findhorn Village Centre. Details on www.t-exchange.net or contact Bill on 07925 551191.

THE ACCIDENTALS Nairn’s Community Choir practices Wednesdays, 7:30pm - 9:30pm at St Columba’s Church Hall, Queen Street. Sing a cappella in four-part harmony. New members welcome.

Call Christine Oliver on 01667 453793 or just come along.

VOLUNTEERING HIGHLAND Volunteer Centre in Nairn Welcomes anyone who would like to volunteer in the local area.

Contact Fiona Barnes 453055 or nairn@volunteeringhighland.org

SEWING GROUP NAIRN Contact 455012 SIGNPOST Guidance and support to voluntary groups and individuals in Nairn and Inverness-shire. Volunteering, funding, office services (typing, photocopying, book-keeping and

tel: 01309 690063

PLEASE NOTE Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis. If you would like your details to be included email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

The Editor

I was reminded recently about the value of life. Life is indeed precious and when we know someone who dies the reality of death can hit us hard.

People say that death and taxes are the two things that we can rely on without fear of contradiction!

We cannot understimate the pain and sadness associated with death but if it prompts us to live for the day and live life to the full then that is no bad thing.

We should be joining that group or club that we have been thinking about. Let’s not delay - engage with our community and let’s go to that club/group!

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PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS God Is For Everyone!

Candlemas is a word you might see on the page of your diary this month and wonder where it comes from or what it means. You might guess that it has something to do with candles, and you would be right about that, and you might also notice that it always comes on the same day in February, the second day of the month. So what is it ?

Candlemas is a festival of the church, a very old festival dating back to about the year 300 AD. It is sometimes called the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and refers to the story in Luke’s Gospel where Mary and Joseph take the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem for a blessing, a bit like the same way people still bring their new baby to church for baptism today. And just like today when people greet a couple with a new baby, there were folks there waiting for them to share in their

celebration. One of them was a prophet called Anna who had lived around the Temple for a very long time. Another was a man called Simeon who took the baby Jesus in his arms, saying these words; Lord, you are now dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel (Luke 2:35-40)

Gospel “In Him was life and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:4-5). When it comes to Candlemas, which is the end of our Christmas celebrations, we recall that the light and the love that Jesus brings is not for ourselves alone, but to be shared with everyone and so the candles are lit and carried out of the church into the world.

It was Simeon’s way of blessing the couple and their baby and it must have been another reminder for them that Jesus was no ordinary child. Simeon and Anna add their voices to those of the shepherds and the angels to tell us, again, that this is God come to us in Jesus.

It is just a nice way of saying that the God who comes to us in Jesus is for everyone and our light and joy and hope can help spread his love around.

So, that’s the story, what about the candles? Through the Christmas season candles often symbolise the light of God’s love coming into the world. As is tells us in John’s

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 on 01667 452764 or Secretary on 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, 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 the Minister Murdo MacLeod on 01667 459131.

Nairn Old Parish Church 10.30am: holiday worship and crèche. Contact Rev. Alison Mehigan on 01667 453777

page 6 - February 2016

Very Rev. Alison J Simpson St. Columba’s, Nairn

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

Nairn Dunbar Golf Club Lochloy Road, Nairn IV12 5AE A challenging, championship golf course with a relaxed and friendly welcome!

Introductory Golf membership Sunday PM to Friday unlimited Golf Plus 2 Free lessons!

If you have ever thought of joining a golf club but were unsure about the cost, why not try our Introductory Membership. You will get 2 group lessons from our professional staff, 12 months golf (except all day Saturday and Sunday mornings) and a loyalty card giving 10% discount in our bars and restaurant.

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Please phone for an application form - 01667 452741 www.nairndunbar.com email: enquiries@nairndunbar.com

USEFUL INFORMATION Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days 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 April Fool’s Day Early May Bank Holiday Father’s Day Longest Day Summer Bank Holiday British Summertime Ends Halloween Bonfire Night Rememberance Sunday

Mon 28th Mar 2016 Fri 1st Apr 2016 Mon 2nd May 2016 Sun 19th Jun 2016 Mon 20th Jun 2016 Mon 1st Aug 2016 Sun 30th Oct 2016 Mon 31st Oct 2016 Sat 5th Nov 2016 Sun 13th Nov 2016

School Term Dates for 2015/2016 (all dates inclusive) 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 Autumn Holiday Ends Fri 21st Oct 2016 Winter Term Starts Mon 24th Oct 2016 Winter Term Ends Fri 23rd Dec 2016 Christmas Holiday Starts Mon 26th Dec 2016 Christmas Holiday Ends Fri 6th Jan 2017 Spring Term Starts Mon 9th Jan 2017 Mid Term Holiday Mon 20th Feb 2017

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 - February 2016

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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Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area *March Issue Deadline: Friday, 29th January* 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.

JANUARY 2016 27 wednesday

nairn101 7pm - 9.30pm, the little theatre, fishertown, nairn. gathering together curious people of nairn and the local area to think, be and do something more. £5 - £10 suggested contribution. call morag paterson 01667 259172 or visit www.nairn101.me food & cooking through the ages 2.30pm, elgin museum hall. a talk by mary shand on food and cooking methods in different historical periods. free entry. for more information contact elgin museum on 01343 543675 or visit www.elginmuseum.org.uk the complete stone roses @ ironworks 7:30pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com or call 0871 7894173

30 saturday

soup & coffee morning 11am - 1pm, dyke & district village hall. all welcome. recovery café - help make good mental health for all and recovery a reality 1pm - 5.30pm, harvest centre, 10 greyfriars street, elgin. recovery conversation café from 1pm - 3pm - to book email robert.stevenson @scottishrecovery.net • break 3pm - 3.30pm • design the ‘wellbeing hub’ - creative session 3.30pm - 5.30pm to book email info@wrapmoray.org attend either or both parts of the event. if you have any childcare or other barriers to participation please contact to discuss. do you like jokes? comedy club @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm. lose the january blues with great live stand-up comedy. book early. call 01343 596000 or visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

elmer crafts and stories with earthtime! 10:30am at forres library. craft and storytime session for children and parents. make elmer and elephants from recycled milk containers. call forres library on 01309 672834 or email forres.library@moray.gov.uk

NAIRN COMMUNITY & ARTS CENTRE FEBRUARY EVENTS Saturday 6th - 7pm Charity Music Gig Saturday 13th - 7.30pm Athenaeum Winds, wind ensemble

27 wednesday - 30 saturday scottish ballet: cinderella @ eden court 7:30pm on wed /fri & 2pm on thurs/sat. box office 01463 234234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk

Friday 19th - Cinema Nairn - “Force Majeure” (15) - 7.30pm

NAIRN

28 thursday rspb talk : the wildlife of loch ness 7.30pm culduthel christian centre, culduthel ave, inverness. call 01997 433283

Saturday 27th - Feis Piping Day - Full day of piping instruction for children and adults who already play the pipes. www.nairnfeis.co.uk

29 friday scottish rock garden club (moray group) - ian young - highland gathering 7:30pm, new elgin hall annex. for more information call colinne souter (treasurer) on 01340 871504 or netta milne (secretary) on 01340 881558 cinema nairn: 'seven year itch' 7:30pm at nairn community and arts centre. tickets at the door. for more information visit cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Saturday 20th - Feis Day A full day of Traditional Music Workshops. www.nairnfeis.co.uk

Your local venue for films, shows, concerts and parties Wide range of activities for all ages

For further details 01667 453476 info@nairncc.co.uk www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

February 2016 - page 11

garden

GreenThumb

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Has All this Winter’s Rain Turned Your Lawn into Moss?

You’re not the only one. Moss thrives in cool, damp, shady conditions. We have the ideal climate. If you apply an autumn/winter feed from the garden centre (or GreenThumb), it will likely contain iron, a long established moss control element. Iron dehydrates the existing moss growth, often turning it black as it dies back. In our climate that’s usually not enough on it’s own, and most lawns also need scarified to remove this material, and re-growth of yet more new moss, either by raking, or with a machine. It’s best done either side of Christmas. At any rate, it should be done before Spring, when the grass starts growing again. It’s a pretty traumatic procedure for the grass to tolerate, and not something you want to inflict on any fragile new growth just starting up.

For more information about seasonal lawn improvements from just £11.25 per mth, plus useful downloads and photos, go to

I’ve put in a picture here of the sort of machines we

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rspb outing : inverness to nairn meet 9:30am at highland council car park. call 01997 433283 discover new music: will robert @ the drouthy cobbler 8pm. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk or call 01343 596000 slam @ ironworks 10:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

31 sunday anda union @ eden court 8pm. perform traditional mongolian music. box office 01463 234234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2016 2 tuesday infifa : william wyler season - ‘the letter’ 7:15pm at eden court cinema. followed by informal post film discussion. visit www.invernessfilmfans.org for more information. scottish ornithologists' club: “the migrations and status of the purple sandpiper in britain and ireland." by ron summers 7.30pm, culloden library. call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740 for more information.

4 thursday bookbug for babies and toddlers 10am - 11am at forres library. a fun singing and rhyming session for babies and toddlers in forres library. all welcome.

5 friday nairn literary institute illustrated talk : a glimpse of old nairn by alan barron 7.30pm at nairn free church, gordon street, nairn. non-members £3 admission. www.nairnliterary.org.uk gaelic society of inverness talk on” crofting “ by alasdair maciver, rogart 7.30pm in inverness gaelic primary school. non members welcome.

6 saturday moravian orienteers saturday series: orienteering at the crooked wood at 10am. hosted by lhanbryde primary school. races for adults and juniors with refreshments afterwards by the parent council. for info visit www.moravianorienteering.org or call mike on 07957 836124 ‘sold on soul’ dance on behalf of unicef doors open 7.30pm, band starts at 8.30pm in elgin town hall. over 18 only. bar & raffle. tickets £10 from a & i supplies, sound & vision, elgin or call 01343 543092. money will go towards helping the children of syria.

2010 events presents : the music farm @ the loft from 12pm, eastgrange farm, near forres. an indoor music festival featuring over 20 breaking acts across two stages. open to all ages but u18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult over 25. £20. call 01343 8501111 or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk hò-rò @ ironworks 8pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

page 14 - February 2016

8 monday james croll, joiner, janitor, genius: illustrated talk by mike robinson, chief executive of the royal scottish geographical society 7:30pm at highland council chamber, glenurquhart road, inverness. about a 19th century scot whose self-learning, whilst working as a janitor, led to the earliest theory of the ice ages. adults £8 / students, u18 and rsgs members free

10 wednesday highland rock garden club - the hunt for a long-lost primula (primula bullata) : a talk by david rankin (scottish rock garden club) 7.30pm at nairn community & arts centre. £2.50 incl. refreshments. all welcome. call john owen on 01320 366246

13 saturday music nairn presents: athenaeum winds 7.30pm at nairn community and arts centre. a young, vibrant scottish wind quintet play a lighthearted programme incl. millhaud, ligeti, mozart, finishing with hallam's rollicking charleston! tickets at door or music nairn www.musicnairn.org.uk or call 01667 455701 billy bibby @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

16 tuesday meet novelist, sara sheridan 2pm - 3pm in fochabers library, milne's library & leisure suite. talking about her cosy crime noir mysteries and historical novels. contact fochabers library on 01343 821434 or email fochabers.library@moray.gov.uk lucy spraggan @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

18 thursday - 19 friday banff mountain film festival 2016 @ eden court 7:30pm. for tickets and info visit www.banff-uk.com or www.eden-court.co.uk or call the box office on

19 friday cinema nairn: ‘force majeure’ (15) 7:30pm at nairn community and arts centre. tickets at the door. for more information visit cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk nairn literary institute illustrated talk - uganda: positive culture shock by alan mckay 7.30pm, nairn free church, gordon street, nairn. non-members £3 admission. www.nairnliterary.org.uk

20 saturday nairn men’s breakfast 9.45am for 10am at dunbar golf club, nairn. testimony by william paterson share food and fellowship and hear what god is doing in other men's lives. contact campbell on 01667 455149 by 6.30pm fri 19th to book your place baby & children's market 10am - 12pm at eight acres hotel, elgin. nearly new sale of baby and children's items. buy good quality second hand kids clothes, toys and equipment at our pop-up indoor market. email info@happymumsmarket.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

clan macpherson : free drop in event 11am - 3pm at the highland archive centre, bught road, inverness. are you a member of the clan or are you interested in the history of clans? come along to see a display or archive material, books, family trees and heraldry relating to the clan macpherson. call 01463 256433 or email: genealogy@highlifehighland.com

21 sunday moravian orienteers: orienteering at darnaway 10am - 12pm, darnaway forest. try orienteering at the venue used for the 2015 world championships world class surroundings! for info call mike on 07957 836124 or visit www.moravianorienteering.org

26 friday tannara @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm. call 01343 596000 or visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk livewire ac/dc @ ironworks 7:30pm. ac/dc tribute. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com the sounds of wit: an illustrated talk on donald macintyre’s great satirical masterpiece, macphàil is macthòmais by bill innes 7.30pm in inverness gaelic school. non-members welcome.

27 saturday scooty & the skyhooks @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

28 sunday

24 wednesday soup & coffee morning from 11am - 1pm at dyke & district village hall. all welcome. do you like jokes? comedy club @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm. 5 pro comedy acts including a special headliner. book early. call 01343 596000 or visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

25 thursday

ed byrne: outside, looking in @ eden court 8pm. for tickets and info call box office 01463 234234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk

29 monday simon thoumire and ian carr @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm. for info and tickets call 01343 596000 or visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

rspb talk : the rspb’s natural secrets by peter holden mbe 7.30pm at culduthel christian centre, inverness call 01997 433283 for more information.

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February 2016 - page 15

Š VisitNairn.com

PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES As your MP, being accessible to you is a priority for me. In addition to traditional weekly surgeries I also go on the road with my mobile surgery, after all nobody should be disadvantaged by way of their location. Although these surgeries are always busy, most constituents choose to contact me through email and my website. At the touch of a button people can let me know about issues affecting them and their communities. Increasingly technology provides a convenient link between me and the constituents I serve, particularly as I have to spend a lot of time in Westminster. It is a trend across many relationships; be it communications between business and supplier, pupil and teacher or patient and doctors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we are all part of a growing digital economy. However, as things go â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Digital by Defaultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; we must remember that for the 5.9 million who have never used the internet, digital communication isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a choice - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not even an option.

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

M TU W TH F SA SU

AM 09:46 11:11 01:21 02:18 03:04 03:52 04:43

PM 23:27 14:12 15:07 15:57 16:43 17:27

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Scotland has made great progress in tourism. The quality of our accommodation, food and drink and visitor attractions has increased immeasurably.

One area we need to do more is accessible tourism: providing for those with a disability. In the UK, 11 million people have some form of disability. Some use a wheelchair, others have impaired sight or hearing. Many travel with carers. A variety of different needs and an enormous market. That also includes providing respite to people with long term disabilities and their carers - "respitality." Princess Anne has advocated this as a great opportunity. Visit Scotland provide a free training tool kit and advice on access statements.

Have a look at their website. With much effort and common purpose, we could become known as the country offering the warmest welcome and the most practical support to people with a disability. Scotland, the accessible tourism destination.

Fergus Ewing MSP

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FIXTURES FEBRUARY 2016

FOOTBALL CLUB

13th Feb (H) Clyde

20th Feb (A) Montrose

27th Feb (H) East Stirlingshire

Inverness CT

13th Feb (H) Aberdeen

20th Feb (A) Celtic

27th Feb (A) Dundee

Ross County

13th Feb (A) Celtic

20th Feb (H) Hamilton Academical

27th Feb (H) Dundee Utd

Buckie Thistle

13th Feb (H) Inverurie Loco Works

20th Feb (A) Wick Academy

Clachnacuddin

13th Feb (A) Turriff United

20th Feb (H) Huntly

Forres Mechanics

13th Feb (A) Keith

20th Feb (H) Brora Rangers

13th Feb (H) Forres Mechanics

20th Feb (A) Inverurie Loco Works

Lossiemouth FC

13th Feb (H) Deveronvale

20th Feb (H) Cove Rangers

Nairn County FC

13th Feb (A) Fort William

20th Feb (H) Turriff United

Rothes FC

13th Feb (H) Wick Academy

20th Feb (A) Deveronvale

Strathspey Thistle

13th Feb (H) Brora Rangers

20th Feb (A) Fraserburgh

Elgin City

Keith FC

6th Feb (A) Queens Park

The Newton Hotel and Highland Conference Centre

W NAIRN W Kevin Staines, General Manager of The Newton Hotel in Nairn, talked recently about some of the typical type of questions that are put to them by couples planning their wedding. The Newton has a long standing reputation for providing the very best in a wedding venue and is keen to continue and build upon this reputation in the future.

5. Our budgets are modest and we are planning an intimate wedding with just a few family and friends. Can you accommodate smaller parties, too, or do we need to fill the whole hotel?

We cater from 2-200 guests, in a variety of event rooms. Its your day, we just help make it go smoothly.

1. We got engaged at Christmas and haven’t even begun to start thinking about organising our wedding. We’ve enjoyed the weddings we’ve been to at The Newton Hotel and would like to find out more about you – what is the first thing we should do?

Come and see us! Make an appointment with Janet, and pop in for a showround, sample the wonderful, friendly atmosphere that we have to offer

6. We’d love to have a variety of locations for our wedding photos, both inside and outside – if the Highland weather is kind. What would you suggest?

Wood panelled corridors, black and white floors, our chapel, in front of our fountain, our original staircase entrance, a group shot with the photographer hanging out of a bedroom window looking down to you and your guests! The beach!!

Inside and out, the newton offers a wide range of beautiful photo opportunities.

2. Can you help us with recommendations for wedding bands, florists, photographers and someone to make our cake?

We’re really not sure where to start! Absolutely, we are delighted to give you some advice in terms of suppliers that regularly appear at the Newton, but remember, this is YOUR day, so should you already have ideas for suppliers, share them with us and we’ll help

7. Still thinking of photographs – we’d really like for your Highland cows to appear in some of our wedding photos – can that be arranged?

“Haggis & neeps” are very photogenic and friendly, and would be happy to help! Just remember your wellies!

3. We don’t have a church connection so would like to get married at the hotel. What options are available to at The Newton?

Our fabulous chapel, our idyllic gardens, or our Cawdor or Brodie suites offer a variety of options for your religious, civil, humanist, pagan ceremony.

8. We’d really like to arrive at our wedding in style – do you have any suggestions that would help our wedding stand out from the crowd?

From helicopter to horse and cart, its YOUR wedding, make it your style. What about a champagne bar in the car-park on the back of a vintage car We can do that!

4. We are quite particular about the food and wines that will be served at our wedding. Can we come and taste the dishes before we decide?

A complimentary meal tasting is included in your booking with us, and it matters to us that you are confident and delighted in the food that will be served to those joining you for your wedding. Wines can be sampled at your taster meal, or at a preferred time

9. One of our guests has mobility issues and can’t manage stairs. Is everything easily accessible for a wheelchair?

All of our event rooms are on the ground floor, with a lift to all floors with wheelchair accessible bedrooms available as well.

A ramp gives entry to the front door of the hotel.

For any further details or information about using the Newton as a wedding venue please phone Kevin on 01667 459000.

beautiful W E D D I N G S AT O N E O F S C O T L A N D ’ S F I N E S T

Set in 21 acres of mature woodland and gardens with stunning views to the Moray Firth, the award-winning Newton Hotel with its own chapel, offers a beautiful setting to create very special memories of your most important day.

THE NEWTON HOTEL Inverness Road • Nairn IV12 4RX • 01667 453144 sales.newton@bespoke-hotels.com www.bespokehotels.com/newtonhotel

INNES HOUSE

Weddings and Corporate Entertainment A Unique place for any Occasion It is difficult to imagine a more romantic setting for your wedding than a 17th century house set in a sheltered walled garden. However, Innes is not just a stunning venue which you and your guests will never forget, but also offers a wholly flexible programme to enable you to plan your day exactly as you would like.

Every wedding is unique and tailor-made for each couple. You may hold the ceremony here in the garden or in one of the two beautiful reception rooms. After the service your guests can wander around the gardens whilst you have your photographs taken in these tranquil, romantic surroundings.

The reception and dinner may be held in the East Dining Room or larger parties can be held in our marquee extension which covers a walled garden complete with a summer house for the bar and a fountain around which the tables are set. After dinner you may enjoy dancing or other entertainment and then drive away down the tree lined avenue and look back on a magnificent floodlit house.

Alternatively, you and some of your guests may stay the night in one of our splendidly appointed bedrooms and leave after a leisurely breakfast the next morning.

Offer extended!

Any couple booking their wedding within six months of their wedding date, will be offered complimentary wedding night accommodation along with a 'Champagne Toast' upgrade of their chosen drinks package

Innes House – Elgin – Moray – IV30 8NG Tel. 01343 842410 enquiries@inneshouse.co.uk – www.inneshouse.co.uk Please quote ‘SpotLight’ when making an enquiry

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LARGE RANGE OF SNOWSPORTS CLOTHING AND HARDWEAR 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.

EXPERT BOOT FITTING 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.

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78 Academy Street, Inverness Tel: 01463 248600

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In April 2015, the Government made changes to pensions, giving you more freedom and choice.

It set up Pension Wise, a free and impartial service to help you understand your options.

To book a free face to face appointment with a Guidance Specialist, please call your local Citizens Advice Bureau on 01667 456677 or visit us at 6 High Street, Nairn.

Or for more information visit www.pensionwise.gov.uk

R

travel counsellors

For your perfect tailor-made honeymoon or wedding abroad Contact Julia Macleay to help organsie this memorable occasion.

Honeymoon Registry Service also available.

For details please call Julia on 01463 225720 or email: julia.macleay@travelcounsellors.com