SpotLight On Nairn & District June 2012

June 2012

NAIRN AND DISTRICT THE

NORTH’S

FAV O U R I T E

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MAG’!

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Pastoral Letter p6 Rockness p14 Diamond Jubilee Chicken p20 Tenerife p22 Antiques Roadshow p24

Green Thumb p26 Designhouse p28-29 Wild About Nature p30

The Antiques Roadshow at Cawdor Castle See page 24 for details

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Advertising Sales Executive An exciting opportunity has arisen to work in a small team in a growing media company, based close to Forres.

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9am-6.30pm Professional skin treatments performed by a Registered Nurse in a discreet environment

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2)*51 :*// *48.33*) 685,.(&/ +&(./.7.*6 8// &1,* 2+ 6*59.(*6 +25 -286*-2/) 3*76 48.1* &50 &1.0&/6 Acupuncture l Allergy testing l Ultrasonic dentistry l Ultrasound l l l

Endoscopy/Bronchoscopy l Nurse clinics l Visiting ophthalmologist

Full in house lab facilities for instant diagnosis l Digital x-ray processing Dedicated equine vets l Full range of pet and horse feeds

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Clubs,Societies & Regular Meetings 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.

BOYS BRIGADE Contact 452950 CAWDOR BOWLING CLUB Provides a six rink green where club and open competitions are played. Spoon competition Friday’s 7pm. Coaching for learners on a Tuesday evening.

Contact 453698 CAWDOR HERITAGE GROUP 3rd Wed every month excl Aug, Sept, Dec & Jan, 7.30pm. Family and local history archive facility within Nairn Museum. Cawdor Community Centre. Contact 493218 for details CAWDOR SWRI Last Wednesday of each month, 7:30pm, Sept - April, Community

Sample One-Off Advertising Rates (Colour Advert) Box £36 Big Box £67 ¼ Page £121 ½ Page £229 Business Profile £250 Full Page £432 Discounts available for series bookings and Black & White SpotLight on Nairn is published by Winterburn Media Ltd, Comraich, Woodside Farm, Kinloss IV36 3UA, 01309 690063. All material contained within the SpotLight magazines is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertiser artwork or any other content, without the publishers prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright. page 4 - June 2012

Room at Cawdor Community Centre, (not December when we go out for our Christmas Meal).

Call Brenda on 493361 or email gbshone@btinternet.com GAGHLIG SAN (GAELIC IN THE HOME) Wed 9.30am - 11.30am & 8pm 10pm for intermediates. Thurs 9.30am - 11.30am (within school terms). Learn gaelic by repetition & conversation. All abilities welcome. Call Ann Grant on 01667 451002 or 07780 948527 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 INVERNESS HOSPITAL RADIO Email requests to be played for someone in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness to: requests@invernes shospitalradio.co.uk. We are looking for ward visitors and technical team members. Email: enquiry@invernesshospitalradio .co.uk Contact Mr Atholl Menzies tel: 704500/704501 MORAY & NAIRN PONY CLUB Contact 01309 641483 or email willandjudith@btopenworld.com www.pcuk.org NAIRN & DISTRICT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION New beekeepers or visitors welcome at our monthly meetings. Call 454887 or email jandjburns@hotmail.com NAIRN ANGLING ASSOCIATION Contact 459250 or email nairnangling@tiscali.co.uk NAIRN CEILIDH GROUP Thursdays, 8-11pm, Royal British Legion Hall, Cawdor St. Nairn. £2.50 at the door. Highland Dancers, singers, Bagpipes, Poetry and more. Live bands.

Supports local charities. Tel:

452516 or email secretary@nairnceilidhgroup.org.uk www.nairnceilidhgroup.org.uk NAIRN COMMUNITY CENTRE Contact Sam Morrison 453476 NAIRN COUNTY CRICKET CLUB Friendly & eager to involve all ages in cricket. Games on Saturdays. Practice night Tuesday at Nairn Links

Vo i c e G y m C h o i r For anyone who just wants to sing. Covering music from Classical to Gospel, Music Theatre to Pop, Every Friday at Rosebank Hall, Academy Street, Nairn. Junior Voicegym is from 6.15 – 7.15 & Adult Choir 7.30 – 9.00 Price: £5 for everyone. Contact Simone on 07860569394 or simonelaraway@gmail.com NAIRN COUNTY FOOTBALL CLUB LTD Contact 453286 NAIRN DISABLED SPORTS CLUB We cater for bowlers and athletes who have a disability.

Contact 07766 952477 NAIRN DOMINO LEAGUE Contact 452496 NAIRN DRAMA CLUB 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 NAIRN HYDROTHERAPY POOL Monday - Saturday from 9.30am.

For general health and well-being.

Helps all ages & many mobility problems. Contact 455351

tel: 01309 690063

NAIRN COMMUNITY TRANSPORT Call 01667 459337 or email nairncommunitytransport@googl email.com NAIRN MUSEUM Local history museum with 6 rooms of archives & memorabilia.

Changing photo exhibitions.

Children's Area. Disabled Access. Mon - Friday 10am 4.30pm & Sat 10am - 1pm, Easter to Oct. Call 456791 NAIRN REIKI SHARE Reiki healers, all levels. Sharing healing for self, others and planet Earth. Once a month. email: ali.omshanti@yahoo.co.uk 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 ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION (RAFA) 2nd Tuesday of the month, 8pm, Royal British Legion, Nairn.

Offering friendship & welfare support to serving & ex-serving members of the RAF and their families.

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

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

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Pastoral letter and Church Meetings `Let’s Pray’ I doubt there is anyone who has lived for any length of time who hasn’t heard that term. If you are a church goer –you’ll have heard it often.

If not, probably at weddings or funerals, and if you haven’t been to many of them you’ll have heard it said at some points during childhood. When you hear the word `pray’ what does it put in your mind? Do you switch on or switch off? Or, to you is it some meaningless concept reserved for weird religious people?

And the world’s 5 billion religious people do pray. For many of them it’s like opening a door to God, creating a road to a relationship. Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs all offer prayers to the God or Gods of their faith. The world’s Christians pray, to God the Father, Jesus the Son, and The Holy Spirit, three-in-one as expressed in the bible. We call this the Holy Trinity or Triune God. Why do all these people pray?

A humanist writer I read claimed the only reason religious people pray is because they want something in return for their efforts. In the Christian faith praying in supplication is acceptable.

The Holy Bible teaches in that we, `not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God’ (Philippians chapter 4 verse 6).

No doubt people do find comfort in

knowing at times of great need that they can turn to God communicating all their fears and wants without restriction. And as the Psalms of the bible teach us that God in his greatness will hear that prayer and will respond as God will for God’s glory and our own good. However, to have only this type of prayer, to turn to God only when you have a need that requires satisfaction, is to miss a vital few ingredients. To expect a positive response from God without first having a faith, and being in a worshipful and right relationship with your creator and saviour is somewhat arrogant - would you not agree? The Humanist missed a vital point, and that is that in Christianity and most major religions, prayer in request of something is preceded by an understanding that God is sovereign, to be faithfully worshipped, venerated, and praised with humility.

Would you have the opportunity for a positive response to prayer? If so, how would you pray? The bible teaches that we are to pray at all times but many of us these days might struggle to know how to do that. But we shouldn’t let that stop us and God isn’t bothered about fancy words or great aplomb. In any case we have a great teacher. Jesus Christ the Son of God and the only way to the Father. This is what he said:

Ardersier with Petty Parish Church C of S Sunday service at 10.15am. Petty Sundays 12noon. Call 462224 Nairn Baptist Church 11am every Sunday & 6pm every third Sunday of the month. Meets in Nairn Community Centre. Call the Pastor 459672 or visit www.nairnbaptistchurch.org.uk Auldearn and Dalmore Parish Church Sunday Service at 12 noon. Rev. Ricky Reid 451675.

Cawdor Parish Church Sunday service at 10.15am. Rev. JS Mathieson 493217 Nairn Free Church Sunday at 11am with Sunday School & Creche (Gordon St); Evening 6pm (Gordon St); Youth Club for S1 up on Wed at 6.30pm (Rosebank Hall); Prayer & Bible Study Thurs at 11am or 7:30pm alternate Weeks (Gordon Street). Minister Murdo MacLeod 459131.

Nairn Christian Fellowship Sunday Worship 10.30am; Praise & Bible Study Wednesday 7.30pm. Call Sandy Shaw 456492.

Old Parish Church meets at 10.30am for morning Worship,

page 6 - June 2012

When you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.

May your Kingdom come soon.

May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. (NLT) If you can pray that prayer you have opened the door, started the relationship, used the right words, got the beginning right. Did you do it? If you did, well done!

Rev. Tim Power, Nairn Baptist Church.

Sunday School & Creche. Rev. Ian WF Hamilton.

St Ninians Church Morning Worship and Sunday School 10.15am. Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7.30pm. Rev. Ricky Reid 451675.

St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Family Worship 10.30am.

Evening Prayer 6.30pm. Rev. Canon Alison Simpson 452458.

St Mary’s Catholic Church IV12 4RJ, Saturday Vigil 6pm, Sunday Mass 11.30am, tel: 453323 United Reformed Church Morning Service with Sunday School & Creche 11am. Rev. Steven Manders 451443.

The Pentecostal Church of God Nairn Sundays at 10.30am.

Minister: JD Grant 456088. www.churchofgodnairn.org Nairn Joint Service 1st Sunday monthly St Ninians 6.30pm If you are a member of a church not listed here please email with details and we will print this in future issues.

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

Jousting Tournament at Brodie Castle

Sunday 1st July, jousts at 12.30-1pm & 2.30-3pm

Spectacular action... ...galloping horses, stunts, falls, awesome fire weapons, professional commentary, ‘have-a-go’ archery, birds of prey and more – a fantastic family adventure!

Cheer... ...for your favourite Knight as they attempt to win the Brodie Castle Jousting Tournament!

If you’re brave enough... ...after the joust, you can meet the Knights and their horses and hear about the horrible histories of medieval times!

There’ll be a static bird of prey display, and you can test your skill and see if you can hit the bullseye with our ‘have-a-go’ archery (8 years and over)! £8 adult, £5 child, £23 family Tickets for each joust (12.30pm or 2.30pm) are limited. Secure yours online at

www.nts.org.uk For more information, see our website, or call Brodie Castle on

0844 493 2156

For information on family events throughout Scotland

visit www.nts.org.uk

The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC007410.

Picture by Ka ren

Barcaly , Co

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Community Council News exTrACTS FrOM THe DrAFT MINuTeS OF THe MeeTING OF 3rD APrIL 2012 OF NAIrN WeST COMMuNITy COuNCIL

Nairn Summer Events – Queen’s Jubilee/Curtis Cup/Scottish Open There was further discussion about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June, following on from last month’s meeting and the Lord Lieutenant’s proposals to the joint meeting of CCs in February. Various ideas have been mentioned: a “big lunch”, a music concert on the Links, tree-planting, beacons on the beach and hedge planting. ry summed up by saying that NWCC felt that this was a matter where the Lord Lieutenant and Deputies should take the lead in initiating local events and that the CC’s would be prepared to join in and support. She commended the proposals by rotary and the Allotment Society to plant trees and a Jubilee hedge. ry noted that having sent off a request for information to receive the ‘Big Lunch’ pack, NWCC was still awaiting receipt. ry asked if those present were aware of Curtis Cup/Scottish Open, these being major golfing events which will bring tourists to Nairn. rupert Furze asked were there statistics as to how tourism contributes to Nairn economy. ry mentioned 37% are employed by tourism and BS added that tourism is the single biggest generator of revenue across the Highland region.

BS commented that in light of the discussions about litter, this underlined the need for ‘joined up thinking’. It was important to make an effort to ensure that the town is in good shape to welcome visitors during the easter holiday, golf tournaments and summer season.

More importantly, planners and contractors should bear this aspect in mind when considering the timing of road works and other projects, for example, the demolition of the Old Community Centre/Free church was originally scheduled for March and has now been postponed until May. It was not helpful to have disruptive works in the height of the tourist season.

Planning Issues Local Planning application procedure At the Community Council training courses held in March Mr Malcolm Macleod (THC Planning) had explained that in response to

page 8 - June 2012

the weekly planning lists, CC’s had to notify the Planning department (within a 7 day deadline) of those planning applications on which they wished to comment as statutory consultees.

After discussion NWCC agreed to nominate BS as the representative who would check the weekly lists and consult with colleagues about which applications required comment.

ACTION: BS to monitor weekly lists Sandown/Delnies GK asked what input NWCC had given to the Sandown “charrette”, if any? BS commented that the charrette had been open to all local residents. Several CC members had taken part in discussion conducted by independent consultants about drafting the development brief. This was a rewritten version of the earlier brief drawn up by THC planners prior to the negotiations with Deveron and other bidders.

The new brief, which has been approved by Highland Council, would form the basis for any new offer of the land for sale. If in due course the land was sold, the developer would then submit a planning application.

CCs and other bodies would then have a further chance to comment on the proposed development. BS pointed out that if the planning application wass in line with the development brief then it would be difficult for planners to object to the application. BS also commented that Sandown and Delnies planning are now linked, and requirements for the roads are specified, only so many houses can be built on Delnies before a road accessing Sandown is required to be built. GK asked if the approved final version of the Sandown development brief was publicly available.

ACTION: BS to check [update: the document is available on the HC website at http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/planning/developmentplans/localplans/sandowndevelopmentbrief.htm ] Town Centre ry understood that the demolition of Old Community Centre/Free Church has been delayed until May, and the filling station will also be demolished. For the moment the resulting open space would be made available for additional parking. John Dolan

tel: 01309 690063

commented that the planning application for the bus station would be considered next month. BS mentioned widespread local concern about the future of the Victorian stone buildings (former tourist office building and police station). Most people felt these should be retained as part of the architectural heritage of Nairn.

GK concerned about the lack of parking space in the town centre, a situation which will only get worse as the town expands, suggesting that NWCC send letter retaining the former Police Station and Tourist office Victorian buildings in Council ownership and retain the space from the demolition of former Community Centre as parking and not developed. NWCC agreed that the Victorian stone buildings are worth saving and agreed to write to Louise Clark (Ward Manager) and elected Councillors indicating that these buildings should be retained.

ACTION: BS to write letter to Louise Clark.

Traffic Issues A96/Bypass BS reported that he had written to Transport Scotland on behalf of NWCC commenting on the A96/Bypass proposals before the deadline of 31 March [a copy of the letter has been circulated]. GK commented that no one in Nairn objected to the bypass plans, and he encouraged the public to write to Transport Scotland and Scottish Government to urge early progress.

Local traffic management GK said he had met Highland Council TeC services department regarding ‘rat runs’.

They had indicated that they have funds available for the introduction of a 20mph speed limit, chicane type traffic calming measures and speed bumps. Several of those present argued strongly against speed bumps. GK felt that residents of Altonburn road and Marine road should be approached to gauge their views on this.

Graham Vine volunteered to canvass Altonburn road. ry would approach Mr Ian Bochel to canvass Marine road.

Action: GV/ry to arrange survey. In the light of this survey, NWCC would then write to THC seeking appropriate traffic management measures (such as 20 mph zones, but not speed bumps).

SpotLight on Nairn and District

GARAGE Est. 1994

01667 456700 0777 8772791

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Servicing vicing ci the community!

Vehicle Servicing / Repairs & Auto Diagnostic Centre All cars, 4X4's and light commercial vehicles Tyres wearing unevenly? - We now have the latest Hunter TD Elite CCD Four Wheel Alignment System Come In and talk to us about ECU remapping to improve fuel economy & engine performance or lower CO2 emissions

MOTT test test station NOW OW OPEN Class 4 & Class 7 vehicles vehic NEW Accessories section selling - Tyres, Tyres, Batteries, Exhausts, Bulbs, Wiper Blades and much much more!

Also - Supplied and fitted - Air Conditioning Systems ser serviced viced and repaired. repaaired.

MOT Testing Testing Station

Luxury SPA’s, Saunas & Gazebos Our shop on the High Street is One Year Old on 4th June 2012 and to celebrate this we are offering all of our customers a fantastic

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any wedding orders made during the month of June Please present this advert as your voucher

Based in Aviemore and Inverness, Cairngorm Spa's extensive expertise allows us to provide a range of carefully selected spa's, whirlpool baths, hot tubs, saunas and gazebo's to our customers in the Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms and the rest of Scotland and the UK. Our products are specifically selected to offer the best combination of value and quality and we are confident they represent the best-of-breed and offer our customers the best possible value for their money.

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Speyside Business Centre, Unit 13, Dalfaber Ind. Estate, Aviemore P22 1ST. UÊä£{Ç Ên£äÈxÈÊ­"vv Vi® UÊäÇnΣÊÇÎä {ÈÊ­ À > ® UÊäÇÇäÓÊ{n£nnnÊ­ Õ`À>® Also at: Design House 2, Pagoda, Seafield Road, Inverness IV1 1SG. UÊä£{ÈÎÊÈ{ Σä

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Local Holidays, School Term Dates &Useful Numbers Local Holidays

Spring Bank Holiday

Mon. 4th June 2012

Boxing Day

Wed. 26th Dec. 2012

Queens Diamond Jubilee Tues. 5th June 2012

New Year’s Day

Inverness Holiday

Mon. 2nd July 2012

Scottish Bank Holiday

Summer Bank Holiday

Mon. 6th Aug. 2012

Inverness Holiday

Mon. 1st Oct. 2012

Inverness Holiday

Mon. 5th Nov. 2012

St Andrews Day Christmas Day

Fri. 30th Nov. 2012

Tues. 1st Jan. 2013 Wed. 2nd Jan. 2013

* substitute, as this holiday falls on a weekend or other bank holiday

Tues. 25th Dec. 2012 School Holidays

for 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive) Summer Term Ends Friday 29th June 2012 for 2012/2013 (all dates inclusive) Regional Closure Monday 13th August 2012 Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 14th August 2012 Autumn Term Ends Friday 5th October 2012 Regional Closure Monday 22nd October 2012 Winter Term Starts Tuesday 23rd October 2012 Winter Term Ends Thursday 20th December 2012 Spring Term Starts Monday 7th January 2013

Holiday Closure Monday 11th February 2013 Holiday Closure Tuesday 12th February 2013 Regional Closure Wed. 13th February 2013 Regional Closure Thursday 14th February 2013 Regional Closure Friday 15th February 2013 Spring Term Ends Thursday 28th March 2013 Good Friday Holiday Friday 29th March 2013 Easter Monday Holiday Monday 1st April 2013 Summer Term Starts Monday 15th April 2013 May Day Holiday Monday 6th May 2013

Useful Numbers 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 The Lodgehill Clinic ....................................(01667) 452096 Arderseir Medical Practice ..........................(01667) 452278 Nairn Sports Medicine Clinic ......................(01667) 454523 DENTISTS Jones Jones & Behrendt ............................(01667) 453189 RM Donald & Associates ............................(01667) 454603 PHARMACIES Lloyds Pharmacy ........................................(01667) 453100 Boots The Chemist ......................................(01667) 453169 page 10 - June 2012

VETS Moray Coast ................................................(01667) 453161 Inshes Veterinary Clinic Inverness ..............(01463) 711777 Police Station ..............................................(01667) 452222 Stagecoach Inverness .................................(01463) 239292 Citizens Advice Bureau ...............................(01667) 456677 Nairn Museum ............................................(01667) 456791 Dalcross Airport .............................(01667) 464000/462280 Inverness Job Centre ....................(01463) 888100/888200 Highland Council ........................................(01667) 458500 Victim Support ............................................(01463) 710806 Samaritans ..................................................(01463) 713456 Gas - Emergency ............................................(0800 111999 Water - Emergency ........................................08456 008855 British Red Cross Inverness ........................(01463) 231620 Crossroads ..................................................(01667) 455369 National Rail Enquiries ..................................08457 484950 If you have any suggestions for additional useful numbers please email these to us on admin@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

CERTIFIED CENTRE

TYRES BRAKES EXHAUSTS BATTERIES ALIGNMENT Forres – 01309 674161 Keith – 01542 882401 Huntly – 01466 794449

Picture by ro

ger Carr , Co

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Parliament Blog & Tides I am writing this from my Edinburgh office on the local government polling day. The reason I am here, is to take part in a number of meetings throughout the day, in relation to promoting business in Scotland – including in my own patch.

So, for today at least there will, be no standing outside the polling station or kissing babies! Yesterday, was a very busy day with a two hour session spent appearing before the Energy Enterprise and Tourism Committee to deal with law on the Registers of Scotland. This was followed by attending the Enterprise question session in the Chamber, where myself John Swinney and Planning minister Derek McKay all responded to in total about twenty questions. These questions are largely delivered in reasonable Many asked about help for young people and

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

F SA SU M TU W TH

AM 02:01 03:20 04:21 05:14 06:03 06:51 07:40

PM 14:57 15:57 16:51 17:40 18:25 19:09 19:52

small business. I was able to point out that 85,000 small businesses in Scotland have paid no or low business rates through the small business bonus. I visited Dalcross Logistics who have received this help, and used the benefit from it to conduct training for staff thus contributing to their business success.

This week, I have also met with representatives from the Scottish Gamekeepers Association – whose members are the real custodians of much of our countryside, and rural economy. I have always felt that the best way to find out how things actually work in practice is to speak to those who are most closely involved in their daily working lives.

Gamekeepers look after the hillside, the moorland, and their animals. They spend their working days on the hill, outdoors, not in front computers, and no one in my opinion tend to have a better or closer understanding about how things work. All too often the statutory

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government advisors have dismissed their views as “anecdotal evidence.” It is most certainly not. A Chinese proverb said that “When I hear, I forget; when I see, I remember; when I do – I understand!”

Gamekeepers do – and they understand.

Many of those who are not actually working in the countryside, but are said to be “experts” do not have that direct experience, and lawmakers especially, should do well to bear that in mind.

They care deeply for their animals and look after them well. They are also great fun and good company. So, I hope that we will as lawmakers listen carefully to their views, to ensure that the rural economy can flourish.

Fergus Ewing MSP Apoligies from Danny Alexander who could not contribute to the Blog this month.

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Gateaux Regal Contact Jean Luc on 01667 455166 or visit at Unit 13 C1 Balmakeith Industrial Estate, Nairn www.gateauxregal.co.uk

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01309 676807

Westwood, Littlemill, Nairn Tel. 01667 454536 or

www.westwoodcattery.co.uk

Feline Advisory Bureau Registered, Listed in Good Cattery Guide page 12 - June 2012

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

festivals 8 -10th June This month sees the Rockness monster explode onto our Highland banks once again as a wealth of known and not so well known talent hit several stages for three days. Over 30,000 festival revellers, including a high proportion from Moray, are set to hit the shores of Lochness for a mixture of musical madness and matrimony.

Live comedy sets from the likes of Tim Minchin and Daniel Sloss, an inflatable church enabling music goers to tie the knot returns and plenty of music galore from Friday, June 8 is expected to take Dores by storm.

Hosting the best of the best in an overdrive of international talent, from Friendly Fires to Noah and The Whale to Zane Lowe, is just scratching the surface! Headliners include Mumford and Sons, Deadmau5, and Biffy Clyro. It doesn’t stop there… Ed Sheeran, Death In Vegas, Filth DJs, The View and Mylo are all set and raring to go to brace the Northern Scottish stages.

Moray bands and DJs from all over Scotland have been invited to showcase their musical talents this year and will feature at the Main Stage and new stage, Arcadia UFO for an altogether refreshed and revitalised Rockness.

8

Day, weekend, camping and VIP tickets are on offer for an altogether summer subliminal experience and will create lasting ‘Joy.Discovery.Invention’ memories for many years to come for Moray music lovers...

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PLeaSe Send uS detaiLS of YouR eventS Log on to www.spotlighton.co.uk email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk or call 01309 690063 What’s~on listings deadline for July issue is friday 01/06/12

art 10am - 5pm, tuesday - saturday at the house of automata, kinloss (next to petrol station). free entry. call 01309 691212 for more information or visit www.thehouseofautomata.com

6 june - onwards ‘transcapes’ - an art exhibition by maggie new the upper level at elgin museum. admission included in the museum entrance price or ÂŁ1 for the exhibition alone.

MAY 26 saturday - 4 june royal findhorn yacht club open week club open to non members – activities, bar, restaurant, cafÊ, special food nights. www.rfyc.net

30 wednesday

NAIRN Nairn Community & Arts Centre Y our local venue for films, shows, Your concerts and parties.

Wide range of activities for all ages.

inverness college uhi open evening from 5:30pm 7:30pm, longman campus refectory. for people interested in joining courses in aug & sept 2012. for info call 01463 273000 or email info@inverness.uhi.ac.uk tannahill weavers @ universal hall 7:30pm. findhorn foundation, the park, findhorn. tickets ÂŁ10 / ÂŁ8 concessions / ÂŁ6 u16s available at the phoenix stores 01309 690110 or at www.wegottickets.com

31 thursday

JUNE EVENT EVENTS S Fri 1st ................................... ...................................Hospice Hospice Caberet & Fashion Show Popper’s ’s Penguins�

Fri 8th ............................. Family Film Night “Mr Popper Fri 15th .................................... Music Nairn – Christine Lawrie Piano Sat 16th ..................................................... Sansum Fundraising Night Wed Wed 20th .................................................... YYellow ellow Dog Summer Show 22/23 June .................................... Mellow YYellow ellow – “Bugsy & Blousy�

Fri 29th ......................................... Cinema Nairn- Made in Dagenham Sat 30th ........................................................................ - Showstopperz

open air performance of macbeth by the lord chamberlain’s men gates open 6pm for a 7:30pm start. adults £14.50, children £8. enquiries and ticket info call 01667 404401 or visit www.cawdorcastle.com

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For further details T Telephone elephone 01667 453476, e-mail, info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at www www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk .nairncommunitycentre.co.uk

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JUNE 1 sunday

Rolling Event 29 may - onwards interactive exhibition of modern automata & kinetic SpotLight on Nairn and District

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mundole equestrian show jumping contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com

www.spotlighton.co.uk

June 2012 - page 15

JUNE

bands, stalls and more. visit www.elginrotary.co.uk.

2012 continued

highland hospice cabaret evening & fashion show at nairn community & arts centre. call 01667 453476 or email info@nairncc.co.uk for tickets and more info jake cogan’s ‘parcel of rogues’ tour @ the loft 8pm, the loft, east grange farm, kinloss, forres, IV36 2UD. call 01343 850111 or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk

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6 wednesday - 11 monday nairn book and arts festival presents the curtis cup art exhibition at the court house, high st, nairn. 1pm - 5pm wed/sat/sun, 1pm - 8pm thurs & 10am - 2pm mon. a special ‘meet the artist’ event on thurs 3pm 5pm. free entry. visit www.nairnfestival.co.uk family fim night - ‘mr popper’s penguins’ at nairn community & arts centre. call 01667 453476 or email info@nairncc.co.uk for tickets and more info

8 friday - 10 sunday rock ness on the very shores of loch ness. features headline performances from ed sheeran and indie folk favourites mumford and sons and noah and the whale, alongside scotland’s own biffy clyro. visit www.rockness.co.uk for more info.

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9 saturday

1 friday - 3 sunday northern roots festival held on bogbain farm, a short hop from inverness city centre, offering an enticing mix of folk, roots and country acts including blazin’ fiddles and the groanbox boys. for more info visit www.northernrootsfestival.co.uk

2 saturday swri arts & crafts show 11am - 3pm, elgin town hall. stalls & raffle, tea/coffee and home baking available. treebadour puppet theatre presents "the stolen birthday cake" 2pm, the james milne institute, findhorn. (next to the stone piers). hand puppet show for children from 3 years. £4 per person. info or bookings call elisabeth julian 01309 691225 or visit www.treebadour.co.uk diamond jubilee garden party & strawberry teas @ brodie castle 1:30pm - 4pm. with entertainment by the truly terrible orchestra and tony baxter. an afternoon of light hearted fun, children's games & crafts. www.nts.org.uk/events or 0844 493 2156

2 saturday - 3 sunday cawdor castle garden tours 11am & 2pm. included in normal gardens ticket. enquiries & ticket info call 01667 404401 or visit www.cawdorcastle.com

3 sunday motorfun 12pm - 5pm, cooper park, elgin. organised by the rotary club of elgin. free event offers a new cars motor show, classic and vintage cars, "show and shine" cars, motorbikes, live entertainment, with page 16 - June 2012

keith & kristyn getty & friends 7:30pm, eden court theatre. as part of the alive festival. for tickets call 01463 234234 or online at www.eden-court.co.uk

8 friday

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6 wednesday

treebadour puppet theatre presents "kasper and crocodile visit nessie" 2pm, the james milne institute, findhorn. (next to the stone piers). hand puppet show for children from 3 years. £4 per person. info or bookings call elisabeth julian 01309 691225 or visit www.treebadour.co.uk strathpeffer victorian day - live music, street stalls, climbing wall, pony rides, bouncy castle, flea circus, dog display & much more. treasured vehicles show: to register contact 07736463762. free entry to the museum of childhood. finally an evening ceilidh in the pavilion. fun for all the family, with free park and ride from castle leod (shinty field) to all events.

10 sunday mundole equestrian british dressage and unaffiliated dressage closing date 1st june. contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com ‘picnic in the park’ 2pm - 8pm in the square, grantown-on-spey, to celebrate her majesty’s diamond jubilee. free entry. call 01479 872332 for more info.

11 monday olympic torch ceremony approx. 1pm on the streets of grantown-on-spey. come and join us to celebrate this once in a lifetime event.

12 tuesday fundraising car treasure hunt 6:45pm for 7pm at cawdor community centre. followed by tea, coffee & homebakes. entry by donation. for more details email : ginamac@live.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

Cinema Nairn Friday 29th June, 7.30pm Made in Dagenham 2010 (15) Visit cinemanairn.blogspot.com or contact Nairn Community Centre on 01667 453476 for details

Cinema Listings June 2012 Eden Court Theatre, Inverness Throughout June

Delicacy (12a) Visit www.eden-court.co.uk or call 01463 234234 for details

Vue Cinema, Inverness From Tuesday 1st June Frankenstein (15) LOL (12a)

Moray Playhouse, Elgin

New Screenings begin on Fridays Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk

Prometheus (tbc) Snow White and the Huntsman (tbc) Top Cat 3D (tbc) Abraham lincoln :Vampire Hunter 3D (tbc)

Highland Spiritual Cinema

Monthly screenings of uplifting and inspiring films that inform, enlighten and entertain.

For further details please visit www.highlandspiritualcinema.net or telephone 01463 237452

KidsAM Every Saturday & Sunday at 10.15am Tickets £1.25 / VIP Tickets £2.75 Senior Screenings Every Tuesday afternoon Tickets £3.05 / VIP Tickets £4.55 Includes tea/coffee & biscuits

Visit www.myvue.com for details

Portessie Public Hall

Regular films including Saturday matinees.

For further details email: portessiepublichall@hotmail.co.uk

Universal Hall, Findhorn

Showing films through the year Visit www.findhorn.org/uhall or call 01309 691170 for details.

SpotLight on Nairn and District

www.spotlighton.co.uk

June 2012 - page 17

JUNE 2012 continued

13 wednesday moray & nairn floral art club 7:30pm, ramnee hotel, forres. demonstration by allan beatty from northern ireland - ‘summer visit’. call jean 01309 673552 or caroline 651375 for further details.

14 thursday primal scream @ ironworks 7pm. for tickets or info call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com nairn drama club presents “the prodigal aunt” 7:30pm at the little theatre, king street, nairn. visit http://nairndrama.org.uk for more information.

15 friday cal @ ironworks 7:30pm. for tickets or info call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com nairn music presents christina lawrie (piano) and marcus barcham-stevens 7:30pm, nairn community & arts centre. playing handel, schumann, debussy & more. tickets £18 / members £14 / students £2. call 01667 453476 scottish chamber orchestra @ universal hall 8pm. findhorn foundation, the park, findhorn. tickets £14 / £12 / £5 concessions available at the phoenix stores 01309 690110 or at www.wegottickets.com

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17 sunday open farm sunday @ the loft 11am - 4pm, east grange farm, kinloss. tractor & farm equipment display, stock judging, activities, food, music and more. for details call 01343 850111 or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk cowboys & cowgirls @ brodie castle 1:30pm - 4pm. family fun with gunfight sketches from the northern rough riders. £2 per adult, children free. visit www.nts.org.uk/events or call 0844 493 2156 nairnshire challenge registration is between 7am & 8.30am at the links car park in nairn only. visit www.nairnshirechallenge.co.uk for more details.

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18 monday ladies’ fellowship evening 7pm at the drumossie hotel, inverness. speaker, fiona castle and music by yvonne lyon as part of the alive festival. tickets and info from www.alivefestival.co.uk and clc bookshop.

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16 saturday absolute elvis for ironworks 7pm. seated. tickets or info tel: 08717894173 / www.ironworksvenue.com treebadour puppet theatre presents "kasper and the highland games" 2pm, the james milne institute, findhorn. (next to the stone piers). hand puppet show for children from 3 years. £4 per person. info or bookings call elisabeth julian 01309 691225 or visit www.treebadour.co.uk nairn men’s breakfast 9:45am for 10am, windsor hotel, nairn. meet other men christian & non christian and share food and fellowship. speaker david young. call campbell 01667 455149 or dereck 01667 456088 by friday 15th june 2012 to book a place. nairn drama club presents “the prodigal aunt” 7:30pm at the little theatre, king street, nairn. visit http://nairndrama.org.uk for more information. ‘equip’ conference & duggy dug dug children’s praise party 10.30am & 8.00pm, smithton & culloden free church. part of alive festival. tickets and info from www.alivefestival.co.uk and clc bookshop. sansum fundraising night at nairn community & arts page 18 - June 2012

centre. for tickets and more info call 01667 453476 or email info@nairncc.co.uk ivan drever @ the loft 8pm, the loft, east grange farm, kinloss, forres, IV36 2UD. call 01343 850111 or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk

teaching evening with malcolm duncan 7:30pm at hilton church of scotland, inverness. as part of the alive festival. free event. offering taken on the night.

20 wednesday inverness college uhi open day 12 noon - 6pm, longman campus refectory. for people interested in joining courses in aug & sept 2012. for info call 01463 273000 or email info@inverness.uhi.ac.uk out of the box presents ‘power up’ 7pm, culduthel christian centre, inverness. an all age event packed with puppets, songs & drama. tickets & info from www.alivefestival.co.uk and clc bookshop. salsa celtica @ universal hall 7:30pm. findhorn foundation, the park, findhorn. tickets £15 / £13 concessions available at the phoenix stores 01309 690110 or at www.wegottickets.com yellow dog summer show at nairn community & arts centre. for tickets and more info call 01667 453476 or email info@nairncc.co.uk

21 thursday bbc antiques roadshow 9:30am - 4:30pm in the grounds of cawdor castle. enquiries and ticket info call 01667 404401 or visit www.cawdorcastle.com

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

JUNE 2012 continued nairn drama club presents “the prodigal aunt” 7:30pm at the little theatre, king street, nairn. visit http://nairndrama.org.uk for more information. teaching evening with richard tiplady 7:30pm at inshes church of scotland, inverness. as part of the alive festival. free event. offering taken on the night.

22 friday alive ministry : worship in the city @ ironworks 6:30pm. feat. hillsong london, bluetree & lz7. tickets or info 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com charity concert - ‘music sacred & secular’ 7:30pm at burghead parish church, grant st, burghead. feat. david french (organ) & the raf kinloss voluntary brass band. tickets at the door. £5 adults / £3.50 cons

22 friday - 23 saturday mellow yellow - ‘bugsy & blousy’ at nairn community & arts centre. for tickets and more info call 01667 453476 or email info@nairncc.co.uk

23 saturday treebadour puppet theatre presents "crocodile has toothache" 2pm, the james milne institute, findhorn. (next to the stone piers). hand puppet show for children from 3 years. £4 per person. bookings or info call elisabeth julian 01309 691225 or visit www.treebadour.co.uk nairn drama club presents “the prodigal aunt” 7:30pm at the little theatre, king street, nairn. visit www.nairndrama.org.uk for more information. men’s conference with christian vision for men 9.30am - 4pm, culduthel christian centre, culduthel avenue, inverness. tickets and information from www.alivefestival.co.uk and clc bookshop.

LOFTY ARTS @ East Grange Farm, Kinloss

Arts at tel: 01343 850111

Sunday 24th of June 11am- 1pm

Creative Fun All children welcome

Come along and make fun stuff!

Sessions: £4 per child (booking desirable but not essential). children MUST be accompanied by an adult don’t forget

24 sunday lofty arts @ the loft 11am - 1pm, east grange farm, kinloss. creative fun sessions £4 per child - all children welcome (accompanied by an adult). booking recommended call 01343 850111

29 friday ten tonne dozer @ flanagans bar 8pm, elgin. a night of hard rocking! supported by ‘semperfi’ and ‘slave system’. email thesyndicate2008@btinternet.com or visit www.facebook.com/thesyndicate2008 for more info. ‘the marvel of peru’ @ brodie castle 7:30pm. james ross & friends perform baroque music. tickets £10.

SpotLight on Nairn and District

visit www.nts.org.uk/events or call 0844 493 2156

30 saturday mundole summer show, closing date 16th june, call 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com india alba @ universal hall 8pm. findhorn foundation, the park, findhorn. tickets £8 / £10 concessions / £6 u 16s available at the phoenix stores 01309 690110 or at www.wegottickets.com showstopperz at nairn community & arts centre. for tickets and more info call 01667 453476 or email info@nairncc.co.uk

JULY 2012 in brief 1 sunday mundole summer show, closing date 16th june, call 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com andy zaltzman @ ironworks 7pm. 16+. for tickets or info 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com treebadour puppet theatre presents ‘music from the heart’ 2pm, james milne institute, findhorn. (next to the stone piers). marionette show for children from 3 years. £4 per person. bookings or info call elisabeth julian 01309 691225 or visit www.treebadour.co.uk medieval jousting team ‘the knights of the damned’ @ brodie castle shows at 12:30pm & 2:30pm. battlefield highland re-enactment group. adults £8, family £23, concessions £5. call 0844 493 2156 or visit www.nts.org.uk/events 14 saturday treebadour puppet theatre presents ‘organic pepper’ 2pm, james milne institute, findhorn. (next to the stone piers). marionette show for children from 3 years. £4 per person. bookings or info call elisabeth julian 01309 691225 or visit www.treebadour.co.uk 14 saturday - 21 saturday royal findhorn yacht club open week club open to non members – activities, bar, restaurant, café, special food nights. www.rfyc.net 26 thursday open air performance of hms pinafore by illyria 6pm, for 7:30pm start. adults £16 / conc £14 / children £10. enquiries & tickets call 01667 404401, email info@cawdorcastle.com or www.cawdorcastle.com 27 friday - 29 sunday speyfest 2012 - the playing fields on east street in the moray town of fochabers will be home to the 17th speyfest weekend. it is one of the longest running music festivals in scotland, of its kind. visit www.speyfest.com for tickets & more information.

28 saturday treebadour puppet theatre presents ‘oaky doak and bluebell’ 2pm, james milne institute, findhorn. (next to the stone piers). marionette show for children from 3 years. £4 per person. bookings or info visit www.treebadour.co.uk or call elisabeth julian on 01309 691225 30 monday return of the lumberjacks @ ironworks 7pm. 16+. a triple bill of comedy. for tickets or info 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com

www.spotlighton.co.uk

June 2012 - page 19

recipe

Chef’s Confidential Diamond Jubilee Chicken This June we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II, and this is my variation of the famous coronation chicken created when she came to the throne. It is adaptable and you can cater for four to twenty four with ease. For larger numbers it is easier and more economical to cook a whole chicken and when it's cooled strip all the meat from it. For a whole chicken just multiply the sauce quantities by 3 or 4 depending on how large your chicken is.

For 4 people 4 x skinless chicken breasts A few peppercorns 2 x Bay Leaves 2 x slices of lemon For the sauce 1 x medium bunch Coriander 1 x medium bunch of fresh mint 300ml Creme Fraiche 3 x dessert spoons Lime Pickle or Chutney of Your Choice Grated Zest of one lime Juice of 2 limes Watercress and Coriander to decorate Method 1. Fill a pan of cold water, enough to cover the chicken breasts. Add the lemon slices, peppercorns and bay leaves. Bring to the boil, add the chicken breasts and turn the heat down and gently poach for 15 – 20 minutes until cooked.

2. Once cooked remove from the pan to a plate and allow to cool.

3. To make the sauce, take the coriander and cut the stalks off and put the leaves into a food processor with the mint leaves, grated lime zest and lime juice. Blitz until all are finely chopped.

4. Take out of the processor and put in to a clean bowl. Add the crème fraiche and stir. Stir in the Lime Pickle.

5. Once the chicken has cooled, slice in to strips and coat in the sauce.

Serve with new potatoes and salad.

You can use whatever chutney comes to hand, however it does work well with Baxters Tomato Chutney.

knockomie HOTEL

20

Penny Ellis, Owner - Knockomie Hotel, Forres. Tel: 01309 673146

Broadley Garden Centre

June Specials!

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Summer Holiday Activities

*Max’ table of 6

A drink in the sun!

Relax with friends or family in the surroundings of our wonderful gardens. Drinks of all types can be served, including a stock of Caringorms Tradewinds Real Ale. Slàinte!

Knockomie Hotel is licensed to hold Civil Weddings

Activity Day Camps Wild Camping Experiences

knockomie

Bushcraft Qualifications Youth Volunteering Opportunities

HOTEL

Tel: Grantown Road, Forres

Call 01309 690450 www.wild-things.org.uk

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travel

Dreaming of...

A different side to Tenerife!

With more and more holiday makers looking to travel from their local airport, Tenerife may seem to be a repetitive choice, but why not try some of these Canary Islands hidden gems.

The island of La Gomera lies to the west of Tenerife and is ideal for a short break or as a twin-centre with Tenerife. Just a 45 minute ferry crossing from Los Cristianos, it is a far cry from the lively southern resorts. Steeped in history this sleepy island is unspoilt and has a dramatic landscape of terraced valleys and plunging ravines, and according to the locals the best views of Mount Teide. Car hire is definitely the best way to see the best of this island, roads are winding but recently resurfaced and widened and are easily navigated. The Garajonay National park with its dense, lush flora and fauna is a walker’s paradise with mapped trails and guided walks through the rainforest. Lunch at the Casa Conchita restaurant is a must with traditional cuisine, local wines and spectacular panoramic views from your table.

Back on Tenerife, there are unspoilt towns such as Garachico, recently featured on channel 5’s Holiday Heaven on Earth. Garachico in the north of the island is an uncommercialised fishing village and an ideal way to see real Canarian life! The locals still meet in the evenings under the old trees in the bustling town square. And the crystal clear waters at the volcanic pools are ideal for a dip, or for the braver a diving platform.

Visit Santa Cruz, the historic yet cosmopolitan capital city in the north east with the abstract Auditorium Opera House, home to the Tenerife symphony orchestra, hosting numerous musical events throughout the year. The lively bazaar and food market also draw tourists to this area.

Tenerife and La Gomera have a wealth of activities you may not associate with the islands including, hiking and rambling, mountain biking, paragliding, cookery schools, wine tasting, whale and dolphin watching, diving, swim with turtles, the list is endless.

With year round temperatures of 20-25c and regular flights from Aberdeen why not discover a new side to Tenerife!

22

Information kindly supplied by

2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 ‡ +LJK Street, FRUUHV

www.beavtrav.com

GOZO (incl free Ferry transfers) Calypso Hotel 4* - 2wks H/B & 1wk B&B –Nov from ............................. £550 Dec from ........................................ £557 Jan13 from .................................... £527 Calypso Hotel 4* - 1wk H/B May from ....................................... £415 Nov from ....................................... £365 Dec from ....................................... £545 Jan13 from ................................... £335

MALTA

Canifor Hotel 4* - 2wks H/B, dep 29 May from .......................... £399 Canifor Hotel 4* - 4wks dep 7th Jan ’13 – 2wks HB & 2wks B&B from ............................ £395 Panorama Hotel 3* - 7nts A/I May from........................................ £326 June from....................................... £394 Nov from ....................................... £355 Dec from ....................................... £345 Fortina Hotel 4* -2wks H/B & 1wk B&B– Nov from.................. £539 Dec/Jan from................................. £539 Feb from......................................... £555 Soreda Hotel 4* - 1wk H/B June from....................................... £359 July from ........................................ £455 Aug from......................................... £419 Sept from ....................................... £439 Qawra Palace 4* - 1wk H/B Jul from .......................................... £459 Aug from......................................... £515 Sep from ........................................ £499 For further details enquire at

All prices are per person sharing a room, flying from Edinburgh.

H/B – half board R/O – room only B&B – bed & breakfast A/I all inclusive

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Eden Resort 5* - 2wks H/B & 1wk R/O – Nov from .....£409 Dec from ........................£399 Feb from.........................£489

CYPRUS

Paphos Corallia Beach Apts – 2wks H/B & 1wk B&B Nov from ........................................ £413 Dec from ........................................ £395 Annabelle Hotel 5* - 2wks F/B & 1wk B&B – Nov from................. £684 Dec from ........................................ £673 Jan from ......................................... £650 Aloe Hotel 4* - 2wks H/B & 1wk B&B – Nov from ........................................ £539 Dec from ....................................... £449 Jan from ........................................ £439

Beaver Travel, 78 High Street, Forres 2-6 South Street, Elgin

Beaver Travel (Elgin and Forres) is a ticket agent for Eden Court Theatre, Inverness - at Box office prices - NO BOOKING FEE!

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Event

The Antiques Roadshow at Cawdor Castle A raft of antique experts will validate and examine the various items testing their knowledge and offering insight into the stories and traditions of old…..much like a visit to the Castle itself!

Cawdor Castle is proud to welcome the BBC Antiques Roadshow on Thursday 21st June. The Roadshow was last in Inverness-shire in 1995.

Cawdor Castle, a magical place steeped in history is the ideal location for a show, renowned for uncovering history. As is frequently the case we envisage that the crowds attending will bring their precious trinkets, artefacts and memorabilia, that will no doubt unveil a hidden gem from years gone by, or perhaps a dormant heirloom with high value that will bring a smile to the owner’s face.

Walking round this 14th century Castle one is fascinated by the history, stories and atmosphere of the home of the Thanes of Cawdor – mentioned

by Shakespeare in his play Macbeth. There is also the added pleasure of reading through the late Lord Cawdor’s room notes that will certainly amuse the reader.

The event will be an exciting day for all involved and attending. The stunning gardens will be in full flower giving spectators and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy the hard work of our Cawdor Castle gardeners.

Cawdor Castle and Gardens will be open to the public until Sunday 30th September, daily from 10am to 5pm.

Tel. 01667 404401. Email info@cawdorcastle.com

Fiona Bruce

Antiques Roadshow is coming your way Bring your treasures to the Roadshow experts in the grounds of

Cawdor Castle near

Inverness

Thursday 21st June 2012, 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Admission FREE to the Roadshow.

More information on our website - bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow Antiques Roadshow asks for 14 days notice if you need a sign language interpreter.

Bring your treasures to the experts on the day. If you have large pieces of furniture and/or bulky antiques you’re unable to carry, we may be able to help. Write now enclosing your address, telephone number and a photograph, if possible.

Closing date for letters / emails: Tuesday 12th June Antiques Roadshow, BBC, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR. Email: antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk

07557 433875

Despite the up and down weather this Spring, some things remain constant in the garden; the weeds come up again, and the grass needs cut every week or two.

For many, these are chores. We have found over the years that for so many households, they have tried to make the grass nice, and given up. Yet we fix it in just a couple of visits usually. What has really struck us is how many people appear to take new heart as soon as the grass begins to look good, and in no time we see new bedding plants, a patio, a BBQ, and the garden is obviously being enjoyed, no longer just a chore.

There are two main “problems” we see all the time in this area however; moss, and the lesser understood lichen. You may recognise lichen from the picture here, a greyish, almost silvery, scaly fungus on the grass. If you look up, you will likely also see lichen growing on the tree bark, even hanging off the branches. Mosses, lichens, indeed mushrooms and toadstools too, are the fruiting blooms of fungal spores which naturally grow in the ground given the right conditions. Lichen in particular needs clean air, and it thrives in Scotland.

You will probably see it on your lawn if the ground has become compacted, the soil is a bit undernourished, and the grass is a bit weak (often as a result of mowing too short). Together with a damp climate, these are ideal conditions for moss and lichen to challenge grass for dominance on a lawn.

Turning the balance around to favour grass can be quite simple however, and does not need to involve very serious money at all (such as re-turfing). The compacted ground can be opened up easily by aerating it.

Some gardeners do this regularly with a garden fork. Golf Clubs, and GreenThumb, and others, use a tining machine, which is run over the lawn, lifting out thousands of cores from compacted ground. This immediately improves airflow and drainage in the turf rootzone, and crucially allows space for new roots and new grass to grow. Healthy, thriving grass on a healthy base does it’s own bit to choke out moss and lichen. We generally find that the lichen is gone from the lawn within a few months of aerating it.

For more information about seasonal lawn improvements from just £15 per qtr, 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 Cawdor and cover the whole Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair or Fiona for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on 01667 404774 or email us at: inverness@greenthumb.co.uk.

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IDEAS FOR LIVING DESIGNED FOR LIFE Businesses within the designhouse

Cairngorm Spas

01463 649 310

D & D Joinery

01667 460 443

ERG Windows & Conservatories

01349 856 900

F & G Joiners & Contractors

01463 716377

Fabrik Magik Interiors

01463 715 255

Highland Heat and Power

01463 649099

KB Kitchens & Bathrooms

01463 222417

Marble, Granite & Fire

01463 234 844

Munro Floors

01463 830 056

Slideco

01463 630 009

Trilight

0845 130 6202

VOX Furniture

01463 222 417

The designhouse, 12 and 50 Seafield Road, Inverness IV1 1SG Opening Hours: 0RQ ² )UL DP ² SP ¬6DW DP ² SP 6XQGD\ &ORVHG

The designhouse is home to local Inverness companies specialising in the home improvement and house building market. The concept is so successful they’ve just opened designhouse 2!

From Spas to staircases, windows to wardrobes, floors to furniture, fabric to fires, kitchens, bathrooms, heating, lighting and more…

Cairngorm Spas Cairngorm Spa's extensive expertise provides a range of carefully selected spa's, whirlpool baths, hot tubs, saunas and gazebo's to our customers in locally and throughout the UK.

D&D Joinery Hardwood joinery, doors, windows, stair cases and bespoke joiney projects

ERG Windows & Conservatories Quality UPVC Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Roofline Cladding and Solar Energy Panels

F&G Joiners & Contractors Skilled tradesmen specialising in house-building/property refurbishment, building alterations, repairs and home improvements.

Fabrik Magik Interiors

Expert Advice Because all designhouse companies have been purposely chosen for the expertise in their field, you can be certain you are getting the very best advice going.

In their showrooms you will find interior designers, lighting specialists, flooring experts and kitchen designers to name but a few. And because they are all independent local companies they really care about your project.

Showrooms Well 2 roofs actually, but only just across the road! You can browse showrooms and displays, talk to the designers and take away samples and brochures. They never hard sell and will be there as much or as little as you need them.

So take a trip down to the designhouse showrooms today and talk to the experts.

Home decorating and design, entirely bespoke and unique interior spaces for your home or commercial property.

Highland Heat and Power Specialist advice, design, installation and maintenance service for wood boiler systems, log gassification, solar energy and solid fuel systems throughout the Highlands of Scotland.

KB Kitchens & Bathrooms Offer a range of traditional and contemporary kitchens individually created for you. A specialist team will guide you through every step of the process, from design to installation.

Marble, Granite and Fire Specialise in the manufacture,supply and installation of Marble Granite and Stone products. Visit our spectacular new showroom where you can view in comfort our fantastic Fireplaces, Fires, Kitchens, Bathrooms and Redfyre range cookers.

Munro Floors Hardwood flooring specialists. Floor sanding and sealing. Ceramic tiling and bespoke joinery.

Slideco Specialise in sliding wardrobe doors and bespoke storage solutions.

Fully fitted or supply only thoughout the UK.

Trilight Lighting and design consultancy. Providing solutions for a range of applications. From commercial, residential, ecclesiastical and bespoke lighting system design.

VOX Furniture Furniture from one of Europe’s leading manufacturers, VOX have a wide range of both beautiful and functional furniture on display in the Designhouse, and can arrange UK wide delivery to your home.

outdoor

MRiakeeWILD NATURE

T

As I walked back to the road, the car park opposite the path to Insh Church was half full. This was not Sunday but 9.00am on a bright warm Friday morning in late May, so what was the attraction? Across the road, by the side of Loch Insh, several groups of people were standing gazing intently at a pile of sticks in a pine tree on a small island about 500 metres away. The small white dot occasionally appearing on top of the pile of sticks was the head of an Osprey sitting on her eggs. With the help of binoculars, the Ospreyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mate could be seen sleeping on a branch high up further back on the Island. The tiny black and white blob sharing the loch with a small sailboat was a rare duck called a Goldeneye. So, with these rare birds in front of me why was I leaving to have breakfast?

At 5am on the same day the car park was deserted. Loch Insh was like a dark mirror and on the far bank mist was forming where the first rays of the sun came over the hills behind me. I settled down by the shore 200 metres from the Ospreyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s island and waited. In the Sallow bushes above me a pair of Willow warblers were systematically searching for small green caterpillars and, despite being only a few metres away, they ignored me. To my left, three Roe deer stepped into the Loch and appeared to be walking on water as they made through the shallows to the island to feed greedily on the new reed growth. To my right, a Golden eye drake slipped low into the water moving like a torpedo to attack a rival; driving him off in a flurry of wings and spray. Then movement on the dark surface of the Loch caught my eye, a V-shaped wake heading for the bridge; two otters returning to the river after a night hunting in the reed beds.

Meanwhile, having spent an hour preening every feather and prompted by impatient calls from his mate, the male Osprey decided it was time for action. He slipped from his branch and circled low over the loch between the Island and the bridge. On seeing a fish he started to dive, aborting at the last second and flying up the Spey. A little while later, the female stood on the side of the nest calling, the male flew back over the bridge holding a fish. After leaving it in the nest he set off down the loch, returning with a pike which he ate on the preening branch.

The sun was now well up on the other side of the Loch. Six hundred metres away, the flap of a tent opened and I heard a conversation about breakfast. Cars were parking by the road.

The deer slipped back from the island, the Osprey sat back into the nest, a family of Goldeneye hid in the reeds and a Common Sandpiper feeding nearby flew off with a penetrating alarm call.

Clearly the action was over for the morning and I returned to the car park looking forward to breakfast.

Mike Rae All photograps are Copyright Mike Rae

web: www.mikerae.com

email: mike.rae@btconnect.com

Ashley Ann ............................................Outside Back Cover BBC - Antiques Roadshow ................................................24 Beaver Travel ....................................................................23 Bitz Motorsport ....................................................................9 Broadley Garden Centre....................................................21 Brodie Castle ......................................................................7 Cairngorm Spas Limited......................................................9 Cawdor Castle ..................................................................24 Design House Scotland Ltd..........................................28-29 Excel Scotland Ltd ..............................................................5 Forres Tree Services ............................................................5 Gateaux Regal ..............................................................12 Golf View Hotel ................................................................27 Gordon Scott Chartered Accountant ............................12 GreenThumb (Inverness) ..............................................26 GT Tyres Ltd ......................................................................11 Highland Green....................................................................5 Knockomie Hotel ..............................................................21 Kylauren Homes ......................................Inside Front Cover Logie Steading ....................................................................5 Mackenzie & Cruickshank ................................................31 Moray Coast Veterinary Group ............................................3 Nairn Community & Arts Centre ........................................15 Nairn Dunbar Golf Club ....................................................23 Olive Tree Chocolate............................................................9 PSE (Auldearn) ................................................................25 Roof Wizard ........................................................................5 Scotengineering ..................................................................5 Simply Red ........................................................................13 The Loft Bistro ..........................................Inside Back Cover Unique Beauty..............................................Front Cover & 3 Universal Hall ....................................................................16 Voice Gym Choir ..................................................................4 Westwood Cattery..............................................................12 Wheelchair Care ................................................................21 Wild Things ........................................................................21 Winterburn Media ................................................................3

www.eastgrange.co.uk

COFFEE SHOP & BISTRO

OPEN 7 DAYS 9AM - 8PM

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MACKENZIE & CRUICKSHANK

1 West Road, Forres IV36 2GW 01309 696940 www.mackenzie-cruickshank.com

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