March 2012
NAIRN AND DISTRICT THE
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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. CAWDOR CURLING CLUB Call 404291 or 07831 760049 or email dave_rob@hotmail.com EGYPTIAN/TRIBAL BELLY DANCE CLASS Wednesdays 7 - 9pm at Nairn United Reform Church. Shape up and shimmy down. Call Liz for details 455661 FÈIS INBHIR NARAINN Reg. Charity No. SC038460. Weekly traditional music classes in guitar, fiddle, whistle, chanter, accordion, keyboard & bodhran. Any ability from age 8. Instrument hire available. Tel: 462681 or visit www.spanglefish.com/inbhirnarainn GEDDES W.R.I. Call Mrs Evelyn Cumming 404237
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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 - March 2012
INVERNESS AND HIGHLAND BRANCH PARACHUTE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION 2nd Monday of the month, 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion, Huntly Street Inverness. All ex Airborne are welcome Contact Chairman macski38@yahoo.co.uk MORAY & NAIRN FLORAL ART CLUB Come and watch talented flower demonstrators at work. Meets 2nd Wednesday each month at Applegrove Primary School Contact May Bichan 01343 850634 MORAY ADVANCE MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS Reg. Scottish Charity SC 033561 visit www.morayiam.org.uk or call 01309 673954 MOTHERCORE MANTRA GROUP Tuesdays 7.30 - 9pm. Beginners. Mantra is the repetitive chanting of sacred sounds for health, relaxation, stress relief and inner peace. Improves throat, voice & breathing. Tel. 459391 or e-mail ali.omshanti@yahoo.co.uk MUSIC NAIRN Charitable organisation to promote about seasonal events. Classical and chamber music of the highest quality chamber opera, poetry. Contact Nairn Community Centre 453476 PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP NAIRN Last Wednesday of the month, 2pm in Nairn Hospital. For people with Parkinson’s, carers & family members. Speakers & discussions on medical matters and topics of general interest. Call 455236 NAIRN PLAY & LEISURE SCHEME 6 week summer play scheme. Mon, Wed & Fri 09.30 - 15.30hrs for children with learning difficulties in the Nairn area 4 - 18yrs providing activities & outings with trained staff. Call 452269 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
NAIRN GAELIC CHOIR Gaelic and other choral music, promoting the Gaelic language. Contact 452584 or email christinagillies@hotmail.co.uk
NAIRN ST NINIAN BADMINTON CLUB Currently held at Nairn Academy gym hall every Thursday, September to Easter from 6pm 7.30pm. Age between 8 & 15 years. Contact 454716 or email mariadicarlo46@hotmail.com
PET FOSTERING SCOTLAND Supporting pet owners in an emergency situation. Volunteers care for your pet in their own homes for short periods. Reg. charity SCO15672. Volunteers needed. Tel: 0844 811 9909 www.pfss.org.uk
NAIRN SYNCHRO SWIMMING CLUB A sport with a difference. Nairn synchro has both international and national swimmers. Email wyn.mcfadyen@tesco.net or call 454223
RIDING FOR THE DISABLED Voluntary organisation enables physically & mentally disabled children & adults to enjoy the benefits of horse riding. Always looking for volunteer helpers. Contact 01309 691823 or email tw-cm@negi.fsnet.co.uk
NAIRN THUNDERBOLTS Mini Rugby Club for P4 - 7. Train on Sundays 10.30am - 12pm @ Viewfield, behind Nairn Museum. Call 01667 454963 or visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/nairnminirugbyclub/ NAIRN YOUTH CLUB Contact 453476 NAIRNSHIRE FARMING SOCIETY Contact 01667 452760 or email secretary@nairnshow.org.uk NAIRN & DISTRICT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION New beekeepers or visitors welcome at our monthly meetings. Call 454887 or email jandjburns@hotmail.com NAIRN ARTS SOCIETY We meet in the Laing Hall, Fishertown. Regular demonstrations, exhibitions & sales of art works. Groups meet daily at various times. Contact Secretary Hazel Cullen tel: 456159 or visit www.nairnarts.co.uk NAIRN BOWLING CLUB Monday & Wednesday 2pm, Friday 7pm, April-Sept, Juniors Sunday. Contact Mary Pellow 455515. New members welcome
tel: 01309 690063
SSPCA INVERNESS Contact 455012 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 WESTERN FRONTASSOCIATION We hold 9 meetings per year on Saturday afternoons in Elgin Library. Open to anyone with an interest in the WW1. Contact Derek Bird on 01343 870562 or email chairman.wfasnb@virgin.net www.wfascotlandnorth.org.uk
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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SpotLight on Nairn and District
The Editor
We always like to be positive here at SpotLight. You won’t find horror stories and tales of woe within these pages. We feel that there is plenty enough of that on the TV and in the papers. So our aim here is to be supportive and encouraging to local people to get involved with local activities and to play a part in your community. By engaging with our neighbours this is how we find a real place in society, not by pulling others down.
Outdoor
New activities at the Loft ...........11
PUBLISHER ...............David Nelmes SALES ......................Eilidh Conners SALES .............................Laura Bell ACCOUNTS ...................Lynn Wood LAYOUT ...............Megan Woodman DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LISTINGS................Tamsyn Dickson
Clubs & Societies ............................4 Pastoral Letter.................................6 Church Details.................................6 Council News ..................................8 Useful Numbers ............................10 Local Holidays...............................10 School Term Dates........................10 Tide Times.....................................12 Parliament Blog.............................12 What’s On ................................15-19 Cinema Listings.............................17 Advertisers Index ..........................30
April Issue Deadlines
Travel
Dreaming of India......................24
Nature
Community Events
The Highland Tiger ...................26
Music and more ........................15
Chef
Outdoor
Swiss Onion Tart .......................22
Spring has Sprung ....................28 Sandwich Tern
Many of the winter v
Editorial - Friday 02/03/12 Advertising - Wednesday 07/03/12
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Pastoral letter and Church Meetings What is our most valuable possession? I suppose for different people the answer will be different. For a little child, the answer will probably be whatever they are holding in their hands at the moment. For an elderly person it could be health, or spouse, children, home or independence. There is probably no one correct answer, for we all have many things that are precious to us, and different ones are more precious depending on what else is happening, but probably health and strength, family, friends and pets would all feature at the top of our lists. If pressed we would probably concede that our incomes, toys, cars and such like are also high on our list of valuables. I may not use my fishing rod all that often, but I would never go on holiday without it! In these days where incomes are being stretched, perhaps we are more value for money conscious,
and more militant in our views on pay, especially since the gap between the top earners and us seems to be getting so large. We are encouraged by all the experts to eat healthily, cut out bad habits, exercise more, improve and keep our minds and bodies active, and all this is supposed to make us feel better and live longer, but are we any better off? There is one part of our lives that we don’t hear much about, our souls that part of us which is the essential us, the bit that loves and appreciates beauty, that is touched by music and poetry and colour, the bit that says wow! when we see a spectacular sunset, or the sun glinting off a snow covered mountain and feels a sense of awe when storm waves crash up the shore, or sheds a tear when a new born reaches out a tiny hand and grabs our finger in theirs. It is beyond explanation, but Jesus said something about the value
Ardersier with Petty Parish Church C of S, Ardersier Sundays 10.15am; Petty Sundays 12noon, tel. 462224 Nairn Baptist Church meets in Nairn Community Centre, King St. All welcome 11am every Sunday and 6pm every third Sunday of the month. Contact the Pastor 459672 or visit the website www.nairnbaptistchurch.org.uk Auldearn and Dalmore Parish Church Morning Service 12 noon. Contact Rev. Ricky Reid 451675. Cawdor Parish Church Morning Service Sunday 10.15am. Contact Rev. JS Mathieson 493217 Nairn Free Church Morning Service 11am with Sunday School & Creche (Gordon St); Evening Service 6pm (Gordon St); Youth Club for S1 upwards Wednesday 6.30pm (Rosebank Hall); Prayer and Bible Study Thursday 11am/7:30 pm Alternate Weeks(Gordon Street). Minister Murdo MacLeod 459131. Nairn Christian Fellowship Sunday Worship 10.30am; Praise and Bible Study Wednesday 7.30pm. Contact Sandy Shaw 456492.
page 6 - March 2012
of our soul. Matthew 16 verse 26 Jesus said, ‘What good will it be for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?’ This inner part of us needs to be nurtured and cared for. This part of us, our souls, are what survives death and goes into the life beyond death either with Christ, or without Him. It is how our souls have been nurtured that will dictate what happens to us. A soul nurtured in a relationship with Christ will continue with Christ, a soul that is not connected with Christ will remain so after death. What value is there to gain the whole world but lose our soul? We leave all the world and its riches behind. Why do we neglect this precious soul, this is the possession which is the most valuable for time and eternity. Rev Ricky Reid Auldearn Parish Church
Old Parish Church meets at 10.30am for morning Worship, 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 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 and Creche 11am. Contact Rev. Steven Manders 451443. The Pentecostal Church of God Nairn Sunday Service 10.30am. Minister: JD Grant 456088. www.churchofgodnairn.org Nairn Joint Service 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
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Community Council News EXTRACTS FROM THE DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 4TH JANUARY 2012 OF NAIRN COUNCIL
Part 1 Planning issues in Nairn RY noted that in a number of recent planning cases there had been a wide diversity of local views, and the three CCs had taken different views in their responses. RY felt that as most significant applications affected the town of Nairn area as a whole, it would be useful if a small working group of representatives from each of the three CCs could meet informally to discuss planning issues prior to submitting formal comments. This would help to coordinate positions and avoid any misunderstandings. RY had written to the Chairmen of River and Suburban CCs to suggest this, and hoped for a favourable response. ACTION: Replies awaited from River and Suburban CCs Bus Station All 3 CC’s had written to Highland Council Planners about this proposed application, with some differences in opinion. River CC had endorsed this application, while Suburban and NWCC had expressed some concern and suggested various improvements. After the initial application and in response to public comments, G H Johnson, architects for this application had prepared revised design plans and had copied them to all three CCs in midDecember before submitting them to the Council. The revised plans included adjustments to roof, tiling and colour of building. NWCC had replied to the architect and to Highland Council ePlanning. The key points were The design changes were an improvement over the original; But there was still concern over the size and height of the proposed building, and also about whether the site was suitable for housing; The development of this site should not be considered in isolation, but should be taken forward as part of a wider plan within the IMFLDP for the redevelopment of the town centre, as recommended by the Council’s own planners. Nairn South
page 8 - March 2012
NWCC was asked to send in comments on the application resubmitted by the Scotia/Robertson/Barratt consortium, and has done so. NWCC comments remain as before: doubts about the justification for so much housing, the loss of agricultural land, and the key point that adequate infrastructure should be in place prior to development. Having received some encouraging assurances on the provision of land for allotments, Dick Youngson said that Suburban CC had given cautious support to the application. Mike Henderson noted that River CC had objected mainly on the grounds that development would take away prime agricultural land. BS noted that the Report on the HwLDP had commented on the various problems, including access under the railway bridge, access onto Balblair Road, traffic at peak times causing bottlenecks, and the need to make adequate provision for the existing sawmill. The Reporter had also stressed the need for the two rival developmentconsortia (Scotia and Allenby) to liaise and co-operate with each other. ACTION: NWCC would continue to monitor the ePlanning website. Sandown Highland Council had previously announced that a charrette would be held to discuss a revised development-brief for Sandown, but the date had earlier been postponed from late 2011 to January 2012, and no fixed date for this event had yet been announced. There was discussion about the purpose of the charrette. BS argued that the three Nairn CCs should coordinate their approach as this was Common Good land. It appeared that the Council’s intention was still to sell the whole site, and for the charrette simply to discuss the development brief (number of houses etc). There were however many in Nairn who believed that there should be an open public debate about other options for the Sandown land: these could include not just outright sale to
tel: 01309 690063
a single buyer, but perhaps subdivision and the sale of selected parcels, or even some kind of long-lease arrangement to provide a revenue stream rather than a one-off capital gain. All present were invited to comment. There was some support for the idea of selling subdivided parts of the site to different local developers. There were different views on the idea of housing: some were opposed, while others believed a certain amount of housing might be acceptable. Dick Youngson outlined the proposals for a green space/wetlands/amenity site on Sandown land. It was argued that the fact that Highland Council had made a loan in advance on the presumption of a capital gain from the expected sale of Sandown land should not be used as a reason to compel its sale. Bill Young felt strongly that there was a
serious conflict of interest between the Highland
Council’s
responsibility
as
Trustees of the Common Good and their role as the local development-planning
authority. No decisions should be made
about the future of the Sandown land, which was a valuable investment and one
of the main assets of the Nairn Common
Good, unless and until the Nairn Common
Good was returned to local control.
RY asked Dick Youngson (Suburban CC)
and Mike Henderson (River CC) to report
to their next meetings the views aired at this
NWCC meeting. She hoped all three CCs
could consider the question of Sandown
and the Common Good and work towards
an agreed position.
ACTION: Bill Young agreed to attend the
next River CC meeting to outline his
concerns. Once the views of other CCs
were clearer, BY and BS would draft a letter
to the Highland Council setting out key
points and questions for consideration at the charrette.
SpotLight on Nairn and District
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127B HIGH STREET, NAIRN, IV12 4DB Reduced Fixed Price of £98,000 (£2,000 below survey) Charming Victorian 2 bed apartment affording great views across to the Moray Firth. Spacious rooms with period features.
9 TOWER COURT, NAIRN, IV12 4ER Offers Over £95,000 Well presented 2 bedroom flat situated off Church Street close to Nairn high street and the River Park.
BRUNTLANDS COTTAGE, ROSEISLE, NEAR BURGHEAD, IV30 8UZ Offers Over £300,000 Superior newly extended 6 bedroom/ 4 bath property located in stunning rural area minutes from Roseisle Park and Beach. Ideal Bed & Breakfast enterprise.
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Local Holidays, School Term Dates &Useful Numbers Local Holidays Inverness Holiday Inverness Holiday Good Friday May Day Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Queens Diamond Jubilee Inverness Holiday Summer Bank Holiday Inverness Holiday
Mon. 5th Mar. 2012 Mon. 2nd April 2012 Fri. 6th April 2012 Mon. 7th May 2012 Mon. 4th June 2012 Tues. 5th June 2012 Mon. 2nd July 2012 Mon. 6th Aug. 2012 Mon. 1st Oct. 2012
Inverness Holiday St Andrews Day Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day Scottish Bank Holiday
Mon. 5th Nov. 2012 Fri. 30th Nov. 2012 Tues. 25th Dec. 2012 Wed. 26th Dec. 2012 Tues. 1st Jan. 2013 Wed. 2nd Jan. 2013
* substitute, as this holiday falls on a weekend or other bank holiday
School Holidays or 2012 (all dates inclusive) Spring Term Ends Friday 30th March 2012 Good Friday Holiday Friday 6th April 2012 Easter Monday Holiday Monday 9th April 2012 May Day Holiday Monday 7th May 2012 Summer Term Starts Tuesday 17th April 2012 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
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 - March 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
outdoor
FOOD, ACTIVITIES, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, Loft - Food and Fun WIGWAMS & CAMPING. The for Families (and everyone else! )
There is much to be enjoyed by all ages at The Loft,
TIME OUT! Camping just got a whole lot easier not to
East Grange Farm, Kinloss. Over the last 10 years
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The Loft has evolved from being Morays premier
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music Venue to being a place for all the Family to
lockable, cosy and warm (you can even plug in your hair
have fun, whatever the age.
dryer!) Book online! You're only a click of the mouse away from toasting marshmallows round your own camp fire and
GREAT FOOD everything from a light snack & comfort
sleeping under the stars in the heart of the countryside.
food to something a bit special. Try the NEW menu created by the NEW Chef. Take a walk around the farm; take in the view of the whole of the Moray Firth from the top of the Hill. Grab a tree or bird guide and see how many different species of tree you can identify, see if you can spot the resident Buzzard, Heron and many other bird species. THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO!
GREAT GIGS happen at The Loft. Last year saw Mumford and Sons, Glasvagas and others as well as many other lesser known acts. Paulo Nutini only played the Loft to 40 people, two days later he was on the Jonathan Ross show and became famous! Take a chance on seeing new and upcoming acts before they are playing the major venues.
The Loft - Play, Rest & Stay Tel: 01343 850 111
Bistro
2 Course Sunday Lunch only
£10.95
FREE PUDDING
BOOK TODAY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
GREAT ACTIVITIES Try Scotland’s longest Zip wire. Take a Quad driving experience (age 8 +). Seek your revenge on your friends and family with Lasertag! Whatever the weather, there are Indoor and outdoor play zones. Have a laugh in the Water walkers, fun for age 5 to 85! Why not also try Archery, Segway and Ceramic painting, we have
with any 2 courses purchased* with this VOUCHER
*per person VOUCHER CAN BE USED ON ANY DAY DURING MARCH 2012
it all! Under 5? There is a Ballpit, the Mini Quads, Indoor and Outdoor play frames and swings. Coming this summer is a new indoor Play Zone and Coffee shop.
The Loft Bistro, East Grange Farm, Kinloss
Tel: 01343 850111
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Parliament Blog & Tides
“Parliament Blog ”
As a MP and a Minister, you get accustomed to being interrogated by very capable and tough interviewers. Whether the questions come from the opposition benches or from infamous Paxman-type reporters, many interviewers pride themselves on ‘pulling no punches’. The trick is to do your research and know the subject matter inside out.
It will come as no surprise to some that students from Kingussie High put me through my paces in a robust question and answer session during my recent visit to the school. They had clearly done their research!
In a little over an hour I answered questions in depth on topics such as: education and opportunities for young people; my campaigns to improve broadband coverage in the Highlands and keep fuel duty low; Scottish independence; and my roles as an MP and as a Minister.
It was a delight to talk to the thoughtful teenagers. I was very encouraged buy their mature questioning and their honesty. If there is one distinction between hard hitting politicos and the pupils of Kingussie, it is that they had no agenda to push.
Their questions were probing and sincere.
Danny Alexander MP
LOW TIDE TIMES FOR NAIRN IN MARCH Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
TH F SA SU M TU W
AM 0821 1155 0010 0110 0158 0249 0337
page 12 - March Month 2011 2012
PM 2135 1301 1356 1447 1534 1617
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
TH F SA SU M TU W TH F SA SU M
“News that Castle Stuart has been chosen as the venue for the Barclays Scottish Open has cheered us all up, in these times of gloom and austerity. From the 7th to the 11th July, the “spotlight” will be on the Moray Firth, Inverness. The benefits to the area will be considerable. The gold course General Manager, Stuart McColm, has said that we need to attract 20,000 visitors a day to be sure of keeping the event, as the Loch Lomond Club, which has hosted the event since 1996 attracted between seventy to eighty five thousand – so put it in your diary now!
This will be a major attraction to bring visitors north – and a boost for hotels, B&B’s and guest houses. Perhaps in Scotland, we tend to undersell our own manifold tourist attractions – so the potential to use the tourism trade to bolster our jobs, livelihoods and futures may not be realised. We can be backward at coming forward, and may not see Scotland as others see us. This was brought home to me when a B and B owner from Newtonmore told me that she had holidayed in the Nile in January, and asked me how many visitors I thought there were in ships on the Nile, on any one day. She told me the answer: one million! With our scenery, whisky, tartan, Gaelic, history, culture, heritage, beaches, mountains, lochs as well as golf, fishing, sailing and countless other reasons to come to Scotland, we could, should and will see more people from countries throughout the world coming for a stay here”.
Fergus Ewing MSP
AM 0421 0501 0541 0620 0700 0740 0828 0934 1146 0032 0143 0240
tel: 01309 690063
PM 1658 1738 1818 1858 1937 2019 2110 2230 1316 1422 1514
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TU W TH F SA SU M TU W TH F SA
AM 0325 0359 0423 0446 0515 0648 0718 0729 0728 0756 0842 1205
PM 1556 1630 1655 1716 1740 1905 1922 1925 1939 2008 2058 2350
SpotLight on Inverness SpotLight on Nairn and District
GOLF VIEW HOTEL
& SPA
20%
OFF
our Lunch Menu on production of this Voucher
TOP TO TOE
Back, Neck & Shoulder
Massage Elemis Facial File & Polish 75 mins.......£55.00
20%
OFF
SPRING INTO FITNESS
with this amazing offer... ...Become a member in March and we won’t charge you a joining fee.
The Golf View Hotel is pleased to welcome it’s newly appointed General Manager, Iain Fraser. Iain and his team look forward to welcoming you soon.
GOLF & SPA EIGHT VIEW ACRES HOTEL HOTEL & LEISURE CLUB
The Seafront, Nairn Morriston Road, ElginIV12 IV30 4HD 6UL Telephone 01667 452301 Email: golfview@crerarhotels.com Email: eightacres@crerarhotels.com Telephone: 01343 54 0
WWW.CRERARHOTELS.COM
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NAIRN DUNBAR GOLF CLUB Lochloy Road, Nairn, IV12 5AE
Championship Links Course
Open Day Sunday 18th March Our Championship Links Course has a limited number of memberships available. Play the course and enjoy the clubhouse facilities on Sunday 18th March.
Book your round at £15 (refunded if you join) by phoning Jim Gibson on (01667) 452741. Special Offer if you join as a full member on the day £100 credited to your loyalty card. www.nairndunbar.com
Email: - manager@nairndunbar.com
What’s On
TA XI 24- 7
Rolling Event 6 tuesday - onwards interactive exhibition of modern automata and kinetic art 10am - 5pm, tuesday - saturday at the house of automata, kinloss (next to petrol station). free entry. tel: 01309 691212 for more information or visit www.thehouseofautomata.com
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mundole equestrian british dressage and unaffiliated dressage closing date 24th february. contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com coca tenorio @ ironworks 7pm. for tickets or info tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com dave clarke @ ironworks 10:30pm. 18+. tickets or info tel: 0871 789 4173 or www.ironworksvenue.com music nairn presents world class pianist joanna macgregor 8pm, nairn community and arts centre. playing gospel & blues, piazzolla & bach. tickets ÂŁ18 / members ÂŁ14 / students ÂŁ2. tel 01667 455701
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breabach @ universal hall 8pm. findhorn foundation, the park, findhorn. tickets ÂŁ12 /ÂŁ10 concessions at the phoenix stores 01309 690110 and on-line at www.thebooth.co.uk.
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24 Hour Office Open at 44 High Street, Nairn IV12 4AU
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Short & long distance runs, contracts,OAP rates
dog is dead @ ironworks 7:30pm. 14+. tickets or info tel: 0871 789 4173 or www.ironworksvenue.com
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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 april issue is friday 02/03/12
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peacock & gamble @ ironworks 7:30pm.16+. seated. for tickets or info tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com nairn 10k 2:30pm start. registration from 1-2pm at nairn community centre. for more information visit www.nairnroadrunners.co.uk
4 sunday - 18 sunday just 10 DVD presentations: laws of love set in stone,
www.spotlighton.co.uk
March 2012 - page 15
and the moray society, in st. giles church, elgin. for more information call elgin museum 01343 543675 or email curator@elginmuseum.org.uk celebrating the community - for further details call 01667 453476, email info@nairncc.co.uk or visit www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk
MARCH 2012 continued
11 sunday mundole equestrian show jumping contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com nazareth @ ironworks 7:30pm. for tickets or info tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
NAIRN Nairn Community rts Centre & Ar Arts
Your Yo our local ven venue nue for films, shows, concert ts and parties. concerts Wide range of activities for all ages.
cinema nairn seniors special ‘on the town’ 1949 (u) 98 mins 2pm, nairn community & arts centre, king street. £2.50 incl. tea & bakes. tel 01667 455701
14 wednesday
MARCH MARC H EVENTS 3rd MARCH – Music Nairn “Joanna “Jooanna MacGregor” Piano .....8.00pm .........................................“Nairn 10K” 4th MARCH ............................ .....................................................................“Nairn 10th MARCH ......................... .......... “Celebrating the Community” ................................... 12th MARCH ......................Cinema ......................Ciinema Nairn “On the TTown” own” 1949(U) 1949(U) (Seniors Special £2.50 includin ng TTea ea and cakes!) ..............2.00pm including 23rd MARCH Music Nairn_ “Diivertimenti String Quintet” _8.00pm Nairn_“Divertimenti 30th MARCH Cinema Nairn – ““Source Source Code” 201 20111 (12A) – 7.30pm **Coming up in April “Pallywags” “Pallywags” new touring stage show for children** For further details TTelephone elephone 01667 453476, e-mail, info@nairncc.co.uk info@nairncc.cco.uk or check out our website at www .nairncoommunitycentre.co.uk www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk
sunday evenings, 6pm at culduthel christian centre, culduthel avenue, inverness. free admission. for more info visit www.culduthelchristiancentre.org
6 tuesday the attic @ universal hall 11am & 2pm. findhorn foundation, the park, findhorn. parent & child combined £6/ £5 concessions. tickets at the phoenix stores 01309 690110 or www.thebooth.co.uk.
8 thursday sound of guns @ ironworks 7:30pm. 14+. tickets or info tel: 0871 789 4173 or www.ironworksvenue.com
9 friday ian mclaughlin & the outsiders @ ironworks 7:30pm. 14+. for tickets or info tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
10 saturday nearly new baby & children's items sale 10:30am 12:30pm, the barn church, culloden. entrance £1 donation. raffle, kids tombola, face painting. sellers tables available. for more information call alzheimer scotland on 01463 711707. women of moray : promoting women's history conference organised by women of moray group
page 16 - March 2012
12 monday
how to grow alpine bulbs 7.30pm. the highland rock garden club hosts an illustrated talk by expert susan band of pitcairn nursery. nairn community centre, king street. tel:01320 366246
15 thursday fatherson @ ironworks 7:30pm. 14+. tickets or info tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
16 friday the johnny cash roadshow @ ironworks 7:30pm. seated. tickets or info tel: 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com
17 saturday the dangleberries @ ironworks 7:30pm.tickets or info tel: 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com nairn men’s breakfast 9:45am for 10am, windsor hotel, nairn. meet other men christian and non christians, share food & fellowship. speaker john parsons. call campbell 01667455149 or dereck 016674556088 by 16th march to book a place.
18 sunday mundole equestrian british dressage and unaffiliated dressage closing date 9th march. contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com push @ universal hall 7:30pm. findhorn foundation, the park, findhorn. tickets £10/ £8 concs/ £6 U16s available at the phoenix stores 01309 690110 or www.thebooth.co.uk.
20 tuesday - 23 friday ‘the science of the olympics’ primary school festival for P7 at moray college. focuses on the human body with interactive workshops and activities. call 01343 576319 or email samantha.bright@moray.uhi.ac.uk
21 wednesday the peatbog faeries @ universal hall 7:30pm. findhorn foundation, the park, findhorn. tickets £15/ £13 concessions available at the phoenix stores 01309 690110 or www.thebooth.co.uk.
tel: 01309 690063
SpotLight on Nairn and District
Cinema Nairn
Visit cinemanairn.blogspot.com or contact Nairn Community Centre on 01667 453476 for details
Cinema Listings March 2012 Eden Court Theatre, Inverness Throughout March Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (12a) Booked Out (12+)
Visit www.eden-court.co.uk or call 01463 234234 for details
Moray Playhouse, Elgin
New Screenings begin on Fridays Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk
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
Vue Cinema, Inverness
From Thursday 1st March The Comedy of Errors: NT Live (tbc) Wanderlust (15) Gone (tbc) Project X (18) We Bought a Zoo (PG) The Hunger Games (tbc) Street Dance 2 3D (tbc) Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (tbc) John Carter 3D (tbc) Clean Skin (tbc) She Stoops to Conquer: NT Live (tbc) Romeo and Juliet: Live from The Royal Opera House (tbc) 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
March 2012 - page 17
MARCH 2012 continued
23 friday black stone cherry @ ironworks 7:30pm. over 14s. for tickets or more information tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com music nairn presents divertimenti string quintet 8pm, nairn community and arts centre. playing schubert, glazunov & frank martin. tickets £18 / members £14 / students £2. tel 01667 455701
01309 676807
24 saturday steve hughes @ ironworks 7:30pm. for tickets or info tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com ‘the science of the olympics’ family day 10am - 5pm, moray college, elgin. focuses on the human body with workshops & activities. family ticket £20 for 7hrs (2 adults + 3 kids or 1 adult + 4 kids) individual £6. email samantha.bright@moray.uhi.ac.uk or call 01343 576319 for more information.
25 sunday mundole equestrian show jumping contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com salsa celtica @ ironworks 7:30pm. for tickets or info tel: 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com lunch and concert recital at brodie castle 1pm. by music for a while with special guest, adrian boorman, countertenor. booking essential - 08444 932 156 or brodiecastle@nts.org.uk
28 wednesday richard durrant @ universal hall 7:30pm. findhorn foundation, the park, findhorn. tickets £10/ £8 conc / £6 u16 available at the phoenix stores 01309 690110 or www.thebooth.co.uk.
29 thursday simba support group meeting 7-9pm, best western palace hotel, 8 ness walk, inverness. support for those who have lost a baby at any stage of pregnancy or close to the time of birth. call susan 07771358382 or denise 07724306983 for more info or email simbahighland@gmail.com
info tel: 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com cinema nairn presents ‘source code’ 2011 (12a) 93 mins 7:30pm, nairn community & arts centre, king street. £5 adults, £3 under 18. tel 01667 455701 the syndicate presents a night of thrash & death metal 8pm, flanagans bar, elgin. ‘thrashist regime’ debut and ‘bonesaw’ make a welcome return. £5 entry. email thesyndicate2008@btinternet.com or visit www.facebook.com/thesyndicate2008
31 saturday cloud man @ universal hall 4pm. findhorn foundation, the park, findhorn. tickets £6/ £5 conc / £4 u16 available at the phoenix stores 01309 690110 or www.thebooth.co.uk. highland hospice fundraiser @ ironworks 7:30pm. 18+. with special guests ‘the complete stone roses’. tickets or info tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit the website www.ironworksvenue.com handmade in scotland spring craft fair 10am - 1pm, lossiemouth high school. free entry, free tea & coffee & free facepainting. charity raffle for ladybird group. email islaandesme@gmail.com for more information.
30 friday phil cool @ ironworks 7pm. 16+. seated. tickets or Picture by kind permission, Des Colhoun
page 18 - March 2012
tel: 01309 690063
SpotLight on Nairn and District
APRIL 2012 in brief 1 sunday wedding fair at brodie castle 12pm - 4pm. free entry. meet with wedding suppliers & consider your wedding in a castle. call 08444 932 156 or email brodiecastle@nts.org.uk 4 wednesday himalayan primula 7.30pm, nairn community centre, king street. illustrated talk by pam eveleigh, hosted by highland rock garden club. international speaker and outstanding photographer from canada. tel:01320 366246 6 friday the wee man presents nedator to land @ ironworks 7pm. seated. 16+. for tickets or more information tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com 7 saturday ironworks easter showcase 7pm. over 14s. 8 top quality acts from around the highlands. tickets or info tel: 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com 7 saturday - 9 monday cadbury easter egg trails at brodie castle 10:30am 4pm. free entry. lots of giant outdoor games, face painters and more. call 08444 932 156 or visit www.nts.org.uk 14 saturday twin atlantic @ ironworks 7:30pm. over 14s. for tickets or more information tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com 14 saturday & 15 sunday daffodil festival at brodie castle 1:30 - 4:30pm. daffodil teas with entertainment by elgin, strathspey & reel society. daffodil walks with the gardens team, part of scotland's gardens scheme; drawing room display "a host of golden daffodils". 0844 493 2156 20 friday cinema nairn presents ‘another time, another place’ 1983 (15) 118 mins 7:30pm, nairn community & arts centre, king street. £5 adults, £3 under 18. all welcome red kites @ ironworks 7pm. over 14s.tickets or more info tel: 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com 23 monday miles kane @ ironworks 7pm. standing. 14+. tickets or info tel: 08717894173 / www.ironworksvenue.com 28 saturday annual spring flower show 10.30am, nairn community centre, king street. plants, stalls & coffee morning. scottish rock garden national show opens at midday. tel: 01320 366246 29 sunday mundole equestrian british dressage and unaffiliated dressage closing date 20th april. contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com
to advertise in the next issue of SpotLight on nairn call 01309 690063 or go online at www.spotlighton.co.uk for more details
Pa r ty ty t i m e
Under 8’s
PARTIES from
£60
for up to 15 Kids
Price includes use of party room for up to 2hrs & kids buffet
Extras inc: Baby Choos Disco, Mini Quads, Bouncy Castle etc. Please call for further details.
FREE
Just cut-out voucher and present MINIQUAD SESSION at time of booking. + + + + FOR 4 + + + +
The Loft Partytime, East Grange Farm, Kinloss
Tel: 01343 850111
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Mother’s Day 18th March
Chocolates for Mum on Mother’s day... ...perfect! Delicious chocolates and gift wrapped too!
01343 547700
15 High Street, Elgin, IV30 1EQ
www.facebook.com/OliveTreeChocolate www.olivetreechocolate.co.uk
# !
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“I've Got My Own Religion” truth of God's Word! Just believing something doesn't make it so. Jumping off the top of a high building onto the street below will kill you, no matter how strongly you believe otherwise. Entering into eternity when you die with the firm belief that there is no God, or that your beliefs or your works are good enough to merit His approval will not change the outcome: "Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15). There is no hope for you outside of Christ and your accepting Him as your Lord and Saviour –We have all offended a Holy God and are under sentence of eternal These are sayings which you will hear from many punishment – but there is a way of escape! Just as the Jews had to put their hand on the head of the burnt people today: offering, as atonement for their sin, so we have to lay our “I’ve got my own religion” hand on His head (as it were) and personally accept His “Whatever you believe is alright.” blood as making atonement for us. “Everybody has their own beliefs.” Truth is not a matter of opinion. Either something is “Just so long as you believe something.” true or it is false. Jesus Christ claims to be the truth. They sound nice, and help to make people feel He did not say "I am a way," but rather, "I am the way, the good, since their own beliefs are said to be as truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but valid as those of anyone else. "After all," some say, by Me" (John 14:6). When it comes to faith, it is not, "Just "can you really know anything for sure?" People who so long as you believe something," but "Just so long as claim to have "the truth" are looked down upon as you believe Christ." Faith in Jesus Christ, who laid down being arrogant and intolerant. For some reason, His life on the cross of Calvary and rose victoriously from people can accept the idea that any religion is valid the dead, is the only way to everlasting life, forgiveas long as it doesn't claim to be the only true religion! ness of sins and peace with God. Do you know why that is? It's Satan's way of getting people to believe anything but the one thing that Just as everyone has turned to his own way, each of us must individually turn from our rebellion. No one can will remove his grip on their souls. save himself, since salvation is "not of works" (Ephesians It is not true that all religious beliefs are of equal 2:8,9). Because God is the One who saves, salvation is as value. It is not true that "Whatever you believe is certain as His promise: "He that heareth My word, and alright." The very fact that "Everybody has their own believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life beliefs" is what God says is man's biggest problem- and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed -we have exchanged His truth for our beliefs. "All from death unto life" (John 5:24). we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6). Man's The Lord Jesus Christ is the only way. Stop rejecting confused religions stand in opposition to God's Him, and by faith receive Him as your Saviour. "Neither is simple way to everlasting life. Man's ways are the there salvation in any other: for there is none other name wide, tolerant, sin-ignoring way that ends in destruc- under heaven given among men, whereby we must be tion. "Broad is the way that leadeth to destruction saved" (Acts 4:12). ... narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and DO YOU SEE IT ? Have repentance toward God and few there be that find it" (Matthew 7:13,14). faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. You have to receive There is one sense in which it is true that what you Him for yourself; no-one can do it for you. In Him is believe doesn't matter. What you believe, or what abundant life; there is no other way for you. religious men have taught, does not change the
T here is a w ay which seemeth righ There way rightt un unto to a man, but the end ther eof ar e the w ays of dea th. thereof are ways death.
“ Published by www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk
Proverbs Proverbs 14;12
”
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recipe
Chef’s Confidential Swiss Onion Tart Before buying the Knockomie in 1987, Gavin spent time living in Zurich in Switzerland as part of his training and this tart is typical of a Spring dish served in the mountains for lunch or supper. By omitting the bacon it is a great vegetarian dish too! Pastry 250g Plain Flour 1 egg 125g Soft Butter approximately 4 dessert spoons cold water
Pre heat the oven to 220ÂşC
Filling 50g Butter 600g thinly sliced onions 150g smoked back bacon 4 eggs 300ml Double cream 1 tablespoon Olive Oil 100g Gruyere Cheese Grated Salt and Pepper
Method 1. Place the flour in a large clean bowl or onto a clean work surface, make a well and place the egg and soft butter in the centre and gradually bring together all the ingredients by rubbing between your fingers. 2. As they all come together add the water gradually to bind it and form it into a ball. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge. 3. To make the filling, place the butter into a frying pan over a medium heat to melt. 4. Add all the sliced onions to the pan, and cook gently to soften, carefully making sure that they don't burn. 5. When softened remove from the pan and place on a plate to cool slightly. 6. Add oil to the frying pan. Slice the bacon into thin strips and cook in the pan until golden and crisp. Remove from the pan and place on kitchen paper to drain. 7. Place the eggs into a bowl and whisk with a hand whisk. Add the cream and a pinch of salt and pepper. Finally add the grated cheese and sliced onions. 8. Take the pastry out of the fridge and roll out on a clean, floured surface. Carefully line a greased 23cm flan case with a removeable bottom. Trim off any excess. 9. Take the cheese, onion, cream and egg mixture and pour into the pastry case. Lay the bacon on the top. 10. Place on a baking tray on the bottom shelf of the oven. Cook for 30 – 40 mins until golden brown. This can be served simply with lambs leaf lettuce or any salad leaves and a dijon mustard dressing.
22
Penny Ellis, Owner Knockomie Hotel, Forres tel: 01309 673146
Mother’s Day 3 Course 3 Course
ÂŁ20 per adult ÂŁ10 per child
2 Course
FAIRY
40
for only
Including Bottle of Wine
ÂŁ PER COUPLE*
TALE
Wedding Day At Knockomie we will help make your wedding day a perfect day. It's why we have come up with our new Weddings Wrapped Up package. It's here to give you the peace of mind that you will have the professional service you deserve at a price you can afford. Our highly personal approach will create a perfect and truly memorable day, designed to Â?ƒ–…Š ›‘—” •’‡…‹Ď?‹… requirements for you and up to 40 guests.
Knockomie Hotel is licensed to hold Civil Weddings
knockomie
*max table of 6
2 Course Lunch for only ÂŁ8.95pp*
MOBILITY DEALS
Wheelchairs
Scooters Riser/Recliners Electric Beds Hours of Business MON - FRI 9am - 5pm
01309 676677 sales@wheelchaircare.co.uk
Tel: ‡ Grantown Road, Forres
21 West Road, Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres IV36 2GW (Behind Lidl)
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Easy Parking & Disabled Toilet Facilities
HOTEL
At Rosedene House we offer: ‡ªAnti Wrinkle Injections ‡ 'HUPDO )LOOHUV ‡ 3DORPDU +DLU 5HPRYDO ‡ 3DORPDU 3KRWRIDFLDOV DQG )UDFWLRQDO /DVHUV ‡ $OOHUJ\ WHVWLQJ ‡ &RVPHWLF 'HQWLVWU\ ‡ &RVPHWLF 6XUJHU\ &RQVXOWDWLRQV ‡ 6NLQ 3HHOV 0LFURGHUPDEUDLVRQ ‡ (VSD IDFH DQG %RG\ WUHDWPHQWV ‡ 1DLO 6WXGLR ‡ +DLU E\ +DLU 'LUHFWRU\ ‡ )XOO\ OLFHQVHG ELVWUR For bookings or further information please telephone 'UXPPRQG &UHVFHQW ,QYHUQHVV ,9 4: ZZZ URVHGHQHKRXVH FRP
travel
Dreaming of... ...India
India is a diverse land of stunning contrasts and has become a very popular holiday destination over the years. In this dynamic and diverse country it is not surprising to find numerous rich glories of the past, varied traditions and values, and various interesting cultures. The bustling cities, rare wildlife, pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, tranquil backwaters, barren deserts standing in contrast with rolling foothills, and innumerable ancient monuments - all this makes India a fascinating travel destination. Northern India is famed for its sights and the monuments of the Golden Triangle, which include the Taj Mahal at Agra, The Pink City of Jaipur, the scenery of Tiger country, the splendours of Rajasthan and the rush of Mumbai and Delhi. The Capital of India is Delhi, which itself is a contrast of old Delhi, hectic and fast-paced with higgledy-piggledy streets thronged with millions of people with motorbikes and tuk tuks, and New Delhi neatly designed with floral parks, wide avenues and regal monuments. Tiger country comprises 4 national parks spread across hundreds of miles encompassing jungle vegetation and an abundance of wildlife. Southern India is famed for Goa and Kerala in particular. Goa is distinct from the rest of India with its relaxing beach holidays and its tropical climate, scenery and paradise beaches. Away from the developed resort visitors discover remnants of Portuguese colonialism with medieval churches, mosques and temples to admire. Kerala has palm-fringed sandy beaches, lush green vegetation and still backwaters. It is big for growing tea and coffee, the plantations growing up from the sea. In the very north of the country is the border with Nepal. Nepal sits uncomfortably between India and China, and a visit there brings together the greatness of the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains with the poorness of the people who live there. October to March is the best time to visit the Northern states. December & January can experience light to heavy fog in the northern plains. October to April is the best time to visit the southern states. A valid visa is required to enter India. The flying time for Delhi is 8hrs, Mumbai (Bombay) is 9hrs and Calcutta is 10hrs from London.
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Information kindly supplied by
2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 ‡ +LJK Street, FRUUHV
www.beavtrav.com INVERNESS departures
ABERDEEN departures
DUBROVNIK - 4th June S/C from.....................................£549pp
VENICE - 27th May B&B from ............................ £579pp
Hidden PORTUGAL 11th June HB from ............ £669pp
LAKE GARDA 27th May B&B from ............................ £568pp
VENICE and VERONA 1st July HB from ................. £875pp
SORRENTO - 16th June B&B from ........................... £589pp
LAKE GARDA - 1st July and 7th Oct B&B from ............................ £539pp
FLORENCE - 16th June HB from............................... £729pp
SORRENTO - 6th October B&B from ............................ £599pp CYPRUS - 25th November HB from............................... £797pp From Inverness NEW - Regular flights to Amsterdam for worldwide connections.
ELGIN 01343 548844 FORRES 01309 672203
DUBROVNIK - 2nd July S/C from ............................. £606pp Hidden PORTUGAL - 17th Sept. HB from............................... £659pp SICILY - 6th October B&B from ............................ £649pp
All holidays are priced per person, for 7 nights based on 2 people sharing a room.
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!
scotgro
Broombank Farm, Auldearn Nairn-shire IV12 5JY Order & Pay online at
scotgro.com Tel: 07580 231030
Mini £10 (1-2 people) Box £12 (2-4 people) Crate £16 (4-7 people)
Example of a standard box. The contents change regularly and vary according to season.
FRESH VEG’ TO YOUR DOOR! Fresh vegetables, in-season produce all locally grown and hand delivered to your door. Sound too good to be true? This service is now available from Scotgro, a family run business at Broombank Farm, Auldearn. Our aim is to provide our customers with the freshest seasonal fruit and vegetables straight from our farm. We offer a range of boxes to suit each customers needs. The ‘mini box’ for an individual or couple, the ‘standard box’ for two to four people and the ‘crate’ for a large family. Delivery of our boxes can be arranged on a weekly, fortnightly or on a one off basis through our website or by telephone. You can easily pause your box if you’re having a week away or you’re feeling ‘vegged-out’. We also offer you the option of telling us of any veg you don’t like. That way, you’ll never get something in your box that will go to waste. produce to fresh local Delivering Evanton, Inverness, your door: n, ow nt ra G Black Isle, d rres, Elgin an Fo , rn ai N Aviemore, th ou m ie Loss
nature The Highland Tiger Arguably our most enigmatic species, the Scottish Wildcat is the only surviving native feline in the UK. With just 400 believed to remain in the wild, the Wildcat is rarer than the Bengal tiger. After suffering centuries of habitat loss, being hunted for their fur and shot as vermin, they now face threats Scottish Wild Cat from vehicle collisions, disease and probably most significantly, interbreeding with domestic cats. This dilutes the gene pool and has disastrous consequences for the species.
Wildcats mate in the depths of winter with the kittens born in April or May, with a litter of between 2-4 the norm. The mother brings live prey to the den, often an abandoned badger sett or fox earth, from around 3 weeks old, allowing the kittens to develop their hunting skills. They will start to follow mum around from about 10 weeks old and will remain with her until around 5 months. The male takes no part in the rearing of the youngsters. Wildcats can breed from 1 year old, though males are unlikely to do so until they have established their own territory. As wildcats are very similar in appearance to the domestic tabby it is difficult for the casual Juvenile observer to make a positive identification but probably the most significant markers are the blunt tail with it's distinct rings, and stripes on their flanks and hindquarters that are mainly unbroken. Wildcats are also larger than the domestic tabby, with the average male coming in at over 5 kg and the female nearly 4 kg. For the best chance to see them in the wild, go to an area they are known to inhabit, use a car as a hide and look for them around dawn or dusk – they are nocturnal creatures. For the not so patient, the Highland Wildlife park in Kingussie have captive animals. If you'd like to find out more about the Scottish wildcat, report a sighting or help with the conservation of the species, have a look at www.highlandtiger.com. SNH also have a lot of useful information at www.snh.gov.uk.
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Ian MacLeod, Wild West www.wildwestsafari.co.uk ian@wildwestsafari.co.uk Offering wildlife safaris in the Great Glen and surrounding areas.
March
The most significant surviving population is to be found in the Cairngorms, with smaller numbers in Lochaber and Aberdeenshire. Their preferred habitat is moorland and the margins of forests and mountain slopes, where their main prey is rabbits, hares and other small mammals. Like their domestic cousins, they are opportunistic feeders and will take anything of a suitable size.
‘Ian MacLeod will no longer be able to contribute his wonderful editorials due to his busy schedule. I would like to thank him on behalf of SpotLIght for his fantastic and well received nature stories’.
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The las last st week in Mar March ch see’s the startt of th the busiestt season for bir birders. ders. Many of the e winter winte visitors ar are e still pr present esent and beginning to t show signs of o their br breeding eeding plumage and many m of o our rresident essident species ar e in full song an d tryin are and trying to attra act a mate or pr oclaim their terr ritory. attract proclaim territory. Howev verr, much as the above are are great grea at things thing However, to witn ness in themselves, nearly all observers ob bserve witness will be scanning the skies for the first arrival a o of our sum mmer migrants. summer One off the first to arrive are are the Sand Martin Martins, look fo or these small brown brown and white relatives relative for of the Swallow as they hawk over b eache beaches and sand sa and dunes rre-stocking e-stocking their bo ody fat fa body supplie es and also looking for suitable e sandy sand supplies banks in which to set up home. At the e same time the handsome Wheatear Wh heatear appea ars, usually first spotted in its typical appears, upright pose as it perches on fence posts or areas of short grass, watch out for a flash of
brilliant white just above the tail, another sure way to identify this species. ng the beach towar ds the very As you walk alo along towards onth listen out for loud harsh end of the mo month kerrrick calls of o Sandwich TTerns, erns, ns a rreal eal sound “kerrrick� sum mmerr, a lar ge lanky ter n with a and sight of summer, large tern c est and long black bill tipped cr striking shaggy crest Su urprisingly although it is one of with yellow. Surprisingly arrive e, it is usually one of the last to the first to arrive, leave. ading out to try and see these Thinking of hea heading birds? Then head h birds? for places like Kingston, Findhorn Dunes s, Bur ghead or Merkinch but Findhorn Dunes, Burghead wherever you go g enjoy the longer evenings, wherever warmer weathe er and the pr ospect of long hot warmer weather prospect summer days! Next month we w continue on the migrant theme and look k forwar forward d to the arrival of one of our most iconic c bir birds ds (and my emblem for “Birding “Birding Ecosse� Ecosse�) �) the Osprey. Osprey. So until next month mo onth Good birding! birding!
Wheatear
Information kindly supplied by Birding Ecosse, offering Birdwatching atching for beginners beginne ers workshops.
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