Spotlight Nairn May 19

THE NORTH’S FAVOURITE FREE WEE MAG

MAY 2019

SpotLIGHT NAIRN & DISTRICT

don valley flash APR 19.pdf

S E ENairn PAGE 9 Fuels

1

06/03/2019

14:16

H NAIRN may 19.pdf

1

27/03/2019

13:01

FREE DELIVERY to NAIRN, AULDEARN & CAWDOR

FREE KINDLING WITH ALL WEB ORDERS *Expires 30/05/2019

Buckie Furniture Front Horizontal May1219.pdf 1 20/03/2019 11:43 UNIT GRIGORHILL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE,

WWW.NAIRNFUELS.CO.UK

£899 £450 including headboard

MAY-BE it’s time for a new bed!

01667 455095

45-49 West Church St, Buckie AB56 1BP *SEE ADVERT INSIDE

NAIRN IV12 5HX

SALES@NAIRNFUELS.CO.UK

Tel: (01542) 832653 www.buckiefurniture.co.uk

SEASONAL GARDEN FURNITURE Decora caters to all your garden needs

NOW IN STOCK!

shop for your d n a a re a r e ov r NEW underc u o it e weather! is v th d s n s a le rd a g Come re cessories plants and ac

DECORA adore your home www.diydecora.com

Lossiebank Mills, Bridge Street, Elgin IV30 4DE

Tel:

01343 542 218

Open: Mon - Fri 0900 -1900. Sat 0900 -1800, Sun 1000 -1700

* Decora guarantee the lowest price on all our kitchen and bathroom ranges or we will match any difference.

So you’re always going to D.I.Y for less.

Sticks ‘n’ Stoves BEST PRICES GUARANTEED

JOHN GAMMIE ‘YOUR FORRES FENCER’

ALL TYPES OF GARDEN FENCES ERECTED AND REPAIRED NO MONEY EXCHANGED UNTIL 100% HAPPY WITH WORK

DISTANCE NO OBJECT

Multifuel and Woodburning stoves, Flues, Installation. Central heating and boiler changes for solid fuel, gas and oil.

Free surveys and advice.

07977 598618

37 High Street, Forres, IV36 1PB Now open 10 till 4 Fri - Sat ‡ www.sticksnstoves.co.uk

CALLloch NOW FOR FREE ness upholstery advert QUOTE mar 19.pdf

01309 271012

Full upholstery service

covering all domestic & commercial furniture

fa bri cs, i nteri ors, gi fts s ofa s , chai rs, soft fu rni shi ngs, 1 0 6 H i g h S tr e e t, NA I R N t: 0 1 6 6 7 7 0 8 4 9 7 e: s h o p @ l o c h n e s s f u r n i tu r e . c o . u k

1

05

SpotLIGHTon .co.uk

What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

Clubs and Societies ARDGOUR BRIDGE CLUB, NAIRN Mon evenings (Oct - Mar).

Please contact the Club to find out times & venue. Call Bridget Kilpatrick on 01667 452025 or at bkilpatrick123@btinternet.com CAWDOR CURLING CLUB For further information call 01667 493960 CHILDREN’S HIGHLAND DANCE Wed, (Preschool) 3.30pm 4.30pm; (Beginners) 4.30pm 5.30pm, Nairn British Legion Hall. Call Elizabeth Fraser on 01463 729477 CROSSROADS Provide & develop a high quality, cost effective, domiciliary respite care service for carers within Nairn & Distict.

Call 01667 455369

GIRLGUIDING NAIRN Call Jane Burns (District Commissioner) on 07962 190557 or email at nairnshiregirlguiding@gmail.com HEADWAY HIGHLAND (NAIRN) SOCIAL GROUP 2nd Mon of month, 10am 12pm, St Columba's Church Hall, Queen Street, Nairn. Tea, coffee & biscuits served. For people & families affected by acquired brain injury. Call Blayne on 01667 451392 LEARN GAELIC IN NAIRN Wed, 7.30pm - 9.30pm & Thurs 9.30am - 11.30am. Weekly classes during school terms.

Beginners to Intermediate. Call Lorraine McBeath on 01667 451291

LEGO CLUB 2nd & last Tues of month, 4pm 5pm, Nairn Library. For ages 5 FAMILY FIRST (BADENOCH, Lego Page provided.

Ad rates - Nairn.qxp 08/04/201911yrs.

11:42 1 Please call STRATHSPEY & NAIRN) to book a place or ask library Support service via home based staff. Call 01667 458506 volunteer support & or group support for families with a child NAIRN BONUS CLUB under 4. Call Lynne on Mon, 7pm - 9pm, Nairn 01667 452865 Community & Arts Centre. A social group for adults with Sample one-off advertising learning difficulties run by a rates (colour advert) voluntary committee that employs 3 members of staff to Box £46 support the group with activities Big box £74 & outings. Call 07814 982808

¼ page ½ page Full page

Discounts available for series bookings.

£120 £209 £399

Publisher:

Winterburn Media Ltd Unit 15, Horizon Scotland, Enterprise Park, Forres, Moray, IV36 2AB (01309) 690063

All material 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 publisherʼs prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright.

page 4 - May 2019

NAIRN COMMUNITY TRANSPORT Nairn Community mini bus hire for local groups & charities. Call 01667 459337 or email at nairncommunitytransport@ googlemail.com NAIRN COUNTY FOOTBALL CLUB LTD For further information call 01667 453286 NAIRN DISABLED SPORTS CLUB We cater for bowlers & athletes who have a disability.

Call 07766 952477 NAIRN DOMINO LEAGUE For further information call 01667 452496

NAIRN LACE GROUP Thurs, 7pm - 9.30pm, Nairn Community Centre. Self-help lace group. Call 01667 453521

NAIRNDUNBAR GOLF CLUB Golf club events & functions.

Call 01667 452741 or email at enquiries@nairndunbar.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 01667 456791

NAIRNSHIRE DRAGONS Fri, 1pm - 3pm, Nairn Academy.

Offers American Football training to both males & females aged 14 - 16 yrs old. Sessions led by Head Coach, Daniel Woodley. www.nairnshiredragons.co.uk

NAIRN PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AND CAMERA CLUB Tues (Sept - Apr), 7.30pm, Nairn Community Centre. Email at president@nairncameraclub. co.uk NAIRN SAILING CLUB (NSC) Friendly club offering dinghy & cruiser sailing for all levels & ages. Beginners welcome.

Regular social events at our clubhouse at Nairn Harbour.

Email at nairnsailingclub@yahoo.co.uk www.nairnsailingclub.co.uk NAIRN SOCCER SEVENS Mon (Easter - Oct), 6pm 7.15pm. Qualified SFA coaches provide coaching & games. P2 P7. Call 01667 452930 NAIRN SWIMMING CLUB (NDASC) Swimmers aged 7 & up. Trained to compete & for fitness & fun. www.ndasc.co.uk NAIRN U3A Learning & enjoyment for retired & semi-retired people in the Nairn area. Fortnightly talks & special interest groups cater for a wide variety of interests & tastes. Part of the National Third Age Trust. Call Pauline Ross (Sec) on 01667 453537 or email at Secretary@nairnu3a.org.uk www.u3asites.org.uk/nairn/home NAIRN WINE CIRCLE Home wine making. Meetings held through the year. New members welcome. Call Rosemary or Chris on 01667 454019 or 452000. Email at nairnwinewinecircle.org.uk

tel: 01309 690063

SEAFORTH CLUB (NAIRN) Popular Private Members’ club, welcoming guests & visitors to a warm, comfortable & friendly environment. Weekend entertainment, incl. bingo & dancing to live music Call 01667 452509. Find us on facebook SIGNPOST Guidance & support to voluntary groups & individuals in Nairn & Inverness-shire. Volunteering, funding, office services (typing, photocopying, book-keeping & more). Handyperson’s service.

Call 01667 455234 or email at nairn@signpost-inc.org STRATHNAIRN FARMERS' ASSOCIATION For info please call Ray Smith or Donald Maclennan on 01463 790325/07796 750041 or 01463 731682/ 07860 116846. strathnairnfarmers@hotmail.com www.daviotvintage.co.uk T-EXCHANGE MAKERSPACE 3rd Fri of month, 7.30pm, Findhorn Village Centre. Make things, build things & exchange ideas. Call Bill on 07925 551191 THE NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY SCOTLAND (MORAY & NAIRN BRANCH) We're all about the can do, not the can't do. Come join us! www.nasmorayandnairn.org.uk PLEASE NOTE: Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis.

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

From time to time I catch hold of a wise phrase or two.

Below is a quote from Michelle Obama (wife of President Barak Obama for those with short memories!)

You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.

Â&#x2021; 6800(5 :,17(5 &+$1*( 29(56 Â&#x2021; 381&785(6 5(3$,5(' Â&#x2021; 7<5(6 6833/,(' $1' ),77(' )25 &$5 9$1 ; +*9 $1' $*5,&8/785$/ Â&#x2021; $// &$55,(' 287 $7 <285 +20( 25 :25. Â&#x2021; 6$9( 7,0( 6$9( 021(<

Michelle Obama

PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes ADVERTISING ..............Susan Innes PRODUCTION .........Linda J Donald ART & DESIGN...............Flo Skinner ART & DESIGN .............Ishbel Ewen ACCOUNTS ..................Alan Radley

&217$&7 -$0,( $7 7<5( 6$9(5 72'$< 02%,/( (0$,/ 9,$ ::: 7<5(6$9(5 &2 8.

0(66$*( 21

June Issue Deadlines

Editorial - Thursday 02/07/19 1 03/04/2019 Advertising - Tuesday 07/05/19

elsco may 19.pdf

11:22

+($7,1* 352%/(06" 3UREDEO\ QRW DW WKH PRPHQW EXW QRZ LV D JRRG WLPH WR SUHSDUH IRU QH[W :LQWHU HVSHFLDOO\ ZKHQ \RX FDQ VDYH ZLWK RXU 6SULQJ GLVFRXQWV

/RZ SRZHU XVDJH QR VHUYLFLQJ YHU\ FRQWUROODEOH $1' D FRV\ ZDUPWK

6SULQJ 6L]]OHU Â&#x2026; 2II SHU KHDWHU

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¶W EH SXW RII E\ KLJK SULFHV TXRWHG HOVHZKHUH IRU VLPLODU SURGXFWV JLYH XV D WU\

)DU ,QIUDUHG +HDWHUV DQG )DU ,QIUDUHG 6DXQDV DOVR DYDLODEOH $VN IRU GHWDLOV

6HYHQ \HDUV RI VXSSO\LQJ JUHDW KHDWLQJ WR KXQGUHGV RI KDSS\ FXVWRPHUV DFURVV 6FRWODQG

(OVFR +HDWLQJ /WG )RU PRUH GHWDLOV DQG D )5(( LQIR SDFN RQ DOO RXU LQQRYDWLYH KHDWLQJ SURGXFWV ZZZ HOVFR FR XN RU SKRQH -RKQ RQ

SpotLIGHTon .co.uk

What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

Pastoral Le er & Church Meetings It is good…..

What we think, and what we think about, and the subsequent consequences, are of immense pastoral concern.

Our mind controls and shapes what we do and say, and how we live our lives.

We normally control what we eat and drink, and where we go – but do we always control what comes into our minds?

However, what we allow into our minds spurs and motivates our acts, actions and behaviour.

When Jesus Christ was on trial, those in authority did not like what he said. One man asked, “What do you think?” Their next action was – “they spat in his face, struck him and slapped him”.

One practical pastoral sentence in the book of Romans is – “Do

not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

We prefer to have our circumstances and situations changed. God wants to change and transform our minds!

Whatever gets your attention gets you.

It is good to feed your mind with truth, because it is the truth that set you free, and this truth is found in the Scriptures. Yes, there are other truths – how to programme a computer, or knit a cardigan – but these will not set you free.

It is good to have your mind freed from negative or destructive thoughts. We are in a battle. Such ground is not given up easily.

It is good to be aware of the pressures around us –

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

Auldearn and Dalmore Parish Church Sundays 12noon.

Contact Rev. Thomas M Bryson on 01667 451675.

Cawdor L/W Croy and Dalcross Parish Church Sunday 10.15am. Contact Rev Robert E. Brookes on 01667 493717 or RBrookes@churchofscotland.org.uk Nairn Baptist Church Nairn Community Centre. Sundays 11am. Contact Rev. Dr. Philip Egglestone on 01667 452764 or Secretary on 01667 452428. www.nairnbaptistchurch.org.uk Nairn Christian Fellowship Sundays 10.30am. Call Sandy Shaw on 01667 456492.

Nairn Free Church Sundays 11am with Sunday school and crèche, 6pm at Gordon St, Nairn. Junior Club at 6pm, for P4P7 and Youth Club at 7pm for S1-S6. Thursdays: Tiddlywinks: Parent and Toddler group at 10am and Bible Study Prayer Meeting at 7pm. Contact the Minister, Murdo MacLeod, on 01667 459131.

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

page 6 - May 2019

advertising, music, and certain celebrities promote the world’s values.

It is good to be in an atmosphere which encourages discipline.

That can save us from distressing heartaches, disappointments and disasters – and that is why we need the Word of God and why we need to know what is in the Word of God. It is good to focus our minds on right things – “on what is noble, lovely, admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things”.

It is good to ask Jesus to help you transform and renew your mind – the consequences will be remarkable.

Sandy Shaw Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship

Nairn United Reformed Church Sunday services and Sunday School with crèche 11am. Contact James Taylor (Secretary) 01667 451676.

St. Ninian’s Church Sunday services & Sunday school: 10.15am. Evening service at 6.30pm on the last Sunday of the month. Contact Rev. Thomas M Bryson on 01667 451675.

St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Family Eucharist on Sundays at 10.30am. Holy Communion on Wednesdays at 10.30am. Contact Rev. Dean Alison J Simpson 01667 452458 St Mary’s Catholic Church Saturday Vigil 6pm. Sunday Mass 10.30am. Contact Fr Damian Martell on 01667 456024. www.nairn.dioceseofaberdeen.org The Pentecostal Church of God Nairn Sundays 10.30am.

Contact Minister J D Grant on 01667 456088 or visit www.churchofgodnairn.com If you are a member of a church not listed here and would like to be considered for inclusion or if there are any amendments to existing details, email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

GS E IN BL EW LA VI AI AV

Making care mean more in Nairn

Offering high quality, personalised nursing care in a homely environment

St Olaf Room Sui te

St Olaf Care Home

Meaningful Activities St Olaf Care Home offers luxury suites along with a range of services, including: s 24-hour nursing care for the elderly and those living with Dementia s Fine Cuisines - Nutritious meals catering for all dietary needs s Large, dual aspect deluxe rooms

s Event and activities programme s Hairdressing and beauty salon s Easily accessible and landscaped gardens s Private resident transport

Contact home manager Liz to arrange a visit on 01667 454 544

Liz MacRae

St Olaf Care Home Manager

Email: stolaf@meallmore.co.uk Web: www.meallmore.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/meallmore

St Olaf Care Home, Cawdor Road, Nairn IV12 5EF

SpotLIGHTon .co.uk

What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

Parliament Blog & Tide Times We have all been waiting with bated breath for the rollout of superfast broadband to all homes and businesses for a long time.

A reliable internet connection is regarded by many of us as the fourth utility and whether it is moving more of your business online, accessing learning materials or downloading the latest film or box set, much of what we want to do on the internet now requires superfast broadband.

We need the Scottish Government to sign the contract for the rollout now if they are to deliver on their promise that all homes and businesses will have access to superfast broadband

by March 2021.

Everyone welcomes that target and I will press the Scottish Government to ensure their promises on rural broadband are delivered.

Edward Mountain MSP

Brexit Bùrach One journalist summed it up: “It is hard to take back control when no-one is in control." Unless Governments act as a team, they are finished, and the UK Government team members are intent on kicking each other, instead of the ball.

That makes the work we do in Scotland ever more important in preparing for the worst on Brexit; trying to plan ahead to mitigate some of the consequences we fear for our farmers, tourism sector, food and drink businesses and of course, EU citizens who are welcome to stay in Scotland - and I and Cabinet colleagues are working hard to get that message out.

Truly the Gael's word “Bùrach” amply describes the situation, or as shinty supremo, Hugh Dan MacLennan put it : “A cluster Bùrach!” Let us hope that common sense intervenes soon and we get to keep the benefits to the Highlands and Islands that have come from EU membership."

Fergus Ewing MSP

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR NAIRN IN MAY

Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

W TH F SA SU M TU

AM 04:46 05:15 05:47 06:23 07:01 07:38 08:15

page 8 - May 2019

PM 17:16 17:41 18:12 18:47 19:22 19:58 20:33

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

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

AM

PM

08:53 09:33 10:28 11:40

21:03 20:38 21:30 23:50 13:00 14:28 15:38 16:36 17:27 18:11 18:50 19:25

01:16 03:07 04:09 05:00 05:45 06:25 07:03

tel: 01309 690063

As consumers, we must all take responsibility to make more conscious and sustainable choices, wherever possible. I was delighted to meet with Sandra and Lynn of Lynbreck Croft in the Cairngorms recently, where I learned about their commitments to low-carbon, environmentally sustainable farming. Their approach to farming has also led them to being appointed Young Agricultural Climate Change Champions by the Scottish Government to champion a cultural and behavioural shift towards low-carbon, environmentally sustainable farming in Scotland. Where it can sometimes feel overwhelming and that hope is lost, it is heartening to know that there are many people, myself included, who are committed to a lifestyle which puts sustainability and the future of our planet at its heart.

Drew Hendry MP

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

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

AM 07:40 08:16 08:53 09:27 09:21 09:57 11:03 02:22 03:19 04:01 04:40

PM 19:59 20:31 20:54 20:58 21:28 22:19 23:34 14:07 15:03 15:44 16:19 16:58

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

FRASER BLADES

We deliver throughout the north east of scotland, on a weekly basis.

Precision Mobile Sharpening Service Bring it back to life and get it sharpened like new.

I can Sharpen...

t Quality Lawn Turf TOOLS t Screened Topsoil KNIVES t Bark SCISSORS t Artificial Grass CLIPPER BLADES t Grass Seeds Tel: 01309 691813 Mob: 078180438401 08/05/2018 10:03 Forres Tree Services June 18.pdf t Fertilisers www.fraserblades.co.uk

Turf is grown locally and harvested to order.

We offer a range of quality products for your garden along with excellent customer service.

FORRES TREE SERVICES LTD FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED

tÍ&#x192;5SFF 4VSWFZT t 5SFF 3FNPWBM t 5SFF 1SVOJOH

t "MM )FEHF 8PSL t 4UVNQ 3FNPWBM t )BSEXPPE 'JSFXPPE

01343 890 765

XXX GPSSFTUSFFTFSWJDFT DPN t JOGP!GPSSFTUSFFTFSWJDFT DPN

buckie furniture may 19.pdf

1

19/03/2019

Don Valley Ltd, Ardmurdo Farm *OWFSVSJF "# -4 t 5FM 14:27 &NBJM JOGP!EPOWBMMFZMUE DP VL

? p u e ak w u o y en h w d Still tire Then MAY MAY-BE itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to rejuvenate your nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep with a new bed!

Come and check out our May deals on bedframes and mattresses...

Mattresses from £150 Bed Frames from £180

Suppliers of -Ã&#x160;UÃ&#x160;7 , ," -Ã&#x160;UÃ&#x160;

, 7 ,-Ã&#x160;UÃ&#x160;/ -Ã&#x160;Ã&#x160;UÃ&#x160;Ã&#x160; -" -Ã&#x160;UÃ&#x160; ,* /-Ã&#x160;UÃ&#x160;

-Ã&#x160;UÃ&#x160; and much more...

45 West Church Street, Buckie AB56 1BP

Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 5pm (Closed 1-2pm) Open all day Saturday Out of hours appointments to suit

www.buckiefurniture.co.uk

buckiefurniture@gmail.com

(01542) 832653

Deliveries throughout the North East

*see T&Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

£899 £450 including headboard

Bed Specialists for over 30 years

SpotLIGHTon .co.uk

What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

Useful Information

Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days Easter Monday St George’s Day Anzac Day Last Day of Passover (J) Yom HaShoah (J) Early May Bank Holiday Ramadan Starts (M) Yom Ha’atzmaut (J)

Mon 22nd Apr 2019 Tues 23rd Apr 2019 Thurs 25th Apr 2019 Sat 27th Apr 2019 Wed 1st May 2019 Mon 6th May 2019 Mon 6th May 2019 Wed 8th May 2019

Lag B’Omer (J) Spring Bank Holiday Ascension Day Laylat al-Qadr (M) Shavuot (J) Pentecost/Whitsun

Wed 22nd May 2019 Mon 27th May 2019 Thurs 30th May 2019 Fri 31st May 2019 Sat 8th Jun 2019 Sun 9th Jun 2019

(H - Hindu; J - Jewish; M - Muslim; S - Sikh)

School Term Dates for 2018/2019 (all dates inclusive) Easter Monday Mon 22nd Apr 2019 Summer Term Starts Tues 23rd Apr 2019 May Day Holiday Mon 6th May 2019 In-Service Day Mon 3rd Jun 2019 Summer Term Ends Thurs 4th Jul 2019 Summer Holiday Starts Fri 5th Jul 2019 for 2019/2020 (all dates inclusive) Summer Holiday Ends Fri 16th Aug 2019

In-Service Day Autumn Term Starts In-Service Day In-Service Day Autumn Term Ends Autumn Holiday Starts Autumn Holiday Ends Winter Term Starts Winter Term Ends

Addictions Counselling ..................................01463 220995 Alcoholics Anonymous ................................0800 9177 650 British Red Cross Inverness ..........................01463 231620 Citizens Advice Bureau .................................01667 456677 Crossroads ....................................................01667 455369 Inverness Airport...............................01667 464000/462280 Gamblers Anonymous ..................................0370 050 8881 Gas - Emergency ............................................0800 111999 Highland Council ..........................................01667 458500

Nairn Hospital A&E .......................................01667 452101 Nairn Healthcare Group ................................01667 452096 Nairn Sports Medicine Clinic ........................01667 454523 PHARMACIES Boots The Chemist ........................................01667 453169 Lloyds Pharmacy ..........................................01667 453100

Know the Score (Drug Helpline) ....................0800 587 587

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

Useful Contacts

Highland Migrant & Refugee Advocacy . . . . . . 01463 729152 Men in Recovery ............................info@meninrecovery.org

Nairn Community Centre ..............................01667 453476 Nairn Museum................................................01667 456791 National Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline ..........................................................................0800 027 1234

National Rail Enquiries ..................................08457 484950 Police Station ..................................................................101 Raigmore Hospital Switchboard....................01463 704000 Railway Mission ............................................078419 85768 Samaritans ....................................................01463 713456 Stagecoach Inverness ...................................01463 239292 Victim Support ..............................................01463 710806 Water - Emergency ........................................08456 008855 DOCTORS NHS 24 ...........................................................................111 page 10 - May 2019

Mon 19th Aug 2019 Tues 20th Aug 2019 Mon 16th Sep 2019 Tues 17th Sep 2019 Fri 11th Oct 2019 Mon 14th Oct 2019 Fri 25th Oct 2019 Mon 28th Oct 2019 Fri 20th Dec 2019

VETS Moray Coast ..................................................01667 453161 Inshes Veterinary Clinic Inverness ................01463 711777

DENTISTS Jones, Jones & Behrendt ..............................01667 453189 Windsor House Dental Surgery ....................01667 454603 Dental Unit at Nairn Hospital ........................01667 422722 If you would like to add a contact or if there are any amendments to be made to existing details, email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Ƈ Alloy wheel refurbishment Ƈ CNC Diamond cutting Ƈ Powder Coating Ƈ Wheel straightening and crack repairs Ƈ Media blasting-Aluminium oxide, chilled iron, soda and vapour

Domestic, Commercial & Industrial Garage Doors Supplied & Installed

01309 671477 Garage Doors Security Shutters Bar Shutters Automatic Gates Car Ports and Patio Roofs

16 Chanonry Road North, Elgin IV30 6NB

01343 540777 07514 757808 skscoatings@gmail.com 1 08/03/2019 Duncan & Todd Nairn Apr 19.pdf 421029_D&T_PRESS_138x98_V2

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

2 for 1 on glasses, sunglasses and even varifocals

Visit your local branch: 109 High St, Nairn, IV12 4DB 01667 453 426 duncanandtodd.com

Scotengineering, Unit 3, Waterford Circle, Forres, Moray

Email: info@scotengineering.co.uk Web: www.scotengineering.co.uk

13:24

Discover the wonderfully diverse West Coast islands of Scotland the easy way with CalMac Ferries.

You’ll be guaranteed good travel and connection times, regularity and service on all of our 28 routes.

CalMac has been providing passenger ferry services to the west coast and peninsula communities for more than 150 years.

Scotland’s west coast islands are magical places that offer something special for every visitor, for example great beaches, breath taking scenery and everywhere you go, a great Scottish welcome.

Every island has its own individual character and charm.

Irrespective of whether it’s a trip to the islands off the Clyde Coast, the Inner and Outer Hebrides, or Skye and the nearby Small Isles, all count amongst some of Scotland’s finest and most dramatic natural landscapes.

While you are on board While you are on board why not take advantage of our wide range of hot and cold snacks and meals - all prepared freshly on board and using locally sourced produce.

Don’t forget to buy a few souvenirs too in our onboard shops.

CalMac Adventures A selection of day trips and mini cruises.

Departing from Oban, Mallaig, Uig/Skye, and Ullapool as well as Wemyss Bay (for Bute) Kennacraig (for Islay) and Ardossan (for Kintyre and Arran) Take your pick from a short trip of a couple of hours, or a make a full day of it.

Further information Our website at www.calmac.co.uk offers a wealth of information about the routes and islands we serve – including detailed information on timetables, fares, day trips as well as updates on service status.

GET OUT AND ABOUT Rascal P321

Auto Folding

8F TUPDL B XJEF SBOHF PG NPCJMJUZ QSPEVDUT UP IFMQ ZPV HFU PVU BOE BCPVU Call: 01309 676677 Action NG3 Light Quote: PR0318 GPS 5% discount PGG BMM QPXFSFE QSPEVDUT XIFO ZPV QSFTFOU XJUI 4QPUMJHIU NBHB[JOF

21 West Road, Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres IV36 2GW (Behind Lidl) 0QFO .POEBZ 'SJEBZ BN UP QN t &BTZ QBSLJOH EJTBCMFE UPJMFU GBDJMJUJFT 01309 676677 t TBMFT!NPPSJOHTNFEJRVJQ DPN

SpotLIGHTon FREE Listings, FREE to View, FREE to upload Promote your events in this section by going online at www.spotlighton.co.uk Register, key in details which will then automatically be printed in the magazine. *June Issue Deadline: 2nd May*.

Inclusion of events is free. We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops. Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes.

until 29 may Coffee Morning (Wed only) 10.30am - 12pm, Findhorn Village Centre. Coffee or tea with cakes & a gossip. call 01309 692339

until 31 may Brodie Castle: Scottish Rhododendron Festival Brodie Castle, Forres. Call 01309 641371 Cawdor Castle: Scottish Rhododendron Festival

April 2019 Rolling Events

22 monday

until 28 april Insect Handling Sessions 11.30am - 12.30pm & 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Tropical Hot-House, Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. Hold a humongous stick insect, mammoth millipede or even a gigantic snail. call 01479 841613

29 april - 12 may Inverness Science Festival A wide range of activities across the city at different venues.

until 30 april Davy Hill (Tues only)@the Waterfront, Inverness Spring Mixed Exhibition: Paintings, jewellery & crafts by a range of our artists Gallery opening times, Castle Gallery, Inverness

until 4 may Beyond Likeness: Exhibition by Victoria Crowe Museum opening hours, Inverness Museum & Art Gallery. All welcome

Keith & Dufftown Railway: Easter Bunny Challenge Normal timetable, Keith & Dufftown Railway, Church Road, Keith. Every child wins an Easter Egg. No need to book. See www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk for details Fort George Easter Egg Trail 9.30am - 4.45pm, Fort George, Ardersier. Incl in normal admission price, Free. Hunt for clues around one of Europe's most outstanding fortification.There is a chocolate egg for every participant. Call John Gibbon on 01667 460232 or email at john.gibbon@hes.scot www.historicenvironment.scot Robin Abbot@the Market Bar, Inverness 10pm Chris Suckle@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

23 tuesday Port of Invergordon - Cruise Line List 2019 Provisional V5: AidAaura 9am - 7.30pm Andy Murray@Johnny Foxes,Inverness 10pm Andy Duncan@the Market Bar, Inverness 10pm

24 tuesday

Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements: Bus replacement Dyce to Inverurie (6 weeks)

Bite & Blether jointly run by Dyke & District Village Hall & Dyke Church 11am - 1pm, Dyke & District Village Hall. Join us for a bowl of soup & bread, followed by cake & tea or coffee & a blether Steve Eaglesham@the Market Bar, Inverness 10pm

4 may - 29 september

25 thursday

4 may - 14 june

Findhorn Heritage Centre & Icehouse 2pm - 5pm, Findhorn IV36 3YE. Weekends only May & Sept.

Daily Jun/Jul/ Aug. By donation. All ages welcome. www.findhorn-heritage.co.uk admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Cup of Joy Community Cafe 11.45am - 1.15pm, Logie Primary School, Dunphail. A social enterprise cafe run by the pupils. They grow their own produce to use in soups & they make delicious cakes &

tel: 01309 690063

May 2019 - page 15

SpotLIGHT Garden

Brought to you by:

Watering Lawns – in Scotland? – Remember 2018?

Yes really, especially along the sandy soils and low rainfall of the Moray coast. 2018 was exceptionally dry and hot for a prolonged spell and many lawns are still trying to recover.

A dry spell in Spring is not unusual however.

We often get prolonged high pressure influence at this time of year, which cuts off the prevailing westerly fronts coming in off the Atlantic. It might not always seem warm and dry as we sometimes get a cold haar coming ashore. But even then, any rainfall amounts can be negligible.

Watering lawns is important at this time for a number of reasons. They will quickly turn brown and dry looking, as do golf course fairways and rough, and other public grassed areas. Lawns are trying to wake-up after a winter hibernation and may have been traumatised by scarifying and raking activity in the off-season. Many gardeners will put down a spring feed (as do GreenThumb) and this will need activated by watering. No watering, and nothing much will happen.

stay damp through the night. Daytime watering is of less value as more is lost to evaporation. Nowadays, you can readily buy a timer for £20 which will automatically turn sprinklers and hoses on and off. In Scotland, our water consumption is paid for in our community charge. In England, typically water is metered and charged for. We are lucky, it’s pre-paid, so why not use it.

GreenThumb also have a Water Conserver product which can significantly increase the time water molecules are held in the lawn. It works on a similar principle to products for planters and hanging baskets. There are more details on the website at www.g re e n t h u m b . c o . u k

Before

Many of you will have sprinklers, but they are usually in the garage! Get them out and hook them up. Most lawns will appreciate a watering for 20 mins each evening so they After

For more information about our annual lawncare plans from just £11.25 per month, plus useful downloads and photos, go to www.greenthumb.co.uk. Although GreenThumb is a multi-award winning national franchise, and is the runaway leader in the sector with half a million customers, we are the family-run local franchise covering the wider Moray Firth area.

Contact Alastair or Dave for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on 01463 229786 or email us at: inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

Alastair Watt

PRICES FROM

£11.25 MONTH

1st Treatment

FREE

01463 229786 www.greenthumb.co.uk Email: Inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

bakes. The proceeds are used to fund residentials to ensure no children are left behind Gerry Coogan@Macgregor's Bar, Inverness 7pm Caman@Macgregor's Bar, Inverness 9pm, Andy Duncan@Johnny Foxes,Inverness 10pm Scottish Highland Renewable Energy Conference (SHREC) 11.45am - 3.30pm, the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness. Free. Reflecting on some of the highlights of a dynamic decade of SHREC events - with great speakers, success stories & much more. www.eventbrite.co.uk

26 friday Live Music Night in aid of Inverness Hospital Radio: featuring crafty jack duo & special guest, johnny cash tribute by calum macrae & dougie burns & the cadillacs doors open at 8pm for 8.30pm - 12.30am, the Mayfower Lounge, Thistle Inn, Celt Street, Inverness. £10 from Duncan Fraser, Butcher, Queensgate & the Mayfower Lounge, Inverness.

Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5: Marco Polo 2pm - 10pm Alasdair Murden - Piano@Macgregor's Bar, Inverness 6pm A Night at the Musicals: talented local artists along with TFX Performing Academy 7pm, the Town House, Inverness Faith: the George Michael Legacy@ the Ironworks, Inverness 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com Biro Thieves@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

27 saturday Baby & Children's Market: Buy quality second hand & nearly-new baby & children's items at our pop up market. Toys, clothing, books, etc 10am - 12pm, Inverness Leisure Centre, Bught Park. £1. Email at info@happymumsmarket.co.uk www.happymumsmarket.co.uk The Tailor of Inverness: Matthew Zajac tells the story of his father's life fromPpoland to Scotland 8pm, Universal Hall, Findhorn. Adult £12;Concs £10; U16s £8. Call 01309 691170 (enquiries only) or email at uhallpromo@gmail.com Moravian Orienteering: Sat & Moray & Nairn Schools League: Millbuies. Registration: 10.15am 11.15am. See www.moravianorienteering.org Toyah@The Ironworks,Inverness 7pm www.ironworksvenue.com Scottish Rock Garden Club (Highland): Rare Plant Sale & Display 10.30am, United Reform Church, Nairn. Free. Plant sale opens 10.30 am; show opens 11.30 am Nairn & Disrict Gardening Club: a Tour of the Aboretum at Burgie hosted by Hamish Lochore, the owner 2pm, Burgie Aboretum. Call Anne Vincent (Sec) on 01667 462410 or email at nairndgc@yahoo.co.uk www.spanglefish.com/nairnanddistrictgardeningclub The Moods@Hootananny, Inverness 9.30pm Ashley & the Cosmonauts@the Market Bar, page 18 - May 2019

Inverness 10pm Myles WIlson Open Greensomes 7am- 12pm, Forres Golf Club, Muiryshade Road, Forres. £7 Members; £15 Visitors. Gents’ & Ladies’ Greensomes Stroke.

Call 01309 672949 Ext 2. www.forresgolfclub.co.uk

27 saturday - 28 sunday Etape Loch Ness: 66 miles on traffic free roads, starting & finishing in Inverness. general entry full but still places available by joining Team Macmillan 6.15am (start). Registration on 27th 10am, Loch Ness, Inverness. 18+. Spectator info at www.etapelochness.com

28 sunday Tumbling Souls@Hootananny, Inverness 3pm Ben & Emily@the Market Bar, Inverness 10pm Kevin Fraser@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

29 monday Robin Abbot@the Market Bar, Inverness 10pm Doc Livingston@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

30 tuesday Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5: Costa Mediterranea 8am - 6pm Josh Mackenzie@the Market Bar, Inverness 10pm Davy Cowan@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm Grantown-on-Spey U3A: AGM & Ballindalloch Distillery; Speaker - Brian Robinson 2pm, Osprey Room, Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey £2.50 (incl tea, coffee & biscuits). Email at secretary@grantownu3a.co.uk. www.grantownu3a.co.uk

May 2019 1 wednesday NairnU3A: Recycling in the Highlands; Speaker Claire Divine, Highland Council. Followed by tea & biscuits & a wee blether 1.45pm for 2pm start, Nairn Community & Arts Centre. Small charge for room hire. Non-members welcome. Call Pauline M Ross (Sec) on 01667 453537. www.u3asites.org.uk/nairn Inverness Orienteering Club (INVOC): Craigmonie TBC, Craigmonie, Drumnadrochit. Local event incl schools. www.invoc.org.uk

1 wednesday - 3 friday Aberdeen Golf Links Pro-Am Royal Aberdeen: Inaugural event Trump International, Cruden Bay. For further details see website. Call 07779 994236 or email at getintouch@aberdeengolflinks.com. www.aberdeengolflinks.com

2 thursday Off the Beaten Track: Whisky Nosing & Tasting 7pm (Doors 6.30pm), Tolbooth, Forres. £25. Join

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

whisky expert Vic Cameron - on a tutored nosing & tasting of five less well-known local whiskies. Call Claire Doughty on 07846 145050 or email at claire@clairedoughtypublicity.uk www.spiritofspeyside.com/events/ 1025_off_the_beaten_track Lucy Spraggan@The Ironworks, Inverness 7.30pm, www.ironworksvenue.com

2 thursday - 5 sunday Bandstand Beer & Music Festival Bandstand Bar, Nairn. The largest indie beer & music festival in the Highlands - 140 real ales, ciders & craft beers plus live music, speciality foods, whisky, charity stalls & a barbecue

3 friday Lional, Iain McLaughlin & The Outsiders, Pure Grief & Misty@The Ironworks, Inverness 7.30pm, www.ironworksvenue.com Ivan Drever@MacGregor's Bar, Inverness TBC Film Night - Do You Believe? 7pm, Forres Lighthouse Baptist Church Clovenside Forres IV36 3BT. £2 suggested donation. Please join us for our film night. All welcome. Popcorn provided! Call Rosemary Pannell on 07783 669171 or email contactforreslighthouse@gmail.com www.forresbaptistchurch.org

3 friday - 5 sunday Rise 2019: Moray's annual festival of the best in contemporary dance and performance from Scotland & across the globe Various timings, The Universal Hall, Findhorn. £10/£6 (u26). Call Dance North on 01309 691661 or email at info@dancenorth.scot. www.dancenorth.scot

3 friday - 27 monday Sally Gunn Art Exhibition 10am - 5pm (Daily),the Square Room, Logie Steading Gallery, Dunphail, Forres, Moray, IV36 2QN. Call Sally Gunn on 01667 455846 oremail at sally.gunn@sallygunnart.co.uk www.sallygunnart.co.uk

4 saturday The Green Living Expo: the latest in innovative energy saving, green living & home improvement technologies, including renewable energy, heating, house builders, home improvements & electric car dealerships amongst others 10am - 4pm, Inverness Ice Centre, Bught Drive, Inverness. Free but please register at www.eventbrite.co.uk Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5 AIDAaura 9am - 7.30pm Findhorn Soup & Sweet Lunch 12pm - 2pm, Findhorn Village Hall JMI. £3. All welcome. Findhorn Church Development Committee. Call Marjory Barber on 01309 690349 or email at marjorybarber@gmail.com The Playhouse 6th Birthday Bash 10pm, The admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Playhouse Nairn Warehouse 91@The Ironworks, Inverness 11pm www.ironworksvenue.com Danielle Louise Thomas the renowned Liverpudlian Mezzo soprano performs a varied solo evening's entertainment, 7pm, Nairn United Reformed Church £10 (incl wine & cheese). Call 01667 454967 Nairn Synchro Fair: Fundraiser for Nairn Synchronised Swimming Team 12pm - 2pm, Nairn Community Centre. free entry. Tea & Coffee, Home Baking, Tombola, Bric a Brac, Plants, Books, Craft, Upcyling & more. Call Julie Lawson on 07752 884833 or email at egilsay7@btinternet.com Rant@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

4 saturday - 5 sunday Logie Timber Festival Logie Steading.

Demonstrations, exhibitors, kit, machinery, hand tools, things to get your hands on, makers, movers & shakers - as well as food & drink

5 sunday Forres Vintage Vehicle Theme Day Grant Park, Forres. Veteran, vintage & classic vehicles from throughout Scotland. Various side stalls WKC Aberdeen Open 9am, Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. £6.

Kickboxing Open featuring the world's best martial artists Extreme Duck Race supporting the conservation of our rivers 3.30pm, River Findhorn at Logie Steading. Free entry. Small duck sponsorship £2.

Sponsor small & Superducks & watch them race down the River Findhorn rapids. Call Valerie Wardlaw on 01309 611220 or email at admin@fnlft.org.uk. www.fnlft.org.uk Outsider Art Fest 2019: An evening of music & art 5pm - 12am, Mad Hatters, Inverness. Tickets from Union Vinyl, Hootanannys, Fatsoma, Monsters In The Ballroom, Alkanes, & Forgetting The Future www.fatsoma.com Scot Roast@ La Tortilla Asesina, Castle Street, Inverness. Edinburgh Fringe show TBC No Label@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

6 monday Darsombra & Ramanan Ritual@Tooth & Claw, Inverness 7.30pm Gerry Coogan@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm Ladies’ Senior Open: Jubilee Tray 18 Hole Open 7am - 12.55pm, Forres Golf Club, Muiryshade Road, Forres. £10 Members; £20 Visitors. Call 01309 672949 Ext 2. www.forresgolfclub.co.uk

6 monday - 7 tuesday The Excise Man 12pm - 4pm, Dallas Dhu Distillery.

Forres. Meet our Victorian Excise Man & learn about the tricks of the trade of the Scottish whisky smugglers. No booking required. Included in the admission price to Dallas Dhu

tel: 01309 690063

May 2019 - page 19

10 friday - 12 sunday

7 tuesday Scottish Golf Junior Forum 6pm, Loch Ness Golf Club. Discussion on the development of junior golf Chris Suckle@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

8 wednesday The Arts Society Speyside lecture: 'When Britain Clicked - photography of the swinging sixties.'

Speaker - Brian Slater 11 am - coffee & tea served from 10.15am, The Williamson Hall, Duff Avenue, Elgin. New Members welcome. Visitors £7 donation.

Call Karen Weller on 07789 880481 or email at twelk69@hotmail.com Moray & Nairn Floral Art Club: In the Mood with Wood 7.30pm, The Tolbooth, Forres. Call Jean Holder (Chair) on 01309 673552. www.safas.org.uk The Highland Rock Garden Club: AGM TBC, Nairn Community & Arts Centre. All members welcome.

Call John Owen on 01320 366246 or email at johndowen@gmail.com

Cairngorms Nature BIG Weekend Various timings & locations. Over 60 activities taking place across the National Park there is something for everyone, from families to the more seasoned nature lover

11 saturday

Deja Vu in aid of Children 1st: A sale of brand new & pre-loved clothes for adults & children along with Acqua London jewellery & accessories 9th: 4pm 7pm (drinks & nibbles); 10th:, Westfield House, nr Elgin IV30 8XL. Entry by donation. Cash or cheque payment only please. Call Veronica Maclean on 01343 547308 or email at veronica.maclean@yahoo.co.uk

Randolph's Leap (Music) 8pm, Universal Hall, Findhorn, The Park, Forres, Moray, IV36 3TZ Adults £14; Concs £12; U16s £10. Call Universal Hall Promotions on 01309 691170 (enquiries only) or email at uhallpromo@gmail.com www.universalhall.co.uk Inverness Classic Vehicle Show 2019 11am - 3pm, Inverness. Free. Vehicles from all eras on display, street entertainment with musicians & entertainers.

Parade Finale in Inverness High Street at 3pm led by the Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band NorCon PipeBand. www.invernessbid.co.uk Harpa: Charity Concert in aid of the Forres Heritage Trust 6.30pm - 9.30pm, The Tolbooth, Forres. £21.91 An ensemble of world renowned harpists. Booking essential. www.eventbrite.co.uk Through the Decades with Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly 7.30pm, Nairn Community & Arts Centre Culbin Singers: Concert TBC, St Laurence Church, Forres. Works by Faure & Rutter, including Rutter's "Requiem." All welcome. Call Alasdair Joyce (Publicity Sec) on 01309 671288 or email at alasdair@manachie.eclipse.co.uk www.facebook.com/pg/culbinsingers The VIllage Cafe 10am - 2pm, Rafford Village Hall Soup, bacon rolls, delicious cakes, good company & a warm welcome awaits!

Open Day at Dyke & District Village Hall 1pm-4pm, Come & sample some of the activities that take place year round in the hall & enjoy tea & cake provided by Dyke Church. Email at dykevillagehall@gmail.com Girders@ Mad Hatters & The Tooth & Claw, Inverness 7pm. Free Inverness Science Festival: Family Day Inverness Leisure Centre, Bught Road, Inverness Hunky Dory@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

10 friday

12 sunday

9 thursday Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5: Crown Princess 7am - 6pm The Hard Road to Everest: Speaker - Doug Scott OBE 7pm, Nairn Community & Arts Centre The Arts Society Highland: When Britain Clicked; Fab Photographs from the Swinging Sixties.

Speaker - Brian Slater 2.15pm prompt , The Free Church Hall, Smithton, Inverness. Suggested donation for Visitors £8. Email at info@ theartssocietyhighland.org.uk www.theartssocietyhighland.org.uk Kevin Fraser@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

9 thursday - 10 friday

MFR Cash for Kids: Superhero Day 2019 Moray & Inverness. Register at www.planetradio.co.uk Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5: Astoria 9am - 5pm Music Nairn: Daniel Lebhardt (piano) playing Beethoven, Bartok, Brahms & Rachmaninov 7.30pm, Nairn Community & Arts Centre. Adults £19 Concs £15. Call Music Nairn on 01667 453476. www.musicnairn.org.uk Woodwinters Big Tasting@The Ironworks, Inverness 6pm, Over 65 wines. Booking essential. Call 0871 789 4173. www.ironworksvenue.com Hunky Dory@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm page 20 - May 2019

Cars & Coffee10am - 12pm, Rollerbowl, Inverness A quiet social gathering of like-minded car enthusiasts All Welcome! email at carsandcoffeeinverness@highlandclassic.org.uk www.facebook.com/carsandcoffeeinverness Forres Harriers Benromach 10K 11am , Benromach Distillery, Waterford Road, Forres. Registration in Forres Town Hall. Call Paul Hughes on 01309 672377 Edinkillie Community Association Spring Teas 2pm 4pm, Edinkillie Hall, Dunphail. £2.50. Come along for home baking, live music & raffles. Proceeds to Edinkillie Hall. Email at edinkilliehall@gmail.com

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Doc Livingston@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm welcome

13 monday Gerry Coogan@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

14 tuesday Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5: Norwegian Pearl 7am - 4pm Bastard Wordiness@ Tooth & Claw, Inverness 7pm, Spoken word but a little different Andy Duncan@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

15 wednesday Tom McGuire & The Brassholes@The Ironworks, Inverness 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com NairnU3A: AGM (Election of committee for 2019/20) & Quiz 1.45pm for 2pm start, Nairn Community & Arts Centre. Small charge for room hire. Call Pauline M Ross (Sec) on 01667 453537 www.u3asites.org.uk/nairn Health Records 6pm, Highland Archive & Registration Centre, Inverness. £3. Learn about the extensive collection of archives the Highland Archive Centre holds on behalf of NHS Highland, including the complete records of Craig Dunain (otherwise known as the District Lunatic Asylum) Call 01463 256444 Tom McGuire & The Brassholes@The Ironworks, Inverness 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com Inverness Orienteering Club (INVOC): Evanton Woods. Local event incl schools. www.invoc.org.uk

16 thursday Karine Polwart (Music) 8pm, Universal Hall, Findhorn, The Park, Forres, Moray, IV36 3TZ £20 one price plus booking fee. Call Universal Hall Promotions on 01309 691170 (enquiries only) or email at uhallpromo@gmail.com www.universalhall.co.uk Short Walk into Nature 2pm - 3pm, Nairn - meeting place to be given out after booking. Free but we rely on your donations. Join this regular local High Life Highland Countryside Rangers Green Health walk & help reconnect with the natural world. Over 18s only.

Good dogs welcome. Call Saranne Bish on 07818 588222 or at saranne.bish@highlifehighland.com In Cahoots@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

17 friday Gig@The Games 7pm - 11.59pm, Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers. £16. First marquee event with folk band RURA. Live music, licensed bar & BBQ. Over 18s only. www.gordoncastle.co.uk Rant (Music) 8pm, Universal Hall, Findhorn, The Park, Forres, Moray, IV36 3TZ.Adults £14; Concs £12; U16s £10. Call Universal Hall Promotions on 01309 691170 (enquiries only) or email at uhallpromo@gmail.com. www.universalhall.co.uk admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Moravian Orienteering: Darnaway Coaching 2pm 4pm, Darnaway. www.moravianorienteering.org The Quireboys Unplugged@The Ironworks, Inverness 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com Playhouse Pandamonium with the Teuchter's Comedy Club 8pm, The Playhouse, Nairn Ezra@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

17 friday - 19 sunday Pluscarden Abbey Retreat 8pm (Fri) - 1pm (Sun), Pluscarden Abbey, Pluscarden. £60 (login with Facebook). Registrations are now open. The capacity of the guesthouses at Pluscarden limits spaces to 20 (10 men & 10 women); we therefore expect demand to outstrip supply, so please register your interest now

18 saturday Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5: Mein Schiff 5 7.30am - 7pm Truck In2 Grantown Charity Fundraiser 10am, The Show Field, Grantown on Spey. Main charity is Motor Neurone Scotland. trade & craft stalls, funfair, catering & bar. Truck parades, truck pull competition & Swede Dreamz The Aviemore 100 Bike Challenge 9am, Glenmore Hayfield, Aviemore. 70 km road cycle followed by a 30 km off-road MTB challenge. Organised by Mikes Bikes (Aviemore) & Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Email at paul.corrigan@chss.org.uk Jazz Nairn: Tim Kliphuis 8pm, Nairn Community & Arts Centre. All welcome Moravian Orienteering: Darnaway Coaching: Dufftown. www.moravianorienteering.org for details Messy Church 2pm - 4pm, St.Leonard's Church Hall Free. Come & join in with volunteers from local churches providing craft activities, story, worship, food & fellowship. Call Cath Perry on 07796 766983 or email at cathperry10@gmail.com Scottish Ornithologists' Club Highland: Outing Corrimony 9am , Inverness Retail Park, near Burger King. Call Kathy Bonniface on 01808 511740 or email at highlandsecretary@the-soc.org.uk www.the-soc.org.uk Davy Holt@MacGregor's Bar, Inverness 9pm

19 sunday Gordon Castle Highland Games & Country Fair 10am - 5pm, Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers 9th annual family event. www.gordoncastle.co.uk Gordon Castle: Scottish Rhododendron Festival 10am - 4pm, Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers Enjoy both our red & white rhododendrons during the Highland Games Little Top presented by Starcatchers &Superfan 2pm, Forres Town Hall, Forres, Moray, IV36 1PB. Adults £7; Concs £6; Child £5. A magical first circus experience for babies aged 0 - 18 months & their adults. Call Universal Hall Promotions on 01309 691170 (enquiries only) or email at

tel: 01309 690063

May 2019 - page 21

uhallpromo@gmail.com. www.universalhall.co.uk/event Kevin Fraser@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

20 monday Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5: Zuiderdam 8am - 5pm The Highlanders' Museum: Festival of Museums; Family History Research Day 10am - 4pm, The Highlanders' Museum, Fort George, Ardersier Free. Guided tours, costumed interpreter & family history research. Call Gill Bird on 0131 310 8765 or email at gill@thehighlandersmuseum.com www.thehighlandersmuseum.com Nairn Book & Arts Children's Theatre TBC, Nairn Community & Arts Centre

21 tuesday Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5: Crown Princess 7am - 6pm Highland Quilters: My Quilting Journey; Speaker Hanne Ashey 7.30pm, Smithton Church Hall, Murray Road, Inverness. Visitors £5. Email at highlandquilters@gmail.com. www.highlandquilters.com Davy Levon@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

22 wednesday Wildflowers@Kingsteps Quarry 2pm - 4pm, Nairn.

Free but we rely on your donations. Most suitable for adults & those with mobility issues as we’ll be on an all Ability path network albeit with some steepish slopes. No unaccompanied children. Good dogs welcome. Call Saranne Bish on 07818 588222 or email at saranne.bish@highlifehighland.com Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5: MSC Orchestra 9am - 6pm & Viking Sun 8am - 4pm

23 thursday Daimh with support from Graham, Robbie & Alison Mackenzie@Croy Village Hall 7.30pm Davy Cowan@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

24 friday Cinema Nairn: The Silent Child/ The Miracle Worker 7.30pm, Nairn Community & Arts Centre. £5 & £3.

Double bill of two award winning films about teaching deaf/ blind children to speak. Call Cinema Nairn on 01667 453476. www.cinema-nairn.co.uk Blackmore's Blood@The Ironworks, Inverness 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com George Bowie 10pm, The Playhouse, Nairn Davy Holt@MacGregor's Bar, Inverness 9pm

25 saturday Leah MacRae - My Big Fat Fabulous Diary (Comedy) 8pm, Universal Hall, Findhorn, The Park, Forres, Moray, IV36 3TZ. £20 one price plus booking fee. page 22 - May 2019

For ages 16+. Call Universal Hall Promotions on 01309 691170 (enquiries only) or email at uhallpromo@gmail.com. www.universalhall.co.uk/event Cairngorm to Coast: 100km Hike & Bike Challenge 9am, Cairngorm Mountain Ski Centre. Three entry options - 100km bike, 100km hike & bike & 30km hike. Call 01343 549571 or email at info@outfitmoray.com. www.outfirmoray.com/c2c Nairn & Disrict Gardening Club: Coffee Morning & Plant Sale 10am - 12pm, The Royal British Legion Hall, Nairn. All welcome. Call Anne Vincent (Sec) on 01667 462410 www.spanglefish.com/nairnanddistrictgardeningclub Kenny Rodgers Night featuring Andy Dean 7.30pm 11pm, Beaufort Hotel, Culduthel Road, Inverness. £15. Unreserved table seating available plus a selection of finger buffet available for purchase! www.eventbrite.co.uk

26 sunday Phill Jupitus - Sassy Knack (Comedy) 8pm, Universal Hall, Findhorn, The Park, Forres, Moray, IV36 3TZ. £16. For ages 14+. Call Universal Hall Promotions on 01309 691170 (enquiries only) or email at uhallpromo@gmail.com. www.universalhall.co.uk Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5: Silver WInd 8am - 4pm Stableford Open Gents & Ladies 7am - 12pm, Forres Golf Club, Muiryshade Road, Forres. £7 Members; £15 Visitors. Call 01309 672949 Ext 2. www.forresgolfclub.co.uk Highland Folk Museum Vintage Day Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore. Classic cars, bikes, agricultural vehicles, etc. Call 01540 673551 Race for Life (10K) 11am, Bught Park, Inverness. All women are welcome, regardless of whether they are taking part on their own or as part of a group. www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk Willie Campbell@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

28 tuesday Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5: MSC Preziosa 7am - 5pm

29 wednesday Fara (Music) 7.30pm, Universal Hall, Findhorn, The Park, Forres, Moray, IV36 3TZ. Adults £14; Concs £12; U16s £10. Call Universal Hall Promotions on 01309 691170 (enquiries only) or email at uhallpromo@gmail.com. www.universalhall.co.uk/ NairnU3A: Annual Outing; Duff House, Banff Nairn with pick up in Elgin. £10 Members; £15 Guests Open to members only but they are welcome to bring a non-member guest. Call Pauline M Ross (Sec) on 01667 453537. www.u3asites.org.uk/nairn Bite & Blether jointly run by Dyke & District Village

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Hall & Dyke Church 11am - 1pm, Dyke & District Village Hall. Join us for a bowl of soup followed by cake & tea or coffee & a blether Inverness Orienteering Club (INVOC): Culloden Woods. Local event incl schools. www.invoc.org.uk Transport Records: Trains, Ships, Cars & Transport Development 6pm, Highland Archive & Registration Centre, Inverness. £3. Call 01463 256444

30 thursday Port of Invergordon - Cruise Liner List 2019 Provisional V5: Mein Schiff 5 7.30am - 7pm In Cahoots@Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

31 friday Our Famous Psychic Floor Show 6.30pm & show starts at 7.30pm, The Mosset Tavern, Forres. £8; £14 (Private readings) Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club@The Ironworks, Inverness 9pm. www.ironworksvenue.com The Cowans@ Johnny Foxes, Inverness 10pm

31 friday - 3 june (monday) Scottish Ornithologists' Club Highland: Long Weekend in Caithness For further information please call Kathy Bonniface on 01808 511740, email at highlandsecretary@the-soc.org.uk or see Wright's Home Hardware May 19.pdf 1 08/04/2019 www.the-soc.org.uk

at e r g r e f f o "We services"

09:05

Everyth ing you need for the Garden !

ÜÜÜ° i >À`Ü>Ài` ÀiVÌ°V °Õ ÊÊUÊÊJÜÀ } ÌÃ v ÀÀiÃ

iÞÊ ÕÌÌ }ÊUÊ*> ÌÊ Ý }ÊUÊ > ÀÊ >ÃÊUÊ ÕÀ ÌÕÀiÊ i«>ÀÌ i Ì vÌÊ- «ÊUÊ i ÛiÀÞÊ-iÀÛ ViÊUÊ,i>ÀÊ >ÀÊ*>À

£äÇÊ Ê£££Ê } Ê-ÌÀiiÌ]Ê ÀÀiÃÊ 6ÎÈÊ£ ÊUÊ/i \Êä£Îä ÊÈÇ{Ê£££ "«i }Ê/ iÃ\ Ê Ê->ÌÊ > Ê Êx°Îä« ÊUÊ-Õ `>Þ\Ê££> Ê Ê{«

Adult Non-Fiction

Adult Fiction

By Naoke Abe

By Emily Koch

The irresistible story of Japanese cherry blossoms, threatened by political ideology and saved by an unknown Englishman.

Collingwood Ingram, known as 'Cherry' for his defining obsession, was born in 1880 and lived until he was a hundred. After visiting Japan in 1902 and 1907, Ingram fell in love with cherry blossoms, or sakura, and dedicated much of his life to their cultivation and preservation.

Everyone believes Alex is in a coma, unlikely to ever wake up. As his family debate withdrawing life support, he can only listen. But he soon begins to suspect that his accident wasn't really an accident.

Even worse, the perpetrator is still out there and Alex is not the only one in danger. Alex must use a series of clues from his past to solve the mystery of who tried to kill him. He needs to protect those he SV]LZ ILMVYL [OL` KLJPKL [V SL[ OPT NV °

‘Cherry’ Ingram

If I Die Before I Wake

Adult Fiction

Adult Non-Fiction

The Ghost Tree

Becoming The Supervet

By Barbara Erskine

By Noel Fitzpatrick In this long-awaited memoir, Noel recounts this often-surprising journey that sees him leaving behind a farm animal practice in rural Ireland to set up Fitzpatrick Referrals in Surrey, one of the most advanced small animal specialist centres in the world. We meet the animals that paved the way, from calving cows and corralling bullocks to talkative parrots and bionic cats and dogs.

Junior Fiction

Before you follow the path into your family's history, beware of the secrets you may find. Amidst the dust of her old life, Ruth discovers a hidden diary from the eighteenth century, written by her ancestor, Thomas Erskine. As she sifts through the ancient pages of the past, Ruth opens a door to the past that she can't close, and meets a ghost in her family tree who wasn't invited. She will have to draw upon new friends and old in what will become a battle for her very survival...

A Pinch of Magic

By Michelle Harrison Three sisters trapped by an ancient curse. But each of the sisters holds a secret, three magical objects passed down to them, each with a different enchanted property: an old carpet bag, a nest of dolls and a gilt-framed mirror. Together they hope to use their inheritance to defeat the curse upon them. When they encounter a stranger, a prisoner, who claims to hold secret knowledge about the curse he’s willing to trade - for a price - the sisters must decide who to trust and discover whether the objects they keep hold the key to their freedom or a path to unimaginable peril.

Young Adult Fiction

The Truth About Keeping Secrets

By Savannah Brown Sydney's dad is the only psychiatrist for miles around in their small Ohio town. He is also unexpectedly dead. Sydney believes the crash was anything but an accident. And when the threatening texts begin, and June Copeland - homecoming queen and golden child appears at his funeral out of nowhere, she's sure of it.

Part 1 Volunteering to Save Lives...

Meet Mountain Rescue â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an interview by Alyson MacDonald Mason I met with Iain Nesbitt of Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team on a snowy day in Inverness to learn more about what Mountain Rescue does and what attracted him to volunteer for a team.

Iain Nesbitt is the first Mountain Rescue volunteer I have met, and I imagine that most people, like me, are fascinated by not only what these volunteers do but also who they are.

Iain is a forester who volunteers with Dundonnell Mountain Rescue. He works and lives on Brahan Estate. Iain has always preferred being outside, enjoying hillwalking as a teenager in the hills around Stranraer. At 18 he headed north to Inverness to study forestry and remained in the area. Hillwalking took a back seat when work and family took up most of his time.

As his family grew up, he started hillwalking again, tackling local hills and setting bigger challenges, including deciding to climb all the

Munros. As his fitness improved he felt a sense of achievement and well-being. Seeing Scotland from a different perspective, he enjoyed each experience.

During this time, he met Mountain Rescue volunteers and was inspired by their recollections of rescues and experiences. Iain applied to join his local team, Dundonnell Mountain Rescue and started his training.

New recruits spend a year training before becoming a full team member. Iain found himself undertaking training covering search scenarios, winter skills training, safety on steep ground, team safety, first aid, the use of spinal boards and oxygen and helicopter training.

The Dundonnell team cover an area of approx.

3,000 sq. miles including some very remote areas and has 44 members (including trainees).

Teams will support each other if needed.

I asked Iain how he felt about call-outs in bad weather or at night. With a wry smile he confirmed that this was part of the role, the safety of team members comes first, but sometimes situations require a search in darkness or adverse weather. The safety of the lost or injured person is always the driver.

You can support mountain rescue in Scotland by donating to your local team or to Scottish Mountain Rescue. Please visit www.scottishmountainrescue.org for more info. To find out about Dundonnell the team featured in this article please visit www.dmrt.org.uk

TOM ANGEL IS A GARDEN DESIGNER AND CHARTERED HORTICULTURIST BASED IN AVIEMORE. TOM WORKED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE INDUSTRY

The

Garden

FOR MANY YEARS AND NOW PROVIDES CONSULTANCY AND DESIGN SERVICES AS

ANGEL

HORTICULTURE LTD.

Has your garden been looking spring-like with plenty of flowers this year? Or are you still waiting on the summer months before seeing your plants produce their flowers?

I think that the most important part of the gardening year to plan ahead for is the end of the winter and start of spring. Winters can seem to drag on endlessly, especially in the North of Scotland, and it can make a world of difference seeing flowers appearing and reminding you of the wonders of nature in your back garden.

Spring is a good time to think about this as well because it is a great time for planting. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) can be bought ‘in the green’, or donated by a friendly neighbour, a far more successful alternative to planting them as bulbs.

shady position, as long as it is not anywhere too exposed.

My favourite plants are flowering trees, and you don’t have to stick to Cherry trees to get great flowers. Varieties of Hawthorn, Pear and Crab Apple will thrive in Highland gardens and reward you with fantastic spring flowers.

Last year I planted Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ and Malus ‘Evereste’ and both are romping away happily.

If your garden isn’t looking brilliant at the moment, or you felt it looked dreary over the winter, take it as an opportunity to make things different next year. One of the wonderful things about gardening is how it forces you to slow down, and observe changes and improvements in terms of years and even decades, rather than minutes and hours.

Considered by some to be the first flowers of spring, these are really the last flowers of winter. Early-flowering Crocus are a great idea too, though you’ll need to wait till later in the year to plant Crocus bulbs.

It is worth planning ahead for the rest of year, to make sure you are rewarded next spring. Late summer and autumn are the time for planting spring bulbs. The humble Daffodil is for many the quintessential indicator of spring being in full force. However, do not neglect the rest of the Narcissi genus. There are dozens of varieties of Narcissi, not all Daffodils strictly speaking, but many have a more delicate and attractive appearance. Colours range from almost white right through to almost orange, and if you go for a ‘Jonquilla’ variety you get scent too! Fun fact – a Narcissus is only a Daffodil if the internal trumpet (the ‘corona’) in the flower is longer than the petals. Narcissus look great mass-planted, so go for as many as you can afford and have space for. Don’t forget about Tulips too, again, planted in groups.

In terms of plants that are good spring value, you can look at species such as Helleborus hybridus ‘Harvington yellow speckled’, Primroses, Pulmonarias and Brunneras.

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' makes regular appearances in my garden designs as it will put up with a

26

Varieties of Narcissi Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’

The Roads We Rely On

by Highland Historian Throughout the tensions of the early Jacobite period, it was clear that access and maneuverability were key issues that needed to be addressed for control of the Highlands and North East.

Readers will be aware of the roads built by General George Wade between 1724 and 1740, but it was Wade’s protégé’s extension of the road-building project from 1747 that had a lasting impact in the North West and South West Highlands as well as into Aberdeen-shire; all key recruiting grounds for the Jacobite army of 1745-1746.

The origin of Wade’s project was the increasing Highland influence in the Jacobite Risings of 1689, 1715 and 1719 and the insecurities which the Hanoverian monarchy and Government of the time of Wade’s command felt in the Gàidhealtachd. Wade was Commander-in-Chief of the forces in North Britain from 1724-1740 and again in September until December 1745 at the age of 72.

Wade’s road building focused on the Great Glen and Highland Perthshire and consisted of 35 bridges, including the impressive Tay Bridge at Aberfeldy, and 240 Major William Caulfeild

miles of road. The Aberfeldy bridge was designed by William Adam and cost £4,095 5s 10d.

An ironic fact is that it was Wade’s road through the Corrieyarrick Pass that aided the Jacobite advance on Edinburgh before the battle of Prestonpans.

It is also this pass that my ancestor used to move with a barrow of his belongings from Dores to Blairgowrie 150 years later in search of a sustainable livelihood!

After Culloden in April 1746 and seeing the tests of the network during the ‘45, Major William Caulfeild took over and masterminded the road network extensions. Wade’s protégé had been with him since 1729 and had been promoted by Wade to the position of Inspector of Roads in 1732.

One of the best examples of their joint work is the bridge at Sluggan, an important junction between Wade’s and Caulfeild’s roads. Despite being partly washed away in 1829, it was rebuilt in the original design which is synonymous with Caulfeild’s single-arch bridges.

One of the few written records states that the similar 1749 Caulfeild’s Bridge at the Spittal of Glenshee was built for £40.

Bridge at Sluggan

Caulfeild remained the Inspector of Roads until his death in 1767.

By this time he had overseen the completion of over 800 miles of extensions to Wade’s road network and c.600 bridges. This included the road from the Great Glen to Glenelg; roads linking Crieff, Dumbarton, Inverary and Fort William; and a complex road network linking Dunkeld to Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Portsoy, Corgarff, Braemar, Fochabers, Grantown-on-Spey, Forres and Fort George. The project of 1747 also ran alongside the first military survey of Scotland which led to the formation of the Ordinance Survey.

It must be recognised that these roads facilitated the systematic subduing of Gaelic culture in the West and Episcopalian Jacobitism in the North East. It also facilitated the access of the British Army to recruits who, from the late 18th century until today have been involved in virtually every British military campaign. Today, Wade and Caulfeild might also be seen as the facilitators of tourism in the North and as the people who did more for the road networks in the Highlands than anyone since.

General George Wade

I f y ou h a ve a t opic y o u ’d lik e to f in d o u t mor e about, or have l oc a l t ra d i tio n s a n d sto r ie s to s h a r e , pleas e e-m ail: a n d re w@h ig h la n d h isto r ia n . c o m o r visit hi gh l a n d h i s t or ia n . co m to b o o k y o u r b e spoke guided tour !

Community Based Nature Projects N A I R N R I V E R I N VA S I V E S P E C I E S P R O J E C T

Fre e i ng our wate r ways Invasive non-native species, such as Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed, have become a widespread issue for our natural spaces in Scotland since many of them were introduced by the Victorians as ornamental plants.

With the unintended consequences of outcompeting our native flora, reducing biodiversity and increasing problems such as bank erosion and building stability, the River Nairn area has not escaped their impact.

This summer and over the next few years Nairn’s environmental charity, Green Hive is joining with the Spey Fishery Board on the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) project, a four year Heritage Lottery Fund supported project working to reduce numbers of these species present along our waterways. It covers a huge area, from Dundee in the south to the North coast of Sutherland. The project aims to engage with local community groups and individuals, as well as contractors, land owners and local authorities, to ensure a

robust long term solution to invasive species management.

The Nairn is a river plagued by a number of target species – Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, White Butterbur and Himalayan Balsam are all present in huge numbers.

American Mink are also present, threatening a number of native animals, specifically the water vole, and in areas where mink are present the water vole is invariably absent.

With the help of Green Hive volunteers there is an opportunity to make a real difference.

We envisage that committed volunteers will quickly be trained in pesticide application for certain species and then be able to mentor new volunteers

and gain experience in running sessions thus creating a selfsustaining conservation group with ongoing support from the SISI project team in terms of equipment, safety and advice.

The genuine environmental benefits are huge in terms of biodiversity, public health, river stability and salmon habitat.

Volunteers will also be given the opportunity to undertake the John Muir award, receive training in bushcraft & naturalist skills and attend ‘reward days’ which include white water rafting the Findhorn, BBQs and fishing experience days.

Some species, such as Himilayan Balsam, can be removed by hand and without the use of pesticides so there is the

opportunity for the whole community to come together, learn about the issue of invasive species, clear our riverside areas and see the immediate benefit of our contribution. Green Hive will be organising group volunteering days during the summer as well as a volunteer hit squad trained to tackle the more toxic dangerous species, so keep an eye on our website and facebook for more information greenhive.co.uk, @nairnsgreenhive

VOLUNTEERS REMOVING AND TREATING INVASIVE SPECIES

For more information on the SISI project www.invasivespecies.scot

By Kirsty Ellen - Green Hive Development Officer & James Symonds - Scottish Invasive Species Initiative Project Officer

to find out more about the Nairn River Invasive Species Project or join as a volunteer get in touch with Kirsty at Green Hive, kirsty@greenhive.co.uk, 07453912697 GIANT HOGWEED

N o t l o ca l to N ai r n?

G o o nl in e to fi nd s im i la r p roj e c t s ne ar yo u.

If you would like

Pu zz le Pa g e

Easy

Medium

Easy

Solutions to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s puzzles Medium

Shop Yo u r Wa rd rdrob rob e…

How often do you say “I have nothing to wear,” even though your wardrobe is full of clothes?

Perhaps you have a special event or a night out and panic buy, only to spend the night not feeling good and nowhere near as special as you wanted (or deserve) to.

Before you head out and randomly buy something just because it’s ‘new’ why not ‘Shop Your Wardrobe’. Take the clothes you already own and style them in new ways by layering, testing new colour combinations and combining items you wouldn’t usually wear together. Garment shapes don’t tend to change but trends do, so perhaps all you need is a new accessory to update or introduce the latest colours. There may be a dress that you keep for ‘formal’ or ‘summer’ (not always

reliable) wear. Why not take that dress out now and combine with a chunkier shoe/boot and cropped leather jacket to funk it up? Do you have an item you feel comfortable in, but are worried that you’ve worn it a few times too many? Switch up with a different colour or add another layer.

What people notice is your aura of feeling good rather than think ‘oh, they’ve worn that before’. If you’re looking for inspiration, Pinterest is great for styling ideas or “window shop” online. Look for items that are similar to ones in your wardrobe.

The true essence of styling is the ability to create multiple looks from your wardrobe. Buy less wear more. Sustainable fashion and decluttering are hot topics just now and if you’ve used the #konmari method then your wardrobe will be full of pieces that spark joy. Your wardrobe is with you every day so make friends with it, enjoy it and treat it as your very own boutique.

PS. if you feel truly overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, please visit my website to see how I can help!

E: a m a n d a @de fi ne s t y l e co ns ul t anc y. co. uk W: w w w.d e fi ne s t y l e co ns ul t anc y. co. uk T: 07749 45 6 2 4 3

T H IN K IN G O F L E T TI NG O R S ELLI NG? L E T U S P U T T H E S P O TLI GHT ON Y OU R P R O P ER TY!

NO UPFRONT FEES Including Home Report!

Now at: 4 Grant Street, Inverness IV3 8BL

hello@homesweethomemoves.co.uk

01463 710151

www.homesweethomemoves.co.uk