SpotLight on Nairn & District - November 2015

NOVEMBER 2015

NAI R N & D I S T RI C T THE NORTH’S FAVOURITE FREE WEE MAG

This space could have been promoting your business!

SpotLight covers six areas along the Moray Firth Coast

Contact us for details of rates and sizes: 01309 690063

DOUBLE BED w 8*%& t %3"8&34 INCLUDING FREE HEADBOARD worth £100

d to Reduce 99 WAS £699 £2 BUCKIE FURNITURE, FLOORING AND MOBILITY CENTRE 45 - 49 Church Street, Buckie AB56 1BP. Tel: (01542) 832653

SALE ON NOW FREE 6 YEAR WARRANTY on selected Viera TV’s

www.panasonicstore-inverness.co.uk

01463 716646

PRE-CHRISTMAS OFFER

25% discount on all *

gold jewellery, ending November 30th 2015

113 High Street, Forres

Tel: 01309 675577 Tel

78 High Street, Nairn

Tel: 01667 456777 Tel

*Offer excludes pre-owned jewellery

Bring the advert into the shop to receive

Auldearn Antiques

we know vaping

New E-Cig Store Now Open!

Starter Kits from ÂŁ14.99 Over 70 Flavours of e-liquid in 4 Great Ranges The Newest Vaping Hardware from...

Now Open: 2/4 Market Arcade Academy Street Inverness IV1 1PG 9-5 Mon-Sat

Come and see our range of antique and country furniture, architectural antiques, linen and china.

One mile from Auldearn on the Lethen Road.

"Recommended as outstanding" Peter Irvine, Scotland The Best

Also at: 176 High Street Elgin IV30 1BA 10-6 Mon-Sat 12-4 Sun www.scotvapes.com

Dalmore Manse, Lethen Road, Auldearn, A uldearn, Nairn, Scotland IV12 5HZ

Phone: 01667453087 Email: auldearnant@aol.com

Nairn Scenic Properties NAIRN SCENIC PROPERTIES

1 Bridge Street, Nairn IV12 4EJ

01667 459889 07835 979996 www.nairnscenicproperties.com admin@nairnscenicproperties.com

)BSCPVS 4USFFU /BJSO 'JYFE 1SJDF 0/-: b Two Bedroom Ground Floor Flat in need of some upgrading which is reflected in the asking price. Comprises, Lounge, Kitchen, Bathroom, Large Double Bedroom and Single Bedroom. Rear garden shared with one other flat. EPC E

.PTT 4JEF 3PBE /BJSO *7 /2 t (VJEF 1SJDF b Set in spacious grounds is this 5 bed/2bath bungalow. The property benefits from a separate one bed granny annex. The main house has three good size bedrooms, spacious lounge and charming kitchen with multi-fuel stove. Situated back from the main road it is very private and priced to sell. EPC D

4VUPST 7JFX /BJSO *7 #5 t (VJEF 1SJDF b Golfers Dream Home a stone’s throw from Dunbar Golf Club this spacious 5 bed detached bungalow offers everything a discerning buyer could want. Comprises: Vestibule, Hallway, Lounge, Kitchen/Diner, Sun Room, Five Double Bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower Room, Utility Room, Integrated Garage with automatic door. Low maintenance garden to the front and pretty, sunny garden with patio at the rear. Ten minutes walk to town and also to Culbin Nature Reserve and East Beach. Ideal retirement or family home. EPC D

CLUBS & SOCIETIES 1068 AIR CADETS Tues & Thurs, 7:15pm - 9:30pm, 2 Firth Street, Nairn. Ages 13 20. For details contact 01667 453232 on parade evenings or email 1068@aircadets.org

DOMINO LEAGUE NAIRN Contact 452496

BOYS BRIGADE Contact 452950

CROSSROADS Provide and develop a high quality, cost effective, domiciliary respite care service for carers within Nairn & Distict. Contact 455369

BLAZIN NEEDLES Tuesdays from 1:30pm - 3:30pm at The Bike Shed, Grant Street, Inverness. A friendly drop-in group for anyone interested in working with wool or textiles. A beginner looking for a hand or an experienced knitter looking for company this is the group for you. Donations for room hire and teas and coffees.

CAKE WALK & STORY GROUP Regular walks for all ages. For more details call Guy on 07724 992790 / www.guyandjocelyn.org CAWDOR BOWLING CLUB Provides a six rink green where club and open competitions are played. Spoon competition Friday’s 7pm. Coaching for learners on a Tuesday evening.

Contact 453698

)1 #! )1 6* !

5* ! .,#( ,, *+) #& .&& * !

4 4 4 4 4 4

#(- + .+( # )'+ # " )) ,# +' #(&),, && ' - +# & 0#-"#( -" *)- #!"' ! 3#( , #, ,. $ - -) )+' & )*2+#!"- + ,-+# -#)(, ( -" + )+ -" + *+) . -#)( ) (2 &#,#(!, #-)+# & / +-#, + +-0)+% )+ (2 )-" + )(- (- 0#-").- -" *. &#," +7, *+#)+ )(, (- 0#&& )(,# + + " ) )*2+#!"-

page 4 - November 2015

CAWDOR CURLING CLUB Call 404291 or 07831 760049 or email dave_rob@hotmail.com

DALLACHY AERO MODELLERS Model aircrafts & helicopter flying at old Dallachy World War 2 airfield. Mainly at weekends.

Offers training on dual control. www.dallachyaeromodellers.org.uk FAMILY FIRST (BADENOCH, STRATHSPEY & NAIRN) Support service via home based volunteer support and or group support for families with a child under 4. Contact Lynne 452865 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 FORUM FOR MEN Wednesdays, 8pm at Macnabs Bar, Columba Hotel. For gay and bi men. Look for the small red post box on our table. Text 07941 553620, www.gay-ness.org.uk or e-mail jampa40@yahoo.co.uk LEARN GAELIC IN NAIRN Weekly classes during school terms. Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30am - 11:30am. Wednesdays 7:30pm - 9:30pm. Beginners to Intermediate. Contact Lorraine McBeath on 01667 451291 for further information.

HARMONY MUSIC THERAPY SCOTLAND Individual and Group Music Therapy sessions to encourage, enable and empower all ages and abilities through interactive music experiences. Will travel to private homes, facilities and schools. Call Kristen Macleod on 07770427396.

NAIRN ARTS SOCIETY We meet in the Laing Hall, Fishertown. Regular exhibitions, demonstrations & sales of art works. Groups meet daily at various times. for Information call Frances Hendry (secretary) on 01667 454653 or visit www.nairnarts.co.uk NAIRN COUNTY CRICKET CLUB Friendly & eager to involve all ages in cricket. Games on Saturdays. Practice night Tuesday at Nairn Links NAIRN FRIENDSHIP CLUB Tuesdays, 2pm - 4pm in Nairn Community & Arts Centre. For over 16s, retired, disabled. Bring family & friends for an afternoon of entertainment. Tea, coffee & biscuits served. Entry £3. All welcome. Entertainers & volunteers needed. Call Moira on 01667 455011 or 07716 183466 NAIRN LACE GROUP Self-help lace group meets Thursdays from 7pm - 9.30 pm in Nairn Community Centre, Contact number 01667 453521

NAIRN SPORTS CLUB Something for everyone - Fitness classes, Gym, Tennis, Squash & Badminton Courts, Sauna, Nonmembers welcome. Contact 454523 or email info@nairnsportsclub.co.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 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/nairnmi nirugbyclub/ NAIRN YOUTH CLUB Contact 453476 NAIRN WINE CIRCLE Home wine making. Meetings held through the year. New members welcome. Contact Rosemary on 454019 or Chris on 452000. Website: nairnwinewinecircle.org.uk

NAIRN MEN’S BREAKFAST Meets third Saturday(not July or December) 9:45am at Dunbar Golf Club, Lochloy Road, Nairn.

The opportunity for men of all ages & denominations to share how there life changed through faith in Jesus. Call Campbell 01667 455149 to book a place.

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 SMASHERS BADMINTON CLUB Mondays & Wednesdays 9am 10.30am, Fridays 9am - 10am in the Games Hall, Nairn Sports Club. A sociable group and new members are always welcome, irrespective of ability. Call Mrs Jan Stuart on 07742 019286

PLEASE NOTE: Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis.

NAIRN SPEAKERS CLUB Fortnightly on Mondays, 7.30pm in the Newton Hotel, Newton Gate, Nairn, IV12 5PF. To hone your public speaking skills and gain confidence in a friendly, unthreatening atmosphere and get constructive help & advice.

Tea, coffee and sandwiches provided. For more info call John Brown on 01667 453373

tel: 01309 690063

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

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

The Editor

My son keeps me amused with “interesting facts� - here are a few that I thought that our readers might like, including a few of my own:

“Pigs are incapable of looking at the starsâ€? • “An Ostrich Eye is larger than its brainâ€? • “The top of the Eiffel Tower leans away from the sun, as the metal facing the sun heats up and expands. It can move as much as 7 inches.â€?

It is a constant enigma how the brain of a child works but we are blessed by these moments.

Tel: 01309

674011 Mobile: 07748 774472

SKY-HIGH ROOFING For all your Roofing requirements t TMBUJOH t UJMJOH t øBU SPPÜOH t MFBE XPSL t HVUUFSJOH BOE NVDI NPSF

www.sky-highroofing.com Phone for a free no obligation quote today!

LOCH NESS upholstery

PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes ADVERTISING ..............Susan Innes ADVERTISING ..........Lisa McDonald ACCOUNTS ...................Wendy Day DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LAYOUT .................Tamsyn Dickson

December Issue Deadlines Editorial - Friday 30/10/15 Advertising - Wednesday 04/11/15

Revamp your favourite old chair, suite or family heirloom for a fraction of the cost of buying new.

VEN HAND WO

TWEED IDES R HEBR HARRIS IN THE OUTE

N HAND WOVE

We also offer hand carved mahogany chair, sofa and chaise longue frames upholstered in Harris Tweed.

01463 548 479 info@lochnessupholstery.co.uk Dalcross Ind. Est., Inverness IV2 7XB

Fresh Food Takeaway serving Light Bites and Sweet Treats Cupcakes Ice Cream Home Baking Milkshakes Celebration Cakes Takeaway Lunches ...and so much more!

Cheesecakes

+LJK 6WUHHW 1DLUQ ‡

PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS The Book of Life!

When I was looking through all the great events of history that have occurred in November, I was fascinated by what I found. Yet, we are all familiar with some of those historical events. For example, the story of Guy Fawkes and how he tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.

There is also the heart-breaking story regarding the end of the Great War (WW1) on the 11th November 1918, which many faithfully remember each year. Another significant historical event in November was the assassination of the USA President, John F Kennedy, in 1963.

In fact, history is full of these major incidents that we like to remember. Of course, I never see my name in the history books, but that does not mean I am not important! Anyway God has a book, which is far more important than our history books, even although these history books are very significant. The Bible calls this book, the Book of Life (see Revelation 20:12). Therefore, it is essential to have our name written in this book - but sin will stop our name

been in it. God once told Moses in Exodus 32:33, ‘Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.’

You might question some of the Bible characters who do have their names in this Book of Life. You might think you could never be in it because you are not perfect, or you have all kinds of problems. Maybe you think you have no ability or no special gifts. You could be tempted to think you are just not worthy. Why would God love or forgive me? Well, Rahab was a prostitute; Jacob was a liar; David had an affair; Paul was a persecutor of the church; Moses was a murderer; Jonah ran from God's will; Miriam was a gossip; and Noah got drunk! These are some of the greatest men and women of God in the Bible, but they all have something in common: God had a plan for each one and he used them all.

Now, God will use and love us in spite of who we are, where we have been, what we have done, or the fact that we are not perfect! All God requires is that we truly repent of our sins. 1 John 1:9 says, ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our

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

Auldearn and Dalmore Parish Church Sundays 12noon.

Contact Revd. Thomas M Bryson on 01667 451675.

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

Nairn Baptist Church Nairn Community Centre. Sundays 11am. Contact the Pastor: 01667 452764 or Secretary 01667 452351 or visit www.nairnbaptistchurch.org.uk Nairn Christian Fellowship Sundays 10.30am. Wednesday 7.30pm: praise and Bible study. Contact Sandy Shaw: 01667 456492.

Nairn Free Church Sundays 11am with Sunday school and crèche. Evening 6pm - both Gordon St. Youth club for S1 up on Wednesday at 6.30pm (Rosebank Hall). Prayer and Bible study Thursday 11am or 7:30pm on alternate weeks (Gordon Street). Contact Minister Murdo MacLeod: 01667 459131.

Nairn Old Parish Church 10.30am: holiday worship and crèche. Contact Rev. Alistair S. Younger on 01463 242873

page 6 - November 2015

sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’ Oh, that is a wonderful promise, but it comes with a condition attached to it: we must confess our sins.

Recently, we refurbished an old church hall. We could have gone in and painted and decorated over all the bad bits and made it look nice. Yet, the dampness and rot would not have gone away by patching up the problems. The smell of dampness would have remained if we did not take serious action. This is a bit like our lives we can try to cover up the problems, which might work for a short while. However, the rot and the rubbish has to be removed, and the problems must be dealt with. After all, God is the only one who can make something beautiful out of our lives if we will only let him. Will you let Him today? Do you want your name to be in God’s Book of Life, which is full of historical characters who have all been forgiven?

Rev J Dereck Grant Church of God Nairn & Railway Mission Chaplain

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

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

Sunday Mass 10am. Tel: 01667 453323.

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

The Pentecostal Church of God Nairn Sundays 10.30am.

Contact Minister JD Grant on 01667 456088 or visit www.churchofgodnairn.org Nairn Joint Service at Nairn St Ninian's Church of Scotland.

First Sunday each month at 6:30pm.

If you are a member of a church not listed here and would like to be considered for inclusion or if there are any amendments to existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

*) ' .&)% 3 &'&)% 3 -!& /..#,&)% ' . **$ &)%'# '2 &,#-.*)# / #, 3 2-.#(- 3 #)#, ' +,*+#,.2 ( &).#) )!# -#,0&!# *(# ,*

/ , ).## 2*/

+# !# *$ (&)"

1# #( &'

−

÷

×

=

All In A Days Work Ltd

Accounting & Tax Services For a FREE consultation please call Wendy on s 07860 367686 www.allinadayswork.info

ACL McLeod Chimney Sweep Traditional Chimney Sweep Gutter Cleaning Supplier and Fitter of different Cowls

UÊSHOE REPAIRS

SHOE REPAIRS Ladies & Gents Shoes Re-Heeling Re-Soling Stitching Securing 5 High Street, Nairn Telephone: 07801 124414 dcsmiff@btinternet.com

Telephone 01340 831546 or 07887 611532

Email address: acmcleod@msn.com

DOMESTIC FRONT DOORS AND GARAGE DOORS SUPPLIED AND FITTED Garage Door Automation.

Car Ports and Patio Roofs Security Shutters Driveway Gates (Manual or Automatic) Garage Door Repairs Doors in stock for trade customers

01309 671477 > \Ê v JÃV Ìi } iiÀ }°V °Õ ÊUÊ7iL\ÊÜÜÜ°ÃV Ìi } iiÀ }°V °Õ Ê

USEFUL INFORMATION Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days Halloween Sat 31st Oct 2015 Bonfire Night Thurs 5th Nov 2015 Rememberance Sunday Sun 8th Nov 2015 St Andrew’s Day Mon 30th Nov 2015 Shortest Day Tues 22nd Dec 2015 Christmas Day Fri 25th Dec 2015 Boxing Day Sat 26th Dec 2015 Boxing Day (substitute day) Mon 28th Dec 2015 New Year’s Eve Thurs 31st Dec 2015 New Year’s Day Fri 1st Jan 2016

Scottish Bank Holiday 2nd Jan (substitute day) Burns Night Shrove Tuesday Ash Wednesday Valentine’s Day Mothering Sunday Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday Good Friday

Sat 2nd Jan 2016 Mon 4th Jan 2016 Mon 25th Jan 2016 Tues 9th Feb 2016 Wed 10th Feb 2016 Sun 14th Feb 2016 Sun 6th Mar 2016 Sun 20th Mar 2016 Thurs 24th Mar 2016 Fri 25th Mar 2016

School Term Dates for 2015/2016 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Starts Mon 26th Oct 2015 Winter Term Ends Tues 22nd Dec 2015 Christmas Holiday Starts Wed 23rd Dec 2015 Christmas Holiday Ends Wed 6th Jan 2016 Spring Term Starts Thurs 7th Jan 2016 Mid Term Holiday Mon 15th Feb 2016 Mid Term Holiday Tues 16th Feb 2016 In-Service Day Wed 17th Feb 2016 Spring Term Ends Thurs 24th Mar 2016

Spring Holiday Starts Fri 25th Mar 2016 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 8th Apr 2016 Summer Term Starts Mon 11th Apr 2016 May Day Holiday Mon 2nd May 2016 In-Service Day Mon 6th Jun 2016 Summer Term Ends Fri 1st Jul 2016 for 2016/2017 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tues 16th Aug 2016 Autumn Term Ends Fri 7th Oct 2016 Autumn Holiday Starts Mon 10th Oct 2016

Useful Contacts Nairn Community Centre ..............................01667 453476 Police Station ..................................................................101 Stagecoach Inverness ...................................01463 239292 Citizens Advice Bureau .................................01667 456677 Nairn Museum................................................01667 456791 Dalcross Airport ...............................01667 464000/462280 Inverness Job Centre........................01463 888100/888200 Highland Council ..........................................01667 458500 Victim Support................................................01463 710806 Samaritans ....................................................01463 713456 Gas - Emergency ............................................0800 111999 Water - Emergency ........................................03456 008855 British Red Cross Inverness ..........................01463 231620 Crossroads ....................................................01667 455369 National Rail Enquiries ..................................03457 484950 Railway Mission..............................................078419 85768 DOCTORS NHS 24 ...........................................................................111 Nairn Hospital A&E .......................................01667 452101 Nairn Healthcare Group ................................01667 452096 Nairn Sports Medicine Clinic ........................01667 454523 page 8 - November 2015

PHARMACIES Lloyds Pharmacy ..........................................01667 453100 Boots The Chemist ........................................01667 453169 VETS Moray Coast ..................................................01667 453161 Inshes Veterinary Clinic Inverness ................01463 711777 SCHOOLS Auldearn Primary School ..............................01667 452118 Cawdor Primary School ................................01667 402460 Millbank Primary School ................................01667 452240 Rosebank Primary School ............................01667 454090 Nairn Academy ..............................................01667 453700 Moray College Nairn Learning ......................01667 456759 DENTISTS Jones Jones & Behrendt ..............................01667 453189 RM Donald & Associates ..............................01667 454603 Dental Unit at Nairn Hospital ........................01667 422722 If you would like to add a contact or if there are any amendments to be made to existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

er We Deliv airn N d n u Aro

FREE

e of Charg

1/ ,9ĂŠUĂŠ ĂŠUĂŠ ,9

* Ê ¿Ê 8Ê" ,t

ÂŁ21.95

Pellet Stoves & Range Cookers

Choose any 6 of the items below and pay only ÂŁ21.95!

1lb Steak Mince 4 Beef Burgers 1½lb Sliced Sausage 1½lb Rolled Topside (2items) 1½lb Rolled Loin of Pork (2items) 1½lb Rolled Lamb Shoulder (2items) 1lb Black Pudding 1lb White Pudding 1lb Haggis 1lb Shoulder Steak 4 Scotch Pies 4 Sausage Rolls 1lb Diced Pork 2 Gammon Steaks 1lb Beef or Pork Sausage 1lb Lamb Liver or Ox Liver 2 Boneless Pork Chops 1lb Frying Steak (2items)

2 Chicken Fillets 1lb Back Bacon (smoked or unsmoked) 4 Beef Olives (2 items) 4 Chicken Olives (2items) Large Steak Pie (2items 2 Marinated Pork Steaks 2 Pork Snitzel 2lb Chicken (2items) 2xChicken Haggis Parcel (2items) Ready Made Macaroni Cheese Ready Made Stovies Ready Made Lasagne Mince Round Chicken Round 4xPork & Apple Burgers 2 x Strawberry Tarts Sticky Toffee Pudding

ˆÂ?i>Â˜ĂŠ Ă•LÂ…ĂŠ ˆ˜iĂŠ œœ`Ăƒ Ç£Ê ˆ}Â…ĂŠ-ĂŒĂ€iiĂŒĂŠ >ÂˆĂ€Â˜ĂŠUĂŠÂ­Ă¤ÂŁĂˆĂˆĂ‡ÂŽĂŠ{xĂŽĂ“{n

Fully automatic Biomass Solutions Woodburning Stoves & Boiler Stoves Solar Thermal Government Incentives available for Pellet Boiler and Solar Thermal Systems..

Contact us to find out more:

5 Orchard Rd, Forres, IV36 1P 1PJJ 01309 675611 * www.tglsc.co.uk Wed, Thu, Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm

SAW SERVICE LTD :063 -0$"- )*3& $&/53& LAWN SPIKER ROTOVATOR PETROL SCARIFIER BRUSHCUTTER

RIDE-ON MOWER TURFCUTTERS LOG SPLITTER HEDGE TRIMMER

:063 4611-*&34 0' Lawnmowers Chainsaws Brushcutters Ride on Mowers

Circular Saws Guillotine Blades Chipper Blades Bandsaws

WANTED OLD, UNUSED AND BROKEN MACHINERY FOR RECYCLING

0QFOJOH 5JNFT .PO 5IVST BN QN 'SJ BN QN 4BU BN QN

20% BACK on servicing and sh arpe of Garden Machine ning ry until January 31st 20 16 See our website for ful l details

.5 1FUSPM $IBJOTBX

Special Offer only b XJUI '3&& TUBSUFS LJU XPSUI b

8BUFSGPSE *OEVTUSJBM &TUBUF 'PSSFT 5FM XXX UIPNTPOTBXTFSWJDFMUE DP VL

4"-&4 t 4&37*$& t 3&1"*3 t )*3&

garden

GreenThumb Green

UK FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR RUNNER UP

2013

How Much Does Scarifying Cost?

We charge from £57 to scarify

This has been the question I have been asked the

have to give an estimate for large lawns. Some

most this month.

large lawns we’ve done this month take 2 men

There are basically 3 ways most folk scarify their lawn.

all day to do, even with machines, blowers and

Which suits you best depends on; how fit you are

1 ton builders bags.

feeling; how big an area is involved; and whether

As with most maintenance jobs, this is best

you just have moss to clean out, or whether you

done annually, so it is less traumatic, and

actually have a lot of dead thatch in there which

shouldn’t require extensive re-seeding in the

needs to be combed out, as it chokes the grass, and

Spring. Enjoy!

a small lawn, probably twice that for a medium lawn, and we

provides the perfect habitat for moss to flourish.

The low tech solution is to rake the lawn with a spring rake. This is perfectly OK if you are fit, and the lawn is a manageable size. The cost is zero, other than time and effort.

The next level is to use an electric rake/scarifier. They cost about £120 from B&Q etc and are quite adequate for removing annual moss build-up. They are not strong enough however to take out thatch,

For more information about seasonal lawn

and you still need to collect and bin the stuff.

improvements from just £11.25 per mth, plus

If you have a build up of thatch (old grass, dead

useful downloads and photos, go to

grass, clippings debris, leaf litter remnants etc), you

www.greenthumb.co.uk. Although

need to think about a blade scarifier, a heavier

GreenThumb is a national franchise with over

machine which chops out the thatch. Remember, it

200 branches across the UK, we are locally

still needs to be raked up and binned, probably the

based in Nairnshire and cover the whole Moray

most onerous part of the job. Some lawns produce

Firth area. Contact Alastair or Fiona for a FREE

”haystacks” of debris. You can hire a blade scarifier

LAWN ANALYSIS on 01667 460012, or email us at:

from a garden machinery centre if you think this is

inverness@greenthumb.co.uk

what’s required. I think they cost around £50 for the day, but you have to have a vehicle/trailer to collect/return the thing.

10

Alastair Watt

AUTUMN OFFER

FREE MOSSKILL For every new customer Expires 30 November

T D Logie House Furnishers

Add some comfort to your home

Suites - Beds - Furniture Carpets - Vinyl - Blinds "

" #"

! "

"

emergent Meeting the future

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

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

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

Drumduan Upper School, Clovenside Road, Forres IV36 2RD

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

Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area *December Issue Deadline: Friday, 30th October* Email: tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk Telephone: 01309 690063 Inclusion of events in What’s On is free.

We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops.

Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes to events.

OCTOBER 2015 28 wednesday

nairn & district gardening club - “a busman’s holiday”, an illustrated tour of gardens visited by derek hosie, head gardener at cawdor 7:30pm 9:30pm at nairn community & arts centre. visit www.spanglefish.com/nairnanddistrictgardeningclub bonfire night inverness starts at 7pm. the bonfire is lit at 19:30 and the fireworks starts at approximately 19:50 in bught park, inverness. free entry. an evening with craig russell @ the drouthy cobbler 7pm the blue room. www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

6 friday

u3a 1.45pm at nairn community centre. alan michael will give a talk entitled finding purpose in old age: the men's shed movement in the highlands. all welcome. for more information contact pauline on 01667 453537 or www.nairnu3a.org.uk do you like jokes? comedy club 7:30pm the blue room, the drouthy cobbler. top class comedy - every month. laugh out loud for over 2 hours. book in advance. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

31 saturday aleister crowley: a passion for evil @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk let it bleed presents erol alkan + filth djs + fugazy @ ironworks 10:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com jj gilmour @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

NOVEMBER 2015 3 tuesday scottish ornithologists' club “wildlife at a weir: a look at birds & other wildlife on the river nith in dumfries" by edmund fellowes 7.30pm, culloden library. call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740

4 wednesday ranger walk - loch bellivat loop 2pm - 3:30pm, meeting place given out on booking. adults £4, conc. £3, family £11. call john on 01463 255291 or email rangers.inverness@highland.gov.uk blue rose code @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm the blue room. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

5 thursday

nairn literary institute illustrated talk, ‘the impact of the great war on nairnshire 1911-1922’ by ken nisbet 7.30pm, nairn free church, gordon street, nairn. nonmembers £3 admission. for more information visit www.nairnliterary.org.uk

7 saturday forres bonfire and fireworks 6.30pm at grant park in forres. all welcome! hxc events presents : mentallica + devil's queen @ ironworks 7pm. for details call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

8 sunday an afternoon of classical singing in aid of marie curie 3pm at nairn community & arts centre. with students from royal conservatoire of scotland. tickets £10 available from the community centre or on the door on the evening. orienteering at quarrelwood 10:30am - 12pm at eight acres hotel, elgin. newcomers are welcome at this big autumn event. enjoy the colours while running with your map in the beautiful woodlands alongside the a96. www.moravianorienteering.org

11 wednesday highland rock garden club - patagonia and the falklands: plants and birds - a talk by julia cordon (explorers garden pitlochry) 7.30pm at nairn community & arts centre. £2.50 incl. refreshments. all welcome. call john owen on 01320 366246 moray & nairn floral art club 7.30pm in the old court room, tolbooth, high street, forres. demonstration with raffle of arrangements. visitors £5. for more information contact jean 01309 673552. nairn u3a 1.45pm at nairn community centre. duncan macdonald will give a talk on the wildlife of

tel: 01309 690063

November 2015 - page 13

PetStay $ /RYLQJ &DULQJ $OWHUQDWLYH WR .HQQHOV

<RXU GRJ V VWD\ LQ RXU FDUHUV KRPH ([SHULHQFHG GRJ ORYHUV 0HHW \RXU FDUH E I E N .LQGHU DQG OHV

$OO URXWLQHV NH 9HWV UHFRPPH ,QVXUHG OLFHQF DQG YHWWHG

20 friday %HFRPH RQH RI RXU PDQ\ GRJ FDUHUV (DUQ IURP Â&#x2026; WR Â&#x2026; S Z ORRNLQJ DIWHU GRJV LQ \RXU RZQ KRPH

ZZZ SHWVWD\ QHW FDWULRQD#SHWVWD\ QHW

RU +LJKODQG 0RUD\ %UDQFK

speyside. all welcome. for more info call pauline on 01667 453537 or visit www.nairnu3a.org.uk

12 thursday nepal : safe water, sanitation and health 7pm - 8pm at forres library. alistair campbell from elgin rotary club, presents an illustrated talk about working with the villagers in some of the most remote and hostile terrain in the world. contact forres library on 01309 672834 forres.library@moray.gov.uk

13 friday music nairn presents - maxwell string quartet 7.30pm at nairn community and arts centre. a dynamic young scottish quartet, who have now become tunnell trust award winners. tickets at door, call 01667 455701 or from www.musicnairn.org.uk

14 saturday 300th anniversary of the 1715 jacobite uprising 1:30pm - 4pm at highland archive centre, bught road, inverness. free event. includes a series of lectures illustrating the impact the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events had in inverness and surrounding areas. there will be an accompanying display of original archive material from the collections at the archive centre. to book a place call 01463 256444 or email archives@highlifehighland.com paul van dyk @ ironworks 10pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

18 wednesday glass painting for beginners 7pm - 8:30pm at burghead library. with jane sandell, senior librarian by day, glasspainter by night! bring along flat plastic, acetates or glass shapes to work on. with a raffle to win one of janeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own creations on the night. booking essential - places are limited. call 01343 830186 or burghead.library@moray.gov.uk

19 thursday wine tasting - beaujolais nouveau @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm the blue room. for more information visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

page 14 - November 2015

nairn literary institute illustrated talk â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the campaign for womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suffrage in the highlandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by dr susan kruze 7.30pm, nairn free church, gordon street, nairn. non-members ÂŁ3. www.nairnliterary.org.uk the blockheads @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

21 saturday nairn menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breakfast 9:45am for 10am, dunbar golf club, nairn. selection of short testimonies, share food and fellowship and hear what god is doing in other men's lives. call campbell on 01667 455149 by 6.30pm on fri 20th to book your place. orienteering - moray saturday series 10am -11am aberlour. come and try orienteering at the latest in moravian's saturday series. includes the moray & nairn schools orienteering league. full details on www.moravianorienteering.org inverness choral society presents african sanctus and misa criolla @ eden court theatre 7.30pm. over 100 singers, a professional soloist and well-known percussion group 'backbeat' guarantee an exciting performance of these exuberant choral works. schnarff schnarff @ ironworks 8pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

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

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

27 friday cinema nairn: 'kon tiki' (pg13) 7:30pm at nairn community and arts centre. tickets at the door. for more info visit cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk

28 saturday jazz nairn presents - nova scotia jazz band 8pm at nairn community & arts centre. bringing dixieland style to nairn. tickets available in advance from the box office or on the door. visit www.jazznairn.org saltire society of inverness st andrew's day lunch 12.30pm for 1pm at craigmonie hotel, annfield road, inverness. with guest speaker. all welcome. for more information call jim miller on 01463 713552 the elephant sessions @ the drouthy cobbler 8pm the blue room. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

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

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

The Park, Findhorn, Moray IV36 3TA

01309 692426 www.morayartcentre.org

what's on EXHIBITION

Macbeth Costumes At The 0RUD\ $UW &HQWUH IURP WKH VW 1RYHPEHU

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

Macbeth Costumes From the VW 1RYHPEHU FREE WR WKH SXEOLF

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

ZZZ YLVLWVFRWODQG FRP PDFEHWK )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH YLVLW ZZZ PRUD\VSH\VLGH FRP HYHQW PDFEHWK PRYLH FRVWXPH WUDLO :H DUH GHOLJKWHG WR KDYH WKHVH FRVWXPHV DW WKH 0RUD\ $UW &HQWUH DQG KRSH WKDW LW ZLOO EH EULQJ SHRSOH WR 0RUD\ WR DSSUHFLDWH WKHLU VWRU\ DQG FXOWXUH

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

Words by the Wayside

60 Seafield Rd, Inverness

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived.”

(1st Corinthians 6:9)

WORLD OF BLINDS

ALL THE LATEST TRENDS & STYLES, MADE TO MEASURE! Call now for a FREE no-obligation Quote in the comfort of your own home. pick up and call now!

(01463) 710 542 www.twob.co.uk

Reader, all of us have sinned, all of us by nature are separated from God, because of our first father Adam’s disobedience sin entered into the world and both spiritual and physical death are the results of that disobedience. Do not deceive yourself, see yourself as God sees you, He loves you, remember Christ died for the ungodly, Christ died for you.

What will you do with Jesus whom is called Christ? www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish charity SC041290

You shouldn’t be shocked at the Prices, Quality & Service at Buckie Furniture!

BUCKIE

F U R N I T U R E AND CARPET CENTRE

{xÊ Ê{ Ê ÕÀV Ê-ÌÀiiÌ]Ê ÕV iÊ xÈÊ£ *ÊUÊ/i \Ê­ä£x{Ó®ÊnÎÓÈxÎÊUÊLÕV ivÕÀ ÌÕÀiJ} > °V ÊUÊÜÜÜ° ÕÝÕÀÞL `Ã` ÀiVÌ°V °Õ

TAKING TIME BACK AS THE NIGHTS DRAW IN As temperatures begin to drop, nights draw in and the clocks go back, the national domestic cleaning experts

at

Merry

Maids

are

encouraging

homeowners to down the vacuums and dusters, take time back and enjoy the cosy nights ahead.

Bill Grant of Merry Maids Inverness and Moray said: “We provide a convenient domestic cleaning service to suit our customers’ needs. With seven years’ experience cleaning across Inverness, East Highland and Moray, we know that nobody wants to be cleaning the house on a cold, dark evening. With our professional service, you can rely on a quality job to come home to.”

Come home to a job well done.

Whatever your idea is of time well spent, we’re pretty sure ^i YdZhcÉi ^cXajYZ Yjhi^c\! kVXjjb^c\ dg hXgjWW^c\ Óddgh# I]ViÉh djg _dW# BZggn BV^Yh ]dbZ XaZVc^c\ hZgk^XZh \^kZh you back the time you want to concentrate on the things i]Vi ndj Zc_dn# Domestic cleaning service for your home Customised to meet your needs Spring Cleans Regular or one off cleans Trained & uniformed teams Full insurance

ä£{ÈÎÊÓxäÓÓ ÊUÊä£Î{ÎÊÈ£ä{£ä

Satisfaction guaranteed

.co.uk

Call Merry Maids on 01463 250229 / 01343 610410 for a free no obligation quote.

PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES North Coast 500 is capturing the imagination of people all over the world. The scenic circular route around the North Highland Coastline is the brainchild of the North Highland Initiative, whose Chairman, David Whiteford told me that the brand has already amassed over 611million impressions worldwide as a result of the impressive digital and print media exposure this year. Utilising key marketing channels, the NC500 brand has also achieved a strong social media following with a combined total of over 15,000 followers and also an established website which has experienced almost half a million views in the past 8 weeks alone. It ranks as one of the top 5 such routes in the world already. It offers a new way to attract people to the Highlands.

Some by car others by caravan - many by motorbike and a brave few by bicycle!! As ingenious as Nessie, and potent as the USA Highway Route 66 - NC 500 as it is known looks set to bring visitors from all over the world. Provided they can make it to Inverness in the first place!

Fergus Ewing MSP

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve enjoyed the opportunities parliamentary recess has allowed for me to visit many constituents, their businesses and local events we have here, underling the work I take forward as I return. The Scottish government has set out an ambition for Scotland to be a world leading digital nation by 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and much has already been achieved through the ÂŁ410 million Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband partnership. It is expected that 95% of Scotland will have coverage by 2018 and it is right that this vital service should be viewed as a basic utility. They are committed to putting Scotland's rural communities at the forefront for benefits resulting from their digital programmes. To ensure this constituency benefits to the full, I have also asked the UK Government to commit to a robust universal service obligation and I will be pushing hard for a long-term digital development strategy that has rural communities at its core, not as an afterthought.

Drew Hendry MP LOW TIDE TIMES FOR NAIRN IN NOVEMBER Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times AM PM 08:49 21:30 1 SU 08:47 22:34 2 M 09:22 3 TU 00:14 10:48 4 W 01:35 14:10 5 TH 02:32 15:02 6 F 03:21 15:45 7 SA

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

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

AM 03:58 04:19 04:34 05:07 05:45 06:22 06:58 07:32 07:16 07:35 08:25 10:56

AM

PM 16:17 16:35 16:57 17:32 18:07 18:43 19:16 19:45 19:31 20:21 22:37 23:55

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

F SA SU M TU W TH F SA SU M

01:16 02:24 03:24 04:17 05:06 05:50 06:31 07:10 07:47 08:16

PM 12:15 13:51 14:58 15:52 16:42 17:27 18:10 18:54 19:38 20:24 21:14

NAIRN PET SHOP 15 Leopold Street, Nairn IV12 4BE 01667 454849 gerry.robson1@gmail.com Suppliers of Natural Instinct BARF Diet & Perfect Fit Harness

estwoo W

gillian@westwoodcattery.co.uk

d

Ca ry tte

Westwood, Littlemill, Nairn Tel. 01667 454536 or

www.westwoodcattery.co.uk

Feline Advisory Bureau Registered, Listed in Good Cattery Guide page 18 - November 2015

!

FORRES TREE SERVICES LTD FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED

s 4REE 3URVEYS s 4REE 2EMOVAL s 4REE 0RUNING

s !LL (EDGE 7ORK s 3TUMP 2EMOVAL s (ARDWOOD &IREWOOD

01343 890 765

WWW FORRESTREESERVICES COM s INFO FORRESTREESERVICES COM

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Craigdon Mountain Sports Where service matters “We don’t just sell boots, we fit them”. Whether this

quality, value for money children’s clothing that will enable

applies to hiking boots or to ski boots, this is only one of

them to get out and about with Mum and Dad”. With winter

the personal professional services offered by manager

approaching, Colin has carefully chosen an excellent range

Colin Lyon and his team at Craigdon Mountain Sports

of skis, skiing clothing and equipment to let customers fully

Inverness Ltd. The shop is easy to find on Academy

enjoy the pleasures of the piste. With experienced staff on

Street, Inverness, near the bus station and sells a wide

hand, the shop can custom fit ski boots, advise on the

range of general and specialist outdoor gear. Colin has

correct ski/binding combinations and offer the finest skiing

recently taken over ownership of this prestigious outdoor

equipment for expert and novice alike. Couple this with

shop and hopes to build on its solid reputation within the

professional ski servicing and you have the perfect one stop shop. As Colin says, “we have the top brands, we have the choice, we have the team, and we have the expert knowledge. Why go anywhere else”?

Craigdon Mountain Sports 78 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1LU. Telephone: 01463 248600

SNOWSPORTS RANGE

NOW IN STOCK outdoor industry. Discerning customers already know the benefit of shopping at Craigdon Mountain Sports Inverness, and new customers will find all the gear they require coupled with a wealth of expertise and advice from the knowledgeable staff. As Colin says, “most of my staff have been with me a long time and really know their way around outdoor clothing and equipment. We work together as a team in an effort to provide the customer with a brilliant shopping experience. We always have time to chat to

FREE

M CUSTO T O BOFITTING BOOT ITTING FSERVICE

customers and find out exactly what they need and want for their chosen activity”. A quick look round the shop reveals a vast range of clothing and equipment for walking, hiking, climbing, mountaineering, skiing, or just being comfortable in the great outdoors. Although adults are well catered for, Colin is especially proud of his children’s range. He says, “having a young son myself, I understand the need for good

78 Academy Street, Inverness Tel: 01463 248600

recipe

Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Confidential

Iced coffee parfait, chocolate, hazelnut sauce Parfait Ingredients 1 pint double cream 4 egg whites 4 egg yolks 2 oz cater sugar 2 tsp instant coffee Method 1. Lightly whip double cream and place in fridge 2. Whip egg whites until stiff 3. Fold the sugar into egg whites 4. Dissolve the coffee in warm water and whisk into the egg yolks 5. Add the egg yolks to the whipped cream and fold together.

6. Fold the egg whites into the cream place into a mould and place in freezer till it sets Chocolate hazelnut sauce 50g chocolate (70% coco) 25g unsalted butter 125ml double cream 1 tbsp. hazelnut liquor or syrup Place all ingredients into a pan and heat over low heat stirring until a smooth sauce forms Well done to all aspiring cooks who noticed our test with the sugar quantity in last month's recipe!

20

Neil Wardlaw - Chef at the Newton Hotel, Nairn

The Newton Hotel

The Newton Hotel

FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER

2015

FULLY BOOKED

This year the Newton Hotel is happy to present our

Party Nights full of festive cheer with a bucks fizz arrival, 3 course choice meal and dancing to our resident DJ

Great accommodation rates available For bookings or further information please call Janet

01667 453144

on sales.newton@bespokehotels.com

Words by the Wayside “...God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”

(1st Timothy 4:10)

Reader, The Lord Jesus Christ gave His life a “ransom for all” He “tasted death for all men” (mankind) but we each must receive Him individually, we all “must be born again”. You must make God’s Gift (The Lord Jesus) your own: He died for you - repent and believe the gospel.

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. If you never see yourself as a sinner and acknowledge your sin you cannot be saved. www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish charity SC041290

SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER FULLY BOOKED

FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER PLACES STILL AVAILABLE

FRIDAY 18TH DECEMBER PLACES STILL AVAILABLE

The Newton Hotel This space could have been promoting your business!

SpotLight covers six areas along the Moray Firth Coastline from Buckie & Keith across to Inverness and then down to Aviemore - and all the places in between!

Contact us for details of rates and sizes: (01309) 690063 Range of High Back Chairs Riser/Recliner Chairs & Electric Beds ...everything to keep you comfortable this winter.

NAIRN & SURROUNDING AREAS

FREE AT HOME DEMONSTRATIONS FREE DELIVERIES

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm

Easy parking & disabled toilet facilities

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE OPTIONS

IN MORAY

by Brian Lockey author of The Path to Cawdor In reality King Duncan was an aggressor who brought an army north to eliminate Macbeth. He arrived at the Moray Firth, sailed up Loch Spynie and did battle with Macbeth's forces at Pitgavney near Elgin. Precise details are not known but a local history claims he was brought injured from the fighting to Elgin Castle where he died. Macbeth, believing he had a genuine claim, then assumed the Scottish crown.

A Desert Place

With the recent release of the movie “Macbeth – All Hail” maybe folk would like to know more about the real Macbeth who was born around AD 1000 and crowned King of Scotland in 1040. Aside from not being the Thane of Cawdor there are many other inaccuracies in the Shakespeare version of his life.

Witches feature in the Scottish Play but they have no part in the true story of Macbeth, Mormaer of Moray. In fact he and his wife Gruoch were both active Christians. However, King James IV of Scotland believed in witches and their evil ways. Shakespeare, ever keen to please James, is said to have included such witches in the play for his benefit. It is quite plausible that the three Forres witches who allegedly made King Duff seriously ill in the 10th century provided a blueprint for the play characters. The fact that both covens were near Forres is unlikely to be co-incidence.

Witches Stone, Forres

Spynie Palace

After meeting the witches in the play Macbeth is welcomed to Forres by King Duncan at his castle. A castle did actually exist at Forres in Macbeth's time. It was sited at a good defensive point where the Thompson monument now stands. However, King Duncan never lived there.

Nor did Macbeth ever stay at an Inverness Castle where, according to the play, he later murders Duncan.

During Macbeth's reign Scotland had a rare period of political and social stability. This allowed him time to enhance the status of Scotland by going on a long pilgrimage to Rome in 1050 where he had an audience with Pope Leo IX. Elgin Castle

Regarding Macbeth's death, a battle did take place in Perthshire, most probably at Dunsinane Hill as Shakespeare wrote. Macbeth defended his position there after being pursued by Northumbrian forces led

by Earl Siward. While defeated in that battle, Macbeth escaped unharmed.

It is argued that Macbeth stood down in favour of his stepson Lulach in 1057. Lulach was also pursued by forces wishing to place Duncan's son Malcolm on the throne. Macbeth came out of retirement after his son died in subsequent fighting. In 1058 a further battle took place at Lumphanan, in modern Aberdeenshire.

It is here where Macbeth died. One story claims he was captured alive and beheaded at Macbeth's Stone near the battle site. The new King Malcolm later gave Macbeth's body a respectful burial alongside other kings at St. Oran's Cemetery on Iona.

The people of Scotland, and Moray in particular, should therefore be proud of Macbeth and recognise that he was a decent king who helped forge the nation we currently live in. It is so sad that, thanks mainly to Shakespeare, he is not generally recognised as such.

review

Ladies that lunch

Recently, I have been looking for a suitable lunch

tart was warm and the feta stayed firm and the

venue where friends and I could meet and have a

home-made chutney was a great accompaniment.

relaxed, inexpensive and well cooked lunch. Well, I've

For our main course we chose chicken korma with

found that in the Old Mill at Brodie. Their two course

steamed basmati rice and roast garlic naan and lemon

lunchtime menu which allows you to choose from a

and parsley coley goujons with shallot and caper

choice of four starters and four main courses, is sure to

mayonnaise and home cut chips. Both were delicious.

appeal to everyone. Over the past week the starters have included whitebait, fresh soups, buffalo meatballs and southern fried chicken and the mains have included roast rib of beef, pheasant, king prawn spaghetti and open lasagne of mushrooms, leeks and pecorino cheese. The menus are changed every couple of days and are always of the same high standard using local and sometimes foraged ingredients to make the well presented and, more importantly, beautifully tasting food.

The hand cooked chips were a real treat; crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside – perfect. We found the portion sizes perfect for lunchtime, however for those of A review by Auntie Annie 11th October 2015

you who prefer a little more a selection of side dishes is also available.

To tell the truth, we were full after both our courses but having been shown the dessert menu we couldn't resist and decided to share a pudding. We chose the white chocolate and raspberry brownie which was served with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce. It was absolutely delicious and I greedily wished I had had a pudding all to myself!

In conclusion, all I can say is, what a great find. Whether you are a couple wanting to go out for lunch and are

When we arrived we were greeted by Kevin, the owner,

looking for something more interesting than a bowl of

and the serving staff which gives a very welcoming

soup and a roll or whether you ladies are looking for a

feel. The restaurant has a very relaxed atmosphere and

relaxed environment to enjoy lunch with your friends

there is a steady flow of customers.

you will not be disappointed with the Old Mill at Brodie,

We chose salad of oak smoked mackerel, beetroot

it’s definitely worth a visit.

pickles, sorrel and sour dough croutes and the feta and spinach tart with plum and tomato chutney as our starters. A lot of thought had been put into each part of the dish. They were beautifully presented and tasted amazing. The mackerel went really well with the pickled beetroot and the freshly foraged sorrel. The

ps. I have since discovered that the Old Mill is this year’s finalists for the 'Friendliest Pub' in the Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards.

www.oldmillinnbrodie.com

Brodie, FPSSFT .PSBZ *7 5% t XXX.oldmillinnbrodie.com .oldmillinnbrodie.com

2 COURSE LUNCHTIME UNCHTIME SPECIAL

STARTER & MAIN COURSE JUST

ยฃ9.95

SERVED MONDAY - SATURDAY 12 - 4pm

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Starters

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฦฌ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ ศ Gouย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ฦฌ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฦฌ ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฦฌ ย ย ย ย ย ศ ศ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย to & ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย

Main Course

Lambs Liverวก ย ย ย ย ฦชย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ฦฌ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Stย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฦฌ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Cream Frย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฦฌ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฦฌ ย ย ย ย ย ย Rice Goย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฦฌ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Tomotoes & ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ศ ศ

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ฦฌ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วฆ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฦคย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฬต ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฬต ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฦฌ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย .

T T 01309 641605

#"& ! ("' %#"&

FOOTBALL CLUB

$ ! $ !

%

FIXTURES NOVEMBER 2015 21st November (A) Clyde

Elgin City

7th November (H) Arbroath

Inverness CT

7th November (A) Motherwell

21st November (A) Partick Thistle

28th November (H) Celtic

Ross County

7th November (H) Celtic

21st November (H) Motherwell

28th November (A) Aberdeen

Buckie Thistle

7th November (A) Rothes

14th November (H) Cove Rangers

21st November (H) Keith

28th November (A) Brora Rangers

7th November (H) Inverurie Loco Works

14th November (H) Wick Academy

21st November (A) Deverondale

28th November (H) Lossiemouth

Forres Mechanics

7th November (A) Nairn County

14th November (H) Formartine Utd

21st November (A) Fort William

28th November (H) Turriff Utd

Keith

7th November (A) Lossiemouth

14th November (H) Rothes

21st November (A) Buckie Thistle

28th November (H) Cove Rangers

Lossiemouth FC

7th November (H) Keith

14th November (A) Brora Rangers

21st November (H) Fraserburgh

28th November (A) Clachnacuddin

Nairn County FC

7th November (H) Forres Mechanics

14th November (A) Inverurie Loco Works

21st November (H) Wick Academy

28th November (H) Deverondale

Rothes FC

7th November (H) Buckie Thistle

14th November (A) Keith

21st November (H) Brora Rangers

28th November (A) Fraserburgh

Strathspey Thistle

7th November (A) Formartine Utd

14th November (H) Fort William

21st November (A) Turriff Utd

28th November (H) Huntly

Clachnacuddin

14th November (H) Annan Athletic

*One free child meal, per adult

*Tuesday’s only

bar& restaurant

NUMBER 27 7

Family Dinners KIDS EAT FREE* EVERY DAY AT NUMBER 27 from 5pm - 6.30pm EVERY DAY Order a meal for you and your little one and we’ll spoil you with a FREE meal for your child and also throw in a surprise children’s goodie bag!

Over 5 ’s Lunch* NUMBER 27 IS ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET...

Lunch for less than £10.00 for all you fabulous ladies and gentlemen.

A delicious homemade soup to start with a baked potato with a wide array of fillings to choose from for only £6.50. Alternatively you can treat yourself with our tasty main courses after your soup for only £9.50 We’ll treat you to refill tea and coffee and a FREE Chocolate Muffin...Yum!

Date Night NUMBER 27 is bringing romance back!

Romance is in the air...

With a delicious THREE COURSE MEAL for two, washed down with a hand selected bottle of our finest Prosecco, every Thursday, for the amazing price of only £49.95 per couple.

Christmas Menu Starter Winter Spiced Root Vegetable and Honey Blossom Soup, served with Crusty Bread Scottish Smoked Salmon, served with Roast Beetroot & Vodka Crème Fraîche Caramelised Peach wrapped in Parma Ham, accompanied by a Rocket and Buffalo Mozzarella Salad and Sweet French Dressing Duck and Orange Paté, served with Oatcakes and Dressed Salad

Main Twice cooked sticky Pork Belly, served on a bed of Sweet Pickled Savoy Cabbage, topped with Tomato and Chilli Jam Roast Breast of Turkey, served with Haggis, Walnut and Sausage Stuffing, rich Gravy and all the trimmings Slow Braised Lamb Rump Steak, served with Soft Herb Lime Quinoa and a Chilli, Apricot, Roast Pepper and Sweet Potato Ratatouille

Pan Fried Fillet of Cod, served on a bed of Smoked Ham Hock and Broad Bean Cassoulet topped with Roast Garlic and Parsley Butter Creamy Roast Butternut Squash, Manchego Cheese and Sage Risotto, topped with shaved Parmasan and Basil Oil, served with fresh Crusty Bread Honey Glazed Spiced Roast Gammon, served with Parsnip, Sweet Potato & Celeriac Purée, rich Cider Jus and finished with an Apple & Wild Berry Compote Traditional Christmas Pudding, served with a sweet and creamy Brandy Sauce

Dessert Dark Chocolate Orange and Grand Marnier Cheescake, served with a choice of Fresh Cream or Homemade Ice Cream Pear and Cinnamon Pannacotta, served with Fresh Sliced Pear and Homemade Ice Cream Trio of Sorbets with Raspberry Coulis

#ASTLE 3TREET )NVERNESS )6 $5 s

13 Harbour Road Inverness, IV1 1SY Email: info@ableworldinverness.co.uk

T: (01463) 224386 Open Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm To see more stores, please visit: www.ableworld.co.uk Behind Majestic Wine

Pa Fre rk e in g

INVERNESS ABLEWORLD