SpotLight on Nairn & district November 2016

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

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BUCKIE

F U R N I T U R E AND CARPET CENTRE Beds Blinds Furniture and Flooring

45 - 49 Church Street, Buckie AB56 1BP Telephone

(01542) 832653 WE are to delighted to announce the launch of our Digital 12 package.

Bookkeeping, monthly accounts, annual statutory accounts and tax returns included as standard.

Price starting from £35 plus vat per month. ơ Ƥ ǤǤǤ Call 01667 453997 or email info@myjetstream.co.uk

Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland

Carnach House, Delnies, Nairn, IV12 5NT

NAIRN FUELS

FREE FREE FIRELIGHTERS DELIVERY with all orders UNIT 12 GRIGORHILL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, NAIRN IV12 5HX House Coal ¬ Peat ¬ Premium Coal ¬ Smokeless Ovoids ¬ Anthracite Hardwood & Softwood Logs ¬ÛWood Wood Pellets ¬ 6`W_·SbbSa

FREE KINDLING WITH ALL COAL ORDERS OF 1 TONNE OR MORE

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01667 455095 sales@nairnfuels.co.uk

Kinloss Country Golf Club 01343 850585 IDEAL GIFT FOR XMAS Offer ends 24th Dec.

Nov 2016 - March 2018 Full Membership £225 Senior Memb. £175 Country Memb. £175 Ladies Memb. £150

WINTER MEMBERSHIP

Oct 2016 - Mar 2017 £75 and £50 off 2017 membership

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Why not book now for your 2017 party or family gathering DJ, KARAOKE, Quiz & Buffet All Welcome

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Feeling Chilly Wrap up and keep warm whilst saving money.

If you are thinking of changing,upgrading or servicing your heating or electrical system Contact Green Moray Renewables.

Gas Heating Biomass Air Source Heat Pumps Solar Panels

Auldearn Antiques

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

01309 675595

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

Phone: 01667453087 Email: auldearnant@aol.com

The Newton Hotel 2016

This year the Newton Hotel is happy to present our

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

£23.95pp Great accommodation rates available For bookings or further information please call Janet

01667 453144

on sales.newton@bespokehotels.com

SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER PLACES STILL AVAILABLE

FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER PLACES STILL AVAILABLE

SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER FULLY BOOKED

FRIDAY 23RD DECEMBER PLACES STILL AVAILABLE

The Newton Hotel

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View our entire database of Clubs and Societies, Trades Listings, What’s On Diary, Restauarants, Reviews and articles, Schools, Holidays Tides, Useful Numbers and more...

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES ARDGOUR BRIDGE CLUB Meets Monday evenings (Oct Mar). To find out times and venue contact Bridget Kilpatrick on 01667 452025 or email bilpatrick123@btinternet.com.

BEFRIENDERS HIGHLAND Local charity providing supported friendships with a trained volunteer for people with mental health problems.

Provides telephone befriending for people with dementia or memory problems and their carers. To receive a service, or volunteer to befriend someone, call Alan (mental health) or Liz (dementia) on 01667 451444 www.befriendershigland.co.uk or see their Facebook page.

CAWDOR CURLING CLUB Call 404291 or 07831 760049 or email dave_rob@hotmail.com CAWDOR HERITAGE GROUP 3rd Wed every month excluding June, July, Aug, Dec & Jan, 7.30pm at Cawdor Community Centre. Talks on Local & Family History. Research facilities at

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page 4 - November 2016

Nairn Museum. Contact 01667 493218 for details.

CHILDREN’S HIGHLAND DANCE Wednesdays at Nairn British Legion Hall. Preschool 3:30pm 4:30pm and Beginners 4:30pm 5:30pm. Call Elizabeth Fraser on 01463 729477 CROSSROADS Provide and develop a high quality, cost effective, domiciliary respite care service for carers within Nairn & Distict. Contact 455369 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/inbhirnarai nn HIGHLAND RUSSIA CONNECTION Russian language lessons, art and craft workshops, Russian dancing, educational talks, displays and exhibitions. Call Elena Reid 456245 or e-mail elena.k.reid@homecall.co.uk www.highlandrussia.org.uk INVERNESS ADVANCED MOTORISTS 5 Tuesdays from 22nd April, 7:30pm, Holiday Inn Express, Inverness. Improve your driving with the Inverness branch of the IAM - lectures and practical tuition to bring you up to the IAM test standard. For details email info@inverness-iam.org INVERNESS HOSPITAL RADIO Email requests to be played for someone in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness to: requests@invernes shospitalradio.co.uk. We are looking for ward visitors and

technical team members. Email: enquiry@invernesshospitalradio .co.uk Contact Mr Atholl Menzies tel: 704500/704501 INVERNESS RACING PIGEON CLUB Seeking new members young and old. Races held from Inverness to as far away as France with the North East Federation. All ages welcome.

Call 01463 243038.

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

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

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 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 BOWLING CLUB ALBERT STREET Open for "spoons" on Monday, Wednesday & Saturday at 2pm and Friday at 7pm. Visitors always welcome. For more information call Bob Ferenth on 01667 258251 or visit nairnbowlingclub.wix.com/nairn

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

For people no longer working full time who want to learn a little, explore special interests and meet new people. Interest groups include Mah Jong, history, reading, Scottish country dancing, Scrabble, films and eating out. New members welcome. For info call Pauline on 01667 453537 or visit www.nairnu3a.org.uk ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Entertainment & dancing every weekend. Highland Hall function suite available for weddings & parties of all sizes. Call 453201

NAIRN COUNTY FOOTBALL CLUB LTD Contact 453286

SEWING GROUP NAIRN Contact 455012

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

tel: 01309 690063

NAIRN SPEAKERS Fortnightly on Mondays, 7.30pm in the Newton Hotel, Newton Gate, Nairn, IV12 5PF. Gain skills and confidence when speaking in public with constructive help and advice in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. For more info email hello@nairnspeaakers.co.uk or cal 01667 453373.

PLEASE NOTE Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis. If you would like your details to be included in this section please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Someone asks - how is it that the US, one of the greatest “Superpowers” of the day, have ended up with Trump and Clinton.This set me thinking. How indeed I thought.

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PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS

Do You Want It? Is life becoming hectic and pressurised again, or has it been so all through 2016? Are you concerned that these next weeks might cause further stress, with increasing expenditure?

Whatever decisions you make, do not get into debt.

Come with me to a ‘resting place’ and to Someone who offers real rest and peace.

When we find ourselves in green pastures, we think we have to get these pastures mowed, and that grass cut, or it may not look as green as our neighbour’s.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing” are the opening words of the familiar Psalm 23.

King David, who had been a shepherd boy, depended upon God throughout his entire life.

Jesus Christ is called the Good Shepherd, and we can depend upon Him totally.

Jesus desires to lead us along right paths, and as He leads we have the responsibility to follow.

Going down the wrong path can wear you out.

That leading may take us through valleys and shadows, but God promises to be with us in the best of life and the worst of life.

He will never let you down, disappoint you, or fail you, but longs to lead us to green pastures, where we can rest and be renewed.

We cannot escape difficulties and sadness. They are inevitable.

People may abandon you, but God will never abandon you – if you choose to have Him with you.

God leads us beside quiet waters. Sheep cannot drink from rushing waters. It gets up their noses.

All this is offered and provided to restore 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 Revd. Thomas M Bryson on 01667 451675.

Cawdor Parish Church Sunday 10.15am. Contact Rev David M. Anderson, Locum Minister on 07802 452 293 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. Wednesday 7.30pm: praise and Bible study. Call Sandy Shaw on 01667 456492.

Nairn Free Church Sundays 11am with Sunday school and crèche, 6pm at Gordon St, Nairn. Wednesdays: Cafe at 10am, Junior Club at 6pm, for P4-P7 and Youth Club at 7pm for S1S6. 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: holiday worship and crèche. Contact Rev. Alison Mehigan on 01667 453777

page 6 - November 2016

David was so sure of God, and his life was not easy.

He had a rod to fend off enemies and a staff to guide his sheep, and those around him. “Don’t go there. That’s a dangerous cliff.”

There is a table spread. Ah, wonderful, but it is spread in the presence of my enemies! “Could You not find a better place for this Royal Feast?” “No - that is where I want you to be, and there you will have an overflowing cup.”

You will have more than enough, so that you can give to others.

We need protection, correction, and direction. It is there, if you want it.

Sandy Shaw Pastor of Nairn Fellowship

Christian

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.com 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 linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

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USEFUL INFORMATION

Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days British Summertime Ends Halloween Bonfire Night Rememberance Sunday St Andrew’s Day Shortest Day Christmas Day Boxing Day Boxing Day (substitute day) New Year’s Eve

Sun 30th Oct 2016 Mon 31st Oct 2016 Sat 5th Nov 2016 Sun 13th Nov 2016 Wed 30th Nov 2016 Wed 21st Dec 2016 Sun 25th Dec 2016 Mon 26th Dec 2016 Tues 27th Dec 2016 Sat 31st Dec 2016

New Year’s Day New Year’s Day (substitute) Burns Night Shrove Tuesday Ash Wednesday Valentine’s Day Mothering Sunday British Summertime Starts April Fool’s Day

Sun 1st Jan 2017 Mon 2nd Jan 2017 Wed 25th Jan 2017 Tues 28th Feb 2017 Wed 29th Feb 2017 Tues 14th Feb 2017 Sun 26th Mar 2017 Sun 26th Mar 2017 Sat 1st Apr 2017

School Term Dates for 2016/2017 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Starts Mon 24th Oct 2016 Winter Term Ends Fri 23rd Dec 2016 Christmas Holiday Starts Mon 26th Dec 2016 Christmas Holiday Ends Fri 6th Jan 2017 Spring Term Starts Mon 9th Jan 2017 Mid Term Holiday Mon 20th Feb 2017 Mid Term Holiday Tues 21st Feb 2017 Spring Term Ends Wed 5th Apr 2017 Spring Holiday Starts Thurs 6th Apr 2017 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 21st Apr 2017

Summer Term Starts Mon 24th Apr 2017 May Day Holiday Mon 2nd May 2017 Summer Term Ends Fri 30th Jun 2017 for 2017/2018 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tues 15th Aug 2017 Autumn Term Ends Fri 6th Oct 2017 Autumn Holiday Starts Mon 9th Oct 2017 Autumn Holiday Ends Fri 21st Oct 2017 Winter Term Starts Mon 23rd Oct 2017 Winter Term Ends Fri 22nd Dec 2017 Christmas Holiday Starts Mon 25th Dec 2017

Useful Contacts Nairn Community Centre ..............................01667 453476 Police Station ..................................................................101 Stagecoach Inverness ...................................01463 239292 Citizens Advice Bureau .................................01667 456677 Nairn Museum................................................01667 456791 Dalcross Airport ...............................01667 464000/462280 Inverness Job Centre........................01463 888100/888200 Highland Council ..........................................01667 458500 Victim Support................................................01463 710806 Samaritans ....................................................01463 713456 Gas - Emergency ............................................0800 111999 Water - Emergency ........................................03456 008855 British Red Cross Inverness ..........................01463 231620 Crossroads ....................................................01667 455369 National Rail Enquiries ..................................03457 484950 Railway Mission..............................................078419 85768 DOCTORS NHS 24 ...........................................................................111 Nairn Hospital A&E .......................................01667 452101 Nairn Healthcare Group ................................01667 452096 Nairn Sports Medicine Clinic ........................01667 454523 page 8 - November 2016

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

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

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I need to talk today about “upright moss” or “tufted moss”. Many lawns in this area have patches of this, as well as the usual “cushion” moss. It is well described in gardening books and magazines, and on the internet. It is a difficult moss to treat as it has roots, not unlike heather, rather than a moss which grows from spores like the usual stuff. This means that a regular moss treatment, usually containing iron to de-hydrate and blacken the top growth, therefore killing it prior to it being raked out or scarified, doesn’t actually finish the job. It still blackens the top-growth, but doesn’t kill the roots, so it just takes a hit, and carries on growing, leaving a disfiguring blackened patch, with new growth coming through. It also doesn’t rake out or scarify very successfully as it has a good grip of the ground.

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redcastle art group exhibition tbc, uhi, inverness campus. group work in a wide variety of styles & media

OCTOBER 2016 24 monday nairn speakers: speaking on occasions - weddings, retirement, awards, etc 7.30pm at newton hotel, nairn. all welcome. contact john on 01667 453373 visit www.nairnspeakers.org.uk

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26 wednesday

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.

tom speight 7pm@hootananny. ÂŁ6. soup & coffee morning 11am - 1pm, dyke & district village hall. jointly run by dyke & district village hall & dyke church. all welcome the drouthy cobbler comedy club@the drouthy cobbler. 7.30pm. visit thedrouthycobbler.co.uk.

27 thursday teyr 9.30pm@hootananny. free.

Rolling Events 29 october - 30 november

28 friday

art exhibition - shona cammack 10am - 5pm, mon sat., still life gallery, aberlour. free. all welcome. visit www.still-life-studio.co.uk.

until 31 october

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art exhibition - raymond clive 10am - 5pm (mon - fri) & 11am - 4pm (sat). visit elginmuseum.org.uk. elgin museum 10am - 5pm (mon - fri),11am - 4pm (sat), elgin. contact: 01343 543675 or email curator@elginmuseum.org.uk. falconer museum, forres 10am - 5pm (mon sat),1pm - 5pm (sun), tolbooth street, forres free. contact: 01309 673701 or email museums.forres@moray.gov.uk. inverness museum & art gallery 10am - 5pm (tues - sat), castle wynd, inverness

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an evening of moody & sankey 7pm at dyke parish church in aid of dyke church access 4 all. donations

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November 2016 - page 15

S Solar...

E A t u o b a le say What peop

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cott & Jane McCaig of Kinloss came to AES Solar for a PV system on the recommendation of father Jim Mcinally.

s 3COTT 3AID h3HORTLY AFTER WE BOUGHT OUR HOUSE *IM SAID TO US WE SHOULD REALLY GET A SOLAR 06 SYSTEM TO REDUCE OUR UTILITY BILLS !FTER DISCUSSIONS WITH !%3 3OLAR WE DECIDED IT WAS RIGHT FOR US TO PUT THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PANELS WE COULD FIT ON OUR ROOF AND DIVERT EXCESS ENERGY GENERATED TO OUR HOT WATER IMMERSION 4HIS SOLUTION HAS BEEN A DREAM FOR US REDUCING BOTH GAS AND ELECTRICITY BILLS s ) FEEL CONTENT AND RELAXED KNOWING THAT MY FAMILY WILL BENEFIT OVER THE NEXT PLUS YEARS THANKS TO OUR SOLAR 06 SYSTEM AS IT DOES PROTECT US FROM THE WORRY OF ENERGY PRICE INCREASES OR AN INCREASE IN OUR USAGE 4O MAXIMISE SAVINGS WE TRY AND GET THE

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Solar PV WASHING MACHINE AND TUMBLE DRIER ON DURING THE DAY WHEN WE CAN s !%3 3OLAR HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC THROUGH THE WHOLE PROCESS WE COULDN T BELIEVE THE INSTALLATION WOULD BE UP AND RUNNING IN ONE DAY AND (ANNAH IN THE OFFICE WAS A STAR WITH OUR &)4 APPLICATION FORM s (AVING SUCH A GREAT SERVICE AND KNOWLEDGE BASE ON OUR DOORSTEP WAS REALLY COMFORTING IT S NOT HARD TO SEE WHY THEY INSTALL SO MUCH SOLAR v s 4O SUM IT UP MY ONLY REGRET WAS THAT ) DIDN T INSTALL A SYSTEM SOONER BUT WHEN ) SIT AT WORK AND SEE THE SUN SPLITTING THE TREES ) KNOW MY 06 SYSTEM IS HARD AT WORK v

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r MacLeod of Lossiemouth had a bespoke AES Endurance solar thermal panel installed back in May 1983.

s h"ACK IN ) WAS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO REDUCE OUR OUTGOINGS ) DID SOME RESEARCH AND READ ABOUT SOLAR THERMAL PANELS AND THOUGHT THEY WOULD WORK WELL FOR MY FAMILY ) FOUND !%3 3OLAR WHO WERE AT THAT TIME LOCATED IN &INDHORN AND ) HAVE NEVER LOOKED BACK s !LTHOUGH THERE WAS NO FINANCIAL INCENTIVES OR TARIFFS BACK THEN THE

SYSTEM HAS PAID FOR ITSELF MANY TIMES OVER THANKS TO THE SAVINGS WE HAVE MADE 4HE THERMAL PANELS HAVE PROVIDED OUR BUSY ACTIVE HOUSEHOLD WITH HOT WATER THROUGHOUT THE UPBRINGING OF OUR CHILDREN BETWEEN -AY AND 3EPTEMBER ) WOULD SAY THAT WE HAVE NOT PAID FOR ANY WATER TO BE HEATED s ) WAS TOLD WHEN WE INSTALLED THE PANELS THAT THEY WOULD WORK FOR AT LEAST YEARS BUT HERE WE ARE YEARS LATER AND THEY ARE STILL SAVING US MONEY AND GENERATING HOT WATER AS EFFICIENTLY AS EVER v

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29 saturday halloween craft session at the bike shed, grant street, inverness. for info call ann 01463 710375. inverness choral society coffee morning 10.30am 12.30pm at inverness town house. coffee, cake & live piano music. call fran tilbrook on 01381 600239. an evening of burlesque 7pm@the ironworks. £20. over 18s. visit ironworksvenue.com tutor led trad music sessions 1pm, culloden battlefield visitors centre. do you love playing traditional music? do you want to join a group to learn more? ness factor 7pm, drumrossie hotel. £50, includes a drinks reception, express supper & entertainment. 8 singers take to stage after working with singing coaches for the live final. in aid of highland hospice. contact: emma nicol on 01463 243132 or e.nicol@highlandhospice.org.uk. a guy called gerald 10.30pm@ironworks, £10. visit ironworksvenue.com. halloween ceilidh with the altryre ceilidh band at dyke village hall. adults £8, children £5. fundraiser for moray women's aid. prize for best carved pumpkin, kids' fancy dress, games, raffle. tickets. contact: lisa or moray women's aid on 07518 518736 or 01343 548549. music nairn: william howard, pianist 7.30pm at nairn community & arts centre. pieces from mendelshon, schumann, lizst, schubert & chopin. tickets at door www.musicnairn.org appreciated. refreshments at 8pm after singing. for info contact alison on 07702 985747 or visit dykeandedinkillie.org.uk. multiple sclerosis awareness day 10am - 4pm, moray college, elgin. free. anyone affected by ms is welcome to come along. contact: keith park on.

07554 116108. nairn literary institute: early navy, hammocks & rum speaker gordon wallace 7.30pm, nairn free church. non-members £3. visit nairnliterary.org.uk. family fun halloween party 6pm - 12am, rna, 26 commerce street. lossiemouth. adults £5, children £3, u3s free, family. open to all the public & everyone is welcome. food included in price & bar open until late. the nordic fiddlers bloc 8pm, universal hall, findhorn.

Birlinn Jiarg@The Drouthy Cobbler 8pm. £10 visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk jazz evening for macmillan cancer support 7.30pm 9.30pm at craigellachie village hall. £15 (incl refreshments). tickets from charlotte mountain, delfur lodge, orton, by fochabers. tickets are limited. contact: charlotte mountain on 01542 860274 or at charlotte@delfur.co.uk cinema nairn: "healing" (12) 7.30pm at nairn community & arts centre. for info call 01667 455701. visit www.cinema-nairn.co.uk.

page 18 - November 2016

30

sunday

wishbone ash 7.30pm@the ironworks. £18.50 u16s with a responsible adult. visit www.ironworksvenue.com

NOVEMBER 2016 1 tuesday “into orbit and back - again and again” 7.20pm 10pm at smithton culloden free church. speaker arthur milnes (has). highland astronomical society. visit spacegazer.com.

Nairn Dunbar Golf Club Events and Functions We have a fantastic, comfortable, modern space available for Events and Functions. t #VòFUT GPS VQ UP QFPQMF t 5BCMF TFSWJDF GPS VQ UP t 1SJDFE UP TVJU ZPVS CVEHFU

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Duaisean Na Trads MG ALBA 2016 | MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2016

Tha MG ALBA toilichte taic a chur ri Duaisean Na Trads MG ALBA is pleased to support the Scots Trad Music Awards Oidhche nan Duaisean | Awards Night Disathairne 3 Dùbhlachd | Saturday 3 December | Talla Caird | Caird Hall | Dùn Dèagh | Dundee Airson fios mu thiocaidean cuiribh fòn gu: | For ticket information contact: Phone: 01382 434940 or visit www.dundeebox.co.uk

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CREIDEAS NAR DUAIS DEAGH COSNAICHEAN CHLEACHDADH AIRGEAD ÒGA

scottish ornithologists' club: "dippers - a much loved bird at risk? - speaker: peter mowby" 7.30pm, culloden library. £3 (members), £4 (non members) for info call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740.

2 wednesday nairn u3a: everyone has a voice - social media & digital inclusivity 1.45pm at nairn community & arts centre. all welcome. contact pauline on 01667 453373. visit www.nairnu3a.org.uk. scottish opera: "a little bit of figaro" 1.30pm - 4pm, st giles church, elgin. £12 (incl refreshments at interval). asst director & some of the singers from eden court provide music & behind the scenes gossip. call fiona royce on 01309 672519 or fiona.royce@btinternet.com

also sonia howell (rda)/moray coast vet group 01309 641363 or soniaghowell@gmail.com. visit www.dykevillagehall.co.uk. treasures of the falconer museum, forres: speaker liz trevethick 7pm- 8pm, forres library. free. talk includes a selection of 'mystery objects' & a short film about 19th century museum founder, Hugh Falconer.

4 friday “battle of the somme” - special screening of 1916 film by the w.f.a. *& film forres 6pm (doors open) at forres town hall. music by laura rossi. wwi songs by kinloss military wives’ choir. entry by donation & proceeds to service charities. contact derek bird on 01343 876562 or derek.bird876@gmail.com.

3 thursday

4 friday - 6 sunday

nairn & district gardening club - wild flowers of nairnshire 7:30pm - 9.30pm at nairn community & arts centre. speaker - john orr, inverness east & nairn countryside ranger. visit spanglefish.com/nairnanddistrictgardeningclub. hippotherapy and keeping your horse healthy in winter 7.00pm at dyke & district hall. tickets £4 in advance or £5 on the night. a fundraising event where guests will learn all about hippotherapy - how to keep your horse fit through winter. contact claire doughty on 07846145050 or claire@chitchat.scot.

faultline festival 30th anniversary tbc, various venues, inverness. fri - aftershock band night. sat 'giving it verbal'. sun - music & remembering.

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5 saturday highland branch seagull trust cruises christmas craft fair 10am - 12.30pm, north kessock community hall adults £3, children £1. all welcome. price includes homebaking & refreshments. over 21 stall.

tel: 01309 690063

November 2016 - page 19

inspiration - speaker david philips (oxford) gives a talk on the financial secrets of the masters, or art forgery and its identification" 2pm - 3.30pm, smithton free church, murray road, inverness non-members £8. new members welcome. contact:--david martin on 07595 219308 or email davidmartin30@hotmail.com. visit www.hdfas.org.uk

11 friday

1.00pm-5.00pm Sunday 6th November Nairn Community Centre, TEL: 01667 453476

Tickets available at the Community Centre & at the door, £8

Six of our top local singers are taking the opportunity to have a coaching session with world renowned operatic baritone – Donald Maxwell .

Audience welcome throughout the afternoon.

A wonderful chance to watch a maestro at work.

From 4.00pm-5.00pm there will be a concert of all the singers “party pieces”.

Singers include Liz McLardy, Katie Millar, Rae Jack, John Stuart, William Moir and Ros Hill.

Accompanists Gordon Tocher, Mairi Mackenzie.

Wine and other refreshments will be kindly provided by Stephen Kirkwood.

nairn literary institute: axemen in the scottish woods, speaker - alasdair cameron”. 7.30pm, nairn free church. non-members £3. contact: pam sherriff (sec) on 01667 451402. visit www.nairnliterary.org.uk

12 saturday wwi: the home front in the highlands in 1916 11am 3pm, highland archive centre, bught road, inverness free - drop in event. original archive material & family history resources documenting home life in the highlands during 1916. contact: janet baker on 01463 256444 or archives@highlifehighland.com.

14 monday nairn speakers: what makes a good speech?

7.30pm at newton hotel, nairn. all welcome. for info call john on 01667 453373. visit www.nairnspeakers.org.uk.

15 tuesday - 17 thursday

brodie castle 10k tbs, brodie castle. formerly the dyke 10k - follows much of the same route but starts and finishes at brodie castle.

5th highland wheelchair curling triples competition 2016 10am - 4pm (tues), 10.30am - 4pm (wed) &, inverness ice centre. come along & watch wheelchair curlers from all over scotland and the north of england in action. prize giving thurs. 2pm contact: mo simpson on 07798 710404/or wheels77uk@yahoo.co.uk.

9 wednesday

16 wednesday

moray, banff & badenoch decorative & fine arts society (mbbdfas): "income & inspriration: financial secrets of the masters" by david phillips, oxford.

11am, the williamson hall, duff avenue, elgin contact: membership@nadfas-in-elgin.org.uk. visit nadfas-in-elgin.org.uk. highland rock garden club: "the challenge of growing himalayan plants - speaker - jim jermyn."

7.30pm at nairn community & arts centre. £4 (incl refreshments). all welcome. contact john owen on 01320 366246/

nairn u3a: cairngorms national park 1.45pm, nairn community & arts centre. all welcome contact: pauline on 01667 453537 or visit www.nairnu3a.org.uk.

6 sunday

9 wednesday - 20 sunday

19 saturday Colin Buchan

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC MORAY LOCKSMITH Current Disclosure Scotland Certificate Held.

ID Produced on request Wood and UPVC door/window locks & gearing repaired or replaced

colours of cluny varied times from 7.30pm - 8.30pm. tickets online from coloursofcluny.com or email info@coloursofcluny.com.

10 thursday gary little - a little bit of personal 2016 tour@the drouthy cobbler 7.30pm. call 01343 596000 or visit thedrouthycobbler.co.uk. highland decorative & fine arts society: "income &

page 20 - October 2016

01309 271158 Emergency service available 07879 265063 FAST, EFFICIENT and Friendly info@moraylocksmith.co.uk www.moraylocksmith.co.uk facebook.com/moraylocksmith

tel: 01309 690063

service covering Highlands, Moray and Aberdeen

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moray & nairn swi federation: authentic indian cookery 2pm - 4pm, duffus hall, duffus. £5. all welcome. music nairn: primrose piano quartet 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre. pieces from mozart, schumann & brahms. tickets at door or from music nairn. for info call 01667 455701 or visit www.musicnairn.org.

on rspb reserves - speaker - jill harden. 7.30pm, nairn free church. non-members £3. contact: pam sherriff (sec) on 01667 451402. visit www.nairnliterary.org.uk. cinema nairn: "wild" (15) 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre. for info call 01667 455701 or visit www.cinema-nairn.co.uk.

22 tuesday

26 saturday

highland literary salon: "putting yourself out there" 7.30pm, glen mhor hotel, inverness. celebrating book week scotland. www.highlandlitsalon.com. "highland homecomings: peter fraser, john diefenbaker & 20th century highland ..” - speaker dr jim macpherson 7.30pm, highland archive centre, bught road, inverness. free. highland family history society's talk. contact: janet baker on 01463 256444 or at archives@highlifehighland.com.

christmas craft session at the bike shed, grant street, inverness. for info call ann 01463 710375 rspb: outing to findhorn bay & roseisle 9.30am/9.50am, meet at highland council car park or nairn. for info email angillianwylie@btinternet.com saltire society (highland branch): st andrew's day lunch - cait mccullagh gives a talk on the Picts.

12.30pm, craigmonie hotel, annfield road, inverness all welcome. contact: jim on 01463 713552.

24 thursday

30 wednesday

23 wednesday

rspb: "the highlands in all seasons" 7.30pm, greyfriars church, balloan road, inverness all welcome. for info call 01997 433283.

25 friday nairn literary institute: discovering stories of the past

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nairn u3a: highland archives: preserving the past for the future 1.45pm, nairn community & arts centre. all welcome. contact pauline on 01667 453537 or visit www.nairnu3a.org.uk. soup & coffee morning jointly run by dyke & district village hall & dyke church 11am - 1pm, dyke & district village hall. all welcome.

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November 2016 - page 21

www.spotlighton.co.uk

The Free Community Information website - Free to view and Free to upload your listings.

View our entire database of Clubs and Societies, Trades Listings, What’s On Diary, Restauarants, Reviews and articles, Schools, Holidays Tides, Useful Numbers and more...

PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES

With Christmas around the corner, I know my mailbox will soon be filled with emails from constituents highlighting the many and varied delivery surcharges they are being asked to pay. Here in the North of Scotland, we are all still paying excessive delivery charges and my ‘Peoples Delivery Guarantee’ campaign aims to put an end to this.

In March 2016, I presented the first ever bill on the issue of Delivery Charges to the UK Parliament. I worked with Citizens Advice Scotland and officers from Trading Standards at the Highland Council to set out the legislative amendments the UK Government could make to put an end to these unfair charges. We already have a universal postal service and at the very least retailers should have to offer to post the parcel via the Royal Mail. You can show your support for a ‘People’s Delivery Guarantee’ by signing my new petition http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/pe oples-delivery-guarantee-end-unfairdelivery.-

As soon as First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon appointed me as Rural Economy Secretary, I made it my number one priority to put right the Common Agricultural Payment system and to end the delays in payments to farmers and crofters. We have now paid 97 per cent of them for this year and have agreed that for next year, payments will be brought forward to November. Most cases will soon apply for and receive four fifths of their total entitlement.

This should put up to £300 Million into the rural Economy of the country at a time of year when many make their financial decisions to invest. There is more work to be done to get things 100% but I am pleased that we have made such good progress.

Fergus Ewing MSP

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 06.14 18.31 1 TU 06.47 19.02 2 W 07.14 19.20 3 TH 07.27 19.20 4 F 07.30 19.50 5 SA 07.59 20.38 6 SU 08.49 22.54 7 M page 22 - November 2016

Life has been hectic since the elections back in May, a month which seems such a long time ago now as we enter into autumn. I was truly honoured to be elected to the Scottish Parliament as a member for the Highlands and Islands and along with my colleagues I look forward to this parliamentary term and the things we can do to make a difference. One such difference is doing our best to help those in need and I was delighted to support the local Kinloss based charity Morayvia who had joined forces with STV to hold a fundraising dinner and auction at Innes House just outside Elgin in mid September. The focus of the event was very much about raising funds to support children who may be living in poverty, or struggling with a life changing health condition, or indeed caring for a loved one at home. The evening was a great success raising the sum of £14,000 which was split between the two charities – Morayvia and the STV Childrens Appeal. A great demonstration of how organisations can work together to help others.

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

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

AM 11.28 00.44 01.52 02.46 03.40 04.32 05.21 06.04 06.48 07.32 08.17 09.02

Douglas Ross MSP

PM 13.28 14.28 15.18 16.07 16.55 17.41 18.25 19.09 19.57 20.49 21.48

tel: 01309 690063

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

SU M TU W TH F SA SU M TU W

AM 09.46 10.34 00.24 01.41 02.39 03.28 04.09 04.35 04.42 05.09 05.47

PM 22.59 13.09 14.16 15.09 15.55 16.32 16.55 17.12 17.41 18.16

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recipe

Chef’s Confidential

Gluten free chocolate & almond torte This month’s recipe is supplied by The Peppermill Restaurant in Forres and is inspired by memories of childhood.

Owner, Sophie Rooke, recalls enjoying this recipe in her youth with tantalising baking smells emanating from the oven. Apart from this, fond memories of licking the bowl clean of the unused mix, means it is still a firm favourite. serves approx 6-8 Ingredients: 600g dark chocolate 1 cup double cream 5 eggs 1 cup sugar 3 cups ground almonds Melt chocolate over a low heat. Allow to cool and then combine with the cream.

Beat eggs & sugar until trebled in volume.

Add the melted chocolate and cream into the eggs and mix well.

Add almonds to the mix and pour into a greased and floured loose bottomed cake tin.

Pre heat ove to 180 degrees (fan 160 degrees, Gas Mark 4) and bake until cooked.

Please enjoy!!

118 High Street, FORRES IV36 1NP ¬

Old Mill Inn B R O D I E

...a very special place serving Fine Food (All Day) Brodie, Forres, Moray, IV36 2TD www.oldmillinnbrodie.com

01309 641605

OPEN

ALL DAY - EVERY DAY UNTIL 9.00pm

Taking Bookings now for Christmas

PRE-CHRISTMAS LUNCH MENU 2 Course 4 Course

£16.95 (pre-order £14.50) £20.95 (pre-order £18.50)

PRE-CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU 2 Course 4 Course

£19.95 (pre-order £18.95) £26.95 (pre-order £24.95)

Served from 1st - 24th December

Finalist in ‘Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards 2015’ for ‘The Friendliest Pub’

restaurant review

Old Mill Inn B R O D I E

ǡ ǡ ǡ ͛͞ ͚ www.oldmillinnbrodie.com

“The Meal Mill ”

What I love most about The Old Mill Inn is the sincere welcome you always get and the really cosy atmosphere. I'm not quite sure how they do it – is it because it is so often busy, the warm ǡ Ƥ ȋ cooler!) or that feeling of history that goes with the building? Ƥ ͚͘͝

told. I believe that it used to be a “Meal Mill” and maybe that's why the food is always so good! You don't always expect food ǡ Ƥ things that makes The Old Mill Inn stand out from the rest.

They always use proper professional chefs and you can certainly taste that in the quality of the food, and it met our every expectation again. Maybe this is why some of our previous visits have been very special to my partner and I. As always when we arrived we were greeted by the owner Kevin, who showed us to our seats. We had decided on a meal in the restaurant area, though if you like you can have a bar meal which is served in the other areas of The Old Mill Inn. Kevin handed us the menus and took our drink orders, the restaurant was full and there was a really good atmosphere.

For starters I had the seared Orkney scallops, Stornoway black ǡ ƪ Chris had good old fashioned Cullen Skink with smoked haddock, onions and leeks – both starters were perfect - the Scallops were cooked to perfection and the Stornoway Black Pudding, as always, a great combination with the Scallops. The Cullen Skink was thick and creamy and just the prefect size for a starter not too much so you can't manage your main meal and with this came homemade bread and something which I thought was a lovely touch, homemade butter which was very tasty.

For our mains I decided on breast of chicken, fettucine, basil and parmesan 'batter', asparagus, mushrooms and sun-dried ǡ ͠ Ƥ and a peppercorn and brandy sauce to complement the steak. ƪ both meals was lovely.

I knew exactly what I was going to have for a dessert which was ơ Ǥ ǫ They do one of the best and every time I am there I order it for dessert, Chris had the Hardmuir strawberry meringue and Ƥ Ǥ

ǡ ơ outside for a seat as it was a lovely night and our drinks ȋ ȌǤ The atmosphere is just wonderful and The Old Mill Inn is a very friendly and relaxed place to eat, the owner Kevin really can't do enough for you and the wonderful interior in the restaurant area can make a night very romantic – the beams, the wooden wall panelling, the perfect lighting and the fresh ƪ ȋ ǡ ȌǤ I was not surprised to learn that The Old Mill Inn was awarded the Camra Country Pub of the Year a couple of years ago and were in the top 3 friendliest pubs in the North of Scotland Tourism Awards. Dz dz ͘͞ ơ Ƥ Ǧ wide selection of real ales. To go with this, there is a Ƥ ơ outside on a warm day or night and relax with a drink.

Something I hadn't realised is that The Old Mill Inn is not just ǡ Ƭ Ƥ bedrooms. We have some visitors due to come and see us soon and, therefore, I asked if we could see some of the Ǥ Ƥ beautifully restored antiques and one of the rooms holds an

Ǥ Ƥ ƪ have en suite facilities. So if you want to make a night of it you can book a room and enjoy a relaxing night and wake up to a full Scottish Breakfast in the morning!

If I was asked to sum up the evening, it would be one of a really positive experience. Each course we had seemed to do the impossible and outdo the previous one. The whole meal was just sublime and it will not be long before we are back!! Well done Kevin and thank you to your ơǨ

By Susan Innes

Following the Light - New oil paintings 4 - 30 October 2016 An exhibition at Moray Art Centre, Near Findhorn About the Artist: I started drawing at an early age. I loved books about the natural world and I used to spend a lot of time copying illustrations of birds and animals. I rarely drew things out of my imagination â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I just wanted to recreate what I saw.

self portrait

continued to be my first source of inspiration: The process of turning coloured paint, ink or graphite into the likeness of a living person with their own unique character, individuality and presence has something magical about it One of the challenges of realism in figurative painting is how to keep painting in a direct, confident and spontaneous way without losing the painstaking accuracy of observation needed to get a likeness and a realistic effect. Its easy to get careless in your observation and on the other hand, overly careful and fussy putting the paint on. The right balance requires discipline and a bit of daring at times (some necessary traits for

During my Degree studies the main focus of my training was drawing and painting from the life model. The human figure, especially portraiture, has

by Jonathan Luxon

Contact Jonathan at: jonathanluxon@hotmail.com or phone: 01309 692069 or visit www.luxonart.co.uk

visual artists!) and gives the resulting work a vibrant quality and distinctive style unique to the Artist.

deer in mountains

I have always been amazed and excited by the ability of paint to recreate the illusion of light and form. This exhibition encompasses landscapes, still life and figurative work, but the real subject is colour.

Drawing inspiration from great realists such as Singer Sargent, I seek to render the man with purple shirt

subject in as direct and objective a way as I can trusting that if faithfully keep putting the right colours in the right place, something of the beauty of creation will be communicated.

the raising

findhorn cottage

Following the Light - New oil paintings by Jonathan Luxon 4 - 30 October 2016 An exhibition at Moray Art Centre, Near Findhorn

andrew small

windmills at findhorn

david bowie

woman

Contact Jonathan at: jonathanluxon@hotmail.com or phone: 01309 692069 or visit www.luxonart.co.uk

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www.spotlighton.co.uk

The Free Community Information website - Free to view and Free to upload your listings.

View our entire database of Clubs and Societies, Trades Listings, What’s On Diary, Restauarants, Reviews and articles, Schools, Holidays Tides, Useful Numbers and more...

SpotLight magazine launches new free online community database www.spotlighton.co.uk Over the last 12 months the SpotLight magazine has been designing and developing a brand new interface for the Moray and Highland area. The website is free to use and free for people to upload their own information. As a user of the site, it is not necessary to register, although doing so will enable the database to localise your information search.

SpotLight are pleased to advise that there are thousands of listings already loaded which include detailed information in the following areas: Trades, Clubs & Societies, Restaurants, Things to See & Do, Places of Interest, Useful Contacts etc.

More than this though, is the What’s On Diary to which any organisation can upload all of their events for free. Again there are hundreds of entries already in place.

The website doesn’t stop there either! In addition there is a brand new interactive recruitment section where once again you can browse current vacancies or upload your CV and have potential employers contact you directly – again this is a free service.

Recruiters should note that in the first 6 months of operation SpotLight are offering substantial discounts to the normal rates which in any event are priced very competitively.

Quarterly, 6-monthly and Annual packages are also available at greater discounts.

The SpotLight magazines were originally launched in 2008 and this latest development reflects the changing trends in online usage and it is hoped that people will take advantage of this free service and help connect people with activities. The ethos behind both the SpotLight magazines and the SpotLight On website is that of creating communication and fellowship within Moray and the Highlands and the public’s support in this is much appreciated. Log onto the website using www.spotlighon.co.uk page 30 - November 2016

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

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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

Media Design Assistant An exciting opportunity has arisen to work in a small team in a growing media company, based close to Forres. The job will mainly entail the application of computer-based design in the preparation and completion of advertising artwork and editorial content in a range of successful magazines.

Previous experience is essential.

The following characteristics are also considered essential: â&#x20AC;˘ A positive and friendly manner â&#x20AC;˘ An understanding of what it means to work in a small team â&#x20AC;˘ A committed and determined attitude â&#x20AC;˘ A willingness to learn The position is intended to be full-time but part-time may be an option depending on previous experience. Salary is above average for the area but subject to experience. The position is available immediately and full training will be given where required.

Please phone 01309 690063 or email: david@winterburnmedia.co.uk to apply for the position.

Closing date 7/11/2016 winterburn media limited Comraich, Woodside Farm, Kinloss, Forres, Moray, IV36 3UA Company Registered in Scotland No SC 321985 Tel./Fax 01309 690063 email:admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Tailored education from 3-18 years What is the true purpose of our education system? Why do we sit at desks for much of the day at school for over ten years? Are we teaching our pupils the life skills they need?

Drumduan School, Clovenside Road, Forres, Moray, IV36 2RD 01309 676300 Drumduan Kindergarten Due to increased demand the Kindergarten at Drumduan School in Forres is creating additional places for children aged 3 to 6.

Council funded morning places are now available, and afternoon care is provided for children aged 4 to 8.

In a recent report, Education Scotland said that Drumduan provides “a stimulating, creative and supportive ethos for learning.”

Contact tina@drumduan.org or call 01309 676300. See www.drumduan.org

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