SpotLight On, Nairn and District, November,2011

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November 2011

NAIRN AND DISTRICT THE

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SpotLight Clubs &Societies

Picture by , Copyright Roger Carr

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS Self help group for families and friends of people with a drink problem, with meetings held locally throughout the Highland area. Are you concerned about someone else’s drinking? Telephone 020 7403 0888. They will give you a local contact number for the area you live in. All enquiries are treated in strictest confidence. Make that call. It could change YOUR life. BEFRIENDERS HIGHLAND Voluntary organisation, which co-ordinates friendships between volunteers and people who have experienced a mental health problem and are lonely or isolated. Contact Heather Forbes 451444 email nairn@befrienders highland.org.uk website www.befrienders highland.org.uk CAWDOR BOWLING CLUB Provides a six rink green where club and open competitions are played. Spoon competition Friday’s 7pm. Coaching is given to learners on a Tuesday evening. Contact 453698 CAWDOR SWRI Meets on the last Wednesday of each month from September until April, at 7:30pm in the Community Room at the new Cawdor Community Centre, but not December when we go out for our Christmas Meal. For more information contact Brenda on 493361 or email gbshone@btinternet.com CROSSROADS Provide and develop, within Nairn & Distict, a high quality, cost effective, domiciliary respite care service for carers. Contact 455369 EGYPTIAN/TRIBAL BELLY DANCE CLASS Shape up and shimmy down at Nairn United Reform Church 7pm-9pm Wednesday evenings Call Liz for details 455661

page 4 - November 2011

FAMILY FIRST (BADENOCH, STRATHSPEY & NAIRN) Provides a support service via home based volunteer support and or group support for families with a child under 4. Contact Lynne 452865 GIRLGUIDING NAIRN Contact District Commissioner Jane Burns tel:0796 2190557 1stnairnguides@yahoo.co.uk GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND Nairn & Moray Branch are looking for new branch volunteers. If interested, please contact Anna Temple or Anna Roberts tel: 01309 694866 HIGHLANDS OPEN STUDIOS 60+ artists, makers, designers and galleries throughout the Highlands who host events and 60+ exhibitions throughout the year. Visit the website for details www.highlandsopenstudios.co.uk INVERNESS AND HIGHLAND BRANCH PARACHUTE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION All ex Airborne are welcome to our meetings which are held the second Monday of the month at 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion Huntly Street Inverness. Contact Chairman macski38@yahoo.co.uk INVERNESS RACING PIGEON CLUB Currently seeking new members young and old. Are you interested in joining or finding out more about our local clubs. We hold races from Inverness to as far away as France with the North East Federation. All ages welcome, Call for further details 01463 243038.

MOTHERCORE MANTRA GROUP Tuesdays 7.30pm-9pm. Beginners. Mantra is the repetitive chanting of sacred sounds for health, happiness, relaxation, stress relief and inner peace. Improves breathing, throat &

voice. Tel. 459391 or e-mail ali.omshanti@yahoo.co.uk NAIRN COMMUNITY CENTRE Contact Sam Morrison 453476 NAIRN COMMUNITY TRANSPORT Contact: 01667 459337email: nairncommunitytransport@googl email.com NAIRN ROAD RUNNERS We are a small & friendly club and cater for all running abilities. Come & join us on our club night every Thursday at 7.30pm at the Maggot. For more details contact Louise Scott tel: 451835, email: info@nairnroadrunners.co.uk www.nairnroadrunners.co.uk NAIRN SAILING CLUB NSC is a friendly club offering dinghy and cruiser sailing for all levels and ages. Beginners especially welcome. Regular social events and club nights at our clubhouse at Nairn Harbour. For more details visit our website www.nairnsailingclub.co.uk or send us an email at nairnsailingclub@yahoo.co.uk NAIRN SCHOOL OF DANCING Meets Wednesdays at 3.30pm at the BB Hut, Old Parish Chruch. Contact Mrs Fraser 01463 729477 NAIRN SOCCER SEVEN'S Qualified SFA coaches provide coaching and games. Mondays 6pm - 7.15pm, Easter to October. Primary 2 - Primary 7. Contact 452930 NAIRN SYNCHRO SWIMMING CLUB Synchronized swimming - a sport with a difference. Nairn synchro has both international and national swimmers. Contact 454223 or email wyn.mcfadyen@tesco.net

10.30am - 12noon at Viewfield, behind Nairn Museum. Affiliated to SRU. For more details tel: 01667 454963 or visitwww.pitchero.com/clubs/nair nminirugbyclub/ NAIRNSHIRE FARMING SOCIETY Contact 01667 452760 or email secretary@nairnshow.org.uk NAIRN PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AND CAMERA CLUB Meets 7.30pm every Tuesday night in Nairn Community Centre from September to April. Contact Claude Hayward (President) tel: 459921 or email claude.hayward@btinternet.com ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Entertainment and dancing every weekend. Highland Hall function suite available for weddings and parties of all sizes. Contact 453201 SEAFORTH CLUB A private members club, welcoming guests and visitors to a warm, comfortable and friendly environment. Entertainment at weekends, including bingo & dancing to live music. Contact 452509 SEWING GROUP NAIRN Contact 455012 SPEAKERS CLUB Leisure pursuit which encourages and develops proficiency in public speaking. A training manual is available and new speakers follow a 10 speak programme which is individually evaluated. Contact 453373

VOLUNTEERING HIGHLAND Volunteer Centre in Nairn Welcomes anyone who would like to volunteer in the local area. Contact Fiona Barnes 453055 or nairn@volunteeringhighland.org

NAIRN THUNDERBOLTS Nairnshire’s Mini Rugby Club. For children in Primary 4 - 7. Training on Sunday mornings

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

The Editor

Understandably, there is much emotion surrounding the RAF bases located at Lossiemouth and Kinloss. Whilst it is great news that RAF Lossie’ is staying open there is also some sadness about uncertainty surrounding the future of RAF Kinloss. It was Jean-Paul Sartre who coined the phrase ‘Il faut cultiver son jardin’ which roughly translates as we must get on with the circumstances that we have. The residents and workers affected by these decisions are showing this in spades!

Outdoor

Nature Winter Birding............................11

Eyes to the Skies ......................30

PUBLISHER ...............David Nelmes SALES ......................Eilidh Conners ACCOUNTS ...................Lynn Wood LAYOUT ...............Megan Woodman DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson

Holiday

Fitness Boot It! ......................................26

Clubs & Societies ............................4 Pastoral Letter.................................8 Tide Times.......................................6 Useful Numbers ..............................6 Local Holidays.................................6 Church Details...............................10 Council News ................................12 Parliament Blog.............................14 School Term Dates........................14 What’s On ................................17-22 Cinema Listings.............................16 Advertisers Index ..........................38

Recipe

Xmas Travel..............................32

Farming

Delicious Beef Casserole..........28

Tattie Time ................................36

December Issue Deadlines Editorial - Friday 04/11/11 Advertising - Wednesday 09/11/11

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SpotLight Useful Numbers,Local Holidays and Tide Times SCHOOLS Auldearn Primary School ............................(01667) 452118 Cawdor Primary School ..............................(01667) 402460 Logie Primary School ..................................(01309) 611258 Millbank Primary School..............................(01667) 452240 Rosebank Primary School ..........................(01667) 454090 Nairn Academy ............................................(01667) 453700 Moray College Nairn Learning ....................(01667) 456759 DOCTORS Nairn Hospital A&E .....................................(01667) 452101 The Lodgehill Clinic ....................................(01667) 452096 Arderseir Medical Practice ..........................(01667) 452278 Nairn Sports Medicine Clinic ......................(01667) 454523 DENTISTS Jones Jones & Behrendt ............................(01667) 453189 RM Donald & Associates ............................(01667) 454603 PHARMACIES Lloyds Pharmacy ........................................(01667) 453100 Boots The Chemist ......................................(01667) 453169

VETS Moray Coast ................................................(01667) 453161 Inshes Veterinary Clinic Inverness ..............(01463) 711777 OTHERS Police Station ..............................................(01667) 452222 Stagecoach Inverness .................................(01463) 239292 Citizens Advice Bureau ...............................(01667) 456677 Nairn Museum ............................................(01667) 456791 Dalcross Airport .............................(01667) 464000/462280 Inverness Job Centre ....................(01463) 888100/888200 Highland Council ........................................(01667) 458500 Victim Support ............................................(01463) 710806 Samaritans ..................................................(01463) 713456 Gas - Emergency ............................................(0800 111999 Water - Emergency ........................................08456 008855 British Red Cross Inverness ........................(01463) 231620 Crossroads ..................................................(01667) 455369 National Rail Enquiries ..................................08457 484950

If you have any suggestions for additional useful numbers please email these to us on admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Local Holidays 2011/12 Inverness Holiday St Andrews Day Christmas Day Holiday * Boxing Day Holiday * New Years Day Holiday * 2nd January Holiday * Inverness Holiday Inverness Holiday

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR NAIRN NOVEMBER

Mon. 7th Nov. 2011 Wed. 30th Nov. 2011 Mon. 26th Dec. 2011 Tues. 27th Dec. 2011 Mon. 2nd Jan. 2012 Tues. 3rd Jan. 2012 Mon. 6th Feb. 2012 Mon. 5th Mar. 2012

IN

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

TU W TH F SA SU

09.28 10.20 12.22 01.20 02.22 03.14

page 6 - November 2011

22.25 23.56 13.45 14.42 15.29

7 M 8 TU 9 W 10 TH 11 F 12 SA 13 SU 14 M 15 TU 16 W 17 TH 18 F

Inverness Holiday Mon. 2nd April 2012 Good Friday Fri. 6th April 2012 May Day Bank Holiday Mon. 7th May 2012 Spring Bank Holiday Mon. 4th June 2012 Queens Diamond Jubilee Tues. 5th June 2012 Inverness Holiday Mon. 2nd July 2012 * substitute, as this holiday falls on a weekend or other bank holiday

03.57 AM 04.27 04.36 04.50 05.24 06.00 06.34 07.01 07.04 07.23 08.03 09.11

16.06 PM 16.32 16.53 17.22 17.57 18.34 19.08 19.40 20.10 21.00 22.17 22.36

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19 SA 20 SU 21 M 22 TU 23 W 24 TH 25 F 26 SA 27 SU 28 M 29 TU 30 W

11.21 AM 00.52 01.58 02.55 03.50 04.41 05.28 06.13 06.56 07.38 08.20 08.58

PM 12.39 14.17 15.24 16.16 17.05 17.52 18.37 19.25 20.15 21.07 22.03

SpotLight on Nairn and District

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SpotLight Pastoral Letter “People under 50 just aren’t going to church anymore and do you blame them”, so said someone to me in a coffee shop in Nairn recently. What a claim I thought and what an indictment too. But there is some truth in it. Many ministers and priests look out at their congregations on a Sunday morning and the demographic is generally old and ageing. For some this adds to the perception that the church in general is in a mess and out of touch with reality and real life. Social trend surveys for example show that society is increasingly tolerant of gay and lesbian people and their life choices but churches’ debates on human sexuality seem to give the impression that they are obsessed with sex and bigoted too. Most couples presenting for marriage now live at the same address or have been in previous relationships but some ministers prefer to exclude the possibility of working with such couples. Many people, even in the highlands are opting for humanist and non-religious funeral services because they find them more person-centred and celebratory than some of the Christian rituals on offer. In other words there is a real possibility that the church is becoming truly side-lined and irrelevant to the average person. And this is so sad and in my view deeply impoverishing for society as whole but it doesn’t have to be this way. Jesus points to a very different kind of church that should be a model of hope for people of faith or none The Church can become a place of radical welcome and social inclusion. One of the great hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry was that it was remarkably inclusive. In the biblical accounts of page 8 - November 2011

His ministry Jesus turned social and religious conventions upside down. The list of the people with whom he mixed and to whom he ministered was diverse and shocking. Not for him the great and the good but rather He transformed the lives of the ordinary and the broken whether it was a haemorrhaging woman, lepers, publicans, prostitutes, tax collectors and soldiers. No one was exempt from his care. His ministry was about all of us, and this is a lesson that every church should learn. Society is made up of imperfect people and none should be excluded from the possibility of God’s love and care. All are welcome in His Church whether they are black or white; gay or straight; man or woman; fat or thin, young or old. The Church can become a place of dialogue. The Gospels account of Jesus’s life point to His compassionate understanding of people and their struggles. The stories and parables of the New Testament emphasise time and time again that Jesus wanted to listen and hear about the lives and hurts of people first. Jesus was not in the business of condemning people, he was about loving listening and caring first. In other words the relationship and the conversations mattered most. So even when he spoke with the woman taken in adultery or sat down with the sinner Zacheus for dinner Jesus sought to accept and understand first rather than condemn. The church is not here to give people a hard time. The church is here to understand that relationships are messy and that life can be hard and that what matters is the continuing care of people in an atmosphere where conversations are tel: 01309 690063

always supportive and loving even when the going gets tough. The Church can become a place of hope. Ministers are deeply privileged to share in the struggles of people at every level whether at the schools or hospitals, weddings and blessings at sick beds and at death. On every occasion it’s our duty to point towards the unending hope found in faith and in the person of Jesus. This is not discovered through structures and institutions like the Church. It’s not found exclusively in buildings with spires and stained glass windows or Sunday morning services. Instead it is often found at the margins of society among surprising people who challenge our prejudices and make our faith grow. It’s found in the loving service of our families, neighbours and friends. It’s found in our struggle to listen and care, it’s discovered in accepting people and listening to their stories. It’s shown not by speaking countless sermons but rather by living our sermons. So let’s try to do this, let’s try and make our churches open, accepting, listening, inclusive and hope filled places for all in our communities. After all “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3 v 17

Rev Steven M ander s, United Refor med Churc h SpotLight on Nairn and District

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Festive Lunches 2 course £12.95 , 3 courses £14.95 5th- 23rd December Boxing Day Lunch £22.50 per person New Years Day Buffet Lunch £22.50 Please call for Festive Events Brochure Great Christmas Presents - Leisure Club Memberships & Sonas Spa Vouchers

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SpotLight Church Meetings Ardersier with Petty Parish Church C of S, Ardersier Sundays 10.15am; Petty Sundays 12noon, tel. 462224 Nairn Baptist Church meets in Nairn Community Centre, King St. All welcome 11am every Sunday and 6pm every third Sunday of the month. Contact the Pastor 459672 or visit the website www.nairnbaptistchurch.org.uk Auldearn and Dalmore Parish Church Morning Service 12 noon. Contact Rev. Ricky Reid 451675. Cawdor Parish Church Morning Service Sunday 10.15am. Contact Rev. JS Mathieson 493217 Nairn Free Church Morning Service 11am with Sunday School & Creche (Gordon St); Evening Service 6pm (Rosebank Hall); Youth Club for S1 upwards Wednesday 6.30pm (Rosebank Hall); Prayer and Bible Study Thursday 7.30pm (8 George St). Minister Murdo MacLeod 459131. Nairn Christian Fellowship Sunday Worship 10.30am; Praise and Bible Study Wednesday 7.30pm. Contact Sandy Shaw 456492. Old Parish Church meets at 10.30am for morning Worship, Sunday School & Creche. Rev. Ian WF Hamilton. St Ninians Church Morning Worship and Sunday School 10.15am; Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7.30pm. Rev. Ricky Reid 451675. St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Family Worship 10.30am; Evening Prayer 6.30pm. Rev. Canon Alison Simpson 452458. info@ forrestreeservices.com

St Mary’s Catholic Church IV12 4RJ, Saturday Vigil 6pm, Sunday Mass 11.30am, tel: 453323 United Reformed Church Morning Service with Sunday School and Creche 11am. Contact Rev. Steven Manders 451443. The Pentecostal Church of God Nairn Sunday Service 10.30am. Minister: JD Grant 456088. www.churchofgodnairn.org Nairn Joint Service 1st Sunday monthly St Ninians 6.30pm If you are a member of a church not listed here please email with details and we will print this in future issues.

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page 10 - November 2011

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

outdoor

7KH %LUG 0DQ INVADERS FROM THE NORTH As the nights draw in, the temperatures drop and the summer migrants are beginning to become a distant memory as a whole new batch of birds arrive on our shores, fleeing the harsh weather of their High Arctic and Scandinavian breeding grounds. Two of these species have a tendency to arrive together, sometimes in large mixed flocks. Fieldfares and Redwings are both annual winter visitors to the UK. Choose a calm clear night in November, wrap up warmly, stand outside in the garden and listen. With luck you will hear the thin, very high pitched “tseeep� calls of migrating Redwings. You may risk questioning from your neighbours but explain what you are doing and they may even join in!

Fieldfare

Any open green space at this time of year is worth checking - play parks, football pitches, allotments etc. Redwings move over the grass in loose flocks searching for insects and

Redwing

worms. Slimmer than Song Thrushes, what you will first notice is the long cream eyebrow (called the supercilium) and similar cream moustache. Look closer on the flanks just below the wing and you will see a rusty red patch - hence the name Redwing. The Fieldfare is a large robust bird, standing tall and alert. It sports a Grey head and rump separated with a warm chocolate brown back and a black tail. It can be seen feeding in the same locations as the Redwing but usually prefers the more open country, so it is worth checking out stubble or sheep fields. Both species are also partial to winter berries and can often be seen gorging themselves on Rowan tree’s, replacing the fat reserves they have used during their migration. Next month we will look at two more unusual winter visitors: Waxwings and King Eider. So until then, Good Birding!

Information kindly supplied by Birding Ecosse, offering Birdwatching for beginners workshops. s WWW BIRDINGECOSSE COM s BIRDINGECOSSE HOTMAIL CO UK

SpotLight Community Council News

extRaCts fRom the minutes of the meeting of 21st of sePtembeR 2011 of naiRn Community CounCil

Police Report sa (secretary nWCC) read out Police report in absence of sgt olga hansen, a synopsis of which follows:Crime for august showed increase, and detection were down slightly to last month but higher than same period last year. Crimes included 10 thefts in nairn area, 6 stolen bicycles, 2 were recovered and 2 unconnected individuals were reported. 9 reported vandalisims, 7 assaults, 28 reports of breach of the peace, but these coincide with holiday periods, the shows and games weekend. nairn Police are still proactive in their road safety policy, particularly targeting irresponsible driver behaviour, i.e. speeding and use of mobile phones while driving. nairn traffic warden will remain on the streets until november. River CC had raised that on 19 august the police station out of hours button did not work, and that it was the emergency button, but this was not the case. to clarify when nairn Police station is closed between 8pm and 8am, there are 2 contact buttons on the wall outside available for the public. one for emergencies and one non emergencies. on the weekend of 19/20 august it was discovered that the non emergency button was not connecting to the force operations Centre, which receives calls 24/7. Calls via normal telephone did work as did the emergency button at nairn Police station, it should also be noted that as it was games weekend extra police officers were in operation in nairn. the fault to the nonemergency button was rectified and though this fault was unfortunate it would not have compromised any emergency situation or police response as all emergency contacts remained operative. Locality Planning Ry opened this item by showing the room a chart to identify those areas that are in locality Planning. these included education, health, social, tourism, Ruinous buildings, leisure and she went on to say that there were many more headings that would fall under this banner and that the title did not just mean house planning. the people of nairn should seize the opportunity to form a committee/forum to help both elected Councillors and the highland Council implement hard decisions ensuring that those decisions are made with input from the people of nairn. Ry emphasised the need for town identity. is nairn indeed a tourist town and if that is the case how to present ourselves? is it with massive housing developments or something completely different? she pointed out that with cuts affecting not only

page 12 - November 2011

highland Council, but scottish government and central government and indeed the world, it was understood that there would be very little resource to spend on the town and that a firm input from local residents, who have a wealth of intelligence and experience, to help the elected councillors and the highland Council to make the right decisions would be forthcoming. Ry then called upon Dr alistair noble to present a way forward and John hart to enlighten with historical precedents. alistair nobel (an) explained that under present government the idea of communities working together with local authorities and that planning is not just about development and employment but has to include things like environment and people. in recent years the success of the Community Centre and the nairn hospital complex, which is seen as one of the gems in the scottish health service was brought about by years of hard work and people working together to get it right. locality planning is our understanding of our community, to be aware of its strength and weaknesses but above all involving local people in decisions that affect them, their families and the environment. Clarification of conflicting wishes, needs and desires and corporate decisions are made with as much openness as possible. an recognized that under real financial pressure we have to make best use of whatever money we get, then we can come up with a nairn model that is based on these long term relationships and trust. the opportunity and changes that are arising in highland with regard to the merging of health and social work and highland being a pilot for an integrated resource framework. an emphasised the importance of fair allocation to each locality and that locality making best use of that. the need to develop a nairn way of working that allows genuine decisions to be made on our behalf by our democratically elected representatives. there was no debate that the msP’s and Councillors are actually going to make the decisions, but ensuring that they have as much of the right information, knowledge and expertise to make that decision correctly, and using that local knowledge is much more likely to achieve the right decisions. in conclusion an called upon us all to take responsibility and work together in Common good for nairn, that in joining health with local authority that the best value for money with minimizing of waste was achieved. John hart (Jh) put things into historical

tel: 01309 690063

context recalling the days of the District Council with locally elected officials, district clerks and one burgh surveyor would look after the town and Common good, all this was lost when nairn went in with the highland Council. Communities are being encouraged under scottish Community land to form companies or trusts to purchase and protect, for example the trust for Wetlands needs to be taken forward and niCe which did a tremendous amount of work for nairn town Centre needs more people to become involved and gain more momentum. Community Council Elections gV observed that some people had diminished Community Councils as not really being representative of their Communities, he complimented River CC in being able to hold a competitive election and hoped that sufficient Candidates could be recruited for all CC’s to hold competitive elections in november. Despite hC claiming that it wished to encourage Competetive elections the new hC’s new rules had doubled the number of seats and therefore the number of Candidates required before an election could be held. this created concerns about getting enough candidates to stand. nWCC requires 9 candidates for an election but would like to encourage as many as possible to stand. CC election forms require one signature and one witness, these are available at any service Point, online on the hC website, and must be filed by tuesday 4pm on 4th october. Any Other Business Ry introduced Jason Rose, who came to promote highland cycle campaign to encourage Councillors to back a cycle route along the a96 or Coast road. the route at present is very hilly between nairn and inverness, covering back roads through Croy and is 28 miles long, instead of the 15 miles along a96. transport scotland say they cannot justify cycle paths, Js has spoken to fergus ewing, but would like widespread community support to encourage cycle paths as something that would benefit a tourist town such as nairn. Ry thanked Jason and concluded that nairn is a fabulous town, encouraging those present to get involved and help resolve problems and make a difference that we could all enjoy. Next Meeting Community Centre on Wednesday 19 october at 7.30 pm.

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for 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Thu. 22nd December 2011 Spring Term Starts Monday 9th January 2012 Regional Closure Wed. 15th February 2012 Regional Closure Thursday 16th February 2012 Regional Closure Friday 17th February 2012 Spring Term Ends Friday 30th March 2012 Good Friday Holiday Friday 6th April 2012 Easter Monday Holiday Monday 9th April 2012 May Day Holiday Monday 7th May 2012 Summer Term Starts Tuesday 17th April 2012 Summer Term Ends Friday 29th June 2012

for 2012/2013 (all dates inclusive) Regional Closure Monday 13th August 2012 Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 14th August 2012 Autumn Term Ends Friday 5th October 2012 Regional Closure Monday 22nd October 2012 Winter Term Starts Tuesday 23rd October 2012 Winter Term Ends Thursday 20th December 2012 Spring Term Starts Monday 7th January 2013 Holiday Closure Monday 11th February 2013 Holiday Closure Tuesday 12th February 2013 Regional Closure Wed. 13th February 2013

“ Parliament Blog ” One part of being a Minister is visiting parts of the country beyond my own constituency to speak to people about the issues they are facing. That can occasionally mean extra days spent a long way from home – so it’s a welcome change when government work takes me back in the right direction to the Highlands & Islands. Last month, I was invited up to Thurso to speak to the Caithness Chamber of Commerce about the issues facing local businesses there - and their importance to economic recovery. There are a lot of exciting things happening in Caithness just now – from the real challenges of nuclear decommissioning at Dounreay (with the skills and experience it is bringing) to the great promise of tidal power from the Pentland Firth. Alongside those larger changes, I heard from lots of smaller businesses which are working hard to innovate and create new jobs. On my dad’s side, I have a reasonable Caithness pedigree. My great great uncle had a boat yard in Wick which is still remembered by some older folk – although the harbour there is much changed in the half-century since it closed its doors. My great grandfather was a doctor there, while another branch of the family - the Budges - were kipperers. I was pleased to learn that kippers are still smoked locally, even if not on the scale of days gone by. Whether confessing family ties to Wick while speaking to businesspeople in Thurso is good politics, I leave for you to judge!

There is soon to be a new Disney film, called “Brave” which will depict in an animated film a kind of metaphorical version of Scotland – with voice over from Billy Connolly. This is to be premiered in Los Angeles new summer and in Scotland next august. This will present a vision of Scotland to those who watch this film all over the world. There are already challenges to find a Billy Connolly equivalent voice over in all the languages of the world! The film will be seen probably by billions. So, this is an opportunity for Scotland and one we are to grasp. One of those billions will without doubt be my three year old daughter , Natasha. Recently in a taxi journey where the driver was entirely bald, she observed this phenomenon and asked;”Daddy, why he no hair.” Fortunately the driver thought this was the funniest thing that had happened for a long time. The next time we were in a taxi, with a hirsute driver, obviously recalling her last experience, she exclaimed;”Daddy, he got hair!” Obviously she had formed the view that all taxi drivers were bald. I explained to her that, oddly though it may seem, that is not so!

Fergus Ewing MSP

Danny Alexander MP

page 14 - November 2011

tel: 01309 690063

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rness Film Fest aimed of the UK festivals. Now into its 9th year, the Inve t significant and critically accl ience Winner The Girl Who has become one of the mos IFF or, Tayl l including last year’s IFF Aud Pau ies, er mov ramm Prog e massive tish premieres of dozens of October, but expect the sam Scot until s and wrap UK r the unde tly seen stric have ival are Previous years for the 9th Inverness Film Fest e ramm prog . the of nted ils ppoi Deta . ’t be disa Kicked the Hornet’s Nest n Court’s cinemas and you won www.invernessfilmfestival.com you’ve become used to at Ede Sign up for news updates at high quality programming that

Please send us details of Your events log on to www.spotlighton.co.uk email megan@spotlighton.co.uk or call 01309 690063 What’s~on listings deadline for december issue is friday 04/11/11

OCTOBER until 31 monday

SpotLight Whats On

pictish throne exhibition at brodie castle, during normal opening hours, on loan from the national museum of scotland, included in tour of the castle, contact brodie castle for details tel: 0844 493 2156

around & flail your limbs to tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com ten tonne dozer, a thousand lies & bittersuite 8pm, flanagan's bar, elgin, for more info visit http://www.facebook.com/TheSyndicate2008

28 friday

30 sunday

cinema nairn fans poll - spooky double bill, 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 453476 doug scott lecture - "big wall" adventures, cost £15, £12 (conc) available now from the phoenix store, findhorn tel: 01309 690110 or online at www.nilupul.org universal hall, findhorn inverness abc boxing tornament, 7pm, £20, over 16s, a night of top quality boxing in inverness’s top entertainment venue, features north of scotland select vs. south of wales select fighters, the ironworks, inverness, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

nairn children's art club - art and craft workshops 2pm-4pm, junior world, nairn, ages 4-14, £4 per child Matthewebonthomas@yahoo.co.uk craig campbell-8pm,over 16s, tickets £12, tel:01343 85011, visit: www.eastgrange.co.uk

31 monday halloween tour of castle, brodie castle, tel: 0844 4932156 or www.nts.org.uk/events

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29 saturday des horsfall’s kuschty rye, 8pm, the loft venue, kinloss, ‘pass-the-hat’ gig suggested £5 donation, tel: 01343 850111, visit www.eastgrange.co.uk halloween event, children’s activities and scary walk in grounds, brodie castle, tel: 0844 4932156 or www.nts.org.uk/events an audience with jonathan miller, 8pm, strathpeffer pavilion tickets £16,£15,£6, on-line at booth scotland and ticketweb, visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org the hunted, 7pm, £6/ £5 / £4 u-16’s, universal hall, findhorn king creosote & kid canaveral, 7.30pm, £10, over 14s kid canaveral are a two-boy/two-girl group from edinburgh, they write indiepop tunes you can move SpotLight on Nairn and District

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OCTOBER 2011 continued

31 sunday - 1 november scottish dance theatre, 7.30pm, £12.00 / reduced rates £10.00 / under 18s £8.00 / eden court friends £2.00 off, eden court, inverness, tel: 01463 234 234 or visit www. eden-court.co.uk

6 sunday

NOVEMBER 2 wednesday help for heroes charity fashion show 7.30pm, £10.00 available from eden court box office eden court in the one touch theatre, inverness

3 thursday inverness nordic & ski touring club will hold its season opener, 8pm to 9.30pm, there will be an audiovisual presentation of ski touring and mountaineering in scotland, norway, the alps and greenland, beginner skiers are welcome. drinks afterwards in nico’s bar, front room at the glen mhor hotel, ness bank visit: www.invernessnordicskiclub.org.uk. scottish dance theatre, 7.30pm, £10/£8/£6 U-16s, universal hall, findhorn, visit www.universalhall.co.uk the china project, one touch theatre, 7.30pm, £12 / reduced rates £10 / under 18s £5 / eden court friends discount applies, eden court, inverness, tel:01463 234 234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk

3 thursday - 5 saturday the barber of seville: scottish opera, 7.15pm, £49.00 / £40.00 / £34.00 / £21.00, eden court, inverness, tel: 01463 234 234 or visit: www.eden-court.co.uk

4 friday nairn literary institute, my ladye nevells booke by chris banks, 7.30pm, non-members £3, st ninians church hall, queen street, nairn visit www.nairnliterary.org.uk treebadour theatre 3pm, treebadour puppet theatre, kasper show "crocodile prepares for christmas" £4 per person, for all of the family, rose abbey school, kinloss. for info visit www.treebadour.co.uk or call elisabeth julian 01309 691225 the hunted, 7pm, £9 / reduced rates £8 / under 18s £6 / family ticket £24 / eden court friends discount applies, eden court, inverness, tel: 01463 234 234 or visit: www.eden-court.co.uk

5 saturday exclusively highlands christmas fair 10am-4pm, strathpeffer pavilion. inverness therapy clinic open day, 11am - 5pm, 15 min taster sessions for £5 in Indian head massage, hot stone massage, aromatherapy and reflexology. annual baby loss remembrance service, page 18 - November 2011

held by inverness sands and raigmore hospital chaplaincy, childcare facility is available and tea, coffee and a chat are available after the service, held at the chapel in raigmore hospital the hunted, 11am & 3pm, £9 / reduced rates £8 / under 18s £6 / family ticket £24 / eden court friends discount applies, eden court, inverness, tel: 01463 234 234 or visit: www.eden-court.co.uk mundole equestrian british dressage and unaffiliated dressage pc dengie nov/open qualifier, closing date 28th october, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com the jani lang coronets, 7.30pm, £12 / reduced rates £10 / eden court friends discount applies, eden court, inverness, tel: 01463 234 234 or visit: www. eden-court.co.uk

7 monday royal scottish geographical society lectures, exploration in the 21st century: oliver steeds. what it means to be an explorer today in relation to conservation, 7.30pm, admission: £8 for adults, rsgs members, students and under 18's free, highland council chamber, glenurquhart road, inverness

8 tuesday nairn academy, parent council extraordinary general meeting, 7pm, parents of children at the school are asked to attend to determine the future policy and activities of the parent council, nairn academy.

9 wednesday the work of the royal botanic garden edinburgh, 7.30pm, the highland rock garden club hosts an illustrated talk by john mitchell, senior staff member, nairn community centre, king street, tel: 01320 366246 bruce molsky, 7.30pm, £10/£8/£6 u-16s concessions universal hall, findhorn, visit www.universalhall.co.uk

12 saturday mundole equestrian m&n pony club rally, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com culbin singers fortieth anniversary concert, 7:30pm, adult £10, concession £8, child £5, st laurence church, forres tickets from members; gazette office, forres; r&r urquhart llp solicitors in forres, nairn and inverness; sound and vision, elgin; bookmark, grantown-on-spey. skerryvore, 8pm, £12/£10 concessions, universal hall, findhorn visit www.universalhall.co.uk

13 sunday mundole equestrian show jumping PC dengie qualifier, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

Cinema Nairn Visit cinemanairn.blogspot.com or contact Nairn Community Centre on 01667 453476 for details

Cinema Listings November 2011 Eden Court Theatre, Inverness

Vue Cinema, Inverness

Up to 7th November Adventure Film Festival 2011 Tinker,Tailor, Soldier, Spy (15) Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (12a)

From friday 28th Anonymous (12a) The Ideas of March (15) Frightfest: All Nighter (18) From Tuesday 1st November Black Country Communion: Live Over Europe (tbc) In Time (tbc) Tower Heist (tbc) Immortals 3D (tbc) From Thursday 17th Twiathlon (12a) The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1(12a) 50/50 (15)

Visit www.eden-court.co.uk or call 01463 234234 for details

Moray Playhouse, Elgin New Screenings begin on Fridays Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk

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

Highland Spiritual Cinema Monthly screenings of uplifting and inspiring films that inform, enlighten and entertain. For further details please visit www.highlandspiritualcinema.net or telephone 01463 237452

Includes tea/coffee & biscuits

Visit www.myvue.com for details

Portessie Public Hall Regular films including Saturday matinees. For further details email portessiepublichall@hotmail.co.uk

Universal Hall, Findhorn Showing films through the year Visit www.findhorn.org/uhall or call 01309 691170 for details. SpotLight on Nairn and District

www.spotlighton.co.uk

November 2011- page 19

18 friday

NOVEMBER 2011 continued

14 monday cinema nairn seniors special - ‘arsenic and old lace’ (pg) with subtitles, 2pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 453476

16 wednesday schooglenifty and plan b, 7.30pm, £12/£10/£8 u-16s concession, universal hall, findhorn, visit www.universalhall.co.uk

17 thursday vintage trouble, 7.30pm, £9, original soul and rhythm & blues, under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com showstopperz presents 'xmas number ones', 7.30pm £8 adult, £6 child/concession. tickets available at www.thebooth.co.uk and on the door, nairn community centre millbank primary school christmas shopping night 6pm to 8pm, there will be a large variety of stalls plus a raffle and bottle stall, If anyone would like to book a table, they can tel:01667 455482, the funds raised will go towards a smartboard for the school’s special needs base.

the art of mvsick, the art of mvsick performs songs, instrumental music and readings from 17th-century scotland, 7.30pm, brodie castle, tel 0844 493 2156 or visit: www.nts.org.uk nairn literary institute, the auroras – science, myth & magic of the northern lights by dr kenny taylor, 7.30pm, non-members £3, st ninian’s church hall, queen street, nairn. visit www.nairnliterary.org.uk christmas craft food fair, 2pm - 9pm, bishops palace, eden court, inverness

THE MORAY PIANO COMPETITION 2011 ELGIN TOWN HALL

Saturday 19th November - Qualifying Rounds (QR) 9.30am Cathedral Class 2.45pm Speyside Class ADMISSION FREE Programme £3 Sunday 20th November 10.00am Spynie Class (QR) 2.30pm - Finals Tickets at door Adult – £8 (no concession) Children under 18 FREE

Adjudicators: Philip Fowke and Anna Markland Outstanding young pianists from home and abroad compete for a share of prize money totalling £4,000 www.moray-piano-competition.co.uk The Moray Piano Festival Trust is a registered Scottish Charity No. SC032432

19 saturday to 20 sunday christmas craft food fair, 10am-4pm, bishops palace, eden court, inverness, supporting CHAS

19 saturday

NAIRN Nairn Community & Arts Centre Your local venue for films, shows, concerts and parties. Wide range of activities for all ages.

NOVEMBER EVENTS 18th Nov Rotory Club Fashion Show ..... 7.30pm 19th Nov Music Nairn Royal String Quartet...................................... 8pm 25th Nov Cinema Nairn ‘The Wildest Dream’ (2010) PG................ 7.30pm For further details Telephone 01667 453476, e-mail, info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk page 20 - November 2011

mundole equestrian m&n pony club dressage & showjumping, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com western front association - members’ forum, 2.30pm, the gallery, elgin library, contact derek bird tel: 01343 870562, email chairman.wfasnb@virgin.net or visit www.wfascotlandnorth.org.uk royal string quartet playing gorecki, szymanowski, and chopin (with alessandro taverna on piano) 8pm, tickets £18, members £14, students £2, nairncommunity and arts centre, tel: 455701 tashi lhunpo monks, 8pm, £10/£8/ £6 u-16s concessions, universal hall, findhorn

20 sunday mundole equestrian unaffiliated dressage pc dengie nov/open qualifier, closing date 11th november, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com

24 thursday christmas shopping night, 6.30 - 8.30pm, rosebank primary school, nairn, tel: 07990690733 for info or to book a table, in aid of rosebank parent council

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

NOVEMBER 2011 continued Ltd

25 friday

Special Rates for Senior Citizens Local and Distance Runs *ROI 7RXUV :KLVN\ 7RXUV $LUSRUW 5XQV +LJKODQG 7RXUV &RQWUDFW :RUN :HOFRPHG

cinema nairn - ‘the wildest dream’ (pg), 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 453476 dark matter, 7.15pm - 8.15pm, £6/£5/£4 u-16s concessions, universal hall, findhorn visit www. universalhall.co.uk tommy reilly and katie sutherland (pearl and the puppets, 8pm, £8, the loft near forres, tel: 01343 85011, www.eastgrange.co.uk

24 Hour Office Open at 44 High Street, Nairn IV12 4AU

27 sunday

Tel: 01343 850111 www.eastgrange.co.uk

25 friday - 27 sunday brodie castle victorian christmas craft fair, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm admission £3, children free, visit: www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk

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Tommy Reilly and Katie Sutherland (Pearl and the Puppets) Friday 25th November 8pm Tickets £8

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26 saturday ardersier church christmas fayre, 1pm till 4pm,£2.50 includes tea coffee mince pies shortbread, craft, gifts, paper,cards, homebaking, toys games, ardersier old school hall. goldie at the ironworks,10pm,over 18s, £8, tel:0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com keith james in concert, 8pm, the loft near forres, tel: 01343 85011, www.eastgrange.co.uk

Keith James in Concert - The Loft Venue Saturday 26 November 8pm ‘certainly the UK’s most celebrated and evocative interpreter of golden music’ The Guardian Tel: 01343 850111 www.eastgrange.co.uk

SpotLight on Nairn and District

nairn drama club presents its 2011 christmas pantomime, snow white, 7.30pm. £9, no concessions, contact avril on 01667 453736, email avril@nairndrama.org.uk, or visit the theatre any monday evening between 7pm and 9pm. see nairndrama.org.uk for more information.

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HOW THe “WHAT’S ON” WORkS all line listings are free send us details of any events coming up to megan@spotlighton.co.uk Permissable events include any event open to the public (whether they have a ticket price or not, charitable or money-making) such as; pub music, entertainment, coffee mornings, fetes, fairs, rallies, walks, runs, sports, theatre, drama, car boots, markets, crafts, equestrian, fundraising etc etc... If you would like a paid for enhanced listing (white box) the cost is £25 plus vat. Call 01309 690063 for details.

Deadline for December Issue is Friday 04/11/11 www.spotlighton.co.uk

November 2011- page 21

victorian drawing room, brodie castle, tel: 0844 493 2156 visit www.nts.org.uk

DECEMBER 2011 in breif DECEMBER 1 thursday the undertones, 7.30pm, £16 under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, ironworks, inverness tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com 2 friday nairn literary institute – wind, sand and stars – desert travels and the blue men of the sahara by brian stewart, 7.30pm, non-members £3, st ninian’s church hall, queen street, nairn. visit www.nairnliterary.org.uk 3 saturday clan donald society of the highlands and islands ceilidh, 7.30pm -11.30 pm, munlochy village hall, entrance at the door: £8, or £5 for cdsh&i members. all welcome. entertainment, piping, scottish country and ceilidh simple dances (with instruction), light refreshments, byob, raffle and auction. email: contact@clandonald.org or tel: 01381 620121. jo caulfield “cruel to be kind”, 8pm, £12/ £10 concessions, universal hall, findhorn, visit www.universalhall.co.uk 3 thursday - 5 saturday the barber of seville: scottish opera, 7.15pm, £49.00 / £40.00 / £34.00 / £21.00, eden court, inverness, tel: 01463 234 234 or visit: www. edencourt.co.uk 4 sunday mundole equestrian christmas unaffiliated dressage pc dengie nov/open qualifier, closing date 25th november, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com tasty ness new interactive food exhibition,11am-4pm entrance is £3 with children under 12 free, there will be cookery demonstrations, mini masterclasses, high quality gifts & food items to buy for christmas, as well as samples to taste and dining out offers, ironworks venue in Inverness. treebadour theatre 3pm, treebadour puppet theatre, kasperle show "crocodile prepares for christmas" £4 per person, for all of the family, rose abbey school, kinloss. for info visit www.treebadour.co.uk or call elisabeth julian 01309 691225 9 friday music for a while, 7.30pm, an evening of festive music and song, enjoy christmas music in the page 22 - November 2011

10 saturday mundole equestrian m&n pony club dressage & showjumping, contact 07901 602042 or visit: www.mundoleequestrian.com erol alkan, £15.00, first 100 tickets will be £12,10.30pm, ironworks venue in Inverness. tel: 0871 7894173 or visit: www.ironworksvenue.com 11 sunday mundole equestrian christmas show jumping PC dengie qualifier, contact 07901 602042 or visit: www.mundoleequestrian.com 12 monday royal scottish geographical society lectures a cave diver 's journey: phil short. 20 years of cave diving from the mendips to the ural mountains, 7.30pm, admission: £8 for adults, rsgs members, students and under 18's free, highland council chamber, glenurquhart road, inverness 14 wednesday - 23 friday christmas lunches, 12 – 3pm, 2 or 3 course festive menu served in the grand surroundings of the library, why not make up a table? booking essential, brodie castle, tel 0844 493 2156 visit www.nts.org.uk easy from seed, 7.30pm, the highland rock garden club hosts an illustrated talk with practical demonstration of raising alpine and other plants from seed by margaret and henry taylor, nairn community centre, king street tel: 01320 366246 16 friday cinema nairn christmas film -‘miracle on 34th street’ from 1947 (u), 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 453476 17 saturday treebadour theatre 3pm, treebadour puppet theatre, kasperle show,"crocodile prepares for christmas" £4 per person, for all of the family, james milne institute, findhorn at the pier, visit www.treebadour.co.uk or call elisabeth julian 01309 691225

to advertise in the next issue of spotlight on nairn call 01309 690063 or go online at www.spotlighton.co.uk for more details

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

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FOOD ACTIVITIES LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

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NEW SHOWHOME OPENS at MEADOW LEA - NAIRN What is particularly special about these homes, is that the owners have the opportunity to design so much of the important details themselves. From the style of the kitchen and bathroom, to the type of hardware, flooring and fittings – in fact all the elements that give a home individuality and character. Kylauren Homes claim they design for comfort and build for life. If the show-home at Meadow Lea is anything to go by, then they certainly live up to their promise. The properties range from 2 & 3 bedroom semi-detached houses and bungalows, to 3 bedroom detached bungalows, and 3 & 4 bedroom detached houses. Prices start from £154,500 for a 2 bed semi-detached property, so they’re surprisingly inexpensive. All in all, it’s world-class style that doesn’t cost the earth.

craftsmanship, and the fixtures & fittings are what you would expect in a much more expensive, architect’s self-build. From the beautifully designed & crafted kitchen area, the luxurious bathroom (with power-shower), to the ultra stylish sun-room and World-class style that doesn’t cost the earth. The Meadow Lea residential development in Nairn is probably the most stylish building project ever undertaken in the area. It’s proximity to the town centre, the Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, and the Moray Firth also makes it an extremely desirable location. It’s very obvious that the developers Kylauren Homes really did their homework and got all the critical ingredients spot-on. But perhaps the defining element of the whole ambitious project is the attention to detail. If you get the chance to take a closer look at the individual houses, pay attention to the quality of finishes – they survive tough scrutiny by even the most discerning of potential home-buyers. The new show-home now open at 5 Montgomerie Drive is a typical example of the high standards set by the builders (and definitely worth a look). It seems they have an almost obsessive demand for

living room, the overall effect is one of elegance and quality. The bedrooms are comfortable, warm and friendly with plenty of storage space and natural light. The stairway and hallway are dramatically enhanced with a contemporary polished steel and birch-wood balustrade & handrail. And the garden areas – pretty generous really.

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fitness

Boot It

Science Daily (Feb. 5, 2011) — A systematic review carried out at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry has concluded that there are benefits to mental and physical wellbeing from taking exercise in the natural environment. It is something we have always known to be true but it is good to see the scientific evidence there to back it up. Keeping fit outdoors is refreshing and enjoyable, you are liberated from any constraints put upon you in the gym, max 15min on the treadmill, wipe down the machines after use, classes only on a certain times and having get dressed up to go to the gym out of fear of looking tatty all add to your already stressfull day. To a point that in many gyms we are seeing a new form of road rage….. Gym rage. People are getting worked up by others not conforming to the gym etiquette. This is not how exercise is meant to be, it’s meant to be relaxing, destressing, helping your body to cope with the demands of modern living, whilst growing stronger. The research cited above found that exercising outdoors provided a better state of mental wellbeing, less stress and more calories burnt. Variable terrain provides a tougher surface to exercise on giving a more fuller muscular contraction meaning you are getting more bang for your buck per hours exercise. So to sum up, training outdoors is • less stressfull • Better for you physically • Better for you mentally • more versatile than the gym • Costs less than the gym There are downsides of course. Training in Scotland has the inevitable Scottish weather, but as a friend of ours always says, there is no such thing as bad weather, just a bad choice of clothing…. So no more excuses get yourself out for a walk, jog or run today! Or of course join your local burn it boot camp. The full research article can be viewed at www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110204130607.htm

For more information please call

Tel: 07557433875 or drop us an email at mike@pseproperties.co.uk Specialist mortgage advice available

recipe

Chef’s Confidential As the nights have drawn in, and winter has arrived, what better than a delicious beef casserole, served with creamy mash potato and greens. This recipe uses Black Gold beer from the Cairngorm Brewery at Aviemore. It is a rich dark stout, that has a smooth sweetness, a perfect compliment for the beef. Quality beef is really important and at Knockomie all our beef comes from MacBeth's of Forres. It is locally produced on their farm at Dallas, and hung for a minimum of 21 days, a true quality product. Serves 4-6 people Ingredients

Black Gold Beef Casserole 1kg Diced Stewing Steak 375grm Onions, quartered and finely sliced 500ml Bottle Cairngorm Black Gold Beer (or any stout) 1 heaped tablespoons Plain Flour 150grm Baby Button Mushrooms 1 sprig of thyme 1 ½ Tablespoons Sunflower or Vegetable oil Salt and Pepper to season Preheat the oven to 150°C 1.Heat the oil in an heat proof / oven proof dish with a lid. Add the diced beef a little at a time to brown. As the beef browns remove it to a plate with a slotted spoon, and repeat until all the beef is browned. 2.Keeping the heat high, place the sliced onion in to the pan and stir until it has softened slightly. 3.Reduce the heat and return the beef and any juices to the pan with the onions, add the plain flour and stir thoroughly to bind it to the meat and onions. 4.Gradually add the beer stirring constantly and let it simmer for a few minutes. 5.Add the sprig of thyme and mushrooms and some salt and pepper to season. 6.Cover with the lid and place in the oven for 1 ¾ to 2 hours until the beef is tender. When ready serve with creamy mash potato and green vegetables. Penny Ellis, Owner Knockomie Hotel, Forres tel: 01309 673146

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Beautifully made delivered to your door At Blindcraft you will find a full range of our beds, bed frames and bedroom furniture. If it is time for a new bed, then look no further than Highland Blindcraft for value, comfort and craftmanship. We manufacture locally from our base in the Highlands of Scotland which enables us to guarantee delivery dates and ensures our excellent high production standards and after sales service. We now offer a speedy nationwide delivery service. Highland BlindCraft Inverness Sales Office, Factory and Showroom 38/39 Ardconnel Street Inverness, IV2 3EX.

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nature EYES TO THE SKIES The Red Kite, one of our largest birds of prey, was extinct in Scotland for over 100 years, having been persecuted for hundreds of years prior to that. The birds died out partly due to a reduction in food supply as humans became tidier, but mainly due to poisoning and shooting. With their russet Red Kite in flight colouring, forked tail and 5 ½ foot wingspan, larger than a buzzard, they are one of the the easiest birds of prey to identify. Despite their size, kites are relatively light with an average body weight of just two to three pounds. Consequently they are able to stay aloft for hours on end

For the first two to three years of their lives, kites roam the countryside. On reaching this age they will settle down to build a nest and Red Kite feeding will normally mate for life. This is believed to be more to do with a shared interest in a territory than loyalty to each other. They will build a nest, made of twigs and lined with grass and tufts of sheep’s wool. They will lay up to 4 eggs which the female will incubate for around four weeks, though the male will occasionally take a turn to allow her to feed or preen. Red kites were re-introduced to the Black Isle in 1989 with the first breeding success in 1992 and can often be seen soaring above fields and verges. However the recovery has stalled since 1999 with few chicks surviving to breeding age. The eyes to the skies project http://www.eyestotheskies.org.uk was set up by the RSPB, SNH and various other bodies to try to re-start the recovery by raising awareness of the species and what is being done locally to help this. An excellent viewing centre has been set up at Tollie, west of Dingwall where food is put out daily to attract kites. Most activity can be observed over the winter months when less carrion is available naturally. I hope you’ve found something interesting in this article and do let me have your own wildlife photos and stories. Contact me at: Ian MacLeod, Wild West www.wildwestsafari.co.uk ian@wildwestsafari.co.uk Offering wildlife safaris in the Great Glen and surrounding areas.

November

Kites are mainly carrion eaters, scavenging on the remains of any dead animals they may find. However, they are not particularly strong birds and consequently are unable to open up the carcasses of sheep or lambs. For this they depend on more powerful birds such as ravens or buzzards, or a fox. They will also take live prey which may include small mammals and birds plus large insects and earthworms. They live on the edge of woodlands with a preference for woods that back on to farmland.

Next month: Winter visitors

*

Come along to our late-night openings in November and treat yourself to a delicious High-Tea for only £7.50 in our cosy coffee-shop and we’ll give you 10% OFF every purchase you make at M&C. Simply dine between 5-7pm on any Thursday in November to qualify. Make a night of it - we’re open until 8pm - bon appetit. Check-out our website for more details: www.mackenzie-cruickshank.com

Bringing life to your home and garden...

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1 West Road, Forres IV36 2GW 01309 696940

* Offer applies to Thursday evenings 5pm to 8pm during November 2011 only

travel

Dreaming of... ...a Christmas Break

There are few things more magical than the atmosphere of the traditional Christmas market. Every year more and more visitors are enjoying the unique festive charms of Christmas markets in German cities such as Cologne, Nuremberg and Dresden as well as in other European cities such as Vienna, Bruges and Prague. The twinkling scenes of festively decorated plazas with their enchanting market stalls and glittering Christmas trees set against the backdrop of beautiful historic buildings, let visitors relive the magic of yesteryear. The smell of hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air. Nuremberg’s Christkindlmarkt is one of the biggest and most famous of the Christmas markets. Nearly 200 festive wooden stalls adorn the Old Town square from the beginning of Advent. Over 2 million visitors from all round the world enjoy the candlelit stalls in this beautiful Bavarian city. There are 21 Christmas markets in Vienna. The Advent Market is in front of the fabulous Schonbrunn Palace where visitors can buy traditional tree decorations, handmade gifts and a large selection of culinary delicacies. There is also the Christmas Village in Maria Theresien Platz with 50 stands with a wide range of goods and a choir is often to be heard. In Prague the markets takes place in Wenceslas Square and in Old Town Square. Huge Christmas Trees sparkle, 150 wooden stalls many selling traditional crafts and the sound of Christmas concerts taking place all add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you want to travel by plane or coach, independently or in a group there are lots of options starting in Moray. If you are looking for an extra special treat for children or grandchildren what could be more exciting than a trip to Lapland. This really is a once in a lifetime experience – seeing Father Christmas in his secret hideaway deep in the pine trees. It is the stuff that dreams are made of and you can see it on the faces of young and old alike. A trip on a skidoo or in a sleigh pulled by reindeer – the excitement can all be fitted into a day trip – a long and busy day but it is possible! Alternatively a few days provides a more relaxed atmosphere giving you more time to try out the winter activities.

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WHOM WILL YOU BLAME? Upon which of the following excuses are you YOU CANNOT SAY “I have not been warned,” for building your hopes of escaping Hell and reach- this publication containing God’s Word is your warning and it may be your last. Search the scriptures ing Heaven? and see if these things are so. If you are concerned about

Whom will you these matters it is God’s Spirit striving to show you your blame if like the danger, your guilt and your helplessness. There is for you today if you will have it. If you resist the rich man in Luke pardon Spirit, God says: “My Spirit shall not always strive with 16, you die, are man.” Genesis 6:3. buried and in Hell you lift up YOU CANNOT SAY “There is plenty of time to your eyes being settle this matter,” Listen to His solemn warning against delay, “because I have called, and ye refused; I in torments? have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded...Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not

YOU CANNOT BLAME GOD for God is “not answer.” Proverbs 1:24-28. willing that any should perish.” II Peter 3:9. He would have all men to be saved, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

YOU CANNOT BLAME CIRCUMSTANCES for there is nothing that can keep a sinner from Christ if he wants to come to Him for salvation. Jesus says “Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.” John 5:40.

YOU CANNOT BLAME THE LORD JESUS YOU MAY SAY “I do not believe in Hell.” But, my CHRIST friend, two minutes in Hell amid the weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth will change your mind. You will realize then, as every one in Hell realizes today, that the Bible is the Word of God, that you are a sinner, that Christ died for sinners, that you could have been YOU CANNOT SAY “I am not a sinner,” for God saved had you believed and accepted the Saviour of says: “As by one man sin entered into the world, and sinners as your own personal Saviour. There are no death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that unbelievers in Hell, but they believed—too late. all have sinned.” Romans 5:12 You may say you do not believe all this, but the mere fact that you do not believe it does not alter the facts. YOU CANNOT SAY for He said “I am come that they might have life.” John 10:10 “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

“I am doing the best I can,” “I have turned over a new leaf ” “I have a good heart,” “God is too good to punish me in Hell.” “I have done nothing worthy of Hell.” God says all your “righteousnesses are as filthy rags” in His sight. Isaiah 64:6. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately (incurably) wicked.” Jeremiah 17:9. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12.

YOU ARE LEFT WITHOUT EXCUSE “What wilt thou say when He shall punish thee?” Jeremiah 13:21 The responsibility where you spend Eternity – (Heaven or Hell) is yours and yours alone. Friend, listen! God is offering you mercy and pardon: God loves you, Christ died as a substitute for your sins on the cross. You have to receive Him for yourself; no-one can do it for you..you need to have repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus ChristBut do it now – or whom will you blame?

Jesus said … ‘’I am the Way, Way, the Truth Truth and the Life; Life; no man ccometh ometh un unto to the Father Father but by by me me,,’’ 1 John 14:6

“

”

Published by www.WordsbytheWayside.co.uk Registered Scottish Charity SCO41290

The House of Automata Automata experts Michael and Maria Start have opened an unusual new visitor destination in a beautiful steading at Kinloss. The visitor to the House of Automata is ‘greeted’ by manageress Nancy, a glamorous life sized lady robot who looks (& moves!) remarkably well for her 100 years. The Exhibition features interactive automata and kinetic art, which work at the push of a button. The intriguing Micro Museum is a true “Cabinet of Curiosities” that includes its very own tiny museum of automata. The Shop sells moving, musical and life like gifts with prices from less than a pound. The unusual range of cards and gifts have been chosen for their unique & entertaining qualities, a testament to the owners experience in theatre, fairground & magic. Michael & Maria are skilled restorers of old automata. Their customers range from museums to celebrities from around the world. Uniquely this process is on view to the public in the 'Visible Workshop'. Here it is possible to see the mechanisms and the work required to bring them to life. Visitors are welcome to browse & enjoy the exhibition without obligation. Its good fun for adults and educational for children!

The House of

AutomatA

S h o p ~ E x h i b i ti o n ~ W o rk s h o p

Automata are mechanical objects endowed with life The Inimitable

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Curiosity rewarded

Gift Shop

Suitable for Lovers of Rational Amusement From Infancy To Elderly Tuesday to Saturday from 10 til 5

THE HOUSE OF AUTOMATA SEAPARK, KINLOSS, FORRES IV36 3TT Tel: 01309 691 212 WWW.THEHOUSEOFAUTOMATA.COM

Automaton advisors to ‘Hugo’, Scorcese’s new 3D family movie. In cinemas December 2011 ~ Google “Hugo Trailer” ~

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My Little Cupcake Treat yourself to scrumminess!

Free Range & Fair Trade Ingredients Homemade & Individual, Locally Delivered TEL: 01667 455273 www.mylittlecupcake.vpweb.co.uk

Delivering fresh local produce to your Door to Inverness, Evanton, Black Isle, Nairn, Forres, Elgin and Lossiemouth

Scotgro, Broombank Farm, Auldearn, Nairn

Scotgro can deliver a box containing a selection of fresh local vegetables from our Nairnshire farm to your doorstep. Subscribing online for a regular weekly or fortnightly box is easy – you can even tell us which vegetables you don’t like so that we know not to put them in your box.

Order on-line at scotgro.com

Tel: 07580 231030

Mini £10 (1-2 people) Box £12 (2-4 people) Crate £16 (4-7 people)

farming

THE TATTIE HOLIDAYS Story by Jock Scott

When a local publication wrote a question and answer piece on people who have done well in life, they always ask ‘what was your first job and how much did you get paid?’ More often than not, the answer is tattie picking for half-a-crown or some such sum. There was an expectation in the Highlands and North East 50 years ago that children would work on farms to hand lift the potato crop during the October break. ‘The tattie holiday was an exciting time for country kids with the prospect of earning your own money for the first time. The work was exhausting, back bent, filling basket after basket with newly dug potatoes. It was heavy, dirty work for a child but pocketing the 10 bob note (50 pence) reward was magical!’ Christine Scott First there was the exciting trip to field in the ‘bogie’ (tractor trailer). The farmer would jump out of the idling tractor and measure that day’s stints, which was the distance along the potato row (drill) each individual had to gather. He would goosestep the length of the drill, divide the distance by number of pickers and mark each stint. A tractor drawn potato digger would then go down a single drill bringing the potatoes to the surface from where women and children picked them into baskets. It was a man’s job to collect the baskets and tip them into the bogie. Back at the farm the potatoes were tipped into a shallow pit. When the clamp was full straw was spread over it for insulation and then, once the potatoes had cured a little, a casing of earth was put over the top and firmly patted down. The pit was carefully opened periodically over the winter months and potatoes taken out as required, using a tattie graip, a close spaced fork with bulbous ends to the tines to protect the potatoes. Pits are seldom used for storage now but some farmers still use traditional methods of harvesting as it allows smaller amounts of a wider range of interesting and tasty varieties to be grown. People up here are very particular about their tatties and often describe them not in terms of taste but rather of consistency and texture using words such as wet, dry, mealy and waxy. For further information on our locally grown Tatties or other vegetables please contact Jock at Scotgro on Tel: 07580 231030 or pop by to our farm at Broombank Farm, Auldearn, Nairn (There’s always tatties at the end of the road!)

®

SpotLight Advertisers Index

Picture by brian J smith, Copyright

3D Plans ............................................................................13 Alba Business Services ....................................................10 Ashley Ann ..............................................Inside Front Cover Attic Clothing ....................................................................38 AW Landscapes ................................................................24 Beaver Travel................................................................32/33 Best Western Windsor Hotel ............................................40 Burnit Boot Camp Ltd ......................................................26 Chaplelon Farm Equestrian Centre ..................................7 Eden Court Theatre & Cinema..........................................16 Excel Scotland Ltd ............................................................35 Feis Inbhir Narainn ............................................................21 Forres Precast ................................................................13 Forres Tree Services ........................................................10 Golf View Hotel....................................................................9 Gordon Scott Chartered Accountant ..............................24 Highland BlindCraft ..........................................................29 Ian J S Wiseman ................................................................7 Innes Pipes........................................................................29 JC Chimney Sweeps ........................................................10 Knockomie Hotel ..............................................................29 Kylauren Homes ..........................................................24/27 Logie Steading ....................................................................3

page 38 - November 2011

Mackenzie & Cruickshank ................................................31 Michael Sharp Joinery ......................................................24 Moray Coast Veterinary Group ..........................................3 Moray Piano Trust ............................................................20 My Little Cupcake..............................................................35 Nairn Community & Arts Centre ......................................20 Olive Tree Chocolate ........................................................13 Reid Furniture....................................................................15 Roof Wizard ......................................................................35 Scotengineering ................................................................10 ScotGro ............................................................................37 Spotty Bag Shop ..............................................................37 Taxi 24-7 ........................................................................5/21 The House of Automata ....................................................35 The Loft Bistro ..................................................................23 Unique Beauty ................................................Front Cover/3 Universal Hall ....................................................................17 Varis Training..................................................................7/21 Veronique’s ......................................................................33 Victoria Hotel ....................................................................33 Wheelchair Care................................................................24 Words By The Wayside ....................................................34 Younies ..............................................................................13

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

Best Western

01667 453108

:LQGVRU +RWHO 1DLUQ SIZZLING STEAK NIGHT £8.95 EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Christmas & New Year Carvery £9.95 per head Seatings at 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm on both dates £5 deposit per person required on bookling places selling fast - book yours now!

Bring a Party to a Party Available Various Dates Throughout December £19.99 per person includes 4 Course Meal, Live Entertainment & Glass of Bubbly

Saturday & Sunday

12noon till 8pm

Carvery ONLY

£4.95 per head

Children under 12 eat for FREE. (Main meal only)

Monday to Friday

Lunch Special Two course lunch special menu ONLY

£4.95 per head

Dinner Special Three course dinner special menu ONLY

£9.95 per head

BEST WESTERN Windsor Hotel Albert Street, Nairn IV12 4HP 01667 453108 info@windsorhotelnairn.com

Buy two steaks and get a bottle of House Wine for £1.00

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