SpotLight On Nairn and District September 2011

SEPTEMBER 2011

NAIRN AND DISTRICT THE

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SpotLight Clubs and Societies

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 BOYS BRIGADE Contact 452950 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 CURLING CLUB Contact 404291 or 07831 760049 or email dave_rob@hotmail.com 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 & District, a high quality, cost effective, domiciliary respite care service for carers. Contact 455369 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 GEDDES W.R.I. Contact Mrs. Evelyn Cumming 404237 GIRLGUIDING NAIRN Contact District Commissioner Helen Guy tel 01667 452746 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 HIGHLAND HISTORICAL SEARCH SOCIETY We are an Inverness based metal detecting club, who have been searching the Highlands for over 23 years. During this time we have found 1000’s of artefacts, from the mundane to magnificent. Why not come & join us? You would be most welcome. Free equipment loan, tuition and regular places to detect. Beginners no problem &

Spotlight on Nairn is published by Winterburn media ltd, Comraich, Woodside Farm, Kinloss Iv36 3Ua all material contained within the Spotlight magazines is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertiser artwork or any other content, without the publishers prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright. all rates are per month plus vat and based on a Black & White 12 month series.

Call 01309 690063 for more details. page 4 - September 2011

transport provided if needed. For full details contact Len tel: 01808 521340 anytime 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.

LYNX NETBALL CLUB OF NAIRN All abilities welcome. S1 upwards. Contact Kim Neill tel: 455486 MORAY & NAIRN FLORAL ART CLUB Enjoy flowers? Come and watch talented flower demonstrators.

Meets 2nd Wednesday each month Applegrove Primary School Contact May Bichan

Sample advert rateS Box £23 Big Box £43 ¼ page £78 ½ page £146 Business profile £250 Full page £277 enhanced listings in What’s On pages from £25

tel: 01309 690063

tel: 01343 850634 MORAY ADVANCE MOTORISTS AND MOTORCYCLISTS Reg. Scottish Charity (SC 033561) visit www.morayiam.org.uk or 01309 673954 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 & DISTRICT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION An Association for beekeepers in and around Nairn. We welcome new beekeepers or visitors to join us for our monthly meetings.

Contact tel: 454887 or email jandjburns@hotmail.com NAIRN & DISTRICT PIPE BAND As a Pipe Band our aim is to keep the Traditional Scottish Music alive and to entertain the many visitors during the summer months at Highland Games, Gala''s and Street Performances etc. Also to encourage the youth.

Contact 454645 NAIRN ANGLING ASSOCIATION Contact 459250 or email nairnangling@tiscali.co.uk

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

SpotLight on Nairn and District

The Editor

It hardly seems five minutes ago that summer started and here we are slipping into Autumn. Let’s hope that we have one of those Indian Summers we hear so much about.

We do our best to try and cheer people up in SpotLight and this month we are running features to encourage us all to get out and about and don’t forget to check out the listings of Clubs and Societies which change monthly!

Chef Prawn & Whitefish Curry...........20

Outdoor The Wanderers Return .............25

PUBLISHER ...............David Nelmes SALES ......................Eilidh Conners ACCOUNTS ...................Lynn Wood LAYOUT .......................Natalie Hunt DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson Clubs & Societies......................4 & 6 Pastoral Letter.................................8 Church Details.................................8 Council News ................................10 Parliament Blog.............................10 School Term Dates........................12 What’s On ..............................15 - 18 Cinema Listings.............................17 Useful Numbers ............................30 Local Holidays...............................30 Tide Times.....................................30 Advertisers Index ..........................31

Home & Garden GreenThumb........................22-23

Nature Dancing Lights.....................26-27

Travel Dreaming of a Cruise................24

Otters ........................................28

October Issue Deadlines Editorial - Friday 2nd Sept.

Advertising - Wednesday 7th Sept.

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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.

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SpotLight Clubs and Societies

Picture by Pauline Lewin, Copyright

NAIRN BOWLING CLUB Meets Monday & Wednesday 2pm, Friday 7pm, AprilSeptember, Juniors Sunday.

Contact Mary Pellow 455515.

New members welcome NAIRN CEILIDH GROUP Highland Dancers, singers in Gaelic & English, Bagpipes, Poetry, Recitations & lots more.

Dancing to live bands. All monies to local charities. 8pm11pm Thursdays, Highland Hall, Cawdor St. Nairn. £2.50 at the door. Tel: 452516, email secretary@nairnceilidhgroup.org.uk www.nairnceilidhgroup.org.uk NAIRN COMMUNITY CENTRE Contact Sam Morrison 453476 NAIRN COUNTY CRICKET CLUB A friendly club, eager to involve all ages in cricket. Games on Saturdays. Practice night Tuesday at Nairn Links NAIRN COUNTY FOOTBALL CLUB LTD Contact 453286 NAIRN GAELIC CHOIR Performing of Gaelic and other choral music, while promoting the Gaelic language. Contact 452584 or email christinagillies@hotmail.co.uk NAIRN HIGHLAND GAMES COMMITTEE Contact 452422 or email info@nairnhighland games.co.uk www.nairnhighlandgames.co.uk NAIRN HYDROTHERAPY POOL Open 6 days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9.30am. For general health and well-being, helps all ages and many mobility problems. Contact 455351 NAIRN LADIES CURLING CLUB A friendly ladies curling club

page 6 - September 2011

offering good fun social curling.

New members very welcome.

Contact 404256 NAIRN MINIBUS ASSOCIATION Contact 452422 NAIRN MUSEUM Local history museum with 6 rooms of archives and memorabilia. Changing photo exhibitions. Children's Area. Disabled Access. Open Monday to Friday 10am - 4.30pm and Saturday 10am - 1pm, Easter to October.

Contact 456791 NAIRN REIKI SHARE Reiki healers, all levels. Get together sharing healing for self, others and planet Earth. Once a month. For more information email ali.omshanti@yahoo.co.uk 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@nairnroad runners.co.uk or visit www.nairnroad runners.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 SPORTS CLUB Nairn Sports Club has something for everyone - Fitness classes, Gym, Tennis, Squash & Badminton Courts, Sauna, Nonmembers welcome. Contact 454523 or email info@nairnsportsclub.co.uk NAIRN SYNCHRO SWIMMING CLUB Synchronized swimming - a sport with a difference. Nairn synchro has both international and national swimmers. Contact 454223 or email wyn.mcfadyen@tesco.net NAIRN THUNDERBOLTS Nairnshire’s Mini Rugby Club.

For children in Primary 4 - 7.

Training on Sunday mornings 10.30am - 12noon at Viewfield, behind Nairn Museum. Affiliated to SRU. For more details tel: 01667 454963 or visitwww.pitchero.com/clubs/nair nminirugbyclub/ NAIRN YOUTH CLUB Contact 453476 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 PET FOSTERING SCOTLAND To support pet owners who are in an emergency situation or becoming temporarily homeless.

Our volunteers will care for your pet in their own homes for short periods until you can be reunited. Volunteers always needed. Tel: 0844 811 9909 www.pfss.org.uk

tel: 01309 690063

RELATE HIGHLAND Offering the services of a counsellor in Nairn on Wednesday afternoons. Contact 01463 712888 (Monday-Thursday 10-1, or leave a message and you will be called back) RIDING FOR THE DISABLED We are a voluntary organisation that enables physically and mentally disabled children & adults to enjoy the benefits of horse riding. We are always looking for volunteer helpers.

Contact 01309 691823 or email tw-cm@negi.fsnet.co.uk 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 SSPCA INVERNESS Contact 455012 VOLUNTEERING HIGHLAND Volunteer Centre in Nairn Welcomes anyone who would like to volunteer in the local area.

Contact Fiona Barnes 453055 or nairn@volunteeringhighland.org

SpotLight on Nairn and District

Innes Pipes Ltd

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SpotLight

Pastoral letter and Church Meetings

Picture by Roger Carr, Copyright

Signs of getting older?

Perhaps it’s just me, or perhaps it’s a sign of getting older - like groaning when you get up out of a chair, or remembering when the latest fashion last came around - is it me, or does it seem that all the world has gone to pot?

Phone hacking scandals; MP’s expenses; wars in different places; famine in Africa; Northern Ireland getting scary again; that terrible killing spree in Norway; global warming; bad summers; dead pop stars; spending cuts; unemployment; USA on the brink - by the time you read this all sorts of unexpected things will have happened. It all seems a bit overwhelming to me - oh yes, don’t forget the price of petrol and the price hikes in gas and electric!

There’s another thing - can someone explain to me how other countries can run our utilities at a profit and we couldn’t. Please explain simply, so many things don’t make sense to me.

I'm getting more like Victor Meldrew! “I don't believe it!”

I suppose that there are lots more things to concern me, but I don’t want you to give up the will to live. Well, perhaps one or two more questions.

Do any of you remember when you expected to retire with a livable pension? Or can any of you remember when you actually got interest on your savings, or if you are younger, that you walked out of university into a choice of jobs? Those were the days.

There are so many things that we of a certain age used to think were safe and solid and certain, but now it doesn’t look that way. Wish I had bought some gold! Is there anything to hope in, anything that can take the weight of today’s problems?

Christianity is good in a crisis. In fact Christianity and the Church is usually best in hard times, because it does have a commodity that is secure. Well, its not really a commodity, it’s a person, the person of Jesus.

There is an old hymn, old, but still true, it goes like this - “When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope

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,

page 8 - September 2011

and stay, on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

Jesus says a lot about the fickleness of earthly riches and security. He says that there are riches which can be stolen or can rot, and there are other riches which we can store up in heaven which cannot be stolen and will not decay.

However that is not all. There are riches which we can enjoy and indeed we need for today - for example peace and joy, which are not dependant on there being no enemies or troubles and challenges, a peace and joy which is given to those who believe in Jesus and then discover that no matter how things seem, God is in control of everything, and what is more, He has a purpose and plan for humanity which not even 14 trillion dollars of debt can threaten. No, its not pie in the sky, it’s a solid rock which cannot be shaken, and he's called Jesus.

Ricky Reid Auldearn & Dalmore Parish Church

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.

St Mary’s Catholic Church IV12 4RJ, Saturday Vigil 6pm, Sunday Mass 11.30am, tel: 453323 United Reformed Church Morning Service with Sunday School and Creche 11am.

Contact Rev. Steven Manders 451443.

The Pentecostal Church of God Nairn Sunday Service 10.30am. Minister: JD Grant 456088. www.churchofgodnairn.org Nairn Joint Service 1st Sunday monthly St Ninians 6.30pm If you are a member of a church not listed here please email with details and we will print this in future issues.

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

GOLF VIEW HOTEL & SPA

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“ Parliament Blog ” I recently got a very enjoyable reminder of the extraordinary natural wealth of our surroundings when I joined children from Aviemore Primary School for a morning of ‘hands on’ outdoor education at Loch Garten with the RSPB. The RSPB does excellent work to give people, and children especially, the opportunity to experience our local wildlife and understand how to care for its future. Learning about our environment through sound, touch and smell will help children value and understand our forests in a different way – as well as the actions needed to safeguard them.

The lasting impact of such lessons is obvious to see – precisely because they are fun, inspiring and memorable.

I was very lucky to spend my own childhood on the island of Colonsay and then in Glengarry – so I was never short of places to explore and new things to discover.

Not everyone lives in the country, but in the Highlands we are lucky that the wild is never so far from our doorstep. This is the time of year to get out and get a feel for our outdoors in the same way as the children from Aviemore did. It can be tree-mendous fun!

There was no blog provided by Fergus Ewing this month Fergus Ewing MSP

Due to circumstances beyond our control, there are no Council Minutes this month.

Dann y Alexander MP

www.beavtrav.com www .com

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Have you got your tickets for Cinderella at Eden Court this Christmas? Beaver Travel is a ticket agent for Eden Court, with NO booking fees.

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SpotLight School Term Dates

NEW TUTORIAL COLLEGE From Advanced Highers for serious students to fun activities for children, learning with MFTC is as easy as

P.O Box 7161 Inverness IV2 3YT Email: info@mfschool.co.uk Tel 01463 716151 Website: www.mftcollege.co.uk 94 Academy Street, Inverness

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

Drawing With the Right-hand Side of the Brain Wednesday, 31 Aug 11 10am - 12noon for 12 weeks £74.40 Introduction to Knitting and Crochet Tuesday, 06 Sept 11 7pm - 9pm for 6 weeks £37.20 Photography - Using a Digital Camera Monday, 05 Sept 11 10am - 12noon for 10 weeks £62

v &HUWDLQ FRXUVHV PD\ KDYH DQ additional charge for materials. v ,QGLYLGXDO /HDUQLQJ $FFRXQWV ,/$V FDQ QR ORQJHU EH XVHG WR help with leisure course fees.

To book a place on any of the courses above: Telephone 01343 576216 or email mc.registry@moray.uhi.ac.uk Board of Management of Moray College is a Registered Scottish Charity, No. SC021205

BOOKING NOW! page 12 - September 2011

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for 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Ends Friday 7th October 2011 Regional Closure Monday 24th October 2011 Winter Term Starts Tuesday 25th October 2011 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

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Picture by Pauline Lewin, Copyright

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight on Nairn and District

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God placed Himself in menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands when He sent Jesus Christ into the world as perfect God and perfect Man in one Being. He was then in manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands. They cursed Him. It was permitted. Men spit on Him. God allowed it.

God is in your hands, nowâ&#x20AC;Ś God has already set the day when you will be in His hands.

What He does with you then depends on what you do with Him now.

They called Him a devil. God withheld His wrath. Finally men arrested Him, gave Him a mock trial, flogged Him, nailed Him on a cross and hung Him between earth and heaven; and God allowed it.

Then it will be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living Godâ&#x20AC;? Hebrews 10:31, if you have abused Him in your hands. In that day God will have only two verdicts: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angelsâ&#x20AC;? Matthew 25:41, or You can do likewise, though Christ is not bodily present. â&#x20AC;&#x153;enter thou into the joy of thy Lordâ&#x20AC;? Matthew 25:21. The You can ignore Him. You can ignore His Book, the Bible. verdict that will fall upon you depends on what you You can laugh at His bloodbought salvation, curse His do with Christ now. followers, and laugh at hell. It is permitted. The eternal The Lord Jesus Christ is the only shelter in the day of Christ may knock at your Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrath; He is the appointed expression of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s door, calling you to give love to us, demonstrated in His life, death, and resurrecup sin and prepare for heaven. tion. Through the Holy Spirit, He continues His love, You may refuse Him, spit on moving upon our human spirit and prompting our Him, call Him a devil, curse human conscience. You have no connection with God Him. It is permitted. or with heaven but through the Lord Jesus Christ. There You may take His Name upon your lips in oaths and is â&#x20AC;&#x153;one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesusâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? I Timothy 2:5 curses if you so choose.

On the other hand, you may seek His favor, humble yourself before Him and beg His mercy, implore His forgiveness, forsake your sins, and commit your whole life to Him. He has said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.â&#x20AC;?

Revelation 3:20

You may choose to be neutral, but that is delusion.

You may postpone decision, so to speak. But, to the ear of God, the postponement is a flat â&#x20AC;&#x153;no.â&#x20AC;? This is your day.

He is in your hands. In Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day, when you are in His hands, there will be no postponement of sentence, no neutral place between heaven and hell, no mediator between God and man. No mediator - for He who is now mediator has already been appointed to be Judge in that day.

The choice is up to you. The latch is on your side of the door. The choice is yours: the revellings and pleasureseekings of this world or quiet communion with God; the ever burning lusts of the flesh or the powerful victory of Holy Spirit discipline. The choice is yours:

If you want mercy and pardon, you will have to get it now. 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. But do it now.

He is in your hands - now.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;But G God od ccommendeth ommendeth H His is love love towards towards us us,, in tha that, t, we were sinners,, C Christ us.â&#x20AC;? while w ew ere yet yet sinners hrist died ffor or us .â&#x20AC;? RRomans omans 5 : 8

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Visit a Gospel Hall near you this week

â&#x20AC;?

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

®

Please send us details of Your events log on to www.spotlighton.co.uk email natalie@spotlighton.co.uk or call 01309 690063 diary deadline for october issue is friday 2nd september

SpotLight What’s On

AUGUST until october 31 monday

SEPTEMBER until oct 31 monday

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

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

1 thursday

29 monday nairn drama club open auditions, 4.30pm-6.30pm for youth (8-18) and 7.30pm-9.30pm for adult & main character, the little theatre, nairn, register your interest in advance at www.nairndrama.org.uk

30 tuesday - september 4 sunday nairn book & arts festival 2011, for more details visit www.nairnfestival.co.uk

NAIRN Nairn Community & Arts Centre Your local venue for films, shows, concerts and parties.

Wide range of activities for all ages.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS 31st Aug- 4th Sept........ Nairn Book & Arts Festival 10th Sept .................Highland Russian Connection Family Ceilidh 30th Sept .......................................... Cinema Nairn “The Kids are All Right” 2010(PG) For further details Telephone 01667 453476, e-mail, info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk SpotLight on Nairn and District

italia ‘n’ caledonia, 8pm, nairn community and arts centre, master storyteller mike maran tells of the italians who emigrated to scotland 100 years ago to start new lives, accordion music by david vernon, £12/£3, tel:453476 www.nairnfestival.co.uk

3 saturday mundole equestrian north of scotland welsh pony & cob association highland fling, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com russian music, song and dance competition - part of nairn book and arts festival, 10am, nairn community and arts centre, children free/adults £2, tel: 456245 or visit www.highlandrussia.org.uk walk ten at belladrum’s italian gardens with marie curie cancer care, 6pm-10pm, enjoy a twilight stroll and raise money for the charity, visit the website at www.mariecurie.org.uk/walkten to register msfits theatre ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’, 8pm, nairn community and arts centre, latest one woman comedy drama from multi award winning playwright rona munro, £12/£3, tel: 453476 www.nairnfestival.co.uk

3 saturday and 4 sunday stained glass weekend at half-a-moon, ardersier, learn how to make a stained glass panel, places are limited, phone 01667 461361 for further details www.halfamoon.co.uk

4 sunday mundole equestrian one day event and unaffiliated dressage, closing date 26th august, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com music nairn presents ‘the da vinci trio’, 8pm, nairn community & arts centre, with a superb programme of mendlessohn, john ireland & schubert on piano, violin & cello, tickets £18/£14/£2, tel: 455701

www.spotlighton.co.uk

September 2011 - page 15

SEPTEMBER 2011 continued

5 monday feel the rhythm! - afro style drum and percussion 10 week course, all welcome, instruments provided or bring your own, tel: 01343 850610 or email cocarol@talktalk.net

8 thursday international forest film festival - winners presentation, 6.30pm, eden court theatre, inverness, free, for details and to book visit www.cifalfindhorn.org

9 friday cawdor and croy churches - ceilidh for dr graham's homes, kalimpong, 7.30pm-10.30pm (supper at 7.45pm), croy village hall, tickets available at cawdor and croy village shops and at church services, £6 for adults, £2.50 for accompanied children under 16, music from the inverness fiddlers, stovies and trifle, byob, charity auction and raffle

23 friday aly bain & phil cunningham, 8pm universal hall, findhorn, £16/£14, tel: 01309 691170

&

10 saturday ‘gardeners question time’, 10.30am, nairn community & arts centre, tickets £10 in aid of forres & nairn riding for the disabled, refreshments, plants & produce stalls, tel:01807 500253 day of russian culture, 12noon-3pm, nairn community and arts centre, free admission, supported by russkiy mir foundation, tel: 456245 or visit www.highlandrussia.org.uk highland-russia connection charity’s family ceilidh with the andy ross ceilidh band, 7pm-10pm, nairn community and arts centre, bar open for refreshments, raffle, children free/adults £2, supported by russkiy mir foundation, tel: 456245

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11 sunday mundole equestrian show jumping, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com

17 saturday western front association - the railway operating division, royal engineers, in the great war - niall ferguson, 2.30pm, the gallery, elgin library, contact derek bird tel: 01343 870562, email chairman.wfasnb@virgin.net or visit www.wfascotlandnorth.org.uk

18 sunday mundole equestrian british dressage and unaffiliated dressage, closing date 9th september, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com buttonbox gathering, 7.30pm, eden court, inverness, buttonbox players & their bands performing, £13/conc £1, hosted by andy ross, tel: 01463 232718 for info or tel: 01463 234234 for tickets

21 wednesday masayuki kino & mami shikimori, 7.30pm universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8/£6, tel: 01309 691170 page 16 - September 2011

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24 saturday table-top sale, 10am-12.30pm, st. columba’s church hall, queen street, nairn, in aid of church funds, but entry by donation to famine relief living food at cawdor castle, 10am-5pm, over 50 food producers, crafts and all day entertainment, family ticket only £8 when booked in advance, discounted rail travel, great value family day out, tel: 07515 915956 or www.livingfoodatcawdorcastle.com scottish chamber music, 7.30pm, brodie castle, musicians karin leitner & alina bzezhinska, £16/£14, tel: 0844 4932156 or www.nts.org.uk/events

Living Food at Cawdor Castle A Great Value Family Day Out Saturday 24th Sept 10am-5pm

Over 50 local food producers, artisan crafts Free family entertainment all day Online family ticket only £8 Book now at www.livingfoodatcawdorcastle.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 September 2011 Eden Court Theatre, Inverness The Skin I Live In (15) One Day (12a)

Vue Cinema, Inverness From Friday 2nd Fright Night 3D (tbc) Apollo 18 (tbc) From Friday 9th Jane Eyre (tbc) Friends With Benefits (tbc) From Friday 16th Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (tbc) The Change Up (tbc) From Friday 23rd Drive (tbc) Crazy, Stupid, Love (tbc) Killer Elite (tbc) Warrior (tbc) From Friday 30th The Debt (tbc) Abduction (tbc) Shark Night 3D (tbc) KidsAM Every Saturday & Sunday at 10.15am Tickets £1.25 / VIP Tickets £2.75 Senior Screenings Every Tuesday afternoon Tickets £3.05 / VIP Tickets £4.55

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

Moray Playhouse, Elgin

New Screenings begin on Fridays Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk

Highland Spiritual Cinema

Monthly screenings of uplifting and inspiring films that inform, enlighten and entertain.

For further details please visit www.highlandspiritualcinema.net or telephone 01463 237452

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

September 2011 - page 17

OCTOBER 2011 in brief

SEPTEMBER 2011 continued

25 sunday mundole equestrian show jumping, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com laigh o’ moray vintage charity rally & fun day, inchkeil steading (on the elgin/burghead road, 4 miles west of elgin), in aid of the friendship fund for people with MS, contact morag davidson tel: 01309 676815 or gordon mckenzie tel: 01343 541665, adults £5/OAP’s £3/children £2/ under 5’s free

29 thursday garth hewitt in concert, 7.30pm, culduthel christian centre, inverness, tickets £10/£5/u-16’s free, for tickets & more information contact gill tel: 01463 861342 / 01721 382433 or email gill.mcwh@uwclub.net

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30 friday cinema nairn - ‘the kids are all right’ (15), 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 453476 the bevvy sisters, 8pm universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8/£6, tel: 01309 691170 craig campbell, 8pm, the loft venue, kinloss, tickets £12, tel: 01343 850111, visit www.eastgrange.co.uk

Craig Campbell - The Loft Venue Friday 30th September 8pm “Bringing a tale to life like a young Billy Connolly” (The Edinburgh Evening News) Over 16’s. Tickets £12 Tel: 01343 850111 www.eastgrange.co.uk

HOW tHe “WHat’S ON” WOrKS all line listings are free send us details of any events coming up to natalie@spotlighton.co.uk If you would like an enhanced listing (white box) this costs £25 plus vat. Call 01309 690063 for details.

deadline for October Issue is Friday 2nd September page 18 - September 2011

until 31 monday 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 1 saturday charity christmas card sale, 10am-1pm, cawdor community hall, cawdor school, entry free, tea and coffee available for church funds music nairn presents a concert by pure brass, 8pm, nairn community and arts centre, a young and vibrant brass quintet with a programme ranging from baroque to jazz, tickets £18/ members £14/ students £2, tel: 455701 2 sunday mundole equestrian hunter trial, closing date 23rd september, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com 7 friday charity evening for marie curie cancer care : moray string quartet & inverness opera society, brodie castle, tel: 0844 4932156 or www.nts.org.uk/events ivan drever, 8pm, the loft venue, kinloss, tickets £10, tel: 01343 850111, visit www.eastgrange.co.uk 8 saturday guide dogs for the blind 80th anniversary coffee morning, 10am-12noon, st leonards church hall, forres, the usual stalls plus guide dogs merchandise 9 sunday mundole equestrian british dressage and unaffiliated dressage PC dengie nov/open qualifier, closing date 30th september, contact 07901 602042 or

tel: 01309 690063

visit www.mundoleequestrian.com 15 saturday mundole equestrian m&n pony club dressage and show jumping, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com 16 sunday mundole equestrian show jumping PC dengie qualifier, contact 07901 602042 or visit www.mundoleequestrian.com 20 thursday to 25 tuesday western front association branch battlefield tour to the somme, arras and ypres, contact derek bird tel: 01343 870562, email chairman.wfasnb@virgin.net or visit www.wfascotlandnorth.org.uk 21 friday cinema nairn childrens special - ‘up’ (u), 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 453476 22 saturday and 23 sunday mundole equestrian m&n pony club 2 day rally, contact 07901 602042 or visit the website www.mundoleequestrian.com 28 friday cinema nairn fans poll spooky double bill, 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 453476 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 31 monday halloween tour of castle, brodie castle, tel: 0844 4932156 or www.nts.org.uk/events

SpotLight on Nairn and District

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Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Confidential As the nights draw in, this is a great dish that is quick to prepare and and can be done in advance, perfect for supper with friends

Prawn and Whitefish Curry 2 Green Chillies 2 Onions - thinly sliced 3cm Fresh Root Ginger 2 dessert spoons Green Thai Curry Paste 400grm can Coconut Milk 1 teaspoon Garam Masala 225grm cooked and peeled King Prawns 500grm firm White Fish (pollock, haddock, cod) 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil 3 teaspoons Tumeric Powder Cut the stalks from the green chillies, slice thinly. If you prefer to have your curry not so hot, de-seed the chillies. Peel the root ginger and shred into fine matchsticks.

Place the onions and chillies in a frying pan with the vegetable oil on a medium heat to soften the onions. Add the ginger and curry paste, garam masala and 2 teaspoons of the tumeric.

Put the coconut milk into a measuring jug and fill to ž litre with boiling water.

Pour the milk mixture into the frying pan and simmer for 10 minutes to reduce slightly.

Dice the white fish into chunks, and toss with the king prawns in the remaining tumeric. This can be set aside until you are ready to eat.

Just before you are about to eat, heat the sauce up and when simmering add the fish and prawns, cook for 5 minutes until the fish is cooked and the prawns thoroughly heated. Serve with boiled rice.

For added flavour garnish with freshly chopped coriander.

Penny Ellis, Owner Knockomie Hotel, Forres tel: 01309 673146

20

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“Get “Get mobile mobile in in Autumn” Autumn” with

Wheelchair Care

For over two decades we have been supplying and servicing a wide variety of mobility and daily living aids throughout the North of Scotland and beyond.

A very friendly atmosphere and pleasant surroundings ensure that your purchase or browse will always be comfortable. We also have two full time Area Consultants who are available to take equipment to your home for demonstration and they will always encourage a ‘Free of charge’ trial period where you can take your time to assess equipment suitability within your own environment.

Buy on the internet Full online shopping service from the comfort of your home on www.mooringsmediquip.com Hours of Business MON - FRI 9am - 5pm

01309 676677 sales@wheelchaircare.co.uk 21 West Road, Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres IV36 2GW (Behind Lidl) Easy Parking & Disabled Toilet Facilities

Nairn Sunset

Summer 2011 has proven to be rather wet and cool in the North East. Our usually favourable climate here is due mainly to the prevailing wind being from the south-west, but this year there has been an awful lot of wind from the north and east – not great at any time of year. On top of a very severe winter, followed by the driest March and April for years, then offered one of the coolest wettest summers for years, it is no surprise to be told when we visit “our” lawns around the area that gardens have been very slow and disappointing, poor vegetables and poor flowers.

Lawns have been struggling too with many stressed lawns showing signs of Red Thread fungal disease.

I mentioned this emerging last time and now it is fairly rampant across the whole of the North of the UK (the wet bit)! Symptoms are patches of brown/pinkish grass, looks like it’s drying out or dying. It is not fatal, the frosts clear it up, but until then, once you have it, it remains unless you put on a fungicide (though September is probably too late).

Moss is getting going now with poor weather and stressed grass not standing up for itself. Moss is the No.1 problem we see in these parts, the main causes being Cut too short – weakens grass, poor colour Damp/shaded conditions Compacted ground – often just an age thing Thatch build up – old dead material etc Keen gardeners, TV gardening programmes, magazines and GreenThumb, all recommend aerating and scarifying the grass in the autumn/winter. You can try doing this with a garden fork and raking out, but most agree this is a job best tackled with machines. Some jobs are just not hand tool jobs !

Some gardeners have small electric lawn rakes which are fine for taking off surface moss, but it just comes back again since the cause of moss growth remains unchanged, usually thatch and compacted ground.

We use a large blade scarifier to chop through thatch (under which moss grows and thrives) and remove it from the lawn.

Aerator & Scarifier

We also have a big, heavy aerator with hollow-core tines to take out thousands of cores from compacted ground, easing compaction, and improving draining and ventilation in the root zone. It also leaves space for the grass to produce new roots and new grass. Golf clubs and bowling clubs do this all the time for the same reasons.

Finally, try and keep falling leaves off the grass for all sorts of reasons For more information about seasonal lawn improvements from just £15 per qtr, plus useful downloads and photos go to www.greenthumb.co.uk or contact Alastair or Fiona for a FREE lawn analysis on 01667 404774. Although GreenThumb is a national franchise with over 200 branches across the UK, we are locally based in Cawdor and cover the whole Moray Firth area.

23

travel

Dreaming of... ...a cruise

Celebrity Silhouette launched in June 2011 capacity for 2,880 passengers.

One of the most rapidly expanding sectors of the Travel Industry is Cruising. It can be described as living in a luxury hotel, which moves from destination to destination, and there is no need to pack or unpack your suitcases more than once!

Fewer than one third of the British population go on Cruises, although it is double that number in the USA. The market has seen steady growth, driven by innovation and the quality of the experience. There are large capacity increases being launched all the time, so what might have seemed like a very exclusive mode of transport historically has become much more available to the seasoned holidaymakers.

Born out of the need to take Mail and certain important goods round the world, cruising has evolved from being a byproduct of a necessary industry to an industry in itself. There are still certain types of working boats that will take passengers as well, but the predominance of Cruise liners today are purpose-built and very luxurious. They are large ships with all the facilities, such as sports, health and wellbeing Spa facilities, as well as theatre and cultural entertainment.

There is a perception that cruising is very formal and only for the older generation, but that is changing. The average age of Cruising people comes down each year, and ships are coming into service to cater for different needs. Some prefer to do a Fly Cruise, where you join the ship in an already exotic or interesting destination. Some prefer a Fly and Stay, where they join the ship and before or after their cruise they spend some time in that country. Some prefer to depart and return to a home port, negating the need to fly at all.

Although the prices sometimes look expensive, you have to remember that all your meals are normally included in the price, and the only things to spend your money on are drinks.

Imagine spending a day in an interesting European city, retiring to the ship for dinner and a good night's sleep, and then waking up in the morning in another fascinating destination. That's Cruising!

Quen Elizabeth 2 (fore) and Queen Mary 2 meet in Sydney Harbour

Information kindly supplied by

24

2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 Â&#x2021; +LJK Street, FRUUHV

outdoor

7KH %LUG 0DQ THE WANDERERS RETURN

Bar Tailed Godwit

As Autumn approaches, bird watcher's gear up for a busy time of year and one of the most eagerly awaited family of birds to return, are the Waders.

Many of these birds will be here for the whole winter, however, the difference at this time of year is that many will still be retaining their Summer breeding plumage. The two that have probably the most dramatic colour change, is the Bar Tailed Godwit and Knot.

Bar Tailed Godwits are a large Wader, about the size of a Curlew and found on sandy stretches of the shoreline where they probe the mud and sand for food using their long straight bill (as opposed to the long curved bill of the Curlew). As these birds arrive from their Knot

breeding grounds in the high Arctic tundra, they form loose flocks of usually between twenty and thirty birds. However, if you visit Findhorn bay you may be treated to flocks in excess of two hundred.

The Knots arrive at roughly the same time and as well as heading for the sandy beaches they also frequent the more rocky sections of the shore. A smaller and stockier bird than the Godwit, its' brick red plumage makes it very obvious against the grey rocks; however give it a few more weeks and it's pale grey winter feathers will blend magically into its' surroundings. Its' much shorter bill, show a different feeding technique also; the Knot probing into shallower sand and picking food from the surface of the sea-weed and rocks.

With the Seasons changing so does the birdlife, the first Geese will be arriving on local Lochs and estuaries and the last of the Summer migrants will be heading South to their wintering grounds, with all the upheaval of migration, it's definitely a time to expect the unexpected!

Next Month: Sea Ducks

Information kindly supplied by Birding Ecosse, offering Birdwatching for beginners workshops.

25

s WWW BIRDINGECOSSE COM s BIRDINGECOSSE HOTMAIL CO UK

nature

Dancing Lights

By Stan Barber With long winter nights approaching thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a chance to see one of the most exhilarating sights in the night sky, the Northern Lights, particularly if you know when, where and what to look for.

Our ancestors marvelled at these strange lights that danced in the northern sky and there were many ideas on their cause, some extremely fanciful. Vikings believed they were reflections from the shields and armour of Valkyries, mythical mounted warriors.

Another was that the lights were a bridge from Earth to Heaven called Bifrost (the Quivering Roadway) leading fallen warriors to the Great Hall

directions,

of Valhalla. In the Middle Ages many

some of these highly charged

believed that the lights were signs

particles interact with the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magnetic

from God.

field and are funnelled down along the lines of

It was not until the early 20th century

magnetic flux towards the magnetic poles. In

that the causes of aurora were better

the northern hemisphere the phenomenon is

understood, and the essential driving

called the Aurora Borealis while in the southern

forces determined. The main driver of

hemisphere it is referred to as the Aurora

aurora is the Sun and in particular the

Australis.

solar wind, a stream of charged

Solar wind particles collide with atoms and

particles ejected from its upper

molecules in our upper atmosphere with green

atmosphere. Streaming out in all

or brownish-red light resulting from collisions

26

with oxygen molecules, and blue or

with a clear northern horizon is good but it’s

red light from nitrogen. The intensity

much better if you can get away from street

and activity of aurora vary mainly

light pollution and there’s a dark northern

as a result of the intensity of the

horizon. A number of places along the

solar wind, which can be

Moray Firth coast will fit this bill, with Spey

augmented by solar eruptions

Bay a particularly good spot. If you have a

associated with sunspots and even

computer then there’s a number of sites

larger events such as Coronal Mass

that offer free aurora warnings by email

Ejections. Aurora are normally seen

such as the Department of Physics at

only in higher latitudes, between

Lancaster University.

about 60-70 degrees north and

www.dcs.lancs.ac.uk/iono/aurorawatch.

south. However, major eruptions of particles from the Sun can cause

The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis can often be seen in winter time in the north of Scotland - sometimes further south too. But as a result of this song they seem to be associated more with Aberdeen than anywhere else!

When I was a lad, a tiny wee lad My mother said to me Come see the Northern Lights my boy They' re bright as they can be She called them the heavenly dancers Merry dancers in the sky I'll never forget, that wonderful sight They made the heavens bright

Photo: Alan Tough

the Sun’s 11-year sunspot cycle has an effect. Solar activity, has picked up recently with the next maximum predicted anywhere between autumn 2011 and autumn 2012.

Chorus The Northern Lights of old Aberdeen Mean home sweet home to me The Northern Lights of old Aberdeen Are what I long to see I’ve been a wanderer all of my life Any many a sight I've seen God speed the day when l'm on my way To my home in Aberdeen

especially in places where there’s a

I've wandered in many far-off lands And travelled many a mile I've missed the folk I cherished most The joy of a friendly smile It warms up the heart of a wand'rer The clasp of a welcoming hand To greet me when I return, Home to my native land

clear, dark horizon. Any location

Chorus

Local astronomer and astro-imager Alan Tough captured this image from Elgin in March this year. So next time it’s clear and dark, why not spend some time outside,

27

nature

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is one of our most charismatic if elusive mammals, and whilst otter populations have suffered serious decline, numbers in the north of Scotland have remained relatively stable. This is probably due in part to not having suffered the pollution problems of elsewhere in the UK , and partly down to quieter roads. Road kill is a major factor in declining otter populations as otters hunt over large areas, often crossing roads.

To see otters, first of all I'd suggest looking for signs of activity. Start off by looking around an incoming stream. Whilst they may live and hunt in salt water, they need a freshwater source to clean the salt from their fur. Look for otter droppings (spraint) on top of rocks above the high tide line. The males do this to mark their territory. Also look out for part eaten fish and remains of crabs, which indicates a feeding site.

The best time to look for them on the coast is at dawn or dusk, about 2-3 hours after low tide when the incoming tide is at it's fastest. Ideally you will need flat calm conditions, and look for the v shaped ripple that the otter makes as it swims. Otters are distinguishable from seals as the tail comes out of the water when they dive. Otters are well camouflaged when onshore and you will need to watch very closely for any movement to spot them. Binoculars are essential.

Once spotted , you may be able to enjoy watching them for some time as they hunt, forage and play on the shoreline. Small prey they will eat in the water, lying on their back. Larger ones they will come ashore to eat After last months article on pine martens, I had a phone call from a reader whose son had seen a brown animal with a light patch on its front swimming in the canal. Could this be a pine marten? The answer is yes. Pine martens are strong swimmers and the only mammal better in water is the otter!

28

nature

Ian MacLeod runs Wild West www.wildwestsafari.co.uk ian@wildwestsafari.co.uk Offering wildlife safaris in the Great Glen and surrounding areas.

September

Contrary to popular belief, we only have one species of otter in the UK and this is a freshwater species - the sea otter is only found in the northern pacific. The Eurasian otter is a nocturnal mammal, mainly active at night explaining why we rarely see them inland during the day. However, those that have chosen to live in coastal waters are much more active during the day as their movements are dictated by the tides.

Next month: The red deer rut

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Useful Contacts 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 Centre ........(01667) 456759 DOCTORS Nairn Hospital A&E .....................................(01667) 452101 The Lodgehill Clinic ....................................(01667) 452096 Ardersier 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 Inverness Holiday Inverness Holiday St Andrews Day Christmas Day Holiday * Boxing Day Holiday * New Years Day Holiday * 2nd January Holiday *

Mon. 3rd Oct. 2011 Mon. 7th Nov. 2011 Wed. 30th Nov. 2011 Mon. 26th Dec. 2011 Tues. 27th Dec. 2011 Mon. 2nd Jan. 2012 Tues. 3rd Jan. 2012

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR NAIRN IN SEPTEMBER Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times AM PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

TH F SA SU M TU W

08.58 09.42 10.28 11.17 01.00 03.08

21.00 21.43 22.30 23.29 12.22 14.19 15.36

page 30 - September 2011

8 TH 9 F 10 SA 11 SU 12 M 13 T 14 W 15 TH 16 F 17 SA 18 SU 19 M

Inverness Holiday Mon. 6th Feb. 2012 Inverness Holiday Mon. 5th Mar. 2012 Inverness Holiday Mon. 2nd April 2012 Good Friday Fri. 6th April 2012 May Day Bank Holiday Mon. 7th May 2012 * substitute, as this holiday falls on a weekend or other bank holiday

AM 04.16 05.11 05.55 06.29 06.55 07.13 07.34 08.01 08.28 08.42 08.44 09.03

tel: 01309 690063

PM 16.35 17.23 18.00 18.24 18.41 19.06 19.38 20.10 20.35 20.40 20.58 21.36

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

AM 09.39 10.56 02.10 03.11 04.02 04.52 05.40 06.26 07.08 07.51 08.34

PM 23.41 14.37 15.34 16.23 17.09 17.55 18.37 19.18 20.00 20.43

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Picture by Eileen Fitzpatrick, Copyright

3D Plans ..............................................................................7 Alastair Munro Plumbing & Heating ................................29 Alba Business Services ......................................................7 Ashley Ann............................................Outside Back Cover Beaver Travel ....................................................................10 Caledonian Kilts ..................................................................7 Cawdor Castle Living Food ..............................................16 Creative Piano ..................................................................29 Elgin Library ......................................................................18 Excel Scotland ....................................................................7 Forres Tree Services ........................................................29 Garth Hewitt at Culduthel..................................................18 Golf View Hotel....................................................................9 Gordon Scott Chartered Accountant ..................................5 GreenThumb (Inverness) ............................................22-23 Innes Pipes..........................................................................7 JC Chimney Sweeps ........................................................29 Knockomie Hotel ................................................................3 Kylauren Homes................................................................11

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