SpotLight on Strathspey & District - December 2015

Page 1

DECEMBER 2015

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES ABERLOUR BRIDGE CLUB Wednesday nights 6.30pm for a 6.45pm (Sept - April) start at The Fleming Hall, Queens Road, Aberlour, Speyside. Secretary Audrey Gammack Tel: 07855 087984. To book your seat phone Mike on 01343 543962 ABERLOUR PARISH WOMEN’S GUILD Meetings are held monthly, on Thursday evenings at 7.15pm, Aberlour Parish Church. Call Nan Thomson on 01340 871325 AVIEMORE COMMUNITY CAFE Wednesdays 10am - 4pm. St Andrew's Church Hall. Tea, coffee, home baking; and homemade soup and roll or cheese scone from 12noon. A warm welcome awaits you. Contact Jane Alexander: pjanealexander@gmail.com AVIEMORE WOMEN'S RURAL INSTITUTE 3rd Wednesday, 7:30pm in St. Andrew's Church Hall, Aviemore. (Sept to Apr) New members are welcome. For more information call Molly on 01479 812608 or email sangstermolly@aol.com

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page 4 - December 2015

BEADING & JEWELLERY MAKING WORKSHOPS The Imagination Workshop, Inverdruie, Aviemore. Learn how to use beads and wire to make your own amazing jewellery. Call Gayle Penney on 01479 812111 DALLAS PARENT & TODDLERS Every Monday, 2pm - 4pm at Dallas Hall. Come join us for a cuppa & play. Contact Susan 01343 890439 / Emma 01343 890479 or find us on Facebook. EDINVILLIE DARTS CLUB Meets Wednesdays from 7pm in the Edinvillie Hall. Anyone 13 years and over is welcome whatever your ability! Call Heather on 01340 871322 HIGHLAND SPIRITUAL CINEMA Meets last Wednesday each month at Highland Rail House, Inverness. Film group screening uplifting & inspiring films. Members can also use our postal service to borrow films for home viewing. For details call 01463 237452 or visit www.highlandspiritualcinema.net INVERALLAN OLD TYME DANCING 2nd Tuesday of the month from 7:30pm - 10pm at Inverallan Church Hall, Grantown-on-Spey. Mixed old tyme and country dancing to live music. No partner required. £3 incl. tea and biscuits. Call 01479 851353 or email: jane.mackintosh.01@btinternet.com KINGUSSIE PARENT, BABY & TODDLER GROUP Thursdays 9.15am - 11.30am, Badenoch Centre, Spey Centre, Kingussie. Call 01540 662485.

KINGUSSIE TENNIS CLUB Coaching available for members and non-members. New members welcome. Call Moira Webster on 01540 661484. KNOCKANDO CRAFT GROUP Tuesdays 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Margach Hall, Knockando. General interest group. £2 per Call Lucy on 01340 810229. MORAY COELIAC GROUP Meet 1st Saturday of the month (except Jan & Feb), 10:30am in the cafe at Baxters, Fochabers. Get together for newly diagnosed and existing members to network, ask questions, share recipes and ideas / information. 'Coffee, Cake and Catch up' sessions. All welcome. For further info email Kirsteen.pyett@btinternet.co.uk MORAY FLYING CLUB 7 days a week. Also offering courses for people to become leisure pilots, all the way up to professional ratings. Kinloss barracks, IV36 3UH. For details please call 01309 617361 and visit www.morayflyingclub.com MORAY SANDS 3rd Wednesday every month, 7:30pm at The Ugie House Hotel. Self-help support group, run by bereaved parents for bereaved parents and their families. Informal and confidential. No cost. For more details call or text Beck on 07549 684986 or Karen on 07971 834133 or email moraysands@hotmail.co.uk MORTLACH ART GROUP Meets in the Memorial Hall, Albert Place, Dufftown every Thursday 1pm-5pm. £2 per meeting. Tuition available. Some materials are available

KINGUSSIE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB Wednesdays, 7:30pm - 9:30pm in Tala na Ros, King Street, Kingussie from September to March. New members and visitors welcome. Contact 01540 662060 / 01540 661772.

NETHY BRIDGE HEALTH WALK GROUP Meets every Tuesday at the Community Centre @ 1 pm. Contact Jane on 07519 569005 for more information.

KINGUSSIE SWRI Meets every second Tuesday 7:30pm in Tala nan Ros, King Street (Sept - Apr) Visitors most welcome. Speaker and home baking tea.

ROTHIEMURCHUS AND AVIEMORE TENNIS CLUB Situated at Inverdruie, on the outskirts of Aviemore. Court Hire: 10am to 5pm. Call 01479 812345 for info or to book a court.

tel: 01309 690063

RTR ASSOCIATION (MORAY FIRTH BRANCH) Meet monthly & arrange dinners and outings for ex-RTR personnel. Contact Peter on 01542 841740 or Clive on 01542 841529 for more info. SCOTTISH WOMENS RURAL INSTITUTE 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm at St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Aviemore. Find friendship, support, fun and laughter in this unique organisation. Call SWRI headquarters on 0131 225 1724 SPEY ART GROUP, GRANTOWN ON SPEY Wednesdays 7pm - 9pm at Grantown Grammar School. Friendly group that welcomes new members. Tuition provided. Call Liz Downie 01479 872085 lizdownie1@btinternet.com THE ROTARY CLUB OF ABERLOUR AND SPEYSIDE Tuesdays, 6:30pm for 7pm at Aberlour Hotel, 87 High St, Aberlour, AB38 9QB THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Burnside Road, Aviemore, Highlands and Islands PH22 1SQ. Call 01479 810892 THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION The Square, Grantown-on-Spey Morayshire, PH26 3HF. Call 01479 873690 PLEASE NOTE: Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis.

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

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS December already - and Christmas will soon be here! Can you believe it? The saying is ‘the older you are the faster time goes’, but now this seems to apply to every generation. So often we are running around at the last minute and time’s running out! The Christian year can seem a bit like that too. Already we are in the season of Advent which commences four Sundays before Christmas on the Sunday nearest St. Andrew’s Day (30th November). Advent comes from the Latin ‘adventus’ meaning “coming” which itself is a translation of the Greek ‘parousia’ which usually refers to the Second Coming of Christ. So, in Advent we look forward both to commemorating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem at Christmas; and the Second Coming of Christ when the whole world will see the Lord and bow the knee before Him. During this season many Christian families make an Advent wreath at home or in their church. Four smaller candles are placed around an Advent wreath with one larger one in the centre. The first candle is lit on the first Sunday of

Advent and reminds us of the patriarchs or the ancestors of Jesus. This candle represents ‘Hope’. Then, on each of the next three Sundays, another candle is lit. The second one recalls the prophets in the Bible who said that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. This can be called the ‘Bethlehem’ candle. The third one represents ‘Joy’ as it recalls the shepherds and the immense joy that Jesus would bring (Philippians 4:4) and the fourth is often called the ‘Angel’s candle’ as it relates to the announcing of Jesus’ birth and Mary’s song (Luke 1:2628 and 46-55). Finally, on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day, the ‘Christ Candle’ is lit to commemorate the Birth of Jesus and ‘God with us’. Perhaps your family will have an Advent Wreath in your home this year. Or do you find it difficult to believe in the birth and resurrection of Jesus? Quite a lot of people do, even those who truly want to believe. Could that be because they only think in human terms, forgetting that there are many things that only God can do? Even some of the central characters of the Bible have had difficulty in believing at times. Sarah

Kingussie Parish Church Sundays 11am. All welcome. www.kingussieparishchurch.org.uk Knockando, Elchies & Archiestown Parish Church of Scotland Sundays 10am. Tel : 01340 831381. Mortlach Parish Church Sundays at 10.30am Tel: 01340 820049 (session clerk). All welcome. Rothes Parish Church Sundays 11.30am. Tel: 01340 831381. Rothiemurchus & Aviemore Church of Scotland St Andrews Church, Grampian Road, Aviemore. Sundays 11.15am. Website: www.standrews-aviemore.org.uk Sacred Heart RC Church Chapel Terrace, Aberlour, AB38 9LL Vigil Mass alternate Saturdays at 5pm. Tel 01340 810442 St Columba Episcopal Church High Street, Grantown. Sundays 10.30am: Holy Communion. Ven. Richard Gillings: richard.gillings698@btinternet.com or phone 01479 831365. St John Episcopal Church Sunday 10.30am: Eucharist. page 6 - December 2015

found it difficult to believe when three angels of God said that in her old age she and Abraham would have a son It happened, (Genesis 18:10-11). though, just as God said it would! Zechariah, the priest, found it difficult to believe when the Angel Gabriel told him that his elderly wife Elizabeth would give birth to their son John the Baptist (Luke 1:18) - but it happened, just as God said. Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, wondered how the angel’s message could be true - but she trusted God and it happened just as He said. And there are many other examples. The prophet Isaiah (7:14) prophesied the birth of Christ and said that he would be called Immanuel which means “God with us”. Wherever you are and whoever you are with this Christmas, I hope that you will simply trust God, open the door and invite Him in, and celebrate the joy of knowing that God is with you! Happy Christmas! Rev. Bob Anderson Knockando, Elchies & Archiestown linked with Rothes Parish Church of Scotland

Followed by refreshments in the church hall. Email: blessings@stjohns-rothiemurchus.co.uk St Mary’s RC Church Fife Street, Dufftown, AB55 4AP Vigil Mass alternate Saturdays at 5pm. Tel 01340 810442 St Michael Episcopal Church St Michael's Episcopal Church, Conval Street, Dufftown. Family Eucharist every Sunday at 11 am. All welcome. Tel: 01466 793841. St Margaret of Scotland, Episcopal Church High Street, Aberlour, AB38 9QD. Sundays 10am: Eucharist. Website: www.stmargaretsaberlour.co.uk Tomintoul Church of Scotland Sunday morning service 11.15am All welcome. Listed from K - T & regularly rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed here or if there are any amendments to existing details, please email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

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FIXTURES DECEMBER 2015

5th Dec (A) Stirling Albion

12th Dec (A) Berwick Rangers

19th Dec (H) Queens Park

26th Dec (H) Montrose

Inverness CT

5th Dec (A) Hearts

12th Dec (H) Kilmarnock

19th Dec (H) Dundee Utd

26th Dec (A) Aberdeen

30th Dec (A) Hamilton Academical

Ross County

5th Dec (H) St Johnstone

12th Dec (A) Hamilton Academical

19th Dec (A) Partick Thistle

26th Dec (H) Dundee

30th Dec (H) Kilmarnock

Buckie Thistle

5th Dec (H) Fraserburgh FC

12th Dec (A) Clachnacuddin

19th Dec (H) Nairn County

26th Dec (A) Formartine United

Clachnacuddin

5th Dec (A) Rothes FC

12th Dec (H) Buckie Thistle

19th Dec (A) Keith FC

26th Dec (H) Brora Rangers

Forres Mechanics

5th Dec (A) Huntly FC

12th Dec (H) Starthspey Thistle

19th Dec (A) Cove Rangers

26th Dec (A) Inverurie Loco Works

5th Dec (H) Brora Rangers

12th Dec (A) Fraserburgh FC

19th Dec (H) Clachnacuddin

26th Dec (A) Nairn County

Lossiemouth FC

5th Dec (H) Nairn County FC

12th Dec (A) Formartine United

19th Dec (A) Fort William

26th Dec (H) Turriff United

Nairn County FC

5th Dec (A) Lossiemouth FC

12th Dec (H) Rothes FC

19th Dec (A) Buckie Thistle

26th Dec (H) Keith FC

Rothes FC

5th Dec (H) Clachnacuddin

12th Dec (A) Nairn County

19th Dec (H) Formartine United

26th Dec (A) Fort William

Strathspey Thistle

5th Dec (A) Cove Rangers

12th Dec (A) Forres Mechanics

19th Dec (H) Inverurie Loco Works

26th Dec (A) Wick Academy

Elgin City

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Lair of the

Wolf

Elgin Cathedral

Dunkeld Cathedral

Lochindorb

Early autumn, the heather is out, cloaking stark hills in a mantle of mauve. From a winding road across the high Dava ‘‘” „‡–™‡‡Â? ‘””‡• ƒÂ?† ”ƒÂ?–‘™Â?nj‘Â?ÇŚ ’‡›ǥ ƒ •‘Ž‹–ƒ”› ƤÂ?‰‡” sign points down a single track road with passing places. It says Lochindorb. No sign of human habitation accompanies the narrow track. Then, without warning, the vista of ‘…Š‹Â?†‘”„ ‘’‡Â?• —’ Č‚ Â?ƒ‰Â?‹Ƥ…‡Â?– ƒÂ?† „”‘‘†‹Â?‰ǥ ƒ Â?‹””‘”‡† arena nestled in an amphitheatre of surrounding hills. The track drops down until level with the shores of the loch. The atmosphere is tangibly eerie, the eye inescapably drawn to the ruins of a desolate castle on an isolated island in the centre of the loch. Although undoubtedly a safe location for a fortress it is not †‹Ƽ…—Ž– –‘ ‹Â?ƒ‰‹Â?‡ –Š‡ ’”ƒ…–‹…ƒŽ †‹Ƽ…—Ž–‹‡• ‹Â? ‘……—’›‹Â?‰ •—…Š ƒ place. Was there a docking point with an armada of rowing boats ferrying people, food and fuel to the island stronghold? Could there have been a stout rope to haul laden rafts across the loch’s murky waters; or a secret stone causeway hiding just beneath the loch’s surface? And what about animals? Were they housed on the tiny island or beside the loch’s shores? What happened when the loch iced over in the winter? Perhaps no-one will ever know. Experts believe the island to be manmade with speculation that it was originally the site of a crannog. But there is no doubt who made it infamous, for it was the lair of the wolf – The Wolf of Badenoch, whose evil notoriety has survived for over 650 years. Although the legitimised son of King Robert II, born in 1343, Alexander, Lord of Badenoch and Earl of Buchan, is pronounced by history and legend as a malicious monster. He ‹• †‡•…”‹„‡† Šƒ• Šƒ˜‹Â?‰ ƒ ƪ‘”‹† Â˜Â‹Â•ÂƒÂ‰Â‡ÇĄ …‘Ž‘••ƒŽ •–ƒ–—”‡ ƒÂ?† enormous black beard. From his stronghold lair at Lochindorb he launched a reign of terror; murder, rape, burning, robbery, imprisonment and torture. In an age when brutality was commonplace, his black reputation stands unrivalled down the centuries. He had no legitimate children with his wife, Euphemia, Countess of Ross who he married for her vast wealth and lands when he was aged thirty nine. However, he reputedly fathered

The burning of Elgin Cathedral over forty children, several belonging to his mistress, Mairead of Eachann. Several of his sons inherited their fathers’ legacy of violence, three eventually ending up imprisoned in Stirling Castle. The Wolf’s most infamous escapade occurred in 1390, the result of several factors over time, particularly associated with Bishop Bur of Moray. The Wolf’s anger had been left brooding, seething, fuelling a black rage. At the end of May, heading up his ceatharn army, he sallied forth from his fastness at Lochindorb bent on violence and mayhem. He brutally ransacked Forres and Pluscarden Abbey before arriving at Elgin on 17 June. There, he destroyed much of the town, •‡Â?†‹Â?‰ ‹–• ‹Â?Šƒ„‹–ƒÂ?–• ƪ‡‡‹Â?‰ ‹Â? –‡””‘”ǥ concentrating particularly on the demolition of ecclesiastic establishments: amongst others he torched St Giles parish church, the Hospital and Greyfriars monastery. The remains of Elgin’s once Â?ƒ‰Â?‹Ƥ…‡Â?– …ƒ–Š‡†”ƒŽ ƒ”‡ •–‹ŽŽ –Š‡”‡ ˆ‘” —• ƒŽŽ –‘ Â?ƒ”˜‡Ž ƒ– ƒÂ?† ‡Â?Œ‘›Ǥ ‘™ƒ†ƒ›• ‹–ǯ• †‹Ƽ…—Ž– –‘ imagine the terror, havoc and destruction reeked ™‹–Š‹Â? –Š‘•‡ “—‹‡– ™ƒŽŽ•Ǥ –ǯ• Â?‘– †‹Ƽ…—Ž– –‘ imagine errant children being warned, “The Wolf will come!â€? The Wolf of Badencoh died a few years later. A recumbent armour clad statue tops his tomb at Dunkeld Cathedral in Perthshire, one of the few Scottish royal monuments to have survived from medieval times. The survival of the Wolf’s heinous ”‡’—–ƒ–‹‘Â? ‹• Â?‘ Ž‡•• •‹‰Â?‹Ƥ…ƒÂ?–Ǥ By Glynis Stainton

Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area *January Issue Deadline: Friday, 4th December* Email: tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk Telephone: 01309 690063 Inclusion of events in What’s On is free. We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops. Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes to events.

inverness. with guest speaker. all welcome. for more information call jim miller on 01463 713552 the elephant sessions @ the drouthy cobbler 8pm the blue room. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk ironworks & let it bleed present jackmaster @ ironworks 10pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com

28 saturday - 29 sunday christmas craft & food fair presented by exclusively highlands @ brodie castle £4 adult entry includes a glass of non-alcoholic mulled punch and mince pie. tickets at www.nts.org.uk/events or on the day.

NOVEMBER 2015 24 tuesday

Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland)

Christmas Craft Fair

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

28th Nov at Elgin Town Hall 11am²4pm

25 wednesday

Local high quality craft stalls

christmas crafts session with buckie arts & crafts 6.30pm - 8pm, buckie library. all welcome to try a simple christmas project and to use the library’s resources to make a gift for someone special or for yourself! contact buckie library on 01542 832121 buckie.library@moray.gov.uk df concerts presents : idlewild @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

Cats Protection Stall

Teas and coffees

27 friday community car scheme music event - ceilidh, cake and raffle 2pm - 4pm at grantown british legion. transport from £4 per person (must be booked in advance) £2 per person covers the cost of tea and cake. call 01479 810004 for more info. moray swing band & friends concert for children in need 7:30pm, sherwood suite, eight acres hotel, elgin. tickets £5 at the door or from members. raffle & bar. all welcome! waterstones present : an evening with paula hawkins @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com scottish rock garden club (moray group) - susan band - lilies (talk & practical 7:30pm, new elgin hall annex. call colinne souter (treasurer) on 01340 871504 or netta milne (secretary) on 01340 881558

28 saturday saltire society of inverness st andrew's day lunch 12.30pm for 1pm at craigmonie hotel, annfield road,

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Tombola and Games Get in the festive spirit! All fundraising money will go to Moray Cats Protection For more information: Tel: 07837342646 or email: moraycp@hotmail.com also visit our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MorayCatsProtection

DECEMBER 2015 1 tuesday ranger events - christmas arts & crafts winter lights switch-on, grantown 6:30pm - 8pm, meet at the town house, grantown. £3 per child and adults go free with accompanying children. call saranne on 01479 873914 or saranne.bish@highland.gov.uk world aids day 2015 community event from 1.30pm 6.30pm at eden court inverness. to raise awareness about hiv, challenge stigma, show support for those living with hiv and commemorate those who have died. information stalls, talks and an opportunity for reflection. for information call 01463 711585 or email highland@waverleycare.org. "robin" themed christmas crafts and storytime 3.30pm in tomintoul library. make your christmas presents, decorations & bird feeders using recycled materials. for children and adults. call 01807 580755 or email tomintoul.library@moray.gov.uk

tel: 01309 690063

December 2015 - page 11

2 wednesday inverallan guild - festive fellowship and fun with other local churches 2pm, inverallan church hall, grantown-on-spey. all welcome. "mountain rescue - from both sides" by john lyall. an illustrated talk at 7.30 pm in the cairngorms christian centre, kincraig. admission free. donations for kiwoko hospital, uganda.

3 thursday ntm promotions present : fat suit @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com beside the bothy fire @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm the blue room. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

4 friday beside the bothy fire @ the drouthy cobbler an afternoon performance in the blue room. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk for more info.

4 friday - 5 saturday bandeoke christmas nights featuring midas touch @ ironworks 7pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com

5 saturday ms society, moray branch christmas dinner 12.30pm at marine hotel, buckie. for people living with ms. to find out more visit facebook - mssocietymoray email moray@mssociety.org.uk or leave a message on 07340 550796 tomintoul winter wonderland 10am - 3pm, the richmond hall, tomintoul. christmas crafts, food, etc. all welcome. "robin" themed christmas crafts and storytime for children and parents 10.30am at cullen library. bring along an empty, washed 2 litre (4 pint) milk carton and 2 kitchen rolls/toilet rolls. for info call 01542 841140 or email cullen.library@moray.gov.uk

7 monday cafe 55 coffee morning 10am at elgin youth cafe, francis place. with special guests 'joyful noise'. for anyone over 55 - come along for refreshments and home-bakes. free admission.

8 tuesday inverallan old tyme dancing 7:30pm - 10pm at inverallan church hall, grantown-on-spey. mixed old tyme and country dancing to live music. no partner required. £3 incl. tea and biscuits. call 01479 851353 or email: jane.mackintosh.01@btinternet.com fred morrison @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm the blue room. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

9 wednesday highland rock garden club - altai adventure : a talk by elspeth mackintosh (royal botanic gardens edinburgh) 7.30pm at nairn community & arts centre. £2.50 incl. refreshments. all welcome. call john owen on 01320 366246 all aboard for the dufftown to keith railway talk! 3pm page 12 - December 2015

at dufftown library. join ian mckenzie and alistair coull for an illustrated talk on the history of this great railway line and the story of the preservation of the railway. get your free ticket from dufftown library on 01340 820272 or dufftown.library@moray.gov.uk

10 thursday wine tasting: sparkling wines @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

11 friday rock n wrestle winter slam @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

12 saturday christmas evening market @ the grant hall, rothes 6:30pm. bubbles, nibbles, music and fun in a joyful celebration of moray's finest arts, crafts and local produce. a fundraiser for logan's fund and yorkhill childrens charity. adults £5, children free. pay on door or email - elimyrvangbrown@gmail.com "robin" themed christmas crafts and stories for children and adults 10:30am at dufftown library. make christmas presents, decorations and bird feeders using recycled materials. bring along an empty, washed 2 litre (4 pint) milk carton and 2 kitchen rolls/toilet rolls. call 01340 820272 or email dufftown.library@moray.gov.uk chimes international present abbamania – christmas special @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com the banana sessions 8:30pm at the old bridge inn, dalfaber road, aviemore. free event. for info call 01479 811137.

12 saturday - 13 sunday christmas market 10am - 3pm at logie steading. over 30 stalls with festive crafts, gifts, baking, jewellery, candles, tweed & tartan accessories, wreaths and trees, mulled wine, mince pies, hot food and more! free entry. www.logie.co.uk • 01309 611348

13 sunday christingle service 4.30pm at dyke church. come and join edinkillie/dyke messy church families beforehand to make your christingle. contact alison rodgers 01309 641413 christmas at the castle with james ross and the marvel of peru @ brodie castle performances at 3pm and 5pm. performing a variety of christmas carols. £14 incl. non alcoholic mulled wine and mince pie served 30 mins before performance. www.nts.org.uk/events or call 01309 641371. buckie choral union : christmas concert 7.30pm at highfield hall, buckie high school. all welcome. lazy jazz @ the drouthy cobbler 1pm - 4pm. with brian keddie & band. www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk christingle service 10am - 11am at st columba's church, boat of garten. carols and candles of our traditional family christingle service and welcome a new child into the church during its baptism!

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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

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The Elephant Sessions Orcadian

THE

Traditional music fans are being well catered for at The Drouthy Cobbler this winter with a season of gigs from some of Scotland's top musicians. The season began in mid-November with Orcadian duo Saltfishforty's first ever gig in Elgin. From their island home the powerhouse partnership of Douglas Montgomery and Brian Cromarty have won a devoted following throughout the UK and beyond and are linchpin figures in the flourishing revival of Orkney’s traditional music. Renowned for their breathtaking live show, The Elephant Sessions return to The Drouthy Cobbler on the 28th of November. This “neo-trad” quintet, worthy winners of MG ALBA's up and coming act of the year 2014, draw their influences from many different genres and create a progressive blend of intricate tunes, engulfing guitars, monstrous bass and pounding drums. One of Celtic music’s most profoundly skilled and audaciously inventive exponents, Scottish piper Fred Morrison plays on 8th December. Fred is famed for his passionately expressive style, rooted in the Gaelic traditions of his father’s native South Uist, and enriched by influences from far and wide, which has seen him dubbed “the Jimi Hendrix of the pipes”.

The Drouthy Cobbler Hogmanay Party (ticketed) will this year feature Edinburgh based Dallahan – a fusion of skilled musicians each showered with awards. They have performed their unique arrangements of original music and traditional Irish tunes and songs throughout the world at prestigious events including the Copenhagen Irish Festival, the Milwaukee Irish Festival and Celtic Connections. February 28th brings two highly accomplished musicians together, Ian Carr and Simon Thoumire - old friends who have recently re-united after a break of 15 years. Concertina player Simon and guitarist Ian first met in 1988 in the inaugural BBC Radio 2 Young Tradition Award. Neither of them won it but Simon returned in 1989 to take the prize. From this meeting the pair went on to write and tour extensively together and individually. “When they play it straight, as on Carr’s waltz set, they can charm; but when they go for it, they’re an unstoppable force of mad virtuosity.” Rob Adams, Sunday Herald Artists already booked in for later in the year include Finlay Napier, Pons Aelius, Mairearad Green and Anna Massie – keep an eye out in Spotlight for dates and details. Tickets for all events are available at www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk and at the venue. Why not make an evening of it and eat before the performance? Having opened their kitchen in July, the Drouthy Cobbler is a great addition to Elgin's eating scene and the new winter menu is proving a hit with every dish freshly prepared from local and seasonal ingredients.

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16 wednesday do you like jokes? comedy club 7:30pm, the drouthy cobbler. monthly comedy club with 5 pro comics, jay lafferty as mc and vladimir mctavish as headliner. book in advance! www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

18 friday netsounds presents guilty pleasures with dr wook + the little mill of happiness + searching for donkeys @ ironworks 8pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com

19 saturday christmas fayre 11am - 3pm at grantown community centre. pre-christmas fun and shopping! featuring lots of local crafters and producers. fundraising for building repairs. all welcome! pine cone christmas crafts 10am - 3pm at loch garten osprey centre, boat of garten. make pine gnomes and mini christmas trees. pine cones and all the sparkle required is supplied. call alison on 07710 387510 or alison.greggans@rspb.org.uk carolthon 11am - 4pm, eastgate shopping centre, inverness. inverness choral society's annual nonstop marathon of carol singing near the upstairs entrance of m&s. raising funds for the society and a chosen charity. see www.invernesschoral.org.uk and www.chas.org.uk lantern of the north present : a very victorian christmas 11am - 4pm, st. giles church & elgin high street. singing, dancing, puppet shows & side shows plus an appearance by santa claus who will be on hand to receive your christmas letter. for more details on this free event email info@lotn.co.uk pine cone christmas crafts 10am - 3pm at loch garten osprey centre, boat of garten. see how to make pine gnomes and mini christmas trees. pine cones and all the sparkle required is supplied. for more info call alison on 07710 387510 or email alison.greggans@rspb.org.uk

21 monday carol singing & christingle service 6:30pm - 8pm at duthil church, carrbridge. all welcome to carols in the village carpark and then onto the fun of more carols and the candles of our family christingle service. stay for some refreshments after.

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celebrate the birth of the christchild 11:30am 12:30pm at duthil church, carrbridge. all welcome.

27 sunday back for good fundraiser @ ironworks 7:30pm. with jetstar • lymerick smith • the lush rollers • findo gask • the mystic shoes and netsounds djs. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com brass & beer @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

29 tuesday red hot chilli pipers @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com be like pablo @ the drouthy cobbler 7:30pm. catchy guitar-based powerpop music with bright girl/boy vocal harmonies. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

31 thursday hogmanay in the square - grantown on spey from 11pm. music, dancing, fireworks, refreshments etc. entry by donation. for more info call 01479 873488 rhythmnreel hogmanay bash @ ironworks 9pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com hogmanay 2015 @ the drouthy cobbler 9pm 1:30am. a ticketed celebration of the coming of the new year with drams, stovies, fizz and music from dallahan. visit www.thedrouthycobbler.co.uk

24 thursday

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christmas watchnight service 9:45pm - 10:30pm at st. columba’s church, boat of garten. a service that combines carols, lessons and reflections to herald the birth of our lord jesus christ. all welcome. duthil church christmas eve watchnight service 11am - midnight at duthil church, carrbridge. annual watchnight service - a service of lessons and carols.

25 friday christmas day family service 10am - 11am at st. columba’s church, boat of garten. a service for all the family - including their christmas presents - to celebrate the birth of our lord jesus christ. admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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tel: 01309 690063

December 2015 - page 15

USEFUL INFORMATION Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days St Andrew’s Day Mon 30th Nov 2015 Shortest Day Tues 22nd Dec 2015 Christmas Day Fri 25th Dec 2015 Boxing Day Sat 26th Dec 2015 Boxing Day (substitute day) Mon 28th Dec 2015 New Year’s Eve Thurs 31st Dec 2015 New Year’s Day Fri 1st Jan 2016 Scottish Bank Holiday Sat 2nd Jan 2016

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

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

School Term Dates MORAY COUNCIL SCHOOLS for 2015/2016 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Tues 22nd Dec 2015 Christmas Holiday Starts Wed 23rd Dec 2015 Christmas Holiday Ends Mon 4th Jan 2016 Spring Term Starts Tues 5th Jan 2016 Mid Term Holiday Fri 12th Feb 2016 Mid Term Holiday Mon 15th Feb 2016 Spring Term Ends Thurs 24th Mar 2016 Spring Holiday Starts Fri 25th Mar 2016 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 8th Apr 2016 Summer Term Starts Mon 11th Apr 2016

HIGHLAND COUNCIL SCHOOLS for 2015/2016 (all dates inclusive) Winter Term Ends Tues 22nd Dec 2015 Christmas Holiday Starts Wed 23rd Dec 2015 Christmas Holiday Ends Wed 6th Jan 2016 Spring Term Starts Thurs 7th Jan 2016 Mid Term Holiday Mon 15th Feb 2016 Mid Term Holiday Tues 16th Feb 2016 In-Service Day Wed 17th Feb 2016 Spring Term Ends Thurs 24th Mar 2016 Spring Holiday Starts Fri 25th Mar 2016 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 8th Apr 2016

Useful Contacts Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Aberlour Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 871693 Aviemore Citizens Advice Bureau. . . . . . . . 01479 810919 Aviemore Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 813141 Aviemore Post Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 811056 Aviemore Registrar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 813146 Aviemore Social Work Services . . . . . . . . . 01479 810251 Aviemore Tourist Information . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 810930 Badenoch Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 661596 Badenoch Learning & Resource Centre . . . 01540 662420 Dufftown Post Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 820244 Dufftown Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01340 820272 Grantown Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 873175 National Rail Enquires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08457 484950 Moray Cats Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07837 342646 Railway Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 078419 85768 SCHOOLS Aberlour Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 871255 Abernethy Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 821274 Alvie Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 651238 Aviemore Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 810343 Carrbridge Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 841249 Craigellachie Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 881271 Dalwhinnie Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01528 522228 Deshar Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 831226 page 16 - December 2015

Gergask Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01528 544272 Glenlivet Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01807 590216 Grantown Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 872525 Grantown Grammar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 872649 Inveravon Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01807 500217 Kingussie Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 661354 Kingussie High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 661475 Knockando Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 810257 Mortlach Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 820268 Newtonmore Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 673252 Rothes Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 831269 Speyside High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 871522 Tomintoul Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01807 580271 DENTISTS Aviemore & Kingussie Dental Practice. . . . 01479 810301 Kingussie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 661280 NHS Highland Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 811019 Speyside Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 871738 Your Perfect Smile Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . 01479 812846 (Aviemore) Your Perfect Smile Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . 01479 872107 (Grantown) Rotated on a regular basis. To add a contact or to amend existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

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PARLIAMENT BLOG As autumn nights get darker and the heating is turned on and runs for longer my work on getting fairer electricity charges continues. My colleagues and I will continue to press for a fairer deal on electricity charges for the Highlands despite stubborn resistance to changing the rules from the UK government's energy minister. Many people and families are finding heating their homes a real challenge, given stretched domestic budgets and that's why I was pleased to be asked to highlight the work of Home Heat Helpline recently at Parliament. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with energy bills please contact the helpline for free advice on how to reduce energy costs and make a home warmer. You can contact them on 0800 33 66 99. Christmas is approaching and I'd like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and, when it comes, a Guid New Year. I look forward to updating you all again then.

In our household we have, for our 7 year old daughter, Natasha's benefit, a "Santa Chute". This is a narrow circular space leading to a kitchen skylight, through which, on 24th December, Santa enters our abode bearing gifts as ordered, earlier in the year from his Lapland depot. Natasha has asked though, how Santa, being very fat, can squeeze through to which we explain that he has been on a diet. The age of innocence in children is a universal joy! What a shame it must end. May all your Christmas shopping gifts for the wee ones delight or amuse them - and please do this year use our local small shops to the maximum. Those such as in Grantown-on-Spey, Nairn or in the Inverness Victorian Market often offer quirky, interesting or unusual gifts for all the family. They deserve our custom and support. A very merry Christmas to all Spotlight readers.

Drew Hendry MP

EJM

Fergus Ewing MSP

Words by the Wayside The Lord Jesus Christ says unto you, “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life.

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Reader, He is needed, He is the Gift of God and will satisfy your every need, He alone can give you rest. “Whosoever will” may eat of the bread of life (The Lord Jesus) who came down from Heaven to seek and to save that which was lost. You have to personally receive Him, He is the only means of your salvation. There is no other alternative but to accept Him or perish. What will you do with Jesus? www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish charity SC041290

page 18 - December 2015

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

This space could have been promoting your business! SpotLight covers six areas along the Moray Firth Coastline from Buckie & Keith across to Inverness and then down to Aviemore - and all the places in between!

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By L. Macdonald

HIGHLAND

Wildlife Personally, I really enjoy going wildlife spotting. I love searching for swans, buzzards etc, but my favourites are dolphins, red deer, golden eagles, red squirrels and harbour seals. Below are some facts about these amazing creatures and where to spot them! Moray Firth Dolphins The Moray Firth dolphins are very special as they are the most northerly resident bottlenose dolphins in the world. There have been sightings recorded of them since 1900. They eat about 8-15kgs (15-33lbs) Ƥ Ǥ every 2 years and in the wild they live from 20-50 years of age. The best place to see these dolphins is Chanonry Point, but they are also regularly spotted at Kessock Bridge, Fort George, Burghead, Hopeman and Spey Bay. Red Deer Majestic and beautiful, the red deer is Britain's largest land mammal and native to Britain, but is also found in southern Scandinavia, Turkey, even as far as China and Mongolia. Red deer stags (males) live to about 10 years and hinds (females) about 12

years. They eat mainly grasses, heather, leaves and twigs. The best places to look include Perthshire and the north west Highlands. Spending most of the summer months in Scotland’s hills and remote glens, red deer can be spotted on lower ground during winter, where food is more readily available. Golden Eagles Golden eagles have a wingspan of 2 metres and are the second largest bird of prey in the UK. Males weigh about 3.5kg but females are heavier as they weigh about 5kg. There are estimated to be over 50,000 pairs worldwide. The UK population is about 5% of the total European population. Harris, Mull, Rum and Skye are very good for Golden Eagles. On the mainland quiet glens with dead end roads are good places to look. They have even been spotted on the A9, at Drumochter Pass. Red Squirrels The red squirrel is the UK’s only native species of squirrel and Scotland boasts over 80% of the UK’s population. Squirrels don’t hibernate, but bury supplies of seeds and nuts underground to eat in the winter, and can locate their buried food supplies in over 1 foot of snow! The body length of a fully

grown male is 20-22cm and its tail length is 17-18cm. The life span of a Red Squirrel is on average 3 years although in captivity they have been known to live for up to 10 years! Red squirrels are now a protected species. The red squirrels are best spotted in the central Highlands in and around the Cairngorms. There Ƥ ǡ Red Squirrel Walk through Dalbeattie Forest in Dumfries & Galloway, and the Red Squirrel trail at Landmark. Harbour Seals The harbour seal is also known as the common seal. They have large eyes to see in murky water and long necks which they can shoot out Ƥ Ǥ ǡ harbour seals breathe out before diving. They while under water, and their heartbeat slows from about 100 beats per minute to 10. An adult harbour seal can reach a length of 1.85 meters (6.1 ft). Females live for about 30-35 years, whilst males only live for about 20-25. They are found mostly near the Moray Firth, Scotland’s west coast and the outer Hebrides, as well as the waters around Orkney and Shetland. It is against the law to disturb harbour seals and other marine mammals! I hope that this information was useful!

editorial

From Sea to Source, Walking Through Speyside Each year thousands of people walk the Speyside Way, most plan to walk it in its entirety but there is another way to walk this long distance path, and it’s one that many locals choose to do. Walking particular parts of the path is a good way of experiencing the Speyside Way – it means that it’s possible to return time and time again to favourite •‡…–‹‘Â?•ǥ ’‘••‹„Ž› ƒ– †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– –‹Â?‡• ‘ˆ –Š‡ ›‡ƒ” ‹Â? order to appreciate certain walks and scenery in its seasonal glory; for the Speyside Way looks glorious even under a winter mantle. A well-favoured section is Craigellachie to Aberlour. It has some of the most spectacular river views, a „”‹†‰‡ ‘ˆ ™‘”Ž†™‹†‡ ”‡Â?‘™Â? ƒÂ?† ‘ƥ‡”• –Š‡ possibility of sampling the wares of some of Speyside’s malt whisky distilleries. The Telford Bridge at Craigellachie is one of the most photographed bridges in Scotland and has hosted many gatherings from weddings to military displays. It spans deep whirlpools and was instrumental in creating safe passage for transport wishing to move from Speyside to other areas. Today it is one of the attractions of walking the Speyside Way. The Speyside Way ends at Spey Bay and this area is a gem, its spectacular coastal scenery is captivating ƒÂ?† –Š‡ …ŠƒÂ?…‡ ‘ˆ ™ƒ–…Š‹Â?‰ •’”‡› Ƥ•Š ‹Â? –Š‡ –‹†ƒŽ waters or the Moray Firth dolphins perform their aquatic feats cannot fail to revitalise a weary walker. If you’ve reached the end of the Speyside Way, where the Spey empties itself into the Moray Firth with great gusto, why not consider a walk of a †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– Â?‹Â?†ǥ ‘ƥ –Š‡ ’‡›•‹†‡ ƒ› –‘ –Š‡ •‘—”…‡ ‘ˆ the Spey itself at Loch Spey near Laggan.

Loch Spey is not easy to reach on foot, but there’s no other way to see this wild and desolate place unless you have a helicopter, it’s also not a place for the fainthearted, for here mobile phones cease to work, path networks are slim on the ground and the going —Â?†‡”ˆ‘‘– …ƒÂ? „‡ „‘‰‰› ƒÂ?† †‹Ƽ…—Ž– –‘ •ƒ› –Š‡ Ž‡ƒ•–Ǥ You can walk to Loch Spey from Garva Bridge and not meet another soul all day, perfect if you require solitude. It’s a place of contemplation and adjoins the Corrieyairack Pass of General Wade’s engineering brilliance. Many may have toiled this way, but not many ™‹ŽŽ Šƒ˜‡ „”ƒÂ?…Š‡† ‘ƥ ˆ‘” –Š‡ –”‡Â? –‘ ‘…Š ’‡›Ǥ –ǯ• worth it, but only for the experienced walker who goes well prepared. It’s not a place to go alone, nor take very young children, but go prepared and experience a vastness few have seen. If you fancy part of the Speyside Way where children and buggies can traverse with ease and stop to take a Â„Â”Â‡ÂƒÂ–ÂŠÂ‡Â”ÇĄ –Š‡Â? –Š‡ ”ƒÂ?–‘™Â? Â? ’‡› •‡…–‹‘Â? ‘ƥ‡”• ƒ path of sheer splendour through Anagach Woods. Its ’Ž‡ƒ•ƒÂ?– Â?‡ƒÂ?†‡” ‹• Â–Â”ÂƒĆĽÂ… ˆ”‡‡ ƒÂ?† •’‡…Â?Ž‡† ™‹–Š ‘–Š‡” walkers and cyclists enjoying the beautiful wide ™‘‘†ŽƒÂ?†Ǥ Š‡ ’‡ƒ…‡ –Š‡”‡ ‹• –‘–ƒŽŽ› †‹ƥ‡”‡Â?– –‘ –Šƒ– ‘ˆ Loch Spey but it’s also a lot safer for younger and less experienced walkers. If you fancy gaining height along the Speyside Way then a climb up the relatively easy path to the summit ‘ˆ ‡Â? ‹‰ƒÂ? ‹• ƒ Â?—•–Ǥ ‘” ˜‡”› Ž‹––Ž‡ ‡ƥ‘”– ›‘— …ƒÂ? Ž‘‘Â? right across Speyside towards Ben Rinnes and on a summer evening it’s a hard vista to beat. Turn around and from there you can see across to the hills of Sutherland on a clear day and nearer home Aberdeen•Š‹”‡ ƒÂ?† ƒÂ?ƥ•Š‹”‡Ǥ ƒŽÂ?‹Â?‰ –Š”‘—‰Š ’‡›•‹†‡ ‹• ”‡ƒŽŽ› very special.

By Heidi M. Sands

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