SpotLight on Strathspey & District March 2014

MARCH 2014

Make your smile a memorable one...

S TR ATHS P E Y & D I S T RI C T THE NORTH’S FAVOURITE FREE WEE MAG

Welcoming all new and existing patients to Inspire Dental in Kingussie

This Month’s Feature - Home Improvement

Gynack Street Kingussie I PH21 1EL T: 01540 661280 inspire-dental.co.uk

Property Maintenance and Handyman Services Garden SHUYLFHV General Handyman & Repair Services ,QWHULRU ([WHULRU 3DLQWLQJ Moving Services www.keltpropertymaintenance.co XN KHllo@keltpropertymaintenance.co.uk

Phone 01479 810733 Mobile: 07587 581592

CLUBS & SOCIETIES ABERLOUR ANGLING CLUB Visitors Welcome. Day & weekly tickets at reasonable prices.

For booking enquiries calll 01340 871428 or email hamish@munro-of-speyside.com ABERLOUR BRIDGE CLUB Wednesday nights 6.30pm for a 6.45pm (Sept - April) start at The Fleming Hall, Queens Road, Aberlour, Speyside. Secretary Audrey Marr 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 ASHTANGA YOGA AVIEMORE Geranium Cottage, Inverdruie, Aviemore. Yoga centre offering yoga classes. Contact 01479 812511 for times.

AVIEMORE JUNIOR YOUTH CLUB Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30pm. Call Vicki Gosling on 01479 810 071 for more information.

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page 2 - March 2014

AVIEMORE TINY TOTS Fridays 10am - 12pm (term time) at the Hub (above the Red Cross Shop) in Aviemore. For under 3 year olds and their Parents or Carers. The group play, do crafts, music, outings, parties and snacks. We can be contacted at aviemoretinytots@hotmail.co.uk BALL - OVER 60'S CLUB Wednesdays 10am - 12.15pm at Memorial Hall, Tomintoul.

BIRD WATCHING AND WILDLIFE CLUB All special events, suggested itineraries & programmes are subject to availability and liable to change without notice. BWWC Ltd, 25 The Square, Grantownon-Spey, PH26 3HF. Call 0800 043 8585 or email: booking@ bwwc.co.uk CAIRNGORM RUNNERS Monday and Wednesday club nights we meet at, The Fun House rear car park (next to Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel on the Ski Road) Email enquiries@ cairngormrunners.org or visit www.cairngormrunners.org CARRON CREATES CRAFT GROUP General interest group. Mondays 2pm-4pm. £2 per session. Guest instructors. Meets at Carron Village Hall. Contact Jenny: 01340 810506.

DIABETES UK MORAY Meets last Wednesday each month from 7pm - 9pm (ex July & December) at The Inkwell at Elgin Youth Cafe, Francis Place, Elgin. All welcome for tea, coffee and chat. Support for people with diabetes and their carers.

Call 01343 860671 for info or visit www.diabetesukmoray.org.uk ELGIN HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Sunday 11am (Winter) Mondays 7:30pm (Summer) Sociable group with runners of all abilities visiting all corners of Moray and beyond. We'll show you beaches, viewpoints, forests and you'll end up running as much or as little as you want. To find out more and where we'll be next week Google elginhashhouseharriers calendar.

FORUM FOR MEN Wednesdays, 8pm at Macnabs Bar, Columba Hotel. For gay and bi men. Look for the small red post box on our table. Text 07941 553620, www.gay-ness.org.uk or e-mail jampa40@yahoo.co.uk GRANTOWN & DISTRICT DRAMA GROUP Thursdays, 7pm, YM/Community Centre. All new members and young people welcome. Call Jennifer Tiller on 01479 872262 KINGUSSIE CAMANACHD CLUB (SHINTY) Highland sports club. Games played March to September normally Saturdays. For more information call 01540 661 886 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.

MACS MORAY AREA CANCER SUPPORT Meets 2nd Monday each month, 6:30pm - 9pm at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Elgin. A support group for anyone of any age affected by cancer. For support or information call 07516 219151 or e-mail info@macsuk.org 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 Wed every second month, 7:30pm at Keith Health Centre Annexe. Self help support group, run by bereaved parents for bereaved parents & families.

Informal & confidential. For more details contact Jacquie 07791 001459

ROTHES BABY & TODDLER GROUP Open year round on Tues & Fri, 9.15am - 11.15am term time & 10.00am - 12pm school holidays & in-service days. £2 entrance fee per family, includes snack & drinks for children & parents.

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.

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 for more info.

SPEYSIDE VOLLEYBALL Monday evenings 7pm - 10pm in The Games Hall, Speyside Community Centre, Aberlour.

Men, women, youths, juniors, seniors, all welcome. Contact Stewart on 01340 871730 STRATH SUNSHINE CLUB Meets every other Monday at 2pm in the St John’s Church Hall, Rothiemurchus. A social club for the over 50s living in the Strath. For info call Anne on 01479 810998 or e-mail walter.dempster@homecall.co.uk 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.

PILATES Thursdays 10:30am - 11:30am, Boat of Garten Community Hall.

Call 01479 831213 for details.

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two brothers who were fishermen, Simon (called Peter) and his brother Andrew, catching fish in the lake with a net.

Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people.”

At once they left their nets and went with him. Matthew 4:18-20. These words were part of our Scripture reading recently in church – they are taken from the story of Jesus gathering up his first disciples. Simon and Peter were among the first people to respond to Jesus’ call to follow him and become a disciple.

There is a challenge in these words that is relevant to us today. Who are Jesus’ disciples in 2014? They are of course the people who still choose to follow Jesus and his teachings and who have allowed Jesus into their lives. But being a disciple requires action. The first disciples gave up the lives they knew to follow the itinerant Jesus. Their lives were turned upside down. Jesus gathered around him the people he wanted for his main support – his dream team, if you like.

But what was so special about them that Jesus chose them? Well, in truth,

nothing. Jesus’ disciples were a bit of a rag tag team. Fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary folk who put their trust in him. No different to us today really. And that is the Good News, that as Christians, those of us who have followed Jesus have discovered. You do not need to be anyone special to follow Jesus. Jesus doesn’t have favourites. Jesus isn’t looking for us all to be Biblical experts, gifted preachers or insightful teachers. He simply asks that we put our trust in him and follow him. The love of Jesus is available to anyone who wants it. Nothing we can do can win us the love of Jesus – because we already have that.

Last night I had the real joy of attending a special service to commission six new Street Pastors in Elgin. It occurs to me that these people who have trained to be Street Pastors, these people who are willing to go out into the streets of our towns and cities late at night to help look after the people who are out mostly having a good time but sometimes finding themselves in difficulty, these people are being great examples of what it is to be a disciple of Jesus.

Abernethy Parish Church Nethybridge. Family worship service on Sunday at 9:30am, followed by refreshments. More traditional worship service at 11:45am. Contact: Rev. Donald Walker. Tel: 01479 831252.

Aberlour Parish Church The Square, Aberlour. Sunday 11.15am.

Alvie & Insh Church of Scotland Our services are at 9:30am each Sunday in Kincraig (Church beside Loch Insh). The first Sunday of the month is the All-Age interactive service, also 9:30am, held in Kincraig Church Hall beside the Cairngorms Christian Centre. Please ring 01540 661918 for details.

Badenoch Free Church Ruthven Road, Kingussie. Sundays 11am and evening service 6pm.

Boat of Garten Parish Church, St Columba's Boat of Garten.

Sunday service 10am. Evening worship at Kincardine Church, 6pm the 2nd Sunday of most months: check the weekly press.

Contact: Rev. Donald Walker Tel: 01479 831252.

Craigellachie Church Victoria Street. Sundays 9.45am. page 4 - March 2014

They are showing, in actions, what it is to share the love of Jesus. They do not preach – they simply get alongside folk who need a wee bit of help – and sometimes that is a pair of flip flops to walk home in, sometimes it is a kind word or a listening ear, or even a bottle of water to help sober up with.

Of course, the challenge for all Christians is to ask ourselves what, in our lives, is it that we do that shows our discipleship? And sadly, often, all we read in the press are negative stories about churches excluding people because of their sexuality, or stories of abuse or of arguments over buildings, when the reality is that, far more often, Christians are quietly going about their business of being good disciples; loving their neighbour and caring for the communities in which they live.

Jesus invites us all to ‘follow’ him. Are you ready to respond?

Rev Shuna Dicks Aberlour Parish Church of Scotland

Cromdale and Advie Church, Church of Scotland Services 9:15am. Contact Diane Brazier: 01479 872547.

Dulnain Bridge, Church of Scotland Sunday services 12noon.

All welcome. Contact Rev. Morris Smith on 01479 872084 Duthil Parish Church Carrbridge. Sunday morning service at 11.30am. Contact Rev. Donald Walker Tel: 01479 831252.

Grantown Baptist Church High Street, Grantown-on-Spey.

Sundays 11am and evening service at 6pm. All welcome.

Contact Rev. Rick Moeller: 01479 873125.

Inverallan Parish Church Church of Scotland. Grantown-onSpey. Sundays 10.30am with crèche. All welcome. Contact Rev. Morris Smith: 01479 872084. www.inverallanparishchurch.org.uk Inveravon Church of Scotland Sunday morning service 9.30am. All welcome.

Listed from A - I & 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

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

The Editor

If, like me, you hadn’t quite been aware of the Neknomination craze where young people are being encouraged to drink “lethal cocktails” - then check out what one young student did in Aberdeen. He saved the money he would have spent and bought a sandwich, bag of crisps, chocolate bar and an irn bru and gave them to a homeless person. Google adam davidson neknomination and watch his video. Well done Adam!

PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes SALES ..........................Peter Evans ACCOUNTS ...................Wendy Day DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson LAYOUT .................Tamsyn Dickson

April Issue Deadlines

ALWAYS C

Editorial - Friday 28/02/14 Advertising - Wednesday 05/03/14

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(Aviemore)

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USEFUL INFORMATION Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days Mothering Sunday British Summertime Starts Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Father’s Day Longest Day

Sun 30th Mar 2014 Sun 30th Mar 2014 Fri 18th Apr 2014 Sun 20th Apr 2014 Mon 21st Apr 2014 Mon 5th May 2014 Mon 26th May 2014 Sun 15th Jun 2014 Sat 21st Jun 2014

Summer Bank Holiday Mon 4th Aug 2014 British Summertime Ends Sun 26th Oct 2014 Halloween Fri 31st Oct 2014 Bonfire Night Wed 5th Nov 2014 St Andrew’s Day Sun 30th Nov 2014 St Andrew’s Day Observed Mon 1st Dec 2014 Shortest Day Sun 21st Dec 2014 Christmas Day Thurs 25th Dec 2014 Boxing Day Fri 26th Dec 2014

School Term Dates MORAY COUNCIL SCHOOLS

HIGHLAND COUNCIL SCHOOLS

for 2013/2014 (all dates inclusive) Spring Term Ends Fri 28th Mar 2014 Spring Holiday Starts Mon 31st Mar 2014 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 11th Apr 2014 Good Friday Holiday Fri 18th Apr 2014 Summer Term Starts Mon 14th Apr 2014 May Day Holiday Mon 5th May 2014 In-Service Day Thurs 22nd May 2014 In-Service Day Fri 23rd May 2014 Summer Term Ends Fri 4th Jul 2014

for 2013/2014 (all dates inclusive) Spring Term Ends Fri 4th Apr 2014 Good Friday Holiday Fri 18th Apr 2014 Easter Monday Holiday Mon 21st Apr 2014 Summer Term Starts Tues 22nd Apr 2014 May Day Holiday Mon 5th May 2014 Summer Term Ends Thurs 3rd Jul 2014 for 2014/2015 (all dates inclusive) In-Service Day Mon 18th Aug 2014 Autumn Term Starts Tues 19th Aug 2014

Useful Contacts Aberlour Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 871693 Aberlour Post Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .01340 871201 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 810363 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 Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 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 Gergask Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01528 544272 page 6 - March 2014

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 Dental Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 810301 Inspire Dental, 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) Other useful numbers are rotated on a regular basis. If you would like to add a contact or if there are any amendments to be made to existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

re All gi n ste ew re an dp d at pr ie ev nt io s w us el ly co m e

Looking for a friendly, professional approach to your dental care?

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See what everyone is talking about and visit Inspire Dental today.

Inspire Dental (formerly Kingussie Dental Practice) is under new management with a new team, complete redecoration and rebranding to create that contemporary, fresh and friendly approach to your dental care. We've extended our opening hours to offer you more convenient appointment times on evenings and Saturdays.

For full details of the Private, HDP and NHS services currently available call 01540 661280.

(NHS services available to children and exempt adults)

INSPIRE DENTAL Gynack Street I Kingussie I PH21 1EL E: info@inspire-dental.co.uk I T: 01540 661280 www.inspire-dental.co.uk

FOLLOW US...

PARLIAMENT BLOG Last month I joined with thousands of people to honour the survivors and those who died during the Holocaust by signing the Educational Trust’s Memorial Day Book of Commitment. This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day marked the 69th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz - Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history. In 2007 I was privileged to visit the site with pupils from five Highland schools. It is impossible to imagine the scale of mass murder. The sight of tons of human hair, mountains of shoes, piles of suitcases bearing the names of their owners and baby clothes taken from murdered infants is heartbreaking. It is vital to remember the lives of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Whether it is racism, sexism, xenophobia or homophobia, we must never stop challenging these irrational beliefs and promoting tolerance and understanding instead. We all have a responsibility to end hatred, prejudice and repression.

To not do so would be to fail to bear witness to the suffering of so many.

Danny Alexander MP

Part of the work I do is as a kind of salesman - for Scotland. So, my job is to work with teams of people who promote Scotland in tourism, energy and the economy. It was a pleasure to open a new office for CRC Evans, pipeline construction experts, at Alness, and I will in May at the Oil Conference in Houston have a chance to meet their owners there. In January, I travelled to Oslo to meet Statoil, CEO. They are committed to taking forward a massive oil project in Scotland, and looking to do a floating offshore wind turbine contract. Selling Scotland is not difficult, as the "brand" is highly regarded throughout the world - especially in Oil and Gas, but also renewables, including hydro power. It also helps that we have unique recognition for our distinctive traditions the Kilt, the Pipes, the Clans and foodstuffs - haggis, shortbread, Scotch beef and salmon. Oh and I forgot to mention whisky!

Fergus Ewing MSP

Friday

Tuesday

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tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

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• Choose your arrival date from our easy to use calendar

£99 or under

• Most breaks include breakfast and dinner

• Popular locations in Scotland and England

For more information visit www.easy-breaks.com/latedeals EDINBURGH

PEEBLES

Dalmahoy, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club

Mercure Barony Castle Hotel & Spa

March 1 night (Mon-Sat)

1 night (Sun arrival)

£59.50 £54.50

April to June 1 night (Mon-Sat)

1 night (Sun arrival)

£69.50 £64.50

March to May 2 nights

£75

More walking, spa, romantic, family & entertainment breaks on the phone or online Call 08430

55 44 33 or book online at www.easy-breaks.com Open 7 days 9am to 9pm

Terms and conditions: All rates are per person, per break based on two guests sharing a double or twin room and include dinner, bed and breakfast unless otherwise stated, please check for family and single room rates and availability. All reservations must be pre-paid at time of booking by credit or debit card and an administration charge applies to each reservation. All rates are subject to availability which may be limited- when they’re gone, they’re gone, so book quickly to avoid disappointment. *If you find the same deal cheaper on any other third party booking site, we will match that rate. Full terms and conditions apply, please see website.

Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area *Deadline for the April Issue: Friday, 28th February* 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.

5 wednesday inverallan guild agm 2:15pm in the inverallan church hall with drama skits. gizzen briggs and gordonstoun pipe band 7:30pm, st. christopher’s chapel, gordonstoun school. £10/5. visit www.thegcs.org.uk for details. call 01343 837894 to reserve tickets. also available on the door.

7 friday world day of prayer check locally for a service in your area.

9 sunday

FEBRUARY 2014 24 monday “an american journey, part 2: from montana to the black hills of south dakota” 7:.30pm, boat of garten community hall. an illustrated talk by chris carter. £5 admission.

global energy inverness 1/2 marathon incl. 5k team attack & 5k fun run registration from 9:30am - 11:45am /12pm. races start on bught road, inverness at 12:30, 12:40 & 12:45. runners cross the finish line at the queen's park stadium running track. prize-givings at 2pm & 2:45pm. come along and support the runners.

26 wednesday scottish rock garden club, moray group 7:30pm, nairn community centre. cliff booker, srgc travelling speaker “definitive dolomites”. call 01340 871504 for details.

27 thursday moray society lecture 2pm, elgin museum hall. a lecture on ‘church interiors in moray’ by marion yool, nadfas. df concerts presents: the stranglers + nine below zero @ ironworks 7pm. over 14s (u16s with adult). call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

28 friday macmillan cancer support (forres) ceilidh with 'the dunphail ceilidh band' 7:30pm at the mosset tavern, forres. £10, includes stovies. tickets from beaver travel, the washington, committee members and forres gazette office. for more info contact sue hellon on 01309 678875

MARCH 2014 2 sunday dm concerts presents: the orchestra feat. former elo & elo II members @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

“Earthtime has been fantastic for my daughter. It is by far her favourite activity. I couldn’t recommend it more highly and hope that every toddler and pre-school child has the opportunity to go”

2014 Programme of activities and events is now available!

To download your copy, visit www.earthtime.co.uk/events

Ellen. The ethos of Earthtime is brilliant! Parents who came along with their children realised how great Earthtime is as they saw for themselves how focused yet relaxed the children were on the fun tasks they were given”

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tel: 01309 690063

March 2014 - page 11

FULL-ON AWESOME EXPERIENCE

@GREENFIELDS The newest venue for family and corporate days out has opened this year as an exciting new brand‌ @Greenfields is the latest, all-welcoming visitor attraction - just 4 miles east of Elgin on the A96 outside Lhanbryde. @Greenfields is where kids can laugh and scream with joy in The PlayBarn; youngsters and adults can catch the adrenaline-filled thrills of both the Kart Raceway and Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting; families can experience full-on fun for all age groups and finish the day with a supremely tasty chef-cooked meal in The Barn Steakhouse & Grill Restaurant. As a short-term visitor you are welcome for coffee & cake or Scottish cream teas, and businesses can incorporate all the above to create the most exhilarating corporate venture.

Established exactly 5 years ago, this is the North of Scotland's largest indoor play centre. Extensive research into children's indoor play and leisure has been paramount in developing The PlayBarn concept to match the entertainment needs of visiting kids and their parents.

The PlayBarn is a massive 3,780 square foot building packed to the rafters with fun and adventurous activities for children. We encourage parent and child interaction by allowing adults to play with their children in the frame. Anne, our Supervisor, and her dedicated team are always there to ensure children have a memorable stay and play, and are able to offer the most exciting Party

12

Packages, too. Refreshments are always available, and watch out for our outdoor play area.

Off peak The PlayBarn is open 5 days a week, while peak times see it opened 7 days. We are open from 10am to 5pm, extending to 7pm on Fridays.

Please phone 01343 843101 or check our website for regular up to date information – www.greenfieldsfunfarm.co.uk.

The Barn Steakhouse & Grill Restaurant The welcome found at The Barn Steakhouse & Grill Restaurant is second to none. Restaurant Supervisor Fiona, together with new Head Chef Rudy and staff are on hand to ensure an excellence of menus and service that surpasses other local establishments.

This unique restaurant has so much to offer its customers; from speciality coffees and cake through to all-day-breakfasts; from weekday luncheons to Sunday roasts; from high teas to full-blown suppers and evening dinners; from succulent steaks to sumptuous specials. We also cater for weddings.

Produce is deliberately sourced both locally and from within Scotland wherever possible, and always freshly cooked to order. Of course the restaurant is licensed, offering local real ales and a full wine list to accompany your meal, together with all the usual spirits and liqueurs.

It is virtually unheard of to find any restaurant that can not only offer all the great food, service, comfort and ambience that one could wish for, but also offers whisky aficionados the brilliant opportunity to savour more than 80 different

whiskies from around Scotland – that’s worth repeating – more than 80 whiskies!

Last orders Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 4pm, Friday and Saturday at 8.30pm. For reservations call 01343 843101, or visit www.greenfields funfarm.co.uk

Laser Pigeon Shooting LaserClay Clay Pigeon Shooting @Greenfields has a sport which can be enjoyed by everyone and is now available in conjunction with karting. Players use modified shotguns to fire an infra-red beam at clays launched from a conventional clay launcher. Whenever a trigger is pulled, the control module/scoreboard generates the shotgun ‘bang’ and when a player hits the target it reproduces the sound of breaking clay. An indicator on the gun instantly tells the player whether he has hit or missed the target. Package deals available

Elgin Kart Raceway Elgin Kart Raceway with @Greenfields offers the ultimate in outside Karting. The track offers the option of ‘Arrive & Drive’ or ‘Mini Grand Prix.’

Whether you're looking for a fun day out for the family, a team-building event with a difference or a corporate hospitality day with a buzz, then Elgin Kart Raceway is the place for you.

No experience necessary - we'll show you what to do! Everything is provided including helmets, gloves and suits. We'll even provide you with waterproof suits if it is raining. The wetter... the better... we believe! Your safety is assured - we have an excellent safety record. So what are you waiting for?

Corporate Days Stuck for somewhere different to hold your business conference, your corporate days, or even your corporate family days – give @Greenfields a call and they will arrange everything you need. You will have time for fun, great food (and drink), excitement, and hopefully time to debate and discuss business matters, too.

Future Attractions In the expectation that visitors always want more to do, more entertainment and an awesome experience, @Greenfields plan to add to its attractions with Music days and evenings, Create & Craft markets, and by providing access through acres of forests and lochside trails. The latter will not just be for visitors but for their dogs, too. Check our website for these forthcoming developments.

The PlayBarn and The Barn Steakhouse Grill: Tel: 01343-843101 Email: theplaybarn@live.co.uk www.greenfieldsfunfarm.co.uk Elgin Kart Raceway and Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting: Tel: 01343 843666/07769 882582 Email: info@elginkartraceway.co.uk

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE Telephone 01343 843 101

17 monday - 22 saturday abernethy church charity shop mon - fri 10am - 4pm (mon & wed 6:30pm - 8pm) & sat 10am - 12pm in the church hall, dell road, nethy bridge. bric a brac, toys, clothes, etc. contact: karen murray on 01479 821281 for more information

Nature Walk with guest speaker and guide Dan Puplett Senior Moments sessions facilitate social gatherings in outdoor Senior Moments sessions facilitate social gatherings in outdoor locations and locations encourage creation ofs by new support networks encourage tand he cre ation of new the suppo rt network prov iding them ed outdoorby sessoutdoor ions to over 50s. providing themed sessions to over 50s.

Cost: FREE!

NEXT SESSIONS: W ed 12 th Feb wood Elgin Wed 12th Feb2pm, 2pm,Oakw Oakwood Elgin TWed ues 1 1th Marc h 11a m, San quhar Woods FoForres rres 12th March 11am, Sanquhar Woods ch 11a m, Loss ie Eas Mon th Mar t Bea ch Mon 24 24th March 11am, Lossie East Beach TTues ues 8th pril 2pm, Woods KeKeith ith 8thAApril 2pm,Cottage Cottage Woods Fri th AApril pril 11a m, Cul bin Fores t Fri 18 18th 11am, Culbin Forest TTues ues 29 th AApril pril 2pm, odie CaCastle stle 29th 2pm,BrBrodie inding WWalks a Mon 12 th May alks FoFochabers chabers Mon 12th May2pm, 2pm,WWinding Session s lasts for approximately 1 hour, please feel free to bring a drink.

Sessions lasts for approximately 1 hour, please feel free to bring a drink.

To book youryour place a call or send s an e-mail.

To book placepplease lease gigi veve usus a call or send us an eu-mail. phone 001343 541 335335 phone 1343 541 e-mail enquiries@earthtime.com e-mail enquiries@earthtime.com website www.earthtime.co.uk website www.earthtime.co.uk

leo and anto @ ironworks 7:30pm. over 14s. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

18 tuesday - 22 saturday 21st moray science festival ‘triumphs of transport’ sat 22nd is families day 10am - 4pm at moray college uhi. open to all the family. see the glider, sit on the army truck & fly a rocket! for info call sam bright on 01343 576319 / samantha.bright.moray@uhi.ac.uk

21 friday pbw presents: rock n wrestle 2@ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

22 saturday craigellachie village council, bottle bingo eyes down 7:30pm in craigellachie village hall. sponsored by strathdee properties. cake walk with story glen strathfarrar. 4 miles. meet 10am at highland council, glenurquhart rd, inverness. call guy on 07724 992790. www.guyandjocelyn.org

23 sunday

10 monday ‘fings aint what they seem to be: meanderings of an ageing physician’ 7:30pm, boat of garten community hall. an illustrated talk by hamish mclaren. £5 admission.

12 wednesday nadfas fine art lecture on 'music and instruments of the 16th - 18th centuries' delivered by jeanne dolmetsch 11am at the sherwood suite at the eight acreshotel, elgin. visitors welcome.

14 friday moray science festival race night (over 18 only) doors open 7pm first race starts 7:30pm at moray bowling club, seafield street, elgin. free entry. come along and watch the gee gees and have a flutter! minimum of 4 people in a team. games, raffle prizes with optional fancy dress. dr feelgood @ ironworks 7:30pm. call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

16 sunday mundole equestrian: show jumping entry on the day. contact 07901 602042 or mundole1@btinternet.com

page 14 - March 2014

18 tuesday

mundole equestrian: british dressage & unaffiliated contact 07901 602042 or mundole1@btinternet.com brodie castle wedding open day 12pm - 4pm. free entry. great opportunity to see the castle and stables setup for your wedding. for more info visit www.nts.org.uk/events. sport relief join the national campaign by entering a 1, 3 or 6 mile run in the village of cromdale. enter at www.sportrelief.com. for local info call 01479 873488

28 friday scottish rock garden club, moray group 7:30pm, new elgin hall annexe, land street, new elgin. davie sharp - autumn bulbs of the peloponnese. call 01340 871504 for details. moray society lecture - "world war I" 7:30pm, elgin museum hall. derek bird will talk about the first world war and its effects on moray. traditional ceilidh & tea dance 2pm - 4pm, talla nan ros, kingussie. an afternoon of music, dance, song and delicious home baking.all welcome. door to door transport, including for wheelchair users, can be arranged from £3 - £4 depending on distance. book in advance by ringing 01479 810004. tea & cake £2pp

tel: 01309 690063

admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Learn the Magic of Drawing and Painting Complete Beginners, Drawing and Painting Classes with LYNDA LUCK BA, starting in April 2014 NEW FOR 2014 !! @ Logie Steading, Nr Forres Classes for those with more confidence, looking to explore new mediums and styles are available. Limited places so book early!

For more info Tel: 01340 831287 t̓&NBJM MZOEB MVDL!MJWF DP VL

29 saturday al-anon family groups ‘public meeting’ 10:30am 12pm at the thistle hotel, millburn road, inverness. if you are concerned about someone else’s drinking please come along - perhaps we can help. nairn variety show 2014 @ nairn community centre. a night of song, music & dance. tickets ÂŁ15. proceeds to highland hospice. call jill on 07795 818089. in memory of fraser cruickshank who died at only 19. the scottish dolphin centre reopens 7 days a week. for details call 01343 820339 or visit whales.org

30 sunday mundole equestrian: show jumping entry on the day. contact 07901 602042 or mundole1@btinternet.com moray roadrunners 10k and 3k fun run 2pm in cooper park. visit www.morayroadrunners.com for further information.

Moray Science Festival 2014 Families Day Moray College UHI, Elgin Saturday 22nd March 10am - 4pm

“The Triumphs of Transport�

Glider Army Trucks Rockets Bugs and Reptiles Zombies and much more For ongoing information visit www.moray.uhi.ac.uk/ moray-science-festival www.facebook.com/MorayCollegeUHI https://twitter.com/MorayCollege

This space could have been promoting your business!

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

Contact us for details of rates and sizes:

(01309) 690063

outdoor

7KH %LUG 0DQ Common Eider (Female)

SAINT CUDDY’S DUCK “I want to see a St Cuddy’s Duck� was a recent request and “I would love to hear it call as well.�

No problem said I, and promptly started to research exactly what a St Cuddy’s Duck was!

The name is derived from Saint Cuthbert, the patron Saint of Northumberland, who in 676 gave the bird special protection because of its soft and warm down feathers used in pillows and duvets, and it is of course the Eider Duck.

The Common Eider, to give it its full name, is Britain’s heaviest duck, weighing between 2lbs and 7lbs. It is also recorded as being the fastest British duck in level flight reaching speeds over 50 mph.

Now that I knew what the bird was, it was an easy choice of where to go. A local fishing port is the ideal location to see the St Cuddy’s Duck up close and personal!

Common Eider (Male)

The birds when you initially see them appear just to be black and white, but as they drift slowly toward you then you begin to realise

their full beauty and range of colours. The green on the side of the neck, the pink blush to the feathering on the breast really is a treat to the eyes. Then just as we were admiring the plumage one male pulled his head right back, threw it forward and uttered its famous mating call “aaaooooaaa� very similar to the famous comedian Frankie Howerd’s catch phrase!

The main focus of the bird’s attention is of course the female Eiders. Once again on first appearance it looks like a plain brown duck.

However look closer and you will see a beautiful mixture of warm browns, rust hues and buff colouring, all set off with intricate dark barring, another stunning looking bird.

If you would like the chance to see and hear the Eiders then why not join Birding Ecosse on one of their guided walks; just log onto www.birdingecosse.co.uk and check out the planned trips.

So until next month “Good Birding.�

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

16

s WWW BIRDINGECOSSE COM s BIRDINGECOSSE HOTMAIL CO UK

Undecided about about

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Yes Moray Y es Mo Mor ay ur area is visiting your

with guest speakers to offer insight and debate.

Your Yo our local meeting mee is

Dufftown Dufftown

Memorial Hall, Friday 28th March, 7 - 9pm Other meetings nearby are

R Rothes othes

Grant Hall Hall,, Friday 7th March, 7-9pm

Buc Buckie kie

Elgin

Bishopmill Hall Legion Hall, Hall, Hall,, Friday 14th March, Friday 21st March, 7-9pm 7-9pm

For more information on these or future events yes@yesmoray.com email yes@yesmoray .com or call Michael on 07920 533 063

recipe

Chef’s Confidential Butterscotch Meringue Pie Ingredients: 8oz shortcrust pastry 4oz light brown soft sugar 2 egg whites 3oz butter 3oz castor sugar 1 tablespoon water 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 2oz flour ¾ pint milk 2 egg yolks 3-4 drops vanilla essence Method: Set oven to 350oF or Gas mark 4. Roll out pastry and line an 8” flan dish. Bake blind for 20 minutes. Place 1oz butter in a saucepan, add sugar and water. Heat gently until sugar dissolves but do not boil. Set aside. In a second saucepan melt remaining butter, add the flour and stir. Add the milk, bring to the boil stirring well and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the caramelised sugar from the first saucepan. Allow to cool before adding egg yolks and vanilla essence. Beat them in well. Pour into cooked pastry case. Reduce oven to 325oF or gas mark 3.

Topping: Put egg whites into a clean bowl, beat until they form stiff peaks and fold in the castor sugar. Pile meringue onto top of pie and sprinkle with granulated sugar, bake for 20 to 30 minutes until meringue is a pale golden colour.

David Bell – Head Chef Brockie’s Lodge Hotel. Tel: 01463 741257

18

Home Improvement

Office: 01343 818102 Graham: 07903 494718

Energy solutions which can save energy and in turn money.

THE MARCH OF TIME

Solar PV tariff cut 31 March 2014

Creating a more energy efficient home or business by installing a Solar PV system is a real consideration in a bid to cut costs.

Green Moray Renewables as a local family run electrical and renewable company can help you spend less money and will offer you the most practical cost effective solutions for your needs.

“

We had two systems installed on semi-detached properties. We obtained three quotes before making our decision. This was based on the professionalism, knowledge and willingness to revisit all our queries and concerns together with their recommendation for our further investigation of the all the implications of undertaking this installation. We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this company for every aspect of our dealings with them. Thank you, Graham and Sharon

GMRENEWABLESLTD LIVE CO UK s #OLDWELL $ALLAS &ORRES -ORAY )6 2:

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advice, home visits, measures, quotes

call... 01463 229746 or visit at our showroom, open : monday to friday 9am - 5pm and saturday 10am - 3pm

full range of soft furnishings,fabrics and accessories.

Interior Design by Jane Grant

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Home Improvement

travel

Dreaming of...

The Channel Islands

The island of Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands. Although the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey are often referred to collectively as the Channel Islands, the "Channel Islands" are not a constitutional or political unit. Jersey has a separate relationship to the British Crown from the other Crown dependencies of Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It is not part of the United Kingdom, and has an international identity separate from that of the UK but the United Kingdom is constitutionally responsible for the defense of The Channel islands. Jersey and Guernsey are not a part of the European Union but have a special relationship with it, being treated as part of the European Community for the purposes of free trade in goods. The cash machines dispense ÂŁ Sterling while the street names are in French, giving a continental feel without having to think in other currencies!

Jersey and Guernsey are traditionally holiday islands, with their warm climates, combined with Financial centres and Agricultural producers. The Financial sector takes advantage of tax and trust laws which are not common with the UK, and Agriculture was the ‘early’ growers until countries even warmer and further south such as Spain made it so easy to get fruit and vegetables out of our traditional seasons. Flowers were a similar product – early flowers came from the Channel Islands despite even earlier ones coming in from elsewhere.

Hotels vary from the 5-star Grand Jersey with its Michelin Star and the Longueville Manor Hotels on Jersey and the Old Government House Hotel and Spa on Guernsey, to a full range of hotels and Bed and Breakfasts on every level. The famous 4-star St Pierre Park Hotel on Guernsey boasts a 9-hole gold course designed by Tony Jacklin.

So with the direct flights from Inverness to Jersey and the warm climate why not jet off for a family break to the Channel Islands, and do a bit of island hopping while there. Masses of sandy beaches combined with historical sites make it interesting for almost all families. The islands of Alderney, Herm and Sark also make great landing spots and their exploration is a must! All of these islands are excellent for walking and cycling holidays.

20

Information kindly supplied by

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Highland Caterham Caterham Hire Hire offers offers you you the opportunity to self drive drive hire hire an iconic opportunity to British sports car, carr,, the Caterham Caterham Seven.

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British sports Additionally, chauffeur driven tours Additionally, chauffeur driven days days / tours, gift wedding gift vouchers vouchers and w edding use are are all catered catered for. for.

We are are based ased in the beautiful county of We Moray, near n Elgin, and ideall Moray, ideallyy situated situate to allow allow you you easy access ttoo the best best driving drivi roads sceneryy that Scotland roads and scener Scotland has to t offer. you wish ttoo eexplore Should you xplore be beyond yond the tland then the car are wonders of Sco wonders Scotland carss are opean tours. tours. available for Eur available European

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PLEASE ASK ABOUT OUR IN-HOUSE MOBILITY REPAIR, SERVICING & MODIFICATION CENTRE All mobility repairs, servicing and modifications are made at our work-shop in Forres.

We offer a collection and deliver service covering all areas in Moray and the North of Scotland*

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HOURS OF BUSINESS Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm 21 West Road, Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres IV36 2GW (Behind Lidl)

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WE’RE ALL EYES AND EARS Specsavers is a trusted name in eyecare but did you know that more people also choose Specsavers for their hearing care than any other private provider?

The high street hearing specialists now offer services in Moray and the Highlands at three new clinics.

The state-of-the-art Hearing Centres, based within the Specsavers stores in Elgin, Inverness and Dingwall, offer customers free in-store hearing tests, advice and help with hearing problems.

Dorothy Goodson, Specsavers’ senior audiologist who has joined the team to head up the new Hearing Centres following 10 years with the NHS, says: ‘One in seven adults in the UK experience some degree of hearing loss so there’s no need to feel embarrassed about hearing problems.

‘There are different demands on our ears at different times so our hearing is something we

should have checked regularly – particularly as we grow older. One thing to remember is that with the advances in technology there’s no need to live with a problem, we can prescribe a solution to suit your lifestyle.’

With a fully qualified team of dedicated hearing aid professionals equipped with the latest advanced audiology technology, each centre offers customers access to Specsavers Hearing Centres’ years of experience in taking care of the nation’s hearing.

As well as offering free in-store hearing tests, the clinics offer a full range of innovative digital hearing aids.

To schedule a free check-up for you or someone you know who may have a hearing loss, contact: Specsavers Elgin, Inverness or Dingwall today.

SPECSAVERS HEARING CENTRE NOW OPEN COMPLETE DIGITAL HEARING PACKAGE FROM £495 At your Specsavers Hearing Centres, we offer free hearing tests and you will only ever be seen by a qualified hearing professional. Plus our advance range of digital hearing aids uses the latest technology from world-leading manufacturers. Our hearing aid package includes two hearing aids, four years’ worth of batteries and aid enhancements such as directional microphones and auto telephone/telecoil. And for peace of mind, we will also guarantee your hearing aids for four years. All of this from £495.

So call us today for a free, no obligation hearing assessment.

Or find out more at specsavers.co.uk/hearing

Dingwall 16-17 High Street. Tel 01349 869 850 Elgin 96-98 High Street. Tel 01343 552 204 Inverness 44-48 High Street. Tel 01463 241 341

Applies to Specsavers advance range. Both hearing aids for customer’s sole use.

Cannot be used with other offers. ©2014 Specsavers Hearcare Group Limited. All rights reserved.

Quality Dental Care for the Whole Family We Are Currently Registering New NHS Patients.

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In conjunction with Highland Dental Plan, we are pleased to offer new patients the chance to experience the benefits of private standard dentistry including tooth coloured fillings etc from as little as ÂŁ6/month. Offer ends 30/04/2014.

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Treat yourself to the perfect, straight smile you've always wanted, finished off with a Free Course of Professional Tooth Whitening worth ÂŁ350!

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