Spotlight Strathspey May 19

THE NORTH’S FAVOURITE FREE WEE MAG

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S T R AT H S P E Y & D I S T R I C T

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Clubs and Societies ABERLOUR TENNIS CLUB Two clay courts. Beginner or experienced, social or competitive. New members welcome as well as visitors.

Public sessions are available three times a week on Tues, Wed & Sat. Call Graham Pook on 01309 611358 or 07766 704910 or grahampook@btinternet.com

CAIRNGORM CYCLING CLUB Tues & Thurs, 6.30pm - 9.30pm (training & social rides); longer rides some weekends. The Cairngorm Cycling Club is run by & for cycling enthusiasts in Strathspey & Badenoch of all ages & abilities. Email at treasurer.cairngormcc@gmail.com www.cairngormcc.co.uk

ALVIE STABLES Small friendly stables offering all abilities the chance to ride.

Novice - experienced riders. Mini treks for 20 mins or 1 hour trails.

Children's riding lessons are also available. Call 07831 495397 or email at info@alvie-estate.co.uk

CARRON CREATES CRAFT GROUP Mon, 2pm - 4pm, Carron Village Hall. General interest group. £2 per session. Guest instructors.

Call Jenny on 01340 810506.

BADENOCH GARDENING CLUB 3rd or 4th Wed of month, 7.30pm, Newtonmore Village Hall (Lesser Hall). Annual membership £10. Meetings free for members. £2.50 for visitors, who are most welcome. Call Beth Alder on 01540 673213 or email badenochgardeningclub@ gmail.com

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Publisher:

Winterburn Media Ltd Unit 15, Horizon Scotland, Enterprise Park, Forres, Moray, IV36 2AB (01309) 690063

All material within the SpotLight magazines is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertiser artwork or any other content, without the publisherʼs prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright.

page 4 - May 2019

DUFFTOWN B.A.L.L GROUP Tues, 9.45am - 11.45am, Dufftown & Sports Community Centre. A group supporting older people in & around Dufftown to live healthier & more independent lives. Music, yoga, crafts & interesting talks. Call Margaret Forrest on 01340 820515 & Susan Daley on 01343 563510. Email at CWDevelopmentTeam@ moray.gov.uk GRANTOWN COMMUNITY CAFE Fri, 10am - 2pm, Grantown YMCA Community Centre. Come & join us for tasty homemade soup with fresh homemade bread, teas, coffees & delicious cakes. A warm welcome guaranteed! Call 01479 872262 or email at grantowncommunitycentre@ gmail.com GRANTOWN ON SPEY LAWN TENNIS CLUB Junior & adult coaching is run throughout the year. The club also participates in the Highland District Leagues.

Call 01479 873120 GRANTOWN ON SPEY U3A Fortnightly (Oct - Apr), Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. www.grantownu3a.co.uk GRANTOWN SENIOR YOUTH CLUB Tues (term time only), 7pm -

tel: 01309 690063

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SPEYSIDE GYMNASTICS CLUB Mon, 4.15pm - 6pm (£7.50); Tues 4.45pm - 7pm (£7.50); Thurs 4.15pm - 6.15pm (£7.50); Fri 4pm - 5.30pm (£6) & 5.30pm - 7.30pm (£7.50, Grant Hall, Rothes. We offer gymnastics for girls & boys aged 5+. All fees paid termly. Call Tim Lyon (Head Coach) on 01340 810665 or email at speysidegc@gmail.com Facebook - Speyside Gymnastics

9pm, Grantown YMCA Community Centre. For S1 & S2 pupils. £1 per session. Come along & join in the fun! Call Heather Fraser (Centre Coordinator on 01479 872262 or at grantowncommunitycentre@ gmail.com NEWTONMORE BROWNIES Thurs, 6pm - 7.30pm, St Brides Church Hall. Call Glenda Leslie on 01540 673819 NEWTONMORE CAMANACHD CLUB The clubhouse & playing fields at the Eilan are home to this famous & successful club. Two teams play in the National Leagues & 3 other teams cater for all ages from primary school upwards. Call Ian Gibson on 01540 673048.

STRATHSPEY DRAUGHTS ASSOCIATION Good Friday - end of the 2nd week in Sept. Games on the Outdoor Draughts Board at The Square, Grantown-on-Spey.

Strathspey residents of all ages, are Members of the SDA. Call 01479 873814 or email at grantownenterprisesltd@ live.co.uk

NEWTONMORE CURLING CLUB For further information please call Peter Duncan on 01540 673285 or email at peterduncan@dsl.pipex.com

STRATHSPEY HIGHLAND PONY CENTRE Daily, (Easter to end of Oct), 9.30am - 5.30pm. Winter opening by appointment only.

Pre-booking essential. Call 01479 812345 (daytime) or 07884 276368 (evening)

NEWTONMORE PRIMARY SCHOOL SOCCER SEVENS For further information call Tony Mullender on 01540 673211.

NEWTONMORE VILLAGE HALL The hall is host to many activities & provides lets for indoor bowling, playgroup, drama group, dances, sales of work & many other events. The bookings list can be consulted at the Post Office. Call Shairon MacArthur on 01540 673234.

SPEYSIDE COMMUNITY CAR SHARING SCHEME Aims to promote the welfare & relieve the needs of those in the community who are socially isolated by reasons of age, infirmity or disability through the provision of a voluntary transport service. Call 01340 831748 or at admin@speysideccss.co.uk www.speysideccss.co.uk

TOMINTOUL BALL GROUP Wed (fortnightly),10am - 12pm, Tomnabat Court, Tomintoul. A group supporting older people in & around Tomintoul to live healthier, sustainable & independent lives. Music, yoga, crafts & interesting talks. Call Susan Daley 01343 563510 or email at CWDevelopmentTeam@ moray.gov.uk YOGA WITH SARA Wed & Fri, 9.45am, the Boat of Garten Community Hall. Email at info@boathall.org.uk PLEASE NOTE Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis. If you would like your details to be included in this section please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

From time to time I catch hold of a wise phrase or two.

Below is a quote from Michelle Obama (wife of President Barak Obama for those with short memories!)

You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.

Michelle Obama

PUBLISHER ..............David Nelmes ADVERTISING ..............Susan Innes PRODUCTION .........Linda J Donald ART & DESIGN...............Flo Skinner ART & DESIGN .............Ishbel Ewen ACCOUNTS ..................Alan Radley

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Pastoral Le er & Church Meetings It is good…..

What we think, and what we think about, and the subsequent consequences, are of immense pastoral concern.

Our mind controls and shapes what we do and say, and how we live our lives.

We normally control what we eat and drink, and where we go – but do we always control what comes into our minds?

However, what we allow into our minds spurs and motivates our acts, actions and behaviour.

When Jesus Christ was on trial, those in authority did not like what he said. One man asked, “What do you think?” Their next action was – “they spat in his face, struck him and slapped him”.

One practical pastoral sentence in the book of Romans is – “Do not conform any longer to the

pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

We prefer to have our circumstances and situations changed. God wants to change and transform our minds!

Whatever gets your attention gets you.

It is good to feed your mind with truth, because it is the truth that set you free, and this truth is found in the Scriptures. Yes, there are other truths – how to programme a computer, or knit a cardigan – but these will not set you free.

It is good to have your mind freed from negative or destructive thoughts. We are in a battle. Such ground is not given up easily.

It is good to be aware of the pressures around us – advertising, music, and certain celebrities promote the world’s

Kingussie Parish Church Sundays 11am. All welcome. www.kingussieparishchurch.org.uk Knockando, Elchies & Archiestown Parish Church of Scotland Sundays 10am. Contact Rev Robert M Anderson 01340 831381.

Mortlach & Cabrach Church Dufftown. Sundays at 10.30am Tea & coffee after. 01340 820049 (Session Clerk). All welcome.

Rothes Parish Church Sundays 11.30am. Contact Rev Robert M Anderson 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 Brides’ Church of Scotland Newtonmore. Sundays 11.15am. Rev Catherine Buchan. Tel: 01540 673236.

St Columba’s Episcopal Church High Street, Grantown.

Sundays 10.30am: Holy Communion. Ven. Richard Gillings: page 6 - May 2019

values.

It is good to be in an atmosphere which encourages discipline.

That can save us from distressing heartaches, disappointments and disasters – and that is why we need the Word of God and why we need to know what is in the Word of God. It is good to focus our minds on right things – “on what is noble, lovely, admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things”.

It is good to ask Jesus to help you transform and renew your mind – the consequences will be remarkable.

Sandy Shaw Pastor of Nairn Fellowship

Christian

richard.gillings698@btinternet.com or phone 01479 831365.

St John’s Episcopal Church Sunday 10.30am: Eucharist.

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’s Episcopal Church Conval Street, Dufftown.

Family Eucharist every Sunday at 11 am. All welcome.

Contact Rev Michael Last on 01542 882782 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 linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

GS E IN BL EW LA VI AI AV

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Parliament Blog

We have all As consumers, As this is my first spotlight been waiting we must all take article since the birth of our with bated responsibility to baby son Alistair, I wanted to breath for the make more thank everyone who sent on rollout of conscious and their best wishes and superfast sustainable congratulations to Krystle and I. broadband to choices, As was reported at the time, I benefitted from all homes and businesses for wherever possible. I was the proxy voting procedures, and even though I a long time. delighted to meet with Sandra qualified, I wasn’t allowed one on the first day A reliable internet connection and Lynn of Lynbreck Croft in as Parliamentary procedures dictate you must is regarded by many of us as the Cairngorms recently, where I give 24 hours-notice to apply. While I may be the fourth utility and whether it learned about their many things, I’m not psychic and I was unable is moving more of your commitments to low-carbon, to predict when Krystle would go into labour. business online, accessing environmentally sustainable Some people have suggested I should have learning materials or farming. Their approach to applied in advance of the due date to cover all downloading the latest film or farming has also led them to eventualities, however, male MPs are only box set, much of what we being appointed Young given two weeks paternity leave and there want to do on the internet now Agricultural Climate Change would have been a risk that I could have used requires superfast broadband.

Champions by the Scottish all my paternity leave waiting for baby Alistair, We need the Scottish Government to champion a and by the time he arrived, I would have been Government to sign the cultural and behavioural shift heading back to Westminster. contract for the rollout now if towards low-carbon, I’ll always be grateful that I was able to make it they are to deliver on their environmentally sustainable back to Moray in time for his birth and spend promise that all homes and farming in Scotland. Where it the first two weeks with him and Krystle. We businesses will have access to can sometimes feel were also extremely fortunate to be able to superfast broadband by overwhelming and that hope is have Alistair at Dr Gray’s where the midwives, March 2021. lost, it is heartening to know that doctors and nurses were outstanding and a Everyone welcomes that there are many people, myself credit to their profession and our area. target and I will press the included, who are committed to It reinforces my belief that we need the Scottish Government to a lifestyle which puts maternity unit in Elgin back up and running at ensure their promises on rural sustainability and the future of full capacity as soon as possible to allow many & Fix Area Apr19.pdf 28/02/2019 09:49 broadband are delivered. our planet at its heart. more Stitch Moray families to benefit from their1great care.

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Useful Information

Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days Easter Monday St George’s Day Anzac Day Last Day of Passover (J) Yom HaShoah (J) Early May Bank Holiday Ramadan Starts (M) Yom Ha’atzmaut (J)

Mon 22nd Apr 2019 Tues 23rd Apr 2019 Thurs 25th Apr 2019 Sat 27th Apr 2019 Wed 1st May 2019 Mon 6th May 2019 Mon 6th May 2019 Wed 8th May 2019

Lag B’Omer (J) Wed 22nd May 2019 Spring Bank Holiday Mon 27th May 2019 Ascension Day Thurs 30th May 2019 Laylat al-Qadr (M) Fri 31st May 2019 § includes Aberlour, Craigellachie, Knockando, Tomintoul, Dufftown & Rothes * excludes Dufftown; ± Dufftown (H - Hindu; J - Jewish; M - Muslim; S - Sikh)

School Term Dates MORAY COUNCIL SCHOOLS

HIGHLAND COUNCIL SCHOOLS

for 2018/2019 (all dates inclusive) May Day Holiday Mon 6th May 2019 In-Service Day Thurs 16th May 2019 In-Service Day Fri 17th May 2019 Occasional Day Speyside Mon 3rd Jun 2019 Summer Term Ends Fri 28th Jun 2019 Summer Holiday Starts Mon 1st Jul 2019 for 2019/2020 (all dates inclusive) In-Service Day Mon 19th Aug 2019

for 2018/2019 (all dates inclusive) May Day Holiday Mon 6th May 2019 In-Service Day Mon 3rd Jun 2019 Summer Term Ends Thurs 4th Jul 2019 Summer Holiday Starts Fri 5th Jul 2019 for 2019/2020 (all dates inclusive) Summer Holiday Ends Fri 16th Aug 2019 In-Service Day Mon 19th Aug 2019 Autumn Term Starts Tues 20th Aug 2019

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 Moray Families Information Service ..................................

Deshar Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 831226 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

Useful Contacts

....www.facebook.com/ MorayFamiliesInformationService

National Rail Enquires ................................08457 484950 Moray Cats Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07837 342646 Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Railway Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 078419 85768

SCHOOLS Aberlour Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 871255 Abernethy Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 821274 Alvie Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01540 651238 Aviemore Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 813120 Carrbridge Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 841249 Craigellachie Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01340 881271 Dalwhinnie Primary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01528 522228 page 10 - May 2019

tel: 01309 690063

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 linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

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COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC Colin Buchan MORAY LOCKSMITH Current Disclosure Scotland

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should be able to use it determine ring numbers in the future.

Second visit

Any assistance is greatly appreciated

My collie x Labrador Nellie accompanies me at all times in the field. I wouldn’t be without her anyway but a dog can be an extra pair of eyes. Like me, she will sit and look around her surroundings. By looking at her at regular intervals I can see if her attention has been drawn to any movement in the sky.

Many times I have received the ‘it’s behind you!’ signal from my dog.

Having seen the results that can be obtained by using a trail camera (sometimes called a nest trap camera) I decided to get one myself.

They work by detecting movement and automatically take a photograph or a video. A gamekeeper kindly deposited a dead sheep on the hill for me and I left the camera strapped to a post beside it for a couple of weeks. It took 500 shots per week!

The photographs (I thought) were fantastic and, with a bit of practice, I

If possible I make a second visit during incubation in April or May. Observations are always made from a distance by telescope. I have never flushed a sitting bird as this can easily cause desertion. The preferred method is to climb up the opposite ridge and look across from a distance. Sometimes all I can see is the golden nape of the sitting bird and the yellow bill. When the head slowly turns from one side to the other I know that my eyes are not playing tricks with me! Job done I can either walk out or, if I have enough time, wait to see if the male comes along and watch a changeover take place.

I remember one day in Sutherland in May 2015. I had seen a pair in residence earlier in the year in a territory which I expected to be occupied. The traditional ledge was still full of snow so it was necessary to scan an extensive range of cliffs with my telescope to find a nest (if there was one at all). It can be an

almost impossible and frustrating task – ‘cold searching’ for a sitting bird. Being unsuccessful comes with the job. However, after several hours watching and searching I saw a golden eagle heading for the crags four kilometres south. This could be a one-and-only opportunity so,

holding my breath, I watched it purposefully head for the nest – unknowingly giving away its secret.

In order to drop neatly beside the nest (there’s no runway) the approaching bird flew slightly below its target, pulling up to lose all speed just before landing at the nest. I felt

jubilant! Using a map and compass I made a note of the position so that I could return to make a closer examination in June.

Jon Brain

Trail camera picture (6 March 2016)

GET OUT AND ABOUT Rascal P321

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21 West Road, Greshop Industrial Estate, Forres IV36 2GW (Behind Lidl) 0QFO .POEBZ 'SJEBZ BN UP QN t &BTZ QBSLJOH EJTBCMFE UPJMFU GBDJMJUJFT 01309 676677 t TBMFT!NPPSJOHTNFEJRVJQ DPN

SpotLIGHTon FREE Listings, FREE to View, FREE to upload Promote your events in this section by going online at www.spotlighton.co.uk Register, key in details which will then automatically be printed in the magazine.

*June Issue Deadline: 2nd May*.

Inclusion of events is free. We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops.Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes.

Rolling Events

18 may - 28 june Textiles in Time by Avril C. Clark 10am - 5pm (Mon Fri) & 11am - 4pm (Sat), Elgin Museum. Call Irene Lukkarinen on 07546 574117 or email at isldirector1017@gmail.com

until

until until 27 april Photo Fest: A Wonderful Collection of Photographs

by Local Photographers mon - fri, 1pm - 4.30pm & sat & sun, 10am - 4.30pm, Abernethy Old Kirk, Nethy Bridge

until

28 april

Insect Handling Sessions 11.30am - 12.30pm & 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Tropical Hot-House, Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. Hold a humongous stick insect, mammoth millipede or even a gigantic snail. call 01479 841613

until 29 april Wildlife in the Land: Philippa Mitchell Exhibition (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri)10am - 4pm & (Wed & Sat) 10am - 1pm, Chapel House Arts, High Street, Kingussie. Free. Call 01540 662438 or email at abridgen1@gmail.com

4 may - 14 june Aberdeen to Inverness Rail Improvements: Bus replacement Dyce to Inverurie (6 weeks)

until 10 may Miscellany at Home & Abroad: Art exhibition by Mary Byatt 10am - 5pm (mon -fri) & 11am - 4pm (sat), Elgin Museum, High Street, Elgin. Free. Call 01343 543675 or Irene Lukkarinen on 07546 574117. Email at curator@elginmuseum.org.uk or isldirector1017@gmail.com. admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

31 may

Storytime for U5s (Tues only) 9.30am - 10am, Dufftown library. Free Storytime for U5s (Wed only during term time) 10.30am - 11am, Tomintoul library. Free Storytime for U5s (Thurs only) 2pm - 2.30pm, Aberlour library. Free Brodie Castle: Scottish Rhododendron Festival Brodie Castle, Forres. Call 01309 641371 Cawdor Castle: Scottish Rhododendron Festival

30 october

Banff & Moray Members’ Centre NTS: Photography competition. 3 age categories. Entries online. Call Janice Oakes on 01309 675224 or email at janiceoakes51@gmail.com

until 31 december Moray Supports Refugees: Appeal for warm clothing, toiletries, camping equipment & toys. volunteers, transport & cash donations welcome.

Please bring all you can spare! For collection points please see facebook page at https://en-gb.facebook.com/moraycalaid

April 2019 22 monday Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: Cornwall Nature Conservancy; Speaker - Tony Blackler MBE on running a breeding conservancy specialising in British rare animals & cats 8.30pm - 10pm, the Grant Arms Hotel, the Square, Grantown on Spey. Free. call 01479 872526 or email at info@bwwc.co.uk Keith & DufftownRrailway: Easter Bunny Challenge Normal timetable, Keith & Dufftown Railway, Church Road, Keith. Every child wins an Easter Egg. No need to book. See www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk for details Fort George Easter Egg Trail 9.30am - 4.45pm, Fort George, Ardersier. Incl in normal admission price,

tel: 01309 690063

May 2019 - page 15

Discover the wonderfully diverse West Coast islands of Scotland the easy way with CalMac Ferries.

You’ll be guaranteed good travel and connection times, regularity and service on all of our 28 routes.

CalMac has been providing passenger ferry services to the west coast and peninsula communities for more than 150 years.

Scotland’s west coast islands are magical places that offer something special for every visitor, for example great beaches, breath taking scenery and everywhere you go, a great Scottish welcome.

Every island has its own individual character and charm.

Irrespective of whether it’s a trip to the islands off the Clyde Coast, the Inner and Outer Hebrides, or Skye and the nearby Small Isles, all count amongst some of Scotland’s finest and most dramatic natural landscapes.

While you are on board While you are on board why not take advantage of our wide range of hot and cold snacks and meals - all prepared freshly on board and using locally sourced produce.

Don’t forget to buy a few souvenirs too in our onboard shops.

CalMac Adventures A selection of day trips and mini cruises.

Departing from Oban, Mallaig, Uig/Skye, and Ullapool as well as Wemyss Bay (for Bute) Kennacraig (for Islay) and Ardossan (for Kintyre and Arran) Take your pick from a short trip of a couple of hours, or a make a full day of it.

Further information Our website at www.calmac.co.uk offers a wealth of information about the routes and islands we serve – including detailed information on timetables, fares, day trips as well as updates on service status.

Free. Hunt for clues around one of Europe's most outstanding fortification.Tthere is a chocolate egg for every participant. Call John Gibbon on 01667 460232 or email at john.gibbon@hes.scot www.historicenvironment.scot

25 thursday Anzac Day Remembrance Service hosted by Lennox Community Council 10am, the Dallachy Memorial, Bogmoor. please note b9104 will be closed from 10am - 10.30am Cairngorm Cycling Club:Ssocial Ride 6.30pm - 9pm, Myrtlefield Car Park, Aviemore. email at treasurer.cairngormcc@gmail.com. www.cairngormcc.co.uk Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: Gerald Durrell; Speaker - Tony Blackler 8.30pm - 10pm, the Grant Arms Hotel, the Square, Grantown on Spey. Free. call 01479 872526 or email at info@bwwc.co.uk Scottish Highland Renewable Energy Conference (SHREC) 11.45am - 3.30pm, the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness. Free. Reflecting on some of the highlights of a dynamic decade of SHREC events - with great speakers, success stories & much more. www.eventbrite.co.uk

26 friday Live Music Night in aid of Inverness Hospital Radio: featuring crafty jack duo & special guest, johnny cash tribute by calum macrae & dougie burns & the cadillacs doors open at 8pm for 8.30pm - 12.30am, the Mayfower Lounge, Thistle Inn, Celt Street, inverness. £10 from duncan fraser, butcher, queensgate & the mayflower lounge, inverness Inverness. £10 from Duncan Fraser, Butcher, Queensgate & the Mayfower Lounge, Inverness Where 2 Today's Monthly Ceilidh/Music Afternoon 2pm - 4pm, Aviemore Legion. £2.50. All welcome to our ceilidh/afternoon tea dance, held on the last Friday of every month (none in Dec). Call Ros Munro on 01479 810004 or email at ros@ct4u.co.uk. www.ct4u.co.uk Meet the Artefacts: a Cheese & Wine Fundraising Event for Elgin Museum 7.30pm - 9.30pm, Elgin Museum Hall, 1 High Street, Elgin. £3. Volunteers will explain objects & guide round the museum Call Mary Shand on 01343 543675 or email at curator@elginmuseum.org.uk.

27 saturday Charity Curry Night in aid of local Youth & Shelter Box hosted by the Rotary Club of Spey Valley 7pm, Nethy Bridge Community Centre. £15. call Barbara Paterson on 01479 821941 or email at barbarapaterson5@icloud.com. www.rcsv.org Western Front Association (WFA): 16 Squadron RFC/RAF; An Army Cooperation Unit in the First World War. Speaker - Colin Buxton 2.30pm, the Gallery, Elgin Library. Call Derek Bird (Chair) on 01343 870562 or email at page 18 - May 2019

tel: 01309 690063

chairman.wfasnb@gmail.com. www.westernfrontassociation.com Moravian Orienteering: Sat & Moray & Nairn Schools League: Millbuies. Registration: 10.15am 11.15am. www.moravianorienteering.org Toyah@The Ironworks,Inverness 7pm www.ironworksvenue.com Scottish Rock Garden Club (Highland): Rare Plant Sale & Display 10.30am, United Reform Church, Nairn. Free. Plant sale opens 10.30 am; show opens 11.30 am Moray Field Club Spring Walk: First walk of 2019 from Ardersier to Fort George, 2 miles, looking out for birds & dolphins. guided tour of the fort 10am, bus leaves from Lossie Green, Elgin. £15 (incl bus fare & entry to fort). Call Sara Marsh on 07840 285438 or email at morayfieldclub@gmail.com Myles WIlson Open Greensomes 7am- 12pm, Forres Golf Club, Muiryshade Road, Forres. £7 Members; £15 Visitors. Gents’ & Ladies’ Greensomes Stroke.

Call 01309 672949 Ext 2. www.forresgolfclub.co.uk MS Society Moray Drop In Session for anyone living with MS in the area. 10am - 1pm, Alexander Graham Bell Centre, Moray College UHI, Moray Street, Elgin.

FREE. Living with MS? Come join us for a cuppa & a chat to hear what we have happening in the area, whether that's activities or services, & chat to some of our service providers - including learning about our new Young Carers initiative! Cal Lynne on 07592 446824 or email at moray@mssociety.org.uk Baby & Children's Market: Buy quality second hand & nearly-new baby & children's items at our pop up market. Toys, clothing, books, etc 10am - 12pm, Inverness Leisure Centre, Bught Park. £1. Email at info@happymumsmarket.co.uk www.happymumsmarket.co.uk Inverness Choral Spring Concert performing Hayden's Nelson Mass & John Rutter's Magnificat 7.30pm, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness. Call Sandra Riach on 01997 466253 or email at sandra.riach1@btinternet.com

27 saturday - 28 sunday Etape Loch Ness: 66 miles on traffic free roads, starting & finishing in Inverness. General entry full but still places available by joining Team Macmillan 6.15am (start). registration on 27th 10am, Loch Ness, Inverness. 18+. Spectator info at www.etapelochness.com

28 sunday Daffodil Tea in aid of Boharm Public Hall 2pm - 4pm, Boharm Public Hall, MulbenAB55 6YH. Adult £3.50 Child £1.50. Please come along & join us for a lovely cup of tea or coffee & delicious home bakes, to help us keep our hall going. email Fiona at mulben.sec@gmail.com

29 monday The Moray Society: AGM 6.30pm - 7pm, Elgin admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Museum Side Hall, 1 High Street,Eelgin. Free. Email at curator@elginmuseum.org.uk. www.elginmuseum.org.uk

30 tuesday Grantown-on-Spey U3A: AGM & Ballindalloch Distillery; Speaker - Brian Robinson 2pm, Osprey Room, Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey ÂŁ2.50 (incl tea, coffee & biscuits). Email Lesley Badger (Sec) at secretary@grantownu3a.co.uk www.grantownu3a.co.uk

Fochabers Public Institute. All welcome Lional, Iain McLaughlin & The Outsiders, Pure Grief & Misty@The Ironworks, Inverness 7.30pm, www.ironworksvenue.com

3 friday - 27 monday Sally Gunn Art Exhibition 10am - 5pm (Daily),the Square Room, Logie Steading Gallery, Dunphail, Forres, Moray, IV36 2QN. Call Sally Gunn on 01667 455846 oremail at sally.gunn@sallygunnart.co.uk www.sallygunnart.co.uk

4 saturday May 2019 1 wednesday Elgin Writers' Group: How the Web can help you with your writing; Led by members 7.30pm 9.30pm, Elgin Library. www.elginwriters.wordpress.com Inverness Orienteering Club (INVOC): Craigmonie TBC, Craigmonie, Drumnadrochit. Local event incl schools. www.invoc.org.uk

1 wednesday - 3 friday Aberdeen Golf Links Pro-Am Royal Aberdeen: Inaugural event Trump International, Cruden Bay. For further details see website. Call 07779 994236 or email at getintouch@aberdeengolflinks.com. www.aberdeengolflinks.com

2 thursday Bookbug Session for Babies & Toddlers 2pm, Aberlour library. Free Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: All the Ks; The Birds of New Zealand. Speaker - Graham Lenton 8.30pm, The Grant Arms Hotel, The Square, Grantown on Spey Lucy Spraggan@The Ironworks, Inverness 7.30pm, www.ironworksvenue.com

2 thursday - 5 sunday Bandstand Beer & Music Festival Bandstand Bar, Nairn. The largest Indie Beer & Music festival in the Highlands - 140 real ales, ciders & craft beers plus live music, speciality foods, whisky, charity stalls & a barbecue

3 friday Sigma: Astronomical Alchemy; Speaker - Gordon Mackie, Caithness Astronomy Group. An overview of how the chemical elements are formed & the significance of some of the elements in the Periodic Table from an astronomy perspective 7pm for 7.30pm, Lhanbryde Community Centre. Nonmembers welcome (small donation). www.sigma-astro.co.uk Arc Sessions: Skerryvore 7.30pm - 10pm, admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

The Green Living Expo: the latest in innovative energy saving, green living & home improvement technologies, including renewable energy, heating, house builders, home improvements & electric car dealerships amongst others 10am - 4pm, Inverness Ice Centre, Bught Drive, Inverness. Free but please register at www.eventbrite.co.uk Scottish Theme Day 10am - 4pm, The Plainstones, Elgin. Free. Haggis eating competition; highland dancing; tartan sporting stilt walkers; pipes & drums; farmers' market. etc. Part of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Call Elgin Bid on 01343 550652 or email at gill.neill@elginbid.co.uk www.embraceellgin.co.uk Warehouse 91@The Ironworks, Inverness 11pm www.ironworksvenue.com ARTS for Wellbeing Launch 10am - 10pm, St Giles' Church, High Street, Elgin. Free. Drop in & sample a range of creative activities which promote good mental health & wellbeing. Refreshments available.

Call Amanda Lindsay on 07706 152983 or email at artsforwellbeingmoray@gmail.com. www.artsforwellbeingmoray.com Badenoch & Strathspey Ramblers: Glentromie & Insh Marshes 9.30am, Ardvonie Car Park, Kingussie Grade: C; Distance: 6.5 miles. Call Audrey Turner on 07450 548862. www.ramblers.org.uk Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: Birds in Ancient Egypt; Speaker - John Wyatt looks at the intricate detective work behind the discovery of, to date, some 248 species, & at the species themselves 8.30pm, The Grant Arms Hotel, The Square, Grantown on Spey Annual Auction Sale: Paintings, prints, furniture, books, tools, sports equipment, toys, china & glasswear 12pm onwards, Boat of Garten Community Hall. Call 01479 831123 or email at info@boathall.org.uk

4 saturday - 5 sunday Logie Timber Festival Logie Steading.

Demonstrations, exhibitors, kit, machinery, hand tools, things to get your hands on, makers, movers & shakers - as well as food & drink

5 sunday Nethy Bridge Spring Gathering: Craft stalls,

tel: 01309 690063

May 2019 - page 19

activities, children's events, spit roast, Bar -b-que refreshments 12.30pm - 4pm, Playing Fields, Nethy Bridge. Free entry. Call Jennifer Carrott on 01479 821400 or email at jenny@carrotts.uk. www.nethybridge.com Archiestown 5K 2019 in aid of Archiestown Playgroup 11am - 12pm, Archiestown Village Hall Tea, sandwiches, cakes, raffle & prizes in the hall afterwards. Registration online or on the day Fundraising Whisky Auction 12pm, Craigellachie Village Hall. Sellers’ & buyers.’ Terms & conditions at www.craigellachie.org Forres Vintage Vehicle Theme Day Grant Park, Forres. Veteran, vintage & classic vehicles from throughout Scotland. Various side stalls WKC Aberdeen Open 9am, Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. £6.

Kickboxing Open featuring the world's best martial artists "The Angel's Share" in aid of local charities 2pm, The Fleming Hall, Aberlour. Adults £10; Seniors £5 (incl refreshment). Aberlour & Speyside Rotary Club in association with NEAT. Tickets from website or at the door. www.spiritofspeyside.com Extreme Duck Race supporting the conservation of our rivers 3.30pm, River Findhorn at Logie Steading. Free entry. Small duck sponsorship £2.

Sponsor small & Superducks & watch them race down the River Findhorn rapids. Call Valerie Wardlaw on 01309 611220 or email at admin@fnlft.org.uk. www.fnlft.org.uk

6 monday Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: Saving the Chatham Island Black Robin; Speaker - David Parkin on how New Zealand conservationists saved the species from extinction 8.30pm, The Grant Arms Hotel, The Square, Grantown on Spey Ladies’ Senior Open: Jubilee Tray 18 Hole Open 7am - 12.55pm, Forres Golf Club, Muiryshade Road, Forres. £10 Members; £20 Visitors. Call 01309 672949 Ext 2. www.forresgolfclub.co.uk

7 tuesday Bookbug Session for Babies & Toddlers 2pm, Dufftown library. Free The Elgin Flower Club: Fierce Creatures; Demonstrator - Derek Morgan, Morecambe 7.30pm, High Church Hall, North Guildry Street, Elgin. www.elginflowerclub.com Scottish Golf Junior Forum 6pm, Loch Ness Golf Club. Discussion on the development of junior golf

8 wednesday The Arts Society Speyside lecture: 'When Britain Clicked - photography of the swinging sixties.'

11 am - coffee & tea served from 10.15am, The Williamson Hall, Duff Avenue, Elgin. New Members welcome. Visitors £7 donation. Call Karen Weller on 07789 880481 or email at twelk69@hotmail.com page 20 - May 2019

tel: 01309 690063

Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: India; Birds, Tigers & The Taj Mahal; Speaker - Chris Hall 8.30pm, The Grant Arms Hotel, The Square, Grantown on Spey Where 2 Today's Monthly Lunch Bunch 12.30pm, Anderson's Restaurant, Boat of Garten. 2 courses £10/3 courses £12. Enjoy a great value fab lunch with friendly company on the 2nd Wed of each month. Transport available. Call 01479 810004 or email at info@ct4u.co.uk. www.ct4u.co.uk

9 thursday Moray & Banffshire Heroes Awards 2019 6.30pm 11.30pm, The Mansefield Hotel, Elgin. Recognising the people in the Moray & Banffshire area who make a real difference to our communities, healthcare, education, safety & wellbeing The Arts Society Highland: When Britain Clicked; Fab Photographs from the Swinging Sixties.

Speaker - Brian Slater 2.15pm prompt , The Free Church Hall, Smithton, Inverness. Suggested donation for Visitors £8. Email at info@ theartssocietyhighland.org.uk www.theartssocietyhighland.org.uk Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: The Life & Times of Robin Redbreast; Speaker - David Parkin 8.30pm, The Grant Arms Hotel, The Square, Grantown on Spey

9 thursday - 10 friday Deja Vu in aid of Children 1st: A sale of brand new & pre-loved clothes for adults & children along with Acqua London jewellery & accessories 9th: 4pm 7pm (drinks & nibbles); 10th:, Westfield House, nr Elgin IV30 8XL. Entry by donation. Cash or cheque payment only please. Call Veronica Maclean on 01343 547308 or email at veronica.maclean@yahoo.co.uk

10 friday MFR Cash for Kids: Superhero Day 2019 Moray & Inverness. Register at www.planetradio.co.uk Woodwinters Big Tasting@The Ironworks, Inverness 6pm, Over 65 wines. Booking essential. Call 0871 789 4173. www.ironworksvenue.com Cairngorms Connect: A Wild Landscape in the Making 7pm, Boat of Garten Community Hall An informative discussion on the 200 year vision to enhance habitats, species & ecological processes across a vast area within the Cairngorms National Park. www.invernessbid.co.uk

10 friday - 12 sunday Cairngorms Nature BIG Weekend Various timings & locations. Over 60 activities taking place across the National Park there is something for everyone, from families to the more seasoned nature lover

11 saturday Cairngorms Nature BIG Weekend: Golden Eagle Treasure Trail 10am - 4pm, Glenmore Visitor Centre, admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

Glenmore Forest Park. Free but we rely on your donations. Drop in, self-led event aimed at family groups. No unaccompanied children. Call Saranne Bish on or at saranne.bish@highlifehighland.com Spring Ceilidh with the Dandy Ceilidh Band (Family Ceilidh) Bar opens 7.30pm, Band from 8pm, Archiestown Village Hall. £10 in advance; £12 on the door. Licensed event with Bar. Tickets from Archiestown Post Office. Call Archiestown Village Council (Find us on Facebook) on 07824 704650 or email at eilidhmcook@icloud.com. www.archiestown.com Hotel California 8pm - 10pm, Elgin Town Hall £16.76 - £21.61. www.eventbrite.co.uk Inverness Classic Vehicle Show 2019 11am - 3pm, Inverness. Free. Vehicles from all eras on display, street entertainment with musicians & entertainers.

Parade Finale in Inverness High Street at 3pm led by the Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band NorCon PipeBand. www.invernessbid.co.uk Moray Field Club Walk: Spring walk from Dufftown to Craigellachie following the River Fiddich, about 4.5 miles 10.30am, Meet at Bridge of Fiddich car park in Craigellachie. Call Sara Marsh on 07840 285438 or email at morayfieldclub@gmail.com Inverness Science Festival: Family Day Inverness Leisure Centre, Bught Road, Inverness

carsandcoffeeinverness@highlandclassic.org.uk www.facebook.com/carsandcoffeeinverness

12 sunday

16 thursday

Anagach Woods: A Walk through Time 10am, Grantown on Spey. Looking at 10,000yrs of history for the woods & how the area is changing Aidan O'Rourke (LAU) & Kit Downes:365 Project 8.30pm, The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore Cairngorms Nature BIG Weekend: Lords of the Dance 4am - 8am, Pick up Grantown. Meeting place to be given out after booking via email. Free but we rely on your donations. Watch the splendour of a Black Grouse lek while munching on a bacon roll & drinking fresh coffee. Booking essential. Call Saranne Bish on or email saranne.bish@highlifehighland.com Cairngorms Nature BIG Weekend: Golden Eagle Treasure Trail 10am - 4pm, Glenmore Visitor Centre, Glenmore Forest Park. Free but we rely on your donations. Drop in, self-led event aimed at family groups. Please no unaccompanied children. Call Saranne Bish on or email saranne.bish@highlifehighland.com Cairngorms Nature BIG Weekend: Community Dog Walk in Anagach Woods 11am - 1pm, Golf Course car park, Grantown on Spey. Free but we rely on your donations. Learn some hints & tips from Sue Williams, a local dog trainer on how to enjoy wild places safely with the incredible wildlife of the pine forests. Call Saranne Bish on or email at saranne.bish@highlifehighland.com Cars & Coffee10am - 12pm, Rollerbowl, Inverness A quiet social gathering of like-minded car enthusiasts All Welcome! email at admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

13 monday Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: Saving the Vultures from Extinction; Speaker - Rob Sheldon looks at the causes behind the population declines & outline conservation efforts to save them 8.30pm, The Grant Arms Hotel, The Square, Grantown on Spey

15 wednesday Blood Donors: Kingussie 5.15pm - 7.15pm, The Badenoch Centre, Spey Street, Kingussie. To book an appointment please call 0345 90 90 999 or email nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.net Elgin Writers' Group: Results & Readings of the Poetry Competition 7.30pm - 9.30pm, Elgin Library www.elginwriters.wordpress.com Tom McGuire & The Brassholes@The Ironworks, Inverness 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com Health Records 6pm, Highland Archive & Registration Centre, Inverness. £3. Learn about the extensive collection of archives the Highland Archive Centre holds on behalf of NHS Highland, including the complete records of Craig Dunain (otherwise known as the District Lunatic Asylum).

Call 01463 256444 CLAN Cancer Drop Ins 10.30am - 12pm, The CLAN Cancer Support Centre, 227 High Street, Elgin. Free.

Open to anyone affected by cancer with information & support available. Guest speakers. All welcome Call 01343 54132 Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: The Birds & Wildlife of Kazakhstan; Speaker - Rob Sheldon explores the biodiversity of this amazing country 8.30pm, The Grant Arms Hotel, The Square, Grantown on Spey

17 friday Gig@The Games 7pm - 11.59pm, Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers. £16. First marquee event with folk band RURA. Live music, licensed bar & BBQ. Over 18s only. www.gordoncastle.co.uk Moravian Orienteering: Darnaway Coaching 2pm 4pm, Darnaway. www.moravianorienteering.org The Quireboys Unplugged@The Ironworks, Inverness 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com Archiestown Village Council Auction TBC, Archiestown. All welcome

17 friday - 20 monday Banff & Moray Members' Centre (NTS) 3 day tour of East Lothian by coach visiting places like Preston Mill, Newhailes House & Lady Victoria Mining Museum. Call Janice Oakes on 01309 675224 or email at janiceoakes51@gmail.com

18 saturday Baby & Children's Market: quality second hand &

tel: 01309 690063

May 2019 - page 21

nearly-new baby & children's items at our pop up market. Find Toys, Clothing, Books & more 10am 12pm, Elgin Town Hall. £1. Email at info@happymumsmarket.co.uk www.happymumsmarket.co.uk Jim Smith: Back to the Teuchter! 7.30pm, Elgin Town Hall, Trinity Place, Elgin. Suitable for both country bumpkins & dead trendy city folk NW Grampian Long Distance Walking Group: Moor of Feshie (Group Walk) 9am, Meet at Aviemore Railway Station. Distance 18 miles - from Aviemore via Loch an Eilean, Feshiebridge & Kincraig on good forest paths & the Speyside Way. Email at johnhenderson628@btinternet.com. www.llwa.org.uk/northwestgrampian Truck In2 Grantown Charity Fundraiser 10am, The Show Field, Grantown on Spey. Main charity is Motor Neurone Scotland. trade & craft stalls, funfair, catering & bar. Truck parades, truck pull competition & Swede Dreamz The Aviemore 100 Bike Challenge 9am, Glenmore Hayfield, Aviemore. 70 km road cycle followed by a 30 km off-road MTB challenge. Organised by Mikes Bikes (Aviemore) & Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Email at paul.corrigan@chss.org.uk Moravian Orienteering: Darnaway Coaching: Dufftown. www.moravianorienteering.org for details Tombola - raising funds for MS Society Moray Doors open 6.30pm, Eyes down 7.30pm, New Elgin Hall, Land Street, New Elgin. £1.50 entry at door. Raffle on the night (any prize donations would be most welcome!). Call Dot on 07592 446824 or email at moray@mssociety.org.uk Scottish Ornithologists' Club Highland: Outing Corrimony 9am , Inverness Retail Park, near Burger King. Call Kathy Bonniface on 01808 511740 or email at highlandsecretary@the-soc.org.uk www.the-soc.org.uk Badenoch & Strathspey Ramblers: Falls of Foyers 9.30am, Carrbridge Car Park. Grade: C; Distance: 6 miles. Call Ann Hadley on 01479 873806. www.ramblers.org.uk

18 saturday - 31 friday The Birdhouse Collective Exhibition Please check for Gallery opening times, The Gallery, Elgin Library.

The creative possibilities of photography & storytelling from new perspectives, with both digital, analogue & camera-less techniques. Call 01343 562600

19 sunday Gordon Castle Highland Games & Country Fair 10am - 5pm, Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers 9th annual family event. www.gordoncastle.co.uk Gordon Castle: Scottish Rhododendron Festival 10am - 4pm, Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers Enjoy both our red & white rhododendrons during the Highland Games Clochan Community Centre Car Boot Sale: Indoor & page 22 - May 2019

tel: 01309 690063

Outdoor Stances 9am - 1pm; 8.30am set-up, Clochan Community Centre. Clochan pancakes freshly made for you, bacon rolls, hot & cold drinks Call Christine or Pauline (to book your stance) on 01542 882478 or 01542 850416 Badenoch & Strathspey Orienteering Club: Newtonmore Registration 1.30pm - 3pm; Start 2pm Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore

20 monday The Highlanders' Museum: Festival of Museums; Family History Research Day 10am - 4pm, The Highlanders' Museum, Fort George, Ardersier Free. Guided tours, costumed interpreter & family history research. Call Gill Bird on 0131 310 8765 or email at gill@thehighlandersmuseum.com www.thehighlandersmuseum.com Inverness & Black Isle U3A: AGM & Entertainment 2pm, Smithton-Culloden Free Church, Murray Road, Inverness. Prospective Members may attend 2 General Meetings before joining U3A. Tea, coffee & biscuits after talks. www.u3asites.org.uk/nvernessblackisle Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: Birding through a Lens; Speaker - Jim Almond 8.30pm, The Grant Arms Hotel, The Square, Grantown on Spey

21 tuesday Highland Quilters: My Quilting Journey; Speaker Hanne Ashey 7.30pm, Smithton Church Hall, Murray Road, Inverness. Visitors £5. Email at highlandquilters@gmail.com. www.highlandquilters.com

22 wednesday Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: France; North & South; Speaker - Mike Read 8.30pm, The Grant Arms Hotel, The Square, Grantown on Spey

23 thursday Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: Butterflies, Dragons & Damsels of Shropshire; Speaker - Jim Almond 8.30pm, The Grant Arms Hotel, The Square, Grantown on Spey

24 friday Cairngorms Orchestra Spring Concert - À Paris 7.30 pm, Boat of Garten Community Hall. Adults £8 children free. Community orchestra with works by Faure, Mozart, Saint-Saens and Haydn-Wood.

Special guest soloist cellist Katy Bell. Call Margaret Norgate on 01479 821308 or email at cairngormsorchestra@gmail.com www.cairngormsorchestra.com Blackmore's Blood@The Ironworks, Inverness 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com

25 saturday Cairngorm to Coast: 100km Hike & Bike Challenge 9am, Cairngorm Mountain Ski Centre. Three entry admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

options - 100km bike, 100km hike & bike & 30km hike. Call 01343 549571 or email at info@outfitmoray.com. www.outfirmoray.com/c2c SANDS Remembrance Garden Opening 4pm, Dr Grays Hospital, Elgin. Free. For families who have lost babies at any time during pregnancy, birth or shortly. Families may bring a stone with baby's name & date of birth to place in the garden should they wish to. Call Tina Megevand on 07772 431480 or email at tinamegevand@hotmail.co.uk Kenny Rodgers Night featuring Andy Dean 7.30pm 11pm, Beaufort Hotel, Culduthel Road, Inverness. £15. Unreserved table seating available plus a selection of finger buffet available for purchase! www.eventbrite.co.uk

26 sunday Moray Ramblers: Clach na Ben 7am, Elgin Community Centre Car Park. £11 Adults; Children £5. Grade: Moderate/Strenuous; Distance: 10 miles.

Route via Keith. Booking essential. Call Evie McIvor on 01343 820844 (6pm - 8pm) or email bookings@morayramblers.co.uk www.morayramblers.org.uk Stableford Open Gents & Ladies 7am - 12pm, Forres Golf Club, Muiryshade Road, Forres. £7 Members; £15 Visitors. Call 01309 672949 Ext 2. www.forresgolfclub.co.uk Highland Folk Museum Vintage Day Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore. Classic cars, bikes, agricultural vehicles, etc. Call 01540 673551 Race for Life (10K) 11am, Bught Park, Inverness. All women are welcome, regardless of whether they are taking part on their own or as part of a group. www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk

& Voice in Shaping of Characters when writing; Speaker - Kirsty Logan 7.30pm - 9.30pm, Elgin Library. www.elginwriters.wordpress.com Moray Road Runners: Pinto Run (1 of 3) 6.15pm 8pm (race starts 7pm), Cooper Park, Elgin. 3km race. Ages 6yrs to whatever. Fundraising for young people’s participation in sport

30 thursday Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: Bison, Bears & Buffleheads; Speaker - Paul Rogers on Yellowstone & Grand Teton in the Fall 8.30pm, The Grant Arms Hotel, The Square, Grantown on Spey

31 friday Where 2 Today's Monthly Ceilidh/Music Afternoon 2pm - 4pm, Grantown Legion. £2.50. All welcome to our Ceilidh/Afternoon Tea Dance, held on the last Fri of every month (none in Dec). Call 01479 810004 or email at info@ct4u.co.uk. www.ct4u.co.uk Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club@The Ironworks, Inverness 9pm. www.ironworksvenue.com

31 friday - 3 june (monday) Scottish Ornithologists' Club Highland: Long Weekend in Caithness For further information please call Kathy Bonniface on 01808 511740, email at highlandsecretary@the-soc.org.uk

27 monday Bird Watching & Wildlife Club: An East African Safari; The Wildlife of Kenya & Tanzania. Speaker Paul Rogers 8.30pm, The Grant Arms Hotel, The Square, Grantown on Spey

28 tuesday Interfaith Moray Meeting 7pm - 9pm, St. Sylvester's Church, Institution Road, Elgin. Open meeting for anyone interested in sharing & learning across different faith traditions & stances. Call Jenny on 01343 830276 or email at jadams@churchofscotland.org.uk Museum Vintage Day Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore. Classic cars, bikes, agricultural vehicles, etc. Call 01540 673551

29 wednesday Inverness Orienteering Club (INVOC): Culloden Woods. Local event incl schools. www.invoc.org.uk Transport Records: Trains, Ships, Cars & Transport Development 6pm, Highland Archive & Registration Centre, Inverness. £3. Call 01463 256444 Elgin Writers' Group: Constructing the 'Point of View' admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

May 2019 - page 23

Adult Non-Fiction

Adult Fiction

By Naoke Abe

By Emily Koch

The irresistible story of Japanese cherry blossoms, threatened by political ideology and saved by an unknown Englishman.

Collingwood Ingram, known as 'Cherry' for his defining obsession, was born in 1880 and lived until he was a hundred. After visiting Japan in 1902 and 1907, Ingram fell in love with cherry blossoms, or sakura, and dedicated much of his life to their cultivation and preservation.

Everyone believes Alex is in a coma, unlikely to ever wake up. As his family debate withdrawing life support, he can only listen. But he soon begins to suspect that his accident wasn't really an accident.

Even worse, the perpetrator is still out there and Alex is not the only one in danger. Alex must use a series of clues from his past to solve the mystery of who tried to kill him. He needs to protect those he SV]LZ ILMVYL [OL` KLJPKL [V SL[ OPT NV °

‘Cherry’ Ingram

If I Die Before I Wake

Adult Fiction

Adult Non-Fiction

The Ghost Tree

Becoming The Supervet

By Barbara Erskine

By Noel Fitzpatrick In this long-awaited memoir, Noel recounts this often-surprising journey that sees him leaving behind a farm animal practice in rural Ireland to set up Fitzpatrick Referrals in Surrey, one of the most advanced small animal specialist centres in the world. We meet the animals that paved the way, from calving cows and corralling bullocks to talkative parrots and bionic cats and dogs.

Junior Fiction

Before you follow the path into your family's history, beware of the secrets you may find. Amidst the dust of her old life, Ruth discovers a hidden diary from the eighteenth century, written by her ancestor, Thomas Erskine. As she sifts through the ancient pages of the past, Ruth opens a door to the past that she can't close, and meets a ghost in her family tree who wasn't invited. She will have to draw upon new friends and old in what will become a battle for her very survival...

A Pinch of Magic

By Michelle Harrison Three sisters trapped by an ancient curse. But each of the sisters holds a secret, three magical objects passed down to them, each with a different enchanted property: an old carpet bag, a nest of dolls and a gilt-framed mirror. Together they hope to use their inheritance to defeat the curse upon them. When they encounter a stranger, a prisoner, who claims to hold secret knowledge about the curse he’s willing to trade - for a price - the sisters must decide who to trust and discover whether the objects they keep hold the key to their freedom or a path to unimaginable peril.

Young Adult Fiction

The Truth About Keeping Secrets

By Savannah Brown Sydney's dad is the only psychiatrist for miles around in their small Ohio town. He is also unexpectedly dead. Sydney believes the crash was anything but an accident. And when the threatening texts begin, and June Copeland - homecoming queen and golden child appears at his funeral out of nowhere, she's sure of it.

Part 1 Volunteering to Save Lives...

Meet Mountain Rescue – an interview by Alyson MacDonald Mason I met with Iain Nesbitt of Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team on a snowy day in Inverness to learn more about what Mountain Rescue does and what attracted him to volunteer for a team.

Iain Nesbitt is the first Mountain Rescue volunteer I have met, and I imagine that most people, like me, are fascinated by not only what these volunteers do but also who they are.

Iain is a forester who volunteers with Dundonnell Mountain Rescue. He works and lives on Brahan Estate. Iain has always preferred being outside, enjoying hillwalking as a teenager in the hills around Stranraer. At 18 he headed north to Inverness to study forestry and remained in the area. Hillwalking took a back seat when work and family took up most of his time.

As his family grew up, he started hillwalking again, tackling local hills and setting bigger challenges, including deciding to climb all the

Munros. As his fitness improved he felt a sense of achievement and well-being. Seeing Scotland from a different perspective, he enjoyed each experience.

During this time, he met Mountain Rescue volunteers and was inspired by their recollections of rescues and experiences. Iain applied to join his local team, Dundonnell Mountain Rescue and started his training.

New recruits spend a year training before becoming a full team member. Iain found himself undertaking training covering search scenarios, winter skills training, safety on steep ground, team safety, first aid, the use of spinal boards and oxygen and helicopter training.

The Dundonnell team cover an area of approx.

3,000 sq. miles including some very remote areas and has 44 members (including trainees).

Teams will support each other if needed.

I asked Iain how he felt about call-outs in bad weather or at night. With a wry smile he confirmed that this was part of the role, the safety of team members comes first, but sometimes situations require a search in darkness or adverse weather. The safety of the lost or injured person is always the driver.

You can support mountain rescue in Scotland by donating to your local team or to Scottish Mountain Rescue. Please visit www.scottishmountainrescue.org for more info. To find out about Dundonnell the team featured in this article please visit www.dmrt.org.uk

TOM ANGEL IS A GARDEN DESIGNER AND CHARTERED HORTICULTURIST BASED IN AVIEMORE. TOM WORKED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE INDUSTRY

The

Garden

FOR MANY YEARS AND NOW PROVIDES CONSULTANCY AND DESIGN SERVICES AS

ANGEL

HORTICULTURE LTD.

Has your garden been looking spring-like with plenty of flowers this year? Or are you still waiting on the summer months before seeing your plants produce their flowers?

I think that the most important part of the gardening year to plan ahead for is the end of the winter and start of spring. Winters can seem to drag on endlessly, especially in the North of Scotland, and it can make a world of difference seeing flowers appearing and reminding you of the wonders of nature in your back garden.

Spring is a good time to think about this as well because it is a great time for planting. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) can be bought ‘in the green’, or donated by a friendly neighbour, a far more successful alternative to planting them as bulbs.

shady position, as long as it is not anywhere too exposed.

My favourite plants are flowering trees, and you don’t have to stick to Cherry trees to get great flowers. Varieties of Hawthorn, Pear and Crab Apple will thrive in Highland gardens and reward you with fantastic spring flowers.

Last year I planted Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ and Malus ‘Evereste’ and both are romping away happily.

If your garden isn’t looking brilliant at the moment, or you felt it looked dreary over the winter, take it as an opportunity to make things different next year. One of the wonderful things about gardening is how it forces you to slow down, and observe changes and improvements in terms of years and even decades, rather than minutes and hours.

Considered by some to be the first flowers of spring, these are really the last flowers of winter. Early-flowering Crocus are a great idea too, though you’ll need to wait till later in the year to plant Crocus bulbs.

It is worth planning ahead for the rest of year, to make sure you are rewarded next spring. Late summer and autumn are the time for planting spring bulbs. The humble Daffodil is for many the quintessential indicator of spring being in full force. However, do not neglect the rest of the Narcissi genus. There are dozens of varieties of Narcissi, not all Daffodils strictly speaking, but many have a more delicate and attractive appearance. Colours range from almost white right through to almost orange, and if you go for a ‘Jonquilla’ variety you get scent too! Fun fact – a Narcissus is only a Daffodil if the internal trumpet (the ‘corona’) in the flower is longer than the petals. Narcissus look great mass-planted, so go for as many as you can afford and have space for. Don’t forget about Tulips too, again, planted in groups.

In terms of plants that are good spring value, you can look at species such as Helleborus hybridus ‘Harvington yellow speckled’, Primroses, Pulmonarias and Brunneras.

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' makes regular appearances in my garden designs as it will put up with a

26

Varieties of Narcissi Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’

The Stromberg Martini Created by Alessandro Palazzi, London, UK. "The inspiration came from my love of Ian Fleming novels, and the fictional character and Bond villain Karl Sigmund Stromberg..."

INGREDIENTS: 100ml frozen Isle Of Harris Gin 5ml Sacred English Dry Vermouth Sardinian Bottarga (a rich and intense delicacy of salted, cured fish roe)

ME THODOLOGY: 1. Take a Martini glass with a maximum capacity of 125ml and freeze it.

2. Freeze your bottle of Isle of Harris Gin. 3. Add 5ml of the Sacred English Dry Vermouth to the frozen glass and swirl to coat the inside.

4. Add 100ml of frozen Isle of Harris Gin. 5. Grate a little of the Bottarga on top to garnish to your preferred intensity.

Alessandro Palazzi is the Martini maestro of London's Mayfair, with over four decades of experience in some of the world's finest establishments. [Read his Vice Magazine interview.]

"Stromberg lived in Atlantis, his palace submerged under the sea off the coast of Sardinia, Italy. I wanted to celebrate the ‘maritime pleasures’ in this unusual gin, bringing together an additional element of delicious Sardinian Bottarga which intensifies the unusual Sugar Kelp tones. The original Martini was created with gin, often many people think it was created with vodka. It is important when making a Martini cocktail to ensure the glass and the spirit itself is as cold as possible. The common mistake amongst bartenders is to serve it in a warm glass, or even to dilute the cocktail with too much ice during preparation. This is why I serve the Martini cocktail in a frozen glass as well as keeping the gin the freezer. For me, the Martini cocktail is a symbol of purity and elegance. The gin Martini speaks for itself through the botanicals and when served properly, is a cocktail you savour. "

Bridge at Sluggan

The Roads We Rely On

by Highland Historian Throughout the tensions of the early Jacobite period, it was clear that access and maneuverability were key issues that needed to be addressed for control of the Highlands and North East.

Readers will be aware of the roads built by General George Wade between 1724 and 1740, but it was Wade’s protégé’s extension of the road-building project from 1747 that had a lasting impact in the North West and South West Highlands as well as into Aberdeen-shire; all key recruiting grounds for the Jacobite army of 1745-1746.

The origin of Wade’s project was the increasing Highland

influence in the Jacobite Risings of 1689, 1715 and 1719 and the insecurities which the Hanoverian monarchy and Government of the time of Wade’s command felt in the Gàidhealtachd.

Wade was Commander-in-Chief of the forces in North Britain from 1724-1740 and again in September until December 1745 at the age of 72.

Wade’s road building focused on the Great Glen and Highland Perthshire and consisted of 35 bridges, including the impressive Tay Bridge at Aberfeldy, and 240 miles of road. The Aberfeldy bridge was designed by

William Adam and cost £4,095 5s 10d.

An ironic fact is that it was Wade’s road through the Corrieyarrick Pass that aided the Jacobite advance on Edinburgh before the battle of Prestonpans. It is also this pass that my ancestor used to move with a barrow of his belongings from Dores to Blairgowrie 150 years later in search of a sustainable livelihood!

After Culloden in April 1746 and seeing the tests of the network during the ‘45, Major William Caulfeild took over and masterminded the road network extensions. Wade’s protégé had been with him

since 1729 and had been promoted by Wade to the position of Inspector of Roads in 1732.

One of the best examples of their joint work is the bridge at Sluggan, an important junction between Wade’s and Caulfeild’s roads. Despite being partly washed away in 1829, it was rebuilt in the original design which is synonymous with Caulfeild’s single-arch bridges. One of the few written records states that the similar 1749 Caulfeild’s Bridge at the Spittal of Glenshee was built for £40.

Caulfeild remained the

Major William Caulfeild

Inspector of Roads until his death in 1767. By this time he had overseen the completion of over 800 miles of extensions to Wade’s road network and c.600 bridges.

This included the road from the Great Glen to Glenelg; roads linking Crieff, Dumbarton, Inverary and Fort William; and a complex road network linking Dunkeld to Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Portsoy, Corgarff, Braemar, Fochabers, Grantown-on-Spey, Forres and Fort George. The project of 1747 also ran alongside the first military survey of Scotland which led to the formation of the Ordinance

Survey.

It must be recognised that these roads facilitated the systematic subduing of Gaelic culture in the West and Episcopalian Jacobitism in the North East. It also facilitated the access of the British Army to recruits who, from the late 18th century until today have been involved in virtually every British military campaign.

Today, Wade and Caulfeild might also be seen as the facilitators of tourism in the North and as the people who did more for the road networks in the Highlands than anyone since.

General George Wade

I f y ou h a ve a t opic y o u ’d lik e to f in d o u t mor e about, or have l oc a l t ra d i tio n s a n d sto r ie s to s h a r e , pleas e e-m ail: a n d re w @ h ig h la n d h is to r ia n . c o m o r visit hi gh l a n d h i s t or ia n . c o m to b o o k y o u r b e spoke guided tour !

P u zz le Pa g e

Easy

Medium

Easy

Solutions to last month’s puzzles Medium

Sho p Yo u r Wa rd rdrob rob e …

How often do you say “I have nothing to wear,” even though your wardrobe is full of clothes?

Perhaps you have a special event or a night out and panic buy, only to spend the night not feeling good and nowhere near as special as you wanted (or deserve) to.

Before you head out and randomly buy something just because it’s ‘new’ why not ‘Shop Your Wardrobe’. Take the clothes you already own and style them in new ways by layering, testing new colour combinations and combining items you wouldn’t usually wear together. Garment shapes don’t tend to change but trends do, so perhaps all you need is a new accessory to update or introduce the latest colours. There may be a dress that you keep for ‘formal’ or ‘summer’ (not always

reliable) wear. Why not take that dress out now and combine with a chunkier shoe/boot and cropped leather jacket to funk it up? Do you have an item you feel comfortable in, but are worried that you’ve worn it a few times too many? Switch up with a different colour or add another layer.

What people notice is your aura of feeling good rather than think ‘oh, they’ve worn that before’. If you’re looking for inspiration, Pinterest is great for styling ideas or “window shop” online. Look for items that are similar to ones in your wardrobe.

The true essence of styling is the ability to create multiple looks from your wardrobe. Buy less wear more. Sustainable fashion and decluttering are hot topics just now and if you’ve used the #konmari method then your wardrobe will be full of pieces that spark joy. Your wardrobe is with you every day so make friends with it, enjoy it and treat it as your very own boutique.

PS. if you feel truly overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, please visit my website to see how I can help!

E: a m a n d a @de fi ne s t y l e co ns ul t anc y. co. uk W: w w w.d e fi ne s t y l e co ns ul t anc y. co. uk T: 07749 45 6 2 4 3

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