Lochaber Life #330 April 2021 by Wyvex Media Limited

At the heart of your community Pet Feeding Perils

50 Himalayan Sketchbooks

Beatha Lochabair

A ‘Ghiblean

Community Connections - VAL 27

April 2021 – Issue 330

Mini Cookies online ﬁtness Lochaber Life April 2021.indd 1

ore s m e to

m ree ho es t 0 ess hou 0 e v 0 i l n ug , De 12 usi thro d n b h an tha nd ont ber a ry m cha ond e Lo ey ev b f red

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Spring is here and your special Spa experience awaits… Imagine instead of an Easter Egg, giving the gift of a wonderful spa experience this spring – perfect for sharing. With the dawn of a new season and light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, how wonderful would it be to treat yourself and a friend or loved one to something really special this spring? Ardrhu House hopes to open on April 26, Scottish Government permitting, so give yourself a day to remember; lift your spirits and inject some joy back into life. Ardrhu House has the perfect solution to putting the winter blues far behind you, with its ‘spa la carte’ approach to wellness. The luxury spa, loved by visitors and locals-in-the-know, has answered the call by providing its holistic treatment menu, an indulgent treat whilst maintaining a safe environment. These spa days are truly à la carte: you buy the time with a therapist and get to choose whatever treatments you desire with plenty of expert help and advice available to make the wisest decision. The emerald steam room, Finish sauna, hydro-jet shower and outdoor jacuzzi overlooking Loch Linnhe await you. The spa team comprises an Ayurveda practitioner, herbalist, aromatherapist

and sound healer; all coming together to weave the magic of Ardrhu House for a bespoke spa experience. World-famous brands like Ila and Temple Spa are part of the range of products used for these exquisite treatments available exclusively in Scotland at Ardrhu House. Treatment choices vary in length and include a therapeutic range for insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, stress and exhaustion. Massage treatments are popular with male and female customers and a couples’ visit includes amazing rituals to be shared side by side in the same treatment room. It’s the perfect gift. You can either book a spa experience or buy a gift voucher. There is no expiry date on vouchers. A half-day includes either breakfast or afternoon tea and the full day features both - with the à la carte theme continuing. You can add a light lunch or blocks of extra spa time as you desire; it is all about you receiving the finest spa experience from this menu of indulgence. Activities on offer at the hotel can also be added, like yoga, canoeing or wild swimming. The full story unfolds when you visit https:// www.ardrhuhouse.com/spa

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Beatha Lochabair

contents

SPRING INTO SUMMER? The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, leaves are beginning to appear on the trees and no matter what may be happening in the human world, nature triumphs again in its own special way. While more opportunities to get out and enjoy all of this may be getting closer, it may still be a good idea to follow guidelines so that ‘our’ world can return to some form of recognisable normality as soon as possible. Easter celebrations are also in the air, with all the excitement and pleasure they bring. And don’t forget March 28 marked summertime, with clocks going forward by an hour. Happy summer. Samhradh sona. Iain.

Easter traditions

Parking puzzles

Reader’s picture

A piper’s memoirs

Pet feeding perils

Recipe

FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH:

‘Cuil’ sci-ﬁ

Personal trainer Jonathan McCook runs through a series of online exercise activities aimed at primary age children.

50 years of sketchbooks

Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

Arts of Lochaber

Community Connections

Thought for the Month

15 years ago

Where in Lochaber?

Mini Cookies online

EDITORIAL Iain Ferguson Email: iainpics@ googlemail.com

ADVERTISING Nicky Murphy Email: nmurphy@ wyvexmedia.co.uk

PRODUCTION Kevin McCubbin Email: kmccubbin@ wyvexmedia.co.uk

Published by Wyvex Media Limited Tel: 01397 703003 Website: www.obantimes.co.uk We hope to publish a wide range of interests and opinions. However, our contributors’ views are not necessarily our own. Material in Lochaber Life must not be reproduced without our written consent or that of the copyright owner. A statement of our terms and conditions for accepting advertisements is available on request. Published by Wyvex Media Ltd.

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AYE2AYE Lochaber Group, 123 High Street, Fort William

Are you suprised by Scotland’s natural wealth? Is it time to Believe in Scotland? www.businessforscotland.com/take-the-scotland-the-brief-quiz

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EASTER ACTIVITIES Iain Ferguson When I was young, one of the most exciting Easter activities was painting the shell of a boiled egg and rolling it down a hill on Easter Sunday before eating it. This often ended in disaster with the egg hitting a stone and breaking up in the grass. More predictable were the chocolate eggs which, if rolled at all, were kept indoors in their colourful foil wrappings. It was also a great competition to see who got the most and the best colours. I know from past experience with Lochaber primary schools that these traditions of egg painting and Easter bonnet making are still in full operation at this time of the year. Other countries, too, mark Easter in variety of ways. In Finland it is almost like a mini Hallowe’en with children dressing as witches, hiding behind doors with willow twigs decorated with feathers reciting a rhyme ‘Virvon varvon, tuoreeks terveeks, tulevaks vuodeks. Vitsa sulle, palkka mulle’. Basically, when they ‘hit’ you with their twig, it means good luck for the rest of the year. The response to this, of course is to give the witches ‘treats’ for their good wishes. It is also traditional to paint eggs, eat lamb and an Easter

pudding, Mämmi - see page 14. Children in Russia also paint eggs and, in a bit like a game of conkers, hit them together with the winner having the most intact egg. People also greet each other with the phrase ‘Christ resurrected’ which is responded to with ‘Resurrected indeed’. It is also a popular time for baptisms and diving into freezing water three times to mark the Holy Trinity. Easter can be centred around a two-day event in Hungary, although many follow other practices for a week. On Easter Saturday, baskets are taken to church to be blessed before being given to children on Sunday. Palm or ‘Flower’ Sunday starts with a feast commemorating Jesus entering Jersusalem while on Good Friday - a national holiday - it is traditional to clean homes and decorate eggs. These customs are very

much the same in Poland, where an early sign of Easter is a large number of branches and dried flowers being brought to church for Palm Sunday - niedziela palmowa - marking the entrance of Jesus in Jerusalem. The day before Easter Sunday, hard-boiled eggs are painted. Called pisanki, they are traditionally painted with dye made from boiled onion skins, although today usually with paints from the shops. Another Saturday activity is making Easter baskets lined with a white linen or lace napkin containing pisanki, a piece of sausage or ham, salt and pepper, bread, a piece of cake and an Easter lamb made of sugar or even plastic. They are brought to church to be blessed. The last festive day is Easter Monday, known as Śmigus-Dyngus (Wet Monday), when tradition dictates that boys throw water over girls and ‘hit’ them with willow branches.

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PARKING PUzzLES Finding a parking space in Fort William is less of a challenge at the moment, with more spaces available as there are fewer visitors. Residents are often aware of little enclaves which can be used for short periods of time, allowing a quick visit to the shops. Some of them have now vanished though. These include the short lay-by in front of the town’s Chinese restaurant, Not Just Desserts cafe and Spice Tandoori which for years was a handy area to stop for a few minutes.

For several years this has been restricted only to buses from 8am to 6pm, but did you know that? There is a sign, but to many its meaning is far from clear, especially with no markings on the road, where there was previously a single yellow line. So if you happen to get ‘booked’ , you have been

warned. It may be advisable to study the signs in other areas used mainly by local people, as circumstances may have changed.

Unusual ‘hair frost’ captured by John Blakley when walking near his home in Acharacle.

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OVER THE CHINDWIN TO LOCHABER A Scottish Piper’s memoir Book review by Iain Ferguson. Many senior pipers still playing music across Lochaber may well owe their skills and enthusiasm for the instrument to Pipe Major Evan Macrae BEM who spent his retirement years sharing his love for the music. He was born on the Black Isle on February 21 1922 and brought up at Armadale, where he learned the pipes from John MacDonald, the Ardvasar blacksmith. As did many young men of the period, he joined the 1st Camerons in 1942, sailing with the battalion to India. During 1944-45 he fought in the Burma campaign and was appointed Pipe Major in 1944. His well-known ‘March Over the Chindwin’ commemorates the crossing of the River Chindwin by the 79th in December 1944 during the advance after the battle of Kohima. This was a particularly important moment in the Far East conflict when, after three months of fighting in and around the small town, the allies halted and reversed the Japanese campaign as they headed for India. Despite being part of this event, which is of great historical importance, the book is not about the war, nor does

it go into detail of wartime actions. Instead it is a collection of experiences in the life of one man. After growing up in Skye and the West Highlands he finally retired to Fort William where, driven by his talent and love of music, he taught boys and girls to play the pipes, travelling across the area to give as many children as possible the chance to learn. In 1974 he jointly formed and trained Lochaber Junior Pipe Band, whose members and pupils all adored him for his talent and manner. In 1980, he won the Gold

Medal for piping, having only started competing after his retirement. The book is the memoirs of a man who grew up with bagpipes, became a piper, served through several military conflicts still playing his beloved instrument and, for all of his life shared his gift, the love of the bagpipes, with others until his death in 1991. ‘Over the Chindwin to Lochaber, A Scottish Piper’s memoir’ was complied and produced by his son Duncan from his father’s memoirs and is available on Amazon at £8.95.

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Council Tax: check to save In an attempt to improve the take up of Council Tax reductions, exemptions and discounts, Citizens Advice Scotland has created an online tool where people can answer questions to help find out whether they are exempt from having to pay council tax or are eligible for a discount or reduction in their bill. This can be found at www. checkmycounciltax.scot If you get an exemption from council tax, you normally also won’t have to pay anything to your water and sewerage charges, unless you

Lochaber

are on a water meter. If you get a discount on your council tax, you will have to pay something to both your council tax and water and sewerage charges. For example, for a single occupancy discount you may have to pay 75 per cent of the council tax charge and 75 per cent of the water and sewerage charges. If you get a council tax reduction, the amount you will have to pay depends on your savings and income. Even if you get a council tax reduction because of low income and savings, you will still have to pay for at least 75 per cent

of the water and sewerage charges. If further information or advice is required you can call Lochaber CAB between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday on 01397 705311 or email adviser@lochabercab.casonline. org.uk

DURING OPENING HOURS 10am-4pm, TELEPHONE 01397 705311 Message can be left EMAIL – adviser@lochabercab.casonline.org.uk

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Iain Ferguson

PET FEEDING PERILS

Special occasions in many households involve the consumption of particular foods and it is only natural you don’t want to leave out pets from the celebrations. However, for dogs and cats feeding them certain types of food that may be a treat to you can harmful or even fatal to them. With Easter upon us, chocolate will almost certainly feature in quantity, but it can be poisonous to our four-legged companions. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine which can lead to kidney failure in dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate the higher its content and danger, so specially made pet chocolate is suggested so they can join in without threat to health. Continuing on that theme, artificial sweeteners often used to reduce sugar content in many products can also be life threatening to pets. One in particular, which works by stimulating an insulin release in humans, is highlighted by pet charities as being a potential cause of a bad reaction in dogs and cats, which is also linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders. Even simple things like sharing a fruit cake or fruity cereal can have a pet risk,

as both raisins and grapes contain a toxin which may lead to liver and kidney damage. Other readily available households foods for pets to avoid are avocados, onions, garlic, chives and macadamia nuts, all of which contain toxins with the possibility of inducing a variety of unpleasant and possibly very serious conditions. It goes without saying that alcohol and medicines, even everyday ones including paracetamol and ibuprofen, can be harmful to pets. Cats, in particular, are at risk from even small quantities of these. In what may seem incredible to most of us, it is also recommended cats are not given saucers of cow’s

milk as many are lactose intolerant and drinking the milk could lead to stomach upsets. A bowl of fresh water is suggested instead. While these may sound terrifying, most problems are easily avoided by just being aware of what can cause harm. Many pets, especially some breeds of dog, are known for ‘helping themselves’ to whatever comes in reach of their noses, so knowing what foods to keep out of the way can be a help. Information on what symptoms to look for can be found online and, of course, if you are concerned about pets acting strangely or becoming ill, you should immediately contact a vet.

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Meet... John Flannigan, Fort William’s longest serving funeral director. In 1975, 16-year-old John Flannigan left school and became an apprentice with McLellan Joiners and Undertakers in Dudley Road, Fort William. In 2021, the business is now McLellan Funeral Directors, still at the same premises and still employing John Flannigan as one of the most experienced and longest serving funeral directors in the area. However, amongst all of these constants which local people appreciate as an integral part of the community, many things have evolved over the years with the business now offering a dedicated chapel of rest and service room on the premises. McLellan’s have a long history stretching back to 1923, making sure that the deceased had a well run and ordered funeral, carried out with care, professionalism and understanding the needs of relatives and loved ones at every funeral.

Born and brought up in Caol and now in Fort William with his own family, John has a great personal knowledge of local people and their history, all of which are of great benefit in listening to the requests of families in organising and directing each funeral. In these times when due to Covid restrictions very few people are allowed to attend funerals in person, many people line a pre determined route, often in their hundreds to pay their last respects. It is also becoming more common for the cortege to visit places of great meaning to the deceased,

such as workplaces, where it can be comforting for those in attendance to see someone as well known as John walking slowly in front of the hearse. John also officiates at the graveside where his years of experience and dignified manner ensures everything runs smoothly whatever the Lochaber weather chooses to offer. With their long standing reputation, McLellan’s are called upon to carry out their services across Lochaber and to other areas, offering the same high standards of care in meeting the individual and often unique requirements of the families. John said: ‘McLellan’s has a long history and I am happy to still have a role after almost 50 years. ‘We offer good old-fashioned service in modern times. As needs change, McLellan’s adapt to them as we have done for almost 100 years and will do, hopefully for another hundred.’

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FINNISH MÄMMI EASTER RECIPE Makes 5 -6 por�ons

• INGREDIENTS • 750ml water 125g malted rye 200g dark rye flour 1/2 cup of raisins 2 tablespoons of ground bitter orange

• METHOD • Boil the water and let it cool. Mix in malted rye and rye flour and let the mixture stand in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours. Add raisins, orange peel and salt. Mix until even. Heat the mixture gently on a cooker for 10 minutes, mixing it constantly, being careful not to let it burn. Pour into a deep baking tray leaving enough room to allow for rising and leave to cool. Bake in the oven at 170°C for around two hours. Can be served with cream, milk a sprinkling of sugar or whatever Easter treat you fancy.

1 teaspoon of salt

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Lochaber Chamber of Commerce – nurturing business in Lochaber Frazer Coupland, Chief Executive Officer Throughout the pandemic, Lochaber Chamber of Commerce has worked hard to support member businesses and the wider community. The Chamber represents the interests of more than 200 businesses throughout Lochaber, with businesses of all sizes across a wide range of sectors benefiting from the combined power of being part of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network of more than12,000 businesses. Working together has never been more important and the Chamber has been on hand to offer personalised support and advice to members as they adapted to the challenges they faced. Lochaber Chamber of Commerce has always been known for providing friendly, informative and sociable member events. Like every other business, we’ve had to re-invent the way we work for the benefit of our members – lunches and training events have become sociable online ‘cuppa and cake’ meetings, training sessions are now webinars with live chat and political meetings have become virtual roundtables with Ministers and business leaders. We’ve provided practical hands-on assistance such as hand-

Chamber members share their views on economic recovery with the CEO of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Dr Liz Cameron (top right)

sanitiser, dispensers and face coverings for businesses, as well as being one of the first places to create and roll out a customer ‘track & trace’ mobile app that was free for all local hospitality businesses. The Chamber’s ‘Lochaber Local’ online advertising campaign encouraged us all to explore the range of leisure, retail and hospitality opportunities we’re lucky enough to have on our own doorstep. We’ve also led two successful international trade missions over the last year introducing two delegations of Scottish businesses to connections in Nova Scotia without ever leaving home. Next stop is North Carolina, where we’ll be touching down on our third virtual trade mission in May 2021. This year has hit young people especially hard and the Chamber is committed to

creating more opportunities for our young people. Hosted by the Chamber, Developing the Young Workforce West Highland is a Scottish Government initiative to reduce youth unemployment through active engagement with local businesses. Nurturing the leadership skills of the future is something Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is passionate about. Our ‘One Lochaber’ leadership and mentorship programmes are all about helping to develop our workforce by sharing skills and knowledge to make Lochaber the best place to work, live, study and visit. Visit www.lochaberchamber. co.uk to find out about all the benefits your business could gain from being part of Scotland’s most influential business network.

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In Loving Memory of MAy MACDONALD 1934 – 2021 (Caol) Wife to the late Roddy, a much-loved mum to Donald, Gerard, Martin, Anna and Angus, a wonderful granny and great granny to all her grandchildren, sister, auntie and a good friend to many. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

In Loving Memory of EFFIE MACDONALD 1947 – 2021 (Spean Bridge/Caol/ South Uist) A loving sister to Donald Angus, Angus and Catriona, a wonderful auntie, great auntie and a fond friend to many. Effie will be greatly missed by so many but remembered with the everlasting memories she has left with those she loved. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

In Loving Memory of FRANCIS MCDADE 1955 – 2021 (Caol) A loving husband to Marian, caring dad to Caroline, Fiona and Michael, a wonderful grandfather to all his grandchildren and a much loved relative, colleague and friend. Francis will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his loving family. RIP.

In Loving Memory of MAIRI MACKAy 1950 - 2021 (Inverlochy) With love we remember Mairi, greatly missed by many, especially her brother Alistair, her niece Rachel, nephews Martin, John, Alin and her many friends. Mairi was a former management secretary at the Lochaber Smelter for most, if not all her working life. Gone but never forgotten.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Battlefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

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In Loving Memory of MARGARET MACNEILL 1934 – 2021 (Mallaig) A much-loved wife to the late John MacNeill, caring mother to Iain, sister, auntie and well known and liked friend to many in Mallaig and the surrounding areas. Margaret will forever be remembered for all the good work she accomplished in Mallaig whilst serving as district councillor for that area for many years. A great loss, sadly missed. RIP.

In Loving Memory of ALISTAIR (ALI) MACDONALD 1939 – 2021 (Glencoe) A much-loved husband to Roslin, a caring father to Elaine and Alexander, father-in-law to Iain and well known and loved gentleman in Glencoe. His love for his native Glencoe saw him establish Glencoe Heritage Trust, a non-profit making trust which preserves the lands and rivers in Glencoe. Forever remembered for all his good work. Loved and missed every day.

In Loving Memory of JAMES (JIMMy) CRAIG 1927 – 2021 (Inverlochy) A much-loved husband to the late Margaret, father to Andrew and Hamish, Grandfather, neighbour and friend. Jimmy worked for British Aluminum for many years where he will be fondly remembered. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends and his dog, which he adored. Rest in peace.

In Loving Memory of JOHN INGRAM 1933 – 2021 (Inverlochy) A wonderful husband to the late Isabel, a caring and much loved step-dad to Alan, Douglas and Jim, relative, neighbour and friend. Former British Aluminum worker at Lochaber Smelter. A quiet gentleman who will sadly missed. Together again with his beloved Isabel.

In Loving Memory of EWEN (SONNy) MATHESON 1929 – 2021 (Fort William) With love we remember our friend Sonny, a car mechanic who worked for MacRae and Dick’s for many years. Ewen always had a keen interest in cars and motor vehicles, especially the Model T by the Ford Motor Company. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of JOHN COULL 1944 – 2021 (Mallaig) A loving husband to Penelope, dad to John Archie, Charles, Dorothy, Penny and a good friend to many. John will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his loving family. Rest in peace.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Battlefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

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In Loving Memory of Mary Horne 1930 – 2021 (Caol) A loving mum to Rosie, Angus and David, a caring grandmother and great grandmother to all her grandchildren, a great neighbour and friend to many. Mary will be greatly missed by her family but fondly remembered every day with a smile.

In Loving Memory of Charlie Thomson 1948 – 2021 (Claggan) A much-loved brother to John, Neil and Doreen, uncle, great uncle and a friend to many. Charlie will be remembered for his long service working locally at Kilmallie Sawmill. Sadly missed every day.

In Loving Memory of Mary MacLachlan 1935 – 2021 (Fort William/Corpach) A wonderful and muchloved wife to Alister. Remembering her decades of dedicated service in the labs at Lochaber Smelter in Fort William and her love for hill walking together with Alister. Mary will be greatly missed but remembered fondly by those who loved her.

In Loving Memory of Ann Thomson 1941 – 2021 (Glencoe) A loving wife to Alan, mother, grandmother and friend. Ann will be fondly remembered for her long service of 20 plus years as a dental nurse at Glencoe Dental Practice. Sadly missed every day. Rest in peace.

In Loving Memory of Alan Worsdall 1938 – 2021 (Caol) A loving dad to Joanne, Neil, Keeley and Adrian, a wonderful grandfather to his grandchildren and a well liked friend to many. Alan spent a large part of his life working in the Pulp and Paper Mill in Corpach. A keen and well played pool player who enjoyed a dram and to socialise. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of Jim Diamond 1945 – 2021 (Inverlochy) A caring and loving husband to Ann. Jim will be remembered for his long service as a police officer in Fort Augustus and Fort William. Sadly missed but fondly remembered. May he now rest in peace.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Battlefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

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In Loving Memory of Margaret MacIntyre (nèe Fitzsimons) 1935 – 2021 (Lochyside) Margaret MacIntyre (nee Fitzsimons) in her 85th year. Much loved wife of Alastair, adored mother of Pauline and Nicola, mother-in-law of Andrew, and a special gran to Alistair, Michael and Franchesca. Will be sorely missed and will remain in our hearts forever.

In Loving Memory of Herdis Hamilton 1969 – 2021 (Fort William) With love we remember Herdis, a loving wife to Steven, a wonderful mum to Sarah, Jack and Alan, a much-loved daughter, daughter in law, sister, colleague, teacher and friend to so many. Herdis will fondly be remembered for her dedication and time as a teacher in Fort William, latterly St. Columba’s, in Caol. Herdis will be so sorely missed by all her family here and in Denmark. Forever loved.

In Loving Memory of David (Davie) Allan 1946 – 2021 (Inverlochy) A beloved husband to the late Alice, a much loved father to Davie, father in law to Lynn and a wonderful grandad to his grandchildren. Davie was often referred to as a gentle giant. He will be missed greatly, especially by his son and his family. Together again with Alice.

In Loving Memory of Colin Lynn 1938 – 2021 (Arisaig) A loving husband to the late Winnie, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and a well-respected friend to many. Colin loved nature and the great outdoors, spending most of his working life as a gardener in estates around Scotland, latterly at Arisaig House. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of William (Bill) Kelly 1934 – 2021 (Caol) With treasured memories we remember Bill Kelly. A loving husband to Teresa, a special dad to Stephen, Pauline, Ronnie, Katrina, Shona, Gary, Alison, a wonderful grandad to all his grandchildren and great grandchildren and a well-loved relative, neighbour and friend. Bill was a gentleman who will be greatly missed by the many people who knew and loved him.

In Loving Memory of Ivor Millen 1937 – 2021 (Callander/Roy Bridge) A much loved husband to the late Pat, adored father to Ailie, Amanda, Blair and Miles, papa to Rachel, Milo, Theo, Una, Georgie and Floraidh, great grandpa to Joseph, Lina and Rosie, dear brother to Margaret, Moira, Danny, Eileen-Anne and Terry. Friend and drinking buddy to many. A gentleman native to Inverroy. Sadly missed.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Battlefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

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‘CUIL’ FILM - PANDORA MEN Andrew Kyle A giant made of midges? A psychopathic rainbow trout? Is McCaig’s Tower in Oban in fact a portal to another planet? Who are the Ghost Kings of Dal Riata? Who is the Spectral Highlander? What would happen if your mirror image became self-aware? Who were the FinFolk, really, and how do you get to Hildaland? Such things are among the many subjects covered in the science fiction fantasy YouTube show ‘The Pandora Men’. The show is the brainchild of brothers Douglas and Andrew Kyle, who wanted to produce something that would allow them to be creative, showcase their undying love of television and film, visit historical landmarks, research and explore folklore and, above all, have fun. All with no budget, no funding and no limits. Save reality. Think outside the box.

For over seven years now, The Pandora Men has used the talent of more than thirty 30 local writers, musicians, puppeteers, filmmakers and actors from Orkney to Aberdeen, home of primary show-runner Douglas, venturing often to Argyll and Bute, where the elder of the two brothers resides, and all points in between. You might recognise familiar spots such as Cuil Bay, Dunadd Fort, McCaigs Tower and the majesty of Glencoe as all kinds of monsters, madmen, phantasms and folklore myths are brought to life by way of innovative plots and filmmaking. The show has no fixed genre and can swing from medieval fantasy to high concept

science fiction through superhero, spy and horror and perhaps even surreal humour. Vampires? Werecows? The mysterious and terrifying Donner Wolf? Is there a troll living under the bridge in Duror? There literally is something for everyone. It is unashamedly inspired by pop culture the likes of Dr Who, Star Wars and The X-Files, and as such you can spot script references/cinematography/ plot elements and music cues from all manner of film and tv sources. They don’t steal – they homage. You can find the show by searching for ‘The Pandora Men’ on Youtube. Information can also be found on social media platforms Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Just prepare yourself for some madness, ropey but retro special effects and model work and a backdoor into the surreal imagination of two very creative minds, The Pandora Men themselves.

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LOCHABER LIFE

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50 YEARS OF SKETCHBOOKS Rob Fairley From around the age of seven or eight I have always kept sketchbooks and over the years they have become central to my way of thinking and my working practice. I had always thought of them as very private things and no-one, however close I was to them, got to see them but after Andrew Sinclair from Resipole Studios suggested publishing a book about them, I sat down and looked through the collection in chronological order. To my surprise, while the most recent books are private, the older ones had lost the element of privacy and rather became more of historical documents. On the back of this discovery, I started posting a sketch a day on my Facebook page … starting from the age of 13. I first met the mountaineer Mal Duff a couple of years earlier in P7 at school and we quickly became firm friends spending our holidays stravaiging across the country, teaching ourselves how to climb and how to survive on the land. One weekend, however, towards the end of our schooling, Mal announced he wanted to go to Easter Road the following Saturday to watch a Hibs cup tie and therefore would not be available to hitch hike to Glencoe with me to attempt a new route we had our eyes on. I went anyway and hooked up with a mutual friend in ‘Jacksonville’ and climbed the route. Mal did not speak

to me for the next 15 years. In 1994 he had the inspired idea to take the poets Kathleen Jamie and Andrew Greig on an expedition to document an attempt on a mountain called the Muztag Tower in Pakistan. Greig’s book ‘Summit Fever … the story of an armchair climber’ became an instant classic of

mountaineering literature as did another book the following year ‘Kingdoms of Experience’ … the story of an attempt, also with Mal, on the north side of Everest. Looking around for more innovative ideas to finance big expeditions, though they were starting to go out of fashion, he approached

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me and asked if I might be interested in returning to the Tibet side of Everest and documenting an expedition in a series of paintings. The idea appealed greatly, more so when it became clear we could not finance a trip to Everest and would have to change plans and attempt an extremely challenging line on the south side of Annapurna 3 instead - a line of great beauty that had thwarted many of the world’s Nepal moved from hard best teams. mountaineering to introducing It thwarted us as well and the youngsters from the Room indeed has continued to 13 Caol studio to the country. thwart everyone for the last 40 Always there were sketchbooks. years and is still The Resipole unclimbed. Studios book Once again, about the I started posting a sketch a the old team was sketchbooks day on my Facebook page … does not have re-established and once again, starting from the age of 13. a title or price we wandered the as yet but is hills and planned planned to and laughed be published … just this time we explored in August and contains the more than just Scotland. Mal transcript of a prolonged died at Everest base camp in conversation between myself 1997 … I brought him home.. and Andrew Greig recorded by Slowly my love of, in particular, the BBC for a programme called

‘Dancing with Mountains’ … fun reminisces about painting and poetry and friends and mountains.

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ARTSBy Ilona of LOCHABER Munro Lawson

Them Wot Can’t? There is a rather sneering phrase: ‘Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.’ This snippy bit of dialogue, from Shaw’s play ‘Man and Superman’ seems to imply that a teacher is a failed artist of some kind. Or a failed Stephen Hawking, science, Mary Berry, home economics, or Lucy Worsley, history. Like a challenged student on a rushed bit of homework, I will now hop clumsily from school class to masterclass. The Nevis Centre has been hosting masterclasses since December, a response to supporting the arts with opportunities and audience development. Aye, very good, Ilona. Stop the sneaky advertising and get on with your essay - red pen mark. A recent session with Loch-

aber tuba player Mark Reynolds made me sit up at my desk. For years, Mark and I had exchanged pleasantries, as he led young musicians from my drama class to their brass lessons. We never got much chance to talk as we were always busy teaching. I knew he, like all the music teachers of Lochaber, must be talented. I just never knew how much. There is often surprise when an art teacher reveals they can sell their work for several hundred pounds or when a tech teacher builds a magnificent working set for the school show. Who doesn’t love the primary teacher who reads aloud with gusto and fun? Or the delightful science teacher that brings bees back to the school garden? I remember someone near

fainting when I told them I was a playwright and a performer. ‘Oh I thought you were just the drama wifey.’ True, I am the drama wifey, but how did I become her? Years of training and theatre and learning and doing. Just so with the teachers of Lochaber. Ask them about their CVs as they help teenagers with theirs. Mark reminded me of something important that can get lost in the admin and stress. When sharing his masterclass with participants from Germany, Scotland and USA, he said: ‘It is a privilege to teach the next generation of musicians, to enable their passion to grow.’ Any of us who educate, in whatever way, should always be guided by our passions. How else do we teach? Them who can, never stop. They just teach as well.

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LOCHABER LIFE

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Liz McLure

MSc.,M.Inst.G.A.,MUPCA.,UKCP reg.

PSYCHOTHERAPY IN THE LOCHABER AREA o Confidential therapy online Or in private office (subject to COVID-19 restrictions) o Long or short term psychodynamic therapy. o EMDR for trauma focussed work. o Clinical Supervision.

To book an Initial Consultation to find out if Psychotherapy is for you please contact me via: Tel: 07952 206 084 Website: www.liz-mclure-psychotherapy.co.uk E-mail: info@liz-mclure-psychotherapy.co.uk

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VOLUNTARY ACTION LOCHABER – HELPING COMMUNITIES TO HELP THEMSELVES As well as keeping in touch with emerging groups to signWhilst VAL has worked alongside post them to various funding community groups throughout sources and assist with queries, Lochaber for many years, it VAL gathered information hasn’t normally been in times to pass on to Highland Third of emergency or crisis. We try to Sector Interface (HTSI) for their be as supportive and proactive Covid response database. As this Development Offi cer and Volunas possible, with everything database developed, groups teer Development Worker. from drafting constitutions and were encouraged to submit finding volunteers, to helping Working with a number of information themselves. organisations to source funding local groups and agencies, VAL With funding support from and finance. collected information about The Rotary Club of Lochaber, we The last 12 months, however, prescription services, shopping were able to establish and staff have been far from normal collection and delivery, offers of a befriending helpline for those times for anyone. Established various support, the ‘thumbs up’ members of the community organisations have had to schemes which had been oper- dealing with isolation, mostly adapt to new ways of working ating informally across the area those in the shielding category. – online AGMs anyone? – whilst and collated these into a paper We also regularly updated our new groups have sprung up leaflet which was printed with own website and social media throughout the area to provide financial help from Highlands with information about our welcome local support for those and Islands Enterprise (HIE). helpline and ‘Plugging the gaps’ struggling to access shops and service. other services. As the situation is ever changWe were quick to respond to ing, we are in regular contact the initial challenges posed by as a staff group and are still inCovid19 and having established volved in Community Planning how staff could work from meetings, HTSI calls and local home, it quickly became clear conversations with groups and we would need to adapt our partners. We have secured some organisational resources to funding to help us maintain support the Third Sector and the this service and will continue to wider community in Lochaber regularly review our provision as throughout the pandemic. demand dictates. The main support to groups If we can help you or your and organisations was, and organisation, don’t hesitate to continues to be, provided by get in touch. our Community Action Team With Bryan Gregg

in the form of our Community

www.valochaber.org

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Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson

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It happens every year, but this year we shall all surely be grateful and not take it for granted. The clocks go forward. We lose an hour’s sleep but long light evenings begin. How do people living near the earth’s poles manage? I would not like to have even less daylight in winter. Darkness is a symbol for evil, ignorance, despair and is even connected with death. For example, in ancient Egypt the ninth plague Moses was commanded to inflict on Pharaoh was total darkness,

like an Arctic midwinter day in a tropical climate. When the Pharoah remained stubbornly obstinate, the death of his first born son and those of all his subjects followed. In another era, the betrayal of Jesus happened during a dark night on the eve of Good Friday. That day when Jesus died on a cross, darkness fell at noon. So why do we call it ‘Good? Because we remember that on that darkest day in human history, God gave his only Son on that cross as a sacrifice for our dark deeds. As day follows night, Jesus’ resurrection followed on Easter Sunday. He had told his followers: ‘You are here to be

light, bringing out all the God colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept.’ [The Message] This year, as we approach Easter again, we will still be unlikely to celebrate it in churches. However, despite a year of so much sadness and death, we can rejoice in God’s light, literal and symbolic. We can share God’s goodness with each other at every opportunity. I’ve found encouragement and kindness in lots of small contacts from meeting a friend when out for exercise, a chat at the door, a text, email, phone call or snail mail letter. ‘Jesus bids us shine, you in your small corner and I in mine.’

A colourful Easter bonnet competition at Fort William Primary School where each maker paid 50 pence and this, combined with other fund raising activities, raised around £160 for the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. Photograph: The Write Image.

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Chlaram Computer Services For all your Laptop/PC repairs and upgrades, wireless/internet setups and custom builds Distance no object - covering all areas from Oban to Mallaig to Fort Augustus.

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Trees

Ktrees Ltd offers a professional and comprehensive Arboricultural and tree surgery service With over 10 years experience in the business No job too big or too small Give us a phone for a free quotation Available in Lochaber & surrounding areas 07827 515023

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LOCHABER LIFE

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Stokes Memorials Serving Argyll, the Highlands & Islands for over 35 Years

• New Memorials • Additional Inscriptions • Cleaning & Renovations • Work carried out in all areas

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Property Maintenance & Repairs No Job Too Small Fully Insured 24 Hour Service General Building Repairs Painting & Decorating Kitchens Bathrooms

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New builds or conversions Alterations & extensions Preparation of feu plans Preparation of “as existing drawings” Building Warrant and planning applications M 07429 489537 E admin@jcarchitecture.co.uk W jcarchitecture.co.uk

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Painters & Decorators For High Quality Workmanship

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A large mooring of cruisers amidst some ‘cool’ scenery - but where? LAST MONTH: The Tailrace from the smelter as it enters the River Lochy

LOCHABER LIFE

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Iain Ferguson

MINI COOKIES STAY FIT ONLINE

During long spells of lockdown, when children are largely unable to physically meet up with their friends, the temptation for many is to sit inside all day ‘gaming’ on the computer or console. While this can also broaden the horizons as they link up with players across the world, it doesn’t often involve a great deal of movement other than ‘thumb development’. Personal trainer Jonathan McCook is setting out to combine the excitement of being online with a set of simple, fun exercises aimed specifically at primary aged children and perhaps even with their parents and teachers. As owner of ‘Tough Cookies Fitness’ gym, Jonathan has set up ‘Mini Cookies’ especially to interact with young people, using the symbol of a Lion Cub in place of his ‘grown up’ logo of a roaring Lion. For some time he has been running a series of free online sessions going through a few activities to keep fit and control the diet to help maintain a healthy lifestyle, at a time when it can be so easy just to sit back and

do very little exercise without even realising it. These have now been adapted specifically for youngsters. He said: ‘Many kids have the option of just sitting in front of a screen, more so now that sports clubs are closed. ‘My idea is to produce a series of 15-minute videos which they can crack on with, which are also simple, fun and entertaining while also getting them involved in physical activity. They will definitely feel the benefit of it. ‘Parents, grandparents and

other members of the family can also join in which may add to the attraction. I am also hoping schools will find a space in their day to put on the videos and join in. ‘The main thing is to get active as this helps both body and mind.’

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LOCHABER LIFE

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