At the heart of your community 08
Where in Lochaber?
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Arts of Lochaber
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An Lùnastal
Beatha Lochabair
Bird competition winner
August 2020 – Issue 322
Levi loves – and lives – football! Lochaber Life August 2020.indd 1
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t s ree ome es t f d s u ere 0 h es gho v i l n 0 De 2,0 usi throu d 1 d b nth r an e an ry mo chab ond e Lo ey ev b 13/07/2020 16:12:25
SHOP NOW OPEN
Join us in-store to celebrate re-opening of our doors with a 15% discount off your next in-store purchase* New online appointment service available book now: ellis-brigham.com/appointment • 9-10 Grampian Rd, Aviemore, PH22 1RH. • St Mary’s Hall, Belford Rd, Fort William, PH33 6BT. *Offer valid till 1st September 2020, full priced items only, excludes gift cards.
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Beatha Lochabair
contents
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FREEDOM FOR AUGUST
Bronze Model T plaque
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It is impossible to predict exactly where we will all be and what we will be allowed to do this month in the fight against Covid-19. Restrictions over the past few months have meant more time at home and a severe limit placed on what we would consider to be ‘normal’ everyday life. However one thing lockdown has been is a learning experience for all of us. For example, the June Lochaber Life appeared only in digital format so hopefully you were able to hone the skills to access it. Pets will also have had more attention than usual – all positives. Lochaber Life is back in print, so I hope you find this as another step towards previous ‘normality’ and enjoy a good read. Stay well, stay safe. Fuirich gu math, fuirich sàbhailte. Iain
Baskets, Boxes and Blooms
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Ardnamurchan book review
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Bird competition winner
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Flash flood devastates children’s charity
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Summer for swifts
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Recipe
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Bird Ladies of Spean Bridge
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Where In Lochaber?
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Arts of Lochaber
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Community Connections
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Thought for the Month
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15 years ago
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Levi Lives Football
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FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH:
Levi MacLean who lives – and loves – football is training hard to become a professional player in the future. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos
EDITORIAL Iain Ferguson Email: iainpics@ googlemail.com
ADVERTISING Fiona MacInnes Email: fmacinnes@ wyvexmedia.co.uk
PRODUCTION Kevin McCubbin Email: kmccubbin@ obantimes.co.uk
Published by Wyvex Media Limited, 22 High Street, Fort William, Inverness-shire PH33 6AT 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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Henry Alexander’s Plaque Chris Robinson A large commemorative plaque cast in bronze was recently installed beside the bronze Ford in Fort William’s Cameron Square. It briefly tells the story behind the vehicle and depicts Henry Alexander in his Model T Ford atop Ben Nevis in 1911. The modelling from which the cast was made was crafted by Brian Caster of the Powderhall Bronze Foundry in Edinburgh, whose team also cast and constructed the full-size Model T Ford in bronze. The model of the Ford car on the plaque was taken from an original sepia photograph of 1911. It shows the vehicle on a level part of the rocky Ben path, which could only be on the summit plateau of the Ben, just a few yards from the very top. The original photograph is on display amidst other Model T memorabilia in the West Highland Museum, kindly loaned by local Model T owner and enthusiast Iain Blyth of Kinlocheil. The bronze Ford was the result of five years fundraising
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by a local team who were supported by many individuals and organisations who helped raise £110,000 which was the eventual cost of the sculpture. So many local people and businesses supported us and finally the Highland Council assisted with an application to LEADER to tap some of the last European Funds to be spent in Lochaber. So now we have the bronze Ford, the plaque and shortly we will be installing the tyre tracks – also cast in bronze which will trail their way up the rising pavement toward the museum where they will turn toward the front door – because, of course, Henry drove out of the museum to his permanent parking place in Cameron Square! These have been difficult times for many, but Henry sat in the
driving seat uncomplaining and unmoved despite the lack of passengers which he usually expects – though he must have been quite chuffed to receive the daily attention of several toddlers who were out in the street with their mums getting some sun and exercise. They could not pass by without scrambling up beside Henry, with a gleeful grin for all to see – if only you’d been there. We think that Henry and his Model T are now very much part of the furniture of the High Street, and have been “adopted” by the town. He’s a great ambassador to visitors from all over the world who take home pictures of themselves riding shotgun beside him – or being chauffeur driven in the back seat.
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for Highland ath-chuairtich airson na Gàidhealtachd
Garden Waste Collection Service Do you currently receive a garden waste collection? 2019/20 permits expire on 31st August. The new 2020/21 permit season begins on 1st September.
To receive your permit in time for the first 2020/21 collections order by 2nd August 2020.
WAYS TO PAY! • www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste • Call 01349 886660 8 www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste * recycle@highland.gov.uk ( 01349 886660
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BASKETS, BOXES AND BLOOMS Iain Ferguson While Fort William Town Team are ‘hanging’ in the High Street, Upper Achintore Regeneration Group are ‘boxing’ on window sills. Both organisations are aiming to bring a bit of horticultural interest to the lives of local people by spreading blooms across the area. Town Team members have taken full advantage of easing restrictions to get out and about in the High Street, planting and hanging baskets from the lamp posts in addition to brightening up their tubs at ground level. The volunteers had a a few problems in tracking down plants but with help from Jamie Hail Lawn and Landscapes who normally water the displays, 40 baskets and 100 begonias were sourced in Dunfermline and are now gracing the High Street. Secretary, Karen Dean said: “We really wanted to have a good display in the High Street, especially this year which has been a bit different to the usual. With locals and visitors slowly
finding their way back into the town, it is nice to be welcomed with a bit of colour. “We would also like to thank the businesses who have continued to sponsor the displays and to the families who contributed in memory of their loved ones”. Meanwhile, locked-down residents of Upper Achintore welcomed the arrival of Regeneration Group’s Windowsill Gardening Kits which were picked up from “visit & collect” stances alongside the community notice board at Lochaber Road/Zetland Avenue. With support from the EU Leader funded Highland Green Health Initiative, the Group has put together almost 200 Windowsill Gardening Kits for distribution to families and children living in Upper Achintore. The kits are free and contain bird seed, compost, plant pots and seeds plus a selection of Nature Identification Cards
and a guidance note. Kits also include outdoor activity-based information so that they can be enjoyed by a person on their own or explored and shared as part of a family. Chairman Mark Linfield said: “While the Kits were initially aimed at residents in flats without gardens, we have now sourced material for almost 200 kits and are able to offer them to the wider community. Our purpose is to provide enjoyment, educate, release some creative talents and hopefully discover a new hobby. “Sprinkle some bird seed on a windowsill to see which winged visitors you attract. Growing herbs, plants and flowers is proven to reduce stress and have a positive impact on mental health. Thanks to the teams who assembled the kits and The Granite House for donating the recyclable carrier bags”. For kits see the Facebook page or email uarg19@aol.com
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AARON IS ‘BIRDS OF LOCHABER’ WINNER Iain Ferguson The May edition of Lochaber Life featured a competition ‘Carry on Nature – Birds of Lochaber’ which asked you to identify the birds (one was actually a mouse) featured in 10 pictures. Thank you to all of who took the time a trouble to email their entries, but unfortunately there could only be one winner. Ten-year-old Aaron MacLellan from Caol correctly named each pictures and his name was the first to be drawn out of the bag. Congratulations go to him, along with a superb book of Garden Birds which was kindly donated by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Aaron, a pupil of St. Columba’s school took part in the competition as part of a home-schooling project set by his P6 teacher, Miss Anna Marshal, and like many of his classmates he enjoyed researching and naming the birds featured.
The answers were: 1) Bullfinch, 2) (Field) Mouse, 3) Starling, 4) Robin, 5) Feral or Urban Pigeon, 6) Blackbird, 7) Long Tailed Tit, 8) Collared Dove, 9) (House) Sparrow, 10) Blue Tit. Most people were absolutely right with their choices, so thank you again for taking time to send in your entries.
ARDNISH TRILOGY REVIEW Rob Fairley Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s trilogy The Scot’s Quair is known to generations of schoolchildren who were introduced to Kincardineshire, The Mearns, through reading Sunset Song – though I suspect few completed all three books! Angus MacDonald’s Ardnish Trilogy is in many ways the West Coast equivalent, though whereas Grassic Gibbons best book was the first, MacDonald leaves the best of his three until the end. Ardnish, while containing all the minutia of historical research that MacDonald’s first two books do so well, this adds a personal metaphysical or spiritual conundrum. Donald
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John Gillies is on his death bed in Peanmeanach on Ardnish, he needs to make his last confession but the only priest available is his son. What he can confess to a priest but does not want to tell his much-loved son is the story behind this fine book. In the two previous novels the Tarantino like blending of multiple stories and time frames is efficient but clunky, here however we have Donald John moving from his present but fading reality to remembering or dreaming back to his service and adventures in South Africa during the Boer War. It is masterful and works wonderfully. The stunning coup de théâtre at the end will bring tears to the readers eyes – do not, as a close friend does,
read the end first! MacDonald as yet may not quite be in the Grassic Gibbon class but Ardnish shows he is a fine storyteller, a superb historian and a writer whose work grows in stature.
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www.highlandcinema.co.uk LOCHABER LIFE
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FLASH FLOOD DEVASTATES LOCHAILORT CHILDREN’S CHARITY Iain Ferguson The founders of a Lochailortbased children’s charity are facing an uphill struggle to restore their facilities after a flash flood washed away years of dedicated work. John and Jan Bryden have devoted their lives to establishing the charity Kirsty’s Kids, named in memory of their 19-year-old daughter Kirsty who was killed in car accident not far from their home. It was always her intention to work with disadvantaged children and she had already spent time caring for 130 youngsters in Africa. She raised the money for this trip herself and had planned further fundraising events to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people. To make sure her dreams were fulfilled, ex-policeman John and Jan travelled the world on Kirsty’s small motorbike and with assistance from police services in each country raised £100,000 to set up the charity. Every penny raised then and since has been used to help children and their families
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through fully-funded respite care to just relax and have fun. For some these happy trips would be their last. The house used by visiting families was flooded to a depth of two feet, protected by a thick wall, ‘luckily’ just completed by John two days before. However, the gardens and buildings, specially designed for wheelchair users were totally destroyed or severely damaged. The water also carried off £1,000 worth of wood to be used in building a treehouse with a lift for wheelchairs to reach its heights. Despite the devastation, the couple are doing all they can to avoid disappointing the many people due to stay in Lochailort and have been working day and night to try to restore as much as possible. A social media funding page set up by one of the volunteers
has so far raised £12,000, but estimates place the cost of the widespread destruction at around £150,000. Despite all of this and battles with their insurance company, the couple and all of Kirsty’s Kids volunteers are trying to remain positive and ‘get on with it’ for the people who rely on them. Words from one of them in a recent letter may explain why: “I really do appreciate all the nice things you have done for me. I love your hugs and your sense of humour. Your kindness knows no bounds. “Thank you for listening to me and being so understanding of my illness. I may not always be here physically, but I will always be there with you in my heart”. If you can help the charity in any way, please remember Kirsty’s Kids and the work they do.
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Join us and over 37,000 students at Scotland’s largest learning community
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We offer a full range of courses at whatever stage or level is right for you – and you’ll be joining one of the highest performing colleges in Scotland with our learners consistently reporting satisfaction rates of 97% or even higher.
Whether you join us at one of our 10 college centres or online from home, or a combination, you won’t feel alone as our staff support you every step of the way. Study in real-time, within an online classroom, in collaboration with fellow students and lecturers on a mix of interactive platforms.
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OR CONTACT US AT info.whc@uhi.ac.uk LOCHaBER LIFE
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West Highland College UHI is a company limited by guarantee (SC153921) with charitable status (SC024193)
As your local college and university partner, we want you to know that
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU and we are ready to help you on your learning journey.
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McLellans are here for you, when you need us the most. THANK YOU!!..to all families who have, and continue to entrust us to care for their loved ones. Currently, funerals have been different in many ways but very memorable, and honouring those to whom we say our goodbyes. Many people who cannot normally attend the graveside or church, have expressed gratitude that our funeral processions have enabled them to pay their respects. McLellans want to thank our communities, for your loving and respectful support for all families who have lost loved ones in these difficult times. The clergy, and council graveside staff deserve a great deal of praise. We continue to be very grateful to all care, care home, community and hospital nursing and medical staff.
YOUR CHOICE
Families have the right to the funeral director of their choice, even if the death of a loved one is a police case and is attended by the police contracted undertaker.
MESSAGES OF SUPPORT
Our staff are happy to pass on cards to families. Or to receive flowers on the morning of a funeral. Your heartfelt messages of support on our Facebook page are precious, thank you! You are also able to post messages of support on our website,under the notices section.
www.mclellanfunerals.co.uk
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HEADSTONES & MEMORIALS: new and RENOVATIONS- The Highland craftsmen we use for our memorial work offer high quality stones and hand cut (not machine cut) lettering. We are careful to ensure that the quality of stone is superior, so that your choice will stand the test of time and weather. DIRECT CREMATION- A very dignified and cost effective option, especially at present, when a memorial service may be planned at a later date. VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT- Includes evenings and weekends. An opportunity for families and friends to spend peaceful and private time with a loved one. MORTUARY CARE- We have excellent facilities and experienced staff. On occasion, a family may wish to have a female family member dressed and prepared by one of our female staff, who have been trained to do this. BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT- We are here to support you through difficult times of grief, and we typically have a member of our team available on Tuesdays for this support. We can meet you at the office or by video or phone call. GATHERING ROOM AT DUDLEY RD- When considering a ‘Celebration of Life’ gathering in the future, we have dedicated space for this if the gathering is for 30 people or less. A Minister, Priest, Celebrant or McLellans can preside. Smaller groups are currently possible in line with Covid guidelines. LOCHABER FUNERAL PLANS- Plan ahead for peace of mind. We can arrange your wishes by phone, zoom, at the office or at your home. Our plans are administered by an FPA approved provider and trust. We continue to carry out full funeral services for other funeral plans as well. MEMORIAL GIFTS & REMEMBRANCES- We have a wide range of jewellery and glass items that can be discussed before or after the funeral. VIDEO MEMORY- At the family’s request, we are able to include this. It has been very popular and ideal to share with those unable to be present.
THE McLELLAN TEAM’s PLEDGE TO YOU McLellans have an experienced team of six dependable, calm and caring people who are well known and respected in the Lochaber and surrounding areas. You will find that we arrive on time, are organised and efficient, with attention to detail and integrity. Your loved one will always be treated with dignity and care. You are our main focus, and you will receive experienced and helpful advice, with a quality of care that McLellans has upheld for almost 100 years. You will see we work hard to fulfill not just some, but all of these promises, which is why McLellans have a full team of dedicated people working together to ensure your wishes are met, and that your loved one is genuinely cared for.
OUR SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK, 24 HOURS A DAY
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My name is Susan MacMillan and I have been working as a Body Shop rep for 13 months. I initially started it as a hobby and to get some extra income and I am now Area Manager in charge of a team of 25 with new recruits from Uist, Skye, Mull and even Kent. All our products are 100 per cent vegetarian and vegan
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friendly. We have products ranging from beauty, spa, home and body for both male and female. The Body Shop from home can post to clients anywhere in the UK as many sales are all online. Hosting parties is also a great way to meet new friends and hopefully once everything settles we can start our party nights.
I want to build an amazing team welcoming sales reps from all over the UK. It’s a great way to make friends in your community and earn an extra income from the comfort of your own home. If this sounds like something you would like to do and you are over 18 and a UK resident please get in touch..
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Have you seen the swifts? Pictures by RSPB library
What can I do to help?
Anna Feeney, RSPB They sleep, eat, and mate in the air, careen around rooftops, and migrate thousands of miles from Africa – they are the swifts! These incredible migratory birds visit the UK every summer, so there’s still time to marvel at them before they leave in late July or early August. Their incredible journey The swifts we see in the UK migrate from Africa, travelling up to 6,000 miles over forests, sea and the Sahara Desert – no easy feat for a bird that weighs about the same as a Cadbury’s Crème Egg! But their long, narrow wings make them well-adapted for the journey. They are the fastest birds in level flight with top speeds of nearly 70mph, and one swift carrying a tracker made the 3,000m journey from West Africa to the UK in just five days. Refuelling on bugs This takes a lot of energy, and the swift isn’t too picky
The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to help without even leaving your home: If you see swifts swooping around, log them with Swift Mapper! By visiting www. swiftmapper.org.uk and providing information about your local swifts, scientists can better understand where they are nesting, what areas to protect, and where to provide about what it eats. In fact, they new nesting sites. Guidebooks probably eat a wider range of such as the RSPB Garden Birds book can you help you tell species than any other British them apart from their fellow bird. When feeding their chicks, they pass it on in a ball migrants, the swallow and of food, or ‘bolus’, that can house martin. contain anywhere from 300Give swifts a home in your 1000 insects and spiders! garden by putting up a swift A swift decline nest box! Check out the RSPB Swifts are struggling, with website for information on their numbers halving in how to make one yourself, the UK in just 20 years. After or you can always buy one flying all the way from Africa, ready-made from the RSPB they may arrive in the UK shop or other outlets: https:// to find their former nesting shopping.rspb.org.uk/. sites in old buildings and rooftop cavities destroyed. Insects are also declining in the UK, with moth numbers down a quarter since 1970 and butterfly numbers down by 17%, which might be making it harder for swifts to feed themselves and their chicks. There may also be any number of threats along their migration route.
Plant insect-friendly flowers to help swifts get the food they need.
All these actions add up, and, with help of organisations across the world dedicated to helping swifts, we can hopefully look forward to welcoming swifts back to the UK for years to come.
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M&L PAINTERS * All types of UPVc work * Exterior Painting * Cladding * Gutterings * Down Pipes * Windows and Eaves * Facias and Soffits Tel 01397 712120 or 0755 311 1093
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• INGREDIENTS • 4 Chicken breasts (skin on) 200g Sun blushed tomatoes
ROASTED CHICKEN WITH SUN BLUSHED TOMATO, BROAD BEAN FRICASSEE AND JERSEY ROYAL POTATOES (Serves 4) CHEF STEWART MACLACHLAN, LOCHABER LARDER
200g Broad Beans (shelled) 200g Peas (fresh or frozen) 1 bunch of Asparagus 500g Jersey Royal Potatoes (cooked and cooled) Handful of spinach (chopped) 100g Butter ½ tsp chicken stock
• METHOD • Heat oven to 190°C Make a pocket under skin of chicken and stuff with tomato Heat oil in large oven proof frying pan on hob Place chicken skin side down in oil Cut the potatoes in half and scatter round chicken Brown chicken, then turn chicken and potatoes Add butter and place in oven for 12-15 minutes or until chicken is cooked In a small pot, heat butter with a splash of water and chicken stock Chop asparagus and add to butter along with broad beans, peas and spinach to warm through Remove chicken from oven, rest for 3 minutes and carve Serve with Lochaber Larder sun blazed tomato and hazelnut pesto
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THE BIKE KITCHEN -
HELPING TO KEEP YOU CYCLING The Fort William Bike Kitchen now has a permanent base in a newly built shed in Claggan, and in August Lochaber Environmental Group will be welcoming a new bike mechanic, funded by Paths for All Smarter Choices Smarter Places, to help deliver the Bike Kitchen activities. Last year’s successful Adopt A Bike scheme will be resumed, offering more restored bikes to new owners, along with bike repair workshops and guided ebike rides. The Bike Kitchen shed will also be home to our new Bike Tool Library, with bike
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tools available for you to borrow to help you keep your bike in good condition and running smoothly. Our Bike Library continues to grow and will soon have five electric bikes available for you to borrow, free of charge, for a few hours or a few weeks, whatever suits you. An ebike will help with your daily journey to work or the shops, so you don’t arrive exhausted, or will give you an extra boost if you are recovering from injury or illness. As we emerge from lockdown we need to continue reducing
our carbon emissions and keep riding our bikes, rather than returning to our cars for short local journeys. If you don’t have a bike, or you want to improve your bike repair skills, the Bike Kitchen can help you. The Bike Kitchen is funded by the Climate Challenge Fund as part of LEGs project ‘Low Carbon Lochaber’, Paths for All Smarter Choices Smarter Places, and Cycling Scotland. For more information about the Bike Kitchen activities visit www. lochaberenviro.org or email kate@lochaberenviro.org.uk
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Pictures by Kim Ferguson
BIRD LADIES OF SPEAN BRIDGE Iain Ferguson If a tree gets cut down and a nest of three young chicks falls out what would you do? Kim Ferguson in Spean Bridge was presented with that very dilemma and came up with an immediate, positive response – take them in and hand rear them. When the nest fell out of the tree, it landed upright on the ground, with the chicks still inside. They were very young, certainly a long way from being able to look after themselves and in need of constant attention. With no sign of the parents
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they would have died of starvation, but thanks to Kim these little Blackbirds are now very much alive, well and regular visitors to her house.
trouble back into nature.
However, even calling on the years of experience gleaned from Ann, getting them through their early stages was no easy matter, with Kim For many years Kim watched spending a lot of time, day and her mum, Ann, look after all night keeping them safe, warm sorts of animals in need of help. People would bring them and fed. As the replacement to her knowing that she would ‘Mother bird’ she also had to nurture them through the look after them and gain their trust thanks to her great natural many stages in a young birds life from nest to flight. affinity with all creatures. Anyone who follows Kim’s Had it not been for lockdown Facebook page will know the with time to stay at home Kim sheer time and effort she put said she would probably have in to looking after the tiny had to pass them on to her charges alongside her own mum who now lives a just a few miles away, still quietly and pets. tirelessly assisting wildlife in
At first they stayed in their
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nest, but inside a cage so they could be kept safe and warm, with Kim feeding the constantly open beaks with a syringe containing a mixture with eggs, which contain the nutrients very young birds need. In a very short time the youngsters found their feet and were hopping on to the perches, flexing their wings. Little birds can grow up very quickly and they soon moved on to variety of food – cat and dog food, mince and mealworms mixed together all specially prepared by Kim
who carefully fed them with chopsticks.
hang around the house in the company of ‘mum’.
As they grew Kim tried to encourage them to develop as they would in the wild. gradually replacing hand feeding by hiding mealworm and grubs in an earth filled cat litter tray, then leaving them alone to forage for food. Nature also took its course when it was time to fledge and the young birds managed to learn this largely on their own.
Kim said: “I can shout them and nearly always, at least one of them will appear and if I look round the garden I can usually find them.
Now as young adults and perhaps a bit like human children they do ‘their own thing’ but still manage to
“If it is a nice day and I am having a coffee in the garden they come down and sit on the table. They are losing some of their tameness and I just let them get on with, although I always make sure though that there is food for them so I think they will always know where home is.”
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In Loving Memory of GLADYS MASSIE 1931 - 2020 A much loved wife, mum, sister, granny, great granny and a great friend. After successfully completing a 4 year apprenticeship in Esslemont & Macintosh, Aberdeen, one of Scotland’s most famous department stores she worked for over 50 years on Fort William High Street. A real people person and an exceptional medal winning ballroom dancer. Forever loved and missed. In Loving Memory of ANDREW COKE 1933 - 2020 A much loved husband to Jean and dad to Catriona and Gillian, grandpa and a friend to many. A talented musician and accordion player, keen gardener and a devoted Elder of Nether Lochaber Parish Church, Onich, Sadly missed by family, friends and his dogs who he so dearly loved.
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In Loving Memory of MARION MACRAE 1927 - 2020 Loving wife of the late George, adored mother, Granny and Great Granny. Marion was born in Spean Bridge, and brought up in South Uist. She married George in 1957 and they raised their family in Knoydart before returning to Spean Bridge where she lived happily for nearly 40 years. She will be remembered for her kindness to many and will be missed by her friends but especially by her family. A wonderful,loving mother and grandmother, she will never be forgotten and always loved. Rest in Peace. In Loving Memory of CHRISTINA (NANA MOON) LANDER 1963 - 2020 With love we remember Nana Moon. A long serving employee of the Highland Getaway, Kinlochleven. A much loved Mum, Granny Sister and best friend, so dearly missed.
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In Loving Memory of SALLY JOHNSTONE (MALARKEY) A much loved and missed mum. Time cannot heal the heartache, or stop a silent tear, it won’t take away all the memories of one we loved so dear.
In Loving Memory of KERRY STUART 1991 - 2020 With eternal memories we remember Kerry. A loving wife and soulmate to Colin, a much loved sister, step-daughter, auntie and a caring friend to so many. Kerry loved all creatures great and small and was loved by everyone that knew her. Rest In Peace.
In Loving Memory of JAMES BRADY 1932-2020 In loving memory of James, a gentle and caring man, husband to Betty, Dad to Kathleen and Grandpa to Grace and Constance. James was well-known, respected and loved by many in the Plantation and throughout Lochaber. May he rest in God’s everlasting peace.
In Loving Memory of PAM MATHESON 1943 - 2020 A loving wife to Ken, a wonderful mum to Eileen, Alistair, Duncan and Fiona and a much loved nana and great nana. Pam will be greatly missed by all her family and friends she will never be forgotten and will live forever in our hearts.
In Loving Memory of MARLENE MONTGOMERY 1953 - 2020 Marlene was born in 1953, and lived all her life in Kinlochleven. Over the years Marlene worked in the Coop, in Glencoe hotel, in school catering, as an assistant registrar, in Heatherlee Court but latterly she and Kenny had a taxi business - Rob Roy Private Hire. She loved to meet and chat to everyone she met. Marlene took early retirement to care for Kenny when he took ill in 2018. He sadly passed away in May 2019. Marlene was surrounded by loving family, friends and neighbours and she will be missed by everyone.
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A flying fish in Fort William – but where? Last MONtH: Cairn in Glenfinnan.
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ARTS of LOCHABER A new feature with Ilona Munro Lawson Hello. A huge thanks to Iain for giving the arts in Lochaber a platform. Arts? It’s a challenging word at times. Some people see it as a highbrow luxury, others as an essential part of being human. I came to Lochaber in 1998. It was a surprise to me as I had always been a city girl: Perth, Aberdeen, Novosibirsk (!) and finally six years in London. That said, there was always a deep connection to Kinlochleven, as my grampa, Dougie Lawson and his family lived there. Summer holidays and wild New Years were annual highlights. How does a city girl, who studied Russian and Theatre end up in Kinlochleven? Well, there was a small matter of a taste of life with Eden Court when their incredible outreach arts education programme started in 1996. I didn’t get a full-time job with them until 1999, but I did get a job as a performer with Highland Mysteryworld, in Ballachulish – remember that tourist attraction? I had family and I had work, but what kept me here? It certainly wasn’t the wages. And while the scenery is world class, the weather isn’t. It was community. People here often talk about the “old days” and when they do, they invariably mention ceilidhs, bands, drama competitions and house parties with singing and dancing. The Highlands prides itself on
hospitality and entertaining banter. Perhaps they are the best diversions from rain and midgees. Listening to a Highland voice telling a long joke is a unique pleasure. We know that arts, culture, creative industries – call it what you will, are crucial yet are often called to justify their existence. At the time of writing, we are emerging from lockdown, having been sustained by the arts and by community: food banks, neighbourly kindness, costumed visits of good cheer not to mention our voracious appetite for books, radio, music, television and film plus
an astonishing engagement with online “live” theatre and dance classes. So let’s celebrate our creative communities: the school bands, the sole trading artists, the drama club leaders, the musicians, the photographers, the show organisers, the crafters and let’s whoop for everyone who volunteers and goes unpaid to make things happen. However you define community and however you define the arts, culture and love are at the heart of every thriving village, city and country. As we look from Lockdown in Lochaber to the future, “thriving” seems a great ambition for all.
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Lochaber In common with most other services Lochaber CAB had to close its doors to face to face advice fro the first time in our 39 year history from 19th March due to the Coronavirus Crisis. Lochaber CAB advisers have continued to work from home and to offer a full range of CAB services. All of the services supplied by CAB are Free, Independent, Confidential and Impartial. Lochaber CAB offers a general advice service covering a wide range of topics including, Welfare Benefits, Money and Debt, Housing Employment, Relationship and Consumer Rights. We offer case work and representation services accredited to the Scottish National Standard for Information and Advice providers covering Welfare Benefits, Money and Debt and Housing. Specialist projects include a Benefits Advice and Income Maximisation service in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support for people affected by cancer, The Patients Advice and Support Service to support people to offer feedback and raise complaints about NHS services. We also work in partnership with Lochaber Housing Association to advise referred tenants to maximise their income and minimise rent arrears. The full range of local advice services can be found on www.lochabercab.org.uk During the pandemic Lochaber CAB has extended availability of their telephone and email advice services which can be contacted between 10am and 4pm Mon to Friday on 01397 705311 (voicemail
How CAB can help available) or email adviser@lochabercab.casonline.org. uk as well as through a contact from on our website at www.lochabercab.org.uk The CAB network in Scotland have made available up to date information relating to Coronavirus which is updated in line with Scottish Government Guidance and can be viewed on www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/health/coronaviruswhat-it-means-for-you-s/ General information on a wide range of topics can be viewed on the Citizens Advice public facing advice website www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/ If you want” Help to claim” Universal Credit the CAB service can help you to make your claim and assist you to navigate through the system until you receive payments. The Help to Claim service can be contacted either through your local CAB office on 01397 705311 or on 0800023258. For advice relating to benefits and any grant and exemptions, Council Tax call the Money Talk Team on 08000857145 As advice needs develop and change the CAB Service tries to continually adapt to meet the needs of local communities and the citizens of Scotland and to campaign to change local and national policy to meet the needs of Scotland’s citizens. Up to date News, Publications and Campaigns can be viewed on www.cas.org.uk where you can also find opportunities to volunteer and to work with the service.
Lochaber
We have the largest available stock of memorial headstones in the Highlands Contact our Lochaber representative, Linnie Quail on 07774 705783 or linnie@johnfraserandson.com Browse our range of memorials on our website at www.johnfraserandson.com
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TEXT – 07714146885, TELEPHONE 01397 705311 DURING OPENING HOURS, EMAIL – adviser@lochabercab.casonline.org.uk
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Still Connecting: Home Energy Scotland Jo Cowan Usually, at this time of year, I’m travelling around the Highlands hosting Get-Together events where older people in local communities meet and have the opportunity to link with a wide range of key people and organisations. You’ll guess that’s pretty much on hold for the foreseeable future! Instead, we’re letting people know that our usual Get-Together partner organisations are still “open for business”, and they still want to be making links with communities, encouraging people needing their service to get in touch. Here’s a message Home Energy Scotland would like to share with anyone who needs their help: We’re Home Energy Scotland, the energy advice service funded by the Scottish Government. We provide free, impartial advice to help people stay warm, make the best use of energy and save money. Many people will see their energy costs rise because of
the extra time spent at home and we’re keen to speak to anyone who’s worried about this. If you are struggling to keep up with energy costs and might end up going without, please get in touch with us. We can help anyone at risk of self-disconnection or running out of credit on their meter to make sure they can keep their power on. WE OffER: Support for households with prepayment meters, including
access to crisis funding. Practical help for people who find themselves without heating or hot water. Clear advice on ways to save energy and reduce fuel costs while saying warm at home The latest information about extra help from energy suppliers to make sure households don’t get cut off. Phone 0808 808 2282 to chat to a friendly advisor – all calls are free and confidential. We are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm; and Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
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(FORT WILLIAM) LTD. YOUR ONE STOP LOCAL BUSINESS FOR ALL HIRE EQUIPMENT • • • • • • • • •
PLANT & TOOL HIRE DIY / GARDEN TOOLS & EQUIPMENT DIGGERS / DUMPERS ROLLERS / MIXERS POWERTOOLS PRESSURE WASHERS CARPET CLEANERS ALLOY TOWER SCAFFOLDING & LADDERS TRAILERS
• SMALL PLANT SERVICE & REPAIRS • DELIVERY SERVICE • SPECIAL WEEKEND RATES AVAILABLE
CONTACT US Website: www.hirecentreltd.com Email: info@hirecentreltd.com TEL: 01397 700077 FAX: 01397 701664 Unit 32, Ben Nevis Ind Estate, Fort William PH33 6PR Open Mon – Fri 0730 - 1700
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Unit 6, Ben Nevis Auction Mart, Suite 3, Caol Community Centre, Caol, Torlundy, Fort William, Fort William, PH33PH33 7DS 6SW 01397Fax: 700800 Tel: 01397Tel: 701039 01397 700800 E-mail: Email:lindac@bossltd.demon.co.uk linda@bosslochaber.co.uk Established in 1992 • Book-keeping, Computer Accounting, VAT Returns • Computer Payroll aServices � Weekly, or Monthly We provide professional andFortnightly confidential • Typing, CV’s, Laminating, Binding, Photocopying, Faxing Bookkeeping, Payroll, VAT Returns and Administration service to• Staff all businesses. • Conference and Event Organising Agency Conference andtoo Event Organising No business large or small! Contact us now – No business too large or too small We understand your business needs and offer a professional, confidential service.
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M&L
LANDSCAPING
WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN LANDSCAPING AND DRIVEWAYS
ALL TYPES OF LANDSCAPING FENCING / GARDENING /TREES ETC PATIOS / CONCRETE / SLABBING BLOCKING PAVING Pressure Washing on all outside building works No Job too Big or too Small | 7 day Cooling off Period
Tel 01397 712120 & 07553 111093 FOR A FREE QUOTATION
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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
Tel / Fax: 01369 702162 Email: info@stokesmemorials.co.uk or fraserdownie.43@gmail.com
John S Weller
Est. 1982
Property Maintenance & Repairs No Job Too Small Fully Insured 24 Hour Service General Building Repairs Painting & Decorating Kitchens Bathrooms
Tel: 01397 708508
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Competitive Rates Carpentry Plumbing Glazing Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling Doors & Windows Free Estimates
Mob: 07710 940917
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Delivering All Aspects Of Civil Engineering. New Build & Extension Groundworks Sewers & Septic Tanks Concrete & Steel Work Kerbing & Paving Works Bell Mouths & Access Roads
Tar Surfaced Driveways & Car Parks Cable & Water Pipe Tracks Retaining Walls Excavation Works Excavators For Hire With Operator
www.gordongeorgeconstruction.co.uk | tel. 01397 700115 Mob. 07528 801393 | info@gordongeorgeconstruction.co.uk
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Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson
• First time Buyer • Buy to Let • Home mover • re-mortgages • CapitaL raising • CommerCiaL (for commercial mortgages we act as introducers)
Call to speak with a Professional Mortgage Adviser for a free initial consultation: 01397 705848
F 01397 703537 m 07899670260 e info@johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk m Morvern, Glen Nevis Fort William PH33 6PF
johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk as a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments
Stephen White Electrical Contracting Your Local Electrician with 25 years Experience • All Electrical Work Undertaken • Domestic & Commercial • Electrical Testing & Inspection APPROVED • PAT Testing CONTRACTOR • Fault Finding & Repairs No Job too Small, Reliable and Affordable FULLY INSURED For a Free Estimate contact 9 Garry Bank, Invergarry, PH35 4HA
Tel: 01809 501476 Mob: 07917 162403
T: 01397 712373 M: 07884 185 279
scottmandrews@tiscali.co.uk
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CARPETS by
Neil HENDERSON
‘The Carpet Store at your door’
NO SHOP = NO OVERHEADS Therefore, Gauranteed, LOW, LOW PRICES CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE I will come to see you laden with samples. Choose the carpet or vinyl of your choice, in your own home to go with your room’s decor. FREE FITTING + FREE DOOR BARS with all carpet and vinyl orders.
FREE UNDERLAY with all orders over £300
I also have a large selection of contract floor coverings. Also, a professional Fitting Service of your own carpets or vinyls.
37 Riverside Park, Fort William PH33 7RB Tel: (01397) 701018 Mobile: 07887 770193
Liz McLure
MSc.,M.Inst.G.A.,MUPCA.,UKCP reg.
PSYCHOTHERAPY IN THE LOCHABER AREA
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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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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As did many others, the Queen and her husband had birthdays during lockdown. There was much positive reaction to the Queen’s TV broadcast. However, the Duke of Edinburgh, now a venerable 99 years, published a letter at the beginning of April which may have been less noticed. He thanked all key workers, including (to paraphrase) posties, delivery drivers and bin men. I too am grateful to all these, and the fish man from Buckie, whose van arrives at the door every Tuesday. Also our neighbours who shopped and delivered a daily paper. Along with TV and modern IT like
FaceTime and Zoom, these were a great help to get through the 12 weeks of isolation. Even Lochaber Life went online. And the weather was glorious. Recently when unable to attend church, reading the Bible became more important to me, although more difficult. Despite many years reading it, I was surprised to note bins referenced in the modern American version The Message, often quoted here. The Apostle Paul writes: In a well furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets-some containers used
to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. [The Message] As Winston Churchill said, British and Americans are nations separated by a common language, so we need to translate these words to Scots English. The point being made is that in God’s eyes anyone willing to serve him has a vital part to play. Just as bin men and other key workers are very important, those of us who stayed in the house and garden, worked from home or watched TV for 12 weeks were also vital to the Covid situation. At state banquets the Queen may be the only person nowadays to find a use for crystal goblets and silver platters, but God can also use my garden compost bin for good. May you, too, find encouragement in serving our Creator in creative ways in these different days.
Youngsters Caol School enjoyed a walk and Teddy Bears picnic amongst the trees in Glen Nevis. Photograph: The Write Image
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Iain Ferguson
LEVI LIVES FOOTBALL
It is often said that football is more than a game, but a way of life and for 10-year-old Levi MacLean, that is certainly true. Levi loves and lives ‘the beautiful game’, playing regularly for two teams, Lochnell in Oban and Knightswood in Glasgow, sometimes even on the same weekend. His ultimate aim is to become a professional footballer with his top team, Rangers. When not actually playing football, Levi spends a lot of his time training for it, attending sessions in various locations to hone his skills, often travelling up to 700 miles per week.
In a typical week Levi would travel to the TOFSS ‘The Other Foot Soccer School’ in Inverness to work on his left foot (he is naturally right footed), training in Oban and Glasgow, attend weekly fitness classes slightly closer to home Luckily his Dad, Colin in Claggan, then on the road (Speeder) MacLean owns a local taxi business, loves driving again to play in weekend matches with each of his and is 100% committed to teams. supporting him. Naturally this busy schedule was restricted during lockdown, but never giving up on his dream Levi has been enthusiastically following a fitness and skills programme from Knightswood, training at Claggan Park be it pouring rain or even the recent 26 degree of heat. He also wears an electronic vest which records his vital signs, heart, breathing etc. during training to give an accurate guide of his achievement and progress.
High up on Levi’s list is to secure a full-time place in the Rangers Academy, which would mean him moving to Glasgow. However that possibility is also covered, as his big sister Shannon who lives there has already agreed to take him in. Levi said: ”I love football and would play it all day. If I get the chance I would like it to be my job and I am going train as hard as I can to be the best.” His parents are also determined to do what ever they can to help achieve his goal. Speeder said: “Leona and I are not forcing him to do this, but will support him all the way for as long as he wants. “We spend a lot of time in the car, but Levi is learning to sleep and relax during the journeys and we always make a point of arriving early so he has a chance to warm up properly before he starts.”
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Rediscover Glencoe…
With many of our shops, outdoor activities, café ‘sitooteries’ and beer gardens open now, we’re getting used to venturing out a wee bit more in this ‘new normal’. The easing of travel restrictions and the welcoming of overnight guests to some self-catering accommodation has also started which has seen an increase of people in the area. It’s important that visitors, locals and businesses spread kindness and we all maintain the guidelines for Covid-19 containment. Thankfully there are many reminders for us as businesses and communities place signage around the area. It’s a strange new normal for us all. With its social distancing, face coverings, cough etiquette and increased hand hygiene. Though the experience of visiting your favourite local shop or activity may have changed in-line with the regulations. A warm Highland welcome awaits when you arrive. Businesses who have opened have been through all the required risk assessments, written new protocols, positioned the appropriate signage and purchased cupboards-full of new cleaning products to meet the regulations. Other businesses are making their prepa-
rations to welcome locals and visitors back safely when they are ready and able to do so. Concern remains for the continuing health and safety of our local communities. In response to this Discover Glencoe has compiled and published an easily accessible ‘Visitors Charter’ on our website Covid-19 pages. It’s available for everyone to read and use. Looking to the future, a provisional date of 15 July has been set for when all tourism businesses may be able to resume operations, if it’s safe to do so and with everyone
observing the guidelines. Hopefully, from 15 July locals and visitors will be able to begin to enjoy the area more fully again. Visitors will be able to book a stay at any type of holiday accommodation. We will all be able to eat out at our favourite restaurant.
For information and the Visitor Charter: discoverglencoe.scot/covid-19
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