Deliveredfreetomorethanand12,000homesbusinesses everymonththroughoutLochaberandbeyond At the heart of your community Summer cocktail 12 School leavers 20 15 years ago 30LùnastalAn Fort FCthe wayonlyisup!
2 | august 2022 Exclusive Highland Retreat Exclusive o ers to Lochaber Residents Signature Spa Days 90 minutes of spa treatments of your choice Emerald Steam Room, Outdoor Jacuzzi and Sauna Breakfast or Cream Tea £140 for one, £260 for two Fine Dining and A ernoon Tea 3-Course Fine Dining - only £39 Champagne A ernoon tea - only £25pp Dinner, Bed and Breakfast with access to the spa - from £250 Wedding and Special Occasion packages available www.ardhuhouse.com / enjoy@ardhuhouse.com / 01855 821210
Experience beautiful Ardrhu House on the banks of beautiful Loch Linnhe Ardrhu House is a very special place. On approach, with the water wide open ahead of you, you will feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Although Ardrhu House attracts visitors from around the world, the team loves to welcome Lochaber residents for a unique experience on their doorstep, with excellent deals for locals on spa days, ne dining, a ernoon teas or even a relaxing getaway for the night! Unwind with a Summer Spa Day at Ardrhu House Experience pure pampering with luxurious, rejuvenating treatments of your choice before relaxing in the Emerald steam room, sauna and balcony Jacuzzi, whilst taking in the stunning sea and mountain views. e perfect treat for a friend, loved one or just to take some time out for yourself! Fine Dining with Incredible Views Indulge in our sumptuous and creative ne dining menu, using locally sourced ingredients. On sunny days, front seats to our private sunset from our garden with a cocktail in hand. Remember to book in advance and make the most of our Lochaber Resident’s o ers for rooms, dining and the spa. A ernoon Tea Anyone? Our Champagne A ernoon Tea is the perfect treat - perhaps you have a family celebration, a special birthday or simply some time to yourselves? You don’t need an excuse to spoil yourself Make a night of it by mountain and sea Why not stay overnight and enjoy good food and drink, time in the spa and a cosy bed in a beautiful room! Gi vouchers are also available from our website - T&C’s apply. www.ardhuhouse.com / enjoy@ardhuhouse.com / 01855 821210
4 | august 2022 293417 Beatha Lochabair 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 Limited. contents Published by Wyvex Media Limited Tel: 01397 703003 Website: www.obantimes.co.uk IainEDITORIALFerguson Email:googlemail.comiainpics@ NickyADVERTISINGMurphy Email: wyvexmedia.co.uknmurphy@ KevinPRODUCTIONMcCubbin Email:wyvexmediakmccubbin@.co.uk HOLIDAY TIME Happy holidays! School pupils head back to the classroom in August and while some people will be looking forward to this, many will miss the children not being about so much. On page 20 you can see many of our young people dressed up in style celebrating their last year in school, looking forward to a new lifestyle. We wish them all the best. Still on the holiday theme, an increasing number of visitors are joining us in Lochaber by cruise liner - page 22. Each one receives a great welcome as they step ashore and their ships sit as impressively in the loch as they would at any other location in the world. The football season also gets under way soon with Fort William Football Club’s rst match in the North Caledonian League at home on August 20. The club’s new manager is rm in his belief that the only way is up - page 34. Enjoy your summer. Try the cocktail recipe on page 12 and stay safehopefully in the sun. Have a great time. Biodh deagh àm agad. Iain. FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH: New Fort William Football Club manager Chris Ba our at Claggan Park. Photograph: Johnpaul Peebles, Abrightside Photography. 06 Mixed bag of sweeties 06 Scotstamp no more 08 Reader’s photograph 08 Recipe 12 Wild boar update 16 Lochaber people 17 School leavers 20 Fort cruising 22 Community Connections 25 NorthWord 29 Thought for the Month 30 15 years ago 30 Where in Lochaber? 33 The only way is up 34
LOCHaBER LIFE | 5
GREAT FUN WITH ‘A MIXED BAG OF SWEETIES’ Iain Ferguson
Many of today’s famous actors started out as enthusiastic youngsters with an interest in performing and were lucky to find ways of gaining experi ence and nurturing their talent through either school or small organisations in their area. In Lochaber, there are many outlets for creative talent including drama clubs, junior youth theatre, youth theatre and Glee Club. These have been popular and recently they came together under the direction of Ilona Munro Lawson for an all-encompass ing show. ‘A Mixed Bag of Sweeties’, held in The Nevis Centre where most of the clubs meet, showcased a range of activities with an equally wide range of ages stepping into the spotlight.
Singing, dancing, drama, fantastic costumes and Misha the animatronic dog added to the fun of the evening, which was open to friends and relatives.Theshow was a great success and marked the last performance before the sum merTheholidays.clubswill resume their activities when the school term re-starts. Ilona is kept busy running classes in schools across the area, en couraging pupils to take part and enjoy drama activities, while identifying and devel oping their talents. She said: ‘The pandemic meant spending a lot of time gently encouraging people to use their voices and have fun with each other. Now we are able to meet and work along side each other things are taking off, with many great youngsters coming forward.
‘The Nevis Centre has been instrumental in supporting us and our adult and teenage volunteers have also been so good in getting things done on stage and behind the scenes - but we always have room from more. ‘I am also delighted some of our young people have also been using the clubs to gain Saltire hours and as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme. It is also a lot ofAnyonefun.’ interested in get ting involved in any of the clubs should contact Ilona info@brightproductions.co.ukon
6 | august 2022
LOCHaBER LIFE | 7 GET SMARTER AND SAVE MONEY ON BILLS!ENERGYYOUR ELECTRICITYSTOREYOUDON’TUSEINBATTERIESANDUSEWHENYOUNEEDIT! So go Solar with Cairngorm Group and get Tougher. Warmer. Smarter. SOLARInstallationAfterENERGYisFREEtouse!
8 | august 2022 A spectacular rainbow over the recently opened traditional Turf and Creel House at the National Trust for Scotland visitor centre in Glencoe, featured in Lochaber Life October 2021, captured by Guy Veale as he worked on the project. In this electronic age, fewer people write or send letters but there are occasions, such as birthdays, when receiving a card in the post is nice. I always try and use Christmas stamps for the festive season and our own Scottish stamps at all other times. It is especially nice when sending letters abroad to make up the postage with a mixture of Saltire, Lion Rampant and Thistle - and I know my friends also like receiving this little piece of Scotland. However, I recently discovered these stamps have been discontinued. I am told the same has happened in Wales and England. On further investigation, it appears that from now on stamps will have a barcode which has led to a ‘cull’ of what is available. Stamps you may already have without the barcode can be exchanged for ones which do. However, I wonder what is the insurmountable problem stopping Royal Mail from just reprinting the Scottish/Welsh/English stamps with a barcode? ‘SCOTSTAMPS’ NO MORE
LOCHaBER LIFE | 9
10 | august 2022
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12 | august 2022 • Add mint leaves to a tall glass, with about three lime wedges and a tablespoon of sugar. Squash all the ingredients around the bottom of the glass to release the mint oils. • Add Bacardi rum or any white rum, mix then add crushed ice to fill the glass. Top off with soda/ sparkling water. Swirl again with a spoon and add lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint to garnish. • This is a healthy, low cal cocktail providing a refreshing taste in the summer. • METHOD • • Bacardi 50ml • Soda/sparkling water 150ml • Fresh lime- 3-4 wedges • Fresh mint - about 8 -12 leaves • White sugar 1 table spoon • Ice - preferably crushed • INGREDIENTS • ‘MARY’ MOJITO A cool, refreshing cocktail for a - hopefullysunny, warm, summer. MikeyMaryburghMacKinnon,Inn,
Tips for taking to the hills with your best friend
Health. Orthopaedic, cardiac, respiratory or weight issues may impede your dog’s ability to cope with longer walks over arduous terrain. Dogs with short noses may struggle with prolonged exercise, especially in hot weather. If your dog is healthy, it is sensible to gradually build up the amount they exercise so that you can be confident they are ready. Food and water. Avoid feeding a big meal before hard exercise, especially in large breed dogs prone to bloat - a gap of two hours could reduce the risk. Feed snacks on the walk as this may help with recall if your dog is off lead. A map will show streams on your route and help you to decide if you need to carry extra water. Take a collapsible bowl if there won’t be enough natural waterways. There will be fewer watering opportunities on the ridge or shoulder of the hill. Clothing. Many breeds are equipped with a good hair coat and won’t need extra protection but some short coated breeds may feel cold in wet and windy conditions especially when you have stopped for lunch. They may benefit from a jacket. A good quality harness with a handle for lifting can be useful in overcoming obstacles, crossing cattle grids, styles or fences. Injuries. Rocky terrain can wear claws and pads, leading to bleeding. They will toughen up over multiple trips, but for the first few walks it would be best to avoid rocky hills. Take bandages or boots in case of injury. Consider how you would deal with a situation where your dog was injured and couldn’t continue.
Training and temperament. Nervous dogs will likely be more intimidated by new experiences, difficult terrain or wild weather. If your dog normally walks off lead, you must be sure their recall is 100 per cent reliable in case of nearby sheep, deer, hares or waterfalls. Ridges and mountain tops with cliffs are a particular danger and some should be completely avoided. For many dogs, being on lead will be the safest option but choose easy terrain if they pull hard on the lead.
Breed. Some breeds are designed for a day out in the hills - border collies, labradors, beagles or spaniels. Others may find it more challenging.
Greyhounds are built for speed over short distances but many won’t enjoy a long day out. Terriers are small but tough and may cope well but some small breeds with short legs could struggle in tall heather and bracken. If you have a large dog it may be more difficult to assist them on difficult terrain or in crossing styles or fences. Age. Your pup won’t be ready until their growth plates are closed – around a year old in small dogs but up to two years in giant breed dogs.
Weather. High winds affect whether a dog off lead will be able to hear commands. Poor visibility could mean losing sight of them quickly. Pay attention to the possibility of snow cornices. Warm weather is a danger in any dog but especially brachycephalic dogs who will find it difficult to pant properly. Some dogs will cool off in water but beware of fast flowing streams and blue/green algae in lochs.
In Loving Memory of HAM – BRIAN 1937 – 2022 (Spean Bridge) Peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday 2nd July 2022, Brian Henry John Ham, aged 85 years, Spean Crescent, Spean Bridge.
| 2022 MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS 10 Ba�lefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk
In Loving Memory of RAE – DOROTHY 1931 – 2022 (Fort William) Peacefully, in the loving care of Invernevis Care Home, Fort William, on Thursday 9th June 2022, Dorothy Rae (Dot), aged 91 years, formerly of Wades Road, Inverlochy, and latterly Victoria Court, Fort William, retired Station Master at the former Fort William Railway Station located at the Pier Head side of town and proud to be Scotland’s oldest member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Beloved wife to the late William (Billy) Rae, a loving mum to Billy and Linda, a wonderful granny to Ken, Dora and Adam and GG to all her great grandchildren, a much-loved sister to George and the late Henry, a caring neighbour and friend to many. Sadly missed.
A loving husband to Marion, a much-loved dad to Steve and Nikki and father-in-law to Alan and Lisa, a wonderful grampa to Iona, Ewan, Talia and Sadie, a treasured brother to Maggie and Brenda, a caring neighbour and friend to many. RIP.
In Loving Memory of SMITH – CHARLIE 1955 – 2022 (Caol) Sadly, but surroundedpeacefully,byhisloving family, on Monday 27th June 2022, following a short illness bravely borne, Charlie Smith, aged 67 years, Kilmallie Road, Caol, Fort William, former long-serving employee of more than 40 years with Leiths, Dornie Quarry, Torlundy, and latterly a Funeral Service Operative with us at Manson and MacBeath Funeral Directors. A loving husband to Liz, a treasured dad to Nicola and Lisa and father-inlaw to John, a wonderful papa to Connor, Ozzy and Craig and a proud great papa to Lochy, a muchloved brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, cousin, neighbour and a good friend to many. Greatly missed.
In Loving Memory of HENDERSON – ANDREW 1954 –(Corpach)2022 Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Wednesday 15th June 2022, Andrew George Henderson, aged 68 years, formerly of Corpach, Fort William, latterly of Inverness. Retired police officer with Strathclyde. Much loved brother, uncle, brother-inlaw and friend. Sadly missed.
In Loving Memory of WITHERS – LINDA 1966 – 2022 (Fort William) Suddenly unexpectedlyand at home, on Wednesday 1st June 2022, Linda Withers (née Donaldson), aged 56 years, Perth Place, Fort William. A loving wife to Paul, a much-loved mum to Lisa and mother-in-law to Bob, a wonderful Nannie to Aidan and Stevi-Leigh, a treasured sister to James, Eddie, Peter, Brian and Andy, a caring sister-in-law, auntie, great auntie, cousin and a friend to many. So greatly missed.
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In Loving Memory of COOK – MICHAEL 1962 –Tragically,(Kinlochleven)2022while out hill walking on the hills above Kinlochleven, on Tuesday 7th June 2022, Michael Alan Cook (Mike), aged 59 years, Foyers Road, Kinlochleven, long-serving employee at The Clachaig Inn, Glencoe. A much-loved brother to Caroline, Gillian and Louise, a respected colleague, caring neighbour and a good friend to many.
In Loving Memory of JOHNSTON – KATHRYN 1950 – 2022 (Fort William) Suddenly unexpectedly,and at home, on Friday 24th June 2022, Kathryn Johnston (Kath), aged 71 years, Lochaber Road, Upper Achintore, Fort William, former receptionist at the West Highland Museum. A loving and much-loved wife to Ken, a treasured sister-in-law to Leslie, Fiona, Norman and Isobel, a caring neighbour and a good friend to many. Sadly missed.
My daughter has a friend whose husband has to manage boar populations in woodland near Constance. They are difficult to control and, when hunted, become completely nocturnal. The technique then is to put out food, sit in a hide and shoot them with a night scope. Not exactly nobleTheysport.have no natural enemies here and unless we control them we will get Berlin style problems. I am surprised they haven’t moved from Glen Loy to make merry in the suburban gardens of Banavie and Corpach. They were part of British fauna until the 17th century and there are numerous Gaelic place names to remind us of this - torc, a boar, tuirce - of a boar. It can be argued they have a role to play in the environment. Their digging turns over the ground and helps control bracken and Banavie is full of ideal habitat for them. In my lifetime, there has been a huge increase in Lochaber’s tree cover which is ideal for boar.
In response to last month’s article on wild boar, Donald Stewart, who has been tracking their spread for around 15 years, gives an update.
The wild boar population has spread well beyond Invergarry with lots around Achnacarry and in Glen Loy, a few in Glen Mallie and in the glen above Kinlocheil. There are doubts about where they came from. In Achnacarry, they believe they escaped from Glen Dessary where wild boar shooting has become a thing. Someone who worked there says all the escapees were recaptured and that the feral ones came from an escape in Invermoriston and are, in fact, iron age pigs - Tamworth cross wild boar - rather than genuine boar. Perhaps both sources are re sponsible. There is lots of ‘piggery diggery’ in evidence in the woods either side of the River Arkaig and in Glen Loy. There are also now pockets of wild boar all over the UK and they have probably become endemic and beyond our capacity to exterminate. To get some idea of their potential for trouble, readers should google ‘wild boar Berlin’ or ‘wild boar cull Berlin’ which has about 6,000 animals in the city; their spread having been greatly facilitated by the removal of the Berlin Wall. In 2011, they devastated a Commonwealth war cemetery and there is evidence they can be a danger to people, especially if they get used to being fed. The in ternet has a video of one running off with a nudist’s laptop and one swimming at a popular beach be fore charging a man then running off through a crowd.
16 | august 2022 ‘PIGGY DIGGERY’ ACROSS LOCHABER
A letter from Donald Stewart, Banavie
LOCHaBER LIFE | 17
LOCHABERPEOPLE
There are many people throughout Lochaber who are making a real difference to the lives of individuals and communities.Oftentheywork away in the background making things happen while others, possibly without knowing it, become role models and a steadying influence as young people grow up. In Kinlochleven, Matthew Prosser was awarded Volunteer Villager of the Year following an online poll by the Kinlochleven Past and Present Group. He was instrumental in the formation of the Island Park Community Field Scottish Chari table Incorporated Organisation which has led to the transforma tion of the abandoned grass area which was once at the heart of the community. It now has its own
withleaveregardedknownSchool,Lochaberbyandyear,willforgalafordisplayhostedisindustrialdedicatedmower,cutregularly,hasafireworksandissetatraditionalday-thefirstmanyyears.Manyteachersberetiringthiseachknownrememberedmany.AtHightwowellandhighlyteachersthe‘chalkface’acombined total of 74 years in the left,Grahamprofession.Macnab,beganhiscareer in the physical education department in 1984 and through his great in terest and enthusiasm for rugby has brought trophy success to the school. He de veloped his career, supporting many pupils through their school life, and retires from the post of Principal Teacher of Pupil Support (Guidance). Donald MacLean began his career in the history de partment in 1986, but also recorded great sporting successes in managing the shinty team to an unbeaten run of success in the MacPherson Cup over almost a decade. Many players have also gone on to join senior teams. He also held the post of Principal Teacher of Pupil Support (Guidance) and retires from the post of Depute Head Teacher.Manyhundreds, if not thou sands, of former pupils will have fond memories of both men as a caring and welcoming part of their time in education and will probably be unable to believe they have reached retiring age. Iain Ferguson
18 | august 2022 Garden Waste Collection Service ath-chuairtich airson na Gàidhealtachd for Highland 8 www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste * recycle@highland.gov.uk 2021/22 permits expire on 31st August. Do you currently receive a garden waste collection? To receive your new permit in time for the first 2022/23 collections order by 1st August 2022. WAYS TO PAY! • www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste • Call 01349 www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste886660
DURING OPENING HOURS 10am-2pm, TELEPHONE 01397 705311 Message can be left EMAIL – adviser@lochabercab.casonline.org.uk Lochaber CAS urges people to claim their benefit entitlements as stigma falls
Contact
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CAS Social Justice spokesperson Stephanie Millar said: ‘The cost of living crisis is hitting people hard. People shouldn’t be going without heat or food while there is a pile of cash they could be claiming.‘It’sreally positive to see that stigma around claiming social security falling, but lots of people still aren’t claiming what they are entitled to. That’s where we come in. CAB advisers can check if you are entitled to anything, then help you claim it. ‘In the current circumstances, every penny counts. We can’t promise everyone has a fortune in unclaimed money, but it costs nothing to let us check for you. As with all CAB advice, this process is free, confidential and independent.‘SotodayI’m asking people across Scotland to let us check what you are missing out on. Your local CAB can do this or, if you prefer, you can do it yourself using our online tool www. moneymap.scot. This call is for everyone – whether you are in work or not, pensioner or student. Our service is for everyone, regardless of circumstance. If you don’t claim what you are entitled to it just sits there in the government vault. What a waste. It is your money. Why are you letting it go, especially now when you really need it? us today and ‘get it claimed’.’
As the cost of living crisis deepens, Citizens Advice Scotland is urging people to check what social security benefits and other funds they are entitled to but not currently receiving.Newpolling for CAS by YouGov has found that, among those people who did not know how or if they were entitled to claim benefits, there has been a large drop in the numbers who feel too embarrassed to make a claim. The drop is from 1 in 5 - 20 per cent - in 2020 to just over 1 in 8 - 12 per cent - in 2022. Last year, the Citizens Advice network in Scotland helped 171,000 people and unlocked £147million for them through social security payments and employment entitlements. The average gain for those who saw a financial benefit was more than £4,400.
20 | august 2022 HIGH SCHOOL LEAVERS LOOKING GOOD Young people across Lochaber dressed up smartly to cele brate completing their final year at high school. Whether at a graduation ceremony or leavers’ dinner, each of the four schools in the Lochaber Life area - Lochaber, Mallaig, Ard namurchan high schools and Kilchuimen Academy - made sure each pupil had a happy and memorable event to recall for the rest of their lives. Above: Mallaig leavers. Lochaber High School march. Left: Ardnamurchan High School graduation dinner. Iain Ferguson
LOCHaBER LIFE | 21 Kilchuimen leavers. Lochaber High School graduation.
Mention a cruise and people will often conjure up visions of the Mediterranean, Baha mas or Florida but, for many liners and their passengers, Fort William has become the destination of choice on their travels.
Almost all of the ships are environmentally aware, with many pollution reduction processes in place to filter harmful emissions from the engines.
Cruise FORT
From late July until the end of cruising season in October, another six ships are due to visit, one for the first time, all delivering an impressive sight for ‘landlubbers’ and an equal ly great view of the beautiful landscape for the ‘cruisers’. Iain Ferguson
22 | august 2022
This year alone, 19 visits are planned, as vessels ranging from 49 to 1,300 passengers sail into Loch Linnhe, drop ping anchor within a few minutes tender ride to the pontoon installed by the Fort William Marina and Shoreline Community Interest Company (FWSCIC) beside the West End car park. After disembarking, passen gers can wander through the town or take one of the many guided bus tours to locations including Glencoe, Glenfinnan or further afield, taking in the beautiful scenery before WILLIAM heading back to the ship in time for Severaldinner.ofthe ships, operat ed by well-known and highly regarded companies includ ing Ponant and Hurtigruten, are set to become regulars, showing the potential that was waiting to be realised with the right services in place.Each ship is welcomed by members of FWSCIC, with Sa rah Kennedy leading the way by going on board to meet the captain and crew, deliver ing locally produced gifts as a thank you. On every maiden visit, Sarah is often joined by a local councillor to formally welcome the ship, presenting a plaque or other gift on be half of The Highland Council, with Nevis Radio recording an interview for broadcast.
LOCHaBER LIFE | 23 Since our proposals to develop Culachy Wind Farm were on display earlier this year, we have been refining the plans to make sure they consider the feedback received and the findings from our environmental studies. Whilst this is under way, we have been having several conversations and are pleased to be supporting local initiatives. This includes helping Glengarry Games return after a two-year break by sponsoring the event to help provide a fantastic experience for all visitors. We also plan to attend the Glengarry Produce Show on Saturday September 3. We hope to be able to bring forward a project that will play an integral role in the community and help to provide longterm support to community projects, including Glengarry Highland Games, for years to come. We hope to have our fi nalised plans on display later this year. For now, further information can be found at www.culachywind.co.uk
Culachy Wind Farm community update Please visit: culachywind.co.uk for further information or email: communities@fredolsen.com
24 | august 2022 In partnership with: Lochaber Careers Fair Join us at Lochaber High School... Your opportunity to talk with around forty employers, from local and national businesses and organisations. Monday 29 August Open to the public: 4-6pm Connecting | Facilitating | Growing One early summer evening, I popped into Tiger on the Wall to say hello to Saket, one of my Lochaber Life advertisers. It didn’t take much to twist my arm to stay for some food before heading back to Oban after a long but lovely day working in Fort William. Some delicious authentic Indian food on the promise of an honest review? Why not? I didn’t have to do it - it needed to be genuinely good for me to do so - but it was one of the nicest Indian meals I’ve ever had. I poured over the extensive menu of Indian and oriental dishes before opting for a Chicken Biryani - a substantial portion, accompanied by a fluffy, buttery garlic nan bread. The rice was perfectly cooked, the chicken was tender having been marinated in warm Indian spices, finished with caramelised onion and served with fresh raita on the side. Thanks to Chef Sinclair Pinto and the welcoming staff for a delicious meal - highly recommend. NM. Tiger on the Wall hits the spot
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varying degrees of interest/intensity. How many times have you seen events and activities promoted recently on posters and online with only a Facebook page or email mentioned for contact or even for booking? Where’s the phone number for the folk who aren’t online?Iwasasked by an older person to make a plea to community groups for promotion of events and opportunities to be ‘more than just online’. But there’s another side to this. We have not been meeting others as much over the past two years or going out and about as often. Do we perhaps need to up our ‘word of mouth’ game now and pro-actively tell as many of our neighbours and friends as we can about events - chat in the street, pick up the phone or drop a note through the door? If you see something online, spread the word about activities to those who aren’t. If you see a poster - spread the word to those so busy on their devices that they have missed it in the real world. Make announcements in churches, clubs and pubs. Get the information out by all means. Community groups and services could do with your support. all areas Jo Cowan
Access
I saw this door-way village-calendar on my travels in the Isle of Wight and thought of you. How often have you missed out on something just because you didn’t know it was happening? Frustrating, isn’t it? Getting information out to as many people in the community as possible is a complicated job these days. Community magazines like Lochaber Life, West Word, De Tha Dol are a great way of spreading the word when the lead-in time for your event/ activity is long enough. Local media – newspapers, Nevis Radio – can be helpful too. Our libraries, information boards and usual poster points offer good opportunities for offline communication about ‘what’s On’. A hard-copy invitation is unusual these days but possibly all the more effective for its rarity. But it is generating ‘word-of-mouth’ chat about events and opportunities that is a vital ingredient in reaching the widest audience.Youwould think online information-sharing via email, social media and websites would make things easier. But that’s complicated too. Things don’t always get passed on to the folk you might expect them to and people use different social media platforms and with
26 | august 2022 Mo b. 07 52 8 80 13 93 | in fo @g or don ge or ge co ns tru ct io n. co .u k 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 Delivering All Aspect s Of Civil Engineering. www.gordongeorgeconstruction.co.uk | tel. 01397 70 0115
LOCHaBER LIFE | 27 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: fraserdownie.43@gmail.com John S Weller Property Maintenance & Repairs Est. 1982 No Job Too Small Fully Insured 24 Hour Service General Building Repairs Painting & Decorating Kitchens Bathrooms Competitive Rates Carpentry Plumbing Glazing Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling Doors & Windows Free Estimates Tel: 01397 708508 Mob: 07710 940917
28 | august 2022 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) as a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments 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
An pretingprovokingingdisplay,anddiversityamazingofideasitemswasonallsurprisandthoughtinintertheproject and highlighting the range of talents.Asan example, Rowena Hen derson from Strontian used her expertise in beadwork to reproduce an atom of stron tium, an element discovered and mined in the area, which also takes its name from the village.Rowena researched the history of the element and conversed with scientists on its structure before carefully planning the best way to build it with immense accura cy using beads. She eventually used around 19,500 red beads of varying sizes threaded to gether to make her incredible representation of the atom.
In ‘officialspeak’ NorthWord combines traditional storytell ing with modern technologies to help increase the visibility and market reach of crea tive practitioners working in remote areas. It uses stories about places to help creative practitioners promote their products and services.Thisform of ‘story tagging’ responds to the economic challenges shared by creative practitioners across remote northern communities: distance from international markets, higher delivery and production costs, limited local customer base, depopulation and a limited labour market.
NORTHWORDTRADITIONAL STORYTELLING IN MODERN TIMES Iain Ferguson for tourists, increasing visitor numbers to remote areas. Rec ognising common factors and drawing on the experience and expertise of institutions in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland, Russia, Sweden and Finland to find solutions is also a major aim of NorthWord forging links to allow each of the busi nesses and enterprises in each partner country to address these issues collabo ratively rather than in case/workshopAisolation.recentshowwas held in Fort William where participants both local, from oth er parts of the High lands and Islands, as well as a partner from Northern Ire land came together to show and discuss what they had been doing as individuals.
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Dr Katie Murray of North Highland College and colleagues from across the Highlands and Islands are at the heart of a project aimed at preserving and encour aging storytelling through many types of media, in voice, words and crafts.
The project will increase the visibility and market reach of these businesses by providing a digital platform to market and sell products and by providing tools and training resources to enhance participants’ digital market ing skills, making it easier for creatives to stay in their home communities. The platform will also serve as a resource
30 | august 2022
The official opening of Eigg’s new nursery. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image. Have you seen the large cruise ships visiting Loch Linnhe? The view from the pontoon featured in June’s ‘Where in Lochaber?’ has been seen by many visitors this summer. By what modern miracle can these ships manage the narrows at Corran? John Prebble writes of a Lochaber lady being shipped across the Atlantic during the infamous clearances. She asked a crew member: ‘Are we past the Corran narrows yet?’ When he confi rmed they had, she sighed in relief. ‘Well, thank God, that’s the worst bit of the journey over then.’ If she reached Canada safely what stories she could tell her offspring. Though not ‘a local’ of Lochaber, I think it is important to read, listen and learn from history and the stories of people from these parts. The museum and Lochaber History Society have encouraged that for many years. A new venture In Killmallie Church hall aims to add opportunities.Thisisappropriate in a Christian setting. The Bible encourages us to learn from our heritage. As they are about to enter their promised land, the ancient leader Moses, having taught the Ten Commandments, tells his people. ‘In time to come, your children will ask you ‘Why did the Lord our God command us to obey all these laws’. Then tell them, ‘ We were slaves of the king of Egypt and the Lord rescued us by his great power. With our own eyes we saw him work miracles.’ Deuteronomy 6. 20-22. Church members are now having to ask questions such as ‘Do we really need all these church buildings built by our ancestors? Can we afford them? I don’t know the answers to these modern questions, but I believe we have to take every opportunity to tell children our own personal stories of what the Lord our God has done for us - and we can still look for modern miracles.
LOCHaBER LIFE | 31 Michael J Kennedy Painters & Decorators For High Quality Workmanship Sollas, Bunree, Onich, FORT WILLIAM PH33 6SE Mob 0780 335 7221 Tel: 01855 818026 Established 1988 Ames AirlessCoving,Taping,Spray,NewBuilds Commercial,Industrial&Domestic 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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LOCHaBER LIFE | 33 two tracks come together in the woods, but where? LAST MONTH: the ruins of old Invergarry Castle from the great glen Way.
Iain Ferguson As the new football season looms and Fort Wil liam Football Club face the different challengers in the North Caledonian League, new manager Chris Baffour will be pushing for goals and wins which will turn the fortunes of the club around. Once dubbed ‘Britain’s worst football team’ and the subject of two BBC documentaries charting their fortunes - or lack of them - a hard core of local supporters have never given up on the team. An international band of enthusiasts have also loyally followed their every game, many even travelling long distances to visit the hallowed turf of Claggan Park. It is this determination and ambition which is personified in Chris’ manner, bringing his own extensive skill and experience to bear on the club and its fortunes. A former under 23 coach for Crawley Town Football Club, he also runs his own successful business doing one-to-one analysis with profes sional footballers across Britain and abroad and holds a UEFA C licence. He has no illusions as to the enormity of the task ahead, with plans to source the best players for the job and bring them to Claggan Park. He said: ‘The plan is to move up here and I believe a lot of players will be coming up from London as well. There are also players coming from Holland, including an international, who will be in the new squad.’ Chris took up the offer of the job after being made aware of the opportunity through his agent, fulfilling his ambition to become a manager at some time in his career. Himself a keen and skilful footballer from an early age, he played at the Nike Academy in the St George’s Park home of the England teams, although his dream of becoming a professional were cut short by injury. After this, his aim was to get into manage ment earlier - a personal goal which he has now scored.Ofhis plans for the club he said: ‘The immedi ate priority will be getting back up as soon as possible. It is a very big task, but the only way is Theup!’ club’s first home match is scheduled for August 20 at 2pm when they play Golspie, so get down and show your support.
34 | august 2022
FORT FOOTBALL CLUB THE ONLY WAY IS UP!
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36 | august 2022
LOCHaBER LIFE | 37 T: 01397 712373 M: 07884 185 279 scottmandrews@tiscali.co.uk
38 | august 2022 Trees K 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
40 | august 2022 highland cinema full page Lochaber’swww.highlandcinema.co.ukindependentcinemaandcafé bar, serving pizzas, sharing platters, salads, treats, local beers, spirits, cocktails and more! Find us easily in the heart of Fort William, on Cameron Square 50 BEST CINEMAS IN THE UK the perfect destination come rain or shine!
