New for summer 2023 at Glencoe Mountain Resort Mountain is disc golf - think golf but with a frisbee. The newly-opened, nine-basket course is great fun for all ages and is open from 9am until 4pm daily until the end of October.
The course is the highest in the UK, giving you epic views while you throw your way around the nine-basket, 1.5 mile route. There’s a test basket
near the top and bottom of the chairlift for those wanting to give it a try before doing the whole course.
The resort is also open throughout the summer for lift accessed mountain biking, bike hire, cycle repair workshop, tubing, treasure hunt, scenic chairlift rides and walking. Glencoe Mountain Resort is also a demo centre for UK bike brand ‘Bird’, with a rental fleet of Aeris 9 bikes.
The White Corries Café has views out to Buachaille Etive Mòr and there are accommodation options on site. So whether you are coming to try out disc golf for the first time, or just want to take in mountain views without having to hike, Glencoe Mountain Resort is the place to be this summer. Visit www.glencoemountain. co.uk or 01855 851226 for more information.
Would you believe it? The sun shone for a few weeks in a cloudless blue sky and Lochaber temperatures soared to as high as 28 degrees centigrade. However, while the warmer, dry weather is a great boost to most of us, some wildlife and plants can be disrupted by the unusual continuous heat for which they are not prepared. In this issue, page 20, you are being asked to take part in the national ‘Big Butter y Count’ . That means, of course, a lot of people counting butter ies and not counting only big butter ies. By the time you read this, it will already have started, but as it runs until mid-August you will still have time to contribute your ’15 minutes worth’. It is a great reason to get outdoors, whether it be to your garden or any nearby area with plants, remembering to watch out for one of the butter y’s favouritesthe nettles! Have fun and take care. Gabh spòrs agus gabh cùram. Iain
FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH:
Primary 3/4 pupils at Inverlochy Primary School take part in an Intergenerational chat and games day with clients of Care Lochaber.
Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos
There was no sign of any age gap at an event organised by Care Lochaber at its base at the west end of Fort William’s High Street, when young and old(er) came together to talk and play games.
Primary 3/4 pupils from Inverlochy Primary School had a great morning when they took part in the ‘Inter-generational Event’ in the New Connections building. Games, chat and cake were on the menu for the gathering, with ages from seven to more than 90 years old having a great time.
Games including all-time favourite Monopoly, draughts and chess were played between pupils and older opponents, alongside Ker-plunk, bingo and various quiz games which everyone enjoyed and did equally well.
Another popular part of the visit were the chocolatey home-made ‘Rocky Road’ cakes from volunteers of ‘The
Vintage Cafe’ which were eaten before, during and after the games.
Allison Kane of Care Lochaber said: “ The morning was a huge success with everyone having a great time and I am delighted to say we have received funding to continue running these monthly events with £8,793 from the Health and Wellbeing Fund and £4,775 from the National Lottery.
“It will be well spent over the next year to help get people out of the house and socialising”.
Care Lochaber also runs weekly drop-in chat days on Thursdays, from noon till 2pm, in New Connections. Everyone is welcome to pop in for a cuppa and a chat.
Contact Allison Kane or Laura McKenzie on 01397 701222 to join the car scheme or find out more about any of the events.
Rotarian Ian Nicol from Spean Bridge entertained Lochaber Rotary Club with humorous stories about the lighter side of his life as a navigator in the1960s’ Royal Air Force, delivering a witty talk which had everyone in stitches.
His stories ranged from an emergency bailout at Medicine Hat near Saskacatchewan to an aircraft skidding on ice at Lake Huron when the pilot forgot to lower the undercarriage - and everything in between.
“Form 700” was the aircraft maintenance checklist and Ian recalled a “rattle” behind
the instrument panel that had everyone in a panic but turned out to be nothing. The unofficial motto of the RAF ground crew was “you bend them –we mend them”. His definition of “gross stupidity” was “144
navigators”. If the aircraft had a window in its roof, if you looked through it and saw “blue and white” everything was alright but if you saw “green and brown” you were upside down!
Reader Douglas Barr doesn’t only make model helicopters - see June issue - but also photographs the real thing. He captured this Chinook in Glen Nevis where it dropped off a group of RAF personnel taking part in a Three Peaks Challenge.
For many of us, the idea of ‘human rights’ might seem abstract. When you’ve got bills to pay, mouths to feed, worries about your health, your job, your home… what have human rights got to do with it?
But these are some of the biggest issues people bring to the Citizens Advice network in Scotland. Staff and volunteers across the network are working hard, giving advice and support to put money in people’s pockets and make them aware of their rights. This, in turn, helps people fill their fridges and keep the power on; keep their tenancies, challenge unfair treatment and speak up when things go wrong.
Advisers in Citizens Advice Bureaux might not think they are human rights defenders and clients might not think their problems are human rights issues. But this is what human rights work looks like.
We all have the right to an adequate standard of living - including food and decent housing. We have a right to fair work and education; we have the right to health and a healthy environment.
When clients come to the CAB network for help
with bills, social security, housing, employment, healthcare or any other issue, advisers support them to understand their rights, responsibilities and what they’re entitled to. Our network empowers people through information, tools and support to advocate for themselves, take action and claim those rights.
Every client helps us understand and shine a light on the systemic problems that are getting in the way of people’s day-to-day human rights. These insights across the network help us advocate for the changes needed to make rights a reality for everyone in Scotland.
There’s a game-changer on the horizon. There’s a new Human Rights Bill coming that will incorporate major human rights treaties into Scots law and, crucially, make them enforceable in Scottish society.
That means rights to food, adequate housing, health, work, education- economic social and cultural rights, as they’re known - as well as rights for women and girls, rights for disabled people and rights around race equality will be built into
Scots law. Public authorities will have a duty to uphold these rights in the services they deliver and there will be a legal basis to take action when this falls short.
Communities and civil society have been calling for this new law not to sit on a shelf, but to be a tool for real change in people’s lives - a way to hold those in power accountable for meeting their human rights duties.
Scotland’s CAB network is already driving progress daily, to realise human rights for people in Scotland. It is crucial this new law is shaped by the people that need it most and the communities and organisations already advocating for human rights in practice. We need to push for accountability so that the new law is properly implemented in practice and that it challenges power-holders to keep progressing human rights in everything they do. If you think you’re having trouble accessing your human rights - whether it’s in housing, food, education, fair work or a decent standard of living - your local CAB, with their teams of human rights defenders - are there to help.
Our team is putting the finishing touches to our application to develop Culachy Wind Farm. We anticipate this will be ready for submission in late summer.
We appreciate the time everyone has taken to participate in our consultation and are pleased with the response we have received so far. When the application is submitted, everyone will have the chance to make their views known to the Scottish Government.
We will let the community know when we have submitted the plans which will also be available at www.culachywind.co.uk. In the meantime, if you have any
questions, please get in touch by emailing communities@ fredolsen.com or by telephoning 07435 763900.
You can view the plans at www.culachywind.co.uk
500ml dark soya sauce, 150mm honey, 100g grated ginger, 100g demerara sugar, 75g red cabbage, 75g mixed peppers, dash of sesame oil, 150g egg noodles, 4 fillets of salmon, 50g edamame beans, mixed leaf, sesame seeds.
• METHOD •
Combine soya sauce, honey, ginger and sugar in a pan and heat slowly. Once reduced in half, turn off heat and leave to cool. Chop the cabbage and mixed peppers into 1cm cubes. Cook noodles by bringing pan to a rolling boil, season water with salt and a dash of sesame oil, drop in noodles and stir until water begins to boil again. When cooked, move from heat, drain and refresh with cold water. Cook salmon by placing fillets under a preheated grill and cook for four minutes on either side. Salad: Mix the noodles with a dash of sesame oil, chopped peppers, cabbage and beans. Place mixed leaves in serving dishes, top with the noodle mix and place a salmon fillet on each portion. Drizzle the salmon with soya and ginger dressing and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
A popular MOWI delicacy regularly served up at its Salmon Wagon which visits events to raise money for charities.
1949 – 2023
(Acharacle)
Suddenly but peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Friday 2nd June 2023, Ronald Dominic MacMaster, aged 73 years, MacNaughton Crescent, Acharacle. A loving brother to Canon Iain MacMaster and the late Alistair, Ewen, Margaret and Elizabeth, a much loved uncle, relative, neighbour and friend. RIP. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
1936 – 2023
(Claggan)
Suddenly and unexpectedly at home, on Sunday 4th June 2023, William Gunn, known to all as Willie, aged 87 years, Melantee, Claggan, Fort William. Beloved husband of the late Janet Gunn, a loving dad to Linda, Valarie, Carol and the late James and father-in-law to Janice, a treasured papa and great grampa to his many grandchildren, a caring brother-in-law, uncle, relative and friend. Sadly missed.
1939 – 2023
(Caol)
Peacefully at home after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday 4th June 2023, Albert Wardrop, aged 83 years, Glenkingie Street, Caol, Fort William, an avid and loyal support of Fort William Football Club. A loving husband to Helen, a treasured dad to Angela, Carol, Linda, Clare and Susanne, a wonderful papa to Jack, Owen, Callum, Jodie, Eve, Hannah and Lilah, a much loved relative, neighbour and a great friend to many. RIP.
1948 – 2023
(Caol)
Suddenly at home, on Thursday 8th June 2023, Alan MacDonald Cairns, aged 75 years, Kilmallie Road, Caol (formerly of Castle Drive, Lochyside), well known plumber in Lochaber all his working life. Beloved husband of the late Helen, a loving brother to Donnie, Rita, Louise and the late Stirling, Kenneth, Billy and Hazel, a much loved uncle, brother-in-law and a good friend. RIP.
10 Battlefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110
www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk
1932 – 2023
(Inverlochy)
Sadly, but peacefully, in the comfort of his own home, on Monday 3rd July 2023, Robert Cameron (Robbie), aged 91 years, Inverlochy, Fort William. A loving Husband to the late Maryann, a wonderful dad to Kristeen, Robert, Catherine, Sheila and the late John, a caring father-in-law, a much loved granda, great granda, great great granda and a friend to so many. Sadly missed.
1925 – 2023
(Caol)
Sadly, but peacefully, in the loving care of Invernevis House, Fort William, on Sunday 11th June 2023, Annie Louise Sutherland (Nan), aged 97 years, Glenpane Street, Caol, Fort William. A loving wife to the late Don Sutherland, a treasured mum to Roseann and mother-in-law to Alasdair, a wonderful granny to Kevin, his wife Mara and Claire, a proud great granny to Isabella, Sophie and Lucy, a caring relative, neighbour and friend. So greatly loved and missed.
1994 – 2023
(Caol)
Sadly, on Tuesday 20th June 2023, Artom (Arty) Jevstifejevs, aged 29 years, Kilmallie Road, Caol, Fort William, self-employed roofer and roughcaster locally in Fort William. A treasured son to Karina and Slav, a loving dad to Arina and to her mum Linda, a caring grandson to Galena and Erena, a much loved nephew, cousin and a good friend to many. RIP. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
1963 – 2023
(Caol)
Suddenly at home, on Friday 2nd June 2023, James Henry Burns, aged 59 Years. A devoted husband to Dina, a loving son to Phamie and the late Albert, a cherished brother to Philip, brother-in-law to Ainsley, a loving uncle to all his nieces and nephews, much loved by all his Italian family and a good friend to many. So greatly missed.
1971 – 2023
(Fort William/Caol)
Peacefully, in the exceptional care of the Highland Hospice, Inverness after a long illness, on Tuesday 13th June 2023, Lindsay Anne Jarrett, aged 52 years, Angus Crescent, Upper Achintore, Fort William. A loving daughter to Cynthia and the late Fred Jarrett, a dearly loved mum, step-mum, granny and amma, sister, auntie, cousin and a much loved friend to so many. So greatly missed.
1935 – 2023
(Fort William)
Sadly, but peacefully, in the comfort of her own home, on Sunday 18th June 2023, Mary Christina Ross, aged 87 years, Victoria Road, Fort William, former shop assistant and manageress for over 58 years for Highland Homespun and latterly House of Scotland, Fort William High Street. A loving daughter to the late Archie and Chrissie MacLachlan (West End), beloved wife to the late Tommy Ross, a much loved relative and good friend to so many. Greatly missed.
1935 – 2023
(Corpach)
Passed away peacefully in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Sunday 11th June 2023, Margaret Cameron, known to all as Greta, aged 87 years, Lea Mhor, Corpach, Fort William. Beloved wife to the late Donnie Cameron, a loving mum to Donna, Janice and Andrew and mother-in-law to Jens, Kevin and Helen, a wonderful granny to Lise, Maren, Fiona, Ewan, Mhairi, Aaron and Nathan, a much loved relative and a good friend to many. Sadly missed.
1939 – 2023
(Invergarry)
Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Friday 2nd June 2023, Robert Mathers (Bert), aged 83 years, Millbank, Invergarry. Beloved husband of June, a much loved dad to Iain and so dearly loved and missed by all in his wider family. Rest In Peace.
1951 - 2023
(Caol)
David (Mitch) Mitchell passed away peacefully at home in Caol with his family by his side in the early hours of Monday 19th June 2023, aged 71 years. Beloved husband to Ishy, loving and proud dad of Lynne and Johnny and playful papa to Lochlan and Savannah in America. Adored son, brother, uncle and so much to so many; Mitch will be sorely missed.
1923 – 2023
(Fort William/Oban)
Peacefully, in the loving care of Moss Park Care Home, Caol, Fort William, on Friday 16th June 2023, Elizabeth Reid (Betty), aged 99 years, retired Nurse. A much loved relative and friend. RIP.
After last summer’s record high temperatures and drought, Butterfly Conservation is calling on the public to help find out what the impact has been on some of the country’s favourite butterflies by taking part in the Big Butterfly Count from July 14 to August 6.
Butterfl ies are important pollinators, helping other plants and species to survive and thrive, and as a key indicator species they also offer an insight into the health of our environment.
However they are disappearing, with 80 per cent of butterfl y species declining since the 1970s. Their loss could be catastrophic so we need to take action now.
One of the best ways of doing this is to check out butterfl y behaviour in the gardens and green spaces which make up millions of acres of land across the country and this is how you can help.
The more butterflies we can attract to our gardens, the more chance we have to spot them during the Big Butterfly Count and the more impactful the results and data will be.
The Big Butterfly Count runs from Friday July 14 to Sunday August 6.
It takes just 15 minutes and can be done in your garden or any outdoor space.
It’s really good fun to do with friends, family or even on your own in a moment of quiet calm.
Head to the website for more information: https:// bigbutterflycount.butterflyconservation.org
On the website, you will find an overview of the Big Butterfly Count and why it is so important for people to take part and top tips to attract butterflies to a wild space in your garden from butterfly conservation experts. It will also help you to decide what to plant now to create a haven for butterflies, how to create a wild space or mini-meadow
in your garden and how to maximise what you have. There is also key information on the Big Butterfly Count and Interviews with experts.
Quick tips: The best thing you can do in the short term is ‘lazy gardening’ by creating a mini-meadow or wild space by allowing plants like nettles and docks to grow which will help attract a plethora of butterflies and moths to your garden.
In the long term, butterflies like nectar rich plants, so planting things like buddleia, lavender, verbena bonarienses and perennial wallflowers will also help attract many butterfly species to your garden.
A quarter of a century ago a young couple from the Central Belt joined the Jacobite Steam Train in Fort William and while it stopped briefly at Glenfinnan station became man and wife. Now celebrating their silver wedding anniversary, Lynda and Alan Bennett retraced their railroad romance by once again boarding the Jacobite and making the same journey on their anniversary. Twenty five years ago the weather wasn’t that kind, with drizzle for most of the way, luckily with a ten minute dry period as they exchanged their vows and hurried back to the train.
Their big day was photographed by Iain Ferguson of The Write Image and they contacted him again to ask if
he could help organise their visit and perhaps do a few more pictures to record their ‘silver’ return. This was duly done, although they could not stand right in front of the locomotive on this occasion. Jacobite Train Manager Florence MacLean surprised them with tea and shortbread as well as an announcement congratulating them as they neared Glenfinnan Station.
However, in June 2023 the rain did not let up as they relived the moment on the platform next to the dining car where they had previously exchanged rings and it was a case of jackets and hoods before rushing back to their seats in the carriage.
Another difference from 25
years ago was that instead of the newlyweds with their party of friends and family getting off at Morar for the reception in the hotel and pictures on a sunny Silver Sands, Lynda and Alan went all the way to Mallaig for a walk around the village and fish supper in a local pub.
However, the day did not disappoint and they were delighted to mix new memories with old.
Lynda said: “We were delighted to get seats on the train, which was very busy and to remember what it was like on our wedding day. We had a great time and the rain didn’t matter a bit.
“Thanks to everyone who helped make our 25th so special.”
Since March, there has been a new gift shop in Fort William featuring a spacious and carefully laid out interior filled with the most amazing range of household accessories and all kinds of gifts.
Located at the railway station, The Bay Tree is easily accessible with large, bright windows giving only a taste of the items available to buy - all at reasonable prices.
Opened and staffed by local women Fiona MacDonald and Maria MacGillivray, it has been styled to reflect how your
home could look with their amazing range of decorative items, large and small, or personal items including jewellery, handbags and purses, plus a selection of small gifts or souvenirs reflecting the
rich beauty of the area. Even if you aren’t in the market for dazzling home interior accessories at the moment, The Bay Tree is still worth a visit.
You may just change your mind and go for that makeover sooner, rather than later. For special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, or even just to treat yourself, the shelves are stacked with great products.
If you haven’t been in yet, don’t let any more time pass before seeing what The Bay Tree has to offer.
Pupils from three local schools have been taking full advantage of changing weather patterns since early this year by growing vegetables and flowers culminating in a special lunch with dishes made from their own produce.
Classes from Banavie, Invergarry and Spean Bridge primary schools have been making regular visits to Lochaber Rural Education Trust (LRET) at Torlundy where they have been learning about food, where it comes from and how to grow their own.
The Seed to Supper Scheme has been run by volunteers at the trust for many years, educating children about agriculture and where the food on their plates comes from. They also learn about the history
and importance of farming and its importance in feeding the world by practical, hands-on methods.
The children join adult volunteers in selecting the plants they would like to grow, learning about the conditions they need and preparing the soil, ready for planting.
The next step is to plant the seeds, either in the protected environment of a greenhouse or poly tunnel, or straight into the ground in prepared areas outdoors in specially raised beds, accessible to the youngest pupils or to those with a disability.
Over a number of visits, the youngsters examine their plants, take note of how they are growing, remove any weeds, pests, water and, if necessary, feed them in a ‘good old fashioned’ natural way.
Carrots, potatoes, beetroot, onions, lettuce and much of
what are considered to be ‘basic’ foods are grown by the children from the earliest stage through to harvesting and preparing them as ingredients, then, with adult supervision, cooking them.
As a final step, the pupils hold a lunch made with the fruits and vegetables of their labours, the tables decorated with some of the flowers they have grown.
In the past, many more schools have taken part, but the costs of transport has escalated which has limited attendance, despite the schools and children being desperate to take part.
The trust is run entirely by volunteers who give up considerable amounts of their time to help the children learn the methods and importance of gardens and agriculture, not only in providing food, but the benefits to health and wellbeing as well as instilling in them a lifelong enthusiasm for the natural world.
Ambulance clinicians in Fort William have taken delivery of a mechanical chest compression device for use on patients in prolonged sudden cardiac arrests.
The Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS) device, which was delivered to the Fort William team earlier this year, is designed to take over the role of manual chest compressions when CPR has been started by members of the public, family members or medical professionals.
Once applied and activated, it allows the team to concentrate on the other procedures required to help save a life,
including advanced airway management, medicine administration and preparing the patient to be transported to hospital.
In some cases it can significantly increase the return of a heartbeat of a patient and boost their chance of survival.
It will be carried by the Paramedic Rapid Response Unit rather than in any particular ambulance so it can be quickly and effectively deployed where and when needed to the scene, which may be a rural location across Lochaber.
Steven Short, Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Lead for the Scottish Ambulance Service, along with Clinical Team Leader Andrew MacGillivray
and Advanced Paramedic Practitioner Alan Knox, are currently training team members on how to use this device.
Area Service Manager for Lochaber, Skye and Lochalsh District Alan Knox said:
“The local ambulance staff are extremely grateful for receiving the LUCAS device. It’s an incredibly beneficial tool in helping our clinical team leaders and advanced paramedic practitioners to provide emergency care to our patients in Lochaber.
“By employing LUCAS, we have the potential to further help save the lives of those who have suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.”
Thanks to the current veterinary care standards, pets are now living longer lives.
Alongside this increased life span, you may notice some age-related changes in your pet. A feline is classed as senior when they reach 11 years old, whereas a canine is typically seven years, although this varies with each breed.
Reduced mobility could be one of the first signs you notice. This is commonly caused by arthritis, which is pain and inflammation of the joints. If your pet has this condition, you may notice them struggling to stand up, having difficulty jumping and climbing the stairs, showing resistance to physical touch or developing a stiff gait. Although there is no cure for arthritis, steps can be taken to improve your pet’s quality of life. Short and frequent walks with no ball throwing or chasing is better on canine joints. For felines, using ramps to allow them to get to high spaces will prevent the need for jumping. Both species would benefit from comfortable bedding, joint supplements, maintaining a healthy weight and pain management.
To maintain a healthy weight, your pet should be on an appropriate diet for their age. Veterinary specific senior diets have been created to meet the nutritional needs of our older pets. As dogs are prone to gaining weight as they get older because of a reduction in energy requirements, canine senior diets have reduced calories. Cats, however, require more calories because of an increased energy requirement, which can be found in feline senior diets. As well as weight control, these diets also aid vital body functions such as immune, renal and digestive support in felines and immune and mental support in canines.
Supporting your pet’s mental function is important as their cognitive abilities may deteriorate with age. Common signs of cognitive dysfunction include disorientation, interaction changes, anxiety, house soiling and sleep-cycle changes. Mentally stimulating games, such as hiding and finding toys or treats, can be used to keep your pet mentally active. Natural supplements have also been proven to improve cognitive function within four to six weeks.
Frequent general check-ups are beneficial for maintaining good health in senior pets. This allows existing medical conditions to be monitored and new conditions to be diagnosed, such as periodontal disease or heart disease. If you think your older pet could use a check-up, pain relief or you want to enquire about any of our natural supplements, give us a call.
On Friday August 18 2023, a group from Dudley, England, will climb Ben Nevis in memory of stalwart peace campaigner Bert Bissell.
Bert was an incredible man who, in 1925, started a young men’s bible class at Vicar Street Methodist Church in his home town of Dudley where his father was the preacher. Within a couple of years, his enthusiasm for improving young people’s lives saw the class grow to nearly 400 members with legendary footballer Duncan Edwards amongst them.
He loved helping young people who had strayed in life and was recognised as Dudley’s first probation officer and saw healthy outdoor activities as a medium for achievement, paying his first visit to Fort William in the mid 1930s.
His mantra was world peace and happened to be in Fort William with a group of his lads on VJ Day, August 15 1945. In celebration, they immediately climbed to the summit of the Ben and started building a peace cairn. Today it is recognised as the highest war memorial in Britain with proud reference to Dudley’s Vicar Street Bible Class on its side.
Bert died in 1998, aged 96, having climbed the Ben an incredible 107 times. His final
resting place is beneath his beloved Ben in Glen Nevis cemetery.
In 2014, Dudley MP Ian Austin got together with fell walking councillor Steve Waltho and colleague councillor Dave Tyler and asked if there was any interest in trying to rekindle Bert’s legacy and Dudley’s links with Fort William.
A trip was planned to commemorate Bert’s VJ Day anniversary when a small group climbed the Ben. They also established links with local councillor Thomas MacLennan who hosted a reception to mark the team’s successful return from the mountain.
In 2017, the Bert Bissell Memorial Society held its first meeting and to date 76 individuals have made a total of 129 ascents. In 2018, the
Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir held a concert in Duncansburgh Church where windows from Vicar Street are fitted.
Friday August 18 this year will see a group from Dudley climb the Ben.
The following day, Fort William Kilmallie Duncansburgh Church will be open at 11am to view the famous Dudley windows.
At 6pm in the new hall, a short commemoration service will be held. Anyone interested in these events is more than welcome to come along to meet the Dudley team and learn a little more about the legend that was and always will be Bert Bissell. For further details contact Steve Waltho either at stevewaltho@hotmail. co.uk or on 07703 308463.
Alistair, Jane and family would like to thank everyone for all the love and support they received following the death of Ronald. Thank you to Fr. Danny for a very comforting Requiem Mass held in St. Margaret’s Church and Charlie Toal for his help at Cille Choirill Cemetery. Thanks to all at McLellan Funeral Directors for their care, kindness and professionalism. Also thank you to The Caddy Shack at Fort William Golf Club for providing some beautiful food. Finally thank you to everyone who attended and who gave us all so much support on the day. All donations were thankfully received in memory of Ronald and forwarded on for the upkeep of Cille Choirill Cemetery.
Margaret, his wife of 70 years, his daughters, Alice and Jennifer and all members of his wider family would like to thank all who sent cards and messages of sympathy. Thanks, also, to all at Craig Nevis Surgery, the community nurses, all who cared for him and Caroline Gordon. Special thanks to Rev. David Anderson for the funeral service and to all at McLellan’s for their professional services. The donations given after the service in aid of Alzheimer’s Scotland were much appreciated.
We were so sad to say goodbye to our beautiful mum, granny & wife of our dear departed father & grampa, Danny Ward. It’s never easy to lose a loved one so we would like to thank everyone who showed love and kindness during our loss. Thank you to mums wonderful carers at Home Farm Care Home, Skye. We know how much you will miss her too. Thank you sincerely to Jonathan and his lovely wife at Fort William Baptist Church, such a beautiful service. Thank you also to McLellan & Co for looking after the funeral arrangements, we are eternally grateful for the beautiful respectful way mums service was conducted. We’d also like to shout out to the Alexandra Hotel for laying on a beautiful lunch. Thank you to Shona at MacDonald Bros for organising beautiful flowers, they were amazing. Family would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone for your condolences and cards. Mum was a beautiful Fort William girl and will always be in our hearts forever.
Stephen and family would like to thank everyone who attended the service of their mother Annie at the Duncansburgh Church on Monday 26th June. Thank you to the Rev. Edward Andrews for the comforting service, McLellan Funeral Directors for their compassion and professionalism and the staff of the Alexandra Hotel for the lovely funeral tea. Also thank you to McDonald Brothers for the beautiful flowers and Sandy McKenzie for piping. Special thanks to the staff of Abbeyfield House Care home and the Day Owls who cared so well for Annie, and to those who generously made donations to Abbeyfield house, £89 was raised.
Fiona and family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for all the cards, flowers and messages of sympathy after the recent loss of Helen. We are exceptionally grateful to all at John McLellan & Co Funeral Directors for their kindness, compassion and support during this difficult time and to Rev Edward Andrews for such a fitting tribute to Helen. Thank you to Meg at the Railway Club for a beautiful funeral tea and to Shona at McDonald Bros for the stunning flowers. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Belford Hospital for the care, kindness and compassion shown to Helen during her time there.
Elaine very sincerely thanks all who have sent messages of comfort and sympathy in so many ways following the sudden, sad loss of her very beloved Alexander. Thank you to the caring and thoughtful staff of John McLellan Funeral Directors, who guided her through a very difficult time. Thank you to the Primus, Mark Strange, for his comforting and personalised service for Alexander and to all who participated in giving Alexander a loving send-off in St. Andrew’s Church and at the graveside. Thank you to the Ben Nevis Hotel for their excellent, plentiful spread. Finally a big thank you goes to family and adopted family for the love and care shown to me in difficult times.
Our new “Letters to Heaven” post box has been installed at our funeral home in Dudley Road, Fort William. Feedback from other “Letters to Heaven” providers across the UK has shown that the process of writing a letter or even a birthday card to a lost loved one has already brought comfort to many people. No address or stamp are required. This is another way that our team at McLellan Funeral Directors can provide bereavement support to local families and is part of the uniquely personal and exceptional care that we are committed to delivering in Lochaber. For more information please follow us on Facebook
F 01397 703537 m 07899670260 e info@johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk
m Morvern, Glen Nevis Fort William PH33 6PF johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk
On Saturday June 24, a party of 12 members of Fort William Men’s Shed and friends travelled by bus to the Kishorn Port Ltd (KPL) Community and Public Open Day. Kishorn Port and Dry Dock is one of the largest dry docks in Europe.
On arrival, Mrs Ferguson and her staff welcomed us with tea, coffee and bacon rolls. Open-day visitors were then treated to an excellent and informative presentation from Alasdair Ferguson, managing director of KPL, on the history of the yard, ongoing work and future plans.
Following the presentation, it was onwards and downwards, into the bus and through the extensive yard to the dry dock which
currently contains one of the biggest jack up oil rigs in the world, Noble Intrepid. A jack up rig is a floating drilling rig with movable legs which can elevate when the rig relocates from one location to another. The size of the rig, Noble Intrepid, is unbelievable. An amazing sight – and what a fantastic opportunity to view it. On the way down, we had stopped off to view the quirky site office. Recently, when dismantling a ship for scrap/recycling, they decided to recycle the wheelhouse and place it on the edge of the dock and that’s now their site office.
Our grateful thanks to Mr Ferguson and his staff for our visit, their kind hospitality and the excellent presentation of the works of the KPL Yard. We’re already
looking forward to the next open day.
I’ll take this opportunity to remind folk that a warm welcome awaits anyone who wants to come along to Fort William Men’s Shed. We open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm in the shed premises – Unit 9A, 2 Blar Mhor Industrial Estate, Fort William. The kettle’s always on.
August means it’s back to school. A friend asked “Did you learn to use long words at school?” He thought there were too many in this column. Actually, I learnt some long words in school holidays - at Scripture Union (SU) children’s beach missions. Words like ‘justification’, ‘atonement’.
R Hudson Pope was a man born in the Victorian era, who taught children about the Bible. He used simple illustrations on an old-fashioned flannelgraph board. However, he also used these long words, which fasci-
nated me as much as his flannelgraph and Panama hat.
A team of volunteers organised beach games and barbecues for children - bored as holidays neared the end. The men wore white cricket flannels - shorts if the sun shone - and university blazers. These impressions stuck with me, as did hearing one, a gifted player, perform Debussy’s Clair de Lune on a church hall piano. This was an introduction to classical music and contrast to my scratchy violin practice.
But the long words made the longest-lasting impression. It was explained that believing in Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross made us ‘At-one-ment’ with a holy God and being justified by that faith meant ‘Just-as-if-I’d-never-sinned’. That
was good news to any naughty child.
SU Scotland uses modern methods including digital/online to share stories of Jesus to children at holidays, clubs and schools.
I pray this may impact modern children and youngsters’ lives as much as Mr Pope’s big words and this old fashioned song he wrote impacted me:
“Cleanse me from my sin, Lord:
Put thy power within, Lord:
Take me as I am, Lord and make me all thine own.
Keep me day by day, Lord, underneath thy sway, Lord.
Make my heart thy palace and thy royal throne.”
Enjoy the remaining holidays. You might find an SU holiday/ group online or in a school near you.
Heat, heat, glorious heat! - to slightly alter the words of the “mud’ song which would normally apply to a Lochaber summer. Unaccustomed as we are to the sun the normal events carried on with sportspeople battling not rain, but heat exhaustion with water breaks during matches.
The sun also brought out sunglasses and ‘cool’ shades on shinty spectators. Indoor sports also found it hot, with Lochaber Phoenix boxers who usually warm up their large gym with body heat, going ‘taps aff ’ to cool themselves down.
Tourists and locals alike also took advantage of the continental style weather, sitting outside with in Fort William High Street, or basking in the sun cruising down Loch Linnhe.
I for one vote for more to come!!
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A bad knee injury just before the Covid lockdown set the then19year-old shinty player Conner Macgregor from Kinlochleven down a new ‘sporting’ pathbody sculpting. Now, just a few years on, he has competed and come third in one of Britain’s most prestigious competitions for newcomers.
Last month, he travelled to Birmingham Town Hall to take part in the Physical Culture Association (PCA) First Timers event, which is open only to those who have never competed before, but which also attracts a large number of entries. Conner appeared in the Junior Physique Class.
As with every sport, a brief time spent in public view equates to real hard work going on in the background for some considerable time, with exceptional levels of hard training and dedication.
For Conner in particular, a large part of his schedule was spent in carefully controlling his diet, sometimes eating large amounts of protein rich foods such as steak and pasta, then switching to eating very little, striking the right balance of staying healthy and getting the right set of nutrients, while working hard in the gym to build muscle.
Other than using the local gym, he also spent time working with specialist coaches in other parts of the country, taking advice on developing his muscles and overall body look, at which he was clearly successful.
Arriving in Birmingham the day before the competition, he undertook more body ‘styling’ to comply with the rules, shaving off any exposed body hair and having several layers of ‘tan’ applied to highlight the definition of every muscle under the lights and the exacting stare of judges.
He said: “It was quite an experience, but I loved it and it was great to take part. Stand-
ing there on stage and going through a number of poses to show off different muscles groupings was intense and the pressure was really on, but I have been working towards this moment for several years so just went for it.
“Naturally I was hoping to be amongst the prizewinners and third wasn’t too bad a result for me, especially given the number of competitors. On the day, you can’t eat or drink anything in case it has an effect on the look so I was really looking forward to the finish so I could tuck in to a good meal without any limits on what or how much I should be eating.”
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A small rural building - but where? Photograph: Ken Johnston. LAST MONTH: New, much-needed and environmentally friendly toilets in the Lower Falls car park, Glen Nevis.
Wolfhouse Gym on the Annat Estate, Corpach, had a weighty weekend as competitors from across the country gathered to take part in the Scottish Bench Press Championships.
Overseen by the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association (BDFPA), of which Wolfhouse is now the Highland headquarters, it was also the first official event to be held in the area. The highly specialised equipment needed for the competition has only recently been bought by the Corpach gym opening the way for further events.
Around 30 competitors, including five from Lochaber, took part in a range of categories, pushing various weights to a prescribed height, carefully monitored by judges whose scoring was displayed electronically at the end of each lift.
Amongst the local participants, Scott Lawrie was overall male winner; Emma Skinner won the -70kg class with a bench press of 62.5kg; Sarah Ralston won the -80kg class with a bench press of 62.5kg, while John Treasurer took first place in the under 82.5kg category and
Building on this success, Wolfhouse will be hosting another official BDPFA event, ‘Full Power’, on Saturday August 26. Full Power basically means a full powerlifting meet which will include squat, bench press and deadlift. It’s another official BDFPA event at which they are expecting another good turnout of competitors.
