At the heart of your community Christmas recipe
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Ryan’s model scrapyard
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Beatha Lochabair
An Dùbhlachd
‘Thomson the Photographer’ appeal 30
December 2021 – Issue 338
Fort’s Festival of Lights Lochaber Life December 2021.indd 1
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Ardrhu House
Dining and spa Winter is calling, with cold days and dark nights drawing in, but we have just the right spot to warm you up in the spa, shake your worries away with live music nights and embrace the festive cheer with our delicious Chrismas lunches. Yes, Christmas is just around the corner, it will be here before you know it. Buy a gift voucher for your loved ones this Christmas. No matter how big or small, gifts are better enjoyed together, that’s why our gift vouchers never expire and give huge choice to our discerning guests. Up to you to decide what to gift or when to use them. Our live music evenings have started in November, gently swooning you into the festive mood. Come and enjoy a superb dinner followed by music by the fireplace. Please contact us for dates. Murder mystery nights are back as they were such a hit in the last couple of months. Join us again December 12. Priced at £79 per person, the price includes an aperitif on arrival, a superb five-course menu, great entertainment and a prize for the winning team. It’s a great excuse to get dressed up and end the year in style. Our Christmas lunch menu starts on December 1 and runs until December 23. A festive three-course menu for only £24 per person and a glass of mulled wine on arrival. Staff parties are more than welcome and we are open right through the New Year. Check our website for Hogmanay packages. We have extended our limited offer for our delicious three-course winter menu at £36 per person. Our chef has gone above and beyond to source local fish, venison and turkey for an unforgettable experience. And don’t forget, you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy our fantastic luxury spa days - the perfect escape from the cold that will leave you feeling revitalised, pampered and completely recharged. On special offer this winter are the mini spa days - £75 for one and £140 for two. Details on the left. Find out more online www.ardrhuhouse.com or email us contact@ardrhuhouse.com LOCHABER LIFE
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contents
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‘C’ WORD SAFE
Festive Fun
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Now it is December, I feel it is safe to mention the ‘C’ word and wish everyone a very happy Christmas. The last year has been very hard for many individuals and families but hopefully 2021 will be a time to celebrate not only Christmas, but also the love and lives of family and friends. To help us all get into the seasonal spirit, a group of ladies formed the Fort William Festive Fund, initially to make sure the town’s High Street has a Christmas lights display. But this has grown into a full-blown, all singing, all dancing - literally - street festival. Well done to them and the many local people and traders who have supported them by offering their services on the night. Definitely an event not to be missed. Nollaig Chridheil agus bliadhna mhath ùr. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Iain
Antarctic vaccination
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Reader’s picture
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Recipe
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Book review
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Heavenly Dancers
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FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH: The Fort William Festive Fund Committee,
left to right, Hayley Cant, Sasha McKinlay, Karen Dean, Cherryl Allan and Patricia Jordan who put a great deal of time and energy into organising the event. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos
EDITORIAL Iain Ferguson Email: iainpics@ googlemail.com
ADVERTISING Nicky Murphy Email: nmurphy@ wyvexmedia.co.uk
PRODUCTION Kevin McCubbin Email: kmccubbin@ wyvexmedia.co.uk
On top of the World - fighting Covid 22 Ryan’s mini scrapyard
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MP’s Christmas message
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‘Search for Thomson the Photographer’
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Thought for the Month
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15 years ago.
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Where in Lochaber?
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The Craft of Caman
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Published by Wyvex Media Limited Tel: 01397 703003 Website: www.obantimes.co.uk We hope to publish a wide range of interests and opinions. However, our contributors’ views are not necessarily our own. Material in Lochaber Life must not be reproduced without our written consent or that of the copyright owner. A statement of our terms and conditions for accepting advertisements is available on request. Published by Wyvex Media Limited.
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Festive Fun FOR EVERYONE With the support of the public and local traders, the project The run-up to Christmas is has grown and in addition to certain to be a colourful and the lights there will be events exciting time thanks to a small along the street with numerous group which has been raising competitions being run in money and planning fun-filled several shops for great prizes as events to celebrate the season well as the fun of taking part. and attract people into Fort Friday November 26 from William to enjoy the good 5.30pm is the time to get cheer. yourselves down to Fort William Organisers of the Fort William High Street in time for the Festive Fund were thinking well festivities to begin, with many ahead when it launched a social shops opening late to help you media fundraising campaign a catch up with Christmas gifts of few months ago with the aim of all kinds. putting up Christmas lights in There will be live music in the High Street. Cameron Square from musician and tutor Jillian Anderson’s band, along with students from her music classes on the peninsula, Lochaber Wind Band, Lochaber High School big band and dancers from Vicky Horn Dance, mulled wine and stollen at Black Isle Brewery and Santa’s Grotto, which has been Iain Ferguson
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sponsored by the Scottish Fair Trade Forum. The forum has also provided funding for fair trade gifts for visitors, as well as some of the local grocery stores, which have pledged sweets to go in the gift bags. Talking Teacups is providing children’s entertainers along the High Street, there is facepainting in the Bookshop and Maddie will be at the cinema entertaining youngsters. A raffle, featuring generous donations from local makers and businesses, will be drawn at 8pm. In the past, Lochaber weather has been at its ‘best’ for many of these events, but no-one has ever been put off by it and still had the same fun and enjoyment of seeing the faces of youngsters bursting with excitement. Don’t miss it!
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ANTARCTIC VACCINE While most of us are expectantly turning our attention to the North Pole as we eagerly await the arrival of a Red-suited visitor, one Fort William man received an early ‘gift’ as far south as it is possible to go. Matthew Phillips, who is Winter Station Leader at the British Antarctic Survey’s remote Rothera Research Station, rolled up his sleeve to receive his first Covid jag - at the South Pole. His vaccine was flown more than 9,000 miles to be delivered, but not by sleigh, although the weather was distinctly frosty. He said: ‘We have gone through 205 days of winter with no sun and are into spring, but the temperature is still around -4°C outdoors. This isn’t the easiest place in the world to
be evacuated to a hospital if there’s an emergency so getting the Covid vaccine will help keep everyone safe over a busy summer. ‘ The vaccine was brought in on the first flight to the base since winter closed in and was administered indoors.
Reader Michael McGuire didn’t quite manage to catch a passing reindeer sleigh, but did take a beautiful shot of the night sky above Glencoe.
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EU Settlement Scheme Assistance for EU Citizens in the Lochaber Area Lochaber Citizens Advice Bureau continues to offer a project within Lochaber providing advice and practical application support to clients wishing to make a late application to remain in the UK post-Brexit by supporting applications for the EU Settlement Scheme. If you are an EU Citizen currently living in the Lochaber Area we would encourage you to contact us, if at all in doubt about your EU settlement scheme application or if you are unsure if or how to apply. We can provide initial information about whether you may qualify, start your application and also assist with
Lochaber
the process of completion. What is the EU Settlement Scheme? (EUSS) The EU settlement scheme or EUSS as it is commonly known, is the system that was designed to enable EEA citizens to continue to live, work and study in the UK. The EUSS has been open in full since 30 March 2019. Individuals with either Settled or PreSettled Status are eligible for the following (on the same basis as now): •Access to benefits, public funds and pensions •Public services, such as healthcare and education Individuals with Settled
Status may also be eligible for British Citizenship –if they want to apply and meet the requirements. The deadline for applications was 30th June 2021 (for those resident here by 31 December 2020).This has been extended for late applicants who have a good reason for having not applied. It is free to apply to the scheme and the status awarded through the scheme is either Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status. With either settled or Pre-Settled Status, they will be able to continue living and working in the UK. If you require assistance or advice please contact us either on 01397 705311, email adviser@lochabercab.casonline. org.uk or visit our website www.lochabercab.org.uk If we are busy when you call, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
DURING OPENING HOURS 10am-4pm, TELEPHONE 01397 705311 Message can be left EMAIL – adviser@lochabercab.casonline.org.uk
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Have you seen how good our comprehensive Young Climbers’ Programme is At 3 Wise Monkeys? With a new head coach and reshaped youth programme, there has never been a better time to get into climbing. Many of the skills gained on our walls help empower youngsters off the wall too. Co-operation, confidence and community sit at the heart of our climbing ethos. Our programme supports beginners from age five and over with First Ascents from as little as £30 a month.
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Progress can be made to Climbing Crew and to Climbing Squad with affordable, fun and skill-building membership packages. Take a look at our 3WM Climbing Ladder. First Ascents Climbing club for five to eight year olds, £30 per calendar month (pcm). The first step with weekly coached sessions and unlimited climbing. Building confidence and learning new, transferable skills through play. Climbing Crew Our inclusive ‘crew’ for nine to 17 year olds. £40 pcm. Whether new to climbing or looking to progress, this offers lengthier weekly coaching sessions at £40 pcm.
Climbing Squad Aimed at 13 to 17-year-olds looking to go to the next level, this group has a stronger focus on progression with two hours of coaching per week at £80 pcm. Team 3WM is always happy to talk through options with you. Better still pop in and have a chat so you can really get a feel for the place and meet our friendly team. Or email team@ threewisemonkeysclimbing.com
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Ferguson TransporT & shipping Logistic soLutions successfuL with partners
AVAILABLE TO RENT
Industrial Units and Self-Storage Units
SHORT TERM OR LONG TERM RENTAL AVAILABLE Container pick up and drop off service available with 24 hour CCTV, keeping your items safe and secure. Large or small storage areas available for all your storage, warehousing and commercial industrial unit needs. We provide our customers with competitive prices in Lochaber area.
Call Leeann on: 01397 773 840 (option 5) Email: leeann@fergusontransport.co.uk www.fergusontransport.co.uk LOCHABER LIFE
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• INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp honey
1 tsp coarse grain mustard
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame seeds
12 pigs in blankets
PIGS IN BLANKETS
Lochaber Larder Chef Stewart MacLachan knows that most people will use ready-to-cook ‘Pigs in Blankets’ (he makes them) so is sharing a simple way of adding a bit of extra Christmas flavour to the serving
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• METHOD • Cook sausages in a preheated oven at 220°C for 10 minutes. Mix honey, soy sauce, mustard and sesame seeds together. Pour over sausages and cook for a further 5 -10 minutes until sausages are piping hot in the middle. Serve immediately.
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UNDERSTANDING ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR Iain Ferguson Watching the wildlife from your window, have you ever wondered why the animals do what they do? The answers to some of these great mysteries of nature can be found in a superb book by Banavie-based author Rory Putman. His book, ‘Understanding Animal Behaviour’ is written from knowledge and experience gained over several decades of observing animals in their natural environment across the world, combined with his university teaching career as Meritus Professor of Behavioural and Environmental Biology and Professorship in Wildlife Welfare. A highly-detailed description of the natural triggers which cause a wide range of species to undertake various actions, the research, investigation and the explanations of how the results were achieved is often as fascinating as the outcomes.
From the opening chapter which defines behaviour as ‘an animal’s perception and response to its environment’, the book moves on to how this behaviour occurs and can be modified through examples ranging from insects and birds to mammals. This is done by observation in nature and through controlled situations, where responses to set tasks are tracked and noted. Looking at nest building by birds, their behaviour is broken down into the various actions required in building he ‘perfect’ nest by undertaking a set method of construction which is repeated in exactly the same order multiple times to achieve the desired result. The behaviour of each animal is covered in
depth, but to highlight some in just a few words: when selecting a stag for mating, females consider more than the size of the antlers but also the pitch and intensity of his roar. Antlers show he has had a sufficient diet to provide ‘spare’ energy to grow them and the timbre of his roar and that he has a deep chest and strong body. Take a look at our regular garden visitor The Great Tit. Research has shown that the width of the central black stripe down the chest is related to rank and status with the male population, making them a more attractive choice for females. If you enjoy science, this book gives more than an insight into animal behaviour, but the processes and methodology by which the characteristics of specific species were observed, identified and categorised. A really interesting read. Copies are available on Amazon or from the publisher www. whittlespublishing. com/Understanding_ Animal_Behaviour
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SUBSCRIBE
To Scottish Field and choose a FREE bottle of Glasgow Gin, or Arran Malt* Save 25% on the cover price only £10.69 per quarter delivered direct to your recipients door.
Call 01778 392014 and quote ObanA5 or go to scottishfield.co.uk/ subscriptions
The perfect gift for those who love all things Scottish
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Enjoy the long summer evenings in the garden with a subscription to Scottish Field magazine. Bringing you the very best interiors, antiques, gardens, wildlife, motoring and country news alongside entertaining and informative writing.
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*Terms and conditions apply. For over-18s and UK-based subscribers only. Minimum one year subscription to Scottish Field. Applies to Direct Debit UK subscriptions only. Offer ends 31 December 2021. While stocks last. Limited stock available, first come, first served basis. By claiming this offer, you agree that you are of UK legal age for purchasing and consuming alcoholic drinks.
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In Loving Memory of JOE DOHERTY 1955 – 2021 (Corpach) Sadly, at Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Thursday 14th October 2021, Joseph Bartholemew Doherty (Joe), aged 66 years, Annat View, Corpach, former employee with Nevisprint and latterly employed at BSW Kilmallie, Gatehouse. A beloved partner to Shirley, a loving dad to Michael, Christopher and Liam, a wonderful papa to all his grandchildren and so dearly loved by all the extended family. Sadly missed.
In Loving Memory of JOHN (IAN) INNES 1941 – 2021 (Caol) Sadly, at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Thursday 30th September 2021, John Hugh Innes (Ian), aged 79 years, Camaghael Road, Caol, Fort William, former proprietor at John Innes Plumbers. A loving husband to Valerie, an adored dad of Dawn and Tracy and much-loved father-in-law, a wonderful papa to Aaron, Bethany, Demi, Harry and Lilly, a caring relative, neighbour and a good friend of many. Greatly missed.
In Loving Memory of CATHIE CAMERON 1945 – 2021 (Acharacle) Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Friday 22nd October 2021, Catherine MacUsbic Cameron, known to everyone as Cathie, aged 76 years, Ardtoe, Acharacle. A beloved wife to Duncan, a much-loved mum to Roddy and Fiona, a wonderful granny to Katie, a loving sister to Mary, Shonag and Donald, a caring relative, neighbour and friend to many. So dearly loved and missed.
In Loving Memory of ANDY (DAVO) DAVIDSON 1980 – 2021 (Fort William) Sadly, at home, on Monday 11th October 2021, Andrew George Davidson (Andy), aged 41 years, Nevis Bank Apartments, Fort William, owner and founder of Up and Doon Guided Walks. A loving son to Dave, a caring brother to Steven, a much-loved uncle, nephew and a friend to many. Rest in peace.
MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS
10 Ba�lefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk
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In Loving Memory of RONNIE GILLIES 1971 – 2021 (Fort William) Peacefully, in the loving care of Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Tuesday 5th October 2021, Ronald Gillies (Ronnie), aged 50 years, Young Place, Fort William, formerly of Caol. A loving son to the late William (Wag) and Effie Gillies, a much-loved brother to Alison, Neil (Waggie), Christine, Vivian and Donald (Dodo), a fun-loving uncle to Michael, Daniel, Thomas, Kyle, Lana, Amelia and Robbie John, a much-loved nephew, cousin and friend to many. YNWA.
In Loving Memory of MARIE BOA 1972 – 2021 (Fort William) Suddenly, but peacefully in the loving care of Moss Park Care Home, Fort William, on Tuesday 5th October 2021, Marie Boa, aged 49 years. A devoted and proud mum to Kim, a much-loved motherin-law to Ewen, a wonderful granny to Lewis, a loving daughter to Willie and the late Isobel, a caring sister to Ann and William and a much-loved friend to many. Forever in the hearts of those who loved her most.
In Loving Memory of ALLAN JOHNSTON 1945 – 2021 (Mallaig) Peacefully, in the exceptional care of The Mackintosh Centre, Mallaig, on Tuesday 5th October 2021, Allan Johnston, aged 75 years, Morven, Mallaig. A loving dad to David, Derek, Kevin, Zoe, Mark and Lucy, a wonderful grandad to Samantha, Stacey, Janette, Pearce, Declan, Ellie and great grandad to Dylan, a much-loved brother to Elizabeth and the late Sandy and Catherine, a caring relative, neighbour and a friend to many. Greatly missed by all the family.
In Loving Memory of CAROL ANNE DIACK 1946 – 2021 (Kinlochleven) Peacefully, in the loving care of Abbeyfield Care Home, Ballachulish, on Tuesday 5th October 2021, Carol Anne Margaret Diack, aged 74 years. A beloved wife to the late Robert, a much-loved mum to Gary, a proud gran to Megan and Kali, a loving sister to Kathryn, a dearly loved aunty to Lynne and Neil and a wonderful neighbour and friend. Loved and missed every day.
In Loving Memory of CALUM MACPHAIL 1971 – 2021 (Spean Bridge) Suddenly and unexpectedly, at home, on Saturday 9th October 2021, Calum MacPhail, aged 50 years, Altour Gardens, Spean Bridge. A loving son of the late John and Mary MacPhail, brother to Anne and the late Kate and Angus, treasured by Shona, Neil, Shannon and Jamie Leigh, a much-loved uncle, great uncle and a friend to many. YNWA.
In Loving Memory of DAVE FORD 1947 – 2021 (Corpach) Suddenly, on Tuesday 19th October 2021, David John Ford (Dave), aged 74 years, Burnside Cottage, Corpach, Fort William. Bosun and longserving employee at Outward Bound, Locheil, by Fort William. A loving and much-loved husband of Jenny, a caring brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, neighbour and friend of many. RIP.
MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS
10 Ba�lefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk
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As the climate and ecological emergency rises ever higher in importance for us all, local food has become central in our efforts to reduce our carbon emissions. To realise these reductions there is an increasing acknowledgment that underpinning the viability of small scale local food enterprises, is the economic context in which these businesses operate. One approach to help build the local food ecosystems has been to focus on the intersection between the primary and tourism sectors, supporting local food through the promotion of the place it was produced. This year Stephen McDonach, Environmental Development Officer with Lochaber Environmental Group and founder of Food Lochaber,
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The Artic Coast Way, Iceland
a collective of crofters and producers, journeyed to Iceland as part of a delegation of those in the food sector organised by Tourism Angles to find out how this might be done. Iceland’s remoteness coupled with the barriers the country faces in the production of food, for both local consumption and the tourism sector, bear many similarities with the challenges faced by those in the West Highlands of Scotland. Iceland’s route covering some 900 km of roads along the North Atlantic Ocean, incorporates 21 towns and villages, and like the Scottish
Government / Scottish Tourism Alliance’s agritourism strategy, aims to act as a vehicle that will not only drive sustainability but more evenly distribute the benefits of tourism with rural communities. “As the Food Lochaber collective has grown”, Stephen said, “so too has the quality and the variety. But as 2021 summer’s growing season draws to a close and we reflect on our collective success in providing a sustainable offering for the people of Lochaber, the creative reinterpretations of those challenges by Destination Marketing Organisation, such
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as the ‘Arctic Coast Way’ in Iceland, may hold lessons applicable for others in the geographic and economic periphery like us in the West Highlands.” “Food Lochaber has now grown to 28 producer members”, he added saying,
“and we are excited to be getting closer to our busiest time of year on the approach to Christmas. Our customers recognise the quality of our produce, whether it’s Sourdough bread, venison, Soay lamb or lazybed grown potatoes. People are looking
for depth and authenticity and know it when they see it, so we expect this Christmas season to be our best yet.” Why not visit them at foodlochaber.org if you are looking for quality, local and sustainable food.
Fill your Christmas table, fridge and larder with beautiful, organic, fresh, sustainably grown, delicious food from your local area! We have local food producers in abundance around Lochaber. Order now for Christmas... visit
www.foodlochaber.org
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Heavenly dancers
The recent spectacular display of Aurora Borealis captured in the wee small hours by JohnPaul Peebles of Abrightside Photography.
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PAWEL AND DAVY ‘ON TOP OF THE WORLD’ TO BEAT COVID Iain Ferguson When commercial diver Davy Duncan set off last February for a job in Mexico, he had no idea just how life changing an experience it would become, when shortly after starting work he became infected with the Coronavirus, with devastating effect. From a strong and healthy individual, he was soon admitted to hospital and put into an an induced coma by an expert team, who gave him the second-tonone treatment which undoubtedly saved his life. Before leaving, on what was to be a short term contract, Davy and his partner, Helen Smith, had bought and worked tirelessly to build up their business, ‘Not Just Desserts’, with a cafe in Fort William High Street and cafe/restaurant near Oban. They were also working on opening an Italian Restaurant ‘The Wee Olive’ next to their High Street outlet in Fort William. Helen was also a keen runner with Lochaber Athletic Club and together they set up the local ‘Park Run’ movement. When Davy took ill, all of this was put on hold and Helen
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set off for Mexico to be near him while he was hospitalised, with the intention of being with him when he woke up. Not being in a tourist spot, she found few people spoke English, even in the
hospital, but was nonetheless overwhelmed by their kindness and empathy in doing all they could to communicate and keep her up to date. Being alone and realising everyone at home was desperate for news, she posted her thoughts on
Facebook, often of amusing anecdotes of her ‘adventures’ due to not speaking Spanish, never feeling sorry for herself or for Davy. Her tenacity paid off when he did waken, very weak after multiple organ failures and even strokes induced by the bacteria reaching his brain. He was understandably confused but also determined to get well and get home. After a few setbacks he did just that, with a special medical flight across the world, to a bed in Raigmore. He was recently transferred to the Belford in Fort William where his care and physiotherapy is ongoing and he is also allowed out in his Helenpropelled wheelchair for short journeys - even to their home, a trip they both hope will soon be a permanent arrangement. Many friends have and still are fully supporting them ‘virtually’ to protect both of them from the possibility of other infections, although a few, along with members of the family have made actual contact. To further support them, their friend and runner Pawel
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Cymbalista from Mallaig decided to undertake a challenge to run up and down Ben Nevis as often as he could in 24 hours, setting his sights on completing eight trips. He also set up an internet funding site with a target of raising £5000. Surprisingly, while the Ben is a regular venue for fund raisers of all kinds, this particular challenge had only be undertaken once before by local man Charlie Anderson, who, in 2006 had completed six ascents and descents in that period. On finding out about the challenge to his record, Charlie immediately met up with Pawel and helped
talk him through the many aspects of the run, what he had found most useful and the most difficult. After many delays due to bad weather, Pawel eventually started his challenge at 11pm on Saturday October 9 in the usual Lochaber rain. At 10.20am on Sunday October 10, after running through wind, rain, cold and often poor visibility, he finished his seventh complete leg and was happy to have succeeded in setting a new record. Throughout the run he was accompanied by a few friends and fellow runners, meeting up with a support
team on the summit, who had set themselves up to be there for him, with warm food and drinks on every run. Charlie Anderson, too, spent the night hours on the Ben, laying out glowing markers to keep Pawel on the path in the darkness and mist. At ground level, Pawel’s wife Ashley, with daughters Freya, aged 3, and Maiya, 10, were also waiting for him, with copious quantities of encouragement and more hot food to keep him going. Having run more than the height of Mount Everest, Pawel also managed to have a personal meeting with Davy, who was also ‘on top of the world’ at his achievement.
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CHILDHOOD MEMORIES IN MODEL SCRAPYARD Iain Ferguson The festive season is a time for celebrating and remembering, but for Ryan Watson, these have been combined in an unusual and tangible way. Originally from Caol, but now living in Inverness, Ryan has the perfect way to do this with a diorama of his grandfather Williamson’s scrap metal yard in Fort William, showing it in full operation, complete with a figure of Jimmy Williamson at work. Local model maker Robert Wilson built the scene from scratch, using pictures of the yard supplied by Ryan, re-creating a day from more than 30 years ago in a busy and bustling scene, frozen not only in time, but in exceptional miniature detail. Robert, who also organises the Lochaber Model Show and Craft Show, spent time studying the images and gathering all the right materials which would have been present in that era, before setting about the build which is accurate in every detail.
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Ryan, whose late older brother Sandy had just restarted the business before his passing a few months ago, was happy with the result. He said: ‘Delighted with this wee model scrapyard with my grandad’s old lorry and my Williamson side of my family’s scrap yard. The lorry matches the one they had in the 90s when the yard was in its prime and so busy all the time. ‘Lots of good memories up there in my early childhood with Jimmy, Hamish, Brucie, my dad and all the cousins. My grampa Jimmy bought this land from Cameron of Lochiel on February 9 1967 and it’s been passed down the generations since. ‘ Although I haven’t worked in it, I feel privileged to have inherited part of it
along with my brother. Thanks to Robert for making such an amazing and absolutely perfect model using the photograph of my grampa Jimmy and my dad in the lorry back in the day.’
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Christmas in Lochaber SHOP
winter this
Your Lochaber. Your Christmas.
Looking for a sustainable alternative to turkey this Christmas?
EAT LOCAL AND ENJOY JAHAMA WILD VENISON
FIADH À FIREACH Ben Nevis Industrial Estate, Fort William
www.jahamahighlandestates.com
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CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM IAN BLACKFORD MP With the festive season upon us for another year, we look back on what has been a uniquely trying time but one in which people’s resilience has offered us hope. Coronavirus has changed how we have had to live our lives for a considerable period. I know how hard that has been for people; I have felt it too. But I believe everyone should be proud of their actions and the community spirit of looking after our vulnerable.
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Without your actions, many more would have fallen ill. Many more lives would have been lost. The battle isn’t over, of course. Still, through people’s hard work and the medical advances that have been made, we find ourselves in a far greater position than a year ago. Special thanks must go to our emergency services, who have been stretched to the limit, and to who we owe such a debt of
gratitude for their hard work. Without them, the hopeful outlook of today would not have been possible. As the year draws to a close, I reflect on my time serving as a Member of Parliament for this beautiful constituency. It remains such a privilege to represent the place that I call home. I go into the New Year full of optimism that we as a community and a country can meet head-on any challenges that lie ahead. Wherever and with whoever you are spending the festive season this year, I wish you a safe and enjoyable time. More so than most, this year, we all deserve it.
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LOCHABER LIFE
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T REAT A LOVED ONE AT C HRISTMAS OR A BIRTHDAY WITH A VOUCHER THAT CAN BE USED FOR ANY OF OUR TREATMENTS C ALL : 01397 702257 E : I NF O @ L O C HA BER CL INI C . C O . UK W : W W W . L O CH A B E RC L INI C . C O . UK
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| DECemBER 2021
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DID YOU KNOW ‘THOMSON THE PHOTOGRAPHER’? Iain Ferguson Does anyone here know Thomson, Thomson from Cameron Square? These words were adapted from a music hall song which will be well known to all readers of a ‘certain age’. It is to people of that era we are reaching out, as many will have memories of ‘Thomson the photographer’ who lived in and worked from a building at 3 Cameron Square, which still exists opposite the new cinema, presently occupied by an accountant and an architect. William Thomson was the goto photographer in the area in the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s, taking many portraits of children and families in his studio, firstly in Cameron Square then, after a move to Corpach, in Kilmallie House. He also published several books of landscape photographs. These books, dating from the late 1940s and into the 1950s were part of a series in which he travelled all over Scotland capturing views and landscapes
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in full colour. After being given one of these books,‘ The Highlands in Colour’, historical researcher and writer Estelle Slegers Helsen started looking at his life and work as part of her own ‘Travel in Time’ articles. Originally from Belgium, where she worked in the media before setting up and running museums, Estelle found the photographs fascinating as a ‘snapshot’ of the times. She now lives in Leicestershire and amongst other things writes historical articles for her local newspaper about villages in the area, based on ‘then and now’ photographs. She said: ‘He took magnificent photographs and I decided Thomson’s Scotland would be
my next project. He is also a forgotten photographer and I would like to bring him back to life. ‘I never see myself as a tourist when going somewhere as I try to blend in and get in contact with the community. I have been visiting the places featured in his photographs and do my best to duplicate them.’ Estelle recently spent two weeks in Fort William searching through archives and literally following in his footsteps to replicate each image as exactly as possible. While she has already discovered some interesting details on Mr Thomson and his family from a few people who knew them, Estelle is still seeking more information. She is keen to know if he has any living relatives or if there are any photographs of himself. Has anyone who had their photograph taken by him still have the images? Please contact Lochaber Life, from where details will be passed on.
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Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson
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LOCHABER LIFE
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| DECEmBER 2021
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‘Christmas will be a lot better this year than last’, promised the Prime Minister. Can we trust a politician’s promise? A group of clergy representing a ‘variety’ of churches went to court maintaining that in Scotland the government should not have been allowed to prevent worship. This Christmas, we should be more appreciative of attending services, even if Covid rules apply. Singing carols behind masks may not be so festive. However, we have to think of being careful as a form of
‘loving our neighbour’. By the time you read this we hope to have written our Christmas cards. As my procrastination skills are even ‘better’ than a politician’s promises, the proof of the Christmas pudding will be in the eating or, in this case, the writing. A daughter kindly transferred our address list to the iPad so that postage labels can be printed. So the only bad - handwriting will be in the letters which keep us in touch annually with about 100 people outwith Lochaber. Some of them have been friends for more than 50 years and all have made an impact
on our lives at some time. We make some email contacts but most are still a card, admittedly with the ‘round robin’ Christmas letter. A reproach last year from a friend of student days said not enough news! If we can visit family and friends again that will be something to write about and also very welcome. I believe the only promises we can trust are those of one who said: ‘I will be with you always even to the end of the age.’ May I use this column to send a Christmas wish to all Lochaber Life readers, contributors, staff, and families. Peace and Joy in the presence of Christ our Saviour, who is ‘the reason for the season’.
Members of the Air Training Corps 1730 (Lochaber) Squadron took time out from their Christmas preparations to visit the Annie Cameron Retirement Home where they sang carols and distributed parcels. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image.
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FORT WILLIAM Operating in Highlands area including Small Isles
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A Christmas present for others to open in the distant future, but where? LAST mONTH: An eye-catching entrance to a house on the road to Glenuig. LOCHABER LIFE
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THE CRAFT OF CAMAN Iain Ferguson While ‘shortages’ of various products always seem to be in the news, no-one has mentioned camans - shinty sticks. Vital to every shinty match, concern has been expressed that with a limited number of makers, production may not be able to keep up with demand. Caman are built up from a number of layers - laminations - each cut to a different size, which are glued together and tightly clamped to ensure a good bond. The process continues with the assembly being cooked in an oven. The lamination is also curved to form a head at the bottom of the stick, which is the ‘business end’ used to hit the ball. The creation of the head - ‘bas’ in Gaidhlig - is an incredibly detailed and skilled operation as it has to fit in with specific parameters to be acceptable for play. There are also a subtle range of shapes depending on its use by goalkeeper, defender, midfielder or forward. Each
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head has to be triangular in shape and must also be able to pass through a 2 1/2 inch (6cm) metal ring. It is also required to have rounded edges to reduce the possibility of injury should a player be struck with it. No metalwork or nails are allowed so the strength and longevity of the caman depends entirely on the quality of the bonding between the layers. Despite the inherent strength built into the sticks, it may surprise you to learn that such is the stress put on them during play, most need to be replaced after only a few games. As much of the caman production is carried out by skilled craftsmen as an addition to their joinery or
woodworking business, it has recently been recognised as a ‘critically endangered craft’. In addressing this, a new project has been agreed between the University of the Highlands and Islands and the Camanachd Association, the governing body of shinty. Both organisations will work together to explore opportunities around volunteering, work experience, education and training, coaching and community awareness in sharing and developing expertise in an effort to keep the craft alive into the future. On a lighter note - what is the ideal gift for your favourite shinty player this Christmas?
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LOCHABER LIFE
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Give the gift of memories this Christmas
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