10 minute read
Book review
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.
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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 defi nes behaviour as ‘an animal’s perception and response to its environment’, the book moves on to how this behaviour occurs and can be modifi ed 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 suffi cient 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 specifi c species were observed, identifi ed 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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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
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
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
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� lefi eld Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk
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 Effi e 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
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.
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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.
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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.
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CAROL ANNE DIACK 1946 – 2021 (Kinlochleven) Peacefully, in the loving care of Abbeyfi eld 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
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 long- serving 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� lefi eld Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk
As the climate and ecological emergency rises ever higher in importance for us all, local food has become central in our eff orts 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 Offi cer with Lochaber Environmental Group and founder of Food Lochaber, 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 fi nd 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 benefi ts 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 refl ect on our collective success in providing a sustainable off ering for the people of Lochaber, the creative reinterpretations of those challenges by Destination Marketing Organisation, such
The Artic Coast Way, Iceland
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
