Lochaber Life #351 January 2023

FESTIVE GREETINGS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Happy New Year when it comes and welcome to 2023. I hope the Festive Season has been going well and that Santa continues to live up to all the Children’s expectations. What lies ahead in 2023? Who knows, but with every new year lies new hope for a pleasant and enjoyable time with good things to look forward to. In this issue, Laura Robertson is looking forward to fulfilling her dreams of becoming a teacher (p6) while a giant community tapestry is getting underway to record life throughout the Highlands (p22), Fort William Free Church opens its doors to a new look (p27) and Champion Strong Man, Stuart Whyte continues his quest to locate and lift historic stones. I hope you enjoy a good read. Happy New Year Bliadhna Mhath Ùr Iain

FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH:

Stitching is already underway for ‘The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands Tapestry’ with groups working across the area bringing it to life.

Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

Beatha Lochabair

LAURA’S MOD SUCCESS

Iain Ferguson

Seventeen year old Laura Rob ertson from Inverlochy, is a well known performer in many local events, competitions and at Highland Games for her beauti ful singing and skills as a piper. From an early age she has followed in her Mother, Moira’s footsteps, playing alongside her in various pipe bands and also piping at special occasions for individuals.

Over the years she has picked up many trophies and medals, but most recently gained a few more successes in the recent Perth Mod where she competed with the very best in Gaeldom returning with even more silverware.

She came 1st in 16-18 Girls Own Choice Solo Singing be ing awarded top prize of a Trophy from The Highland Society of London and the Turriff Trophy for  Highest Gaelic Mark. She also achieved the  Highest Music Mark tak ing the Meryl Mae Stewart Memorial Trophy and medals for 2nd in 16-18 Piobaireachd (Piping) and 2nd in 16-18 Girls Traditional Solo Song.

Laura said: “It was really exciting being at the Mod, watching all the performances and waiting for my turn. It can be a bit nerve racking but I love taking part and performing my pieces. I’m so happy to have come home with so many trophies, which really mean a lot to me”.

As a pupil of Bun-sgoil Gaidhlig Loch abar since it opened she has enjoyed the expe rience so much that she has set her sights on becoming a Gaelic prima ry teacher, an ambition she has held from an early age and is now looking for a suitable university course to help her fulfil this dream.

Tha Laura Robasdan, 17, à Inbhir Lòchaidh, ainmeil mar neach-ciùil ann an iomadh tachartas ionadail, co-fharpai sean agus aig na Geamannan Càidhealach airson an guth breagha agis sgilean air a phìob. Bho aois òg tha i air leantainn ann an ceumanan a Mhàthair, Moira, a’ cluich còmh la rithe anns a chòmhlan phìob agus cuideachd a’ pìobaireachd aig amannan sònraichte.  Thar nam bliadhnaichean, tha i air iomadh duais agus bonn a thogail. Beagan seachdainnean air ais, bha tòrr soirbheachas aige aig Mòd Pheairt far an robh i a’ farpaisich ris feadhainn de na seinneadairean as fheàrr san Gàidhealtachd. Bhuainich i a chiad àite ann an 16-18 seinn

aon neach agus fhuair i cupa bho Comunn Gàidhealach Lunnain, agus cupa Turriff airson an Comharra Gàidhlig as àirde. Choisinn i cupa cuimh neachaidh Meryl Mae Stewart airson an comharra ciùil as àirde. Cuideachd, fhuair i an dàrna àite airson Piobaireachd 16-18 agus an dàrna àite airson seinn aon-neach traidiseanta. Thuirt Laura “Bha e cho math a’ bhith air ais aig a Mhòd. Tha e began eagallach a feitheamh airson an co-fharpais, ach tha mi cho toilichte gun d’fhuair mi na duaisin a fhuair mi. Mar sgoilear aig Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar bhon a dh’fhosgail e, chòrd e rithe gu mòr ‘s gu bheil i airson a dhol gu Oilthigh air son tighinn a mach mar tidsear bun-sgoil Gàidhlig.

AVOID WINTER FALLS

In winter there is always a danger of falling, especially outdoors in slippy conditions, so do please be careful. However, some of us (me) don’t need bad weather, being quite capable of doing so without any particular assistance.

Just few weeks ago I tripped and fell backwards, dislocating my shoulder, unfortunately rendering the arm and hand I use for everything useless. However, putting the injury and the sudden inability to do things aside, I can also put it down to another life experience.

For the first time I became a ‘customer’ of paramedics and taken by ambulance to the Belford. First time also on a whole range of pain killing drugs and feeling like being in an episode of ‘Casualty’. However there was no drama involved, with everyone doing a great job without any fuss, with tremendous patient care, explaining every process to make things as easy as possible for me. The follow up treatment

has also been faultless.

While I would have preferred not to find out first hand just

how fantastic our local NHS is, I would like to say a big thank you to all involved - could not have been better. Despite this, do take extra care so as not to meet them professionally.

Beautiful and moody sunset over Loch Uanagan at Fort Augustus by John Prior.

A successful 2022 for Mowi Salmon Wagon

Mowi’s Salmon Wagon food truck raises vital funds for local charities on 4,230 mile Scottish road trip

Throughout the summer of 2022, Mowi Scotland’s ‘Salm on Wagon’ food truck visited communities across Scotland, attending nine events to raise vital funds for local charities.

Speaking about the successful summer of fundraising, which saw local charities receive a total of £7,318 from the wagon, Jayne MacKay, Community Engagement Officer at Mowi Scotland, said:

“Since building the wagon in 2019, we have attended numer ous events around Scotland and been lucky enough to support a range of charities and causes vital to communities.

“It is humbling to see the work being done at a local level around the country, and we are delighted to be able to help and support those in need through donations to - this year - food banks, mental health, children’s

charities and other great causes.”

Amongst the events attended by the Salmon Wagon was the 2022 Camanachd Cup Final in Kingussie. Mowi is a longterm supporter of youth and adult shinty in Scotland, and proceeds from the truck on the day were donated to Mikeysline. The Inverness-based charity provides text-based and faceto-face support for people of all ages struggling with mental health. Passionate about suicide prevention, Mikeysline raises awareness for this and wider mental health issues while breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.

Emily Stokes, Chief Executive Officer of Mikeysline, said:

“We at Mikeysline are so very grateful for the support given by Mowi’s Salmon Wagon at the Camanachd Cup Final in Kin gussie. Not only did we benefit greatly from the funds raised, which will help us in developing our mental health support and

suicide prevention services further in rural areas of the Highlands, but from the profile and awareness raising through the event given the numbers attending and the profile of the event itself.

“It was a fantastic day and an amazing fundraiser for us.” Apply to have the Salmon Wagon at your event in 2023

Mowi Scotland’s fully stocked food truck helped nine fantastic causes in 2022, serving up salm on fillet burgers and noodle salads, with 100% of proceeds from the sale of food at the events benefitting their chosen charities. With our talented chef, supported by community volunteers, the Mowi Salmon Wagon could be coming to your local event in 2023.

Applications will open in early 2023 for those looking to have the Salmon Wagon attend their event in the summer. For more information and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit mowisalmonwagon.co.uk

CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

Iain Ferguson

A trek into the clouds, freezing temperatures and high altitude game of Dobble sounds a bit like the summary of a film, but in fact it was a dream come true for five Fort William Ladies and helped several good causes.

Friends Rosie Kennedy, Corri na MacDonald, Jaquie Hainey, Shirley Duncan and Patricia MacKay, who are all regular hillwalkers came up with the idea for this adventure about

two years ago. Of course, Covid intervened with the plans, but at least it gave some time to put all arrangements in place.

Having never climbed any thing higher than Ben Nevis it was quite an undertaking, Kilimanjaro being just over 4 times taller and at almost 20,000ft the atmosphere is beginning to thin with oxygen harder to extract from it.

While the trip was entirely self-funded they decided it was also a good opportunity to raise money for charity,

choosing Star for Harris, High land Hospice and the Special Care Baby Unit at Raigmore Hospital, who shared a total of £5000.00.

Arranging their trek though specialist tour operators Monkey Adventures, they left Scotland on August 31, began their climb on September 1and reached the summit seven days later, a day earlier than planned. The ladies put this down to the exceptional sup port of their guides, although much of it was probably also

down to their own tremen dous attitude, bringing fun and chat to the trip at every stage.

Due to this they also became some thing of a legend amongst guides and other travellers, becoming known as ‘The Big Five’ due to the high fives and big smiles given by everyone passing them in the route.

Altitude and exer tion also meant early nights, wrapping up warm in bed before the next day. How ever with no phone or internet, out came the ‘Dobble’ games cards, small, light and easy to carry, but also a big source of amusement, per haps even making a new record of the highest game played

as they waited to take the final summit path.

Jacquie said: ‘The hike was a

challenge for us all and we all experienced altitude sick ness at different points. The Barranco Wall was one of our favourite days, with 1.5 hours of scrambling, seeing the glaciers and sunrise on summit morning which was amazing.

‘We were tired but ecstatic on reaching the summit a day earlier than planned and delighted that the five of us made it together after setting off as a group in to the unknown. Our guides and porters were amazing and we couldn’t have done it without them’.

‘It was an amazing journey from start to finish and an expe rience we will never forget.’

MOTLEY – JOYCE

1926 – 2022 (Ardgour)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Friday 11th November 2022, Joyce Motley, aged 96 years, Clovullin, Ardgour, by Fort William, a wonderfully talented musician and teacher. A loving mother, and so dearly loved by the wider family, a much-loved neighbour and friend. Rest In Peace.

MACDONALD – ALLAN

1940 – 2022 (Fort Augustus)

Suddenly but peacefully, at home, on Saturday 12th November 2022, Allan MacDonald (The Carter), aged 82 years, Jenkins Park, Fort Augustus, long serving Forester at 36 years with the Forestry Commission. A beloved husband to Mhairi, a loving dad to Linda, Alexander and Gordon, a wonderful grandad to Fraser, Isla, Alanna, Laura, Alexander and Brooke, a caring brother to Margaret, a loving father-in-law, uncle, relative, neighbour and a good friend of many. Sadly missed.

TROUPIN – JANINE

1935 – 2022 (Kinlocheil)

Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Friday 11th November 2022, Janine E. R. Troupin, aged 87 years, Fassfern, Kinlocheil, by Fort William. Janine loved her arts and crafts and loved to paint the flower pots in and around Caol, she will be fondly remembered for her great kindest and care given to many. A loving mum to Chris and motherin-law to Ian Pellow, a treasured grandmother to Dave and his wife Gemma, a caring relative and a wonderful neighbour and friend to many. Sadly missed.

STEWART – CATHERINE

1938 – 2022 (Morar)

Sadly, but peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, in the exceptional care of Invernevis House, Fort William, on Saturday 19th November 2022, Catherine MacGilvray Stewart, known to all as Cathie, aged 84 years, Cathie was cared for in Invernevis House and became her home over the past 7 years. A beloved wife to the late Roy Stewart, a loving mum to Carolyn, John and Catherine, a wonderful granny to Stewart, Shaun, Daniel, Steven, Emma, Annie and GG to Danni-Shey, Ella, Joshua, Anna, Cameron and Karla, a much loved relative, resident and friend. Sadly missed.

MACLEOD – CATHERINE

1940 – 2022 (Roy Bridge)

Catherine, formerly of Silver Springs (Roy Bridge), and wife of late Dr Roderick MacLeod, passed away peacefully on Monday 14th November 2022, aged 82 years. A much loved mum, granny, sister, aunt, and friend. Dearly missed and never forgotten.

LANG – MARGARET

1937 – 2022 (Caol)

Peacefully, at the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Friday 18th November 2022, Margaret Teresa Lang, known to all as Meg, aged 85 years, Broom Drive, Caol, Fort William. A dear mum to Andrew and Anne, a muchloved sister to Jimmy, Anne, Betty, Billy and the late John and Mary, a loving auntie, relative, neighbour and friend. RIP.

STEWART – INA

1959 – 2022 (Strontian)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the exceptional care of the Intensive Care Unit –Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, Dolina Mary Stewart (Ina), aged 63 years, Dal Na Mart, Strontian. A loving daughter to the late Jean Stewart (Scotstown), a much-loved sister to Donald and Gordon and the late Islay, a caring auntie, relative, neighbour and friend to many. Rest In Peace.

ELLICE – CHRISTOPHER

1937 – 2022 (Invergarry)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Tuesday 16th November 2022, Christopher Edward Ellice (Chris), aged 85 years, Laird of Glengarry. Beloved husband to Janet, much-loved father to John, Catrina and Alex, a wonderful grandad to all his grandchildren, a brother-in-law to Catherine and a good friend to many. Rest In Peace.

WINEBERG – DAVID

1934 – 2022

(Fort William)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the loving care of Moss Park Care Home, Fort William, on Wednesday 23rd November 2022, David Wineberg, aged 88 years, former armed services personnel serving over 36 years in the Royal Air Force. A beloved husband to May, a loving dad to Martine and Abigail, a wonderful grandpa to Oskar and Corran, a much loved relative, neighbour and friend. Sadly missed.

MACLENNAN - CHRISTINA

1972 - 2022 (Fort William)

Peacefully in the Highland Hospice surrounded by her family, on Thursday 3rd of November, aged 49 years. Soulmate to her husband Gary and adored by her three daughters, Mary, Melanie and Leah. Loving daughter of Charlie and Anne, sister to Joan, wonderful granny to Archie, auntie and friend. A woman who truly loved life - a beautiful, kind soul.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Ba�lefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

MACISAAC – MARY

1950 – 2022 (Caol)

Suddenly but peacefully, at home on Monday 7th November 2022, Mary Crossan MacIsaac, aged 72 years, Birch Road, Caol, Fort William. A loving wife to the late Finlay MacIsaac, a much-loved mum to Donald, John, Sandra and Finlay, a wonderful granny to Connor, Donald, Alexander, Reece, Craig, Lauren, John, Lachlan and Kaleb and a proud great granny to Lilly and Lochy, a caring mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, neighbour and friend. Sadly missed.

COLLIE – MORAG

1937 – 2022 (Corpach)

Suddenly but peacefully, with her loved ones by her side, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, on Wednesday 2nd November 2022, Sarah Montgomery Collie (nee Dunwoodie), known to all as Morag, aged 85 years, Montrose Mansions, Corpach, Fort William. A devoted wife to the late Len, sister to Marie, aunt to Caroline, a very special friend to Gladys and James, an adopted granny to Denise, Megan, Rhiannon, Erin and Cameron, a caring relative, neighbour and friend. Rest In Peace.

MCPHERSON – CAMPBELL

1963 – 2022

(Glenachulish)

Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday 6th November 2022, James Campbell McPherson, known to all as Campbell, aged 59 years, Bluebell Wood, Glenachulish, Ballachulish, director and print manager at the former Nevisprint. A devoted husband to Mary, a treasured dad to Laura, Craig and Eilidh, a wonderful papa to Charlie, Olivia, Sarah, Kirsty, Poppy and Aiden, a loving son to James McPherson and Anne MacDonald, a much-loved brother to Gavin and Vikki and nephew to Eunice, a caring relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. So greatly missed.

BATTERSBY – HARRY

1946 – 2022 (Kinlochleven)

Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, Charles Henry Battersby, known to all as Harry, aged 76 years, Gordon Square, Kinlochleven, former shift foreman at the British Alcan Factory (Kinlochleven), latterly Night Porter at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish. A devoted husband to the late Maureen, a much-loved dad to Edward and Stuart, a wonderful grandfather to all his grandchildren, a loving brother to Doreen, a kind and caring neighbour and friend. So sadly missed.

SIMPSON – BETHANY

1999 – 2022 (Fort William)

Suddenly and unexpectedly, on Thursday 24th November 2022, Bethany Jane Simpson, aged 23 years. Adoring mum to Leon, a treasured daughter to Nikki and Ali, a wonderful sister to Emma and Dylan, a loving granddaughter, auntie, niece, cousin and a much loved friend to many. Forever loved and never forgotten.

BUTLER – SAMANTHA

1966 – 2022 (Fort William)

Sadly, but peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday 28th November 2022, Samantha Kay Butler, known to all as Sam, aged 56 years, Cromarty Crescent, Upper Achintore, Fort William, Manager at the Radiology Department at the Belford Hospital, Fort William. A loving wife to Adam, a treasured mum to Georgia, India and Imogen and so dearly loved and missed by all in the immediate and wider family, a much-loved colleague and friend. So greatly missed.

STITCHES IN TIME

Iain Ferguson

Past, present and future are coming together in a very tra ditional way through ‘The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands Tapestry’, a project launched by a partnership between The Highland Council and Highlife Highland in col laboration with national tourist organisation, Visit Scotland.

It is hoped that the end result will encourage visitors to explore and experience the more remote and rural parts of the Highlands and Islands, as well as attending and supporting festivals, events, workshops, visitor attractions and outdoor locations across the area.

Inspiration for its con tent will be drawn from stories submitted by local communities who will also be stitching individu al panels under the overall curation of historian Alister Moffat who will be

using his vast knowledge of Scottish history and culture in determining their content, cre ating a coherent and relevant final product.

The tapestry has been de signed by artist Andrew Crum my, whose previous work in

cludes the famous Prestonpans Tapestry, The Great Tapestry of Scotland, The Scottish Diaspora Tapestry and many others.

Each panel will be allocated to a voluntary stitching group, varying in size from just a couple of people to a dozen or more working both from homes and hubs such as village halls, adding an element of social interaction. Over 650 stitchers of ages ranging from 16 to 89 years old are already involved, varying in experience but which will benefit many as they meet and share techniques learning as the work takes shape.

Work has already com menced and when ready, a management team will prepare the panels for exhibition in each local community before moving on to the newly transformed Inverness Castle.

Last November Andrew Crummy and Kirstie

Campbell from the project met with a group of stitchers in Kilmallie Community Centre who came together from many areas such as Arising, Ardna murchan and Fort Augustus as well as those from nearby.

In a very successful and en tertaining few hours, surround ed by yarn and threads of many colours, the pair outlined the project and showed plans of the panels which will be created by these stitchers, answering questions and giving helpful hints on how the various elements would be shared out. All of the stitchers are volunteers and there may well still be room for more to come forward and join in.

Inverness Castle Project Officer Sophie Gartshore said: “We need people’s help to create a network of stitchers who are resident in the High

lands and Islands. Together these stitchers will  work with the Tapestry Team, pick up a needle and yarn, and add to the wonderful themes which are being developed.

“Prior sewing/textile expe rience is beneficial, but not essential. Where necessary we will endeavour to connect inexperienced stitchers with others who have experience and can help to advise and guide the process. We would encourage as many people as possible to become involved”.

Project Co-ordinator for the Tapestry Team Anna Marshall said: “We are seeking stitchers from communities across the Highlands and Islands to get involved to help us to embel lish the images created by our team using crewel wool and a variety of stitching techniques to enliven and adorn the basic

fabric.

“There are also opportunities for those who don’t have a de sire to stitch – the project will need logistical and practical support with equipment and outreach activities so the team are also keen to hear from an yone who might be interested in volunteering their skills in joinery, textile production, or performance and workshop delivery”.

Applications to volunteer can be made online at: www. spiritofthehighlands.com/ spirit-journey-tapestry-regis tration/

Alternatively, request a regis tration pack by emailing anna. marshall@janrutherford.co.uk

Or by writing to: Anna Mar shall, Spirit of the Highlands Tapestry, 5 West Stanhope Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5HQ

FORT FREE CHURCH TRANSFORMED

Iain Ferguson

Since it was built in 1846, Fort William Free Church of Scotland, the town’s oldest church, hadn’t seen many changes to the inside of its granite building and until recently had retained many original features. However, the interior of the building has undergone a complete transformation over the past two years, resulting in a bright, contemporary place of worship. By comparing the ‘before and after’ images of the church interior, the changes are impressive.

What makes this refurbishment even more remarkable is the unselfish generosity of the individuals involved in the project. Monetary donations, locally and from around the world helped to buy materials, allowing much of the joinery, plumbing and redecoration to be voluntarily carried out by members of the congregation and local community. The

design plans were drawn up by a local architect and generously donated to the church, the local Men’s Shed was commissioned with making the new pulpit and the Lochaber Chamber of Commerce kindly donated the wall art featuring Psalm 121, which was provided by local company Allround Signs.

As a result of the hard work and dedication, the church now boasts a modern, welcoming worship space with comfortable seating. Large, folding doors create a full width glass partition at the back of the church separating the main hall from the vestibule/ communal meeting room. There is a new modern kitchen with tables and chairs which provides an

inviting space to welcome visitors to an after service cup of tea and fellowship. The toilet has also been relocated from the basement of the church to the same upper level and has disability access.

Due to the flexibility of being able to stack and rearrange the individual seats and the ability to fully open the folding glass doors, the larger open space makes the building an attractive venue for hire to locals and visitors. If you would like more information on using the church as your venue please get in touch by email at fortwilliamfreechurch@gmail. com

Although the church is currently without a resident minister, you are warmly invited to attend our weekly 11am Sunday services conducted by visiting ministers and speakers. Details are available on the church website https:// fortwilliamfreechurch.co.uk

RED ROOFSIMAGES OF SUCCESS

Iain Ferguson

In recognition of the anniversary of Fort William’s Highland Cinema a competition was launched to reflect its iconic red roof with pictures of red roofed buildings from anywhere in Scotland.

This was very successful with 360 entries from a total of 162 people which gave the judges not only a lot to look at, but much discussion on the exceptional quality of images. Selections were made ‘blind’ with no idea of who had taken the picture and by sheer chance 1st and second places went to Father and daughter Peter and Francesca Rose from Roybridge with third place awarded to Innes Newton

from Acharacle.

Peter’s entry, Loch a Bhàigh, Berneray, took the top prize of £500, sponsored by The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh.His stunning, vibrant photograph depicts a garden shed with a red roof sitting amongst restored croft buildings in Berneray in the Outer Hebrides.

Francesca submitted a captivating and atmospheric forest photograph featuring a multilevel red roof on the Brackletter Road between Spean Bridge and Fort William. Her reward was £300, sponsored by Highland Cinema.

Innes produced a panoramic, charming View, capturing a famous red roof in Wester Ross in beautiful conditions. The third prize of £200 was

sponsored by Resipole Studios and Fine Art Gallery, Acharacle.

In addition to the three winners, 17 runners-up were also chosen, each of whom wins £100, sponsored by Angus MacDonald, the owner of the iconically red-roofed Highland Cinema in Fort William and the creative force behind the idea for the competition.

All 20 winners and runners-up photographs have now been printed and are on display in the Highland Cinema for everyone to view and enjoy.

They can also be seen on the Highland Cinema website now at www.highlandcinema. co.uk/redroofcompetition

When the turkey and trimmings are cleared away and we have toasted in the New Year many people view their waistline and start trying to diet. January is a boom time for gym membership start ups. In fact the only thing young people in Scotland seem to join is a gym. Youth organisations find it hard to get young people join up and as for churches, even old people are fewer in the pews, and consequently church buildings are being shut down all over Scotland.

So I was encouraged to

hear from my sister in Northern Ireland, that they had just attended a church service conducted by ‘the youth’. She tells me the problem with their churches’ Friday night youth club is overcrowding, with about a hundred attending.

What are we Christians in Scotland doing wrong? Perhaps that question should be what are we not doing right? Over the last 16 years I have been happy to deliver church magazines to homes where no-one attends. Some elderly and infirm people can’t do so, and may be glad of a visit from elder or minister to pray with them. But have we allowed a culture to develop where people think they are Christians if their name is on

a church membership list but never publicly worship God?

People who do attend church must take some responsibility for our own behaviour. Some have told me they have been hurt by other Christians and just want to avoid them, and that is the saddest thing to hear.

Thankfully the writer of the last book in the Bible tells us of a wonderful future we call Heaven:

“The Main Street of the city was pure gold.. but there was no sign of a temple, for the Lord God and the Lamb are the temple… The nations will walk in its light”

What a lovely motto for all in 2023.

Walk in the light !!

Now well settled in to its surroundings, the first turf was cut for the new Acharacle Primary school on 14th January 2008. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image

an ornate metal gate guards an electricity sub-station, but where?

LAST MONTH: a really easy one for Christmas. Laggan Dam

LIGHT UP THE LOCKS

Last October a light and laser show at Neptune’s Staircase was staged to mark the 200th anniversary of the Caledonian Canal. This attracted a crowd of

spectators and even a wedding couple to join in the spectacle. However in December 2000, the same area looked equally as spectacular with-

out the hi-tech, but with a few lights under the lock gates and cascading water.

Photographs by The Write Image, Abrightside Photography and Bill Cameron

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS WITH SOUP AND CHAT

Joan MacKintosh

While many people were getting ready to wrap-up warmly for Guy Fawkes Night several volunteers were already in full operation and welcoming all-comers into good company at Fort William Kilmallie - Duncansburgh Church.

Warm Space Soup Saturdays began on 5th November in MacIntosh Hall at the church from 11am until 2pm. The idea is for a warm welcoming space to enjoy company, chat, a bowl of soup and a cup of tea or coffee. In their first 3 weeks they had served about 70 bowls of soup, but we know there are more people in the area who may benefit from some company and who doesn’t love a bowl of homemade soup?

The soup is made on the premises, by volunteers who have undertaken a level 2 hygiene qualification and the ingredients and rolls and biscuits are provided thanks to some generous

donations.

There are newspapers, board games and jigsaws, if people fancy lingering to enjoy them and also information and some practical items to help keep warm this winter, such as blankets, hot water bottles and thermal socks. We also have free WiFi. People are welcome to pop in quickly for some soup or stay as long as they feel comfortable.

This idea is being replicated across the country to help us all through what could be a very tough winter. It is not aimed at any particular group but at all of us as a community, to come

together to help each other. Maybe you know someone who would benefit – why not invite them along and visit together?

Or maybe weekends drag for you and you would like a wee bit company yourself. Maybe you would like to help, by being a soup maker or helping serve and chatting to visitors. Whatever your reason, you’ll receive a warm welcome if you come along – MacIntosh Hall, Duncansburgh Church, The Parade, Fort William.

If you would like any more information, please email fortwilliamkilmalliecofs@ gmail.com

HISTORY IN THE STONES

Iain Ferguson

What do Glen Roy, Newton more, Dalwhinnie, Nairn, Granton on Spey and Balquid der have in common? Firstly, local Strongman Stuart Whyte has visited them all recently and secondly, they all have large ‘lifting’ stones which have served for centuries as a means of keeping the peace and prov ing the transition to manhood.

As an internationally recog nised, award winning champi on strongman, Stuart also has a great interest in the origins of his sport, especially in Scotland where specific stones were set aside, often at the boundaries of Clan lands for use in a num ber of events.

In a long, but almost forgot ten tradition young men of a particular area or Clan would gather to test their strength in lifting the stone to shoulder height as a way of proving that they were now men, fit to take on the responsibilities that comes with it in peace and war. Another role played by the

stones has been recorded as solving disputes between neigh bouring Clans, where rather than going into battle the matter would be decided in a stone lifting contest in which (hopefully) no one would get hurt. This of course was ultimately a way of resolving issues without wasting the lives of the strongest Clans men or warriors. Perhaps today’s leaders could learn from this particular piece of history!

Other than these serious uses the stones also played a big part in friendly competition, being a popular event in what we would now call ‘Highland Games”.

Stuart and a few members of his own Iron Therapy Gym in Fort William have been seeking out these stones, often in a remote area of countryside or in some cases, as in Dalwhinnie, lying unrecognised in the hotel care park right beside the main road.

The stone at Dalwhinnie weighs 102kg (16 stones), while the Monachie stone near the grave of the famous Rob Roy MacGregor comes in at 120kg (19 stones), located on a plinth thought to be over 5000 years old the Barevan stone at Nairn,

105kg (16.5 stones), which is also said to have been used for executions, and in Newton more a lightweight 101kg (15.9 stones).

Closer to home Glen Roy boasts the heaviest two stones of all at 137 and 133kg (21.5 and 20 stones) which were also the reason Stuart started out on his quest to locate, lift and rekindle interest in this ancient practice.