Recipe

ONION AND OATMEAL SOUP

A rich and warming winter soup by Kathy-ann at Lochaber Rural Education Trust

• 2 Large Onions - sliced • 2 Large Potatoes - sliced • A large handful of porridge oats • Stock of your choice + a pinch of salt and pepper

• METHOD •

Cover with water and boil until potatoes are tender Blitz (liquidise) and add cream to taste. Serve with slice of onion and toasted oatmeal on top.

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 ‘Salmon 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 numerous 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 Kingussie. 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 salmon 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, Corrina 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 anything 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, Highland 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 support of their guides, although much of it was probably also

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

Due to this they also became something 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 exertion also meant early nights, wrapping up warm in bed before the next day. However with no phone or internet, out came the ‘Dobble’ games cards, small, light and easy to carry, but also a big source of amusement, perhaps 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 sickness 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 experience 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. 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.

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. 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� lefi eld 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 traditional way through ‘The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands Tapestry’, a project launched by a partnership between The Highland Council and Highlife Highland in collaboration 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 content will be drawn from stories submitted by local communities who will also be stitching individual 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, creating a coherent and relevant final product.

The tapestry has been designed by artist Andrew Crummy, whose previous work includes 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 commenced 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, Ardnamurchan and Fort Augustus as well as those from nearby.

In a very successful and entertaining few hours, surrounded 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 Highlands 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 experience 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 embellish 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 desire to stitch – the project will need logistical and practical support with equipment and outreach activities so the team are also keen to hear from anyone 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-registration/

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

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

Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson

• First time Buyer • Buy to Let • Home mover • re-mortgages • CapitaL raising • CommerCiaL

(for commercial mortgages we act as introducers)

Call to speak with a Professional Mortgage Adviser for a free initial consultation: 01397 705848

F 01397 703537 m 07899670260 e info@johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk m Morvern, Glen Nevis Fort William PH33 6PF johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk

as a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments

What’s On at The Nevis Centre

Monday 2nd January | Doors open 7pm SkerryvOre wiTh Trail weST!

This promises to be an amazing night on Monday 2nd January 2023. You’ll have 5 hours to midnight to blow away any New Year’s Day cobwebs. Complete with licensed bar. Over 18’s only. Tickets £25 plus booking fee: www.skerryvore.com NOT TO BE MISSED!

For more information and tickets visit www.neviscentre.co.uk Or call us on 01397 700707