Lochaber Life #327 January 2021

At the heart of your community 12

Lundavra lassie’s war

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burn off festive fat

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Am Faoilleach

Beatha Lochabair

slugs strike back

January 2021 – Issue 327

Model T on the right tracks

ore s m e to

m ree ho es t 0 ess hou 0 e v 0 i l n ug , De 12 usi thro d n b h an tha nd ont ber a ry m cha ond e Lo ey ev b f red

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Beatha Lochabair

contents

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

Making tracks

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Incredible - it only seems recently we were welcoming in the new millennium and here we are now, as it ‘comes of age’. Who could have predicted what 2020 would bring, but hopefully this new year will bring with it a new beginning, free of Covid and the necessary restrictions which accompanied it. We look forward to positive outcomes in this issue with the completion of the Bronze Model T project, inspirational podcasts, a traditional Scottish New Year recipe to bake, an appeal to give your time to local charities and tips on burning off festive calories. And we look back with recollections of wartime Fort William. Helpful hints for the home could help you form some new resolutions in 2021. Happy New Year and stay well. Bliadhna mhath ùr agus fuirich gu math. Iain

Podcast inspiration

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Reader’s picture

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Slugs Strike Back

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Recipe

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Lundavra Memories

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60 Seasons book review

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FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH:

Old Year Resolutions

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The Bronze Model T Ford team mark the completion of the project with the installation of tyre tracks leading to the West Highland Museum.

Give Charities Your Time

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Community Connections

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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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Goodbye Christmas Calories

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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

Published by Wyvex Media Limited, 22 High Street, Fort William, Inverness-shire PH33 6AT 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 Ltd.

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Making tracks to complete Model T Bronze Chris Robinson Many passers-by at Fort William’s Cameron Square had their attention distracted by what looked like a powerful lawn mower cutting not grass, but through granite.

Long-term supporter of the Bronze Model T project Iain Blyth was the man behind this amazing machine which he himself designed and hand built for one purpose - to cut channels through the granite slabs in Cameron Square.

Why? So that 33 tyre tracks, cast in bronze, could be laid, curving from the car to the door of the West Highland Museum.

It all began in 2013 with the revamping of Cameron Square when an architect who had seen the 1911 Model T Ford car in the museum, added a

drawing of the vehicle to her plans for the square. The car on display in the museum was the one which in 2011 was carried up Ben Nevis in parts and assembled in a snowstorm by 77 stalwarts.

This wacky event commemorated the ascent in 1911 of Henry Alexander in his Model T Ford.

Four years of fundraising were guided by regular meetings at the Alexandra Hotel and various events such as starting off 800 runners in a race at Nevis Range, a fund raising high wire competition and Iain Blyth, who owns a 1911 Model T, driving his car to festivals, events and Highland Games where it helped galvanise interest and enthusiasm for the project.

Other memorable moments were the hypothermic passengers in the back of Iain’s Model T during a Christmas parade in the High Street when we braved horizontal sleet scything over the cobbles. £20,000 was raised locally but most donations came from Model T owners up and down the country whose names are recognised between the tyre tracks. In particular, 12-year-old Taylor Coull climbed Ben Nevis

with his grandfather, raising £2,000.

We were still £35,000 short of our then target of £95,000 when it was suggested we should apply to LEADER, the European Fund. The application was successful and the project was assured.

The Highland Council undertook the tendering process and Powderhall Foundry of Edinburgh won the contract.

And so the task is done and the Ben Nevis Model T Ford commemorating Henry Alexander’s feat in his Model T, invites further exploration in the West Highland Museum.

After looking at the bronze car and tracks in situ, some have asked how could the car circumvent the two stainless steel bollards...but a car that can climb Ben Nevis can do anything.

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Dean’s LiFe Lessons poDCasts Iain Ferguson Fort William man Dean Cameron is urging people to use their minds to the full to successfully strengthen their mental fortitude by joining him in a series of inspirational podcasts.

He plans to air interviews with entrepreneurs, athletes, health experts, famous performers and people who have overcome hardships such as addiction to make the most

of their lives. He said: ‘I think we could all benefit from the teaching of others and my podcast ‘Do great minds think alike’ will hopefully inspire people by giving them an insight into how others used their mindsets and daily life strategies to become successful.’

The interviews can be found through Dean’s facebook Page.

Loch Garry ice panorama by reader John Prior.

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Great way to add local produce to your diet Fiadh à Fireach - A Deer from the Hill - is your new local shop for wild venison harvested from the hills of Lochaber and Badenoch.

Located on Ben Nevis Way, opposite the recycling centre, it offers a range of easy-tocook venison products at affordable prices.

Its goal is to get more people eating venison. This low-

fat, high-protein meat is a brilliant way to add local produce to your diet. Wild herds of red deer roam Jahama Highland Estates and the professional staff carry out a carefully-managed cull of stags and hinds to make sure the deer live in balance with their environment. The cull generates venison, which is processed by a Highland butcher on the estate and turned into burgers, sausages, steaks and a range of other tasty products.

With low food miles, a mild taste – no strong gamey flavours here! – and great health credentials, local venison can and should

become a regular feature in your weekly meals. Just use it like beef or lamb, in stews, curries, lasagne or chili con carne. For your Sunday roast, the shop has venison fillets and haunches. Christmas orders are now being taken for collection from the shop.

Contact highland@ jahamaestates.com for more information or find them on Facebook.

We have the largest available stock of memorial headstones in the Highlands Please contact the team by calling us on 01463 233366 or emailing info@johnfraserandson.com Memorial garden open to visit: John Fraser & Son, 17-29 Chapel Street, Inverness, IV1 1NA. Browse our range of memorials on our website at www.johnfraserandson.com

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In Loving Memory of CharLie DunCan 1937 - 2020 In loving memory of our dear friend Charlie. A well-known and loved character in Lochaber fondly remembered for doing his rounds in Kinlochleven and helping for many years in his local SNP constituency. A lover of bagpipes and his heritage. Sadly missed by many but remembered with a smile. Rest in Peace.

In Loving Memory of CharMaine DoDDs 1949 - 2020 A much-loved wife to Ken. Born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1949.

Charmaine met Ken at Butlins Holiday Park and then spent many happy years together in Fort William. Charmaine will be deeply missed by Ken and her family and friends. May she now rest in peace.

Love Eternal.

In Loving Memory of katharine Jane (saLLy) Dewar 1930 - 2020 Died October 31 2020, aged 89, at Abbeyfield, Ballachulish. Born November 23 1930 in Kenya Colony.

Beloved wife and mother, for whom duty and love were the highest motivations. Sally had been a journalist in Kenya and later a photo-

In Loving memory of neiL CLark 1948 - 2020 A loving husband to Eleanor, much loved dad to Fiona and Neil, father in law to Neil and Claire, a wonderful grandpa to all his grandchildren, brother, colleague, friend and a very well respected gentleman in Lochaber.

Neil was a telecoms engineer for more than 30 years as well as representing his community on Lochaber District Council and The Highland Council. Neil was also what can only be called a shinty fanatic being a stalwart member of Fort William Shinty Club all of his life. Neil will be very sadly missed by so many in Lochaber but especially his loving family. Forever in their hearts.

journalist in Johannesburg.

She spent the last five and a half years of her life living in Lochaber.

She is survived by three sons. “KWAHERI MAMA”

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 Robert (Bobby) Grant 1949 - 2020 A wonderful loving husband to Del-Rio, brother, uncle and a good friend. Bobby was originally from Kinlochleven where he grew up with his large family. Latterly he stayed in Fort William where he shared many happy years with Del-Rio. Sadly, Bobby passed away suddenly but peacefully in November, aged only 71 years. Sorely missed by all his family, friends and his church community.

In Loving Memory of Lynsey Macpherson (neé McAlister) 1984 - 2019 Aged 34. Died suddenly aged 34. A loving wife, daughter, sister and aunty. Lynsey and her smile are missed everyday by all who knew her.

In Loving Memory of Flora Cameron 1949 - 2020 A loving wife to Alister, a caring mum to Lynn and John, a wonderful granny to all her grandchildren, sister, auntie and much respected lady and friend to so many in Lochaber.

A kind and gentle lady who could be seen regularly walking her beloved dogs on the Caledonian Canal and never passed without a chat. Flora worked for many years in schools caring and helping students with disabilities and special needs.

She will be missed by all who knew her but will live on with the beautiful memories she has left behind. x

In loving Memory of David (Crockett) Lawrie 1954 - 2020 A loving dad to Lisa, a wonderful grandpa to all his grandchildren, brother and well-liked friend to so many. David, known fondly as Crockett, was a well-known character in Kinlochleven and Fort William. Remembered for his time as a chef in the Cruchan Hotel among many others before moving to Inverness. He will be sorely missed by his daughter Lisa and all the family. RIP. x

In Loving Memory of Charles (Charlie) Sinclair 1937 - 2020 With love we remember Charlie. A loving dad to Carolann and father in law to Mark, a wonderful grandpa to his grandchildren, a caring brother, uncle, cousin and good friend to many. Charlie spent over 20 years in the RAF before returning home to Fort William where he worked for the railway for many years. Charlie will be sadly missed around the village of Inverlochy by his many friends. Alway loved and missed every day by his loving family. Forever in their hearts.

In Loving memory of John (Tourie) MacKenzie 1954 - 2020 Tragically died due to a road traffic collision on the A82 near Spean Bridge. A well-known friend to many.

Remembered by all his colleagues and fellow drivers in the haulage industry. Your shift is over driver, now you can rest.

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SLUGS STRIKE BACK Iain Ferguson Slugs and snails are often considered an easy target for hungry birds looking for a juicy meal. However, when our feathered friends go to bed a few of their potential dinners get their own back by gobbling up the fat balls put out to supplement the bird’s diet.

In previous editions of Lochaber Life, you will have seen pictures of the bird feeder on our kitchen window which attracts a large number of birds, including the Robin family from last month who grew up using it. However, when darkness falls a whole new eco culture appears when slugs of all sizes arrive to take their fill in the seed tray and from the fat ball holder.

Given they are soft bodied and there is no sign of them taking up residence nearby during the day, I can only assume they have managed to climb from ground level, over the roughcast of the house onto the window almost five feet above.

As if this feat of incredible endurance wasn’t enough, they then slither across the glass

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and manoeuvre themselves on to the feeder in an amazing act of contortion placing them in and on the food. Despite many visits to the kitchen when darkness falls, I have yet to see them on their journey but, without fail, there they are, tucked neatly into the seed boxes, often squeezed between the window pane and fat ball.

They seem only to be Leopard slugs with striking markings on their skin. This species is known as the fastest slug in the country. It eats other slugs and has a sense of smell and obviously thinks it is more than worthwhile to make the trip and enjoy the rewards of ‘lie in’

food - and it is great to watch them.

Meanwhile, in other parts of the garden, my ‘ready for Christmas’ home grown Brussels Spouts have been devastated by hungry slugs as have the Lupins which were just about to flower for the first time in the garden. They survived the deer, only to have the whole stem munched through and the partially formed blue flower heads above brought tumbling over as though a minilumberjack had been wielding a tiny axe on the thick stalk.

So for the next growing season, maybe I should put down fat balls to deflect attention away from the plants!

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• METHOD •

BLACK BUN

Black Bun is a traditional Scottish fruit cake gifted at New Year as a symbol the recipients should never go hungry. This recipe, from almost 100 years ago, is described as ‘makes a large, rich bun at very little expense’. Do try this one. A breakfast-cupful is equivalent to 1/2 pint.

Take 1.5 breakfast-cupfuls of flour; rub into it 1/4lb butter or dripping and 1/2 teaspoonful baking powder. Mix it in to a firm paste with water; roll it out into a thin sheet. Grease the inside of a cakepan and line it neatly with the pastry, reserving a piece the size of the pan for the top of the bun - or these days buy ready made pastry.

Now put together in a large basin 1lb flour; 1/2 pound sugar; 2lb large blue raisins, stoned; 2lb currants, well washed, dried and picked; 1/4lb orange peel; 1/4lb almonds; 1/2oz ginger; 1/2oz powdered cinnamon; 1/2oz Jamaica pepper; 1/2 teaspoonful black pepper; 1 small teaspoonful bicarbonate of soda, 1 teaspoonful cream of tartar; and 1 breakfast-cupful of milk or just as much as will merely moisten it.

Mix thoroughly together with the hands and put the mixture into the lined tin. Make it flat on the top, wet the edges and put on the lid of pastry.

Prick it all over with a fork, brush it with a little egg, and put it in oven for three hours.

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Fort William Mountain Festival returns in 2021 “We are proud to announce that the Fort William Mountain Festival returns in 2021; a remarkable achievement given the uncertainty of Covid-19. This, the 17th anniversary of the Mountain Festival, will be held, primarily, at the Fort William Cinema, Cameron Square and on-line, 19th-21st February 2021, with screenings both in the afternoons and evenings.

This will be a shorter Festival, 3 days in total, but will have something for everyone with

a love and appreciation for the outdoors. The Festival planning team can once again guarantee a feast of cuttingedge, adrenaline fuelled and thought-provoking films from both the Festival’s very own international film competition entries and the hugely popular Banff Centre Mountain Festival World Tour. In addition, there will be a number of Podcasts on the website and the announcement of The Scottish Awards for Excellence

in Mountain Culture.

The Festival takes place because of the relentless commitment given by the loyal group of volunteers who have worked tirelessley and determinedly for the past 17 years, and have worked particurlarly hard during the challenging Covid-19 period to ensure that 2021 continues to deliver a quality programme.”

For information go to https:// mountainfestival.co.uk/

Michael J Kennedy

Painters & Decorators For High Quality Workmanship

Ames Taping, Coving, Airless Spray, New Builds

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53 Castle Dr, Lochyside, Fort William

Mob 0780 335 7221

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A touch of Highland luxury If you are asked to ‘Bring Your own Bottle’ most people would take it they are heading to a party or some form of social gathering, but with the Highland Soap Co. this invite underlines its commitment to eco friendliness and zero-waste products.

Highland Soaps’ new, purpose built premises next to the 13th century old Inverlochy Castle combines a production area with visitor centre, shop, cafe and expansive venue indoor and outdoor events. One if its many well thought out innovations is the option to fill your own empty bottle from a range of liquid hand washes laid out in ‘industrial’ sized containers, saving on packaging and plastic waste.

To help decide which of the many quality products suits you

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best there is also a try-beforeyou-buy area, with a beautiful large sink and line-up of soaps with which to wash hands and enjoy the various seductive aromas.

Fort William residents may think the new building looks familiar, as it was deliberately

designed to appear similar to the old farmhouse and former “BA Social Club’ on whose site it was built. The flat area of the bowling green has been preserved as an outdoor function space, now with an attractive grassy bund on three sides to give some protection from the vagaries

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of Lochaber weather, but still retaining the spectacular views of Ben Nevis and its foothills. This area adjoins the outdoor seating area of the cafe, complete with quirky, traditional red phone box, and includes space for a large marquee while still retaining a natural, grassy area giving people space to mingle and chat.

Catering is another factor which has been carefully considered, with an extensive modern kitchen able to serve functions of around 200 people, as well

as providing the day-to-day requests of customers enjoying the cafe.

Bright, airy and sharing the spectacular views of the hills, the cafe is laid out to make an attractive and comfortable space for visitors, snuggling in to Chesterfield sofas in addition to stylish tables and chairs.

If you have ever wondered how soap is actually made, there is also the opportunity to watch the process from a viewing window in the shop, where the care and

attention- not to mention the science - which goes into every Highland Soap Co. product can be seen as it is carried out by their experts. On so many levels a visit to Highland Soaps’ new building is guaranteed to be a pleasing experience, from actually seeing the production process, to trying out the range, shopping, taking a relaxing time-out in the cafe or even just enjoying the views. A definite ‘must go to’ on everyone’s list not only this Christmas, but at any time of year.

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ELECTRIC BIKE SHARE SCHEME COMING TO FORT WILLIAM

eLeCtriC bikes For aLL? yeah riGht! Lochaber Environmental Group (LEG) is delighted to confirm Fort William will have a public electric bike share scheme, which will be up and running for everyone by summer 2022.

The scheme will use impressive state-of-the-art electric bike share equipment and technology, with ten charging hubs and a fleet of up to 80 ebikes throughout Fort William, providing cheap and easy access to ebikes for locals and visitors. Charging hubs will be located in the town centre, at the transport centre, and in residential areas so that the ebikes can be used for commuting, daily journeys and recreational rides.

This exciting scheme has the potential to transform the way we travel around Fort William, especially in summer when the roads are clogged with traffic, and will provide an alternative mode of travel for visitors to explore the area.

The Fort William scheme will

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Two Forthbike ebikes were trialled in Fort William last year.

be similar to other public bike share systems in Scotland such as ForthBike and Nextbike in Glasgow. The bikes can be used

on a pay per ride basis or with a day, monthly or annual pass and are unlocked from docking stations using a mobile app,

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A Forthbike docking station.

which will also allow users to track their rides.

LEG is currently recruiting for a project manager to oversee delivery of the ebike share system. The project manager will work closely with community councils and other groups and organisations to ensure the charging hubs are situated in the best locations possible. The project will also employ a community engagement officer who will help raise awareness about the scheme with community

events and guided rides so that everyone knows how the scheme works and how to use it. LEG will also work with local businesses and organisations to provide employers with information about the scheme and what they need to help their staff make the most of the ebikes.

The Fort William ebike scheme was one of ten projects funded in round three of the Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund (LCTT), with support from European

Regional Development Funds and Transport Scotland. The LCTT fund supports 80 per cent of the project costs, with the remaining 20 per cent match funding from Highland Council.

Cycling on an ebike is great fun and good for your health, as ebikes give as little or as much assistance as you need, making them great for anyone who wants to get back on a bike or is new to cycling.

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A Lundavra Lassie’s Wartime Tales Mary Bruce My grandson who was only six asked me in a most disbelieving voice: ‘Was there really no television when you were six’? What did you do for fun in the ‘old’ days?’

So, I thought about it for quite a while then started to write down what life was really like for us in Lundavra, our little part of Fort William.

But again, this was simply for my own family. Life as we knew it then seems so ordinary, so unimportant and trivial, but we all have a story and if we don’t write it down who will know what it was really like.

I was only three days old when the Second World War was declared, so for the first few years I didn’t know any different. There were several children in our Lundavra area who had come to stay with relatives or friends, who had been evacuated from the Central Belt area, and we all played together. They became our friends. They were not called ‘evacuees’ or ‘boarded outs’, as so many were. They were simply soand-so’s grandchildren or

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nephews/nieces of friends and neighbours.

I lived at 20 Lundavra Road with my parents, two brothers, John and Jimmy, and my sister Margaret. I accepted life as it was – to us it was normal.

We were blissfully unaware of the war, although when we heard our parents talking about it, we heard, but didn’t understand.

I always remember my mum being so worried about her brother who was in a German prisoner of war camp in Poland and the day the MTB boat exploded at Camusnagal.

We heard the ‘bang’ while we were playing and couldn’t

understand why so many people were standing outside the houses and so upset, but the father of two of the children with us, who lodged with the MacLeods in Grange Road, was killed in that explosion.

At five, I went to St Mary’s Primary School, while many of my friends went to Fort William Primary. There was no discrimination, although sometimes the boys going to Fort William primary called us names, and we reciprocated, but after school we were all friends again. We all walked to school, no matter the weather – no buses were laid on for us.

At lunch-time, I walked up to the field, behind St Mary’s School, to my gran’s for lunch at 3 Mamore Crescent. It was there, one day, that I first met my Uncle Bill, after his release from Stalag 21. This very thin stranger, in khaki uniform, produced a bag full of Fry’s Chocolate Cream bars and at a time when sweets were strictly rationed, Margaret and I ate chocolate till we could eat no more. To this day I cannot look at a Fry’s

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I always remember my mum being so worried about her brother who was in a German prisoner of war camp in Poland and the day the MTB boat exploded at Camusnagal

Chocolate Cream Bar. We always had plenty of food on the table. I was almost eight years old before I realised people actually bought meat from the butchers for in our house, meat, usually venison as acquired by my dad, was kept in a large metal container, always covered with a damp cloth. There were no such thing as fridges or freezers. Rabbits, too, were our staple diet and really needed to be cooked in an iron stewpan to bring out the taste.

I remember one day my dad and my Uncle David were out with the ferrets at

Muirshearlich. They must have caught about 20 rabbits and these were strung up in pairs over the bath in the bathroom. I was desperately needing the ‘loo’ and finally had to face ‘the rabbits’. It was fine till I realised that one of the rabbits was only stunned and was watching me and when I screamed it started moving. I left that ‘loo’ so fast – to the laughter of everyone!

Venison and rabbits were shared out with our extended family and neighbours. Visits from our Mallaig ‘fisher’ cousins were always welcome because they always brought fresh fish and tasty Mallaig kippers. Always welcome!

In wartime, eggs were in

short supply and a powdered egg-mix was available.I don’t know what was really in it, but I liked it, although many folk didn’t. I hated the orange concentrate and cod liver oil that children were issued with.

Most meals were prepared on an open range and I recall the excitement when we finally got an electric cooker.

Food was put on the table and we ate it. If you didn’t then you didn’t get anything else. Mums had to be near the front of the queues to get any fresh fruit for their children and ration books had to be produced for almost everything, even clothing.

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SIXTY GLORIOUS SEASONS Iain Ferguson Almost two years after Richard Sidgwick’s book ‘Clanship to Capitalism’ was published, he once again appears in print, still on the theme of estates and the land, but this time as editor of the memoirs of late deerstalker Finlay Mackintosh who for 83 years spent his life on the hill.

Richard was approached by the stalker’s Great Grandson who had a 420-page manuscript written by Finlay and asked to prepare it for publication. This he did and in the process sourced 140 illustrations to enhance the narrative of ‘Sixty Glorious Years’.

Finlay Mackintosh 1883 – 1966.

Childhood and Youth 1883 – 1900 Glenfeshie 1900 – 1915 Military Services 1915 – 1919 Ben Alder Finlay Mackintosh was born on May 1 1883, two miles north of Insh at Balnespick, which was a let farm on the Invereshie Estate, then owned by the MacPherson-Grants of Ballindalloch. The 1891 census tells us he was the middle of five children.

Like all his contemporaries, Finlay left school at 13 after a thorough grounding in the ‘three Rs’ and worked as a ’farm boy’ on local smallholdings until he was taken on as a pony boy on Glenfeshie. Like many of

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of staff until his retirement in 1961, after which he continued to live on the estate until his death five years later.

His whole life was spent in the management and care of a deer forest.

He was asked by Sir John Ramsden to give evidence on his behalf to the Committee of Enquiry into the Management of Red Deer and, as a result, was appointed a member of the subsequently established Red Deer Commission. He became a great friend of the family and had unquestioned authority, with overall responsibility for management of all the beats on the whole estate which, in his day, extended to 130,000 acres.

Finlay was famous for his skill as a rifle shot and you will his contemporaries, he had, by read of his early experiences then, killed a number of deer to at Glenfeshie before the First World War with large calibre augment the diet of potatoes black powder weapons. and herring and developed considerable interest and skill in He was also an outstanding the use of firearms. shot with a gun. A regular member of the Scottish Nearly 20 years later, after International Team – many as serving in The Lovat Scouts as a sniper and advance spotter captain – he last represented on the Western Front, he was his country at the age of 77. employed by Sir John Ramsden He was also a formidable as a stalker at Ben Alder. opponent on the local clay Fourteen years later, on the pigeon circuit, winning more retirement of his predecessor than 100 trophies at events Donald Crerar, he moved to throughout the north of Ardverikie.

Scotland.

There he remained in the The book, priced £25 + £6.50 family’s employment as a p&p is available from rts@ trusted and valued member milestonehill.com

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A wonderful Highland getaway at a snip Anyone with a postcode in the Highlands and Islands will receive a 50 per cent discount on stays at Cluanie Inn and The Whispering Pine Lodge from now until March 31 2021. During their stay, visitors will also receive a 25 per cent discount on food and soft drinks at each of the hotel’s restaurants - Cluanie Bar & Kitchen and The Lochside Brasserie. The company is also offering a 25 per cent discount on lunches at all of its restaurants to key workers. This includes its popular restaurant Tiger on the Wall in Inverness, where 15 per cent off takeaways will also be offered. NHS, fire service, police employees and teachers are all entitled to the key worker discount.

Ravi Rawat, Operations Director at Black Sheep Management Services Limited, explained: ‘With around eight in 10 hotels in the Highlands being forced to close or reduce

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operations, we want to safeguard the jobs of our much-valued 120 plus employees and thank people in the Highlands and Islands.’

The company has made a significant investment in its workforce.

Currently a number of staff live in accommodation provided by Black Sheep Management Services Limited, with accommodation, food and utilities provided free of charge. Ravi Rawat continued: ‘Our region has done incredibly well in handling the Coronavirus pandemic, with infection rates remaining low. And we want to keep it that way. So, to allow our

communities to still enjoy a relaxing getaway, we have introduced this exclusive offer only available to people who live in the Highlands and Islands.

We’re adding a new twist to the ‘support local’ mantra by supporting our local communities and I hope people from the region can take advantage of this very special offer over the winter.’

The offer is only available when you book directly through Black Sheep Hotels, using the code ‘BSH-2021’.

Stays must be a minimum of two nights and proof of postcode must be shown upon arrival.

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oLD year resoLutions -

GoLDen ruLes For the kitChen anD other heLpFuL hints Iain Ferguson As a new year dawns, perhaps with thoughts of some new resolutions and hopes for a return of more ‘normal’ times, a look back 100 years may give some ideas.

Found recently in Lochaber, a book by a Mrs E W Kirk combining recipes and general household hints may still be of use in the 21st century.

A reviewer of the day remarked: ‘After much meditation and experience, I have divined that it takes as much sense and refinement to cook a dinner, wash and wipe a dish, make a bed and dust a room as goes to the writing of a novel or shining in high society.’

Golden rules for the kitchen: Without cleanliness or punctuality, good cooking is impossible.

Leave nothing dirty, clean as you go.

A time for everything and everything in time.

A good cook wastes nothing.

An hour lost in the morning has to be run after all day. Haste without hurry saves worry, fuss and flurry. Stew boiled is stew spoiled. Strong fire for roasting, clear fire for boiling. Wash vegetables in three waters. Boil fish quickly, boil meat slowly.

Marzipan potatoes: Take 1/2 lb Icing sugar, 1/4 lb crushed almonds, the white of an egg and a little ground cinnamon, cocoa or powdered chocolate.

Beat egg, add sugar and

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almonds, roll into round balls and toss in the cinnamon, then mark like a potato with a fork.

How to make a splendid substitute for glue: Take a small piece of cold potato which has been boiled and rub it up and down a piece of paper with your fingers for about five minutes. It will become the right consistency and stick as well as the strongest glue.

To preserve flowers: Add a spoonful of charcoal to the water in which they are placed and they will last as long as they were still on the plant without any need of changing the water.

The care of plants: House

plants die mostly for the want of water. Often they are so dusty they cannot breathe so wash the leaves weekly.

Palms, Aspidistras and similar plants should always have their leaves greatly sponged before watering.

Equal parts of milk and lukewarm water should be used for this purpose.

There are 300 pages of similar hints and recipes which are impossible to relate here, so let us leave with another of the many reviews: ‘In diet lies the key to nine tenths of the social and political problems that vex our age at this time.’

Some things just don’t age!!

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GIVE YOUR TIME

Iain Ferguson

Many charities have been particularly badly hit during the Covid restrictions, with fund raising activities on which most depend all but stopping. Prize bingo, ceilidhs, lunches, dinners, shows, tournaments and countless other events which rely on people coming together in numbers to make money, stopped completely.

This lack of activity has adversely affected many local charities in financing their futures, but more and more these organisations also need help in other ways, needing volunteers to help run them.

It is vital to the

existence of every charity, club and voluntary organisation that a committee or board is in place to oversee its running and make

decisions as to how it carries out its duties.

Can you help? Having myself been involved in running charities for several decades, I know people are often put off by the thought of spending hours in meetings and lots of paperwork.

Well, it is just not true.

Meetings are usually monthly or less and paperwork is minimal.

It is also a lot of fun and without your efforts a lot of people in the community would be a lot worse off. Do think about it as it is in your power to really make a difference. Give your time.

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New builds or conversions Alterations & extensions Preparation of feu plans Preparation of “as existing drawings�

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A LOVE LETTER TO LOCHABER With Jo Cowan Indulge me in some nostalgia.

December 2020 marked 35 years of me calling Lochaber ‘home’. Another 35 and I’ll almost be taken for a local!

Like most folk, I’ve not strayed far from home over the past 10 months. Every day, I walk the same walk round Bishop’s Bay - often twice - and each time know how fortunate I am to live in this beautiful place and how much I love it.

Couples celebrating long relationships are often asked to reveal secrets of staying together. What three things about Lochaber keep me here and in the local Alzheimer Scotland love with this place? branch, care homes, sheltered People and communities. I’ve housing and many other lived in a few caring, warm and groups across Lochaber also welcoming geographic combrought me into contact with a munities across Lochaber but host of wonderful people over also had the joy of being part the years. A special Lochaber of the curling community. Lochaber Curling Club was poised ‘time zone’ means ‘popping out’ can mean several hours of to celebrate its 150th anniverblethering to folk. It’s one of the sary in 2020. Involvement with Lochaber CAB, Nevis Radio, Talk joys of living here.

Lochaber, Caol Walking Group,

Landscape. Lochaber’s got it all, from fabulous and varied seascapes, to towering mountains and beautiful, lichen-hung woodlands. If you love the outdoors, this is the place to be.

Music. The wealth of musical talent locally isn’t there just by chance. It’s the product of a

wealth of people passing on their passion for music, their time, knowledge, skills and enthusiasm.

As a wee nod to my Lochaber anniversary, and to forthcoming Valentine’s Day, I’m setting a wee competition. Send me your three top reasons for loving your Lochaber community.

There’s a special box of chocolates in it for the one I like most – and it will get a mention on the On-Air Community Coffee Morning on Nevis Radio. You can email it to jo@nevisradio. co.uk or send it Jo Cowan, Nevis Radio, Unit 4a Ben Nevis Industrial Estate, Fort William, PH33 6PR. Remember to include your contact details.

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07/12/2020 11:05:50

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were people we rarely spoke to, as we did not give cards to anyone in Lochaber, but included friends and family at a distance and church members who moved away. The church also sent cards each year to What will 2021 bring everyone on the visitor book. to the world?

Eventually there were well over It will not surprise you to 100 on each list. Recently we read the Oxford dictionary have lost some even younger word of the year for 2020 was than me. Sad news for us but ‘lockdown’. During the first happy for those who, as my month of that, I read of one mother would say ‘had gone to lady who decided to pass the glory’. days by phoning friends from Like all else in 2020, our her Christmas card list, to whom Christmas list was different. she hadn’t spoken in a while.

Having had so much practice What a good idea I thought, at IT, we used that for those at a but only managed a few. distance and more cards for our The Ramsay Christmas list local friends. Another oddity was a little unusual. Nearly all

in the run up to Christmas was reading stories of Jesus in the week before his death. The last story Mark records of Jesus teaching is about the scholar who asked ‘What’s the most important commandment?

Answer: ’ Love the Lord God with all your passion, prayer and intelligence and energy’ and the second ‘Love others as well as you love yourself’. [The Message] I can’t think of a better New Year Resolution than that.

Meantime in 2020 we were unable to celebrate Easter, but it is possible we may have a more normal Easter in 2021- vaccines permitting. Let us look forward in hope.

A Hopeful New Year to you all.

Lin Ramsay.

Lochaber Athletic Club’s New Year’s Day race. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image.

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a Fort William wall featuring every type of stone found in Lochaber - but where?

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07/12/2020 11:05:54

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How to start your fat loss journey in 2021 with Jonathan McCook Iain Ferguson At Christmas time we may all have taken in a few more calories than normal and perhaps rightly so. However with Yuletide passed now may be a good time to shed a few. Personal trainer Jonathan McCook has some guidance: THREE simple steps guaranteeing a leaner you in 2021 Step one: Fat loss is achieved by consuming fewer calories than you move.

To calculate how many calories you should be consuming each day, take your body weight in kilograms and multiply it by 22 if you’re female or 24 if you’re male.

For me it would be: 91.6kg x 24= 2,198.4 calories, base amount.

Then I need to multiply this by my movement - this is a sliding scale based on how much you feel you move on average each day: 1.2 - Sedentary 1.3 - Little movement 1.4 - Moderately active 1.5 - Active 1.6 - Very active

Example: 2,198.4, base amount x 1.6, very active = 3,517 calories, maintenance.

Once you’ve worked out your maintenance, simply subtract 500 calories. This is your starting deficit.

Step two: Set yourself a step goal. I personally like my clients to hit 10,000 every day… nonnegotiable.

General movement, gesturing, standing and walking more is called Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis and plays a vital role in fat loss.

Simply setting yourself 10,000 steps to hit each day will burn a nice chunk of calories and set you on the right trajectory for being in better shape in a few months.

Step three: Set yourself some gym goals.

You do not need to be in there for hours on end training yourself into the ground - you just need to start stimulating what muscle you currently have and focus on training to improve movement and body composition.

Don’t we all want to feel and look better naked?

If you need any help on this, please feel free to reach out to me at toughcookieonline@ gmail.com

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07/12/2020 11:05:56

Bathrooms Kitchens Heating Systems 24/7 Call outs

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LOCHaBEr LIFE

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SPECIAL OFFER CLAIM YOUR FREE PACKET OF VENISON BURGERS WHEN YOU MAKE A PURCHASE FROM OUR VENISON SHOP

It begins with the passion and ends with the taste.

As a responsible landowner, JAHAMA Highland Estates is dedicated to delivering the very best Wild Venison for our local communities.

Visit our shop on Ben Nevis Way to choose from our selection of tasty products.

www.jahamahighlandestates.com * Offer is valid from 29th December 2020 until 31st January 2021. The purchaser is entitled to one free packet of venison burgers on presentation of this page to our sales assistant. Each page can only be used once. No cash alternative is available.

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