Lochaber Life #339 January 2022

At the heart of your community 13

Museum Centenary

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Community Connections

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Am Faoilleach

Beatha Lochabair

Plant a tree

January 2022 – Issue 339

Junior golfing champion

ore s m e to

m ree ho es t 0 ess hou 0 e v 0 li 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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Ardrhu House New Year, New Hopes and New Experiences It’s been a roller-coaster of a year which we have gracefully navigated with hope, patience, joy and resilience in the face of frustrations and hardships.

We’ve met so many of you this year at Ardrhu House catching up on missed celebrations or looking to try something new with your loved ones.

To the lucky ones that have won our vouchers at raffles or have been gifted vouchers by your loved ones, we can’t wait to have you here to pamper and feed your senses!

And why not bring a friend for the day and make the most of your visit, there’s so much to chose from for a day out or make the most of our discounted overnight rates for locals available up to 28th February.

Our gift vouchers never expire and can be used towards the Spa, Afternoon Tea, Dining, Rooms or entertainment making them the perfect gift.

Here’s something to try in January as you’re looking to shake the cold away and indulge in some Precious Me Time in our Spa. Our luxurious steam room ritual Turkish Delight is only £75 person in January!

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be rubbed, scrubbed and lathered-up Turkish style, this is the one for you!

We start by warming you up in the steam room and follow up with an exfoliation using hot gloves along with our aromatherapy cleansing mix.

Your body will be lathered, exfoliated and prepared for a blissful warm drift away massage that will leave you feeling soft, smooth and totally relaxed. A true delight!

And don’t forget, you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy our fantastic Luxury Spa Days, the perfect escape from the cold that will leave you feeling revitalised, pampered and completely recharged. Have a look at the offers on the left of this page.

We look forward to another year of delighting your senses as we’re continuing with our music, dining, spa and entertainment program.

To find out more visit www.ardrhuhouse.com or email us enjoy@ardrhuhouse.com LOCHABER LIFE

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06 08 Beatha Lochabair

contents

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BLIADHNA MHATH ÙR Another New Year, which for many people is regarded as a chance to reset the clock, start afresh and perhaps make some resolutions. Hopefully, it will all go well for you as I for one have tried but always failed with the latter, especially in the one that goes, “I must tidy up and get rid of the junk”. One thing that can be depended on is, of course, your very own issue of Lochaber Life. Now in its 30th year, it will still provide is usual mix of news and unusual stories from across its circulation area, which readers do seem to enjoy. People are very good at getting in touch to let me know of events in their lives and communities, so without the risk of making it into a resolution, let’s keep that up in 2022. Thank you in advance for your help.

Happy New Year. Bliadhna Mhath Ùr. Iain

FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH: Nine-year-old Junior Golf Champion,

Harry Stewart with his impressive array of trophies.

Invite to Crafternoons

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Cameron Plaque unveiled

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Recipe

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Plant a tree

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Safe route to Speak

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Thought for the Month

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15 years ago.

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Museum centenary

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The Braes book of memories

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Community Connections

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Where in Lochaber?

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Harry’s Golfing awards

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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 Tel: 01397 703003 Website: www.obantimes.co.uk We hope to publish a wide range of interests and opinions. However, our contributors’ views are not necessarily our own. Material in Lochaber Life must not be reproduced without our written consent or that of the copyright owner. A statement of our terms and conditions for accepting advertisements is available on request. Published by Wyvex Media Limited.

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47kg Propane 19kg Propane 13kg Butane 2nd hand caravans and lodges available for off site sale delivery can be arranged anywhere in the UK. Available to view by appointment 5

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JOIN THE CRAFTERNOONERS Iain Ferguson New Year resolutions may have gone out of style, but many people often find themselves at a bit of a loose end after the hustle and bustle of the festive season. Perhaps this would be good time to take up a new hobby, meet new people or learn a new skill?

All these elements combine every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon when a group calling themselves ‘Crafternoon’ meet at the Lochaber Hope premises in Fort William High Street. Their name is an indication of what happens when they meet, with chat, tea, coffee, cakes and even soup, all the while transforming wool, card, paper, bottles and a number of other materials into fantastic objects.

No prior knowledge or ability with crafts

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of any kind is needed and what you do is entirely your choice, with expert hands available to guide and assist in any of the many activities you may wish to try.

While some people may think this sounds like something ‘for the ladies’ – nothing could be further from the truth, with men also playing a full role in the club and always welcome to come along, even if only for the company and chat. Age is no limit either.

Crafts are also good for hand and eye co-ordination, as well as carrying out multiple tasks at the same time, keeping the brain not only active but agile and productive.

The group are also about to launch a new venture, DK Knits, to help raise money for Lochaber Hope.

As is said about sports, it is not the

winning but the taking part that is important and the same is true of the Crafternooners where you don’t have to be good at what you do, or produce perfect objects, but just enjoy making them.

Joining is free and being based in the West End of the High Street the meetings are very easy to access, with bus stops in both directions right outside. People come from all over Lochaber, although one member enjoys it so much that they join by ‘Zoom’ from Buckie.

If you feel that the New Year would be a good time to make a few changes or explore new things, a place a the Crafternooner sessions may be just what you need.

The club meets every Tuesday and Thursday between noon and 3pm, with an open invite to come along. More information can be obtained by calling Lochaber Hope on 01397 704836 and ask for Norma Green.

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REMEMBERING SIR EWEN CAMERON OF LOCHIEL –

THE ULYSSES OF THE HIGHLANDS Bill Cameron Driving rain and strong winds did not deter a gathering of loyal Camerons at old Kilmallie graveyard, where a fine slate plaque was unveiled by the present day chief of Clan Cameron, Donald Cameron of Lochiel to his x10 grandfather, Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel.

Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, or Eoghain Dubh as he was more commonly known across the Highlands on account of his long dark hair, was the 17th chief of the the Clan Cameron (1629 -1719). Often depicted as the Ulysses of the Highlands, he was a staunch supporter of the Jacobite rebellions. Living at a time in Scottish history when military might and a fearless attitude towards government forces were much lauded attributes.

Sir Ewen was a much admired and trusted leader by his fellow clansmen, most notably for his successful military planning and wise counsel. There exists a good number of legendary exploits

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of Sir Ewen’s involvement in battles throughout his 90 years, including settling a 100-year feud with the neighbouring MacKintosh clan.

To commemorate the life of this Highland chief, 300 years on since his death in 1719, a number of members of the Clan Cameron Association Scotland undertook historical research to establish the possible resting place of Sir Ewen. It is believed that his remains are interred within the old Kilmallie enclosure where a slate plaque has been attached to the outside wall.

Due to issues relating to Covid over the past two years, the installation and unveiling were delayed until November 2021.

Also attending the dedication ceremony was 101-year-old Colonel Charles Cameron, the present Lochiel’s uncle, who was brought up at Achnacarry and has a great memory for Lochaber history.

Lochiel thanked Chris Doak and Dr Roddy Cameron for their research into the resting place of Sir Ewen and for organising the making of the plaque.

Bill Cameron and Andrew Macleod were thanked for the installation of the plaque. Thanks were also given to members of Kilmallie Parish Church who served hot drinks and biscuits in the Church Hall after the dedication.

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Shiel BuSeS BUSAICHEAN SEILE

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3rd January to 28th February 2022 inclusive* No services run on 1st & 2nd January

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Call 01397 700 700

www.shielbuses.co.uk LOCHaBEr LIFE

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FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL

16 - 20 FEBRUARY 2021 www.mountainfestival.co.uk

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Ferguson TransporT & shipping Logistic soLutions successfuL with partners

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We provide our customers with competitive prices in Lochaber area.

Call Leeann on: 01397 773 840 (option 5) Email: leeann@fergusontransport.co.uk www.fergusontransport.co.uk LOCHABER LIFE

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• INGREDIENTS •

GINGER WINE

At New Year, not everyone takes an alcoholic drink and when I was young we felt very grown up being given Ginger Wine. Thumbing through pages of a recipe book even older than me revealed this tradi�onal recipe if you would like to give it a try. The ingredients are also s�ll generally available and it is very simple to do.

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6 Teaspoons Essence of Ginger 2 Teaspoons Essence of Cayenne 6 Teaspoons of burnt sugar

One lemon (or equivalent in squeezy juice) 3lbs (1.5kg) White sugar 9 pints (5 litres) of water

• METHOD • Squeeze the lemon (or squeezy lemon juice) into the water, add the sugar and boil up for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and add the essences.

Decant into bottles.

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PLANT A TREE AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT Iain Ferguson With Conference of the Parties (COP) 26 still very much in the news, many people will be more aware of environmental issues facing the planet. One long-term solution to climate change is to plant more trees, which actually may not be as complicated as it sounds and something that almost anyone can do.

From my own experience it is better to start with a young tree rather than seeds, which may take some time to germinate and show any signs of life above ground.

Many plant nurseries or even environmental groups will be able to supply these at reasonable cost or even for free.

Take account of the weather conditions and type of soil we have, so perhaps better to avoid anything exotic or non-native, which may require a very different environment to grow. Have a look at the trees around you to gauge which species may be a success story for you.

A few suggestions are Scots pine, birch, alder, oak, ash, hazel, willow, rowan, aspen, elm, hawthorn, holly, juniper, elder and wild cherry. Some

are even available online as ‘variety packs’, ready to be planted.

Two major factors to consider before you get started are where you are going to plant it and how big it will grow.

A guide offered by one site is to plant your tree at least the equivalent of its mature height away from the nearest

building. You should also make sure that there is enough soil for it to put down strong roots, especially as many areas of Lochaber have only a very thin layer before hitting solid rock.

Clear an area around your tree and make sure it is not going to be crowded by undergrowth and plant between October and April when the roots are dormant.

Dig a hole at least twice the width and a bit deeper than the root ball, making sure the you loosen the soil at the bottom and edges. If it is thin or in an exposed area it is often advisable to protect it with a stake on the windward side.

Some time ago I actually planted some young Aspens in deep tubs, left them to develop for a year then put them in the garden – no casualties yet, so you may also want to give this a go if you have limited space.

One tree can provide a home and food for insects, birds and even mammals. Over the years its leaves can also help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and ‘breathe out’ oxygen. Every little act can help save the environment.

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Learn something new in 2022 Take the first step towards a new career with West Highland College UHI or explore your passion on one of our part-time or full-time courses Many of these courses are fully funded so you could study for free Find out more on our website: www.whc.uhi.ac.uk or call us on 01397 874 000

2022-23 PROSPECTUS

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LOCHaBEr LIFE West Highland College UHI is a company limited by guarantee (SC153921) with charitable status (SC024193)

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In Loving Memory of LYNSEY MACPHERSON (NEE MCALISTER) 1984 – 2019 (Fort William) Three years of missing Lynsey.

Devoted wife, daughter, sister and aunty.

Remembering you is easy, we do it every day, but missing you is a heartache that will never go away.

Peace after pain. Love Dad, Stephen, Andrew x

In Loving Memory of COLIN MACDONALD 1955 – 2021 (Fort William/Inverness) Sadly, at Raigmore Hospital, on Saturday 30th October 2021, Colin Francis MacDonald, aged 65 years, formerly of Argyll Road, Fort William. A loving brother to Father Michael, Anne, Angus, John and Isobel, a much-loved uncle, brother-in-law and friend. RIP.

In Loving Memory of RICHARD wATTERS 1963 – 2021 (Acharacle) Peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday 20th November 2021, Richard Anthony Watters, aged 58 years, Derry Daff, Acharacle. A loving dad to JJ and Bernadette, a wonderful “grandpa Highland” to Jonah, a much-loved son, brother, uncle and friend. RIP.

In Loving Memory of PAT (PATSY) MACLEOD 1934 – 2021 (Caol) Sadly, but peacefully at the Belford Hospital, Fort William on Sunday 21st November 2021, Patricia MacLeod, known by many as Pat or Patsy, aged 87 years, Kilmallie Road, Caol. A loving mum to Stephen, Anne and Catriona, a wonderful granny to Richard, Cameron, Connie and Olly, a caring aunt and a special friend to many. Sadly missed.

REMEMBERING OUR LOVED ONES THIS CHRISTMAS Christmas can be a difficult reminder of the love we shared with our loved ones. Focus on the love you shared and the feelings that made you smile, not the sadness and pain of their loss. That love is the most wonderful and powerful of all emotions and is something that should be treasured.

Share the love inside your heart for those loved ones that will not be with us this Christmas.

Jamie, Beth and all at Manson & MacBeath Funeral Directors would like to wish all in Lochaber a peaceful Christmas.

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In Loving Memory of JOCK MACKAY 1960 – 2021 (Caol) Suddenly and unexpectedly, on Friday 29th October 2021, Jock MacKay, aged 61 years, formerly of Strone Place, Caol, former employee at BSW Kilmallie and HGV Driver at Bowmens. A loving partner to Lynn, a wonderful dad to Kim, Mary and Moya, a much-loved, brother, uncle and relative and a good friend to many. So dearly loved and missed.

In Loving Memory of ALISTER (ALLY) SILLARS 1968 – 2021 (Fort William) Suddenly and unexpectedly, on Friday 8th October 2021, while working in Norway, Alister ‘Ally’ Sillars, aged 53 years, formally of Fort William.

Beloved husband to Annica, a devoted dad, brother, uncle and friend. Think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched, for nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of JEAN KENNEDY 1948 – 2021 (Torlundy) Sadly, at home, on Sunday 7th November 2021, Jean Kennedy, aged 73 years, Corriechallie, Torlundy, Fort William, a former, much-loved and respected primary school teacher, starting her career in Edinburgh, then working locally in Lochaber at Spean Bridge, Inverlochy and Upper Achintore primary schools. A loving wife to John, a muchloved mum to Alan and Gary, a wonderful nana to Isla, Sean, Ruari and Megan, a caring sister-in-law, auntie and a wonderful friend to many. So dearly loved.

In Loving Memory of CHICK BRADY 1936 – 2021 (Lochyside) Peacefully, at home surrounded by his loved ones, on Sunday 31st October 2021, Charles Patrick Brady, known as Chick, aged 85 years, Castle Drive, Lochyside, Fort William, a well-respected joiner in Fort William and Lochaber (retired). A loving husband to Pat, a much-loved father to Stuart, Margaret and the late Scott, a wonderful grandad to Karen, Stephen, Vikki, Lisa and Jack, and great grandad to all his 10 great grandchildren, a caring brother to John, Kate, Alistair, Norma and the late Liz and Derek, a great neighbour and friend to many. RIP.

In Loving Memory of MALCOLM (MAL) JONES 1952 – 2021 (Kinlochleven) Peacefully, at home, with his loving family by his side, on Saturday 30th October 2021, Malcolm Walter Jones, known by many as Mal, aged 69 years, Leys Road, Kinlochleven, former sailing head coach for Wales National Team. A loving and much-loved husband to Doreen, a loving dad to Jack and stepfather to Cally, a wonderful grandfather to Kaci, Cody and Jason, a caring relative, neighbour and friend to many. Forever in our hearts.

In Loving Memory of KAREN MATHIESON 1973 – 2021 (Kinlochleven) Sadly, at home, on Tuesday 9th November 2021, Karen Mathieson, aged 48 years, Foyers Road, Kinlochleven, former care assistant working with disabled and disadvantaged children.

A loving and much-loved daughter to Isabel and so dearly loved and treasured by the wider family. Forever in our hearts.

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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Opportunity knocks for young people Are you a parent or carer of a young person aged 15-24? You are! Then you need to know about the great range of opportunities on offer to local young people through the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) programme.

workforce they need by linking them with education and young people, and we help young people by offering work placements, mock interviews, industry seminars and visits, and more!

This Scottish Government programme aims to be a bridge between employment and education. The DYW West Highland team is hosted by Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, so it’s directly connected to the opportunities and needs of our local business community.

Recent career seminars have looked at opportunities in the renewables sector, the NHS, hospitality, forestry, adventure tourism, transport and aquaculture. These seminars offer a chance for young people to hear

directly about what employers are looking for AND hear from young people employed in these areas about their own career journey.

Visit www.dywwesthighland. org for news and information to help the young person in your life find out more about the fantastic opportunities knocking on their door.

We help employers develop the

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REMEMBER TO RECYCLE THIS FESTIVE SEASON cartons

mixed paper

Juice Cartons

Papers

Milk Cartons Soup Cartons

Magazines Unwanted Mail

Food Cartons

plastic bottles, food tins, drink cans pots, tubs cardboard & aerosols & trays

Cereal Boxes Cardboard Boxes Egg Boxes

RINSED & TOPS OFF

Milk Bottles Fizzy Juice Cans Fizzy Juice Bottles Wrapping paper Toilet Roll Tubes Water Bottles Beer Cans Greetings Cards Kitchen Roll Tubes Pet Food Tins Detergent Bottles Shredded Paper Toiletry Bottles Aerosols (empty, tops Catalogues Food Trays removed) Envelopes Plastic Punnets Food Tins

Yoghurt Pots etc

Please do NOT put these in your recycling bin Glass* Food waste Nappies Dirty items Hard plastics Textiles & footwear Flower pots & plant trays Garden waste & wood Polystyrene Soil & rubble General waste Plastic bags *Please take glass to your local mixed glass recycling point.

8 www.highland.gov.uk/recycle LL Advert.indd 1

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* recycle@highland.gov.uk 23/11/2021 10:42:06

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VILLAGERS SEEK SAFE AND ACTIVE TRAVEL CORRIDORS Keith Hoole Residents from Spean Bridge and Roy Bridge are so keen to make sure there is a safe route to walk between their villages, that they have set up a charity to promote and further their cause.

Formed during the Covid lockdown, ’Connecting Spean Roy Area SCIO’ has already submitted a report to the government making the case for safe, active travel corridors along the trunk roads leading out of their villages. They are asking for a separate track away from fast and large vehicles to keep them safe, healthy and to reduce their carbon footprint.

Active Travel simply means making journeys in physically active ways – like walking, wheeling (using a wheelchair or mobility aid) cycling or scooting and is also a way of getting fitter while cutting carbon emissions and being more sustainable as well.

Linda Taylor, the chairperson of the charitable group said: “The bureaucracy to request an active travel route was so difficult that we decided to produce our own preliminary feasibility report putting all of

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our ideas into one document which we have now sent to the decision makers.

“Instead of jumping into the car to go to the shop, we would like to walk there safely.

We can build our stamina up to cycle there and back on tracks or quiet roads, The group would like to see a continuation of the existing track from Roy Bridge village centre at the western end of Inverroy extended to allow a safe active travel route to Spean school”.

An active travel track from Spean Bridge village centre to Leanachan Crossroads would allow pedestrians and non-motorised traffic access to General Wades Road is

also an aim of the group.

They would also like to see an upgrade of the path up to the Commando Memorial which is narrow where it leaves the village and the 60mph limit starts and believe that widening just up to the lay-by would make a huge difference.

The group have many supporters, including local businesses and government bodies, but would welcome even more. Anyone who can empathise with and support the aims of the group can become a member. It costs nothing but must be over 16.

Have a look at their website www.activetravelspean. wordpress.com

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years, but as I was born across the Irish Sea like yourself, I wouldn’t be counted as a local.”

What will the wind “Ah, you’re just a ‘blowblow-in for 2022? Will we in’ like myself,” he replied. “I learn about anything new this was born in County Clare but New Year? New variants? New have lived in Co Cork since I vaccines or just same oldmarried a girl from there. So I’ll same old? always be a “blow-in”. As long I learnt something new as you accept you’ll always be from an Irishman: a new a blow-in, it’s fine.” meaning for a word in that For some reason this first sentence. We met as he wonderful bit of Irish was relaxing his weary limbs philosophising made me in the Jacuzzi at the leisure think of a poetic phrase in centre, after his first (failed) attempt at climbing Ben Nevis. the old Bible version. “The “Are you local?”, he asked with wind bloweth where it listeth” . Jesus uses this when that unmistakable lilt. “Well, I’ve lived in Lochaber over 50 describing the mystery of how

God’s Holy Spirit can ‘blow’ into a person of any age and create new life. He explains that a newborn baby is a body we can see and touch: “But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can’t see and touch – the Spirit- and becomes a living spirit.” [The Message] Instead of making New Year resolutions to break in a few weeks, anyone can have a new life in Jesus Christ just by asking the ‘wind of God, The Spirit’ to take over in their life.

Whether you’re local or blow-in, I wish a real Happy New Year to all.

Scouts in Corpach are shown how to fix a puncture in the good old fashioned way with leader Ken Wilson.

Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image.

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MUSEUM MAKES HISTORY Chris Robinson 2022 is the 100th birthday of the West Highland Museum!

Would you believe it?

And we are celebrating this achievement (amongst other things) with a major exhibition of Stuart Paintings imported especially from Europe for a three-month Exhibition opening in August.

But back to our origins – it was a series of summer exhibitions of dyeing and weaving, weapons and autographs which was our foundation from 1922 to 1924.

In 1925 a major exhibition of “Prince Charles Edward and the ’45 campaign” brought together a collection of Jacobite relics, medals, paintings, documents, maps and books, and first raised the profile of the museum on the national stage.

The museum was the brainchild of Victor Hodgson of Culilcheanna, Onich, whose family are still actively involved in supporting the museum.

One of the first items in the collection was “The Secret Portrait” which he found in a London junkshop. It’s still one of the prize pieces in of the collection and has been loaned for exhibitions in Paris and Amsterdam over the years.

In 1928 the Strange Plate was purchased at auction – a copper plate commissioned by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746 to print banknotes to pay his

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floor became the Royal Navy Officers Mess for four years.

The museum building dates from about 1850 and keeping it habitable was a constant struggle. Four stoves were bought in 1937 and eventually central heating installed in 1950. As an old building, there were problems with damp, subsidence, and dry rot needing regular attention but these were finally addressed in a major redevelopment in 1996/7 with a new roof, staircase, exhibition cases and exhibition.

There had once been a army. After Hodgson’s untimely proposal from a local estate death in 1929 there were some agent to buy over the difficult years. The museum museum, “because it was a attempted to purchase the valuable property”, and move it British Linen Bank Building for to the redundant fever hospital £1,000 but could only raise half close to the original Belford the money and so a crippling Hospital. This was fortunately mortgage gave concern for fended off as was a proposal to many years. Donations from demolish the upper part of the the Carnegie Trust helped but museum to allow a new relief there are repeated comments road at the back of the town! in the Annual Reports that the Footfall increased steadily Town Council gave no support over the years but dipped in whatever! some years, put down to petrol But other ingenious schemes rationing in the early fifties kept the museum going, and in 1964 to the Typhoid including annual dances which outbreak in Aberdeen! sometimes made a profit and Visitor numbers peaked sometimes didn’t. Then fund in the early seventies with raising dinners and even a busy tourist seasons – but lady’s football match in 1954 decreased thereafter as which raised £10! package holidays abroad drew The footfall was slowly visitors to the sunny south. increasing year by year with a School visits and the Saturday policy of a low entry fee until club for children became a the Second World War when regular feature and we had the most valuable items were locked away and the first a visit from the Queen and

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even a Māori chieftainess. The museums 50th anniversary was marked with the purchase of a new typewriter, but the memorable anniversary was the 75th in 1997 when the major refurbishment was completed, and the museum reopened to our visitors.

That evening the town turned out in vast numbers, estimated at 3,000, to dance “The Longest Strip the Willow in the West”.

Dancers stretched from the Grand Hotel to the Royal Bank with Lochaber Pipe band and the High School band leading off the crowds to line the street. An evening of traditional music followed played from the dais of Peter Donald’s grocery van drawn up at the top of Cameron Square. One local dignitary announced that “This is the best band that has played in this square for 100 years”, whilst two young Japanese girls visiting the town asked is

it like this every night in Fort William? However, despite the major redevelopment and the display which was praised from the heights – the Rough Guide described us as “splendidly idiosyncratic” - the number of visitors dwindled to less than 10,000 annually.

And so, with much trepidation, in 2011 the museum took the bold step of offering free entry to visitors, to rely on donations and income from an enlarged shop.

This necessitated the difficult task of making our paid reception staff redundant and appealing to the town for volunteers to support the museum. And the town responded splendidly! Our footfall increased year by year until in 2019 we saw more than 60,000 visitors – a figure not seen for 50 years.

With that there was a buzz about the museum again. The Model T Ford that had been carried in bits to the top of Ben Nevis was displayed on the first floor, leading directly to the casting of the Bronze

Ford in Cameron Square and the tyre tracks which lead from the Museum. In 2012, with encouragement from the Commando Veterans Association, an exhibition of Commando Training was opened in the Education Room with some 250 commandos and their families crowding the building.

But now as we begin to recover after our enforced Covid closure a whole new life is anticipated for the museum.

We will shortly be sharing our plans with the community to extend the museum onto the High Street with a shop entrance and the redevelopment of the barn at the back of the building to increase exhibition, storage, staff, much needed educational and research facilities for our 100+ anniversary. It will allow us to tell many more stories and continue to fulfil the ambition of Victor Hodgson that we will be a museum second to none in Scotland!

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03/12/2021 15:00:37

Down Memory Lane – Legacy of The Braes

Iain Ferguson After 16 years the Spean Bridge/Roy Bridge/ Achnacarry Community Newspaper ‘The Braes’ has been put on ‘pause’ as the editorial team felt that it was time for them to hand over the reins, but no one came forward to pick them up.

Having not been published for around seven months, the opportunity is still there to put it ‘back on the shelves’, but while the monthly publication has gone, memories of it are quite literally about to be put back into print.

Author and a regular contributor, Richard Sidgwick (pictured left), with the support of the committee, is producing a book, Down Memory Lane, featuring articles of the same name which were published

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monthly over the years in The Braes. Richard himself conducted interviews with older members of the community, providing a rich, fascinating tapestry of life in the Braes of Lochaber, looking back more than 100 years to form a unique collection of memories from a different era.

Often highlighted in these were the tremendous individual spirits despite social status imposed on them at the time, the hard upbringings experienced by many children, poor conditions, lack of money and transport, but above all, no lack of love. People were often poor, but also resilient and hardworking and content with remarkable tales to tell.

News of the publication was announced by retiring Editor Margaret Sargent at a

celebration get together for the Braes team and contributors which was held in the Old Pines restaurant when Covid regulations allowed.

She said: “Richard has generously gifted his writings to The Braes, bringing together all of the articles into book form.

“This will be a most special legacy to be enjoyed and treasured at home and abroad.

The team express their warmest, most sincere thanks to Richard for his generosity with grateful thanks also to Sharon Donald for compiling the book”.

‘Down Memory Lane in the Braes of Lochaber’ should be available now at many local outlets outlets, including the Highland Bookshop priced at £10.00, with all proceeds going to local good causes.

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03/12/2021 15:00:38

Delivering All Aspects Of Civil Engineering.

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LOCHABER LIFE

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03/12/2021 15:00:39

Lochaber Action on Disability IN THE COMMUNITY We welcome you to join our friendly shopping runs and excursions and we also offer free transport to the lunch clubs.

L.A.D.’s fully accessible transport will take you there!

Available on request.

Call Laura or Caroline on 01397 701171 for more info just give us a call.

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03/12/2021 15:00:40

M&L PAINTERS * All types of UPVc work * Exterior Painting * Cladding * Gutterings * Down Pipes * Windows and Eaves * Facias and Soffits Tel 01397 712120 or 0755 311 1093

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LOCHaBEr LIFE

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03/12/2021 15:00:41

Our Year of Stories Jo Cowan 2022 has been designated Scotland’s Year of Stories. We’re starting early with a great story sent in by Alex Gillespie of Corpach for our “Once Upon a Bicycle Story Challenge”.

VE Day 1945 I was 11 years old and my father along with all the others at the Ramsey Colliery in Loanhead were on holiday for one day only. We boarded a train along with loads of men all with fishing gear. We had bikes. My father had a large gent’s upright model and I had a smaller version of the same type. The train took us down to Peebles and then to Innerleithen where we got the bikes out of the guard’s van.

This was war-time, so no road signs, but my father must have had a map and I am sure he had never been in that area before.

We must have had food with us, as nowhere was open and I remember the Gordon Arms being all boarded up.

Along the side of St. Mary’s Loch, then we turned off on what then was a dirt track. The old upright bikes were almost ideal for that. The plan was to turn right on a path somewhere along the way to Talla Reservoir.

Unfortunately, the right-ofway signs had all been removed along with the road signs, and we eventually arrived at a very large fence and barbed wire gate across the track with a

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very large sign saying, ”WD Property. Trespassers will be shot”!! Undeterred my father went through, and I remember walking down the very steep hill to the end of the reservoir.

A very nice lady at the farm informed us that the sentries had only been stood down a couple of weeks before.

She also made us scrambled egg and toast and milk, as by now we must have been very hungry.

Easy run along the now tarmac road took us out at Tweedsmuir on the main road and still a long way from home. Mother must have been frantic by now, as the train we should have got off must have deposited all the returning fishermen long ago. I do not remember any recriminations but I probably collapsed into bed.

I do remember it was a

great adventure and, without realising it, it set me off on a love of cycling and the remote places we passed through that day. A few years later, I cycled the same route on a real bike and there were still no signs and I was lucky to spot the path that should have taken us over the hill to Peebles and the train home.

The track is now a tarmac road and a second reservoir has been constructed to add to Edinburgh’s water supply.

We have traveled that route a number of times on bike, motorbike and sidecar, and on solo motorbike, and it always brings back great memories.

Strange to be writing this 75 years on to the day, with only very vague memories of detail other than I had had a great day and have been lucky to have had many such days over these years.

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03/12/2021 15:00:41

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03/12/2021 15:00:43

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03/12/2021 15:00:44

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03/12/2021 15:00:45

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03/12/2021 15:00:46

a former railway line bridge which was key to a major local industry, but where?

LaST MOnTH: Time capsule located in the entrance of Fort William Kilmallie Church of Scotland (Duncansburgh).

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03/12/2021 15:00:48

HARRY FLAGS UP A GOLFING FUTURE Iain Ferguson Nine-year-old Harry Stewart is following in his parent’s sporting footsteps (or swings) by winning several top national junior golfing competitions, earning him a clutch of trophies.

Harry’s parents Amy and John both have impressive sporting records, with Mum representing Scotland in Badminton up to U17 level and shinty playing Dad turning out for Scotland three times in U21 and nine times in the senior team. The youngster, too, has been swinging a shinty stick since he could walk and golf club since he was four, starting out by hitting balls in the garden.

As John is also a keen golfer, young Harry would join him on Fort William Golf Course, always being keen to hit the ball as far as he could. This was encouraged by visits to driving ranges in Glasgow and Inverness, where he really enjoyed hitting the ball further and further as he grew older and stronger.

He would also join his Dad on golf outings for three or four holes, but being young would get bored with the walking, so ended up practicing chipping

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and putting around the greens, all of which set him in very good stead for his future competitions.

Also a keen shinty player and footballer, when Covid restricted these activities golf became his ‘go-to’ sport, playing more and building his skill level. An added bonus for John was that he was

able to spend more time with his son as they played together.

John said: “Fort William Golf Club allow kids to play with their parents for free if they are a member, which is great, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a junior section for Harry to play with or against other kids. We’d been looking at other options to get him playing with a similar age and found Junior Golf Scotland website in Jan 2021, signing him up for the tour flag events which were due to start in April 2021, with events all over Scotland throughout the

summer”. Flag golf is for children without handicaps playing on shortened par 3 length holes averaging 150 yards in length. They are allocated 36 shots, provided with a small flag and after their last shot on the 9-hole course they push their flag into the ground. The furthest around the course is the winner.

Family members are allowed to walk round / caddy in a very relaxed atmosphere and good environment while playing fantastic courses at Gleneagles, Spey Valley, Crail, Ranfurly Castle, Mar Hall, Hilton Park, Carradale, Machrihanish, Scotscraig, Tulliallan and Carnoustie.

Harry won flag events at Ranfurly Castle, Carradale/ Machrihanish and Carnoustie, and also picked up the overall season tour champion trophy at Carnoustie by one shot. On the final day Harry completed the 9-hole course in 34 shots, saving his season’s best score for the right time with some fantastic golf, his highlight being a birdie two on the 5th hole.

Harry’s good luck snack seems to be a packet of custard creams that are always to be found in his golf bag.

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03/12/2021 15:00:49

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03/12/2021 15:00:49

Give the gift of memories this Christmas

Choose a Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels gift voucher

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