8 minute read
shinty gains the advantage
Lochaber shinty clubs partner with SAMH to ‘Gain the Advantage
Iain Ferguson Two Lochaber-based shinty clubs have teamed up with the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) in furthering their commitment to the health and wellbeing of players, volunteers and supporters.
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The ‘Gain the Advantage’ programme will be open to everyone involved in Fort William and Kilmallie shinty clubs and the wider community to positively engage with a variety of activities, workshops and events based around the five ways to wellbeing - Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Learn and Give.
Introducing individuals at an earlier stage gives them the opportunity to explore their mental health, engaging with them using a palette of tools and resources to increase the ability to support mental health and wellbeing, building personal and community resilience.
SAMH workers Nina Allinson and Steph McLean met with members of the ‘School of Shinty’ at Lochaber High School alongside representatives of some of shinty’s biggest supporters including MOWI and Ferguson Transport as well as Camanachd Association national development manager Ronald Ross and youth director Willie MacDonald.
Following their introduction to Lochaber High School and some of the area’s major employers, Nina and Steph held a workshop for members of Kilmallie and Fort William shinty clubs.
It is hoped the resource SAMH is able to offer will enable these clubs and the area as a whole to become more mentally healthy. This work is in addition to the ongoing shinty chaplaincy programme which both clubs have endorsed.
Ronald Ross said: ‘We are delighted to move forward with the ‘Gain the Advantage’ programme and to provide better support for shinty communities.
‘This year-long initiative complements all the work we do with partners in this sphere including the Samaritans, Scottish Sports Chaplaincy, Mikeysline and more. Well done to both clubs and Lochaber High School for embracing the opportunity to develop mentally healthy communities.’
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Glengarry’s Jubilee Highland Games Highland Games
e 2022 Glengarry Highland Games, will be held on the Invergarry Shinty and Sports Field, Invergarry, PH35 4HG, on Saturday 2nd July, from 11am to 5pm. Free parking will be available. Admission for Adults will be £6, Concessions will be £3 and Children will be £1. Tickets can either be bought on the day, or via the Games website - https://www. glengarrygathering.org/ is will be the 213th anniversary of the rst Highland Games to be held in Glengarry.
In 1809, Colonel Alexander Ranaldson MacDonell, the 15th clan Chief, held Highland Games near his home at Glengarry House, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of King George III. is was the rst ever Jubilee to be held in Great Britain. As they were held midway between the Napoleanic Wars (1803 – 1815), the nation revelled in having something good to celebrate. ose rst Glengarry Highland Games, which were said to be “peculiar to the Highlands,” were the rst known Highland Games of the 19th century, to be held anywhere in the world. As such, they hold a privileged position in the history of Highland Games. In 1815 ‘Glengarry’ formed e Society of True Highlanders, whose aim was to support, the “True Dress, Language, Music and Characteristics of our illustrious and ancient race and the Highlands and Isles of Scotland, with their genuine descendants, wherever they may be.” In 1816, ‘Glengarry’ and e Society of True Highlanders, held Highland Games at Straidan, Glengarry. Such was the novelty of the Games, newspapers throughout Great Britain reported on them. In 1822, e Glengarry Highland Games e ectively went ‘on tour’ to Duneancroy, with the intention of entertaining members of the Northern Meeting. ey were held on the banks of the Caledonian Canal, which was opened three weeks later. is was the seventh successive Glengarry Highland Games, held by the Society of True Highlanders. Following this, many other Highland Games were held in Glengarry. Sadly, they fell into abeyance at the start of the First World War, but were revived 50 years ago, in 1972. Coinciding with the Platinum Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II, the 2022 Glengarry Highland Games Committee are proud to say that once again, they will be holding their iconic Highland Games in the glen. ere will be a full programme of traditional events, for both sexes and events for children. Local competitors, open competitors and spectators are encouraged to take part. ere will also be many trade and refreshment stands, demonstrations of sword ghting, axe throwing and li ing Atlas stones. Further information can be obtained in the Glengarry Games Website - https://www. glengarrygathering.org/ or by contacting the Secretary at 07590031422, glengarryhighlandgames@ outlook.com or https:// www.instagram.com/ glengarrygamesscotland/ We are also contactable via https://www.facebook.com/ Glengarryhighland gamesScotland
Discover the aDventurer in you!
a whole new world of fun with otter adventures - and all on your doorstep.
In 2017, World Otter Day coincided with the launch of a new slow adventure tourism business on the remote and stunning Ardnamurchan peninsula that is, quite appropriately, called Otter Adventures.
Five years on and owner Karl reflects upon how far they have come. Drawing upon 35+ years working in the outdoor sector, Karl established Otter Adventures in beautiful Strontian which feels like a world away from hustle and bustle, yet it is only 45 minutes from Fort William.
The dream was to provide an alternative approach to outdoor ‘adventure’; one that is more gentle and tailored to the individual, group or family. Karl says ‘ I believe that we all need something exciting and challenging in our lives and the support to fulfil this aspiration. We all just need to the chance to be able to ‘give it a go!’ and that’s where we come in!’
Through small-group activities, they provide adventurous experiences that are physical, educational and designed to push your boundaries! Whether you go with friends or family or take time out on your own, they will tailor your experience to your abilities and leave you with unforgettable memories of wild places on land or water that are safe, enjoyable and aweinspiring.
In equal measure, novice adventurers and families usually come to experience short taster sessions whilst more experienced guests undertake multi-day expeditions and turn their adventure into a holiday. Loch Sunart boasts over 1400 otter holts on its stunning and varied shores and although sightings are not guaranteed, they have had their fair share of encounters with eagles, porpoise, brittle stars and all manner of wildlife.
The area is so quiet and relaxing yet readily accessible via the Corran Ferry and they may be able to meet you at the ferry as a foot passenger so you do not need to take your car across!
Karl also loves working with local groups and organisations. One example is their collaboration with Ewen’s Room, a mental heath and well-being charity based in the West Highlands and they aspire to offer opportunities for young people in the area with hopes to become a centre for training and employment in the near future.
It might look as though Otter Adventures is a large commercial organisation but that is far from the truth. It really is Karl’s passion for making outdoor adventures accessible that drives the business on and, as it grows, he aspires to retain the small-group, personalised ethos that he founded the business upon, back in 2017 on World Otter Day!
Why not give it a go this Summer? Contact Karl on 07521 676274 or visit www. otter-adventures.co.uk for more information.
RECRuITMENT OPPORTuNITY
Post Title: Facilities Team Leader Location: Base: Carrs Corner, Lochybridge, Fort William (Covers Lochaber Area) Hours: 35 hours per week Duration: Permanent Salary: £28,901 - £32,578 Post Title: Area Supervisor (2 posts) Location: Lochaber High School, Fort William Hours: 35 hours per week (operates a shift pattern Monday to Friday Duration: Permanent Salary: £22,604 - £25,025
Salary placing will normally be at the first point of the scale. Contact Person: Catriona McAllister Tel: 07771 834685 If you have to move home in order to join us, we offer a generous expenses package of up to £6,500. https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/1084/jobs_and_careers/333/working_ for_us/5
Quoting – HGH11149 for Facilities Team Leader post and HGH10400 for Area Supervisor post
Prior to confirming appointment, we will require successful candidates to become members of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
Shortlisted applicants will normally be contacted by email, unless otherwise stated. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam folder.
Closing Date: Monday, 4 July 2022 at midnight.
