MHOR Health has been bringing active local healthcare to the highlands for more than a year. And since becoming an NHS pharmacy in November, they are providing even more vital services for the community.
Opened in Spean Bridge’s Invercauld House by pharmacist Jennifer Moncur and pharmacy technician Gillian Jamieson in March 2022, the Mhor Health team has quickly established a reputation for going beyond the traditional role of dispensing prescriptions, and providing essential clinical treatments and services for an extensive range of conditions.
‘‘We want to be a health hub for our area, so people can come here as their first port of call when an issue arises,’ Jennifer shared. ‘The community have realised what a difference it can make for them over the past year. As we are not a private pharmacy anymore, we can do everything a NHS pharmacy can do and more, and we may be able to save you a trip to the GP.’
Jennifer is a prescribing pharmacist, which means she can undertake examinations and give advice or prescribe medication for a variety of ailments, ranging from Lyme disease and ear infections to UTI and skin problems, and even vaccines. They offer a free medicine care and review service, as well as a full service travel clinic. Visitors to the area who might need an emergency prescription refill or other travel health services are welcome to pop in. Blood pressure and cholesterol checks are free, as is prescription collection and delivery to the Spean Bridge, Fort William, Caol and Corpach areas.
‘If you have a
repeat prescription, you don’t even have to do anything,’ Jennifer said. ‘We will order it from the doctor, collect it and deliver it to you for free. We find that especially our elderly patients find this very convenient.’
If their consistent five star reviews are anything to go by, the community of Spean Bridge and beyond have welcomed Mhor Health with open arms, citing the personal, friendly service, and how Jennifer and Gillian always go above and beyond.
‘Patient care is at the heart of everything we do, and our goal is to help people to live longer, healthier lives,’ Jennifer said. ‘I just love the feedback that we get from the community. Our customers come in to just say hello and tell us how we have changed their lives, and this is why we do what we do.’
July, named after Julius Caesar in 44 BC, is a great month for celebrations - including my birthday. Hopefully it’s also a warm, sunny time for us and children who are on holiday from school. Back in the day, it was almost the norm to go o to a resort on a touring bus for a week or two and this was recently re-lived by passengers who boarded original MacBraynes buses - page 6. There was another trip through time to a Crannog discovered in Loch Treig - page 20 - and present day trips across the world with a young Corpach man - page 25. We also have thoughts on tra c - page 34 - and youngsters learning to ride bikes 15 years ago. For all this and more, read on.
Happy holidays. Saor-làithean sona. Iain
Like many young people, Iain MacIntyre is spending time travelling and working across the world, visiting places that until recently the average person could only dream about including the mysterious city of Machu Picchu in the high mountains of Peru. Photograph: Iain
Memories of Sunday School trips and heading off on holiday in the 1960s were revisited with the arrival of vintage buses in Fort William offering day trips to local destinations.
Organised by members of the Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust, five original MacBraynes buses returned to routes on which in the past they were familiar sights.
One of the buses was locally owned by Donald MacGillivray of Acharacle, who still has a strong connection with bus travel through Loch Shiel Buses which provides much
needed public transport services throughout Lochaber in the present day.
Linking up with ferry services, delivering post and parcels, MacBraynes was a key element in the lives of people who depended on them in their everyday lives. Their distinctive apple green, cream and postbox red colour scheme was instantly recognisable as they plied routes across the Highlands serving many remote communities as part of an early integrated transport network.
Based at the Ben Nevis Hotel in Fort William, the vintage vehicles set off on regular days trips to Oban and Mallaig, amongst other destinations, carrying delighted passengers, some of whom revelled in the fact these were the very buses they travelled on in their younger days.
Isobel MacPhee from Caol,
who took her seat on the Mallaig excursion, said: “This is wonderful, just as I remember it when they were a regular sight in Fort William around the old bus depot beside the town pier.
“I am delighted to see people are preserving the buses so that people in the present day and the future can experience how things were and how we got about the Highlands by MacBraynes buses, which played a really important part in our lives.’’
Kirsty Gunn, author of award-winning novels including ‘The Boy and the Sea’ and ‘The Big Music, joined Lochaber High School pupils for an end-of-year celebration of writing.
Kindly hosted by The Highland Bookshop, a large audience heard young writers read from work they had produced as part of the school’s ‘Writing Practice and Theory’ course. The course, run by English teacher Stephen Carruthers and verified by Professor Gunn’s Imagined Spaces Writing Project, offers senior pupils the chance to develop their writing skills across a range
of genres as well as giving them the chance to read their work in public.
After the readings, pupils were presented with their personal-
ised certificates for completing the course, which detail the skills and achievements of each individual, rather than just an ‘A’ or a ‘B’.
When did you last venture into the Job Centre? If it has been a while, you will be surprised. It was taken over by New Connections mid-2021 and it has given the building, and the term ‘community centre’, a new lease of life. From craft groups to bereavement support, addiction recovery to Scrabble and new parents
to LGBT+ there is a group for everyone. And if you don’t see one you fancy, New Connections can help you start one you do. You can also eat and drink at the Vintage Café on a Wednesday and Friday or just pop in for a cuppa and a chat during the rest of the week. The recent open day was a hit and more events are planned. Next up is a ‘Swap Don’t Shop’
Saturday on July 1, followed by a craft fair on August 12. There will be ‘Beat the Budget’ sessions in August.
If you’ are looking for a room to rent in town New Connections has several available hourly, daily or full time. Why not drop-in? Check out its social media or call Carrie to find out more on 07359 217881.
For more information, updates and special events, check our social media or email newconnections@lochaberhope.org.uk
A Fort William group is aiming to have the town recognised as a Business Improvement District (BID) to help develop trade and community engagement and see businesses in the town collaborate on improvements.
Chaired by local businessman Archie MacDonald, the Fort William BID group is consulting with local businesses to outline further details on how to make Fort William a better place for businesses.
A grant already received from the Scottish Gov-
ernment will aid the project and help explore what benefits can be achieved and develop a plan for a full BID application. The BID process is a proven global method. In order for the Bid application to be successful, it must gain support from the majority of businesses in the area through a vote. ‘BIDs have clearly been beneficial for many towns in Scotland. I think it is great we are exploring the potential of one for Fort William,’ said John MacLennan, owner of The Tavern.
All ideas are welcome. If you would like to volunteer on the steering committee or apply for the position of BID manager to manage the BID process application, please email archie@highlandsoaps.com
& extensions
Preparation of feu plans
Preparation of “as existing drawings” Building Warrant and planning applications
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A cool, refreshing and delicious, summer inspired cocktail popular in several Fort William High Street establishments.
Blended - but not stirredby Mikey MacKinnon.
Dashes - about 12 millilitres - of Raspberry Vodka
Vanilla Vodka, Triple Sec
Double dashes of lime juice
Sugar syrup
Drizzle of Chambord
Drumstick lolly or chew.
•
Pour the mixer ingredients into a cocktail shaker half filled with crushed ice and shake.
Strain into a glass, drizzle over with Chambord to give a pink layer, add a drumstick lollipop or chew. Drink and enjoy the cool, sweet taste.
1942 – 2023
(Plantation)
Suddenly but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Friday 5th May 2023, John Davidson, known to all as Jacky, aged 81 years, Henderson Row, Plantation, Fort William. A devoted husband to Doreen, a loving dad to Ashley, a caring brother to Mary, a much loved uncle, relative and a dear friend to many. Greatly missed.
1940 – 2023
(Banavie)
Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Tuesday 23rd May 2023, Neil Mackell, aged 83 years, Banavie, Fort William, forester with the Forestry Commission all his working life and latterly a home carer before retirement. Beloved husband to Morag, a loving dad to Wendy and Sean and father-in-law to Susan, a wonderful grandpa to Finlay and Stanley, a caring relative and friend to many. Sadly missed.
1956 – 2023
(Caol)
Suddenly and unexpectedly at home, on Wednesday 10th May 2023, Katie Ann MacVicar, aged 66 years, Rowan Drive, Caol, Fort William. A treasured sister to Carol, Suzie, Molly, Margo, Iain and Isabell, a much loved auntie, sister-in-law, neighbour and friend. Sadly missed.
1957 – 2023
(Mallaig)
Suddenly at home, on Monday 8th May 2023, Donald MacVarish (D MacV), aged 65 years, Gillies Park, Mallaig. A loving dad to Leanne, Janine and Jade, a wonderful grandad to his 10 grandchildren, a caring brother to Eleanor, Mary and Ann, a much loved relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. RIP.
10 Battlefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB
Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110
www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk
1924 – 2023
(Inverlochy)
Peacefully at home, on Tuesday 9th May 2023, Catherine Laggan, known to all as Katie, aged 98 years, Locheil Road, Inverlochy, Fort William. Beloved wife to the late John, a loving mother to Tommy, Patricia and Michael, a wonderful gran to 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, a much loved relative, neighbour and friend. RIP. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
1943 – 2023
(Caol)
Peacefully, in the loving care of Invernevis House, Fort William, on Tuesday
2nd May 2023, Ann Neish Shaw Dobbie (formerly Ann Robb), Kilmallie Road, Caol, Fort William, former housekeeper for the Lithgow family on Ormsary Estate. A loving mum to Audrey and Willie, a wonderful granny to James, Jordan, Christopher and Matthew, a proud great granny to Logan and “Granny Ann” to Connie, a caring auntie to Les and all in her extended family, a special lady to Rob and Lizzie, a much loved relative, neighbour and friend. Forever loved and missed.
1989 – 2023
(Glasgow/Kinlochleven)
Sadly, in the care of the Queen Elizabeth hospital surrounded by her family , Eilidh Claire
MacInnes on Sunday 21st May 2023, aged 33 years, passed away peacefully. Eilidh Claire of Glasgow (formerly of Kinlochleven). A treasured daughter to John and Morag, a much loved God daughter to John Allan, a wonderful sister to Mhairi and Ciorstaidh, a caring and much loved granddaughter to Nellie and the late Duncan (Eriskay) MacInnes, a loving niece and cousin, a special friend to Heather and Laura and a much loved friend to so many. RIP. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
Suddenly at home, on Wednesday 10th May 2023, Donald O’Connor (Dodo), aged 73 years, Upper Scotstown, Strontian, former civil engineer and janitor of Ardnamurchan High School. A much loved brother to Jimmy, Margaret, Michael and the late Ian, Jake, Tommy, Billy and Mary-Ellen and so dearly loved by all in his extended family. A caring neighbour and friend to many. Rest In Peace.
1994 – 2023
(Fort William)
Sadly, on Sunday 7th May 2023, Scott William Knox, aged 29 years, Glasdrum Road, Fort William. An adored dad to Milly and Lily, a treasured son to Alan and Liz, a wonderful brother to Shaun, Alan, Kris, Louise and Lewis, a caring grandson to Phyllis and the late George also to William and Elizabeth, a much loved uncle, brother-in-law, nephew, cousin and a great friend to so many. Forever in our hearts.
1929 – 2023
(Fort William)
Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Saturday 13th May 2023, Jeanie
Mathewson Kincaid, known to all as Sheena, aged 93 years, Camanachd Crescent, An Aird, Fort William. Beloved wife of the late George Kincaid, a treasured mum to Robert, Caroline and George, and mother-in-law to Elaine, a wonderful granny to Laura, Lesley, John, Ross, Lewis, Cameron, Hamish and Bonnie, a proud great granny to Sam, a caring sister to the late Bill, a much loved relative, neighbour and friend. Greatly missed.
Sadly but peacefully, in the loving care of Abbeyfield Care Home, Ballachulish, on Wednesday 3rd May 2023, Mabel Amy McColl, aged 100 years, Kilmallie Road, Caol, Fort William. Beloved wife to the late Archie, a loving mum to Jimmy, Val, Keith and Derek, a treasured nan to Tracy, Dawn, Neil, Debbie, Diane, Karen, Maria and Keith, a wonderful great nan to 14 and great great nan to 2, a dear relative, neighbour and a good friend. So greatly missed.
Suddenly and unexpectedly, on Monday 8th May 2023, Jamie Lee Paul, aged 33 years, Shaw Place, Plantation, Fort William. A loving son to Tracie and Der, a treasured dad to Lewis, a caring brother to Reece, Andrew, Christopher and Kerry, a much loved grandson, nephew, cousin and a good friend to many. So greatly loved and missed.
Below the dark waves breaking on the surface of Loch Treig lies a secret visible only to those who know when to look. Tigh nam
Fleadh, the House of Feasts, is a crannog, an artificial island, which was submerged when the dam was built in 1929 and can only be seen when the waters of the loch drop substantially.
The crannog has had a number of different names including ‘Keppoch’s Council Island’ from a tradition that the Chief of Keppoch met his clansmen there when in hiding. It is also mentioned in the Gaelic poem Òran na Comhachaig ‘The song of the owl‘ written by Dòmhnall mac Fhionnlaigh nan Dàn (Donald son of Finlay of the songs) long regarded as a jewel in the crown of Gaelic poetry
and written about 1600. This correlates with carbon dating on the trees used in the construction which were found to be between AD1480 and 1650.
Crannogs are usually associated with prehistoric times although there is evidence of their use up to the medieval period. The 1933 survey of the crannog discovered a fragment of an iron backsword and a silver coin of Mary, Queen of Scots, which was in circulation between 1542-1558. This indicates the crannog was probably in use in the latter half of the 16th century.
This was corroborated in the report from the most recent survey, carried out in 2007 for Historic Scotland, which used the inspection and comparison of tree rings, known as dendrochronology, to try to
date the oak and pine timbers. Although this was inconclusive in this case, the radiocarbon dating used in the crannog’s construction material tied in with its use in the 16th century. Interestingly, the report considers the crannog must have been constructed whilst the knowledge of building crannogs with timber, brushwood and stone was still alive.
Prior to the work to provide hydropower to the Fort William smelter, Loch Treig was split into two. The northern end was separated by what was probably a terminal moraine - a ridge that marks the maximum limit of a glacier advance - left over from the last ice age, broken at the west side but shallow enough for stepping stones. This body of water, known as Eadarloch, would have been of a depth that allowed
trees there to act as piles and to have been driven into the bed of the loch to form the artificial island. Unusually, a square pattern was used rather than the more normal circular style such as that reconstructed on Loch Tay.
Unusually, in the late summer of 2021, there had been little rain and the need to keep the smelter going caused the water level in Loch Treig to drop substantially thus exposing the remains of the crannog.
This meant it was possible for those who had heard about the crannog’s exposure to visit it and examine what remains. They were not the first to examine the crannog; that was done in 1909 using a ‘water telescope’ followed by detailed surveys in 1933 and in 2007, both of which were carried out when water levels were low.
Brae Lochaber Heritage Group has an interest in historical and archaeological sites in the area. The Eadarloch crannog is a matter that concerns the group as it appears to be eroding and disappearing under the influence of the currents within the loch. There is, however, limited remaining material following the initial flood of water from Loch Langan and nearing 100 years of submersion.
So to discover what is happening to this site, the group is looking to have a professional inspection carried out by using photographs taken when the crannog was exposed.
Brae Lochaber Heritage has a number of photographs taken by members but is asking anyone who has been there and photographed the crannog
to forward their pictures on to them. It is hoped these, together with records such as Google Earth, which presently shows the exposed crannog, can be used to examine and detail the erosion.
If you have photographs of the crannog, please send them to admin@braelochaber.scot and include the date it was taken and, if possible, where the photograph was taken from together with your name.
This will greatly assist in providing, not only details of the past but also what may happen in the future.
Anyone interested in exploring the heritage of Brae Lochaber can visit www.braelochaber.scot.
Membership queries should be emailed to admin@braelochaber. scot.
Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson • First time Buyer • Buy to Let • Home mover • re-mortgages • CapitaL raising • CommerCiaL (for commercial mortgages we act as introducers)
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m Morvern, Glen Nevis Fort William PH33 6PF johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk
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A further selection of exceptional images created by members of Fort William Photographic Society. Colour, composition, skill and a great eye come together in their creation. Everyone is welcome at the regular society meetings on the second Tuesday of every month in the Salvation Army Hall, Fort William. To find out more about the society, visit its social media page.
Iain Ferguson
Two years ago, a young man left his home in Corpach to work in an international school in South Korea .
A year later, after travelling though Asia, he is working in an iron ore mine in northern Australia, after a brief return to Lochaber for his ‘holidays’. Even before this, 23-year-old Iain MacIntyre had travelled through many far-off places that would leave many envious of his adventures.
A fully qualified electrician who served his ‘time’ at the aluminium smelter, a first team player for Fort William Football Club and Kilmallie Shinty Club, Iain’s job in Korea, working as ‘big brother’ to children aged 7 to 11 years in a school on the other side of the world may seem to some as an unexpected move. However, anyone who has met him will easily understand how his genuinely friendly personality ensures he naturally fits into any environment. He decided to
move on after a year, travelling though Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore on his way to Australia, also managing to fit in an action packed 36 hours in New York, taking in the sights. On his 20th birthday he saw it from a different viewpoint - on a helicopter trip with his legs dangling out the door.
He has been in Australia before, but this time went travelling up the coast, making many new friends before taking up his job which is literally in the middle of nowhere, requiring two-hour flights from Perth to get there.
Speaking of his travels, Iain says he really enjoys just going off by himself, meeting people, making new friends and seeing many places and experiencing life in them.
He said: “You arrive alone at a hostel anywhere in the world and within half an hour you’re talking and eating with people as though they are lifelong friends, all through our shared interest in travelling.
“There are just so many experiences.
“I trekked into Machu Picchu, coming over the hills in mist which suddenly cleared revealing the ancient cityincredible. I have swum with whale sharks and celebrated Christmas on a Bali beach.
“Children in the school already spoke English, but by the time I left some had picked up a Scottish accent and would ask the English staff to repeat what they were saying as they couldn’t understand them. It was really funny.
“In the mine, I discovered they had a supply of Irn Bru, no idea how, but when workmates saw me drinking it they thought it must be some illicit beer. They are now converted”.
Temperatures at the desert mine are scorching, yet it was only after being at a recent Lochaber shinty match Iain got sunburn on his face - an unexpected result from his trip to Spean Bridge.
A call has gone out to support a special event taking place on Ben Nevis on Saturday July 1.
It is aimed at raising funds and awareness of a serious state of mind which in a short space of time has claimed the lives of many young men in Lochaber.
Despite many organisations existing specifically to combat this very real, but also hidden problem, too many have succumbed to the silent escalation of poor mental health to the point where they feel that despite having an ‘army’ of friends and the closest of caring relations, ending their life is the only option.
‘Boorach on the Ben’ has been organised by the family of a young man who took his own life at the start of this year to help fund Lochaber Hope, which provides advice, care or just an ear, which may connect with a desperate individual. As well as funds, it is hoped the event will increase awareness of Lochaber Hope’s services.
A page has been set up on social media for donations.
It is also hoped people will join the trek to the summit of the Ben, especially musicians, as the young man who took his life was accomplished in many traditional instruments from a young age. The Facebook
page set up by his cousin Megan says: “In loving memory of our dear cousin Liam, we are organising a charity climb of Ben Nevis on July 1 2023.
“Liam sadly took his own life in the early hours of New Years Day. This go fund me page is to help raise money to help with suicide awareness in young men locally. All money raised will go to Lochaber Hope members who are trained in this field.
“For the Boorach, anyone is welcome and musicians who wish to come along, bring your instruments for a quick strip the willow on Britain’s highest mountain.’’
A close relation said: “So kindhearted and full of nonsense, Liam was always smiling and joking. He was a phenomenal accordionist and a talented shinty player and was proud to play for Ballachulish shinty team.
“He was extremely close with all his family and friends and at a young age we all got together gigging around hotels to raise money at various fund-raisers.
We wanted to set up this fundraiser, combing his passion for fitness and music, by tackling Ben Nevis and having a tune with others at the top. This climb is in his memory to help raise awareness of suicide in men.
“Liam would be the first up there on top of the Ben banging out tunes for everyone and all money raised will go to Lochaber Hope. Sadly, too many men do not talk or open up about how they are feeling and if this can help promote this, it is so worthwhile”.
To find out more scan this QR code.
Cast your mind back to sports day at primary school. They were usually held shortly before the summer holidays, although often not in sunny weather. Well, for the second year in a row, the sun shone on the Lochaber Primaries
Interschool Sports event
organised by Active Schools co-ordinators bringing together every primary school in the area for friendly competition.
Held in the remains of the once large King George V park next to Lochaber Leisure Centre, the event began with a distance race followed by the first heat of sprints, skipping and a sack race. Semi finals and finals followed the heats,
with some tight finishes. The day finished with a girls relay, a boys relay and mixed relays in each of three categories –those of large schools more than 100 pupils; medium schools and small schools of under 30 pupils. Points were awarded in each semi-final and final to give overall school standings. The trophy for the Small Schools was won by St Brides, with Glencoe in second, closely followed by Lochaline in third. The Medium Schools shield was taken by Spean Bridge, followed by Acharacle then Kinlochleven. In the Large Schools competition, Banavie took first place ahead of Lundavra with Caol in third place.
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Iain Ferguson
Every year, Voluntary Action Lochaber (VAL) stages the VOSCAR (Volunteer Oscars) Award ceremony to recognise the great work done in the area by volunteers. Awards are made in several categories: Young Scot Volunteer of the Year aimed at young people under 25 who give their time to contribute to the community and help others. This year’s winner was Chloe Beverage who has completed more than 100 hours of volunteering in the Vintage Cafe and other good causes. She has been nominated for a Saltire Summit award.
Volunteer of the Year Over 25 award is for individuals who volunteer in their community, all giving of their time for the
benefit of others. Carol Anne Campbell was the winner as the driving force behind several community initiatives including the Community Cupboard and Fridge based in Kilmallie Community Centre. The Organisation of the Year Award recognises a group or organisation which makes Lochaber a better place to live. Category winner was Urram which provides a hospital transport service for residents of Ardgour, Sunart, Morvern, Acharacle and West Ardnamurchan to attend NHS Highland hospital appointments.
Board/committee Member of the Year Award is someone who volunteers on a board or committee to help make decisions, on behalf of the organisation. Winner was Marian Austen who, amongst other things is an active chairperson for the board of Lochaber Environmental Group.
Best Volunteer Supporting Organisation Award is for a group or organisation which provides support and training for their volunteers. Winner The Tuesday Club has one of the best volunteer retention rates in Lochaber and was nominated by its volunteers who expressed how much they enjoy volunteering at the club and how appreciated
they feel. The Achievement Award recognises someone who, over several years, has devoted their time to volunteering. This year it was given to John Fotheringham, chairman of the Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, whose nomination was endorsed by the dozen trustees.
Highland roads can be busy, frustrating and dangerous in July. As the first car owner in my family, driving has always seemed a privilege, and usually a pleasure, even now. Back then, six weeks’ intensive lessons led to passing the test - thankfully, as driving was necessary for my first job. The instructor commented: “You’re quite good at reversing and parking - for a girl”. Complimentary? I accepted it as such.
Chauvinistic? Perhaps.
My father loaned me money
to buy the car. He impressed on me that it was a resource, not only for my job but to help other people who might need transport. Nowadays I am often grateful for a lift from others, or a taxi driver, and recently my reversing let me down with a bang.
Attitudes to women drivers - and the traffic on our roads - may both be different even since last century. Obviously travel and the culture for women in Palestine a millennium ago was very different. The Gospel of Luke tells us that as Jesus travelled - by foot, of course - through towns and villages “preaching the Good News about the Kingdom of God” there were many women
“who used their own resources to help Jesus and his disciples.” (Luke
8.3) GNBThe Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is what my Glasgow born husband might call the church ‘hied bummer’. She is the fifth woman in the job. However, it is not an easy time to be a Christian and church member, let alone a leader, whether man or woman.
If you get stuck in a traffic queue this summer, would it help to consider the hold up time a precious resource? To take a breath, relax and say a prayer for fellow travellers, perhaps someone is injured, and for your church leaders?
Wishing safe travel to everyone.
Sollas,
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Biking enthusiasts will be delighted at the great new pump track which will become operational shortly on land beside Lochaber High School. However, a bit like an iceberg, the opening will mark only the tip of a long and involved process which began almost six years ago.
The story starts in September 2017 when young riders Cory Muir and Daniel Parfitt spent an afternoon at Inverness Skate Park. They spent hours playing on their BMXs on the BMX Park and the Pump Track and were absolutely buzzing. After their trip, local enthusiasts decided to see how feasible it would be to build something similar in Fort William.
Initially the challenge was to find out what was involved and advice was sought from Inverness Skate Park to create a copy of what they had built and move it to Fort William. They were really helpful with fundraising sources and contractors, as were the team building the Boat of Garten Pump Track. The process began.
In April 2018, the Wheelers Junior Club arranged a 24-hour
pump trackathon, riding for 24 hours constantly on the Pump Track at Inverness Skate Park, raising a substantial amount of money.
Things really took off when the group, Lochaber Wheeled Sports Society, won the Chamber of Commerce ‘Dragons Glen’ competition in November 2018. The judges were overwhelmed with sheer numbers, due to the fact the whole West Highland Wheelers membership went along.
When it came to the audience vote, no-one else stood a chance and having won the £10,000 the commitment to try and get it built became a reality.
Having managed to raise a substantial amount of money by their own efforts, the group accessed grant money from a number of sources to reach the target
of £600,000. Sport Scotland was the largest funder, providing almost £300,000.
This donation provided a foundation for applications to other funders.
Other large funders are Moidart Trust; Peter Harrison Foundation; Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation; Scottish Children’s Lottery Chance to Flourish; Highland Council Place Based Development; Garfield Weston; EB Scotland Landfill Community Fund and HIE.
Thanks also go to the generous donations by Alvance, Clyde Munro Dental Group, MOWI, as well as numerous local businesses which have supported the project.
Construction on the Fort William Bike park started at the beginning of May 2023 and is planned to be finished by August 3 to coincide with the World Championship Downhill Mountain Biking.
T: 01397 712373
M: 07884 185 279 scottmandrews@tiscali.co.uk
Large wooden structures with pipes - but where?
LAST MONTH: Metal shed which has seen better days near Invergarry.
Competitive women’s rugby returned to Lochaber for the first time in 20 years with a match at Banavie played in early May. The event was the pinnacle of activity, firstly to attract more women to the sport and a 10week training programme led by member Naomi Duncan with support from the other Club coaches.
As with most sports, the players, ranging in age from late teens to early fifties, took part in a warm up session, moving on to ‘touch’ rugby before getting down to full contact in the game. The teams also had an inter-club make-up featuring a mix of players from different clubs and areas.
To mark the occasion, the teams were marched on to the field by three pipers, some of whom had close relations taking part in the match. The game was played in 20 minute blocks, with
great determination and skill, overseen by a qualified referee to make sure, as in the male game, rules were adhered to and fair play was observed.
Also, as with their male counterparts, a fair-sized group of spectators turned out to watch and, of course, participate with helpful advice from Banavie’s ‘hill’ with just as much gusto and interest as their regular Saturday outings.
Lochaber Rugby Club is delighted at the return of women’s rugby and invites anyone who would like to take part to get in
touch with them online at www. lochaberrfc.co.uk or through social media or its Facebook page @LochaberRFC.
