Lochaber Life #332 June 2021

At the heart of your community 14

Community Connections

25

Biologist abroad

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An t-Ògmhios

Beatha Lochabair

Mountain Avens

June 2021 – Issue 332

invergarry Cash for tracks appeal Lochaber Life June 2021.indd 1

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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Ardrhu House

A little bit of magic and a whole lot of luxury The summer has started and there’s no better way to step into it than with a visit to Ardrhu House to delight all your senses and indulge in a culinary feast alongside your spa day or on its own.

In addition to signature spa packages, Ardrhu House now serves an eclectic à la carte lunch and a 3-course dinner menu for £39.95 pp.

Each day, limited places are available for dinner for non residents in an intimate setting inside or in one of the outdoor dome settings which feel cosy and sheltered from the rain and the ubiquitous midge.

Imagine long afternoons sipping a glass of our signature champagne-based cocktail, Victory, whilst soaking up the views from the garden or from our hot tub overlooking Loch Linnhe, watching the sunset and letting all your worries drift away...that’s just what you have been missing all this time.

And that wonderful champagne cream tea, previously offered only on spa days, is now available for all guests at £22 for one and £40 for two.

Catch up on those cancelled

celebrations and treat yourself and your loved ones to a visit to Ardrhu House.

Gift vouchers are available for dining or the spa, without an expiry date.

‘Summer Spa la Carte’, is a perfect package of services to restore and revive your body and soul. £120 for one and £220 for two, including breakfast or the famous afternoon tea.

The spa offers remain truly à la carte: you buy the time and choose whatever treatments or products you desire with plenty of expert help to make the wisest decision. Treatment time upgrades are available at £20 per extra 30 minutes.

The emerald steam room, Finnish sauna, hydro-jet shower and outdoor jacuzzi overlooking Loch Linnhe await you, where they use worldfamous brands Ila, Templespa and Paul Mitchell.

Massage choices vary in length and include a therapeutic range.

The massage treatments are popular with male and female customers and a couple’s visit includes treatments in the same room, side-by-side.

For the full story on Ardrhu House’s magic touch, to design your Spa la Carte experience or to have a look at everything we have to offer visit https://www. ardrhuhouse.com

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06 13 Beatha Lochabair

contents

18 New minister, old connections

06

Search for a Mackintosh

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reader’s picture

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recipe

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west Highland way record

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Mountain Avens

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FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH:

invergarry Station new tracks

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Museum volunteers Mark Bowman and Chris Oram examine the junction which will link into the new section of track when the money for the extension is raised.

Cancer research volunteers

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New Sea Cadet commander

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Community Connections

25

Biologist Abroad book review

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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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THE LONGEST DAY The Summer Solstice is upon us with the longest day of the year falling, as it always does, on June 21. Many people celebrate this time by drinking in every last ray of light well into the wee small hours. Midnight golf is always a favourite activity while for others sitting in the garden drinking in more than the night-time daylight is a less energetic pursuit. The one thing that may stop any of this, of course, is the weather and for many years I seem to recall Midsummer night being cloudy, wet and not particularly bright.

Fingers crossed this year it will live up to its name...or turn on the lights and let Lochaber Life illuminate you. Iain.

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 Ltd.

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KILMALLIE FAMILY TIES CONTINUE WITH NEW MINISTER Iain Ferguson

When Reverend Rory MacLeod took up his new charge in Fort William Kilmallie linked with Kilmonivaig he was, in many ways, returning to family roots in Lochaber.

Dating back to around 1790, his ancestor Donald MacLeod was head master of Garrison School. Donald’s son John was born in Fort William and followed in his father’s footsteps, also becoming head master, before being ordained taking up a charge in the Parish of Ballachulish and then in Laggan, where he died.

To further cement his links to the area, the brother of Rory’s grandfather, Rev William MacLeod, is buried in Kilmallie Cemetery. He was a minister in Edinburgh, from where, due to illness he had been granted a six-month break to recover.

He died in 1907 when a guest at the house of the Everard Jones family, in Fassfern, where he had previously been a tutor.

His burial service and interment was conducted in Kilmallie Church by three ministers who were his friends. Following this, an eagle lectern was commissioned in his memory, which has remained in the church since then.

Coming from a long line of Church of Scotland ministers on both sides of his family, Rory

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was licensed to preach from the Presbytery of Lochcarron/ Skye in 1985 with the service in the Parish Church of Duirinish.

However, it was while he was a student at Aberdeen University that he had his first experience of military life through a first cousin who was a Black Watch padre, spending a summer in Germany with the Regiment.

Throughout his career Rory has served with many regiments in numerous areas of conflict across the globe tending their spiritual needs in such diverse locations as Belize, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is still a member of the Army Reserves from which he will be retiring later this year. He said: ‘My wife Carolyn and I have had a great

welcome from everyone in the area and I look forward to meeting even more people right across the parish as Covid regulations are relaxed. It was wonderful to rediscover our family history in the area and be able to add to it. I knew of the lectern’s existence, but had never see it. It is wonderful to find such a close family connection in the church and to read the inscription on just how highly regarded he was.’

As a keen piper, Rory hopes to become involved in various local organisations, while on the sporting front he is an active tennis and badminton player, hoping for the opportunity to continue these locally.

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SEARCH FOR MR CHARLES MACKINTOSH A lady from England has been in touch with an appeal to help her find information on a relative who lived and worked in Fort William and the surrounding area for many years in the first part of the 20th century.

Charles Mackintosh was an engineer in Argyllshire who was involved in building the path up Ben Nevis and the construction of Dunoon Pier.

He was quite distinctive in being a large man who always wore a kilt and Inverness Cape.

Her family history has it that he also took a car up Ben Nevis and she remembers a picture of him with another man whom she thinks may be Cameron of Locheil, taken in the Ben Nevis area. She also believes he lived in a house called ‘The Pines’ somewhere in Fort William or Inverlochy.

This is the only picture she has, taken at a wedding in the late 1920s. If you can help provide more information, please contact Lochaber Life iainpics@googlemail.com

Reader’s picture: It shouldn’t be happening at the moment, but this snow tunnel on Carn Dearg was photographed only last month by reader Bill Cameron.

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Springing Fort william back into life with the Fort william Spring Festival It is with great pleasure we can announce that Fort William Mountain Spring Festival will be taking place in collaboration with Lochaber Chamber of Commerce and Highland Cinema.

This is a continuation of our successful on-line Mountain Festival event in February. The essence of the Spring Festival from May 28 to May 30 is to ‘spring’ the Outdoor Capital of the UK and its people back into life, particularly in the High Street.

It will comprise fresh produce, artisan goodies, arts and crafts markets in Cameron Square over the Saturday and Sunday. From charcuterie to candles and fresh

baked yummy treats to fresh veg and greens, be sure to head along to the High Street. Local shops, restaurants, cafes and more will be excited to see you all too. We will be adopting a oneway system on both days and will be following Covid protocols.

If you are a producer or a maker and would like to enquire about a stall at this event please contact Lochaber Chamber of Commerce by emailing membership@ lochaberchamber.co.uk In addition to the market, there is the opportunity to watch adventure films and presentations at the Highland Cinema, starting on Friday night

with ‘Touching the Void’, with the film-maker Keith Partridge in attendance to tell you how it was made. Saturday will also see Calvos; Jugglers and Stilt walkers; impressive and unique entertainment in the High Street as you shop. During the Saturday and Sunday we have also planned a host of outdoor fringe events that cater for families and others; events that get folk stimulated; energised; outdoors and having fun. All of these are provided by local outdoor, professionals. Go on-line at www. mountainfestival.co.uk for more information. COVID-19 measures will be in place and applied.

WE’RE SPRINGING BACK TO LIFE FRIDAY 28th - Launch Evening · See the film ‘Touching the Void’ and have an audience with film maker Keith Partridge SATURDAY & SUNDAY EVENTS · Buy from the Produce and Arts & Crafts market stalls - Cameron square 10.00-3.00pm · Watch High Street Entertainment - Saturday only.

‘Calvos’ mesmerising jugglers and stilt walkers

SPRING FESTIVAL 28-30 MAY 2021 In collaboration with Lochaber Chamber of Commerce and Highland Cinema

· Watch a range of exciting & thrilling outdoor adventure films showing at the Highland Cinema · Experience an outdoor family friendly ‘fringe’ activity locally, Glen Nevis, Nevis Range, The Caledonian Canal Sponsors

MAIN EVENT AT HIGHLAND CINEMA & THE HIGH STREET Visit website for more information

Friends & Supporters Me on My wall

Alexandra Hotel

creative tive canvas art www.meonmywall.co.uk

#FWMF2021 | www.mountainfestival.co.uk | LOCHABeR LIFe

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Council Tax: check to save In an attempt to improve the take up of Council Tax reductions, exemptions and discounts, Citizens Advice Scotland has created an online tool where people can answer questions to help find out whether they are exempt from having to pay council tax or are eligible for a discount or reduction in their bill.

This can be found at www. checkmycounciltax.scot If you get an exemption from council tax, you normally also won’t have to pay anything to your water and sewerage charges, unless you are on a water meter. If

you get a discount on your council tax, you will have to pay something to both your council tax and water and sewerage charges. For example, for a single occupancy discount you may have to pay 75 per cent of the council tax charge and 75 per cent of the water and sewerage charges.

If you get a council tax reduction, the amount you will have to pay depends on your savings and income. Even if you get a council tax reduction because of low income and savings, you will still have to pay for at least 75 per cent

Lochaber

of the water and sewerage charges.

If further information or advice is required you can call Lochaber CAB between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday on 01397 705311 or email adviser@lochabercab.casonline. org.uk

DURING OPENING HOURS 10am-4pm, TELEPHONE 01397 705311 Message can be left EMAIL – adviser@lochabercab.casonline.org.uk

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• INGREDIENTS • 250g gooseberies, topped and tailed 3 tbsp caster sugar

GOOSEBERRY FOOL

200g yoghurt

Lochaber Life recipes are usually made by expert chefs but this month I thought I would have a go myself, with a simple summer dish using gooseberries, which this year are growing in our garden. Hope it works out for you. Iain, Editor.

200ml double cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

• METHOD • Put the gooseberries and sugar in a pan with a small amount of water, heating gently while stirring. Gradually bring to the simmer and cook until the gooseberries soften and are easily burst open. Using a potato masher (tattie champer) or fork, squash until smooth. Allow to cool then pop into the fridge.

Empty the yoghurt in a bowl and beat in the icing sugar with vanilla until evenly mixed. Add the cream and whisk until it thickens, then drizzle through the gooseberry liquid. Dollop into dessert dishes and serve. Good luck.

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CYCLING THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY - IN RECORD TIME

Iain Ferguson Multi-disciplined and multiaward winning athlete Gary MacDonald has added yet another accolade to his list, by cycling the full length of the West Highland Way in under nine hours.

Well-known for his regular appearance in the top ten performers in the Scottish Six Days Trial over many years, including winning the pre 65 race the first time he entered, winning numerous cycling events across the country and successfully completing the Ben Race several times, it is no surprise this was also the second time Gary claimed the West Highland Way record.

Breaking it firstly in August of last year, he knocked an hour off the existing six-year-old record completing the route in 9 hours 28 minutes 34 seconds.

However, unbeknown to him professional athlete Rab

Wardell, who held the record in 2011, had been planning a re-run of his previous attempt, aiming to better the record set in 2015 with a sub 10 hour time. Gary’s achievement, just a month before he was due to set off raised the bar considerably.

Complete with backup team and video crew, he managed to better Gary’s new time by just 14 minutes and 2 seconds, to take the record. That was until recently when the Gary further pushed the boundary by completing the route in just 8 hours 40 minutes and 14 seconds.

All the more remarkable is that Gary prepared for the ordeal while still working full time as a joiner, fitting in training and adapting his own special, light but strong bike in his own time. The weight of the bike was especially important as it had to be carried over some sections.

Gary said: ‘I am delighted to have done this and be the first to cycle the West Highland Way in under nine hours. I had always wanted to tackle the route and when I did it last year I set out to beat the previous record but didn’t expect to do it by such a large margin.

‘Training was really tough, spending hours on building fitness while still working.

However this time, various companies helped out with sponsorship and I would like to thank all of them for their support which allowed me to invest in equipment and specialised clothing.

‘Hopefully my latest record will last a while as I certainly don’t intend to do his again anytime soon!’

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LOCHABER FLOWER SEEDS HELP RESTORE LAKE DISTRICT STOCKS Jonathan Hart, Jahama Highland Estates The Mountain Aven is a lovely alpine plant with distinctive eight-petal blooms and a yellow centre which is found widely in the Scottish Highlands but classed as ‘vulnerable’ in England and ‘endangered’ in Wales.

It is a ground hugging plant with small green foliage which are often thought to look like miniature oak leaves. It grows in cold, sunny climates, flowers in early summer and prefers a limestone outcrop habitat. In the past, the leaves have been associated with making a herbal tea.

A significant population of Mountain Avens is located in Lochaber on the Jahama Highland Estate (part of the GFG Alliance), high up in the Grey Corries. These Lochaber populations are all located within the Ben Nevis site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and special area of conservation (SAC).

In the Pennines of Northern England, the Mountain Aven is found in very limited quantities and in the English Lake District there are reportedly only two remaining locations where this flower can be found. Both these locations were at risk of being lost forever as the flower has a limited genetic pool from which to re-establish itself and it is at risk due to the effects of climate change.

Last year, Jahama Highland Estates and the John Muir Trust worked collaboratively to locate and recover a range of seeds from the Lochaber population of Mountain Avens from high in the Grey Corries. Special permissions had to be sought by the landowner and from NatureScot given the special protection the wildflowers have in Lochaber.

Once permissions were granted, no more than 10 per cent of the available Lochaber seed population were allowed to be harvested to help the re-establishment of the plant in the

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Lake District Fells Special Area of Conservation.

It normally takes five weeks from the end of flowering season to the plant seeding and it is at this key seeding stage when the seeds can be carefully recovered and translocated.

In the autumn of 2020 seeds were collected (under Covid -19 conditions) and taken across the border where they have been lovingly recultivated by members of the John Muir Trust and will be re-planted on the slopes of Helvellyn, the third highest mountain in England’s Lake District, hopefully all going well sometime this summer.

Dryas Octopelata - The national flower of Iceland and the territorial emblem of Canada’s Northwest Territories.

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Spring Market will celebrate best of local produce Lochaber Chamber of Commerce supports homegrown business with a special Spring Market celebrating the best of local arts, crafts and produce during the Fort William Spring Mountain Festival.

Be a part of the buzz in the Outdoor Capital of the UK over the last weekend of May. Come along to Cameron Square on Fort William’s High Street on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th May to visit a special Spring Market of local artisan produce and beautiful highland crafts, brought to you by Lochaber Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Fort William Spring Mountain Festival.

There’s so much going on over the weekend, with inspiring films and events for the whole family.

Grab this chance to get out and get together again by celebrating and supporting our local

food and drink producers, artists and makers at a relaxed outdoor market as part of the Fort William Spring Mountain Festival.

You’ll find so much to tempt you at the Spring Market: treat yourself or someone special to some award-winning charcuterie, delicious baked goodies, locally produced beers and gin, fresh homegrown produce or stunning artwork, crafts and jewellery from local artists and makers.

The Spring Market will be a safe place to shop and browse. We will be adopting a one-way system over the weekend and will be following COVID protocols.

Local shops, restaurants, cafes and more will be open to welcome you to the High Street too. We look forward to seeing you there!

Spring Market: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th May, 10am - 3pm. Cameron Square, Fort William.

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In Loving Memory of JAMES (VIC) MACPHERSON 1933 – 2021 (Lochyside) With love we remember Vic MacPherson, former proprietor at JV MacPherson Builders and a dedicated, hardworking volunteer with Caol in Bloom for many years. A devoted husband to the late Shirley, a loving dad to Andrew and Stuart and father-in-law to Mervi and Shirley, a wonderful grandad to Tanja, Mark, Connor and Isla and a much-loved brother to Donald and Ann, a special uncle, relative and friend to many.

In Loving Memory of JOHN TURNBULL 1925 – 2021 (Fort William) In loving memory of John Turnbull (former Chief Draftsman at Lochaber Smelter), a devoted husband to the late Margaret, a loving dad to Dianne and Aileen, father-in-law to Alec, a wonderful papa to Linsay, Craig, Kara, Emma and Laura and a great papa to Ben, Lewis, Robin, Neave, Roan, Alexander, Bertie, Cameron, Seamus and Skye, a muchloved uncle, relative and friend. A keen mountaineer all his life, climbing all over the world including summiting the Matterhorn, Switzerland, aged only 23 years old.

Together again with his beloved Margaret.

In Loving Memory of BILL LAMONT 1941 - 2021 (Caol) A much-loved husband to Anne and step-father to William and Sharon.

Bill would often be seen walking his beloved dogs around Caol and the Caledonian Canal.

Greatly missed everyday

by Anne and the family.

May he rest in peace.

In Loving Memory of GARY WALLACE 1973 - 2021 (Fort William / Inverness) A loving son to the late Jim and May, brother to Paul, Mark, Steven & Philip, dad to Conal, uncle, nephew & cousin.

You will be sorely missed by family & friends. Now at peace with Mum & Dad. SAOR

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 SALLY MALARKEY JOHNSTONE 1935 – 2019 (Caol) In loving memory of our dear mum Sally Makarkey Johnstone passed away 29th April 2019. How I wish that I could say I’m going to see my mum today, to hear her voice, to see her smile or to sit and chat with her a while. We love and miss you so much mum, love from Carol, the boys and all your grandchildren xxx

In Loving Memory of DONALD STIRLING 1974 – 2021 (Inverlochy) A much-loved son to Greta, a loving brother to Willie, relative, colleague, neighbour and a well-liked friend to many. Donald worked at Lochaber Smelter for many years.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his mum and brother. Rest in peace.

In Loving Memory of NORMAN (NAGGY) MACKENZIE 1942 – 2021 (Ballachulish) In loving memory of Norman (Naggy) MacKenzie, aged 79 years, Park Road, Ballachulish, A well-known and respected Plumber throughout Lochaber and stalwart supporter, former player and manager for Ballachulish Shinty Club. A devoted husband to the late Joan, a caring dad to Stephen, Doreen and Annette and father-in-law to Carol, a wonderful grandad to his grandchildren Connor and Holly, and a much-loved uncle, neighbour and friend.

In Loving Memory of JAMES (JIMMY) MCGARRY 1937 – 2021 (Banavie) A devoted husband to Jeanette, a loving dad to Elaine, John and Louise, father-in-law to John and John, a wonderful Granda to JJ, Lewis, Lauryn and Bethan, step granda to John and Conor, great granda to Minnie, Jake, Bonnie and Zara, a muchloved brother to Cathie, Margaret, Jean and Betty and brother-in-law to Joey, Anne, Irene and Christine, uncle to his many nephews and nieces, neighbour and a friend.

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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CASH FOR TRACKS Iain Ferguson Volunteers creating the Invergarry and Fort Augustus museum have launched a ‘Cash for Tracks’ appeal to buy rails which will complete a trackway to a proposed new building.

Based at the former, grand Invergarry Railway station, which was closed in 1947, the group has already made tremendous progress in restoring the long platform which until just a few years ago was an unrecognisable, overgrown jungle. Thanks to their efforts, the whole length can now be seen and a signal box is under construction in its original position and a trackside wooden hut houses

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museum exhibits on the history of the station and the Invergarry to Fort Augustus line which served it.

Railway tracks have also been laid along one side of the platform and a bit beyond which is used by their small diesel unit and it is hoped to extend this as time goes on.

Amongst the proposals are plans for a restoration workshop in what was once the covered goods wagon loading with tracks leading into it from the ‘main line’.

The charity has been offered a set of tracks which will enable them to complete this part of the railway which will eventually end up inside the

building, but need to raise £5,000 to buy them while they are still available.

Chairman Christopher Ellice said: ‘We have been presented with the great opportunity, which would really help the project along, but need to fund the purchase fairly quickly.

We have grants in place, or are pending for various other parts of the project, but these processes can take a bit of time.

In ‘normal’ times we would have held a few fund raising events of our own, but of

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course Covid restrictions have meant these haven’t happened, so all donations are welcome at this time to help us buy the new rails.’

Work on the project was also hit by Covid as little could be done during lockdown and batches of volunteers who normally travel from other parts to help with the work were unable to make the journey.

As the Great Glen Way runs alongside the platform and shares a fair bit of its route with the old railway, many walkers were amazed at first sight of the station and the special underpass which was created to protect passengers from the elements, especially Victorian ladies in big dresses.

Many of the passers-by will make a brief stop at the museum to ask about what they can see and are really amazed to hear about the history of the track they are following, which makes their trip that bit more interesting.

Future plans for the project include putting the finishing touches to the signal box, for which the group would like to hear form anyone capable of constructing and installing the traditional square lattice style windows.

Much of the signalling mechanism has already been installed under the platform and in the near future the actually trackside signal posts should be in place.

Volunteers have also laid track along one side of the platform and have recently been able to complete a set of points which will direct rolling stock into the former goods area and when built, the restoration workshop

where repairs and maintenance can be carried out.

Plans for the station building itself, which will become the main museum, are at an advanced stage, but additional volunteers are needed soon as building rubble, mainly bricks, needs to be removed by hand so as not to disturb original piping and waterworks underneath the platform, which will have to be carefully documented and added to architect’s drawings.

As work proceeded on track laying, one of the volunteers came up with a fundraising idea of re-using some of the old spikes which were driven in to hold the rails in place.

All are cast with the date of manufacture and the name of the railway company, some dating back to the 1930s with famous names such as LNER

and even Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway (I&FAR), with British Rail (BR) from the 60s and right up to modern day.

Those that can no longer be used for the job they were intended have been painted up, mounted on a specially designed, hand made plinth to become door stops the perfect gift for railway enthusiasts of all ages.

Invergarry station may have be abandoned a long time ago after its glory years, when even Royalty graced its platform and buildings, but it now has a promising and exciting future thanks to the team of enthusiastic and talented volunteers.

Find out how you can help, with information on the project and how to donate to their good work on www. invergarrystation.org.uk

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VOLUNTEER FOR CANCER RESEARCH SHOP The Cancer Research shop in Fort William has a simple appeal for everyone: ‘We urgently need volunteers’.

Now the shop has re-opened for business, more help is required to keep it operating for its many customers and people making donations.

Volunteers need only offer a few hours of their time per week, or longer if they like, and training will be given in all aspects of running the shop, from sorting the donations to dealing with customers and helping with fundraising events.

Manager Sharon Smith said: ‘Since the shop opened 30 years ago, we have raised more than £3 million for Cancer

Research and we would like to continue making a real contribution to this work.

‘People are very generous in making donations to the shop and our volunteers do an excellent job in preparing this to go on sale. However, there is much more than this to joining the team, with the opportunity to make new friends, get out of the house and have fun while making a real contribution to the community.’

Anyone from 18 years upwards is welcome and to find out more either drop into the shop or call Sharon on 01397 705116.

NEW SEA CADET COMMANDER Lochaber Sea Cadets Unit, TS St. Christopher, has a history dating back many decades, giving young people the opportunity to explore and learn new activities. Recently a new Commanding Officer has ‘taken the bridge’ and become one of the youngest in the country to do so.

Forty two year old Derick Campbell joined the Sea Cadets in 1989, serving for 12 years before moving away, returning to the unit around seven years ago, in a senior role, before taking on the acting command role on the tragic early passing of

previous Commanding Officer, Derrick Warner.

Due to Covid, Derick used online resources to participate in several training courses, discussion groups and interviews in place of a residential course at a naval base before being officially appointed. Lochaber Sea Cadet Unit is particularly successful and presently has a complement of 22 cadets, but as the new Commanding Officer points out ‘there’s always room for more.’

For more information on Sea Cadet activities email info. scclochaber@gmail.com

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Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson

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It’s Volunteers’ Week at Voluntary Action Lochaber Over the past year, Voluntary Action Lochaber has been co-ordinating a pool of volunteers and ‘plugging the gaps’ where needed to help Lochaber communities in direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of National Volunteers Week, Voluntary Action Lochaber (VAL) would like to thank our amazing team of volunteers who have been helping vulnerable people since the beginning of the pandemic across Lochaber.

The volunteers have been delivering prescriptions from pharmacies, posting mail and providing a shopping service to people unable to leave their homes. Alongside this service, we have been running a community larder and giving emergency food parcels to people and families experiencing severe financial hardship, due to job losses, being furloughed, having to self-isolate and other Covid related issues.

By the end of April VAL’S volunteers had provided emergency aid parcels to more than 100 households. These services are ongoing and the

community larder is still fully operational, feeding families in need. The volunteers are still actively helping the community delivering emergency packs that contain non-perishable items, fresh produce, cleaning products and personal hygiene items.

The efforts of Voluntary Action Lochaber’s volunteers and how they have helped people in crisis during such an unprecedented period have not gone unrecognised by the public. People who have accessed the service have been very thankful for the help our volunteers have provided.

An anonymous quote from a couple who have been shielding since last March: ‘We have been extremely grateful for the assistance we have received from a number of directions. From our point of view VAL has been the most outstanding organisation throughout.’

Volunteering has proven physical and mental health benefits and gives people a sense of purpose, particularly during difficult times.

‘If you didn’t go out volunteering you would sit by the fire all day watching TV. Also, it made me realise how difficult life could be if you were self-isolating and had no one to pick up your shopping or prescriptions,’ said Norma Gregory, volunteer.

‘I have really enjoyed volunteering, especially during lockdown, as it gave me a sense of purpose and it was great just being able to help people that were unable to get out and about,’ added volunteer Matthew Bradley.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have given time to support their communities.

Lochaber has always had such a vibrant third sector and now has proved to be no exception.

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Chlaram Computer Services For all your Laptop/PC repairs and upgrades, wireless/internet setups and custom builds Distance no object - covering all areas from Oban to Mallaig to Fort Augustus.

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A BIOLOGIST ABROAD Book review Iain Ferguson Biologist Rory Putman, who lives in Banavie, has spent a lifetime studying animals in their natural habitats, a career which has taken him across the globe.

Sounds like it would make an interesting book? Yes, it does and it is with the publication last month of ‘A Biologist Abroad’ in which Rory writes both in a factual, entertaining and always engaging discourse of his exploits as a ‘professional observer’ of animals over many years.

Travelling in Iceland, East Africa, Nigeria and Indonesia from the 1960s to the present day, in what could almost be described of a ‘Travelogue’ of natural history’ he records the people and their cultures as well as the activities of the creatures around them.

While almost no part of the world has escaped the author’s gaze, the book deliberately explores only a handful of countries.

He picked one place from each decade of his 50 year working life, starting in Iceland from 1969 and onwards to places which were completely different like East Africa and Indonesia, giving an interesting contrast of places and cultures.

In Iceland the job was to

study the breeding behaviour of Whooper Swans in the remote central Highlands, and perhaps more importantly, to make studies of the Icelandic Pink-footed geese as it was considered possible that this might actually be a distinct subspecies. Icelandic geese tend to overwinter in Scotland then migrate back in the spring to breed in Iceland.

Travels to Kenya and Tanzania were for a much wider range of activities, the primary interest for Rory being observation of the annual migration of wildebeest and other large herbivores around the Serengeti system and almost as an aside, helping to capture giraffe to fit radiocollars on another project.

Having spent half his working life in the UK, mostly

North of the border, and the other half overseas, he now uses his vast experience as a consultant on deer and other large herbivores, involving issues such as ecology and behaviour, working mainly in wildlife management problems.

He said: ‘There is a great resilience built into natural systems and they are constantly evolving. I think the natural world is more robust than we give it credit for, however, the activities of mankind have had a tremendous impact on the natural world and we have responsibility to look after it.’

A Biologist Abroad by Rory Putnam, available now at £16.99.

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Stokes Memorials Serving Argyll, the Highlands & Islands for over 35 Years

• New Memorials • Additional Inscriptions • Cleaning & Renovations • Work carried out in all areas

Tel / Fax: 01369 702162 Email: fraserdownie.43@gmail.com

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Property Maintenance & Repairs No Job Too Small Fully Insured 24 Hour Service General Building Repairs Painting & Decorating Kitchens Bathrooms

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New builds or conversions Alterations & extensions Preparation of feu plans Preparation of “as existing drawings” Building Warrant and planning applications M 07429 489537 E admin@jcarchitecture.co.uk W jcarchitecture.co.uk

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Painters & Decorators For High Quality Workmanship

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During the last year our homes have been both our refuge and our prison - unless we are fortunate to have a garden.

How did those living with family in high rise flats cope?

Using communal stairs or lifts must be a challenge to ‘social distancing’. Perhaps that would be better described as ‘antisocial’ distancing. Grandparents and other family members have been missing hugs.

Will we ever be comfortable again with traditional Highland hospitality? Many years ago I was privileged to visit a local matriarch. Her daughters told

me proudly she was noted for her invitation ‘Thig a’ steach’, Come in’.

Whether the person at the door was a ‘gentleman of the road’ or the Laird Lochiel himself’ the same cup of tea and a scone would be offered.

You read this before, but I can’t praise our local neighbours often enough for their lockdown support - from the young girls who bake treats for the street, the children who amuse us at play and offer to help with a tricky gardening task, to the more mature who shop and offer support when needed.

Now that churches are open, we can also enjoy distanced

fellowship, as well as online and ‘paper’ church. Even those who, for any reason, found church going a challenge, can access a local minister on Youtube or Facebook these days. Just as our homes have been a refuge and our neighbours a help, we can say with the Psalmist ‘God is our refuge and strength, a well proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change.’ ( Ps46 v1-2). Or in more modern words: God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. [The Message].

So this June, stay safe and I hope we enjoy a bit more freedom.

The annual graduation ceremony at Invernevis Nursery as youngsters head off to primary school.

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Perhaps a strange creature emerging from the trees, but where?

Last month: Burn beside the Silver Sands, Arisaig.

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K

Trees

Ktrees Ltd offers a professional and comprehensive Arboricultural and tree surgery service With over 10 years experience in the business No job too big or too small Give us a phone for a free quotation Available in Lochaber & surrounding areas 07827 515023

T: 01397 712373 M: 07884 185 279

scottmandrews@tiscali.co.uk

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