The Highland Soap Company has doubled the size of its store at its popular visitor centre and Larder Café in the old BA.
Quickly becoming a Lochaber institution, Highland Soap is building on its success over the last two years with a range of products, helping them expand beyond its popular soap and skincare range.
The expanded visitor centre, housed in its beautiful building, stocks an extensive range of high quality gifts that will delight visitors of all ages.
From luxurious skincare sets to locally sourced crafts and homewares, Highland Soap has curated a collection that showcases the best of Scotland’s craftsmanship and natural beauty.
A highlight of the new visitor centre is the selection of baby clothes.
Made from soft, natural fabrics, these adorable outfits are comfortable for babies and eco-friendly and sustainably
produced. Highland Soap is dedicated to supporting local artisans and promoting ethical and sustainable practices and its baby clothes collection is a perfect reflection of this commitment.
Book lovers will find a haven in the new visitor centre, with shelves stocked with carefully curated titles that celebrate the rich literary tradition of Scotland. From Highland fiction to cookery, to Scottish landscape and nature books, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Cooking enthusiasts are also in for a treat at the new visitor centre with speciality foods and a wide range of cookware and kitchen accessories available.
From traditional cast iron pans to modern kitchen gadgets, Highland Soap has sourced the finest quality practical and beautiful items.
One of the most unique features of the new visitor centre is the whisky room, designed to resemble an old library.
Whisky enthusiasts can indulge in their passion with a carefully curated selection of Scotland’s finest whiskies.
From single malts to blended varieties, the whisky room is a haven for those who appreciate the craftsmanship and complexity of Scotland’s national drink.
“We are thrilled to have expanded our visitor centre to offer an even wider range of quality products to our customers,” said Emma Parton, founder and co-owner of the Highland Soap. “We are committed to supporting local artisans and promoting sustainable practices and believe the expanded offering truly reflects our values.”
Visit the shop and eat at the highly regarded Larder Café. A must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates the best of the Highlands.
z We are looking to expand our team. Please get in touch to find out about full time, part-time and seasonal vacancies.
Halfway through the year and what an amazing mix of weather we have had in the run up to June - even an earthquake in April! A great mix of articles in this month’s Lochaber Life too with everything from a ‘legend’ of the fryer retiring to a Royal visit and the arrival of cruise ships. There is also an incredible tale of fortitude and determination in ghting illness leading to a happy ending with a local wedding, Scotland’s number one squash player coaching Lochaber enthusiasts and the chance for the less able to get out and cycle in the fresh air on a piloted trishaw. A lot to read and I hope you have time for a wee seat in the sun to get through it all.
A happy summer to you. Samhradh sona dhuibh. Iain
FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH:
‘The Frying Legend’ Sammy Cameron and his wife Ann, who were overwhelmed by the reaction of customers to their retiral, with cards, gifts and drawings.
A 40-year fixture of life in Lochaber came to a conclusion with a fish feeding frenzy as people queued inside and outside of Sammy’s Fish and Chip Shop in Caol for a taste of the last food to be cooked by the man himself and his family.
Founded by Sammy Cameron in 1981, working first from a mobile chip van before setting up in the centre of Caol, Sammy’s Fish and Chips is known world wide for its quality ingredients and fresh cooking, with many ex-pats making sure to get a Sammy’s fish supper on visits ‘home’.
Now, after a lifetime of frying, Sammy, his wife Anne and their family, some of whom have grown up behind the counter, have hung up their aprons and fried their final fish supper.
To mark the occasion, the window was decorated, much to Sammy’s surprise, with large
letters saying ‘The Legend has Retired’, in addition to celebration cup cakes with the shop logo which were given out free to customers with their order.
However, as I am not getting any younger the time has definitely come to call it a day to go off and do things without wondering how things are going in the shop.
Many long-standing customers came in with cards congratulating them on their retirement and saying they will miss the family banter they have enjoyed for so long. Some younger visitors, who regularly visit Sammy for sweets as well as cooked food, made drawings for them which they brought in on the
last day. Sammy said: “It has been so touching, with one lady who is in here three to four times a week in tears and so many others saying how sorry they are to see us go after all these years.
“However, as I am not getting any younger, the time has definitely come to call it a day to go off and do things without wondering how things are going in the shop.
“Anne and I are starting our retirement with a trip to Uist, where we have relatives.
“Thank you to everyone who came in to wish us well and to all of our customers over the years.
“We will miss them too, but the shop will now pass into new hands, who will be continuing the high standards of quality and service people have come to expect. We wish them well.”
A new project run by the Fort William branch of Cycling Without Age means people who can’t get out easily by themselves can get on the road on a trishaw with a friend or relative, driven by volunteer ‘pilots’.
The project was supported by the Scottish Government and more than 50 other organisations and individuals including a grant of £9,800 from The Highland Council. The trishaw is based at Moss Park so that residents will get the chance to get out on the shore front and feel the wind in their hair!
However, more volunteer ‘pilots’ are now needed.
People who want to get out for a cycle but are unable to get out on their own, now have the chance to enjoy the experience with a piloted trishaw.
To find out more or to sign up for the training, contact Lochaber Environmental Group, which is supporting the new group, on info@lochaberenviro.org.uk or 01397 700090.
More than one million adults in Scotland are estimated to have cut back on groceries because of rising energy bills, new analysis from Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has found.
Analysis by the charity of polling from YouGov found that out of the adults in Scotland who had to cut their household spending as a result of soaring energy costs, 61 per cent, equivalent to 1.3 million, have cut back on groceries.
Sixty six per cent of them - an estimated 1.4 million - have cut back on eating or drinking out and 57 per cent, equivalent to 1.2 million, have
cut back on ordering takeaways. In addition, , 51 per cent of adults in Scotland who cut back on spending - an estimated 1.1 million people - are doing so by cooking less with gas or electric appliances.
Data from Citizens Advice Scotland found that one in 10 cost-of-living energy related cases across the Citizens Advice network also required food insecurity advice.
Citizens Advice Scotland social justice spokesperson David Hilferty said: “The cost-of-living crisis is seeing people having to make increasingly difficult household spending decisions and we see many people
cutting back on food in various ways because of rising energy bills.
“For many people that might mean a straight choice between heating and eating.
“It is worth understanding food inflation is another major factor of the cost-of-living crisis, so even if people are buying less food, they are likely paying more to do so. This is especially the case for those on the lowest incomes.
“The Citizens Advice network is here for people worried and anxious about bills. Our advice is free, impartial and confidential.”
DURING OPENING HOURS 10am-3pm, TELEPHONE 01397 705311 Message can be left EMAIL – Advice@lochabercab.org.uk
Large or small storage areas available for all your storage, warehousing, and commercial industrial unit needs.
24 Hour Secure Access and CCTV, keeping your items safe and secure.
We provide our customers with competitive prices in the Lochaber area.
The Workshop Studios offers a variety of products and services with a focus on woodworking and the development of practical skills in a setting that promotes personal growth.
Our volunteers cherish every minute of their time in this safe, positive and inspiring environment.
We accept bespoke orders and commissions and produce a variety of handcrafted items with sales going directly to the More Than Just Joinery support of charitable programmes and services provided by Lochaber Hope.
Serves four.
by Chef Scott Sutherland of The Caddy Shack• INGREDIENTS
For the fritter.
• 250g frozen peas
• Zest of one lemon
• Tablespoon of good quality mint sauce
• 2 large eggs
• 80g plain flour
• ½ a teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cloves of garlic
• salt
For everything else.
• 12 good size scallops
• 8 slices pancetta or streaky bacon
• Juice of one lemon
• 8 pieces asparagus
• 50g parmesan for the shavings
• Salt and pepper to taste
Heat oven to 180c then arrange pancetta strips. Line a tray with baking parchment and place the pancetta strips so they do not overlap. Put in oven until they are golden and crisp (don’t stress if you burn the edges at all, they will be broken up anyway).
Fritters - combine garlic, lemon zest, mint sauce, eggs and half the peas into a food processor, blend until smooth (works better if peas are still frozen).
Sift the flour and baking powder into the pea mixture half at a time until well combined, then fold in the remaining peas and season with salt.
Take a non stick frying pan and add a drizzle of oil. Once the pan is up to a medium heat take a good spoonful of batter and place carefully into the pan, flattening it down with the back or your spoon until round and just under a centimetre thick, cook fritters off in batches, taking care not to over crowd pan.
Prepare scallops by removing the little muscle (you can leave the orange roe), pat dry with a paper towel and season with salt.
Cut the harder bottom bit of the stalk from asparagus then cut into pieces about an inch long, putting to one side for later.
Heat a little bit of oil in a non stick pan until it is very hot, placing scallops in carefully as they may spit. Leave them for about 30-40 seconds, (they should have a lovely golden caramelisation). Flip them over and repeat, chuck in your asparagus, wait another minute or so then season lightly with black pepper and squeeze over the lemon juice before removing from the heat.
Arrange 3 scallops on top of each fritter (extra fritters will keep in the fridge to be reheated later) with a few pieces of asparagus, break up some of the pancetta and add a few shavings of parmesan, garnish with a couple of pea shoots if you so desire.
1938 – 2023
(Corpach)
Sadly, but peacefully at home, with her loving family by her side, on Monday 3rd April 2023, Christine Millar MacLeod (née McGorum), aged 85 years, Hillview Drive, Corpach, Fort William. A loving wife to the late Ian MacLeod, a treasured auntie to Ann, Christine and the late Donald, a wonderful Grand Aunt Tina to Lianne, Lynsey, Sean, Caitlin, Ryan and Stephanie and a Grand Grand Aunt Tina to Ava, Harris, Koa and Luca and a good friend to many. Greatly missed.
1932 – 2023
(Gold Coast, Australia, formerly of Fort William) Sadly, but peacefully, on Thursday 9th March 2023, Mary Beatrice McDonald, Known to all as May, in the loving care of the Gold Coast Hospital, Australia with her family around her. A loving mum to Alister, Hugh, Gordon, David and Helen, a much loved grandma & great grandma. Sadly missed by all.
1947 – 2023
(Inverlochy)
Suddenly, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Sunday 16th April 2023, Robert Ewan Cameron Henderson (Bobby), aged 76 years, Nevis Road, Inverlochy, Fort William, Butcher in Lochaber for many years (Robert the Butcher) and a loyal supporter of Kilmallie Shinty Club. A loving husband to Jessie, a much loved stepdad to Alan, Neil and the late Johnny and Donald (DJ), a treasured grandad to his many grandchildren and a good friend to many. Sadly missed.
1997 – 2023
(London, formerly Beijing, China)
Tragically, on Ben Nevis, on Thursday 13th April 2023, Zekun Zhang, aged 26 years, a full time Student in London originally from Beijing, China. A much loved son and relative and a good friend to many.
10 Ba�lefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk
Lochaber Environmental Group (LEG) is a small environmental charity with the aim of helping and encouraging Lochaber residents to live more sustainably. There are three current projects – Highland Community Waste Partnership, Bike Kitchen and Food Lochaber.
Food Lochaber - LEG has developed and continues to support Food Lochaber - a collective of local growers and producers who sell their produce through the Food Lochaber website. Fresh food is available to buy monthly/ fortnightly, depending on the season, and can be collected from the LEG office.
Bike Kitchen - This initiative aims to make cycling accessible to everyone and encourage active travel. Donated bikes are refurbished and sold at a low cost, saving them from landfill. There is a referral scheme so local services and third sector agencies can refer individuals for free bikes. LEG has been able to get refugee families and a wide range of other people who have no disposable income onto bikes and it is a real joy to see the difference this makes.
Maintenance workshops are held to teach mechanical skills thus keeping maintenance
costs down. It has e-bikes, child seats and trailers, cargo trailers and bike tools which can be borrowed – again keeping costs down. The group encourages people to volunteer with them to learn new skills and help its charitable cause.
“We have e-tricycles available to try or loan,” said a group spokesperson. “These are a great alternative to bicycles, built with comfort, stability
and accessibility in mind.” For more news from Lochaber Environmental Group and the good work it is doing, keep an eye out in Lochaber Life and via its website and check out upcoming events on their Facebook page.
Smiles matched the bright sunshine and spectacular scenery as HRH Princess Anne carried out two engagements in Lochaber to the delight of many onlookers.
Her first stop was at the An Clachan base of Lochaber Rural Education Trust where she was welcomed by founder Isabel Campbell and Lord Lieutenant James Wotherpsoon before touring the complex and hearing about its work.
She met many of the volunteers who help run the trust day-to-day working with, amongst others, primary and secondary school children from across the area who, thanks to tremendous enthusiasm, enjoy learning about rural life while
taking part in practical and fun activities.
Several of the children showed the Princess some of the projects they take part in.
She was told about the ‘Seed to Supper’ project where the youngsters plant seeds, care for them as they grow and finally prepare them and serve them up as dishes, often to their parents who are invited along for lunch. Being a particular sunny day, the Princess wore sunglasses as she toured the raised outdoor planting beds, one young man saying “I like your glasses” to which the Princess replied with a laugh: “Well you’re not getting them!”
Indoors, she was fascinated by the art of making butter,
demonstrated by volunteers and schoolchildren, asking questions about how they started through to achieving the end result of fresh, smooth butter which is then shaped in blocks or balls using paddles.
She was also introduced to representatives of several local companies who have helped the trust over the years.
Her original visit was to have been earlier in the year, but was postponed as a result of Covid. While this was unfortunate, it also caused a bit of a laugh as the Princess came to unveil a plaque, as she asked if the previous one had been altered to the new date. Isobel held up the old one saying “no and here it is”. In a
brief speech the Princess said she was really impressed by everything she had seen and
We were all so pleased to welcome Princess Anne to the Trust.
was glad she had been able to re-arrange the visit saying: “If Isabel hadn’t been in touch to invite me back I would have been banging on her door to ask why.”
Isabel said: “We were all so pleased to welcome Princess Anne to the trust. Way back,
when she opened the auction mart, she asked me what we were going to do with the big space on the hill just above it and I told her of our plans for the trust and what we would do.
“She said to me that when you do it, don’t forget to ask me back to see it - and she was as good as her word.”
After leaving the rural trust, the Princess set off for the new Thomas Telford Corpach Marina where she met with members of the committee who had masterminded its funding, design and construction before cutting the ribbon to declare it officially open.
Accompanied by chairman Andy McKenna, she then toured the pontoons where, as a sailor herself, she spent time talking with members of Lochaber Yacht Club who were moored alongside. On returning to dry land, she was invited to meet staff of An Cafaidh Mara which recently opened it doors to feed hungry sailors and members of public.
A final act was to unveil a plaque to mark the occasion.
Before leaving, Princess Anne praised the marina, observing what a great benefit it will be to people sailing the loch and canal.
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I was standing on the last green bit of grass on the battlefield. All I could hear were screams, shouts, bombs, guns. Holding my gun and seeing all of the blood and destruction - DEATH ALL AROUND. I could feel the wet mud seeping into my broken boot. I could feel my body collapsing physically and mentally. The desperation for food and peace was taking over me. I turned my head to see a soldier that looked as if he was still in school. His eyes were dark, his face was as white as the dead soldiers lying around.
We looked at each other, he reminded me of my little cousin back home. How could I kill such a young boy who was still to live his whole life. He looked broken. I let my gun fall to my side and he did the same. I nodded to him, he· turned and ran back to his troop. I hoped he would survive this terrible war.
Many years later I was content, my life had been good. I was lucky, unlike many of my friends who didn’t make it although I had never found peace. Every night I remembered the horrors I witnessed and I thought of the young boy I spared. I thought of the young boy’s dark eyes and ghostly face and wondered if he ever got to live the life he should have had.
My daughter had asked if I would like to go back to that battlefield. She told me it is a place of remembrance now. After much thought I told her I would like to go. She took me on the weekend.
Each year, the Rotary Club of Lochaber joins fellow Rotarians from across the country to organise writing and photographic competitions for school pupils.
Lochaber High School’s Aidan Patterson was awarded best young writer, aged 11 to 13 years, in the Glasgow and West of Scotland area and goes on to the Scotland and North of England finals.
Read his essay on the set theme of ‘Peace’, right.
We arrived at our hotel. It was warm and comfortable. The weather was not so nice, it was a typical November cold, dark morning. We had left the hotel and headed to the remembrance ground. I felt nervous but it is something I felt I needed to do.
We arrived and I walked to the exact spot where I was standing when I saw that young boy. It looked different now with the fresh green grass. I looked to my left and saw an old man but something about him seemed familiar. He looked me in the eye. I knew who he was, he was that boy. He smiled and nodded and walked back to his family and I walked towards mine.
I was now at peace.
Former deep sea diver, 61-yearold Davy Duncan, who almost died from Covid while working in Mexico, fulfilled the dream of dancing at his wedding, despite being left with limited mobility after several Covid induced strokes.
Two years after leaving his home in Fort William, David and his partner Helen Smith finally tied the knot on the shore of Loch Linnhe with Ben Nevis towering over them, joined by a group of Mexicans who were instrumental in his recovery.
Davy caught the bug within days of joining his ship and quickly went downhill, eventually being put in an induced coma in a Villahermosa hospital and not expected to survive. Helen flew out to be by his bedside and spent more than two months travelling to and from her hotel to be with him every day.
Communication with medical
staff was difficult as no-one spoke English, but eventually he was well enough to be flown to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, and later to the Belford in Fort William. Although now at home, Davy and Helen still travel to Inverness for mobility treatment.
A fundraising campaign was launched to fly their Mexican friends to the wedding as a thank you for saving Davy’s life. Nurse Irma Alvarez watched as Davy and Helen said “I do” in the sunny but cold weather saying: “It was so beautiful to see them. In hospital I would ask Davy what my name was and he would just manage to say Irma.’
After the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds and several hundred well wishers gathered in Caol Community Centre to celebrate and applaud the allimportant first dance.
Helen said: “It was a wonderful ceremony and everything was
perfect. It is amazing to finally be married after all Davy has been through.
“Everyone has been so kind in raising money and looking after our Mexican guests. Thanks to such a wonderful community.”
A tired but very happy Davy said: “I married the woman I love and who has stood beside me through everything and I danced at our wedding.
“It was a dream come true”.
Nevis Hillwalking Club promotes good health and friendship while enjoying the great outdoors.
Everyone is welcome to join and a recent ‘convert’ gives his view of what the club gave to him.
From my partner’s house in Kinlochleven, I would admire longingly the ridge of Na Gruagaichean which was so different from my view in London. I wondered if it would be possible to walk it, always having had a love of the outdoors and physical activity whilst never really excelling at any.
Visiting Kinlochleven regularly, I began to explore walking the hills in the immediate
vicinity, mostly those in the Mamore range. It amused me to ponder that within a few hours of walking out the front door I could have travelled 1km upwards.
As a lone walker, I was cautious and risk averse but wishing to try more demanding walks than in the city although I had achieved a personal target of reaching all the peaks that are visible from the road from Glencoe village to Kinlochleven.
I came across a leaflet in the local shop that made me aware of Nevis Hillwalking Club.
The club encourages initial walks as a guest to assess whether the club is right for them. I knew it would be after my first outing with them as they are a really friendly bunch, willing to accommodate different levels of walkers with alternatives on each event to suit different levels where practicable.
A year on after my first walk with the club I have vastly expanded my experience, learnt so much and there is still
much more to look forward to and learn.
Aside from joining the walks on the weekly programme, I joined the group on ‘weekaway’ events exploring the rugged mountains on the Isle of Skye, the breath-taking hills in Torridon and a wild camping weekend in the wilderness of the Cairngorms.
I have ventured out where I would never have dared go alone, whether it be ridge walking, scrambling or walks requiring winter tools. I hope to see you on the hills this year.
If you have a love of the glorious mountains of the Scottish Highlands and seek friendly company in which to walk the hills, check out the Nevis Hillwalking Club.
The quarterly walks programme is published on its website https://www. nevishillwalking.club/ and walk reports published on its facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/ NevisHillwalkingClub or use info@nevishillwalking.club
Summer is not only the season of sunshine and holidays, but also the time when the minds of many couples turn to marriage. One of the many important tasks for any bride is the choice of a wedding dress.
To assist with this major undertaking the beauty students of UHI West Highland, Elysian Salon working with The Highland Hospice, presented brides-to-be with an eye opening selection of wedding dresses in a variety of styles, all of which had all been donated to the charity.
The students came up with the idea of combining an assessment of their work in make-up with a catwalk show, not only to put their facial creations in a ‘real’ environment, but also to raise money for Highland Hospice. During the evening they donned a total of 23 dresses in a variety of styles and modelled them on the catwalk.
Maggie Wilson from Fort William’s Hospice shop, wellknow for her exceptional displays decorated what is normally the college cafe with an amazing creation of plants, flowers and other wedding
‘essentials’ for bridal parties to provide a stunning backdrop for the show.
Piper and Master of Ceremonies for the evening was music student and performer, Calum MacAskill of ‘Wee Cal Music’ who after piping in guests and the ‘brides’ introduced each of the models and described their dresses as
they appeared from backstage.
Maggie said: “Thank you to the students and staff of Elysian at the college for coming up with this idea, which is a great showcase of what we have been donated.
“Weddings can cost a lot of money and dresses are often worn on the big day, then put away or donated to charity, People maybe wouldn’t think of looking in a Highland Hospice shop for wedding gowns but at the moment we have quite a few, some from top makers”.
The show was very well attended and all money raised from ticket and raffle sales is being donated to The Highland Hospice.
June is a fertile month for awareness-raising and recognition “weeks”. I’m highlighting the themes this year of three significant weeks you may wish to support:
May 29 to June 4: One thing, not everything
‘Each year, Dementia Awareness Week is held with the aim of raising awareness of dementia and helping improve the lives of people with dementia, their families and carers. This year, we will consider the stigma people with dementia continue to face, with a focus on those facing it earlier in life.
Dementia doesn’t discriminate, so why should we?
We want you to see the person behind the diagnosis. Dementia does not define someone. People with dementia can learn new things, continue with work and hobbies and live a full, enjoyable life.
Dementia is just one thing about a person –it’s not everything.’ More information on Alzheimer Scotland’s website www.alzscot.org
June 1 to June 7:
The week sees charities, voluntary groups, social organisations and volunteers come together to recognise the incredible impact volunteering has in communities around the UK. The theme for this year –‘Celebrate and Inspire’ – aims to highlight that our diversity is our strength, show that there is more than one way to volunteer and encourage people to be the change that we want to see.
Volunteers are active in every UK community so taking the time during Volunteers’ Week to celebrate and recognise their efforts and everything they contribute to our communities, the voluntary sector and society as a whole has never been more important.
More information on the Volunteers’ Week website www.volunteersweek.scot
June 5 to June 11: The theme for Carers Week 2023 is ‘Recognising and supporting carers in the community’.
This Carers’ Week, we want communities across the UK to come together to recognise the huge contribution unpaid carers make to society. Politicians, employers, health and social services, businesses, education providers and members of the public all have a role to play in raising awareness of caring and making sure carers are able to access the information and support they need.
More information on the Carers UK website www.carersuk.org/ scotland
When we get a glimpse of sun, there is no better place to be in June than Lochaber.
Midsummer can bring lovely sunsets and long summer evenings.
We do have a lot of rain but not the extreme weather events experienced in many other places, despite living on the fault line that created the Great Glen. Once we were wakened in the night by a picture falling off the wall. This, we later discovered, was caused by an earth tremor in
Glen Nevis - very low on the Richter scale, admittedly.
The media has moved on from the recent devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. However I can’t forget seeing on TV a frail elderly man in Middle Eastern garb sitting among horrendous rubble. A news reporter asked “How would you describe this situation?” He answered in a word: ”Armageddon.”
That word is used just once in the Bible, but is associated with the battle between good and evil. It jumped out at me recently when reading the last book in the New Testament, written a millennium ago. It is followed by this description: “Then there came flashes of
lightning, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake.”Revelation 16 v 18. The old man’s use of the word was apt.
While the media may have moved on, basic requirements including food and shelter are still much needed by devastated people.
“I was glad to read in the magazine of the Scottish Bible Society that its partners in Syria are continuing to distribute practical aid in that region, as well as their internationally respected Bible based trauma counselling. You can offer support or learn more from the web site www.scottishbiblesociety.org.
As we remember the needs of others, give thanks for long light evenings. Happy midsummer.
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The maiden visit of MS Otto Sverdrup to Fort William had added drama for the passengers and crew when they viewed the spectacular wildfire on the hill opposite the berth.
More than 1,000 passengers and crew left the ship to go on various tours around the area and into town, visiting various shops, including the charity Vintage Cafe with their feedback giving the home made scones full marks.
Organised by Fort William Marina and Shoreline Community Interest Company, company secretary Sarah Kennedy was joined on board by councillor Angus MacDonald who presented a plaque on behalf of The Highland Council and, in turn, received one from Captain Jon-Steve Ballovarre.
Sarah also presented the captain with several local products including Coire Leis whisky, Nevis bakery shortbread and honey from her own bee hives. She also arranged for 8kgs of Lochaber Larder Haggis to be delivered on board, where the chef was to add the traditional haggis, tatties and neeps to the menu as a one-night special dish.
Captain Ballovarre said: “We are happy to visit Fort William for the first time and the weather has been so beautiful. I will not be leaving the ship but would like to visit at some point as everyone seems to have had such good time.”
At least 11 more visits from various tour operators are due from the beginning of June, with three making their maiden trips to Fort William. The ships will carry with them a potential of more than 2,500 passengers, many of whom will visit the town or go off on various tours to other parts of Lochaber. This will all, in some way, make a contribution to the local economy.
Scheduled visits: June 6, 18 and 20: Le Champlain; June 9,11, 23 and 25: Le Dumon D’Urville; September 3: MSC Explora 1 - at almost 64,000 tonnes, one of the largest ships to visit Fort William; September 18: Scenic Eclipse 2; September 21 and 25: World Explorer.
An interesting rusty and ‘squinty’ shed not far from a main road. But where? LAST MONTH: A multi-sport metal man at the Glencoe Ski Resort.
Scotland’s number one squash player Greg Lobban and the country’s number five John Meehan joined members of Lochaber Squash Club for training sessions followed by a demonstration match.
The pair travelled from Edinburgh to Lochaber Leisure Centre for a special ‘Highland Fling’ as they enjoyed spreading the word and sharing their knowledge of the sport and taking in the scenery on the way as the sun shone on the hills.
Throughout the day Greg, who is also number 26 in the world rankings, staged coaching sessions in small groups and one-to-one, watching and advising on technique in a positive and encouraging way.
Local players found the event a great help, gaining insights into moving smoothly, placing the ball to gain maximum advantage and anticipating the responses of opponents.
John also ran excellent training sessions, demonstrating and sharing various skills to members, identifying and building on their strengths and weaknesses.
After a brief rest and discussion session, Greg
and John took to the court in an exhibition match watched by club players and an audience of interested spectators who jumped at chance of seeing such skilled sportsmen in action. The result was a 3-2 win for Greg to great applause.
At the end of the action-packed day, Greg thanked his hosts on behalf of himself and John saying: “I had a fantastic time visiting Lochaber Squash Club on Saturday, meeting and playing against such a welcoming squash community. It was a real pleasure to play a match in front of the squash enthusiasts in the area vs John Meehan. I hope to be back in future”.
Neil Wordsall of Lochaber Squash Club said: “We thank Greg and John for making the journey to Fort William to share their skills and enthusiasm.
“Everyone who came along had a great time and really enjoyed meeting and learning from them. They were both so helpful and friendly.”
Lochaber Squash Club has been in existence for many years and is always open to new members interested in taking part and playing squash.
Members meet regularly in Lochaber Leisure Centre and details of times can be found there.
