Lochaber Life #368 June 2024

Factor’s Inn Country Pub

Just a short drive, taxi journey or even bike ride from Fort William, Corpach and Spean Bridge and easily accessible beside the A82, the Factor’s Inn Country Pub is ready to welcome you, offering a combination of the friendly atmosphere of a ‘local’ with quality food in welcoming and stylish surroundings.

Purpose designed and opened for business a few years ago, the building and interior have under-gone extensive redecoration and refurbishment to the highest standards.

The bar is fully stocked with a huge range of spirits and beers, including a few exceptional and specially imported German beers not available anywhere else in Lochaber or most of the country.

These have already ‘gone down’ well with customers who have already tried them, all of whom have come back for more.

Drinks can be enjoyed in a

comfortable seating area adjoining the bar or can be served in the restaurant along with a meal. For the nicer weather, there is also a large outdoor seating area and garden to use and explore.

Book a table in the restaurant and a superb dining experience awaits you, with a quality menu of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, cooked to your order. And there is plenty of it to enjoy.

Beef, salmon and vegetarian dishes are available, each main course preceded by homebaked focaccia bread and seasonal mixed salad before the dish of your choice is served up. This is accompanied by crispy, thin cut French fries and three freshly made and individually presented Bearnaise, Red Wine Jus and Chimichurri sauces with which to enhance and adjust the flavours to your particular preference.

Should you clean your plate and still have room for more, the main course of your choice, whether it have been the beef, salmon or vegetarian option, along with extra of the accompaniments can be served up again at no extra cost. Double the pleasure without adding to the bill!

The Factor’s Inn Country Pub is open for business, offering all the advantages of an informal, friendly, cosy local pub with the added benefit of a superb dining experience in the restaurant set within a conservatory for beautiful outdoor views or in the smaller adjoining area with a glowing fire.

Definitely a trip to make, surroundings to settle into and a friendly welcoming atmosphere - not to be missed for a great night out.

MEMORIES OF A LOCHABER HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERWITH LOVE FROM ‘MR M’

Iain Ferguson

Many happy memories of Lochaber High School have been relived in person and in print with the publication of a book ‘Love and Best Wishes from Mr M’.

The ‘Mr M’ in question is Alan Morgon, a teacher at Lochaber High School for more than 32 years. He had various roles including helping with pupil guidance.

Always highly thought of and respected by everyone he came into contact with, on his retiral he decided to commit many of his memories to paper, ultimately resulting in self-publishing a small run of his book. An initial run of 90 quickly sold out in 24 hours, resulting in another batch, which has now also gone.

Now living in Coupar Angus, he made a ‘pilgrimage’ to Fort William with a box of books, setting up a table in the Alexandra Hotel where purchasers could pick up their own copy and sit down for a chat to share even more memories.

Such was the impact he had on so many lives, a constant stream of former pupils, from all walks of life, dropped in to see him and get their copy signed and to talk about their memories of him and the positive effect he had on their

future lives. Having worked over such a long period in the school, Alan Morgon had taught over more than one generation, with parents and their children dropping in to catch up with him.

Teachers, tradesmen, doctors, office staff from the school who had worked with him, were all delighted to make time for a visit, often bringing members of their families, including a five-dayold baby, to meet him.

‘Mr M’ said: “I was pretty surprised at the level of interest in my book. After I retired I had this desire to put pen to paper and record my memories of Lochaber High School which held such a special place in my heart.

“To me, the school was special - great staff, great pupils full of fun and mischief. It always punched above its weight in music, art and drama and despite its many physical drawbacks it was a special place. It was, of course, not all sweetness and light. There are some really sad memories and I am delighted to see some of the ‘rogues’ and ‘rascals’ have gone on to achieve great success in later life.”

MUSIC SHED CHOIR FOR BEAUTIFUL HARMONIES

Lovely harmonies rang out when the Music Shed Community Choir held a singing workshop to mark Earth Day in Fort William’s New Connections base.

People came together to sing in harmony about trees, birds, grains of sand, living gently on the earth, slowing the pace of life and the urgent need for climate and ecological action.

Mandy Ketchin, Music Shed’s songleader, said: “Sing for

Earth Day inspires groups in communities across the country to share love and concern for nature through song. It felt like we were taking part in something much larger than our own event”.

Music Shed Community Choir sings most Tuesday nights. It hopes to run another

singing event during the Climate Festival in September and is planning a pop-up street choir event in August to raise funds for the lifeboats, as it is the 200th anniversary of the RNLI this year. For more information on events and how to take part email mandyketchin@ naturalvoice.net.

Shot this in the twilight, or should I say ‘the gloaming’, by the River Garry. Is it just me, or does anyone else see a familiar shape in there? Words and photograph by John Prior using black and white film.

Iain Ferguson

SUCCULENT SEARED RIB-EYE

CHEF STEVEN MURRAY, FACTOR’S INN COUNTRY PUB

CRISPY BEEF

FINGAL HOTEL, EDINBURGH

AA Hotel of the Year, Scotland

Fingal is a luxury floating hotel permanently berthed on Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront. A former Northern Lighthouse Board ship which has been transformed into an exquisite 22 cabin boutique hotel with The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar serving beautifully prepared dishes bursting with flavour.

A hotel with all the glamour and style of a superyacht but with an oldworld elegance that is completely unique. Curves and tilts, deck spaces and beautiful lines that tell the story of Fingal’s rich seafaring history, offering a totally unique experience, far removed from your everyday world.

Reservations: 0131 357 5000 www.fingal.co.uk

Knowledge is Flower

Example: Foxgloves.

You may have missed it, but Gardening Week has just passed. Marking this occasion, British Garden Centres provided information demystifying many of the gardening terms we may hear but not really understand with a ‘Knowledge is Flower’ news release.

With many local garden centres and opportunities to stock up your garden, perhaps these definitions will help you make the right choice of plants. Happy gardening.

Annual: Completes its life cycle within one growing season. It sprouts from a seed, grows, flowers, produces seeds and then dies, all within a year. Examples: Marigolds, Petunias, Pansies and Sunflowers.

Biennial: Biennial plants have a two-year life cycle. During the first year, the plant produces a rosette of leaves close to the ground, storing energy in its roots or stems. In the second year it develops a flowering stalk, produces flowers, sets seeds then dies.

Perennial: A perennial plant lives for more than two years and comes back every growing season. They continue to grow and bloom year after year, often going dormant during the winter and regrowing in the spring. Examples - Lavender, Roses, Iris and Phlox.

Variegated: Plants with leaves that have more than one colour. Leaves are often mixtures of green, yellow, white and cream. Examples: Euphorbia, Pothos, Coleus and Acers.

Ericaceous: A type of plant that prefers acidic soil. They typically thrive in soils with a pH level below 7. They often struggle in alkaline soils. Ericaceous compost in pots will help these grow. Examples: Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Heather and Blueberries.

Hardening off:

Acclimatising plants that have been grown indoors, inside a greenhouse or under protection to outside weather conditions. Gradually exposing

them to outdoor conditions improves their chances of survival and success in the garden.

Thinning: Simply means removing seedlings when you have planted too many seeds in an area or pot. Each plant needs room and nutrients from the soil to grow healthy and strong. Thinning is typically done after seeds have germinated or seedlings have emerged and developed to achieve proper spacing between plants.

Rootbound: When potted plants are confined to a pot for too long and their roots have nowhere to go. Signs include the plant noticeably outgrowing its pot with roots coming out the bottom and yellowing leaves.

Deadheading: Plants with multiple blooms need to be deadheaded, which means you remove the dead flower from the plant. This redirects its energy from seed production towards producing new flowers, prolonging the blooming period. Examples: Geranium and Hydrangea.

Iain Ferguson

REPORTER

West Highlands/Fort William

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a bright, passionate and self-motivated reporter to join The Oban Times’ and The Lochaber Times’ busy team.

The person we are looking for will have an NCTJ or similar qualification, including shorthand, be multi-media literate, and have excellent reporting and writing skills.

We are passionate about good local journalism and like our reporters to get out into the community, meeting people face-to-face, and uncovering the best stories.

You should be bursting with ideas and have a track record of delivering engaging news, as well as understand the importance of fostering great contacts, knowing your patch, and be capable of working on your own initiative as well as part of a team. You should also be able to demonstrate sound journalistic practice, such as balance, careful sourcing and a practical understanding of Scots Law.

We have recently launched our aggregate West Coast Today newsbrand website covering the West Highlands and knowledge of the area would be an advantage. As well as writing for the website and newspapers, you will be expected to take photographs on the job and contribute to our social media channels and podcasts.

In return for all this we offer a competitive salary, great experience and training, as well as an enhanced pension.

You should also hold a full driving licence.

Please apply by email, sending your CV, plus a covering letter and some examples of your work to: hr@wyvexmedia.co.uk

CALDER – BRUCE

1978 – 2024

(Blar Mhor)

Unexpectedly at home, on Wednesday 17th April 2024, Bruce Campbell Calder, aged 45 years, Ben View, Blar Mhor, Fort William. An adoring dad to Lilly and Sebastian, a loving son to Donald and Tina, a cherished brother to Donna and Hannah and step-brother to Christina and Denise, a much loved uncle, nephew and cousin, a dearly loved relative and a good friend. So greatly loved and missed.

ROBERTSON –WILLIAM

1932 – 2024 (Mallaig)

Peacefully, following a short stay at Invernevis House, Fort William, on Sunday 21st April 2024, William Robertson, known to all as Bill, aged 91 years, retired Fisherman and a former member of RNLI, an accomplished bowler, competing at carpet bowls throughout Scotland. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, a dearly loved relative and a good friend to many. Sadly missed.

MACCOLL – IAIN

1957 – 2024

(Inverlochy)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of Invernevis House, Fort William, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday 12th April 2024, Iain Alasdair MacColl, aged 67 years, Nevis Road, Inverlochy, Fort William, local retired Police Officer for over 30 years, also a long serving HGV driver for various companies including the aid transportation from Scotland to Romania for Blythswoods. A loving husband to Grace, a loving dad to Fiona, John and Donald, a wonderful grandad to Lucy and Katie, a caring brother to Jennifer and Kevin, a much loved uncle, relative, neighbour and a very good friend to many. So greatly loved and missed.

MACKINNON

–

ROBERT 1954 – 2024 (Lochyside)

Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Monday 25th March 2024, Robert Louis MacKinnon, known to all as Bobby, aged 69 years, a keen and experienced angler. A loving partner to Annette, a caring dad to Gary and Scott, a treasured son of the late Jimmy and Dinah, a dear brother to Jimmy, Dinah, Annie, Izzy and the late Johnny (Gourkey) and Peter (Pedro), a wonderful grandpa and great grandpa, beloved uncle and great uncle to all ‘the little people’, a much loved relative, neighbour and a very good friend to many. So greatly loved and missed.

GONZALEZ –KATHRYN

1954 – 2024

(Caol)

Suddenly, but peacefully in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Friday 5th April 2024, Kathryn Gonzalez, aged 69 years, Barrodale, Glenpane Street, Caol, Fort William. A loving wife to Luis, a caring neighbour and friend to many. Sadly missed.

DAYNES – PETER

1938 – 2024

(Glencoe)

Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Wednesday 27th March 2024, Peter Daynes, aged 85 years, Inveriggan Cottage, Glencoe, former Civil Engineer and proprietor of The Clachaig Inn, Glencoe. A dearly loved husband of Eileen, a loving dad to Guy, Edward and Ruth, a wonderful grandpa to Jack, Megan, Jodie, Sam, Benjamin and Abigail, a caring brother to Dorothy, a much loved relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. So greatly loved and missed.

WHYTE – JOHN

1948 – 2024

(Glenfinnan)

Very peacefully at home, on Saturday 13th April 2024, John George Whyte, aged 75 years, Torr Beitheach, Glenfinnan. A musical inspiration to many throughout Lochaber and beyond for more than 45 years. A loving husband to Frances, a cherished dad to Martin, a caring brother to Linda and Julia, a much loved brother in law, uncle, a dearly loved relative, colleague and a very good friend to many. Greatly loved and sadly missed.

ELLISON – JEAN

1932 – 2024 (Fort William)

Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Saturday 23rd March, Jean Ellison, aged 91 years, Kinross Place, Fort William. A loving mum to Brian and a dearly loved relative, neighbour and friend. Sadly missed.

MCLEOD – DAVID

1941 – 2024 (Plantation)

Sadly, but peacefully in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Sunday 31st March 2024, David McLeod (Davy), aged 82 years, Henderson Row, Plantation, Fort William, retired Lab Assistant and the former Pulp and Paper Mill, Corpach. Beloved husband of Margaret, a loving dad to David, a caring brother to Iain and the late Henry, a much loved uncle, relative, and friend. Sadly missed.

1998 – 2024

(Caol)

Suddenly and unexpectedly, in the care of A&E Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Sunday 31st March 2024, Linnea Jane Nilsson, aged 25 years, Kilmallie Road, Caol, Fort William, General Assistant at Lochaber Café (Train Station) for over 8 years. A treasured daughter of Ingrid Nilsson and Alan Wilson, a cherished granddaughter of Anne, a loving niece to Martin and Bonny, a much loved relative and a wonderful friend to so many. Forever in our hearts.

NILSSON – LINNEA

MCGEACHAN – JANET

1933 – 2024

(Kinlochleven)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the exceptional care of Abbeyfield Care Home, Ballachulish, on Tuesday 16th April 2024, Janet Ferguson McGeachan (Netta), aged 91 years, Appin Road, Kinlochleven. A loving mum to Graham, Catherine and David and mother-inlaw to Fiona and Allan, a treasured granny to Lisa, Martin, Brian, Sonia and Samantha and a proud great granny to 16, a caring sister to Moira and the late Cathie, Alisdair and Jimmy, a dearly loved auntie and a much loved neighbour and friend. Forever in our hearts.

DOHERTY - JOHN 1940 - 2024 (Caol)

Sadly, but peacefully, with his loving family by his side, in the care of Moss Park care Home, Fort William, John MacFarlane Doherty, aged 83 years, Clunes Avenue, Caol, Fort William. A beloved husband of Moira, a loving dad to Sean, Ivan and Iain and father in law to Susan and Magda. a wonderful papa to Iona, Ryan, Ami, Jamie, Kirsty and Leo, a proud great grandad to Ava, Orla, Murray and Eden, a dearly loved relative and friend. So greatly loved and missed.

SINCLAIR – ALASTAIR 1934 – 2024 (Caol)

Suddenly at home, on Saturday 13th April 2024, Alastair Sinclair, aged 90 years, MacMillan Place, Caol, Fort William. Beloved husband to the late Peggy, a loving dad to David, Sheila, Moira, Katharine, and the late David, a treasured grandpa to Peter, Allan, Semma, Scott and Megan and a proud great grandpa to Zander, a much loved brother of Gillan, Alan and the late Babs, a dear uncle and a good friend. Sadly missed.

WOOD – ALEXANDER 1968 – 2024 (Corpach)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Wednesday 27th March 2024, Alexander Wood (Alec/Woody), aged 55 years, Drumfada Terrace, Corpach, Fort William, former employee at the Ben Nevis Auction Mart and BSW Sawmill - Kilmallie, latterly Harbro, Corpach. A loving son of the late Angus and Margaret, a treasured brother to Margaret and brother-in-law to Stephen, a much loved uncle to Andrew and a good neighbour, colleague and friend. Sadly missed.

CAMERON – JANETTE

1955 – 2024

(Caol)

Sadly, but peacefully surrounded by her loving family, in the exceptional care of the Highland Hospice, Inverness, on Friday 19th April 2024, Janette Isabella Cameron, aged 68 years, Blar Mhor Road, Caol, Fort William. Beloved wife to Colin, a treasured mum to Pauline and Martin, a cherished sister to Bobby, Gordon, Avril and Francine, a much loved sister-in-law and auntie and a wonderful friend to so many. Forever loved and missed.

HOPE – ADRIAN 1928 – 2024 (Corpach)

Peacefully at home, on Monday 22nd April 2024, Adrian Hope, aged 95 years, ‘Torrisdale’, Corpach, Fort William. A beloved husband to Lucy, a loving dad to Edith, Lesley, Seonaid and Iain and father-in-law to Wendy and Ewen, a treasured grandpa to Hugh, Catrina, Corrie, Donna, Neil, Owen, Manuel and Duncan, a caring Brother to Evelyn and the late Neil, Maida and Sandy, a dearly loved relative and friend. So greatly missed.

KEENAN – JOSEPH

1939 – 2024 (Lochyside)

Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Wednesday 17th April 2024, Joseph Keenan (Joe), aged 84 years, Castle Drive, Lochyside, Fort William. A beloved husband to Betty, a loving dad to James and the late Susan, a treasured grandfather to Michael and Brodie a dearly loved relative and a good friend. RIP.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

FERGUSON – SHIRLEY

1959 – 2024 (Corpach)

MACMILLAN – NEIL

1951 – 2024 (Fort William)

Peacefully at home, with his loving family by his side, on Monday 29th April 2024, Neil MacMillan, aged 72 years, Orkney Place, Fort William, retired time served Plumber and latterly a Service Engineer with Coca-Cola. A loving husband to Mairi, a treasured dad to Nicola, Gavin and Ross, a very proud ‘pap-pap’ to Jenna, Blake, Kyle, Eva, Hayden and Lucas, a caring brother to Elizabeth, a dearly loved relative and a good friend to many. Forever loved and missed.

STEVENSON –CATHERINE

1929 – 2024 (Inverlochy)

Peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, following a short illness, on Saturday 13th April 2024, Catherine Stevenson (Cathie), aged 94 years, Lochy Road, Inverlochy, Fort William. Beloved wife of the late Thomas (Tommy), a treasured mum to Janice, John and Phil, a wonderful nana to Jessica, Hazel, Lisa, Jamie, Duncan and Gordon, and a proud great-nana to Connor, Josh, Kenzie, Zara, Wren and JJ, a much loved grandma to Jessie, a dearly 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.

Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Tuesday 28th April 2024, Shirley Ferguson, aged 64 years, Annat View, Corpach, Fort William. A loving partner to the late Jo, a treasured mum to Michael, Christopher and Liam and mother-in-law to Sarah, a wonderful nana to Hector and Eleanor, a caring sister to William, Andy, Ann and Tam, a much loved auntie, relative and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with her at the Belford Hospital, Fort William. Rest In Peace.

Lone Hillwalker Rescued by Super Gran

From the files of Leen Volwerk

Quite a headline and all true. Well known former Lochaber High School teacher, climber and hillwalker, Leen Volwerk has been looking through the writings of his late wife, Pam, equally well known in the community, as she recorded and recounted her adventures in the hills over many years. This is one of her stories:-

Cliff Howell, 25 of Welwyn garden City was last night rescued from the white hell of Devils’ Crag by Pamela Volwerk from that hill-walkers Mecca, Fort William. A broken leg at 3,000 feet at the height of a 60mph blizzard could have spelled curtains for Cliff had the plucky Pam not happened along and used all her considerable resources to get the young accountant back to the road.

Mrs Volwerk declined to be interviewed, disappearing the moment the ambulance arrived. However the whole story was revealed by Mr Howell from his hospital bed.

“It was just a simple stumble over my own ice-axe but I slid about twenty feet. I bounced off a rock and I just knew my

left leg was knackered. I got myself into my bivvy bag and started blowing my whistle but reckoned I’d had it in those conditions so late into the afternoon.

Then suddenly this figure loomed out of the white-out.

“You all right?” She asked.

I told her what happened and she dived into her map case and drew out a little yellow

booklet “First Aid - A hand manual for Hill Walking’. She said she had never had to use this so we looked up ‘broken bones’ together.

Pam insisted on moving the leg to see if it was actually broken and after I regained consciousness we decided that the best we could do was tie my ice-axe to it and take painkillers.

My First Aid kit had nothing in it but she took out a Mickey Mouse pencil case and gave me one of everything there was in it. This stopped the pain but the snow seemed an odd green colour all the way down. Pam was ever so good. She kept saying “I can’t leave you here, can you walk even a little?“. I tried twice but I fell over and cut my hand on Pam’s crampons. After she wrapped the cut in plaster she told me she was going to lower me down

in my bivvy bag which would slide easily in the snow and ice. Pam put her helmet on my head, tied a lace to tuck in the bivvy bag and launched me.

Actually it went quite well after we got the technique right. It was better if I wore the head torch to see where I was going and wore my crampons on my hands to brake with. We found this out when I went over a small bluff and dropped ten feet. Fortunately Pam landed on top of me so she was OK to go on.

Later we fell through a snow bridge and landed in a stream. Only Pam’s quick thinking stopped me being washed off the hill underneath the snow line. Her ice-axe pick just got purchase on my collar bone. It took us half an hour to dig our way out of the snow bank. Just as well Pam had a can of Diet Coke to keep us going.

We got to below the snow line by about 2.00am and then we had a problem: the bivvy bag, or what was left of it wouldn’t slide on the heather.

We discussed what to do and just as Pam said :”My husband might be getting worried by now”, we saw lights over to our left.

Ten minutes later we were on our way again. The husband had driven his ancient Morris van up a Land Rover track to the snow line and was preparing to go up the hill when he saw our torches.

The journey across to the van was pretty rough, but not as rough as the descent in the van. Not made for rough stuff Morris Minors.

They just shot off before I could thank them properly. Remarkable couple. All the husband said when he found us was “Later than usual tonight?”.

Fort William Photographic Society meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month in the Salvation Army Hall, Fort William, from 7.15pm. New members are always welcome and do not have to be experienced photographers or have a ‘fancy’ camera, just an interest in the subject.

More details on its website www.fwphotosociety.uk/

Iain Ferguson

Heidi Holland

Patryk Palicki

Adrian J

Sarinder Joshua Duroch

Armando Barcenas

Nikki Fish

Arthur Campbell

Ali Fish

TRAINS, VIKINGS AND CHOCOLATE ON SOUTH LOCHABER PUPILS YORK TRIP

Eighteen excited primary six and seven pupils from the South Lochaber Cluster - Ballachulish, Duror, Glencoe and St Bride’s primary schools - set off on a trip to York at the end of April.

Accompanied by four teachers and one parent, they travelled to Edinburgh by coach and boarded the train to York for an action-packed adventure.

After dropping their luggage off at the Safestay Hostel in the city centre, they set off to investigate the National Railway Museum with its iconic locomotives before enjoying a meal at Pizza Express. The following day they toured York Minster and climbed the 275 steps to the top of the Central Tower.

After lunch, the intrepid pupils went to the Jorvik Centre to explore the world of Vikings on a ride through the reconstructed city of Jorvik, followed by an archaeological dig to discover real artefacts. After a fun and fact-filled day, they were all ready

for their meal at Bella Italia and a good night’s sleep.

On their last day, the pupils visited York’s Chocolate Story to unwrap the 4,000 year history of chocolate on a guided tour –complete with tasty treats along the way.

Eighteen tired but happy pupils, and five exhausted but proud adults, boarded the train back to Edinburgh then the coach back to Lochaber with stomachs full of chocolate and heads filled with fabulous memories of their first school trip to York.

Iain Ferguson

READ ALL ABOUT ITINVERLOCHY TIMES

Inverlochy Primary School pupils are thinking about entering the newspaper business with their own publication, the Inverlochy Times.

Under the direction of teacher Kelsey O’rourke, the young journalists-to-be have been studying the industry and how it works by looking at various newspapers.

Over several weeks, they discussed what they could include in their own publication, what they were aiming to achieve and division of labour before deciding to ask someone they knew who may be able to help.

After a bit of deliberation, the class approached someone well know to all of them - Lochaber Life editor and Lochaber Times photographer/reporter, Iain Ferguson - also judge of the school’s annual Scot’s Factor poetry competition.

Iain was happy to spend a morning with the young people, first of all explaining the many roles he had played in the media over his 50-year career, the many opportunities presented and the variety of people he had met over the years.

Iain then talked about the monthly Lochaber Life, the type of stories it used in comparison to weekly newspapers, how he found the stories, decided which ones may be of the most interest to readers and how

he set about writing them. In an open question and answer session the pupils had many interesting and well-prepared questions about how they should take things forward and from these he suggested to them that they may also like to consider asking local businesses if they would like to place adverts which would help offset the cost of printing.

This was something they had not considered before, but were excited at the prospect, with many suggestions as to which companies may have connections to the school and volunteers coming forward for the task - young advertising executives in the making.

Looking at other potential jobs within the class, they also

decided it may be a good idea to appoint an editor to look at all of the stories and decide which were the best to use, reporters to cover various aspects of school life, such as the Parent Council, class news, sporting achievements and events in the wider community which involved pupils and, of course, photographers to capture the images with which to enhance the stories.

The Lochaber Life editor said: “What a pleasure to meet so many enthusiastic young people, who had obviously done a fair a bit of research and already had a good idea of how to make it happen.

“I am always delighted to offer help and advice on the career I have enjoyed doing for so long.”

MORAG MACLELLAN

1930 – 2024

James, John, Margaret, and all the MacLellan family would like to express their thanks to everyone who has sent cards, flowers, mass cards, and kind words since Morag’s death. We wish to thank all the staff at the Belford Hospital and Invernevis House for the exceptional care they gave to our mum. Thank you to Fr. Joe for the beautiful funeral mass and thank you to everyone who helped us on the day. We are incredibly grateful to Natalie, John, and Peter at McLellan Funeral Directors for making it such a smooth and straightforward process for us and for their care and professionalism throughout. To everyone who came from near and far to Mum’s funeral, we are so thankful for all of your support. A total of £800.00 was raised in memory of Morag which will be donated to the Belford Hospital staff funds.

ANGELA MACLELLAN

1970 - 2024

The MacLellan family wish to express their sincere thanks to everyone for their support following the death of their beloved sister Angela. To everyone who cared for Angela and came to visit her before she passed, thank you. We are incredibly grateful to the staff at McLellans Funeral Directors for their care, kindness, and professionalism and also to Fr. Stan and Fr. Gambella for the funeral mass services. To everyone who has sent flowers, cards, and messages of sympathy, thank you. And finally to everyone who came to Angela’s funeral in Morar and to those who travelled to be with us in Inverness, we are so grateful for all the support you have shown us at this difficult time. £1,200 was raised in memory of Angela and has been donated to Maggie’s, Highland, and St. Cumin’s RC Church, Morar.

CATHERINE MARY MURDOCH

1943 - 2024

Jimmy, Donald, Yvonne, and families would like to take this opportunity to offer sincere thanks to all for the lovely flowers, cards and messages of sympathy and support following the sad loss of “Cathy”. She will be sadly missed. Firstly, thanks to Father David Connor for his warm and comforting service at St Mary’s Church and to John, Peter and Natalie from McLellan’s Funeral Directors for their compassion, understanding and assistance with all the arrangements. Thanks to Laurie Mount MacDonald, and also to Kim MacDonald at the Enchanted Florist for their beautiful floral tributes and to the staff at the Lochy in Caol for looking after us so well with our afternoon Tea. A special thank you goes to the staff at Invernevis House Care Home who provided so much love, care, and compassion for Cathy in her final days there. The wonderful sum of £600.80 was collected and this will be donated to the Invernevis House Patient fund in Cathy’s memory. Finally, a special thank you to all family and friends for travelling to pay their respects and who provided much welcomed comfort and support.

ANGUS NICOLSON

1938 - 2024

Alastair, Donnie, and Catherine would like to thank everyone who has been to visit, sent cards, and been in touch with kind messages of condolence since our Dad’s passing. Thank you to Rory MacLeod for the fitting tribute to dad and to all who helped on the day of his funeral. To John, Natalie, and Peter at McLellans, thank you for all of your help and support over the last couple of weeks, we are incredibly grateful for everything. Thanks is also extended to David Hamilton for playing the organ at Dad’s funeral and to the staff at the Railway Club, Inverlochy for the funeral tea. To McDonald Bros. Inverlochy, thank you for the beautiful coffin spray. £691.80 was raised in memory of Angus and will be donated to MacMillan Nurses in Lochaber.

FRANCIS BRUCE

1928 - 2024

The family of the late Francis Bruce would like to thank everyone who attended his funeral service at The Duncansburgh Church. We thank Rev. Rory MacLeod for his comforting service, David Hamilton for playing the organ, and all the staff at McLellan Funeral Directors for their professionalism and assistance with all the arrangements. We are also very thankful to McDonald Bros for the wonderful coffin spray and to the staff at The Railway Club, Inverlochy for the funeral tea. £300.00 was collected in Francie’s memory and will be donated to Etive House Care Home where he was so wonderfully looked after.

BERYL AUSTIN, MBE

1926 - 2024

A good life, well lived.

RUNNING FOR OXYGEN

Iain Ferguson

Husband and wife Davy and Helen Duncan will be running and wheeling their way around the Loch Ness Marathon course this September to fulfil a longheld dream of Davy’s and raise money for organisations close to his heart - and lungs.

Once a super fit runner and deep sea diver whose skills were in demand across the world, Davy caught Covid while working in Mexico which led to him almost losing his life. The illness also resulted in strokes which has left him with long term health issues.

Ever cheerful despite serious challenges of learning to speak and regain some mobility, Davy completed his first major aim after returning to their Caol home. From a medical flight back to Inverness, a long spell in Raigmore and further time in the Belford Hospital, he lived up to a promise he made

when, with assistance, he took Helen on to the floor for the first dance at their wedding.

After many further adventures including their honeymoon in Turkey, which again resulted in him being admitted to hospital after a seizure, he and Helen are now setting their sights on the marathon, which Davy has always wanted to take part in.

A former ultra-marathon runner and founder of Park Run in Lochaber, which recently held its 200th race, Helen started to research how taking part would be possible. They were spurred on by the fact Oxygen Works in Inverness, where Davy goes twice a week to use its hyperbaric chamber, was in dire need of money, and an internet search located a wheelchair specially designed for this type of run.

Lightweight and almost like a hammock on wheels, Davy and Helen, along with their two dogs, visited the manufacturers in the south of England to try it out.

This was very successful, Davy finding it really comfortable and Helen being able to easily push it around a wooded track near the makers’ base.

They are now awaiting delivery to get in more practice, but have already started fund raising for their chosen good cause.

To donate, go to Helen Smith GoFundMe on social media.

Helen said: “Oxygen Works has helped significantly with Davy’s recovery.

“He gets so much from going there and we would really be lost without them.

“It is so important to us and others, but being small it does not attract funding like a big organisation.

“I love running but haven’t been able to do it for the last few years so it is going to be amazing doing this together. When I did the ultras, Davy was always my support during races. He is also really looking forward to it.”

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: TALK LOCHABER TURNS 25

In June 1999, a small committee which had been meeting to try to establish a local talking newspaper, reached a significant milestone. Iain Ferguson, Talk Lochaber’s first chairperson - now Lochaber Life editor - signed the constitution of our new charity. Iain has continued to offer loyal support in many ways over the years.

Lyn Kilpatrick, then development off icer with Lochaber Community Volunteer Network, and “keen-to-be listener” Joy Roberts were driving forces in getting things started. Our listeners and our volunteers have remained at the heart of what we do and have been actively involved in running the charity from the beginning.

Talk Lochaber produces weekly audiorecording of local news, mainly from the Lochaber Times, but featuring other local publications including Lochaber Life, De Tha Dol and West Word. Recordings are sent out on USB memory sticks to those who, for whatever reason, cannot access the written word.

Although many listeners are blind or partially-sighted, the service is available to anyone unable to access print.

Talk Lochaber has adapted over the years – moving from cassette to digital recording and from studio to home-recording. A recent development is that listeners can now download a Talking Newspaper Federation (TNF) app to listen to the weekly broadcast via a smartphone or can

access it via Alexa’s Talking Newspaper Skill. We continue to send memory stick broadcasts to listeners who prefer this.

All our services are free and we are keen to hear from you if you, or anyone you know, could benefit from receiving Talk Lochaber. We may also be able to help if you need the service but have no way of playing a memory stick. Our volunteer teams have kept weekly recordings going out regularly, apart from a year in abeyance as a result of the pandemic. Thanks to every volunteer past and present who has contributed to this service – committee members, technicians, editors, readers and administrators. It is much appreciated. If you would like to volunteer for Talk Lochaber, please get in touch. For details of how to receive Talk Lochaber or to volunteer, please contact: John Mortimer, Secretary: email john@johnrmortimer.co.uk text: 07745306645 tel: 01855811213.

Please leave a message

Jo Cowan

Best Christmas tape 2003

Who are the people most important to you, who shape your life, who you look up to? Just take a moment to think about these questions, to really ponder - who are the people who helped to make you, you?  Recently, as I came towards the date of my ordination into full-time ministry, I spent a lot of time thinking about these questions, examining how my faith and my life has been shaped by those nearest and dearest to me.

From our earliest days, we are influenced by those around us - family, friends, mentors, and even strangers who cross our path. Their words, actions and attitudes leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds, shaping who we are and who we become.

Think of our parents who, if we are lucky, nurtured us

with love and guidance, instilling values of kindness, honesty and compassion. Their influence moulds our character and shapes our world view, setting the foundation for our relationships and interactions with others. Similarly, consider the friends who walk alongside us, offering support, encouragement and laughter. Their presence enriches our lives and influences the choices we make, shaping our identity and sense of belonging.

Yet, it is not only the people we encounter who shape us, but also the actions we choose to take. Every word spoken, every deed done, sends ripples into the world, impacting those around us in ways we may never fully realise. Our kindness can brighten someone’s day, our generosity can alleviate someone’s burden and our forgiveness can heal someone’s wounds. Conversely, our selfishness can cause pain, our indifference can create distance and our anger can sow discord.

Jesus taught us that we should all love one another as he loved us (John 13:34).  We should all therefore be mindful, especially those of us who follow Christ’s teaching, of the influence we wield and the legacy we leave. No matter our situation, we should strive to be vessels of love, grace and truth, reflecting the character of Jesus in everything we do.  In doing so, may our words be seasoned with kindness, our actions be motivated by love and our lives bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Counting out the little ducks in a song, children from nurseries across Lochaber enjoyed the stories and entertainment in Fort William Library. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image.

LOOKBACK LENS

things which I find interesting and I hope you do too.

A look back through the extensive photographic files of The Write Image/alba. photos always throws up

Remember when the North Road Retail Park, below, was

the yard, bottom photograph, for a welding company and home to the Lochaber Life office?

Above: In this month, 24 years ago, the last aluminium ingot was cast in Alcan’s Kinlochleven smelter, although the ‘power house’ is still in full working order and supplying energy for aluminium smelting in Fort William.

Iain Ferguson

CONNER CROWNED SCOTTISH PHYSIQUE KING

Iain Ferguson

“Getting up on that stage on home soil with my family and massive amounts of support in the crowd was absolutely unreal”.

This was the view of Kinlochleven’s Conner Macgregor after taking top place for his physique in two shows organised by the international organisation The Physical Culture Association (PCA).

The wins are the culmination of years of preparation with a carefully controlled diet and an exceptional amount of gym work aimed at developing specific parts of his body, working on getting the perfect overall balance and look.

Other than being a regular at a local gym, in the run-up to the shows Conner has travelled many hundreds of miles to specialised gyms in Scotland and England where he could access a wide range of equipment and expert advice on how to present himself on stage before the judges.

His dedication paid off with these two awards, firstly in the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen, then the huge SWG3 venue in Glasgow establishing him as the best in Scotland in the junior section.

These events were the biggest PCS Scotland competitions to date with the winners gaining qualification for the

British finals in October and the possibility of going on to the PCS Universe Contest, pitched against a huge field of top winners and performers.

Over a gruelling two weeks, Conner gave his all to each show, which paid off when he took top place in both against stiff competition. While it was both mentally and physically challenging to achieve the perfect physique and look at exactly the right time, he was full of praise for the support of his family.

He said: “I was extremely glad to have my parents attending their first bodybuilding show. It took them a while to understand some of the things I have to do to take my physique to the next level and understand what I have to put my body through. I am grateful to have had them helping me out where and when I’ve needed it.

“These shows were more for everyone that’s supported and believed in me than they

were for myself. I didn’t want to let anyone down and I’m so thankful to have this amazing network around me today”.

With both shows complete, Conner took some time to return to a ‘normal’ lifestyle, eating things he had denied himself for some time and enjoy a trip with his girlfriend. However, almost immediately after this he was back in the gym developing his physique and controlling his diet with one observation: “Buzzing for my future in bodybuilding.”

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LAST MONTH:

FIFTY YEARS OF FOOTBALL IN THE FORT

Iain Ferguson

Fort William FC recognised the efforts of everyone involved with the Club at an awards night which was held in the cafe and events space in the town’s University of the Highlands and Islands campus.

Many presentations were made, both amusing and serious, recognising various aspects of activities throughout the season. After much laughter, first of the genuine awards went to Colin ‘Woody’ Wood, a Club stalwart who amongst many things has driven the team to the far reaches of the Highlands, housed many

of the players from outwith the area. In recognition of all he does, Woody was made an official Club Ambassador.

Players’ Player of the Year was awarded to goalkeeper Kit Fletcher in recognition of his contributions on and off the park.Management’s Player of the Season was centre half Farquhar MacRae while Davie Neil was crowned Most Improved Player of the season and Lewis Moran, Young Player of the Year.

Top Goal Scorer and the alba. photos Silver Salver for Most Photographed Player went to Martin Munro and Goal of the Season was highlighted as Juan Cardona’s strike against Inverness Athletic.

Club Chairman, Robert Coull said“We celebrated the past, present and future as we look forward to next season and

the club’s 50th anniversary. Thanks to all the coaching team and committee who helped get the awards night set up and helped at the reserve match at Claggan Park during the day

In addition to these awards, two players , Kit Fletcher and Martin Munro were named as members of the North Caledonian League fantasy squad of top players.

To mark the Club’s 50th anniversary, on Sunday, June 2nd Claggan Park is the venue for a ‘Festival of Football’ with Schools’ Claggan Cup matches for Primary 1-3 and Primary 4-7. Skye and North League Select v Fort William FC 1st Team and the Celtic v Rangers Local 11 in the Arran Watson Memorial Match

In a true spirit of family fun there will also be Bouncy Castles, entertainment and delicious food, with the whole of Lochaber invited along to celebrate a half century of Fort FC football.