Lochaber Life #341 March 2022

Am Màrt

At the heart of your community Arts of Lochaber

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Get on your Hi-bikes

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Shinty’s Balliemore Cup

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Beatha Lochabair March 2022 – Issue 341

Big screen debut for Max

ore s m e to

m ree ho es t 0 ess hou 0 e v 0 li 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

FIURAN Lochaber Life March 2022.indd 1

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08 20 Beatha Lochabair

contents

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LION AND LAMB ‘When March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb’ , as the old saying goes, but then there is the other more common one: ‘Let’s wait and see!’ Hopefully 10 degrees centigrade will be an early and constant temperature, page 15, and that the weather is kind enough to get on your bike and ride, page 23, or even to spectate at a shinty match, page 38. Moving indoors, there’s a great recipe to try, page 12, or get some popcorn and settle down to a new film which was shot in Lochaber and try to identify all the places featured in the plot, page 6. As always, Lochaber Life can be read outdoors and indoors. Have a good March. Biodh Màrt math agad. Iain FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH: Nine-year-old Max Wilson who made his screen debut in a film with James McAvoy, but couldn’t see himself in Highland Cinema as it was rated 15. 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

Screen debut for Max

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Lochaber Life 15 years ago

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Reader’s photograph

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Recipe

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Spring time

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Arts of Lochaber

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Get on you Hi-bikes

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Model World

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Community Connections

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Old laptops - new hope for youngsters

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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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Balliemore Cup

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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 Limited.

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Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs Course Specialised, evidence based, 12 week course for people with chronic lower back pain or to maintain a strong, healthy back for the future. Private 1-2-1 Yoga sessions also available

Counselling & CBT Counselling for individuals, couples and families.

Allan Lindsay can also provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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‘MY SON’ FILM DEBUT FOR NINE-YEAR-OLD MAX Iain Ferguson

centre by a paedophile ring.

His distraught father tracks him down and eventually rescues him from his kidnappers.

In another twist outside of the plot, leading man James McAvoy had no script, so ‘played it for real’ with his own feelings and words reacting to events as they happened, often resulting in gritty, more true-to-life reactions and language.

Throughout the filming Max was never involved in the more violent scenes and really enjoyed the experience of taking part.

He said: ‘Everyone was really nice to me and we also had a lot of fun.

My special friends on the set were the men playing the baddies and we had lots of laughs in between our scenes.’

With the exception of the young actor, his whole family watched the big screen debut of Max and the film while he enjoyed popcorn and pizza in Photograph: Joss Barratt/courtesy of STXfilms. the cinema restaurant, Nine-year-old Max Wilson from Spean Bridge likes nothing more than getting his hands on a box of popcorn and settling down to watch a good film in Highland Cinema. However, having recently played alongside Hollywood star James McAvoy in his latest film ‘My Son’ , he had to settle for just the popcorn as the new release was rated 15.

While it was a debut performance for Max, it was a first too for the specially commissioned Amazon Prime movie which was shot in Lochaber last year. To co-incide with its release on the streaming network, an agreement was reached for it to be shown for two weeks on the big screen at Highland Cinema.

Working alongside James McAvoy and co-star Claire Foy - his on-screen parents - Max played the role of a seven-yearold taken from an outdoor

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where, like a true star, the staff were rushing around to meet his every need.

‘I didn’t mind not being able to see it in the cinema,’ said Max: ‘The production company is making a special version for me so I can watch it with my friends and that will be great.’

His real mum Maria said: ‘He took to the filming like it was something he did every day.

Everyone was very nice to him.

‘He liked meeting them all and enjoyed the whole process.

‘Like a true diva, in one scene where the kidnappers carried him downstairs inside a sleeping bag, he jokingly told them that as they brought him down then they should carry him back up again, which they did! They all had a really good time and what a great opportunity for him.’

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It’s not just your temperature that’s up because of the Energy Prices By fitting A+ Double glazed windows to your property you could save £115 a year on your heating bills and stop 405kg of Carbon Dioxide entering the atmosphere.*

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15 years ago - Lochaber Life Lochaber Life makes its own ‘Fifteen years ago’ news this month, with the retiral of its first editor and co-founder Margaret Muncie and the appointment of present editor Iain Ferguson in the spotlight.

The first Lochaber Life appeared in November 1992, set up as Lines Publishing by husband and wife team Margaret and John Muncie as something they had always wanted to do. In those early days, the then teachers did everything from researching and writing the stories, taking photographs, selling advertising, making up the pages in the very early days of computers, then taking it to the printers. Once ready, they would drop off the finished magazines to the main Post Office in Fort William for delivery.

Now, as part of the Wyvex Media family whose titles include The Oban Times and Lochaber Times, you may realise by reading this issue more than 30 years on, it has been an ongoing success, becoming, as its name suggests, the essence of ‘Lochaber Life’.

Caol by night by reader Bill Cameron.

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for Highland ath-chuairtich airson na Gàidhealtachd

Brown bin permit holders are reminded that the service starts again from Tuesday 1st March 2022 Plea

se rem check con and ove t ma amina any yb tio from e in yo n that ur the win bin te

r

Your current permit expires on 31st August 2022.

Collection calendars are available online or call 01349 886603.

8www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste *recycle@highland.gov.uk LOCHABER LIFE

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INTRODUCING NEW BEN NEVIS BATHROOMS...

Ben Nevis Bathrooms, Lochaber’s stunning new bathroom and tile showroom, is set to give local customers a new sensory experience. It offers the chance to touch and feel the range of beautiful products on display, along with the benefit of having the expertise of skilled local tradesmen on hand to advise on the best choice for them.

The inspiring showroom, at the old garden centre site at Torlundy, has been designed to showcase well-known bathroom and tile brands in varying styles from modern to traditional, and its 11 eye-catching bathroom displays give a real sense of how the products might look in your home.

The opening is the culmination of a long-term ambition for locals

Kenny Campbell, a plumbing and heating engineer, and Graham Irving, a wall and floor ceramic tiler. Both have decades of experience and an excellent reputation in the Lochaber building trade.

Liz Campbell and Ellen Irving offer a warm welcome to the showroom and alongside Kenny and Graham will support customers to plan, design and supply their perfect bathroom.

The entire team is passionate about using their skills to help customers to create beautiful

bathrooms, minus the usual stress. They have a vision to provide a positive and calm experience for local clients, without the inconvenience of travelling for miles or trawling on the internet for weeks on end.

Excellent personal customer service is assured from the Ben Nevis Bathrooms team and their tried and tested suppliers.

If you need a bathroom for your new home, plan to update an existing bathroom or need tips or ideas before you make the next step, why not come and look around? You’ll find a fantastic range of quality products and the inspiration that could set you on course to the bathroom of your dreams.

WE ARE A LOCAL BUSINESS RUN BY LOCAL PEOPLE.

BE INSPIRED IN OUR BRAND NEW BATHROOM & TILE SHOWROOM, RIGHT HERE IN LOCHABER.

COME ALONG AND LET US HELP YOU CREATE THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS ...

We cater for every budget, from affordable to designer, with our vast range of bathroom and tile products.

We also offer bathroom design, supply and local delivery with the added security of customer support.

Call. 01397 719400 Visit. www.bennevisbathrooms.co.uk

BEN NEVIS BATHROOMS Torlundy • Fort William • PH33 6SW

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• INGREDIENTS • Chestnut mushrooms, 100g sliced

MUSHROOM PASTA

Onion, 60g finely chopped

By chef Robbie Macdonald of Beinn Bhreagha cafe

Sprinkle of chopped chives

One clove garlic, grated Cream, 200ml Handful of spinach Parmesan, 50g Penne pasta, cooked

• METHOD • Sweat mushrooms, onions and garlic in a little oil or butter over medium heat until cooked.

Add cream and stir in until heated. Finish with chives, spinach and parmesan.

Add cooked penne pasta. Stir until heated through then serve with garlic bread.

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DO LITTLE AND HELP NATURE IN YOUR GARDEN Iain Ferguson

year’s dead plants covering the ground. Although there are a If you followed up my story few remaining snowdrops and (Lochaber Life, February) and maybe not a host, but some took part in the RSPB Big Bird golden daffodils.

Watch, there wouldn’t have This, I am told, is a good been much to report due to thing as many insects, such as the appalling weather. I don’t butterflies, are hidden away, think any birds ventured into our garden due to the very high protected from the weather, under last year’s decaying plant winds, with normally tempting material while awaiting the seeds and fat balls left virtually magic number of a constant untouched over the whole 10 degrees centigrade to burst period. forth and start the wonders of However, as the weather pollination as they search for hopefully improves, there are food amongst the flowering plenty things which can be plants. done to help flora and fauna around your home.

Apart from helping the natural cycle by not disturbing these One of the easiest is to do little beings until they are ready nothing at all except watch the outside temperature. My garden, to emerge, what a great reason to sit back and watch, rather which as you probably know than clear and dig. Our family from previous articles I like to project for this year is to get a describe as ‘wild’, is currently fairly dormant with lots of last wildflower meadow going - not

that easy actually, having failed with many previous attempts.

This time beds have been created - actually the wooden drawers from under our old bed - and filled with nutritious compost which should best serve the plants which are going in. Three boxes of different wildflower seeds have been duly scattered and protected from the birds, so now all that remains is to sit back and await our riot of blooms, or not, as the case may be. Watch this space.

If you are thinking of putting in new plants, there is great advice on the packets such as favourites of bees, butterflies or various other insects to attract them to your garden. Give it a try - help complete the circle of nature and hopefully have more success than the January bird watch.

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In Loving Memory of STEWART MACLEAN 1948 - 2022 (Onich) Peacefully at the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Friday 7th January 2022, Stewart MacLean, aged 73 years, Edengrove Hall, Onich, Fort William. A loving partner to Jane, a muchloved brother to Ronald, Fergie and Lewis, a caring brother-in-law, uncle, colleague and a good friend to many. So greatly missed.

In Loving Memory of DONNIE KENNEDY 1940 – 2022 (Roy Bridge) Peacefully in the care of Moss Park Care Home, Fort William, on Wednesday 12th January 2022, Donald Kennedy (Donnie), aged 81 years, Bohuntin, Roy Bridge.

A loving brother and uncle and a much-loved gentleman throughout Lochaber, a kind neighbour and a great friend to many. RIP.

In Loving Memory of WILLIE BEEDIE 1946 – 2022 (Caol) Peacefully at home, with his loving family by his side, on Friday 7th January 2022, William John Beedie (Willie), aged 75 years, Alexander Square, Caol, Fort William. A loving husband to Rhoda, a much-loved dad to Klara, William and Vikki a wonderful grandfather to all his grandchildren and a dear relative to all in the extended family, a caring neighbour and friend to many. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of PETER MCLEAN 1952 – 2022 (Caol) Sadly, at Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Thursday 13th January 2022, Peter McLean (Pete), aged 69 years, retired Fisherman and former Owner/Skipper of ‘Juliona M.’ (Mallaig).

A beloved husband to Ellen, a much-loved dad to Caitriona and Julia and Step-dad to Sarah and Eilidh, a loving son to Pete and the late Christine McLean, a wonderful grandad and papa to all his grandchildren, a caring brother to Moira, Audrey and Christine, uncle, great uncle, cousin and a good friend to many. Greatly missed.

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 RITA STILLWELL 1928 – 2021 (Morvern) Peacefully at Moss Park Care Home, on Friday 31st December 2021, Rita Doreen Stillwell, aged 93 years. A loving wife to Harold a much-loved mum to Jenni, a wonderful grandmother to Jamie and GG to Ross and Cerys, a caring neighbour and friend to many.

Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of JOAN GILLIES 1947 - 2022 (Inverlochy) Peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Monday 3rd January 2022, Joan Bernadette Gillies, aged 75 years, retired manageress at the former Grand Hotel, Fort William. A much-loved sister, sister-in-law, aunt and a caring neighbour and friend. RIP.

In Loving Memory of DAVE MINES 1943 – 2022 (Kinlochleven) Sadly, at Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Thursday 13th January 2022, David Oliver Mines (Dave), aged 78 years. A loving husband to Elaine, a wonderful dad to Dylan and so dearly loved and treasured by his wider family and friends. RIP.

In Loving Memory of DONALD (DON) MACDOUGALL 1976 – 2022 (Fort William) Sadly, on Friday 14th January 2022, Donald John MacDougall (Don), aged 45 years, Lundavra Road, Fort William. A treasured dad to Kieran and Leah, a loving son to Donald and Flora, a much-loved brother to Stephen, Stuart and Theresa, a caring brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, cousin and a well-liked friend to many. RIP.

In Loving Memory of MAY FINNIE 1931 – 2022 (Claggan) Peacefully, at home surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday 18th January 2022, Mary Finnie (formerly MacKinnon), known to all as May, aged 90 years, Tom na Fadhir, Claggan, Fort William. A much-loved mum to Michael and the late Barrie and Karen, a special mother-in-law, a wonderful and proud nana and great nana to all her grandchildren, a caring neighbour and friend to many. RIP.

In Loving Memory of RAY JENNINGS 1950 – 2022 (Muirshearlich, Banavie) Sadly, but peacefully at the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Sunday 23rd January 2022, Mary Martin Jennings (formerly Trotter), known to all as Ray, aged 71 years. A loving wife to the late Eamon, a much-loved mum to Lee, Ryan and Kirsty and treasured step-mum to Kevin, Keith and Karla, a wonderful granny to all her grandchildren, a caring sister, and friend to many.

Sadly missed.

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 JEAN HILLSLEY 1928 – 2022 (Salen, Acharacle) Peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday 24th January 2022, Jean Rose Elizabeth Hillsley, aged 93 years, Salen, Acharacle.

A loving mum to Liz, a wonderful nanny to Emma, Nichola, Samantha and great grandma to Erin and Caitlin, a caring neighbour and friend. So greatly loved.

In Loving Memory of TOMMY JOYCE 1940 – 2022 (Bicester, formerly Caol) Suddenly at home, on Tuesday 18th January 2022, Thomas Patrick Joyce (Tommy), known to some as Boko, aged 81 years, formerly of Caol, Fort William.

Beloved husband to the late Jean, a loving dad to Caroline, the late Donny and Mandy, and a muchloved brother, father-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of VICKY MACKAY 1986 – 2022 (Fort Augustus) Sadly, but peacefully, with her husband and loving family by her side, at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Wednesday 26th January 2022, Victoria Elise MacKay (Vicky), aged 35 years, Caledonian Court, Fort Augustus. A loving wife to Ruaraidh, a wonderful mum to Joey and Lily, a much-loved daughter to Nick and Fran and daughter-in-law to Mary, a treasured sister to James and Max, a caring niece, cousin and friend to many. So greatly missed.

In Loving Memory of KATHLEEN MACLEAN 1990 – 2022 (Kinlochleven) Sadly, but peacefully, at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday 30th January 2022, Kathleen MacLean (Kat), aged 31 years, Wades Road, Kinlochleven.

A much-loved daughter to Roddy and Fiona, a loving sister to Lee, Gordon, Calum, Roddy and Ailsa, and so greatly loved and treasured by all the wider family and a wonderful friend to many who will be sadly missed.

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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ARTSBy Ilona of LOCHABER Munro Lawson

BOING! BOING! ‘You make me feel so young…’

In my head there’s Frank crooning to me. ‘You make me feel so spring has sprung!’ Ah March, allegedly it’s the first month of spring – but who knows? Lochaber is famous for confusing the flowers.

If creativity is my slugabed companion of the long, rainy winter, then it’s also my Tigger of a hopeful spring. Few of us enjoy the dark, sleet-filled drive home from clubs and classes on the narrow, potholed roads we know. As the good old British clock springs forward, we can travel a little more easily- this year, more so, as two years of restrictions ease away. Let’s enjoy this time. Let’s not talk about tourists and midges. Let’s stay with the sweetspot.

Will you spring into action

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and prioritise your creativity and enjoyment of the arts? Can extra daylight rejuvenate you and your creative endeavours?

As I write, I am still smiling at the memory of Junior Youth Theatre night. They are always joyously bouncy, no matter what the season. They grab their precious 90 minutes to laugh, move, make friends and express themselves. They are the antithesis of the teenage stereotype. They know the value of creative fun.

I have never subscribed to the theory that ‘there’s nothing to do in Lochaber’. We have so many cultural classes and clubs.

The Music School, Lochaber Youth Theatre, Nevis Centre Glee Club , Paul’s Rockskool, Lochaber Community Wind Band, Creative Writing at Duror Hall, Victoria’s

ballet, to name a few. Art and craft classes too numerous to list and the amazing Room 13.

Of course, transport is an ongoing issue, as is the A82.

This can have a massive impact on accessing all the wonderful clubs out there. But then, aren’t we supposed to be car sharing for the planet?

While I love to write under a cosy blanket, I still check the window regularly. When will the sun come back? I live in Kinlochleven. I need that spring daylight to extend my travels, to make me more adventurous, to get me to late night cinema, to pull me to the lochside where I can dream and create. Let March put a spring in your step and shine on your creativity.

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Getting around is easy on a Hi-Bike.

Hi-Bike: Bringing electric bike sharing to Fort William Hi-Bike Fort William electric bike share scheme, with 60 ebikes and eight charging hubs, is being launched this spring by Lochaber Environmental Group (LEG) and Bewegen. To ensure cost is not a barrier to using the Hi-Bikes, LEG will be offering discounted and free memberships to Hi-Bike and equal access passes for anyone that needs them, thanks to funding from Paths For All Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP). LEG will also be running lots of competitions with great prizes, so keep an eye out for more information on Facebook and Instagram @HiBikeFortWilliam as we get closer to launching Hi-Bike this spring.

A range of Hi-Bike membership options provide the first 45 minutes of every ride for free, while a three-hour hire gives time for a longer journey or a ride for leisure.

Charging hubs will be located around Fort William and you

can find a bike near you by checking bike availability at hubs on the Hi-Bike website or app.

You’ll be able to join Hi-Bike online or over the phone and then unlock the bikes using your smartphone. If you don’t have a smartphone, no problem, membership cards will also be available to unlock the bikes.

The LEG team will be running taster sessions and regular guided rides after the launch to help you use Hi-Bike and show you the best routes to get around Fort William.

Thanks to the SCSP grant, access to the Hi-Bike ebikes will be affordable for everyone.

You’ll be able to unlock a bike,

ride it to your destination and dock it again. Hi-Bike will make it easier, cheaper and quicker to take short local journeys by ebike, helping you to keep fit and healthy, avoid the traffic jams around town and reduce your carbon footprint.

No need to get in your car, just get on a Hi-Bike. They are great fun to ride.

Smarter Choices Smarter Places is a Paths for All programme to increase active and sustainable travel throughout Scotland. The programme is grant-funded by Transport Scotland. For more info about the Hi-Bike project visit www.lochaberenviro. org.uk or email info@ lochaberenviro.org.uk

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Big trucks, little trucks Robert’s perfect replicas! true to life detail. For Robert, modelling is a hobby which he A Lochaber modeller’s scale very much enjoys and he only creation of a vehicle belonging rarely takes on commissions to Ewan M Bowman of Duisky for special vehicles. It is one of has been featured in a magazine. these commissions, for a truck Starting from the base of operated by local company E M a 1/50th model of a Scania Bowman, which is truck produced by the ‘Tekna’ featured in Model company, Robert Wilson Truck World, where customised it to produce a over four pages, perfect replica of a Volvo FH4 he describes and with logging trailer. illustrates every aspect of the build.

Known locally for organising model shows in Fort William, He often Robert, from Tulloch, near ‘scratch builds’ his Roybridge, has literally ‘built’ models, making up an amazing range of model parts himself, trucks representing companies or adapts parts from all over Scotland. from a number of commercially From his home workshop/ available kits to make his own ‘man cave’, trucks, trailers and unique creation perfect in every wonderful dioramas - small detail as demonstrated in this scale representations of real life locations - flow with remarkable build. regularity and incredible To get this model just right, he Neil Adams

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had to buy three different kits of this truck, which gave him, with some adaptations, such as conversion to right-hand drive, about two thirds of the parts he needed. The rest he would have to produce himself.

Ensuring accuracy in every dimension, he visited the company’s yard to photograph and measure the actual vehicle he was modelling, not only for technical detail, but also to reproduce the exact company livery plus any personal variations introduced by its driver.

None of the kits came with instructions on how to assemble the parts, but thanks to Robert’s 20-plus years of experience and

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knowledge of how trucks are put together, for him, this really wasn’t an issue.

Bowman’s line of work often requires the use of highly specialised equipment and vehicles which aren’t the subject of any kit which saw Robert identifying these particular parts and building them from scratch, demanding a great deal of skill and ‘fiddly’ work.

Taking parts from several kits also meant where identical components such as mudguards didn’t quite fit in slightly different locations on his particular model meaning that he also spent time altering parts of the chassis to ensure an accurate fit.

Other parts, especially for the trailer, which had three axles, not modelled anywhere had to be hand built from materials such as brass, steel, white metal and plastics which had to be shaped, filed and even moulded from liquid metal to make the parts which would then be assembled into the final model.

Using sheets of plastic, he shaped various body panels and used material to simulate the covers across the load.

He exactly matched the company colours and painted the model in them and had decals made which were exact

scale representations of their logo. Other markings he made himself to give it that final finish, unique to each vehicle.

Internal details of the driver’s cab too were meticulously researched and built by Robert, with one addition which may not feature on the actual truck a tiny piece of tartan upholstery which is his trade mark on every build.

Working back and forwards amongst many other projects and his working life, Robert lavished care and skill over many weeks before it was completed.

He said: ‘This conversion took a lot of work and I must admit

there were a few choice words during its construction.

‘However, the positive comments from its driver, who was given it as a Christmas present made it all worthwhile.

Other people have also commented on how accurate it is, which is always good to hear.’

He is currently working on another model of a Bowman’s truck as well as a Caley Timber vehicle, while also looking towards this year’s model show, which he hopes will take place at the end of April.

Something definitely not to be missed.

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Welding repairs Fabrication Railings & gates Onsite steel alterations Car & van MOT repairs Aluminium, stainless steel & mild steel welding T 07463 612809 E gwelding@outlook.com

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Commercial, Industrial & Domestic

53 Castle Dr, Lochyside, Fort William

Mob 0780 335 7221

Tel 01397 703893 Established 1988

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Unit 6, Ben Nevis Auction Mart, Suite 3, Caol Community Centre, Caol, Torlundy, Fort William, Fort William, PH33PH33 7DS 6SW 01397Fax: 700800 Tel: 01397Tel: 701039 01397 700800 E-mail: Email:lindac@bossltd.demon.co.uk linda@bosslochaber.co.uk Established in 1992 • Book-keeping, Computer Accounting, VAT Returns • Computer Payroll aServices � Weekly, or Monthly We provide professional andFortnightly confidential • Typing, CV’s, Laminating, Binding, Photocopying, Faxing Bookkeeping, Payroll, VAT Returns and Administration service to• Staff all businesses.

• Conference and Event Organising Agency Conference andtoo Event Organising No business large or small!

Contact us now – No business too large or too small We understand your business needs and offer a professional, confidential service.

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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.

Graeme Fallows Banavie 01397 773 197

Graeme@gmx.us

Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson

• First time Buyer • Buy to Let • Home mover • re-mortgages • CapitaL raising • CommerCiaL (for commercial mortgages we act as introducers)

Call to speak with a Professional Mortgage Adviser for a free initial consultation: 01397 705848

F 01397 703537 m 07899670260 e info@johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk m Morvern, Glen Nevis Fort William PH33 6PF

johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk as a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments

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Jo Cowan

1,000 reasons to Celebrate

Talk Lochaber, our talking newspaper, passes a fantastic milestone in early March with its 1,000th edition going out to listeners. This is a huge achievement for the volunteer teams who, over 20-plus years, have issued weekly recordings, apart from a year in abeyance due to the pandemic. Thanks to all volunteers past and present who have contributed to this service – committee members, technicians, editors, readers and administrators – you are fabulous.

Talk Lochaber produces a weekly audio-recording of local news, mainly from the Lochaber Times, but featuring other local publications such as Lochaber Life, De Tha Dol and West Word.

Recordings are posted out on USB memory-sticks The service benefits anyone who has difficulty accessing the printed word.

Talk Lochaber has adapted over the years – moving from cassette to digital recording and from studio to homerecording. Listeners can now download a Talking Newspaper Federation (TNF) app to listen

A Talk Lochaber social meeting from 10 years ago.

to the weekly broadcast via a smartphone or can access it via Amazon Alexa. We continue to send memory stick broadcasts to listeners who prefer this.

All our services are free. Please contact us if you, a relative, friend or neighbour could benefit from receiving Talk Lochaber.

Our listeners have always been at the heart of what we do and are involved in running our charity. Listener Donald John MacLeod from Glenelg was involved in the early days of setting up Talk Lochaber and has remained a listener through all 1,000 editions. Having lost his sight suddenly, he remembers particularly missing the news from local newspapers that keeps us so connected. He was so keen to help start Talk Lochaber that he travelled 130

miles to attend the steering group meetings two decades ago. ‘Talk Lochaber and other talking newspapers mean that I can stay in touch with the rest of the world. There’s always something in it that interests me.

It should also be mentioned that the Lochaber Life editor was a prime mover in getting Talk Lochaber off the ground and a strong supporter ever since. Thanks Iain.

For details of how to receive Talk Lochaber please contact John Mortimer, secretary: email john@johnrmortimer. co.uk text: 07745306645 telephone 01855 811213.

Please leave a message with a contact number and we will return your call.

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OLD LAPTOPS - NEW HOPE FOR YOUNGSTERS Iain Ferguson Technology moves on at an alarming rate, meaning that the latest super impressive development of today can be outdated and perhaps unwanted as a replacement with even more features coming on the market in a few months.

So what happens to things like old computers and laptops?

In many cases they pile up in a corner, forgotten and unwanted, often with little or no value to sell on due to their ‘perceived’ age and capabilities. They can be difficult to recycle and owners are often worried that the personal details and information stored on them when they were in use will be found and exploited by a criminal.

Now there is a solution which will help children and those who may not be able to buy one for themselves, thanks to a husband and wife team in Caithness who have set up a Small Community Interest company ‘Budding Engineers’ to safely repurpose unwanted computers and supply them to school children.

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Their project known as ‘Tech4Tots and Teens’ has already provided much needed laptops to schools across the Highlands, giving many children access to digital technology, while encouraging participation in Science,

Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Wick may be quite far from Lochaber, but to donate your old laptop computers you need go no further than your local library, which will be accepting them and sending them off. Thanks to an arrangement with High Life Highland, libraries operated by them are acting as collection centres, including Fort William

and Ardnamurchan.

On making a donation, people will be asked to fill in a permission form with their details and in return will receive a certificate from ‘Budding Engineers’ confirming that information on their machine has been securely erased and their computers have been wiped clean. This should give peace of mind and put to rest any worries.

David Kerr, who founded the business with wife Liz, said: ‘We know there are a lot of youngsters out there whose parents cannot afford to buy them a computer.

‘The laptops we refurbish are provided with a version of the Linux operating system and are loaded with educational applications which are a fun way to learn in a game format which will help literary and literacy skills in addition to programmes of use to children with special needs.

The response from recipients and parents has already been excellent.

If you are able to help, head down to your local library with your old machine.

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M&L

LANDSCAPING

WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN LANDSCAPING AND DRIVEWAYS

ALL TYPES OF LANDSCAPING FENCING / GARDENING /TREES ETC PATIOS / CONCRETE / SLABBING BLOCKING PAVING Pressure Washing on all outside building works No Job too Big or too Small | 7 day Cooling off Period

Tel 01397 712120 & 07553 111093 FOR A FREE QUOTATION

(FORT WILLIAM) LTD. YOUR ONE STOP LOCAL BUSINESS FOR ALL HIRE EQUIPMENT • • • • • • • • •

PLANT & TOOL HIRE DIY / GARDEN TOOLS & EQUIPMENT DIGGERS / DUMPERS ROLLERS / MIXERS POWERTOOLS PRESSURE WASHERS CARPET CLEANERS ALLOY TOWER SCAFFOLDING & LADDERS TRAILERS

• SMALL PLANT SERVICE & REPAIRS • DELIVERY SERVICE • SPECIAL WEEKEND RATES AVAILABLE

CONTACT US Website: www.hirecentreltd.com Email: info@hirecentreltd.com TEL: 01397 700077 FAX: 01397 701664 Unit 32, Ben Nevis Ind Estate, Fort William PH33 6PR Open Mon – Fri 0730 - 1700

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47kg Propane 19kg Propane 13kg Butane 2nd hand caravans and lodges available for off site sale delivery can be arranged anywhere in the UK. Available to view by appointment 5

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Do you know that by reading this you are among a privileged 80 per cent. A fascinating broadcast claimed that up to 20 per cent of adults in the UK can’t read.

A young mother, now being helped with her dyslexia, described how being unable to read made her ignore written signs. When younger she even put herself in the way of bodily harm by ignoring: ‘Danger Keep out’.

I loved words and books from an early age but recall an amusing memory of learning

to read. On our first family visit to a zoo, I felt uneasy seeing lions and tigers behind bars. I concentrated on trying to read labels and notices. Kangaroo was a challenge. Dad explained it sounded like two Gs Kang-garoo. Another similar looking word on an empty cage puzzled me. ‘Dad what kind of animal is a Dang-ger-ooz?’

I asked. ‘That’s a notice to say the animal is dangerous!

‘Well, how was I to know a ‘g’ in the middle of a word was pronounced like a ’j’?

As I’ve written before, my father enrolled me, aged 7, in Scripture Union, then a Bible reading ‘club’. The same charity SUSCOTLAND now develops

free online video resources to help parents and teachers explain the Bible to children. I still prefer words on paper to IT and agree with a minister who said the Bible reading in a service is most important, more even than his sermon.

However, English is a difficult language to learn to read. I sympathize with brave people like that lady above and Jay Blades, of ‘The Repair Shop’, who is learning to read at 51 and going public about it.

Perhaps that difficult youthful humiliation has helped him develop the empathy to create that ‘warm hug’ of a TV programme. As someone who struggles with dyscalculia, I salute them both and all adults or children trying to read.

Cutting the first turf on the site of the ‘new’ Kinlochleven high and primary schools.

Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image.

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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

John S Weller

Est. 1982

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

Tel: 01397 708508

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Competitive Rates Carpentry Plumbing Glazing Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling Doors & Windows Free Estimates

Mob: 07710 940917

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Pyramid on dome - but where?

Last month: Model mountain range at National Trust for Scotland, Glencoe.

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BALLIEMORE CUP PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Iain Ferguson As the shinty season gets under way, local business Ferguson Transport and Shipping was announced as new sponsors of the Balliemore Cup as the draw for the ties was made at their Corpach headquarters.

It was also a step back in time for company chief executive Alasdair (Ally) Ferguson, who 35 years ago as captain of Lochaber Camanachd held the cup triumphantly over his head to the cheers of hundreds of spectators in celebration of the team’s 4-0 win over Bute in the final.

There may not have been quite so many people present when he lifted the cup on this occasion, but thanks to the Camanachd Association’s social media, fans from

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across the world were able to watch the proceedings.

Ally’s participation in the sport stretches back more than 40 years as player, coach and manager, with virtually his whole family also having some shinty connection.

Appropriately, fellow company directors, his brother Jack, who has played for several local teams and sister Lesley Innes, mother of shinty player and commentator Gary Innes, drew the numbered balls from inside the trophy, setting the course of matches which will lead to the cup final.

The first round takes place on May 7 when Glengarry will play Skye at home, Ballachulish will meet Col Glen at home

and Lochaber will play away against Inverness.

Ally said: ‘We are all delighted that Ferguson Transport and Shipping has been given the opportunity to sponsor the Balliemore Cup over the next three years and look forward to the competition, as I’m sure will all of the players taking part.

‘I remember quite clearly going to be presented with the cup in 1987 as captain of Lochaber and it was great to hold it again. The final is always very exciting and I know future winning teams will also have great memories to look back on.’

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T: 01397 712373 M: 07884 185 279

scottmandrews@tiscali.co.uk

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

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