Bonny Bluebells

BONNY BLOOMING BLUEBELLS

Iain Ferguson Many places in Lochaber are covered in a carpet of blue as the weather improves and fl owers poke their heads above the ground. Perhaps one of the most notable and prolifi c is the Bluebell. It may be stating the obvious, but they are so named due to the unmistakable colour and shape of the fl ower which dangles from a fi ne stalk. But beware of invaders! Bluebells (Hyacinthoides nonscripta) are actually perennial herbs spending the majority of their time underground as bulbs before emerging, often in clumps, or even entire fi elds from late April or early May onwards. As you will undoubtedly know, the fl owers are mostly deep violet-blue in colour - although they can also be white or pink - are bell-shaped with six petals and up-turned tips. They are sweet smelling and droop to one side of the fl owering stem, with a creamy whitecoloured pollen inside and nod in the smallest of breezes. Up to 20 fl owers can grow on one fl owering stem. Leaves are narrow, around 7mms to 25mms wide and 45cms in length, smooth and hairless, with a pointed tip. Why so much detail? We also have the Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica), appearing in our countryside. They are similar in appearance but grow more upright with fl owers all around the stem, not drooping to one side. Like so many nonnative plants, the Spanish variety is more vigorous and can take over from the natives. Bluebell colonies take a considerable amount of time to establish themselves, as long as seven years from seed to fl ower and can also take years to recover after been trampled, so be careful not to stand on them. You may not be aware of it, but our native bluebells are also protected by law, it being illegal pick or dig them up in the natural environment. You do have the option of buying bulbs commercially to plant in your garden, but do take care to buy guaranteed native varieties to avoid diluting the gene pool, as hybrids have already been noted. On a less serious note, enjoy their welcoming beauty while the blooming season continues.

Photograph: Abrightside Photography.

Return of the ‘Sporting Holiday in the Highlands’

John Moff at The motorcycle trials world is looking forward to the return of the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) which will kickstart back into life on Monday May 2 from the West End Car Park in Fort William. Nevis Radio, the only media broadcaster to cover the annual event, also returns with fresh ideas for coverage of this internationally famous event. With regular presenters Simon Abberley and John Weller operating the switches and buttons, specialist trials knowledge is provided by John Moff at, owner of the now worldwide famous trials website ‘Trials Guru’. John has been a regular guest presenter with the local radio station since 2007 when he was enlisted to help the regular presenter identify competitors. John was given his own microphone later that week and it has continued to this day. He said: ‘It all came about when station manager Willie Cameron, a trials rider himself, passed away after a short illness and Nevis Radio were looking for someone to help them during trials week. David Ogg was doing a charity gig in Inverness and he mentioned this to me and it all sprang from there.’ John provides the Nevis Radio team with facts and fi gures and interesting information about the sport of trials and in-depth knowledge of the SSDT itself and the day-to-day events as they unfold. John said: ‘There have been several what we know as ‘SSDT specialists’ over the years. The most notable was the late Ed Stott from Pinner in Middlesex. ‘My late father knew Ed very well and I got to know him as a young man. He was a very knowledgeable gentleman of the old school, who had ridden the event, observed and in later years spectated and wrote a book about his time associated with the trial.’ This year’s event marks 90 years since the last Scotsman won the trial. That was 1932, with Bob MacGregor from Killin, who also won the 1935 event. 2022 also marks the end of Jeff Horne’s reign as clerk of the course after overseeing the event for 11 years. ‘Like everyone who has gone before,’ said John, ‘I carry on hoping that one day someone younger might come along and carry the torch as we are all getting on in years. ‘That must be the challenge for the SSDT, to bring in younger people to run it, as many of the assistants are well into their 50s through to close on 70s and you must have succession planning.’

An early ‘Trials guru’ broadcast.

In Loving Memory of

DOUGLAS – GUY 1933 – 2022 (Claggan) Peacefully at the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Monday 28th February 2022, Guy Douglas, aged 88 years, Telford Place, Claggan, Fort William, retired employee at the former Corpach Pulp Mill and British Alcan (Lochaber Smelter). A loving husband to the late Sheila, a much-loved dad to Kevin, Fiona, Robert and Stuart, a wonderful grampa to Douglas, Fraser, Barrie, Jay, Aidan, Cammie, Sophie, Sara, Bradley and Harvey also a proud great grampa, a caring brother, father-in-law, uncle and friend. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of

FRASER – CATH 1923 – 2022 (Claggan) Sadly, but peacefully at home, Cath Fraser, aged 98 years, Carn Dearg Road, Claggan, former employee at Mairi Macintyre’s (tweed shop), and also former manager of McColl’s Lemonade in Fort William, a very dear friend to Margaret and David, and also a good neighbour to many. Greatly missed.

In Loving Memory of

MACMILLAN – MARY 1934 – 2022 (Fort William) Sadly, but peacefully, at her daughter’s home in Inverness, on Friday 25th February 2022, Mary Ellen MacMillan (née Timbrell), aged 87 years, Heathercroft, Fort William, (retired Hairdresser). A devoted wife to the late Coaly MacMillan, a muchloved mum to Colin, Scott and Mary, a wonderful granny/nan to Olivia, Corey and Harvey, a caring neighbour and friend to many. RIP.

In Loving Memory of

CURRIE – ROSE 1940 – 2022 (Spean Bridge) Sadly, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Friday 25th February 2022, Rose Currie, Morrison Avenue, Spean Bridge, by Fort William. A devoted wife to the late Andy Currie, a much-loved mum to Andy, a special gran to Callum and Jordanne, a lovely neighbour and friend to many. Rest In Peace.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Ba� lefi eld Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

In Loving Memory of

MOORE - CHARLES 1934-2022 (Fort William) Peacefully at Moss Park Care Home, on Wednesday 9th March 2022 Charles Moore, aged 87 years, a loving husband, a much-loved dad to Gillian, Carol and Dorothy, a caring stepdad to Hazel and Carol, a wonderful Grandpa to Catherine, Hamish, Rowan, Rosa, Ethan and Dana, and a dear friend to many. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of

PATERSON – GILBERTA 1916 – 2022 (Fort William) Sadly, but peacefully, at Invernevis House, Fort William, on Monday 14th March 2022, Gilberta Paterson, aged 105 years, Nevis Road, Inverlochy, Fort William, a devoted wife to the late Alexander Paterson, a much-loved mum to Sandy and motherin-law to Manjit, a caring granny to Harpreet and Peter, a great gagey to Caitlyn and Paige and a loving aunty to Barbara. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of

FRASER – ELMA 1934 – 2022 (Inverlochy) Peacefully at home, on Thursday 31st March 2022, Elizabeth Mary Fraser, known to all as Elma, aged 87 years, Lundy Road, Inverlochy, Fort William, retired Comptometer Operator at British Alcan (Lochaber Smelter) and former employee at Inverlochy Post Offi ce and Volunteer at the former Save the Children Charity Shop, Fort William High Street. A devoted wife to Derek, a loving mum to Rhona and the late Maureen, a wonderful gran to Fraser and a proud great gran to Ruaridh, a much-loved auntie to all her nieces and nephews, a caring neighbour and friend to many. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of

MATHERS – ISABEL 1935- 2022 (Fort William) Peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday 11th March 2022, Isabel Mathers, aged 87 years, a devoted wife to Bobby, a much-loved mum to June, Linda and the late Robert and David, a wonderful gran to Claire, Graham, Paul, Stacey and the late Sean, granny Belle to Gunnar and Loki, a granny to Shauna and Liam and a great friend to so many. Rest In Peace.

In Loving Memory of

HILL – JANET 1929 – 2022 (Fort William) Peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Monday 21st March 2022, Janet Hill, aged 92 years, Kinross Place, Fort William, former offi ce personnel at Fort William, Corpach, Scottish Pulp and Paper Mills, a devoted wife to the late Arthur, a loving mum to Evan, Shona and Colin, an adoring grandma to Paula, Marc, Angela, Alasdair, Allan, Linda and Amanda, a wonderful Gran J to all the great grand kids, a kind neighbour and friend to many. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of

GILLIES – ALICE 1945 – 2022 (Acharacle) Suddenly but peacefully at home, on Tuesday 1st March 2022, Alice Gillies (née Craik), a devoted wife to the late Jimmy Gillies (Moidart Smokehouse), a loving mum to Sarah, Alison, James, Iain, and Lorna, a very proud Granny to Lizzy, Maggie, Arwen and Torin, sister to Tommy, Mary, Isobell, and the late Altney, Charlie Alec, and Bettie, a caring neighbour and friend to so many. RIP.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Ba� lefi eld Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

Val’s Pals

Dani Drummon Voluntary Action Lochaber has launched a new pilot befriending project. Val’s Pals offers support to individuals living with poor mental health as a result of the pandemic or a pre-existing condition that has been exacerbated due to isolating during Covid 19. The service is also available to people with no diagnosis but who may be lacking in confidence and no longer feel able to do the activities they previously enjoyed. One service user used to like going for walks around Lochaber before lockdown and was then shielding due to various health conditions for two years. All that time in isolation caused a lack in confidence and he stopped going out walking. He eventually contacted Val’s Pals and was matched with a volunteer buddy with similar interests. Over the course of six weeks, the pair walked longer each time and on each walk he gained even more confidence and began walking on his own again and stated he is now enjoying the lovely spring weather. ‘Val’s Pals gave me the encouragement and support to get back to what I have always loved and I’m happier and healthier for it.’ People may self-refer in confidence or an organisation or GP can do it for them. After the initial contact, the person will be matched with a volunteer with similar interests. The volunteers will help people to resume activities they used to enjoy with peer support and encouragement. The service is limited to six weeks, with ongoing weekly meetings to increase activity using graduated exposure. Val’s Pals has a diverse range of volunteers so whatever activity someone used to enjoy there is a suitable volunteer able to help. To self-refer in confidence call 01397 706044 or email volunteering@valochaber.org

Could you be one of Val’s Pals?

VAL’S PALS is a new volunteer Buddy Pilot Project offering one-to-one support to individuals living with poor mental health as a result of the pandemic or a pre-existing condition exacerbated due to Covid 19. The service will also be available to people who may be lacking in confidence and who no longer feel able to do the activities they used to do.

The main role of the volunteer is to enable people to resume activities they used to enjoy with peer support and encouragement. This will be a very rewarding volunteering position and full support will be provided by the organisation.

To find out more email volunteering@valochaber.org