Lochaber Life #367 May 2024

Beatha Lochabair Lochaber

NEW MINIBUS BRINGS RURAL EDUCATION BACK TO SCHOOLCHILDREN

Schools across Lochaber will be able to more easily access the many activities at the Lochaber Rural Education Trust (LRET) since the charity secured funding to buy its own minibus.

Over several years, many hundreds of youngsters have enjoyed learning about rural life at An Clachan, Torlundy, but recently the cost of transport has resulted in falling numbers as schools cannot afford to pay for the hire of buses to get there.

This has been a great disappointment to trust volunteers and the children and teachers who have gained a great appreciation of country life.

After searching for potential funders and support from other organisations, the charity got help from the Community Regeneration Fund through The Highland Council with contributions from the trust and Kilmallie Shinty Club matching funding requirements. The application was also backed by local sports clubs and charities whose activities can also be limited by the cost of transport.

Isabel Campbell of the trust said: “It hasn’t been easy to raise the money and make the application so we would like to thank everyone who supported us with this as well as Martin Culbertson of The Highland Council who has been very helpful throughout.

“We have volunteer drivers who will pick up children from the schools, bring them up and take them back. It will be absolutely fantastic to work with the schools again and we are all really looking forward to seeing them again”.

To help make sure the minibus and the centre are used to maximum advantage, the trust has also taken on a new

co-ordinator, Alison Blackburn. Brought up in Roshven, she has been involved in the rural and agricultural community and with her daughter Claire she keeps, trains and breeds Highland Ponies.

Her job will involve organising visits from local schools and nurseries to come and learn various rural skills from the team of experienced volunteers, building on previous popular activities from milking a cow to growing food to cook and eat, alongside other rural crafts.

She said: “I’m delighted to be part of a team made up of fantastic, dedicated volunteers delivering fun learning for our smaller community members.”

She can be contacted on lretoffice@gmail.com.

Iain Ferguson

David Sim

BALLOONS GO UP FOR KING’S BATON

To mark the occasion of the Boys’ Brigade’s 140th anniversary, His Majesty the King presented representatives of the North Scottish Area Boys’ Brigade with a baton at the Braemar Gathering at the start of September 2023.

The baton is currently travelling around the North Scottish area. The 2nd Fort William Boys’ Brigade played its part by receiving the baton on Friday March 15. The brass

baton, topped with the BB logo, contains a message from the King celebrating the anniversary and commending the BB for the opportunities it offers young people.

Members of the company, which meets in Fort William Kilmallie Parish Church, celebrated by bursting 140 balloons and joined their families for commemorative cake. The BB welcomes new members, aged five years and over. Contact Ian Fleming ian27fleming@btinternet.com for more details.

A beautiful image by Patryk Palicki taken during one of the recent Aurora Borealis events which we have experienced in Lochaber.

Becoming a volunteer in a Citizens Advice Bureau offers an interesting and varied experience and a chance to make a real difference in your community. Volunteers can be advisers or administrators or get involved in social policy and more.

Nearly 2,000 volunteers work in Citizens Advice Bureaux all over Scotland, helping in lots of different ways.

The average time given to volunteering each week is around six hours. If all those volunteers were paid the average wage for those six hours, the additional wage bill to CAB across Scotland every year would be just shy of £10 million. This fantastic contribution is the lifeblood of our work.

Lochaber

Why volunteer in a Citizens Advice Bureau?

There are lots of reasons why you might want to volunteer in your local bureau:

It’s a stimulating place to volunteer, with lots of different things to do.

You can help in a way that suits the time you can spare and the skills you can offer.

You can learn new skills and improve your confidence.

Our comprehensive bureau training and supervision programmes mean you will get lots of support along the way.

Lots of people who have been Citizens Advice Bureau volunteers

move on to paid work or further education.

You’ll get a buzz from helping yourself and those around you.

You’ll meet new and interesting people.

If you are looking for a job, working in a bureau won’t affect your benefits and can enhance your CV.

Find out more and apply online

Read more about the different volunteer roles you can get involved with below, or contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau to find out about volunteer vacancies they are looking to fill.

Email: admin@lochabercab.casonline.org.uk

https://www.cas.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-citizens-advice-bureau

https://www.lochabercab.org.uk/volunteer

CRISPY BEEF AND EGG FRIED RICE

OLIVIA MOUNT PROFESSIONAL COOKERY COURSE, UHI

RICE

VEGETABLES

GARNISH

SAUCE

LOOKING AFTER YOUR CACTUS PLANTS

Iain Ferguson

If, like me, you own a few cactus plants but are not sure about how best to look after them, a few pointers from an expert may help. Thanks to Shane Gibbs, director of Seed Barn, for a few simple answers to basic questions.

Water only when the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch. During spring and summer, give the plant water at least once a week. The soil should be soaking, but still allow excess water to drain away.

However, care is needed as over watering can cause root rot, stunted growth and make your plants more susceptible to pests and disease as they are able to store water and during winter they require less moisture.

Cacti thrive with good sources of sunlight and favour warm, sunny conditions when growing, with low humidity, so that usually means indoors in this country. They like an airy, warm spot and a temperature of 18º is ideal for growth. A south facing window is ideal but be careful not to place them in direct sunlight as this can cause the plants to turn yellow.

The right conditions encourage your cactus to flower and it almost certainly won’t happen if it spends its life in a dark corner with limited sunlight. Like other plants, it will also respond to being placed in a LED plant glow light to help it along.

Planting in an oversized pot can work against flowering as this encourages more root growth and bulk rather than

flowers. If a cactus is slightly root bound, it will encourage more flowering so it is important to pot your cactus in the correct size pot.

Make sure you choose a species that grows quickly and easily as some can take more than 50 years to mature. Gymnocalycium, Parodia, Mammillaria and Notocactus can be taken care of easily and flower indoors.

For extra care, you can use specialist cactus fertiliser during the summer once a month to help your cactus thrive and grow. Cacti are a low maintenance plant, but if you want to treat it, fertiliser is the way to go.

THINKING ABOUT GIVING SHIATSU A CHANCE?

Shiatsu is similar to acupuncture but without needles.

Pressure is applied on the meridians (energy pathways) and the acupressure points.

Heat is also used with moxa sticks to treat conditions.

A course of between five and six treatment sessions is recommended for long-standing health issues. Shiatsu can help with back pain, sciatica, sprains, strains, colitis, constipation, insomnia and headaches. With today’s busy lifestyles, stress can cause many problems, but Shiatsu can alleviate these and improve sleep.

For more information call Mhairi on 07544 894469

CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION: PLAY YOUR PART

On Monday March 25, the Highland Community Waste Partnership (HCWP) joined forces with Lochaber Chamber of Commerce to host a session for businesses looking to reduce waste, cut costs and make a positive impact on the environment. The Environmental Sustainability for Business event featured presentations from the Climate Springboard programme, Zero Waste Scotland as well as HCWP Partners Lochaber Environmental Group, the Highland Good Food Partnership and Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Interested parties had the chance to learn about and discuss the Net Zero landscape for businesses and learn about a number of useful tools and initiatives developed to support them.

The HCWP’s Conscious Con-

sumption campaign aims to raise awareness of how consumers and businesses can play their part in reducing the amount of resources we use and waste.

As part of this, businesses are invited to get involved with a number of initiatives to help them reduce the impact of food waste and single-use food and drink packaging in their operations. This includes:

• A food waste reduction toolkit

• An in-vessel composter network

• A reusable packaging campaign

• A single-use cup recycling pilot

The event also saw the launch of Refill Lochaber, which aims to increase the visibility and awareness of packaging-free reuse and refill options in and around Lochaber.

To learn more, visit www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/highland-community-waste

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

GRANT – JOHANNA

1956 – 2024

(Glencoe/Lochyside)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the loving care of Invernevis House Care Home, Fort William, on Sunday 17th February 2024, Johanna Grant, aged 67 years, Old School Court, Lochyside, Fort William, former nurse at Belford Hospital for over 20 years and latterly working throughout the community as a Community Nurse. A loving mum to Iona, a much loved sister to Heather, a dearly loved auntie, relative, neighbour and friend. Forever loved and missed.

CAMERON – IAIN

1957 – 2024

(Arisaig)

Peacefully at home, after a long battle with cancer bravely borne, on Monday 18th March 2024, Iain Cameron, aged 67 years, ‘Camus an Tallen’, Arisaig. A much loved husband to Anne, a treasured dad to Morven, a caring brother of Hugh and twin brother of Andy, a dearly loved relative, neighbour and friend. So greatly missed and loved.

THE REVEREND CANON RODERICK JOHNSTON R.I.P.

1954 – 2024

(Diocese of Argyll and the Isles)

Sadly, but very peacefully following a short illness, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Saturday 16th March 2024, The Reverend Canon Roderick Henry Johnston, R.I.P., a ectionately known to all as Father Roddy, aged 69 years, Parish Priest (ordained in Oban in 1997) of St. Andrew’s RC Church, Isle of Bute (formerly of St. Mun’s, Ballachulish including The Good Shepherd, Kinlochleven and The Visitation, Taynuilt, Our Holy Redeemer, Stornoway including serving the parish of Grosecleit, Isle of Harris, St. John’s, Caol, Fort William and St. Columba’s Cathedral, Oban). A loving son to the late James (Jimmy) and Kathleen (Peggy, née Ryan), a wonderful brother to Jane, Hamish, Michael and David, a loving uncle to all his nieces and nephews, a much loved relative, a dearly respected gentleman throughout Scotland and the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles and a great friend to many who will be sorely missed. RIP.

Grant, we pray, O Lord, that the soul of Fr. Roddy, your servant and priest, whom you honoured with sacred o ce, may exult forever in the glorious home of heaven. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

WATT – ALISON

1947 – 2024 (Inverroy)

Peacefully, in the loving care of Meallmore Care Home, Daviot, Inverness, on Friday 1st March 2024, Alison Gladys Euphemia Watt, aged 76 years. A loving sister of Nan, Andrew and Margaret, a dearly loved relative and friend. So greatly loved and missed.

HOBSON – JULIA

1969 – 2024 (Banavie)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Tuesday 12th March 2024, Julia Laconi Hobson (née Harrison), aged 54 years, Torcastle, Banavie, Fort William. Beloved wife of the late Dale Hobson, a treasured mum to Samuel and Molly, a loving daughter to Shirley, a caring sister to Russell and sister-in-law to Amanda, a much loved relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. So greatly loved and missed.

JENNETT – SHEILA

1926 – 2024

(Glasgow, formerly Liverpool)

Peacefully, after nine years under the devoted care of Abbey eld, Ballachulish, on Monday 26th February 2024, Sheila Mary Jennett, aged 98 years. Wife of Bryan, mother of Peter, Martin, Hilary and John – grandmother and great grandmother to sixteen.  Greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues in the scienti c and medical communities.

RANKIN – CHRISTINA

1927 – 2024

(Muir of Ord, formerly Strontian)

Peacefully, in the loving care of Ballifeary Care Home, Inverness, on Thursday 14th March 2024, Christina Rankin (Chris), aged 96 years, 49 Balvaird Terrace, Muir of Ord, formerly of Drimnatorran Farm House, Strontian (retired District Nurse). Beloved wife of the late John (Iain) Rankin, a caring sister of the late John and Cathy and sister-in-law to Ruth, a cherished aunt to David and Karen, a dearly loved relative, neighbour and friend. Rest In Peace.

DIXON – JESSIE

1937 – 2024 (Ardgour)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of Badenoch and Strathspey Community Hospital (Aviemore), on Friday 15th March 2024, Jessie Dixon, aged 87 years, Birch Grove, Boat of Garten (formerly Ardgour). Beloved wife of the late Mike Dixon, a great mum to Donald, Edith and Michael and mother-in-law to Carole, Kim and Eric, a wonderful granny to Emma, Nicola, Lewis, Marsha, Scott, Mia and Max and a proud great granny to Megan, Findley and Ross, a dearly loved relative, neighbour and friend. Forever in our hearts.

Origins of Lochaber Athletic Club and a few Ben Nevis race snippets - Part 2

John Dougan

Thanks to John Dougan for his research and article into the formation of Lochaber Athletic Club, which is now firmly rooted in local sporting activities. He now continue with part two covering the last 67 years.

Letter to the editor: -

Oban Times

Saturday 8th September 1956

Date of Ben Nevis Race Grange Road, Fort William.

Sir,

No-one can have anything but praise for the way the Ben Nevis Race Committee has increased the scope and importance of the race and made it a more interesting event for the general public.

It seems to be the opinion, however, of quite a number of people that a Wednesday afternoon in July about the time of the Glasgow Fair would be the best time from the point of view of attracting the largest number of visitors. And if, as has been pointed out by members of the committee, the local

shopkeepers have to be catered for, surely the early afternoon on their half-day would be best for them.

The argument that competitors from the south could not take part if the race took place on a Wednesday is a pretty thin one. Surely the loss of a day’s wages, the extra cost involved, would not deter a first rate runner from testing his own prowess in this toughest of all mountain marathons.

I am etc.,

K. Stewart.

Oban Times

Saturday 15th September 1956

Railway up Ben Nevis to encourage tourism

A Corpach councillor suggested there should be a railway up Ben Nevis and stated “it was high time the council did something to make use of their mountains to encourage tourism”. Lochaber District Council

LAC 50th 2006.

Billy Brooks memorial.

LAC Boxing Day run.

is to raise the matter with the Scottish Tourist Board.

Oban Times

Saturday 22nd December 1956

New Lochaber Athletic Club formed Ben Race competitors become members

Local athletes held a meeting in Fort William last week and formed Lochaber Athletic Club. A small committee was appointed which includes, among others, Mr D MacIntyre, the former Ben Nevis Race winner, Mr C Steel and Mr Alister MacMillan, youth leader.

The formation of the club will be welcome news to local athletes who will be glad to know that all last year’s local Ben Nevis race runners have already joined the new club along with several shorter distance runners.

Although the club has no premises as yet, training is starting immediately.

The newly-formed LAC was based in MacRae’s croft situated beside Cow Hill in what is now appropriately called Croft Road - near the new Salvation Army hall. Meetings were held initially by the light of paraffin lamps.

The 1957 Ben Race was the first where the results show that all local runners were now running under the name of Lochaber Athletic Club and not a mixture of other local youth or sports clubs.

LAC had three runners in the first ten positions.

They were: 1st B Kearney; 4th E Campbell and 6th A Hume, with LAC taking the prize for first team, surely a good omen for the future of athletics in Lochaber.

After looking through all of this information and a lot more, it has become apparent that it

was the formation of LAC in 1956 that was the catalyst for athletics in general and the Ben Race, in particular, to take off in Lochaber from that day to the present and hopefully long into the future.

Lochaber Athletic Club is always keen to welcome new members and encouragement is given to all newcomers. If interested, please see its website www.lochaberac.com

There is Parkrun every Saturday morning at 9.30am from Nevis Range car park. Parkrun is a five kilometre event for walkers, runners and volunteers at more than 2,000 locations in 22 countries and is free of charge.

The events are relaxed and low key and normally the participants will meet for a coffee afterwards, so it is a sociable event for all ages.

LAC Young Fort Race 2008.

Ben Race 2014.

Ben Race 2003.

ROTARY YOUNG WRITERS’ WINNER

There was a record entry for Lochaber Rotary Club’s Young Writer competition. This year’s competitions attracted more than 110 youngsters vying for the titles of Young Writer from Ardnamurchan, Kinlochleven, Lochaber and Mallaig.

The theme of this year’s competitions was “rebuilding” – a challenging topic and reproduced here are the winning words penned by winner of the Young Writer at Senior Level, 16-year old Anna McKellar of Lochaber High School.

I have lived in a constant state of stillness for the past few months; I can’t move forward. Now the time has come where life has told me I have to move, I can’t seem to move my legs. It consumed my life, like a constant shadow following me. In a way it became my friend.

Today I sit here under the bright fluorescent lights, in the dull grey room on this uncomfortable seat, the smell of sanitiser invading my nose, hearing the rush of nurses and the beeps of emergency alarms ringing through the ward. I am told after sitting with anticipation the shadow is gone by a man who told me it was there in the first place. How could he burden me with a darkness this big and then all of a sudden tell me I can move on? He tells me it’s time to rebuild the life I have forgotten how to live. He says the shadow doesn’t have to live with me anymore. How can he tell me to start moving

my legs again and break away from this stillness when I have forgotten how to do it?

He guides me out of the room with a smile on his face, after all this is a relief. The weight of the shadow has disappeared from my shoulders. The thing is my shoulders don’t feel like they used to anymore and the shadow still lingers in the distance. My muscles ache as I walk out of the hospital doors. After all, once this shadow graces your life there is no getting rid of it. It’s stuck with me, a constant reminder that my life will never be as it was even six months ago. I smile, I’m happy, this is what I have been hoping for all this time. But I don’t feel like I thought I would.

What if I have to stand still again, with tears in my eyes and a grief in my heart? What if the shadow comes back and stands beside me with a looming hand over my shoulder? After all, this shadow

came and sat in my bed with me in the middle of the night as the tears raced down my face. This shadow followed me through the hospital corridors. This shadow came with me on the car journeys. This shadow stayed with me when the phone rang. This shadow greeted me at random times, in random places.

I hoped for this day to come, so I could rebuild and get back to ‘normal’, but is that really my life anymore? Maybe I will have to find my step again, however different it is to before. A new rhythm, a new pace.

I can feel the shadow following me as I leave the place that has caused me the most pain. I can see the shadow behind me as I get in the car. I know the shadow comes through the door with me when I come back home. I should turn around and tell it to go away, yet it won’t. I know it.

BUILD THE BELFORD CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

David Sedgwick

A well-attended rally in Fort William on March 16 sent a clear message to NHS Highland and the Scottish Government: we need a new Belford building. It came from the politicians and the leading campaigners and from the 1,000 people of Lochaber who turned out to listen and to march along the High Street carrying banners and waving placards asking the health board and government to ‘Back the Belford Build’ by allowing the planning and the design work on the new Belford Hospital to progress.

As Kate Forbes, our MSP, stated: ”Any risks or threats to that process will not stand”. This was reinforced by Rhoda Grant and Jamie Halcro-Johnston, list MSPs, and by Angus MacDonald, Highland councillor.

If you missed the speeches from the rally, you can hear them on the Lochaber Podcasts website: https://drive.google. com/drive/folders/10rHhKnWba3Pn-Anj4izPBI-yiFdjHwDi

This day of action was organised after the decision by the Scottish Government to halt all capital for health projects in Scotland because of the marked

budget reduction imposed by the UK Government. People of all ages turned out. There were carers, teachers, medical staff, musicians, estate workers, the clergy, people from all over Lochaber, pushchairs, wheelchairs and dogs. There was even a model of the Belford Hospital worn by Laura Spinney from Banavie Primary School, with the façade we all recognise on the front and on the back the words: “Est. 1965, best before end of 20th Century”. This sums it up perfectly – the ‘best before’ date is long past. The amazingly resilient staff and patients need a new building. We must not go backwards. The process to the completion of the planning stage must be allowed to continue. Show you care and ‘Back the Belford Build’ by every single one of us sending a letter or an email to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and to the chairman of

NHS Highland - addresses below. This has more impact than signing a petition because it means you’ve taken trouble, so don’t just think someone else will do it. Templates to help with the letter writing are available on the Facebook page for the Belford Action Group (TBAG) on the community council Facebook pages.

Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care, Scottish Government, St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG email : CabSecFORNRHSC@gov.scot

Sarah Compton-Bishop, Chairperson NHS Highland, Assynt House, Beechwood Park, Inverness IV2 3BW email : nhshighland.board@nhs.scot

Tips for driving with your pet

Pets often travel in the car with us, whether it’s driving to a walking destination, a vet appointment or a holiday. Even though we consider this a routine part of some pet’s lives, it can be a stressful event for some of our four-legged friends. It is therefore important to ensure their travelling experience is as comfortable and stress free as possible.

A great rst step is introducing them to the car gradually. Starting with wearing their seatbelt or being in the cage whilst the car is stationary allows them to become familiar with the surroundings. O ering lots of positive reinforcement during this will create a positive experience for your pet. Once they are comfortable with this, start going short journeys to places they enjoy.

If the car is still a stressful environment for your pet, pheromone treatments or natural anxiety tablets could be used. Pheromone sprays have a calming e ect on pets but no e ect on humans. Adaptil is used for canines. This contains the pheromone mothers release to calm their litter of puppies. Feliway is the feline version which contains the pheromone cats release to mark an area as safe. These could be sprayed on a blanket or bedding used for the car. Natural stress and anxiety tablets, such as vetpro, contain ingredients which relax the nervous system and have a calming e ect on cats and dogs. These should be administered one to two hours before travelling.

For longer journeys, allow extra time for breaks so your pet can stretch their legs, go to the toilet and have a drink. To ensure cats are comfortable during long periods of travelling, they should be in a carrier which is big enough for them to lie down, sit up and comfortably turn around. To give your cat a break, park the car in a safe spot and ensure all windows and doors are closed before letting them out of their carrier. Microchips and identi cation tags should be used to allow you to be reunited with your pet if anything goes wrong.

Safety is a signi cant aspect for you and your pet whilst travelling in a car. Ensure your pet is adequately restrained using a harness, cage or guard for dogs and a carrier or cage for cats. This prevents driver distraction and helps to prevent injuries. Your dog should never have their head out the window due to the risk of debris getting into their eye.

DAISY RETIRES FROM LAD

After 17 years of volunteering with Lochaber Action on Disability (LAD) in many ventures, Daisy Stewart was honoured by fellow members as she retired because of ill health.

Daisy, 83, has been a stalwart of the charity since she started helping the late Dr Sean at the drop-in centre. They also provided support for the craft shop, amongst other things, helping people to make stools and various other items.

She also helped in the cafe as a volunteer in the kitchen, then became a board member, while also finding her real passion in the charity’s bric a brac shop next door to its cafe in Caol shopping centre. Her fabulous window displays brought many people into the shop to see what was on offer.

At an afternoon tea in her honour in the LAD cafe, Daisy was joined by fellow volunteers who applauded when she was

presented with flowers, gifts and a specially-made cake.

Manager Dani Drummon said: “All the team at LAD thank Daisy for her service and outstanding contribution to volunteering.

“Nothing was ever a bother for Daisy and she always helped

on special occasions and would help out on stalls and fundraising events.

“We will all be very sad to see her go although she is looking forward to visiting the café for lunch after browsing the charity shop”.

ANN RETIRES AFTER 20 YEARS WITH CARE LOCHABER

Retiring after 20 years of service with the Care Lochaber charity, Ann Ferguson (in yellow) was presented with several bespoke gifts by members of the committee at a special lunch in the Ben Nevis Bar.

Ann has been a stalwart supporter of Care Lochaber, looking after the finances of the organisation which provides volunteer transport for people from across the area, assisting them to do everything from

making sure they can do shopping to getting to impor-

tant appointments easily and on time.

PETER WEST

Caring for you and your loved ones

Peter West has been a vital member of the team at John McLellan Funeral Directors since 2017 but has been working in funeral care for almost 20 years. “I have been working closely with the established team at John McLellan’s for the last seven years. One member of that team has been associated with McLellan’s for the best part of 50 years, a local man, John Flannigan. John has a wealth of knowledge and I learn something new from him every time we are working together.”

Peter prides himself on treating each individual with the greatest respect and does his very best to bring comfort to those left behind.

“Sometimes our loved ones have had a difficult journey to the end, and it is my goal to help families see their loved one at peace.”

“My training in the skills needed to care for the deceased include; First offices, Mortuary Cosmetology, and aspects of facial reconstruction. In 2015 I qualified as a mortuary instructor. My training is ongoing as there is always something new to learn with every case.”

Like many of us, Peter has experienced the death of those he loves, and is fully aware of the pain it brings. “I feel that caring for someone who has died is one of the most important things I can do, and I look after every individual in the same way that I cared for my own parents. I pride myself on treating each person with the greatest dignity, respect, and attention to detail at all times.”

“This continuation of care does not end after your loved one is at peace and laid to rest in their final resting place. The experienced and caring team at John McLellans are here to support you whenever you need us, even long after the funeral has taken place.”

LAST MONTH:

PERSONAL ASSISTANTS

Les Watson, Education Co-ordinator WEA Scotland, shines a spotlight on being a personal assistant and the support available from PA Network Scotland.

When looking for a job you might see an advert for a ‘Personal Assistant’ and, on reading the job description, it may spur you to ask yourself ‘Could I do that?’ I’d say, yes. Anyone who likes helping others, who is flexible and is willing to learn on the job can be a personal assistant. The variety of work is wide ranging, the hours can be flexible and can often fit around other demands on your time.

A personal assistant (PA) is a person directly employed, or contracted on a self-employed basis, by someone in receipt of self-directed support funding and/or Independent Living Fund Scotland to help them to live independently. PAs support a person with various aspects of their daily life so that they can live it in a way they choose. One or more PAs may be recruited to meet a person’s overall support needs.

As a PA you may be asked to provide support in the home, at leisure or at work. The diversity of the role, the flexibility and having the opportunity to focus on the needs of one individual, is what often attracts people to PA employment.

Who are PA Network Scotland and what do we do?

Being a personal assistant isn’t always straightforward. It’s hard to understand unless you’re in it, which is exactly why the Personal Assistants Network Scotland (PANS) exists. A professional organisation

created for PAs and influenced by PAs, PANS is a free membership organisation built to make a PA’s working life easier by providing the right support when required. PANS offers free membership to PAs and provides member benefits including a free PA ID Badge which shows others you are a valued member of the Scottish social care workforce. We offer a comprehensive support service to PAs across Scotland on topics ranging from questions on employment contracts to employment law queries and everything else in between. If a PA has a work related problem, they can come to us for telephone support and advice between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, telephone 01563 594217, or email info@panetworkscotland.org.uk. More information is available at www. panetworkscotland.org.uk

Les Watson

As I was out for a walk today I became aware of some of the signs of spring: da odils in bloom, birdsong, the rst leaves appearing on trees and warmer air. There was a real sense of nature awakening after long winter months. In April, we expect April showers but, as they say, April showers bring May owers. April often brings the rst cuckoo or swallow. The name April is said to come from Latin aperio, the opening of a bud on a ower. The month of May is also a season of new life and growth, associated with new beginnings and the blossoming of life.

When you are out and about in these months, look around at the trees and notice the changes. Opening buds on trees are a clear sign spring is here and that these trees are no longer dormant.

The buds have been there all winter long protecting the tree from cold temperatures, but once things get warmer, they begin to ower and grow new leaves and blossom.

This season of renewal and fresh life connect well to the Easter message of new life and resurrection. Although Easter was early this year, we continue in Easter mode right to Pentecost Sunday which this year is on May 19. Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church.

In Eastern Orthodoxy, Pentecost involves decorating homes and churches with owers, grass and branches. Fresh young greenery and owers symbolize the o ering up to God of the rst blossoming of spring and an o ering up of the life of the church, which is blossoming like a ower, through the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit.

Invergarry Primary School pupils travelled to Fort William to visit the photography exhibition in the Lime Tree Gallery. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image.

JUNIOR DARTS PLAYERS ON THE OCHE IN FORT WILLIAM

Iain Ferguson

Darts is proving popular with youngsters aged 6 to 17 years following a successful trial contest in Sunny’s Sports Bar in Fort William.

Accompanied by parents, 45 young men and one girl took part in the Friday afternoon competition, travelling from as far as Fort Augustus to answer the call of the arrows.

Venue owner Sunny Rodgers came up with the idea of staging a junior event after seeing it mentioned on social media. He already runs an annual darts tournament in memory of his late nephew Duncan Rodgers, who was a champion darts and shinty player, and

thought he would give it a go to see if there was any interest from a younger age group.

He put the idea to Martyn Cameron who helps organise local darts leagues and competitions.

He agreed it was a great idea to give a younger generation the chance to take part in the sport which has a large adult following locally.

Martyn put together a small team, including Active Schools co-ordinator Claire Delaney, to promote the junior event and on the night fellow members of the local darts group helped with organising the heats, marking the boards and recording results.

With enthusiasm and an enjoyment level of 180+ from the young players, plans are now in place to set up regular weekly practice sessions with monthly competitions at weekends.

Sunny said: “It was great to see so many youngsters keen

to take part. They really enjoyed it. The place was packed and I think the parents really appreciated it too as they were able to enjoy the atmosphere and watch the action along with the youngsters.

“With so much bad news about the town and the behaviour of some young people, hopefully this will give them something else to think about and take part in”.

Martyn and a few friends are in the process of organising a Youth Club/Darts League and more information will be available in due course.

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FORT FC RESERVES AND MALLAIG READY FOR SUMMER ACTION IN WEST HIGHLAND AMATEUR LEAGUE

While the Fort William Football Club first team can hang up their boots with the conclusion of the North Caledonian League, members of the reserves are stepping up to play throughout the summer.

The season starts with a focus on youth development by looking at promoting members of the youth sides through to the reserves team to play a full part in the West Highland Amateur League against teams from Skye with Mallaig as the only other ‘mainland’ opponent. The youngsters joining the reserves will be encouraged and gain experience from some older faces (and legs) with a lot of grass under their boots, but not quite ready to retire.

There is also change of management. Thanks go to Paul MacInnes for his efforts in overseeing the debut season last year and he will still have a place in the background assisting the coaching team.

Scott Duncan becomes the new manager and Norman MacInnes, currently the Under 16 coach, comes in as his number two.

Scott, who has plenty experience from past years in coaching all ages from primary to adult, along with Norman will be joined by other well-

known coaches in the area: Jimmy Kelly and John Campbell. Everyone is excited to get youth development through the ranks at Fort William FC, opening up a path for keen footballers from a young age.

There has been a lot of interest in the team and really good

numbers are attending the training sessions. As always, it’s a great feeling knowing that young adults and the youths have the chance to kick a ball about during the summer in a competitive league, honing their skills and joining others who share a similar interest.

It is planned that games will be played at Claggan Park, but there is always the option, as during last season, to use the artificial pitch at Lochaber High School. More information will be available though Fort William FC social media as the dates and locations of matches are confirmed.

Mallaig FC, playing on the artificial pitch beside the village’s swimming pool, have proven to be a successful and

Iain Ferguson

strong side, picking up several trophies. They are always a ‘feared’ opponent because of their skill and ability to win matches.

They won the league championship last season - the third time they have won the top honours since joining the league five seasons ago. They also took the Ross Cup last year. Player/manager is Jamie MacGregor and the majority of players are from Mallaig and surrounding areas with a few from Fort William and Acharacle.

Combining age and experience with youthful fitness, determination and enthusiasm, the team blend this to its advantage as demonstrated in a pre-season friendly played against Fort William when players fought through cold, heavy rain to come out on top with a 5-0 win.

In March this year, Mallaig also won the Caralisa Cup in the tournament of the same name, proving unstoppable. Details of their forthcoming league fixtures will appear on their social media pages.

Left: Fort William FC

Below: Mallaig FC

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