Lochaber Life #349 November 2022

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Beatha Lochabair

THE ELEVENTH MONTH

The 11th month in the 22nd year of the 21st century. Sounds like a good old-fashioned Maths Bee - just what primary school children from across Lochaber were up to - page 35. And a Mallaig teacher literally introduced Gaelic to TV show Countdown - page 31. November is also the month of Remembrance Sunday, to mark the 11th hour of the 11th month when the guns fell silent in 1918. As always, there will be many people in attendance at war memorials across the world, but in Fort William this will be marked at one which has been awarded a great accolade - page 24. Religious services also play a major part in commemoration and a new book outlines the history of church and community in the Great Glen - page 39. With thoughts also turning to the festive season, the Rotary Christmas Fair promises to be an exciting and colourful eventpage 23. Have a peaceful and re ective November. Iain.

Fort William’s award winning war memorial. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

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DUDLEY CLIMBERS KEEP BERT BISSELL LINK ALIVE

Iain Ferguson

Legendary Dudley peace campaigner Bert Bissell MBE climbed Ben Nevis an incredible 107 times in his lifetime in the name of world peace. On VJ Day in 1945, he was in Fort Wil liam with a group of youngsters from Dudley and climbed the Ben to start construction of a large peace cairn on its summit. Today it is recognised as the highest war memorial in Britain with Dudley proudly inscribed on its side.

Such was his prominence, he was awarded the Freemanship of both Dudley and Lochaber as well as being awarded the Methodist World Peace Prize. He was also instrumental in linking Dudley with Fort William.

Bert died in 1988, aged 96, and was laid to rest at the foot of his beloved Ben Nevis in Glen Nevis cemetery. In 2000, coun cillor Steve Waltho walked the 96-mile West Highland Way from Glasgow to Fort William bearing a mil lennium time capsule with a scroll signed by councillors and other bor ough leaders which he gave to council manager John Hutch ison to place in a remembrance monument on the green in

Fort William. The Bert Bissell link then went cold for 14 years until one day in 2014 when the then Dudley North MP Ian Austin met councillors Dave Tyler and Steve Waltho to ask them their opinion on rekindling the pilgrimage to Fort William. They didn’t need asking twice and that year 10 individuals took on the challenge and the event has carried on since.

In early 2017, it was decided to launch the Bert Bissell Memorial Society with Steve Waltho as its chairman, a position he still holds today although no longer a councillor.

He said: ‘This year, 20 individ uals gathered in Fort William, of

which 13 climbed the Ben, raising more than £1,000 for charity as members took on the challenge for three separate causes. I estimate more than £20,000 has been raised over the nine years.’

The party also gathered at Bert’s graveside for a minute’s silence where society vice chairperson councillor Shaz Saleem laid a wreath. Bert was also president of the Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir which accompanied him to the summit in 1978 for another Dud ley first in being the first choir in recorded history to sing on the summit of Ben Nevis.

After the ceremony, the party visited Duncansburgh Kilmallie Parish Church in Fort William where windows from the demolished Dudley Vicar Street Methodist Church were installed as a lasting tribute to the great man.

WIN A PIECE OF PELE AND MARADONA

Lochaber High School music students are playing a slightly different tune at the moment by putting their best feet forward in an amazing raffle to raise money for their bands and the school. For just £2 per ticket, you have the chance to win a boot personally signed by world famous Brazilian footballer Pele and another, signed perhaps using ‘the hand of God’ , by Diego Maradona.

Fully certified and authenti-

cated as the genuine article, the boots were gifted to the school as a fundraiser by a member of

the Commando Association to thank the school bands for holding a yearly concert for veterans and providing the music at the Commando Memorial each Remembrance Sunday.

Raffle tickets for this chance to win a part of footballing history are on sale at the school reception. There are also cash prizes on offer. The draw takes place on November 11. Don’t miss it.

Sunbeams break through the clouds over the world famous Glenfinnan viaduct in this inspirational shot by reader Michael MacGuire.

Tips for taking to the hills with your best friend

Meet ‘The Wee Man’ and his ‘Little Lady’ - both pseudonyms needless to say! They are staff dogs at Crown Vets. ‘The Wee Man’ is a beagle who has enjoyed camping and bagging Munros since his move from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. His ‘Little Lady’ is a border collie whose greatest love is to run alongside the mountain bike.

To follow the previous article about taking your dog hillwalking, here are extra tips they have drawn from their camping and hillwalking adventures this year:

1 When camping, always stow your human treats carefully away from ‘The Wee Man’s nose, especially if it is dark chocolate or raisins as they are toxic. The last thing you need is to have to pack up your camping site in the dark and get him to the vet.

2 Pack a small chamois towel to mop up the puddles that ‘Little Lady’ makes in the tent, especially important if you have a lovely down sleeping bag as it will be useless when wet.

3 Find somewhere safe to tie ‘The Wee Man’ while you are frying sausages on your stove otherwise he will burn his nose and you might lose your breakfast.

4 Bring a tick twister for yourself and the dogs. Also give them an effective tick prevention medication like Nexgard Spectra or Bravecto.

5 If you are visiting a bothy, make sure there are no hazards. Look for signs of mouse bait.

6 Be prepared for ‘Little Lady’ to roll in something nasty then cuddle you in the tent.

7 Bring a cosy jumper for ‘The Wee Man’ at night. He’ll probably try to share your sleeping bag and steal your blow up pillow.

8 Remember medications. ‘The Wee Man’ recommends Vetpro Joints and Mobility supplement for any older dog to keep their joints in good condition for hillwalking.

9 Fitting ‘Little Lady’ with a doggie rucksack means she can carry some of their own supplies and provide a good handle to be helped over obstacles.

10 A good waterproof light can be fitted to ‘Little Lady’s’ collar to help you spot her at night if she gets out of the tent to toilet.

11 Take a collapsible water bowl or be prepared to share your mug with your canine tent mates.

50 years of high school memories

Iain Ferguson

It is often said ‘schooldays are the best days of your lives’. Some may disagree, but amongst for mer Lochaber High School pu pils who started in S1 52 years ago, most were in agreement.

The ‘girls and boys’ had in tended meeting up on the 50th anniversary but, as with many events, this was postponed as a result of covid. Two years older, they decided to meet up and re-live old school memories.

A reunion and dance to music of the era attracted a full hall at

the Railway Club in Inverlochy, with many travelling from across the country.

International visitors were still a bit restricted in number due to regulations in other parts of the world.

Other than meeting old friends and dancing the night away, photographs were on display showing school events, sporting and theatrical performances from yesteryear, complete with beautifully made costumes and scenery around the young per

formers. In those days, almost every show was a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, a tradition long gone in most places.

One of the organisers, Marga ret Horner, said: ‘What a great laugh to see pictures of our younger selves, sometimes with amazing hair. It was also great to see so many well-known faces again. We are glad we managed to re-organise it as we were disappointed we had to cancel before, but we had no choice.’

ORR – ELIZABETH

1947 – 2022 (Corpach)

Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Monday 29th August 2022, after a short battle with cancer, Elizabeth Orr, known to all as Betty, aged 75 years, Hillview Drive, Corpach, Fort William. A loving wife to the late James, a loving mum to Kevin and Sharon, a much-loved granny, relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. Sadly missed.

CAMPBELL – JAMES

1941 – 2022 (Corpach)

Sadly, but peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on 26th August 2022, James Campbell (Jimmy), aged 80 years, Drumfada Terrace, Corpach, Fort William. A loving dad to Caroline, a wonderful grandfather to his grandchildren, a caring relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. Sadly missed.

MARSHALL – NORMA

1932 – 2022 (Fort William)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, after a long illness, on Wednesday 7th September 2022, Norma Marshall, aged 90 years, Victoria Court, Fort William, retired School Teacher at Lochaber High School. A loving wife to the late John, a much-loved mum to Iain and Anne and mother-in-law to Margaret and Graeme, a wonderful nana to Peter and Ross and a caring auntie, neighbour and friend. Rest In Peace.

DUCKWORTH – DAVID

1934 – 2022 (Caol)

Peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on 8th September 2022, David Kayley Duckworth, aged 87 years, formerly of Kennedy Court, Caol, latterly of The Telford Centre, Fort Augustus. A loving husband to the late Marjorie, dad to Linda and the late Susan, and grandfather to Wayne, Philip, Penny, Jordan, Elizabeth and Oscar, a caring neighbour and friend. Rest In Peace.

GARDINER – MICHAEL

1931 – 2022 (Fort William)

Peacefully, in the loving care of Abbeyfield Nursing Home, Ballachulish, on Friday 9th September 2022, after a long illness, Michael George Tyler Gardiner, aged 91 years. A loving husband to Margaret, father to Karin, William and families. Sadly missed.

WILSON – JOAN

1944 – 2022 (Whitebridge, formerly Fort William)

Suddenly but peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Saturday 10th September 2022, Joan Wilson, aged 76 years, Whitebridge, Easter Drummond, formerly of Roaring Mill, Glen Nevis, Fort William. A loving wife to Willie, a much-loved mum to Sheila and Billy, a wonderful granny to Rachael, Michael, Alice Ann, John, Holly, Eva and Leo, a caring sister to Edith and a good friend to many. Greatly missed.

FRASER – NORMAN

1946 – 2022 (Claggan)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the loving care of Moss Park Care Home, on Sunday 18th September 2022, Norman Fraser (Norrie), aged 76 years, Polmona, Claggan, Fort William, former bricklayer and thereafter with BSW Kilmallie until retirement. A loving husband to Maureen for over 50 years, a much-loved relative and a good friend to many. Greatly missed.

WALTON - JOYCE

1925 – 2022 (Kinlochleven)

The family announces the death of Joyce Doreen Walton, aged 96 years, on Sunday 28th August 2022, in the Belford Hospital, Fort William. It was a peaceful passing and the family thank the staff of the Belford for their care and loving attention. Rest In Peace.

MACKIN – ALEX

1931 – 2022 (Inverlochy)

Peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Wednesday 14th September 2022, Alexander William Mackin (Alex), aged 91 years, Locheil Road, Inverlochy, Fort William, former Community Councillor for Caol and Inverlochy spanning 20 years. A loving dad to Frances, Teresa and Sandra, a wonderful grandfather to Ann-Marie, Michael, Mark, Sheree, Michaela, Melissa, Darren and Lewis and a proud great grandfather to his 10 great grandchildren, a much-loved relative and a good friend to many. RIP.

DAVIS – BRIAN

1940 – 2022 (Ballachulish)

Peacefully in his sleep, on Monday 19th September 2022, Brian Davis, aged 82 years, Inverwallace, Albert Road, Ballachulish. A loving husband to Margaret, a treasured dad to Sheri and the late Gavin and father-in-law to Martin, a wonderful papa to Tyler, a much-loved brother, brother-in-law, uncle and a good friend to many. Sadly missed.

MACIVOR – DONNA

1967 – 2022 (Fort William)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Wednesday 21st September 2022, Donna Douglas MacIvor, known to many as ‘Maha’, aged 54 years, Alma Road, Fort William, former long serving cook with Nevisport (Cobbs), High Street, Fort William. A loving sister to Patty, Ian, Isabel and the late Richard and Jimmy, a much-loved auntie to Gillian, Lyndsay and Frankie, a caring relative, neighbour and a special friend to many. RIP.

ROBERTSON –ROSEMARY

1954 – 2022

(Torlundy)

Sadly, but peacefully, after a short illness, at the Belford Hospital, Fort William, with her loved ones by her side, on Friday 23rd September 2022, Rosemary Adam Robertson, aged 68 years, Torlundy, Fort William. A loving wife to Iain, a much-loved mother to Robert, a caring relative and a good friend to many. So greatly missed.

MITCHELL – JAMES

1922 – 2022 (Ballachulish)

Sadly, but peacefully, after a short illness, in the loving care of the Ballachulish Abbeyfield Care Home, on Friday 23rd September 2022, James Robert Campbell Mitchell, aged 99 years, formerly of Cleigh, Oban and Leys Drive, Inverness, former RAF Airman, Motor Mechanic, Chauffeur and latterly Estate Worker. A loving uncle to the late Kath Johnston, uncle-in-law to Ken and much-loved neighbour and a friend to many. Greatly missed.

MORRISON – ROSEMARY (MO)

1951 – 2022

(Lochyside)

Suddenly but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Friday 23rd September 2022, Rosemary Ann Morrison, known to all as Mo, aged 71 years, Mossfield Drive, Lochyside, Fort William, former manager of the Argyll Bar (Crofter Bar). A loving partner to Malcolm, a caring sister to Marion and Robert, a much-loved auntie, great auntie and a good friend to many. Greatly missed.

BRINDLEY - MARION

1937 – 2022 (Fort William)

Sadly, but peacefully surrounded by love in Invernevis House, on Wednesday 21st September 2022, Marion Brindley, aged 84 years, formerly Montrose Square, Inverlochy. A loving daughter to the late Arthur and Jessie, muchloved sister to the late Tommy and sister-in-law to Theresa a devoted aunt to Carolanne, Stephen, Theresa Marie and a much-loved great-aunt. Sadly missed.

MACPHAIL – JOHN

1954 – 2022 (Caol)

Peacefully, in the loving care of Meallmore Care Home, Daviot, Inverness, on Thursday 29th September 2022, John Malcolm MacPhail (John Boy), aged 68 years, well known local folk singer throughout Lochaber. A loving dad to Eilidh and Calum, a much-loved brother to Catherine, Hughie, Kathleen (Baba) and Andrew, a caring uncle, relative and a good friend to many. Sadly missed.

CAMPBELL – JANET

1933 – 2022

(Fort William, formerly Wishaw)

Sadly, in the loving care of Invernevis House, Fort William, on Monday 3rd October 2022, Janet Campbell, aged 89 years, formerly of Wishaw and latterly of Kennedy Court, Caol. A loving mum to Jim and mother-in-law to Carole, a muchloved relative and a caring resident and friend at Invernevis House. Rest In Peace.

MACDOUGALL – ROBERT

1952 – 2022 (Kinlochleven)

Suddenly and unexpectedly, on Monday 26th September 2022, Robert MacDougall (Bob), known to many as Poodle, aged 69 years, Morrison Crescent, Kinlochleven, former Gardener with British Alcan and Road Sweeper with Highland Council. A loving brother to the late Colin, a muchloved brother-in-law to Lesley, a loving uncle to David, Donny, Holly and Kimberley and a great uncle to Cheyenne, Ori, Phoenix, Thorin and Keanu, a caring neighbour and friend. RIP.

DALE – JUNE

1936 – 2022

(Acharacle)

Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Thursday 29th September 2022, June Rosemary Dale (née Watson), aged 86 years, Dalnabreac, Acharacle, former Police Officer in Middleborough. A devoted wife to Peter, a treasured mum to Andrew and Paula and mother-in-law to Pamela and Ewan, a wonderful nana to Nicola and Eilidh, a much-loved relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. So greatly missed.

MCKENNA – PATRICK (ERIC)

1943 – 2022

(Fort William, formerly Glenfinnan)

Peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday 24th September 2022, Patrick Eric McKenna, known to all as Eric, aged 79 years, MacBrayne Apartments, Fort William (formerly of Glenfinnan). A loving and much-loved husband to Maureen, a loving brother and uncle, neighbour and friend. Rest In Peace.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

LOCHABER ROTARY ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

26

THE NEVIS CENTRE, CAMERON SQUARE, FORT WILLIAM

After two years of enforced cancellations, Lochaber’s biggest annual Christmas Fes tival will be back at the Nevis Centre on November 26. With more than 70 craft and food stalls, the event will open its doors at 9.30am to showcase and celebrate Lochaber’s best arts, crafts, music, food and drink.

Meanwhile, events at Camer on Square kick off at 10.30am with Santa and his Cairngorm reindeer - kindly funded by Ferguson Transport & Shipping - arriving at their pen to meet children for lasting memories and photograph opportuni ties. Then, around 11.15am, led by junior cheerleaders the Ben Nevis All Stars and Lochaber Pipe Band, Santa and his sleigh with his Little Elves,

pulled by the Cairngorm reindeer, will make their way along High Street, over the Parade Green, arriving at the Nevis Centre just before midday.

Santa and his Little Elves will then make their way through the stalls to his Grotto which opens at midday. The reindeer will have a well-earned rest in their pen just outside the Nevis Centre – offering more photograph opportunities.

Once again, the festival will offer live music, Santa’s Grotto,

a bouncy castle and a range of quality products, most of which come from Lochaber crafters. The Nevis Centre Café will also be open.

Rotary president Simon Hardiman said: ‘This is the perfect indoor marketplace for crafters and foodies and the best in children’s entertain ment.’

Mindful of the spin-off bene fits to the town and Lochaber, Simon added: ‘After two years of lockdown, Lochaber Rotary is delighted to welcome you to our annual festival – an exciting event for the whole family.

‘This year will see an even bigger range of unique stalls laden with local crafts, gifts and food products. We hope to see you there.’

FORT WILLIAM WAR MEMORIAL HONOURED IN NATIONAL AWARDS

Iain Ferguson

Being the month when many people will gather at memorials across the coun try to honour the fallen and remember those who have lost their lives and continue to lose their lives as a result of war, it seems appropriate Fort William War Memorial has received an honour.

As the focal point of Remem brance Sunday ceremonies in the town, the memorial and its surroundings have been awarded the Scottish Best Kept Small War Memorial without gardens. The award was given after a judging panel appoint

ed by Legion Scotland visited earlier in the year.

Local Legion branch vol unteers, with help from Fort William Town Team and The Highland Council with plants from Garden Stop, spent time cleaning, tidying, painting, laying out and planting in the immediate area around the memorial, not just for the judges, but for the benefit of everyone who visits.

A few members of the local branch made their way to the new Earl Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh where the awards were presented by Right Honourable Robert Aldridge,

Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and David Paton, national vice chairman of Legion Scotland.

In Fort William, the stone statue of a soldier on a ped estal, outside Duncansburgh Kilmallie Parish Church, was dedicated 100 years ago. It commemorates local men who died in the first and second world wars, as well as other 20th century conflicts. Hun dreds of entries were received from memorials of all shapes and sizes in the nationwide competition, so to receive such a major award is quite an accolade.

A total of four Highland me

morials won awards, with Nairn named ‘Champion of Champi ons’. Dingwall won the award for Best Large Community Memorial without Gardens, while Rogart Memorial, in Sutherland, was the Best New Entry.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: ‘War memorials pro vide an important place for reflection and the continued interest in the ‘Best Kept War Memorial in Scotland’ competi tion underlines the importance of remembering those of our fellow citizens, alongside those from elsewhere, who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country.

‘It is truly impressive that, against the backdrop of the long period of Covid mitiga tions, the competition this year was as passionate and of such a high standard as always. As the Capital’s Veteran Cham pion, and on behalf of the citizens of Edinburgh, I thank everyone who took the time to enter during these difficult times and to those who organ ised the competition.’

The competition was

established in 1982 following concerns many Scottish war memorials had fallen into a poor state. Horticulturalist Bill Tait, who worked on Scotland in Bloom as well as at Edin burgh’s Royal Botanic Garden, set up the contest to encour age groups to improve the condition and appearance of memorials.

Mr Tait, who now leads the judging panel, said: ‘War memorials are an important part of Scottish commu nities, com memorating the sacrifices made by local people from the First World War to more recent conflicts. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, coun cils and Legion Scotland mem bers, we’ve seen many improve over the years, with some that were in the poorest condition now regular winners.

‘The competition is always popular and this year saw an exceptionally high standard of

entries. It’s inspiring to travel round Scotland and see the pride communities take in looking after their memorial and ensuring it looks its best.

‘We look for well-maintained stonework or metalwork and lettering that is clear and legi ble. Pathways and seating need to be safe and accessible, while gardens should in excellent condition with well-kept lawns and flowerbeds.’

Jeannette Lane, Fort William and District branch

secretary, said:

‘This is our first national award, so we’re over the moon about it.

‘Fort William’s War Memorial is

important to our community because it is a part of their history and culture. We feel it is our duty to maintain the war memorial and we do it with pride to honour our fallen heroes.’

COUNTDOWN TO MALLAIG

Iain Ferguson

‘Halo, agus Failte gu Cunnt Sios, Toisichidh sinne.’ Not the usual opening line to a popular quiz show, watched by millions on Channel 4, but Mallaig Gaelic Medium teacher Dawn MacPhie couldn’t resist the offer to open the show with Gaeldom’s equivalent of ‘Hello and welcome to Countdown. Let’s begin’.

Dawn travelled to Manchester during the school holidays to record the show, but was sworn to secrecy about the outcome until after it was broadcast on September 20.

A long-term fan of the show, answering all the questions from her couch, she decided to have a go herself and was delighted to be accepted to find out how she would do, live in the studio under the watchful eye of host Colin Murray.

On the day itself, she found herself pitched against fellow Scot Alan Young from Paisley, the reigning champion, now taking his seat with four wins in a row.

For those not in the know, each of the daily half-hour programmes are recorded in a block on the same day, competitors and presenters taking a change of clothes for each different edition.

In the first task of composing as big as word as possible from nine randomly chosen letters, Dawn and her opponent scored the maximum points, much to the surprise of the host who said they must have made history by both using all the letters in the first round. Dawn took the most points for the second

word, followed by another good score for the number challenge in which a series of numbers have to be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided to get as close as possible to the randomly chosen total.

Dawn kept ahead of her competitor for much of the show, but lost ground when one of her words was not allowed. She submitted the word ‘crawlies’ from her letters, as in ‘creepy-crawlies’, but on reference to the Oxford English Dictionary, it could not be found as a stand-alone word so was discounted.

She ended with a score of 82 against 117.

Dawn said: ‘Unfortunately I didn’t win and even Colin said my score would normally have

have been a winner, but I was unlucky to be up against one of the strongest competitors they have ever had, winning his fifth show in a row.

‘When I was leaving and asked for a photograph to show the children at school, Rachel Riley asked how to spell the place I was from, looked out the letters and put them up on the board for me. That was a really nice gesture.’

There was brief time away from lessons for pupils as they watched the programme with their teacher in class to show what she had been up to, with Dawn challenging some of the older ones to play along and see if they could beat her score - which they had fun doing, but didn’t manage to better.

EIGHT SCHOOLS MATHS BEE AT INVERLOCHY PRIMARY

Iain Ferguson

Like me, you may remember every school day started with reciting the ‘times tables’ parrot fashion, up to12x12 = 144. While this may have fallen out of favour over the years, personally I still find it useful by remembering that 9 x 8 = 72, or even 11 x 11 = 121, without having to devote ever so precious reasoning power to work it out or turn to a calculator.

While not quite in the same mould, Inverlochy Primary School helped bring numbers to life by inviting another seven local schools to take part in a ‘Maths Bee’. This was also the first time for a few years that such a large number of pupils and teachers from

different schools had come together in one place, mix and enjoy each other’s company in a friendly, yet competitive and educational event.

In the run-up to the event, each school - Banavie, BunSgoil Ghàidhlig Loch Abar, Caol, Invergarry, Inverlochy Lundavra, Spean Bridge and St Columba’s - ran their own heats to put forward two finalists per year group to compete against peers from the other schools in answering mental maths puzzles.

Questions for the event were set by Mrs Jemma Calderwood from Lochaber High School who was there on the day.

In what was an exciting, fun and educational day, the

climax was a series of tiebreakers amongst a few schools culminating in a speed answer round.

Hosts Inverlochy eventually collected the prize of maths games as the school with the overall winning average.

Acting head teacher Tanya Ross said: ‘It was incredibly close between a number of the schools.

‘We were grateful to be joined by two guest speakers, Shelley MacGillvray from MOWI and Sean Murdison from the Belford’s Pharmacy Department, who shared their love for maths to help inspire our young mathematicians.

‘All pupils attending impressed everyone with their maths skills and it was nice to see winners from a spread of the schools over the different stages.’

Last month when emailing the editor using a new device, I admitted that at my age new things are difficult. Next day we all heard of the death of Queen Elizabeth and we had a new King.

Much was said by monarchists and republicans about how the late Queen coped with change over her 70 year reign. At 95/6 she used Zoom for the first time - for important state business. That thought shamed me.

The reign of Charles the Third will be some weeks old by

the time you read this. However, I watched the ceremonies when, first, the Scottish crown and subsequently the other offices of state were removed from the late Queen’s coffin. They reminded me of a scene in the book of Revelation where elders surround the throne of God in Heaven.

They throw their crowns down in front of the throne and say, ‘Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory, honour and power. For you created all things and by your Will they were given life,’ Rev 4 11.

Reportedly, the late Queen

said she looked forward to doing just that. Her faith in God and knowledge of the Bible were referenced frequently. I wonder if she also knew God’s promise a few verses earlier in a modern paraphrase:

‘Don’t quit, even if it costs you your life. Stay there believing. I have a life-sized crown sized and ready for you,’ [The Message]

I should also not be fearful of new things but look forward to the promise at the end of the book. Rev 21 5. ‘Then the one who sits on the throne said ‘And now I make all things new’.

Kinlochleven Primary School pupils celebrated Children in Need with a ‘spotty’ day which featured dotted clothes, faces and cakes. Everyone had great fun raising funds for the good cause. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image

THE EDGE OF EACH ROUGH REGION

Iain Ferguson

…and to continue the above title of the book ‘Church and Community in the Great Glen’.

Researched and written by Adrian Varwell, who was minister of Fort Augustus and Glengarry from 2001 until his retirement in 2011, thereafter acting as locum in Fort William and Kilmonivaig, he was always interested in the history of the parishes throughout the Great Glen.

Of his own charges, he found little information immediately to hand, but spent time examining what records there were, gradually piecing together a history, not only of the churches but their interaction with the communities they served.

In his preface to the book, he writes: ‘Most historical sources dealt with the larger neighbours from which the two parishes had been created and these accounts carried only scant reference to the communities I sought to minister.

‘… I found that both of my parishes did, in fact, have a rich Christian heritage and that Fort Augustus once formed a significant parish, Abertarff, in its own right.’

‘Abertarff ’ denotes the mouth of the River Tarff where

it enters Loch Ness, which designation of the district predates the present day name of Kilchuimen, which takes its name from Cuimen, a colleague of St Columba and later the Abbot of Iona, although Adrian also reveals other tales for the name change.

This is all fascinating. There is so much information about the area, the church, the activities, lost churches and note from visits by Presbytery officials, it is impossible to summarise here - but a mustread from a historical point of view.

Much ado in 1866 when the decision was made to build a new church in Fort Augustus after it was decided that the

existing building was beyond repair. The foundation stone of the new building was laid and what we would understand as a fundraising campaign launched.

An extract from an advert placed in the Inverness Courier of October 18 1866 states: ‘The committee, in the attempt to restore the old fabric of the church, found the building in such a dilapidated state that they were compelled to take it down and raise a new structure.

‘The funds are inadequate to meet this increased expenditure and the committee are again obliged to appeal to the generosity of the public to assist them with the means to liquidate the debt that has been incurred by this necessary change in their plans…’

Want to know more? I would recommend getting a copy of this book which covers the entire Great Glen and the churches therein. It’s well worth it.

Copies are on sale at West Highland Museum and Fort Augustus Gift Company, Fort Augustus, or available as an Amazon paperback or on Kindle.

BRYAN WHYTE MEMORIAL DARTS FEST AT TRADEWINDS

Iain Ferguson

The Tradewinds Bar in Cor pach was home to a weekend Dartsfest with pairs and single competitions over three days.

Sixteen pairs entered the Tradewinds-sponsored compe tition and the pick of the first round draws saw Donald Mac donald and Davy Grant make an early exit, followed by several others, until the first semi-final with James Whyte and Ross Montgomery v Brian Barbour and Ross MacKenzie.

The second semi-final saw Liam MacAskill and Martyn Cameron clinch a 4-1 victory. Despite some exceptional play, they were beaten in the final by James and Ross, the winners in 2016.

Twenty five players turned up

next day for the Bryan Whyte Cup, held annually in memory of the late darts champion who was on the cusp of becoming professional when he died in a road traffic accident. The event is always very well-attended, attracting the cream of local players.

In the final of the Bryan Whyte Cup, one of the main tourna ment organisers Martyn Cam eron faced Kenny Henderson. Martyn took an early 2-0 lead but his opponent pulled it back to equal the score. In a series of highly entertaining legs, scores see-sawed back and forwards, with Invergarry man Kenny eventually taking the trophy.

Australian visitor Ash Britt, who was visiting the area, stayed on for the tournament and took part in a ‘consolation final’

in which he beat local Liam MacAskill.

A charity raffle was held dur ing the weekend, raising £2,030 which was presented to mental health charity ‘Centred’ which has a base in Fort William.

Martyn Cameron said: ‘Thanks to everyone for the craic, the darts, the karaoke and the side show of raising a new record amount of cash for charity which was largely organised by my fiancé Hannah and to the Tradewinds staff who per formed brilliantly.

‘It was a great weekend, with Bryan’s brother James taking the pairs trophy and other members of his family not only supporting the event, but presenting his trophy. Truly a great event in his memory.’