Lochaber Life #324 October 2020

At the heart of your community 10

Celtic strip auction

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Glenfinnan Histories

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An DĂ mhair

Beatha Lochabair

A Resilient Bunch

October 2020 – Issue 324

Belford Gardens Thank You Lochaber Life October 2020.indd 1

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t s ree ome es t f d s u ere 0 h es gho v i l n 0 De 2,0 usi throu d 1 d b nth r an e an ry mo chab ond e Lo ey ev b 11/09/2020 15:03:28

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Beatha Lochabair

contents

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OCTOBER Christmas products already line the shelves of several shops and although it may be a bit early for the actual ‘Season to be Jolly’, it is the right time to start knitting winter warmers for various charities, page eight, or perhaps try out a historical recipe, page 17. Covid-19 still features in our lives, hopefully in an ever diminishing way, but in Lochaber many people took positive steps to help others from the start of lockdown, page 10.

Another way of dealing with the virus is to get outdoors and there’s helpful suggestions on page 14. A Celtic FC devotee? Don’t miss the chance to bid on the captain’s shirt signed by every member of the 2019/20 squad, with all money raised helping to restore a Kinlochleven playing field. Dàmhair sona. A happy October. Iain

FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH: NHS representatives, sponsors and volunteers from Fort William Town Team celebrate the official opening of the luscious garden outside the Belford Hospital which has been dedicated to everyone dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. 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

Belford Gardens

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Family Swim

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Rotary Club Christmas ‘Knitivity’

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Reader’s picture

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A Resilient Bunch

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Celtic strip auction

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Good old fashioned recipes

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Glenfinnan Histories

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Community Connections

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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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Published by Wyvex Media Limited, 22 High Street, Fort William, Inverness-shire PH33 6AT 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 Ltd.

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WELCOMING GARDEN OF THANKS Iain Ferguson A garden created to welcome weary walkers into Fort William as they approach the end of the West Highland Way also now recognises the work of NHS staff who looked after people in Lochaber during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Appropriately situated in front of the Belford Hospital, work to create a haven of plants with a peaceful granite seating area began several years ago.

Owner of a nearby guesthouse, Norrie MacLean, and volunteers from Fort William Town Team, worked hard to bring a layout conceived by local woman Maureen MacMaster to fruition.

Although he now lives in Dundee, Norrie still regularly makes the journey back to tend the garden and add ongoing finishing touches.

Flowers, shrubs and trees were carefully selected and planted

around the main footpath and empty verge alongside the busy Belford Road, putting a living green curtain between walkers and vehicles.

A traditional archway was also erected bearing the friendly words ‘Welcome to Fort William’ with pedestrians being left in no doubt their presence is genuinely wanted.

At the end of August, a plaque was unveiled by Staff Nurse

Jasvir Robertson, watched by a group of fellow Belford Hospital staff, sponsors who contributed to the costs and representatives of Fort William Town Team whose volunteers have worked hard tidying, painting and tending plants when Covid restrictions were eased.

During this work, many passers-by stopped to talk, not only to ask questions about the plants, but also to observe just how much they appreciate the garden as they make their way to and from the town. It is also well used by out-patients, hospital visitors with time to spare and on nicer days staff take the opportunity for a quiet break amidst the vegetation with a cup of coffee and sandwich.

The plaque is worded: ‘This plaque is dedicated to the hard-working men and women of the NHS who stood their ground and never faltered on the front lines during the pandemic of 2020. Your community thanks you’.

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SWIMMING PODS IN THE LOCH Iain Ferguson If you happened to see some strange waterborne activity in Loch Linnhe last month, your eyes were not deceiving you. However, these were not mysterious creatures of the deep, but humans swimming in ‘pods’ of two or three on a charity swim.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Tri-4Life organisation, in which experienced and dedicated tri-athletes - running, swimming and cycling - take part in events to help a number of charities, a team of 24 swam 46 miles along the waterways of the Great Glen.

Loch Linnhe represented a major part of their challenge with a carefully calculated departure from Caol foreshore taking account of tide, wind and weather, setting off in the afternoon with a target of reaching the Corran Narrows by nightfall.

They first set their sights on Camus na Gaul then down the west side of the loch with a safety boat in constant

attendance and land support tracking them down the single track road. Their quest continued next day with a 10-mile swim of Loch Lochy, then another five miles in Loch Oich, from Gairlochy heading northwards.

Incredibly, participants from 20 to 75 years and all ages in between took part, many from the same family, including greatgrandchildren of Diane and Ray Hanlon who started the charity.

Son and event organiser Liam Hanlon said: ‘It is a charitable fund, with its roots in my parents starting a family quest to raise money for charities dear to their

heart by sporting activities, particularly triathlon and other elite endurance events.

‘A group of average everyday friends were brought together by a vision, passion and enthusiasm through a common interest in the sport of triathlon and extending the hand of friendship across the world.’

Local support was given by Donald MacPhater of Scottish West Coast Cruises with some of the team being guests aboard his vessel, Lady Sofrida, in Corpach Basin. Other than providing shelter and technical guidance, he also supplied a giant pot of warming stew for returning swimmers as well as a specially requested delicacy, fruit loaves made by Caol charity contributor Isabel MacPhee, which they had sampled on an earlier visit.

He said: ‘The team adopted a ‘bubble’ approach, due to coronavirus precautions. and anti-virus procedures were adopted aboard, with ensuing post-departure isolation and cleaning. They loved it and it all went well.’

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CHRISTMAS ‘KNITIVITY’ Christmas will be a warm and woolly celebration for many this year thanks to Rotary Cub of Lochaber plans to create a 13-foot high knitted Christmas tree made up of scarves, hats and other suitable cuddly clothing which will be donated to homeless charities.

They are also looking for handmade ‘twiddle’ muffs for donation to Alzheimer Scotland and local care homes. These are knitted muffs with items attached, such as buttons, ribbons, to keep dementia patients’

hands active and busy with a source of visual, tactile and sensory stimulation.

You can help by either knitting or crocheting, donating yarn or money.

Yarn has been provided by several companies - Yeoman Yarns, Woolyknit, Hobbycraft and Togs in Caol - so if any is needed please get in touch.

For more information on the ‘Knitivity’ project, please contact either Sheana Fraser on 07796 687921 or Jenny Cooper on 07880 958698.

A bright-eyed, bushy tailed visitor to the garden of reader Alan Ashworth.

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Iain Ferguson

A resilient bunch

However you were affected by the Covid -19 lockdown, many groups of volunteers, as well as official bodies including The Highland Council, made sure vital food and medical supplies reached the people who needed them.

Several businesses also helped by supplying foodstuffs of all kinds, free of charge, so that parcels could be made up and delivered without interruption.

While the situation was serious, especially for those who were vulnerable and shielding due to other illnesses, it was not without a few laughs for those volunteering to undertake this crucial work.

One thing in particular leading to a bit of hilarity were sudden and unexpected excesses of certain foodstuffs. Due to Covid restrictions, supermarket donors themselves often didn’t know what was going to arrive from their distribution depots.

This led to a vast influx of jars of pickled beetroot, which

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suddenly appeared widely in the food packages. As lockdown hit just around Easter, parcels also featured chocolate bunnies and eggs, all perfectly edible and in date, but a bit out of season.

There was also a pasta mountain to be handed out - luckily pasta featured in last month’s Lochaber Life recipe - and all kinds of fresh fruit. Flowers and plants also appeared in abundance. As someone commented: ‘Never were so many banana loafs baked in such a short time.’

Volunteer groups worked tirelessly making sure each community was kept supplied.

However, when restrictions eased a little, Morrisons in Fort William organised a ‘thank you’ afternoon tea for them in their cafe, where they came together for a celebration and, of course, to discuss their work.

Not delivering food, but equally important friendship

and contact, Ewen’s Room launched a new ‘EwenMe’ befriending service matching volunteers to people who would welcome a regular phone chat to combat loneliness and social isolation.

The Ardnamurchan Peninsula based charity also continued its seven day a week free helpline service 08006 893317 and textline service on 07537 431637. The weekly Open Doors sessions, which were run in Strontian and Acharacle, also continued online via zoom meetings.

A big thank you is due from all of us to the ‘resilience bunch’ who kept going for the good of others.

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Tails of Lochaber - a tale of inspiration Eilidh Anderson recently set up her own business ‘Tails of Lochaber’, offering dog walking and pet photography.

Starting out on a new venture is a daunting task for anyone, but for Eilidh it also marked a tremendous personal achievement.

Last May she was diagnosed with autism, which actually came as a relief to her, saying that after years of treatment for mental illness, she finally understood why her brain was the way it was.

She said: ‘I spent most of my life thinking I couldn’t do anything well, that I wasn’t as good as all my peers and I wouldn’t make much of my life. My diagnosis helped me understand the

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things I found difficult, but it also highlighted the things I was very good at, including working with animals, setting up and organising a business and my creativity.’

Animals also played a big role in Eilidh’s inspiration, since rescuing her dog ‘Heidi’ who had been starved and neglected in her former home, in 2014. Eilidh, who had just been discharged from a mental health unit, was barely eating and was very underweight, made an immediate connection with her.

‘Seeing the damage starvation had done to her body made me see what I had done to my own,’ said Eilidh. ‘From then on, I started to recover, slowly

but surely, with the help of my constant companion.’

Finally receiving her diagnosis in 2019, despite suggesting it herself when she was just 14, seven months later she turned her life around, setting up Tails of Lochaber, which she loves.

She said: ‘Being autistic makes day-to-day things tricky, but there are ways to manage them. Being outdoors and with animals is one of mine. I hope this will inspire more people to be positive and not hold back on doing what they are good at.’

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BACK TO THE FUTURE FOR ISLAND PARK Iain Ferguson Proposals are under way to return Kinlochleven’s Island Park to its former glory as a sports and social hub for the whole community...and to start the fundraising effort the group established to achieve this is auctioning a Celtic strip signed by the entire 2019/20 team.

The Island Park Community Field Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) has been formed to liaise with landowners Jahama, seek funding and co-ordinate efforts to launch and progress restoration efforts.

Located next to the bowling club on the Glencoe side of the village, the field boasts spectacular views of the hills and Loch Leven landscape.

It was created by the original British Aluminium Company for

its employees and for decades has been the venue for sports, gala days and numerous events, even featuring guest appearances by world famous athletes.

However, it has lain largely unused for some time and even recently installed fullsized goalposts haven’t seen any games. Grass cutting has now been arranged and the SCIO hopes to obtain its own equipment for on-going maintenance.

Chairman Matthew Prosser said: ‘The field has a great history and I believe a restored and well-maintained park would have a great future.

‘A range of sports could be catered for and coaching courses could help encourage people to take part in outdoor activities. It could also be the focus for things such as gala days and other village activities.

The possibilities are endless.’

of community bodies and stakeholders to help take forward development plans that generate social, economic and environmental benefits for a thriving future in this part of the Highlands.’

While the SCIO will be applying for grants from various charitable bodies, local fund raising will be undertaken, such as the auction of the Celtic strip donated by the team captain Scott Brown who personally Jahama Highland Estates Chief asked fellow team members to Operating Officer Julia Stoddart sign their names on his shirt. said: ‘The formation of the SCIO The auction is under way, is a fantastic development with bids of several hundred for community enterprise in pounds already placed. The Kinlochleven and we are proud winner will be announced at to support it. a planned Rangers v Celtic ‘We are committed to supporting sustainable community endeavours across our landholding and enjoy working with a range

supporters match. Due to Covid restrictions, a date for this has yet to be arranged, so there is plenty time to register your bid at islandparkscio@outlook.com

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• CARAMEL CREAM •

GOOD OLD FASHIONED RECIPES IAIN FERGUSON

A backwards look at recipes this month with a few examples from a recently discovered but well used Women’s Rural Institute (WRI) recipe book. It had no cover so undated, but at a guess from more than 60 years ago. Interestingly, of around 800 recipes from every part of Scotland, including many from Skye and the Western Isles, only five came from this area. The fifth will appear in a future Lochaber Life.

All sound delicious and are written here as they were printed.

Put 1/2lb loaf sugar in a stew pan with enough water to cover it. Boil until it becomes a nice brown colour, taking care not to let it burn, then add a very little more water and let it boil up again. Make a custard with the two yolks of eggs, a little milk and the boiled sugar. When it is cold add melted gelatine and a jar of whipped cream. Put it in a mould.

Mary Livingstone, Appin WRI

• SAVOURY SEMOLINA • Mix 2 tablespoonfuls of semolina into a smooth paste with a little milk. Boil the remainder of the pint of milk, add it to the semolina paste, boil for 5 minutes. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Stir into the mixture 3ozs grated cheese.

Grease a pie-dish, cover with bread crumbs, dot a piece of butter here and there. Bake in a hot oven for 20 minutes until it becomes brown.

Mrs J Sinclair, Kilmallie WRI

• MADEIRA PUDDING • Line a pudding dish with puff pastry. Lay on strips of orange and lemon peel, spread with raspberry jam and fill the dish with the following mixture: 1/4lb butter, 1/4lb sugar. Beat them together to a cream then add three eggs, well beat up, add them gradually to the butter just at the moment before putting in the oven. It should be baked for two hours in a slow oven.

Christina Cameron, Appin WRI

• QUAKER OAT TEA CAKES • The same weight of Quaker oats, margarine and sugar - brown is best. Cream butter and sugar, add Quaker oats and roll flat. Cut into fingers and bake till crisp.

E MacAlpine Downie, Appin WRI

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BONNIE PRINCE GATHERING Iain Ferguson On August 19 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in Glenfinnan and to mark this 275th anniversary, various groups took to the beach in front of the monument.

and Highland dancing, not to mention the myriad of foreign spectators.

As with so many other events, it had to be cancelled this year, on what would probably have been amongst the warmest and sunniest days in its history.

Some were dressed in clothing of the period, others merely to record the event as momentous in the history of Scotland. The event coincided with another local event, perhaps without the massive historical overtones, but nonetheless of proven global interest, The Glenfinnan Gathering.

On ‘the day’ a small gathering of local people performed the flag raising ceremony by the stage which normally signals the official opening. Supporter of the Gathering from its early days, 93 year old Donald Sinclair travelled from Cornwall and as a great friend of long-term Gathering organiser, the late Ronnie MacKellaig, laid a white Jacobite rose by his grave.

Always held on the Saturday nearest the date of that royal landing, the Gathering this year marks its 75th anniversary of conception and 74th year of taking place. It attracts an international range of competitors in sports, piping

Also on the field was Tearlach (Charlie) MacFarlane, renowned for his knowledge of history and probably the most wellknown and eminent specialist on Moidart genealogy, with immense knowledge of the links that flow from the ‘45’ to

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the present day in this part of the Highlands.

Mark Entwhistle of The Lochaber Times conducted a lengthy interview with Tearlach at his home on the shores of Loch Sheil.

He wrote: ‘Just when you think you’ve heard all the stories about Bonnie Prince Charlie and the rising, Tearlach always manages to surprise with a startling new nugget of information.’

About the official opening of the famous monument to the clansmen, Tearlach recalled: ‘When the monument opened in 1815, it is said there were old men in attendance who remembered, as boys, witnessing the actual event of the Prince raising the standard.

Even if they were only 10 years old in 1745, that would have made them 80 in 1815,’ he explained.

‘So if there had been a few

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boys aged 10 at the opening in 1815, by the time they were 80 it would be 1885. And then some 10-year-old boy speaking to one of these men in 1885 would be 80 in 1955, which is not that long ago. You’re only talking about going back a little more than three generations to someone who was actually present on that day in 1745.

‘When I was young, people still talked about it as if it had just happened.’

Tearlach, who was born beside Loch Leven opposite Glencoe but grew up in Fort Augustus, added: ‘There was an abbot at Fort Augustus, who I vaguely recall, and he said to my father he could remember sitting on his granny’s knee when he was very small and her telling him how she remembered seeing Prince Charlie in Rome as an old man, on his way to church, with his daughter on his arm.

‘That would have been around the late 1790s. So if the abbot was in his 80s, he would have been speaking in about 1935. The time gap just spans

three generations. It’s not that long ago.’

Tearlach moved back to Lochaber in the 1960s and has never been away from the area much since. ‘Even when I came here to Glenfinnan in 1971, the Prince was referred to frequently as someone quite recent. It had such a massive impact on the Highlands as a whole, especially around here. It was very much imprinted onto people’s memories.

‘I once knew an old centenarian lady, back in 1972 or 1973 in Arisaig, and she remembered her greatgrandmother talking about giving a mug of milk to the Prince when he was on the run after Culloden. That was remembered down through her family.’

Historians record the fact many Highlanders, clan chiefs and clansmen were reluctant to join the rising. Asked if that was how they felt, why did they still join, Tearlach explained: It was said that in Moidart, and this probably applies in other places in the Highlands, a lot of people didn’t want to know, the ordinary clansmen I’m talking about here.

‘But their fathers and grandfathers had fought in the ‘15’ and at Killicrankie and they had to honour their forebears. Of course there was also allegiance to their chief, but they were mainly doing if for their families as much as anything. I wouldn’t like to have been living then, as it would’ve been difficult making

that choice. And if the chief joined, the clan followed. It was that simple. Same with the Reformation.’

After the Prince and his army were defeated at Culloden in 1746, the British government launched what was tantamount to a process of ethnic cleansing in the Highlands. The Act of Proscription (1747) was aimed at destroying the military power of the clans and saw the banning of traditional Highland dress and the possession of arms.

‘The British Empire saw some terrible things done to indigenous peoples but there is no record of anywhere else where the people were forbidden to wear their own clothes,’ said Tearlach.

There are many more interesting facts to be revealed

by Tearlach and his interview will be continued in a future Lochaber Life. Thank you to Mark and Tearlach.

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WHAT DOES “RESILIENCE” MEAN FOR YOU NOW? With Jo Cowan Long before COVID, Highland Senior Citizens Network had planned a series of events asking people about ‘resilience’: ‘What does it mean for you? What does it mean for your group or your community? How do you feel you and your communities could build and improve resilience?’ It now seems ironic – or maybe it was prophetic.

Resilience is usually seen as the ability to recover quickly from difficulties: bending flexibly, or springing back into shape. It’s not just about managing or coping, it also means being able to change and overcome and move on in a different way.

In normal times, older people’s resilience depends significantly on connections and interactions with friends, family and other key people, interest, activity and social groups, local venues, local shops, churches, post offices, cafés, pubs, restaurants, leisure centres and libraries.

For many of us, pre-pandemic resilience largely depended on being able to get out and about to where we want to be, being able to see the people who matter to us and being able to do things for, and with, others In March, our normal resilience-boosting connections disconnected in one fell swoop. It was like a power-cut. An instant and, some feel, discriminatory, status of ‘vulnerable’ was imposed on many people by the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions.

So what made you resilient, or not, through lockdown? What were the things that helped you, kept you going and able to adapt to the situation? What made you feel ‘stuck’? What mattered most to you on a day to day basis? Is there anything you feel would have made your situation better?

Now that things are beginning to change, how

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resilient are you feeling now? What has changed for you and what hasn’t?

Highland Senior Citizens Network would like to build a picture of how our views of resilience need to change. I would be interested in hearing from those aged over 70 in Lochaber who would be happy to share their experience of what has helped, or hampered, their resilience. I would also like to hear from people who are over 55 and have been shielding and from those who have been involved in supporting people.

If you are happy to have a chat about this, please give me a ring on 07933 653585 or e-mail me on jo-hscn@outlook.com

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In Loving Memory of ALISTAIR MACLEOD 1934 -2020 Beloved husband to the late Maria a much loved dad to Caroline, Mary, Alexandra and Nicola, a wonderful papa to all his grandchildren, father in law, brother in law, uncle, cousin, friend and a well respected gentleman to so many. A faithful, hard working family man who enjoyed fishing and cruises with his late wife. Alistair passed away 5 short months after his wife Maria.

Together Again. They are loved and deeply missed every day. May they now Rest in Peace.

In Loving Memory of ANN MACPHERSON 1929 -2020 With love we remember Ann, a much loved wife to Donnie and a very kind and special person to so many. Originally from Corpach but lived in Strontian, Ann worked in the Strontian Hotel and also working for herself providing catering services in the community for many years. Ann will be greatly missed by Donnie and by everyone who knew her.

Rest in Peace.

In Loving Memory of DAVID MCMINN 1931 – 2020 A much loved husband to the late Rosie, dad to Billy and Bertie, father in law to Myra and Janette, grandfather and a great friend to so many. David volunteered for the Fire Brigade and was Coxswain for the local Mallaig Lifeboat. David also brought coloured TV to Mallaig which was a massive achievement. He will always be remembered and respected by many for his services to the local community. Sadly missed every day.

In Loving Memory of INA CAMPBELL 1935 – 2020 A loving mum to Calum, a wonderful grandmother to Maria and Martin, great grandmother and an exceptionally well known and loved friend to many. Ina worked in KK’s for many years and will fondly be remembered for her sharp wit and ‘a spades a spade’ personality. A remarkable hard working woman that never retired and only stopped due to ill health. Greatly missed by all her family and the wider community. Rest in Peace.

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In Loving Memory of MARCIE LOVE 1926 – 2020 A much loved mum to Alan a wonderful gran to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren and a special lady to many.

Marcie lived in Caol for over 70 years and was the very first resident after construction in her home at Macmillan place.

She loved to cycle and done so everyday to work at Lochyside Primary School. An independent woman who will be greatly missed.

In Loving Memory of BELLA MACINTYRE 1926 – 2020 Loving wife of the late Donnie, adored mother, granny and great granny. Bella was born in Glenshellach, Onich in 1926. She married Donnie (4) in 1953 and settled in Kinlochleven where they raised their family before moving back “home” to Onich in 1979. Bella will be remembered for her kindness to many and her Highland hospitality. She will be sorely missed by her friends but especially her family. Forever in our hearts.

In Loving Memory of JOAN (JOEY) LOGINOV 1931 -2020 A wonderful mum to Michael and Anne, grandmother, great grandmother and a special friend to many.

Joey worked in the Milton Hotel and John Steele’s Store in Corpach where she enjoyed a blether with locals and regular customers. Joey was a very caring person always helping others particularly her family who she cared for over the years. Loved and missed everyday.

In Loving Memory of ISOBEL MCGUIRE 1932 - 2020 Mother to the late Michael, beloved Nana to Nicola, Michael and Martin, adored Great Grandmother. Will be missed more than words can say by all of us. x

In Loving Memory of DONALD CHARLES MACKINNON (DC) 1935 - 2020 A loving husband to Margaret, a caring dad to John, Rosie and Tricia, a wonderful grandfather to Nicola, Craig, Mathew and Melissa and great grandfather to Bertie and Duffy. In 1953 Donnie began his national service with the Royal Corps of Signals.

Initially at Catterick then being posted to Germany and Belgium. On returning to Fort William he resumed his career with the GPO working throughout Lochaber and the Small Isles where he enjoyed many happy years and became a familiar face around the communities. After many years with the GPO he became manager of the Ben Service Station amongst many other jobs locally. A gentleman who will be sadly missed by many, especially his family.

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CARPETS by

Neil HENDERSON

‘The Carpet Store at your door’

NO SHOP = NO OVERHEADS Therefore, Gauranteed, LOW, LOW PRICES CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE I will come to see you laden with samples.

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FREE UNDERLAY with all orders over £300

I also have a large selection of contract floor coverings.

Also, a professional Fitting Service of your own carpets or vinyls.

37 Riverside Park, Fort William PH33 7RB Tel: (01397) 701018 Mobile: 07887 770193

Stephen White Electrical Contracting Your Local Electrician with 25 years Experience

New builds or conversions Alterations & extensions Preparation of feu plans Preparation of “as existing drawings” Building Warrant and planning applications M 07429 489537 E admin@jcarchitecture.co.uk W jcarchitecture.co.uk

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• All Electrical Work Undertaken • Domestic & Commercial • Electrical Testing & Inspection APPROVED • PAT Testing CONTRACTOR • Fault Finding & Repairs No Job too Small, Reliable and Affordable FULLY INSURED For a Free Estimate contact 9 Garry Bank, Invergarry, PH35 4HA

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In what seem like dim and distant days before lockdown, we would visit Inverness or Edinburgh to see a live performance, such as the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical ‘Joseph’, or a film.

Perhaps we shall be able to do the latter again soon in Fort William’s new cinema, but the ‘new normal’ still feels somewhat strange and doubtful for many in this country and around the world.

The story of the infamous Jacob mentioned last month might not be so well known as his son Joseph. Looking for something encouraging to write for the new normal,

I was intrigued to see that name in a different context. In the past I have suggested that we, in safe UK, should pray for those persecuted for their faith. Christians in the Egyptian Coptic tradition are among those who have died when their place of worship was bombed .

In ‘TRANSFORM’, a magazine published by the Scottish Bible Society, Ramen Atallah, General Director of the Bible Society of Egypt (BSOE) writes: ‘When Joseph was imprisoned in Egypt, near where I live, he probably felt he would never get out and that he had no future. We, at BSOE, had similar feelings...during the pandemic.

‘Last year we established a digital media department which is now in full operation.

Being at home and cooped up for long hours of curfew, programmes such as our daily online Bible Competition are needed more than ever and we are so grateful to God who has been preparing our staff for this new challenge and opportunity.’

Joseph, looking back at his life, told his brothers “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20). My prayer is that as we look back on this frightening worldwide pandemic, we will have the same perspective as Joseph had.’

Can we learn this positive attitude from Joseph and Egypt in Lochaber by adding our prayers to those of Ramen Atallah?

Male staff of Morrisons, Fort William constructed and wore their own bras to raise money for a Breast Cancer charity.

Picture Iain Ferguson, The Write Image

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M&L

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T: 01397 712373 M: 07884 185 279

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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.

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Stokes Memorials Serving Argyll, the Highlands & Islands for over 35 Years

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Signs of the Covid times with wild owers growing at a usually busy entertainment venue. But where?

LASt MONtH: Ben Nevis stone built into cairn on Calton Hill, Edinburgh.

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Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson

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