14 minute read
aluminium collection
inverlochy village
online aluMiniuM collecTion readY To launch
Advertisement
The offi cial opening of inverlochy rail bridge Kinlochleven foyers road
Iain Ferguson While many people were trying to think of things to do during lockdown, local historian Robert Cairns was working as normal and focused on scanning and recording more than 5,500 glass negatives tracing the history of the Lochaber aluminium industry.
Not too long ago, Robert was alerted to a ‘skipful’ of old negatives which had been discarded with the closure of the Kinlochleven smelter and the possibility of gaining many more from the Fort William smelter. He, along with others who have an interest in preserving history, jumped at the chance of saving these for future generations and stored them in his Claggan home.
Taken as a record for the
fort William smelter
company as it built the local infrastructure, the photographers are unknown but the results are superb, using large heavy cameras taking one shot at a time on a glass plate which meant careful positioning and planning for each image. Despite the relatively primitive equipment, some have breathtaking detail hidden away in the image.
His dedication and determination to get things right, as it would have been to the original photographers, has paid off , with many ‘priceless’ images, which will shortly be available for public view as the ‘Aluminium Collection’ which can be accessed through the Lochaber Historical Society website.
Robert has also placed the original plates and negatives in Lochaber Archive, located in the former Fort William Primary School. On receiving them, professional archivist Rory Green carefully recorded and stored each of the valuable packages in temperature and humidity controlled conditions. where they will not deteriorate and are available to anyone interested in viewing them.
‘This took a huge amount of time,’ said Robert ‘but it was well worth it to see all these fantastic images going right back to when the smelter started.
‘I am delighted the archive has taken all of the negatives and will care for them in years to come, but I also thought it would a great benefi t if they were easily and permanently accessible so people could see them at will.
‘Some of these were quite personal to me as my father and uncle are featured in some of the 1960s images inside the Fort William smelter. It was great to see them. Hopefully other people will also fi nd their relatives in the pictures, which they may not even have known to exist. That would be really good.’
After some thought, Robert decided on the name of ‘The Aluminium Collection’ which will be in a folder added to the website this month, gradually building up, he hopes, to the entire range of scans.
shops on leven road
Feeling the squeeze of the cost of living crisis? Our advice adds up.
Things can be pretty scary just now with energy bills going up, rising prices in the shops and higher interest rates. The Citizens Advice network provides advice that could make a real diff erence to your fi nances. You can get help from us in a range of ways. get help online
Feeling lost about money? Our Money Map tool (moneymap. scot/) directs you to online help fi nding ways to make the most of your money, decrease your bills and help meet the costs of daily living.
Access free support online at (www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ scotland/) from our public advice site, including information on budgeting, what to do if you’re struggling to pay your bills and on dealing with debt.
Find out if you’re missing out on making savings on your council tax bills. Our Council Tax tool (www.checkmycounciltax. scot/) tells you quickly if you’re entitled to a discount, reduction or exemption.
If you are thinking about claiming Universal Credit for the fi rst time, we can help. Our help to claim advisers are available by webchat or telephone (0800 023 2581, Monday to friday, 8am-6pm) and can guide you through the process, whether you’re looking for answers to quick questions or step-by-step support to make your claim. find your local caB
Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau to get free, confi dential and impartial advice. An adviser will be able to talk through your situation and work out the next steps. Find your local bureau and get in touch today. www.lochabercab.org.uk
We don’t judge, we just help.
Lochaber
DURING OPENING HOURS 10am-2pm, TELEPHONE 01397 705311 Message can be left EMAIL – adviser@lochabercab.casonline.org.uk
Iain Ferguson Young people can often leave school with no particular idea of what sort of work they would like to do or even which jobs are available and what they pay, especially in their immediate area.
I know that was true in my day, albeit that was a ‘wee’ while ago.
All of these issues are now being addressed through greater focus in schools on helping young people, often from an early age, to identify their particular skills and help them concentrate on strengthening these abilities to match with potential jobs or ongoing education.
This was evident at a recent careers fair in Lochaber High School when pupils of every age and year group had the opportunity to visit stalls set up by local employers alongside the military, learning providers including West Highland College and charitable organisations.
After school hours, parents and carers were also invited along to see for themselves what potential career paths were available for their youngsters. Pupils from across the
finding a fuTure career
west Highland area were in attendance with other Lochaber high pupils from Ardnamurchan, Mallaig and Kilchuimen Academy visiting Lochaber’s campus. All the pupils were able to speak to exhibitors and find out more about apprenticeships, learning opportunities and jobs.
Hosted by Developing Young Workforce West Highland, which is administered locally in partnership with Skills Development Scotland, both Scottish Government initiatives, a range of career providers filled three different locations in the school, providing an open and friendly welcome to overcome and initial ‘shyness’ in giving practical advice and guidance.
An important feature at many stalls was the presence of young people who had recently left school and taken up apprenticeships or were building their careers through work and further learning.
As a ‘real life’ demonstration of what can be achieved, this was another way of breaking down potential barriers to seeking information.
From the stall holders point of view, they also gained an idea of what would appeal to potential employees of the future by answering enquires and providing information on the skill sets required for particular industries. Employers were also impressed at the interest shown by the youngsters, with relevant and searching questions in their discussions.
At least one of the businesses was also delighted to have gained immediate part-time employees who could fill posts, gain experience and an income after school and at weekends demonstrating just how important events like this can be.
The fi rst bottling in the new Scottish Field Whisky Series of exclusive cask bottlings Whisky Series of exclusive cask bottlings
Exclusively selected single cask of Dailuaine 12 YO PX Sherry Finished 46.9%
NOSE: Waxy and zesty with lots of creamy to ee. PALATE: Delicious layers of candied lemon and orange peel, with caramel digestive biscuits and rum soaked raisins. Hints of lemon curd, tri e, sherry-soaked vanilla sponge cake, tart lemon curd and lemon zest cream. Peppery spice and sherbet dip dabs come later. FINISH: Long nish with pops of citrus and sweet peppery spice. Delicious.Very well balanced.
TASTING NOTES BY BLAIR BOWMAN, SCOTTISH FIELD MAGAZINE’S WHISKY COLUMNIST
LIMITED OFFER, ONLY 311 BOTTLES
EACH BOTTLE HAND NUMBERED
SHOP.SCOTTISHFIELD.CO.UK
WWW.SCOTTISHFIELD.CO.UK £79.99 + postage within the UK only.
Over 18s only.
SF Whisky launch advert Oban Times.indd 1 19/08/2022 14:33:27
Delivering All Aspects Of Civil Engineering.
New Build & Extension Groundworks Sewers & Septic Tanks Concrete & Steel Work Kerbing & Paving Works Bell Mouths & Access Roads Tar Surfaced Driveways & Car Parks Cable & Water Pipe Tracks Retaining Walls Excavation Works Excavators For Hire With Operator
Mob. 07528 801393 | info@gordongeorgeconstruction.co.uk
Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson
• First time Buyer • Buy to Let • Home mover • re-mortgages • CapitaL raising • CommerCiaL
(for commercial mortgages we act as introducers)
Call to speak with a Professional Mortgage Adviser for a free initial consultation: 01397 705848
F 01397 703537 m 07899670260 e info@johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk m Morvern, Glen Nevis Fort William PH33 6PF johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk
as a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments
SHINTY CLUBS SIGN UP TO MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
Iain Ferguson Representatives from three shinty clubs put their on-field rivalry away and gathered in support of a mental health initiative aimed specifically at young players.
Organised by Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), the ‘Gain the Advantage Programme’ is open to everyone involved in Fort William, Kilmallie and Lochaber shinty clubs and their wider communities to positively engage with activities, workshops and events based around the five ways to wellbeing.
Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Learn and Give are the principals on which the programme will operate to be explained and delivered through a series of meetings within the clubs and with SAMH representatives.
While it was first introduced into Lochaber High School a few months ago, a special event to highlight its work was held in Fort William Shinty Club’s An Aird clubhouse, where Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport Maree Todd MSP joined the group to see first hand how things operate at ‘grass roots’ level.
She was already aware of and an advocate of the project and its value, especially to young men, who can find it hard to talk about their feelings despite being in regular company and surrounded by friends. The minister also agreed sport and physical activity is a great way of tackling mental health problems by stimulating the body’s natural chemistry to give a ‘feel good’ factor.
The minister said: ‘This is an excellent approach to tackling the issue of mental health, especially amongst young men who will not openly express their problems which can often lead to terrible consequences. SAMH has devised a range of activities to involve this age group and indeed anyone who may need this help.
‘To deliver it, in this case, through shinty clubs, is a positive move for the Highlands and I am delighted there is ongoing support for the initiative within the sport and its governing body, the Camanachd Association. I know this will pay off in the long run.’
After trying out some of the activities designed to engage with young people, the Minister, along with SAMH organisers, took to the An Aird pitch to try shinty for the first time, learning a few rules, tackles and blocks for a mini-game which delivered stimulation to the body, smiles to the faces and a feeling of healthy achievement meeting the aims of the programme.
The benefi ts of volunteering
When you volunteer, you are freely giving your time to others and often you gain so much more in return. Volunteering can have huge benefi ts not only for the organisations recruiting volunteers, but also for the volunteers themselves and for the wider community.
Numerous studies have indicated helping others has a positive impact on mental and physical health. Some of the proven benefi ts are a general sense of wellbeing, a sense of purpose and increased confi dence and self-esteem. There is also the social aspect of volunteering and feeling part of the community, all of which create a feel-good factor.
Research has proven that volunteering can slow down cognitive decline and ease symptoms of long-term health conditions and it is thought it may increase longevity of life. Volunteering can help individuals learn new skills and may even serve as a pathway to employment.
If someone is claiming Universal Credit, a percentage of hours spent volunteering can be counted towards their work search requirement.
Anyone claiming any other benefi ts can reap the rewards of volunteering too without it aff ecting benefi t payments. In fact, the Department of Work and Pensions actively encourages volunteering.
Lochaber has a thriving voluntary sector with more than 3,000 volunteers in the area who all contribute to keeping our communities safe and a better place to live. Voluntary Action Lochaber has a wide range of volunteering opportunities advertised on its website www.valochaber.org
If you would like to have an informal chat to fi nd out more about volunteering in Lochaber, whether you are new to volunteering or have previous experience within the voluntary sector, please contact Dani on 01397 706044 or email volunteering@valochaber.org
If there is something you would like to try, Voluntary Action Lochaber can create bespoke volunteering opportunities.
* All types of UPVc work * Exterior Painting * Cladding * Gutterings * Down Pipes * Windows and Eaves * Facias and Soffits
Tel 01397 712120 or 0755 311 1093
Painters & Decorators
For High Quality Workmanship
Ames Taping, Coving, Airless Spray, New Builds Commercial, Industrial & Domestic
Sollas, Bunree, Onich, FORT WILLIAM PH33 6SE Mob 0780 335 7221 Tel: 01855 818026
Established 1988
Yes - going to mention weather, again. The sun IS shining but I write keeping an eye on a big black cloud. We have seen lots of lovely rainbows but anyone responsible for household laundry regrets Lochaber had few summer days to help save electricity/ (?) the planet, by line drying the washing. There have been some exceptionally wet days even for West Scotland.
Putting the car in the garage during a deluge one evening in July, something unusual moved at my feet. Not a scuttling long- tailed mouse, but a frog or a toad hopping swiftly behind a bag of compost. Left in peace, it was never seen again. How strange. An amphibian sheltering from excessive Lochaber rain, when news footage showed the mighty River Loire drying up in France? Surely no-one can now deny climate change. The frog/toad reminded me of a sermon about frogs and the other plagues in Egypt before the Exodus. The minister, a scientist, explained how the sequence of plagues and crossing a dried up Red Sea could be explained by a series of natural phenomena. One literalist present thought he was a heretic, denying God’s miracles. The minister maintained the timing of the natural phenomena was the miracle. Only a creator God could have arranged that. It seems mainly old people here who continue public worship of God. Many deny a Creator. However, whether you plan to take an October holiday in a sunny clime or stay in Lochaber to enjoy the rainbows and endure the rain, can you take a moment to admire our wonderful planet 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 existence and life.’ Rev.5.v.11
Tha am Mòd a’ tighinn a loch abar agus tha an seinneadair gàidhlig cliùiteach agus stiùiriche-ciùil coisir og lochabair criosaidh niceachainn air a dèanamh ‘saor loch abar’. The Mod comes to lochaber and renowned gaelic singer and musical director of coisir og lochabair chrissie Maceachan is made ‘freeman
of lochaber’. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image
