inspiring autumn

Autumn’s awe-inspiring wildlife

Anna Feeney, RSBB While colder temperatures, damp weather and shorter days aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, these conditions mean wildlife is doing all sorts of weird and wonderful things. So it is well worth putting on some warm clothing and some wellies and getting out and about.

The dance of

The sTarlings

Starlings, a medium-sized bird with a remarkable ability to mimic other birds, huddle together when it is cold at night to stay warm. These big flocks are like dinner buffets to predators such as falcons and hawks, however, so starling need a defence strategy – and they turn to dance.

As dusk falls, starlings come together in their hundreds or even thousands to swoop, ascend, dive and lift in a cloud of orchestrated patterns that can help throw off predators. Their improvised choreography once led scientists to theorise starlings must have physic powers.

For your best chance at seeing a murmuration, pick a day that’s clear, calm and cold and try to arrive a bit before dusk. Starling murmurations can start as early as September and often continue into January or February. fungi safari

Fungi are in a kingdom of their own, more closely related to animals than plants. They communicate with each other, transfer nutrients from plant to plant and break down matter so it can turn into new life. They are the machines that keeps our planet running. In autumn, we have a chance to see some of these fungi in the flesh. The mixture of warmth and damp from the rain, along with colder nights, triggers the fruiting bodies of many fungi to erupt from the ground in the form of mushrooms. There are more than 15,000 species of fungi so if you go searching you never know what you will find. Look out for the dead man’s fingers, or the ‘bleeding’ beefsteak fungus. The clash of The red deer Red deer are the largest land mammals in the country and a fully grown male, or stag, can weigh as much as 225kgs. From the end of September to November, the stags come together to strive for the right to mate with the females, called the rut. Males strut in parallel walks, bellow across the fields and even clash antlers in their fierce battle to father the next generation. It is best to watch from a distance.

Music for All

tunes up for new season

Margaret Sargent Lochaber Music for All, formerly Lochaber Music Club, was founded more than 50 years ago by the late David Maitland.

With the exception of 2020 and 2021, as a result of covid restrictions, the committee has maintained a yearly concert series consisting of fi ve music events each year. These concerts are of the highest quality and we regularly welcome musicians who play in the Wigmore Hall in London and travel the world performing.

We endeavour to off er a wide range of musical styles including traditional Scottish music, jazz and local musicians, but there is a particular emphasis on classical music. Over the years we have featured all the instruments of the orchestra from percussionists to tuba players, violinists to harpists, fl utes to saxophone and everything in between. We are part funded by Chamber Music Scotland which aims to support a network of local volunteer-run music organisations across Scotland in providing high quality live music, particularly to audiences in more rural areas.

This year, Lochaber Music for All is excited to have been awarded an additional grant from Chamber Music Scotland’s Learning and Community Fund which reaches out to those people in our community who may not feel able to attend a concert but would enjoy engaging with music in some capacity. Lochaber Music For All will be entrusting this role to Clare Reynolds of Pulse Music Therapy and she is joining forces with New Connections to off er six open music therapy sessions.

These sessions will provide an opportunity to engage in singing and improvisation, but no previous musical experience will be necessary.

We would love to welcome more people to our concerts. It is such a wonderful opportunity to come and hear outstanding live music in Lochaber, all for just £10 per ticket for adults and only £1 for under 18s and students. If you are interested in fi nding out more about Lochaber Music For All, please check us out on our Facebook page: Lochaber Music For All or at Chamber Music Scotland’s website: https://www.chambermusicscotland.com/

For more information regarding the music therapy sessions, please contact pulselochaber@gmail. com or on Facebook: Pulse Music therapy

ian donaldson 1941 – 2022 (Caol) Peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday 25th August 2022, Ian Donaldson, aged 80 years, Camaghael Road, Caol, Fort William, time served Joiner for most of his working life and latterly with the Ranger Service in Glen Nevis where he worked until he was 70 years, also a dedicated, longserving member of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team for over 37 years. A beloved husband to Tordis, a treasured babba (father) to Nicky and the late Emmy, a wonderful abba (grandpa) to Femi, Koni, Remi and Holly, a caring relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. Rest In Peace.

eileen goW 1962 – 2022 (Fort William) Tragically, on Thursday 18th August 2022, Eileen Gow, aged 60 years, Melantee, Claggan, a loving and much respected carer in the Lochaber community. A treasured sister to John, Leslie, Ann, Andy, Fiona, Elizabeth and Tina, a much-loved partner to Billy and so fondly loved by his children Billy, Emma, Eilidh and Sarah a wonderful auntie and so dearly loved by all in the wider family, a caring colleague, neighbour and a very special friend to many. So sadly missed. roBerT BroWn 1988 – 2022 (Fort William) Tragically, on Friday 29th July 2022, Robert Edward Brown (Rob), aged 33 years, Outdoor Instructor and local business owner. Sadly, we lost Rob to a climbing accident on the North Face of Ben Nevis. It was a beautiful day and he was excited to enjoy it in the mountains, as he always loved doing with his free time. A loving and devoted partner to Eilidh, a treasured son to Martin and Sue, a much-loved brother to Gail, a wonderful grandson, nephew and cousin to the wider family and a good friend to many. So greatly missed.

fiona gunn 1960 – 2022 (Glencoe) Peacefully at home, with her loved ones by her side, on Thursday 25th August 2022, Fiona Clare Gunn, aged 62 years, Lorne Drive, Glencoe, Commercial Courses Coordinator with West Highland College UHI. Fiona was a loving daughter, wife to Davy, mother to Esther, Duncan and Rebekah, grandmother to Daisy; a vibrant spirit that lived to serve others. She had a hunger for adventure and a love for gardening. Fiona was at peace in nature and happiest spending quality time with her family. She will be missed and remembered whenever the beauty of nature comes before us.

chrisTine MaciVer 1937 – 2022 (Fort William) Peacefully, in the loving care of Cameron House Care Home, Inverness, on Tuesday 8th August 2022, Christine Maciver, aged 85 years. A loving mum to Angus, Fiona and Aileen, a wonderful grandmother to Tamsin and Madison and a much-loved sister to Ian Boyd. So greatly missed.

JaMie sYKes 1997 – 2022 (Ballachulish) Suddenly and tragically, on Thursday 18th August 2022, Jamie Ross Sykes, aged 25 years, our beloved only child. Jamie touched all he met with his smile and sense of humour as he crossed Lochaber in his job as a Linesman with SSE. He was a loving son to Tony and Lindsay, a wonderful grandson, nephew and cousin to all of his family and will be terribly missed by all his many friends. He leaves a huge hole in all our lives.

sTeWarT MiTchell 1947 – 2022 (Glasgow) Stewart was born in Ballachulish on the 20th of February 1947 to Robert and Lillias Mitchell. He grew up with one sibling, his sister Jessie. Stewart met and married the late Kathleen in 1966 and they went on to raise a family of three, Diane, Greig and Tracy. Some years later, grandchildren arrived, Scott, Fraser and young Daisy. Stewart worked the majority of his life at British Alcan where he forged a number of lifelong friendships. After around 30 years of service to the company, Stewart took retirement only to take up a part-time janitorial role at the local health centre. Having spent seven years at the health centre it was time to give up work for good and Stewart decided to make the move to Glasgow to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Stewart sadly passed away at home in Glasgow on the 8th of August, 2022. Sadly missed. Maureen caMeron 1952 – 2022 (Fort William) Sadly, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Wednesday 3rd August 2022, Maureen Elsie Cameron (Mo), The Corries, Claggan, previously of Nairn Crescent, Upper Achintore. A muchloved mum, sister, auntie, partner and friend. Rest In Peace.

donald caMeron 1951 – 2022 (Spean Bridge) Suddenly and unexpectedly, whilst stalking in the hills, on Friday 12th August 2022, Donald Angus Cameron, aged 71 years, Nursery Park, Spean Bridge (formerly of Clashgour, Achnacarry and Kinloch Hourn). A loving husband to Aileen, a dear sister to Margaret, a much-loved relative and a good friend to many. Greatly missed.

rena higgins 1952 – 2022 (Corpach) Peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday 5th August 2022, Catherine Irwin Higgins, known to all as Rena, aged 70 years, Nevis Mews, Corpach, Fort William. A devoted wife to the late Thomas (Tam), a loving mum to Thomas, John and George, a wonderful granny and great granny to all her grandchildren, a much-loved sister to Jean, William and Helen and the late James, a caring mother-in-law, relative and a good friend to many. Sadly missed.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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

Land Management Plan Final Draft & Public Consultation: Drimnatorran Forest, Strontian

FLS are inviting members of the public to comment on the draft land management proposals for Drimnatorran Forest. A drop-in session to view draft proposals and talk to forestry staff will be held at The Sunart Centre, Strontian on Thursday 29th September 2022 between 2pm and 6pm.

The plans will also be available via the Forest and Land Scotland website from Thursday 22nd September to 28TH October 2022. Land management plan consultations - Forestry and Land Scotland Forestry and Land Scotland woodlands are independently certifi ed as sustainably managed under the UK Woodland Assurance Standard. Keeping people informed of management proposals aff ecting their local woodlands is an important part of the Standard.

PEFC 46-40-1000

FSC© C123223 We manage Scotland’s National Forest Estate to the United Kingdom Woodland Assurance Standard - the standard endorsed in the UK by the international Forest Stewardship Council© and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certifi cation. We are independently audited. Our land management plans bring together key information, enable us to evaluate options and plan responsibly for the future. We welcome comments on these plans at any time.

Culachy Wind Farm

PUBLIC EXHIBITION

VIEW THE PLANS | LEARN ABOUT THE PROPOSALS | HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Monday 24th October | 11am - 7pm

Fort Augustus Village Hall, Church Road, PH32 4DG Tuesday 25th October | 11am - 7pm

Glengarry Community Hall, Invergarry, PH35 4HE

If you can’t attend. Please: • View the materials online • Request printed materials • Get in touch to set up a discussion • Submit your questions and comments

www.culachywind.co.uk communities@fredolsen.com 07435 763 900

Fred. Olsen Renewables

Patrick, a centred service user cuts the ribbon at a celebratory event to celebrate the launch of centred. also in the image is Kate forbes MsP, cabinet secretary for finance and the economy; June Jeffrey, the head of health and social care at centred; lorraine groundwater, health and social care Manager (lochaber) and Brooke allan, Media and communications officer.

Birchwood highland becomes centred

Highland’s leading mental health charity Birchwood Highland are changing their trading name to Centred (Scotland). Centred supports hundreds of people experiencing significant and enduring mental ill-health throughout the Highlands, either in their own homes or through residential care. The charity celebrates its’ 35th Birthday this year, and so has chosen to change their name based on their core values of delivering person-centred support. This marks an innovative step in the life of a pioneering charity.

Group Chief Executive, David Brookfield said “Birchwood Highland has always been on the cutting edge of mental health support, and we believe this change to Centred reflects this by accelerating our innovative approach to helping those suffering from mental ill-health. We are adapting to change in the mental health landscape, we are initiating our own research into mental health within rural areas to identify ways that service delivery can be adapted to rural challenges, and we believe this will make us ready for the future.”

Centred provides care at home services in Caithness. Here, Centred took an entirely different approach to care at home, which adopted a person-centred approach giving service users the time they need, and allowing staff to work the hours that suited them. Following the success of this service in what is a rural and remote area, this service is now also being extended to the Lochaber area, which has similar challenges for care and support. Care at home provides support for people who need help with everyday tasks such as getting in and out of bed, bathing, getting dressed and managing medication.

A recruitment drive is being planned in the area, and we would be delighted to speak to you if you feel you can make a real difference to the lives of people in Lochaber relying on homecare, and you can join a fun, tight-knit team based in Fort William. These roles will be flexible, to suit employees’ work-life balance, are paid a competitive rate and have 32 days of Annual Leave (FTO).

For more information, or to apply for these roles please see:

W: www.centred.scot/careers

E: hello@centred.scot

T: 01463 236507