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strathnairn news • issue 94 strathnairn news • issue 94www.strathnairn.org.uk

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INSIDE THIS ISSUEFRIENDSHIP GROUP

YOUTH CONVENER

PETER JOYCE

LOCAL WALKS

STONES & STORIES

Strathnairn Community Newsletter Issue 94, Oct 2017Cuairt-Litir Shrath Narann www.strathnairn.org.uk

strathnairn news • issue 94

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• DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL • NEW BUILDS & MAINTENANCE • TESTING & INSPECTION • REPAIRS & RE-WIRES • FREE QUOTATIONS • COMPETITIVE RATES • 12 MONTH GUARANTEE • 24 HR EMERGENCY CALL-OUT

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Inverness IV2 6XA Tel/Fax: 01808 521709 Mob: 07843 685619 E: icmelectrical.hotmail.comctrical.com

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www.icmelectrical.com

strathnairn news • issue 94 strathnairn news • issue 94

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CONTENTSYour Community Council ________________ 4

What’s On ___________________________ 5

Minutes Of Strathnairn Community Council ____________________ 6

Mobile Library _______________________ 11

Regular Activities at Daviot Hall __________ 11

Strathnairn Silver Bus _________________ 12

Knocknagael - Tomatin Project __________ 13

Strathnairn 55 Lunch Club ______________ 13

Care in Strathnairn ___________________ 13

Friendship Group _____________________ 14

Youth Convener ______________________ 16

St Paul’s Church ______________________ 17

Rural Inverness Communities Convention __ 18

Ray Collier __________________________ 18

Farr Baby & Toddler Group ______________ 18

Strathnairn Community Woodlands _______ 20

Peter Joyce __________________________ 21

Strathnairn Music Initiative _____________ 22

Neil Mackenzie Trust __________________ 23

Support During Power Cuts _____________ 24

Kings Strathnairn _____________________ 25

Regular Activities at Farr Hall____________ 25

Local Walks _________________________ 27

Every Sunday - Wet or Fine _____________ 29

Featured Recipes _____________________ 30

Stones & Stories _____________________ 31

Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund _____ 33

Notices _____________________________ 34

EDITOR’S NOTE

If there is anything that you would like to write for us, or send in for inclusion, please contact me on the details below.

If you would like to receive your copy of the newsletter electronically, please email me your postal address details, so that we can remove you from the mailing list, and your email address. The newsletter is also available online at at www.strathnairn.org.uk

Please contact Caroline Tucker on 01808 521464 or email [email protected]

NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE - FRIDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2017

Please note all dates and times published are correct at time of going to print, and please ensure all submissions are non-political and unlikely to offend.

Print: Speedprint, Inverness www.speedprintdigital.co.uk

Front Cover Photograph: ‘Wade’s Bridge, Mid Lairgs’

A & C Douglas-JonesFirewood Sales

Hardwoods and SoftwoodsTractor and Timber Trailer and

Firewood Processor for hirewww.strathnairnfirewood.co.uk

Tel. 01808 521369

D.J. Drummond

Fencing and tree workStone work repairs, walls, dykes

Timber wood stores

Tel: 01463 718396or 07881 456627

authorised


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YOUR COMMUNITY COUNCILThe Community has a website – www.strathnairn.org.uk where full details are available. There is also a closed group <Strathnairn> on Facebook where useful day to day information is posted. As a closed group access is restricted to locals and once you have visited the page you will need to ask to join. That way your Facebook page will enable you to be notified of any disruptions and late news.

Anyone wishing to raise any matter with the Community Council can contact one of our elected Councillors below.

James Murray, Chairperson 01808 521205 [email protected] Christie, Hon. Secretary 01808 521257 [email protected] Wallace, Treasurer 01463 772378 [email protected] Fitzgerald 01808 521442 [email protected] Henderson 01808 521323 [email protected] Hunt 01463 772094 [email protected] McQueer 01808 521474 [email protected] MacDonald 01808 521443 [email protected] Moore 01463 772234 [email protected] Maclean, Minute Sec [email protected]

YOUR HIGHLAND COUNCILLORSStrathnairn is part of Highland Council Wards 12 (Aird and Loch Ness) & Ward 19 (Inverness South). Addresses & telephone numbers are available at www.highland.gov.uk

WARD 12 AIRD AND LOCH NESS Cllr Helen Carmichael [email protected] Margaret Davidson [email protected] George Cruickshank [email protected] Emma Knox [email protected]

WARD 19 INVERNESS SOUTH Cllr Carolyn Caddick [email protected] Ken Gowans [email protected] Andrew Jarvie [email protected] Duncan MacPherson [email protected]

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS:Community Police Officer, PC Cathy McGibbon 101Daviot Primary School 01463 772226 Farr Primary School 01808 521246Daviot Hall booking 01463 772228Farr Hall booking 01808 521346SCATA Bus booking 01808 521321 NHS 24 111Police - Non-Emergency 101SCBF 07858 688355 www.strathnairncbf.com [email protected] in Strathnairn:Kathy Collins (Chair) [email protected] Hendry (Co-ordinator) 07881 832004 Derek Rose (Handyman) 07800 796106

Strathnairn Community Website

www.strathnairn.org.ukStrathnairn Community Benefit Fund Website

www.strathnairncbf.com


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KNOCKNAGAEL TO TOMATIN COMMUNITY LIAISON GROUP MEETING 26th OCTOBERPlease note that this meeting is not open to the public, but if you have any questions regarding works associated to this project contact Mr. Peter Christie of Strathnairn Community Council on 01808 521257 or [email protected] or Jenna Black, Community Liaison Manager for SHE Transmission on 07342 027725 or e-mail [email protected]

THE NEIL MACKENZIE TRUST 10th NOVEMBERInvites you to a Ladies Night at Farr Hall!

Come and join us from 7pm for some pampering, Temple Spa and Scentsy goodies and pizzas from Cheese ‘n’ Tomatin!

SCATA AGM WED 15th NOVEMBERMore details will be publicised prior to the meeting.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS FAIR 18th NOVEMBERFarr Hall, 2-4pm. All welcome!

RURAL INVERNESS COMMUNITIES CONVENTION Wednesday 1st November, 5-8pmCraigmonie Community Centre, Drumnadrochit

OCT – NOV


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STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

GENERAL MEETING NO. 253FARR COMMUNITY HALL • MONDAY 18th September 2017 at 7.30pm

DRAFT MINUTES

7:15 TO 7:50 PM - PRESENTATIONPresentation from Ms Helen Morgan of Snowsports Centre of their ideas for a dry slope for beginners on the recently cleared grass slopes to the east of Dun Davie at Daviot. Access to the development is planned to be from the A9 underpass at Bogbain and back to the area via a road through the plantation behind the old Tourist Office.

THE FORMAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING BEGAN AT 7:50PM

SCC MEMBERS PRESENTJames Murray (Chair) [JM], Peter Christie (Hon. Sec) [PC], Ian Hunt [IH], Dougie Henderson [DH], Isobel McQueer [IM], Bea Wallace [BW].

HIGHLAND COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENTCllr MacPherson [DM]

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PRESENT 6 members of the public present + PC McGibbon

1. APOLOGIESApologies were received from Mike Fitzgerald, Sally Moore, Cllr Gowans, Cllr Caddick, Cllr Jarvie, and Cllr Carmichael.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTE 21ST AUGUST 2017Minutes proposed by IM, Seconded by DH.

3.DECLARATION OF INTERESTSNone.

4.MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTEPoint 4 of Matters arising – BW confirmed that the Community Councils had insurance for this year but will need to negotiate their Public Liability Insurance for 2018-19 with Zurich Insurance. When the time comes

Item 5 of Matters arising – PC reported that the Council had agreed to place bollards along the road edge at Tomfat Woods. The bollards are expected to be similar to the mock wooden posts placed along the road edge at Errogie


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Point 7a Advertising sign at entrance to Daviot Farms. IH is waiting for a response from the Planning Department.

Point 8 Knocknagael to Tomatin Liaison Group. This is an agenda item.

5. COMMUNITY POLICING REPORT AND LOCAL ISSUESPC McGibbon spoke to the monthly report that had been submitted and circulated by email prior to the meeting. There were no issues arising from this report.

The increased frequency of vehicle making U turns at the Daviot and Meallmore junctions of the A9 was raised once again. PC McG will bring this matter to the attention of the Road Traffic unit.

A question was asked about the frequency of incidents from missing persons from Meallmore Nursing Home. PC McG understood that the Police were aware of the situation.

It was reported that incidents of vandalism had continued at the redundant and closed Tourist Centre at the head of Bogbain straight. Methods of catching the miscreants was discussed.

6. FINANCIAL REPORTCurrent funds are £3231.

The £280 held for the sub group set up for developing a community plan has been returned to the Benefit Fund.

Mr Read gave £500 to the Treasurer that had been handed in to the shop for the Ray Collier Memorial Bench. The donation from The Guardian Newspaper is not yet to hand.

Action PC

7. PLANNING APPLICATION AND UPDATES, INCLUDING:(a) Report from IH on applications

IH spoke to his report listing four new planning applications and five updates. All were noted without comment.

8 KNOCKNAGAEL TO TOMATIN LIAISON GROUPThe CC has received more information about this scheme. A member of the public suggested that this be posted on the CC web site and agreed to action this.

Action PC/DR

The next meeting will be on 26 October in Farr Community Hall (18:30 to 20:15). This meeting is not open to the public, any questions should be directed to JM or PC.

9. REPORT FROM SCBF/FOUNDATION SCOTLANDSCBF advised the meeting that the deadline for receiving responses to the questionnaire included with the latest issue of the Newsletter had been extended to 25th September. A member of the public complained that the SCBF web site had not been changed with


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the consequence that incorrect advice had been given. PC noted that the change had been posted on the Strathnairn FB page and would now be put on the SCBF Website.

Action The Community

10. FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS R NAIRN AT DAVIOTCllr Jarvie was not in attendance to report on his progress with the issues raised at the August meeting.

PC reported that further research from old maps indicated that pedestrians had been crossing the River Nairn in the vicinity of the present footbridge for well over 100 years so that the path was clearly a Right of Way.

BW reported that the path and bridge were being used by pedestrians and cyclists.

It was agreed that if the path and bridge were closed this would divide Daviot into two isolated halves and the CC should make every effort to make sure that this did not happen.

Care in Strathnairn had undertaken to strim the long grass to enable our elderly residents to better negotiate the path.

The CC and Highland Councillors would continue to work with Mr S Eastaugh in an effort to finding a way to resolve the issues raised by the report of the inspection undertaken by Capita.

The question of the long - term policy for the existing A9 dual carriageway was raised. The policy for the new sections of dual carriageway is that pedestrian crossings should be separated from the fast - moving traffic. Cllr MacPherson agreed to determine if Transport Scotland had a policy for dealing with existing pedestrian crossings of existing dual carriageway.

Action DM

11. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED (via email unless indicated otherwise)a) – Centenary Fields – an opportunity to have an open space designated as a Centenary

Field which will give it the status of a protected open space. It was noted that this opportunity was more relevant to urban areas.

b) – Highland Council Quality Awards; nominations by 25 September. It was agreed by universal acclaim that the Roads Engineer C Ross should be nominated by SNCC.

c) – British Red Cross in Inverness are running a free first aid education to adult groups. The adult education team work with organisations and community groups in the Highland area. It was noted that there were no organisations within Strathnairn the dealt with the adult groups that were applicable to this scheme.

d) – Agenda for the free Scottish Resilient Communities Conference to be held on Friday 27th October 2017. JM indicated that if possible SNCC should have a representative in attendance and that expenses would be available.

e) – Agenda for the September meeting of the Inverness Area Community Council


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Forum for all the Community Councils in the Inverness Area. Held on September 12th at 7.00pm in the Town House. JM attempted to attend but was unable to gain access into the building.

f) – The Scottish Government invitation to take part in a short survey about The Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities. The survey will conclude on Friday 22nd September 2017 and can be accessed on: https://kwiksurveys.com/s/9ejIgxQN

g) – HC review of debt advice and related services - An integral part of the advice review is to consult with stakeholders. The Benefits & Welfare Manager would like to invite members of the community to participate in this review. The survey is available upon request to the secretary. [email protected]. To date no one had requested the information.

h) – Invitation to the Rural Communities Convention at the Craigmonie Centre, Glen Urquhart High School, Drumnadrochit on Wednesday 1st November from 5pm to 8pm. JM will attend.

i) – One-off fuel discount for SSE Customers who are in receipt of benefit. Details are available upon request to the secretary. [email protected]. To date no one had requested the information.

j) – Consultation on Building Scotland’s Low Emission Zones (LEZs) is available via the Transport Scotland and Citizen Space website until the 28 November 2017. It was noted that the Low Emission Zones would be in cities with severe traffic congestion and therefore of no relevance to SNCC

k) – See (j)

l) – Resignation of Mr S MacDonald from Community Council. It was agreed that an article advising of a vacancy be posted in the next copy of the NL. Action PC

JM noted that there was poor representation from the Dunmaglass area so it was agreed that a notice would be put on the Croachy Notice Board

Action JM

The CC wish to record their thanks and appreciation of all the work put in by Scott as a member and Chair of the Community Plan Group.

m) – Letter by post from Edward Mountain MSP. He would like to meet with SNCC. Mr Mountains agent has not responded to further communications. It was proposed that the next letter should seek his help over the pedestrian crossing of the A9 at Daviot. A member of the public proposed that all our MSPs should be invited to a CC meeting.

12. LIST OF EVENTS, MEETINGS AND DATES FOR ATTENDANCE AND INTERESTa) – Scottish Resilient Communities Conference to be held on Friday 27th October 2017

b) – See 11e

c) – Rural Communities Convention at the Craigmonie Centre, Glen Urquhart High School, Drumnadrochit on Wednesday 1st November from 5pm to 8pm.


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d) – K-T Liaison Group – see item 8. The next meeting will be on 26 October in Farr Community Hall (18:30 to 20:30).

13. QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.There were no questions from the public.

14. AOCBBW has been contacted by a resident at Inverarnie who was against a lay by at the shop. They were concerned that residents who lived some distance from the cross roads would have the same influence as those who lived close to the shop. PC reported that the question sheet included a box for the respondents post code so that the question of distance could be taken into consideration.

15. DATE OF THE NEXT CC MEETING [254]Monday 16th October 2017 – The Community Council is required to issue the agenda 7 days before it’s meeting. To be certain that an item can be included please make sure that it is submitted ten days before our meeting is due to take place.

Organised by St Paul’s Church, Croachy.

Farr Community Hall Saturday 21st November 2.00 – 4.00pm

Entry Free

Crafts & Games

Festive Sleigh

Refreshments Raffle

Home Produce


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Mondays (Route 9): Farr Primary School - Daviot East - Moy - Brookfield - Sunnyside - Balloch

30 Oct, 20 Nov, 11 Dec 201709.30 – 10.50 Farr Primary School11.20 – 11.50 Meallmore Nursing

Home11.50 – 12.05 Daviot East12.20 – 12.40 Moy Forestry

Cottages12.40 – 12.55 Moy Housebound14.20 – 15.00 Culloden Brookfield15.05 – 15.30 Culloden Sunnyside15.45 – 16.30 Balloch Braeside

Park

Thursdays (Route 12): Daviot Primary School - Gorthleck - Stratherrick Primary School - Whitebridge - Errogie - Farr

02 Nov, 23 Nov, 14 Dec 201709.25 – 10.05 Daviot Primary

School10.35 – 11.25 Invernarnie, Farr Hall12.00 – 12.15 Gorthleck Public Hall13.15 – 13.55 Stratherrick Primary

School14.00 – 14.25 Whitebridge Old

Post Office15.00 – 15.35 Errogie Bridge

before “Ark”16.00 – 16.20 Farr Croft Croy16.25 – 16.50 Farr Community Hall

MOBILE LIBRARYMoray Firth Mobile library comes every 3 weeks and carries a range of adult fiction and non-fiction in standard and large print, children’s books and talking books and DVDs.

Full Information about the mobile routes can be found on the High Life Highland Moray Firth Mobile webpage: http://highlifehighland.com/libraries/moray-firth-mobile-library

REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT DAVIOT HALLMonday and Thursday evenings (October to May) – Badminton

Tuesday and Friday evenings, 7.30pm – Strathnairn Indoor Bowling Club

If you would like to book Daviot Hall please contact Christine MacPherson on 01463 772228.

The Cameron’s Tea Room & Farm Shop

Glenlia Farm, Foyers

Open all year round 7 days a week 9-5

Lovely Homemade Food And Local Produce

For more information like us on Facebook, email Morag on [email protected] or phone 01456 486572.


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STRATHNAIRN’S LITTLE SILVER BUS

The bus continues to provide transport for Lunch Club, Friendship Group, shopping trips, etc. Traditionally, Tuesdays are shopping days where local residents visit Tesco, P.O. and chemist, all at Inshes. Would you like to join us? Or perhaps another day/shop would suit you better?

Sometimes, people in the community think that they don’t qualify for using the bus. It has often been said, that ‘others need you more than just me’, but if this service is not used, then it may well not qualify for funding in future years, so – USE IT, DON’T LOSE IT!

As the ‘bus becomes more popular, we could really use more drivers to

volunteer their time and goodwill - Would you like to become a driver? Your availability may be only for occasional use, or weekend use, or indeed, only week day use, but anyone will be welcome. Full instruction will be provided. Your enthusiasm will certainly be much appreciated.

Tel: Donna on 01808 521321 to discuss

Our AGM will be held on Wednesday 15th November – lookout for notices of agenda in Shop, on noticeboard and at Hall

Scottish Charity SCO45251

Tel. 01456 Tel. 01456

486729486729

Tel. 01456 Tel. 01456

486729486729

Tim Lucas Tim Lucas

Forest Forest

ManagementManagement

Tim Lucas Tim Lucas

Forest Forest

ManagementManagement

Based in Foyers.

Working throughout Scotland.

Modern, reliable and prompt service.

Written estimates provided.

Farms, estates & private woodlands.

All forestry & tree work undertaken.

www.timlucasforestmanagement.co.uk


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KNOCKNAGAEL – TOMATIN OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT The application under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 for the Knocknagael to Tomatin overhead transmission line project has now been determined and we welcome the decision by the Scottish Government to approve our application. In our application for consent we identified and committed to environmental mitigation and a detailed environmental management plan which will ensure construction impacts are minimised. We will now prepare for the construction phase and are fully committed to keeping the local community and other interested parties updated as the project progresses.

Contracts for the Overhead Line works will be finalised this month and our Contractor will begin mobilisation (setting up their site offices) at MSVE Site Compound, off the B851 at Milton of Farr, Farr, Inverness, IV2 6XB - E.268572 N.832592

Following discussions from the last Community Council meeting and as a result of the concerns relating to the B851, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SHE Transmission) and The Highland Council are reviewing the locations of

the Public Road Improvement works. Following the review, our intention is to allocate funds to improvement works on the B851 – the location and details are still to be agreed with The Highland Council and a further meeting took place on Tuesday 19 September. When the designs and details are finalised we will communicate further.

Our inaugural Community Liaison Group meeting will be held on Thursday 26 October 6.30pm – 8.15pm at Farr Community Hall. Please, if you have any questions regarding works associated to this project contact Mr. Peter Christie of Strathnairn Community Council on 01808 521257 or [email protected] or Jenna Black, Community Liaison Manager for SHE Transmission on 07342 027725 or e-mail [email protected]

Project information and updates can be found at the dedicated project website, including minutes of the Community Liaison Group meeting –

http://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/knocknagael-tomatin/

STRATHNAIRN 55 LUNCH CLUB We had our first lunch of The Lunch Club’s new season in September and it was great to see everyone again after the summer break.

You will see that we have changed the name of our Lunch Club which we hope will meet with your approval. We have dropped ‘Seniors’ from our title replacing it with a reminder that the only qualification potential members need to

have is to be 55+! We feel that The Lunch Club is such a good way for the Strathnairn community to get together that we would like to share it with more people.

For those who are not aware we have two occasions each month when we get together in the Farr Community Hall at 12.30 p.m.


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• The 2nd Friday of the month for the Lunch Club

• The 4th Friday of each month for ‘Snack ‘n Chat’

Date for your Diaries for rest of 2017

• Lunch Club: 10th Nov/15th Dec (week later than usual)

• ‘Snack ‘n Chat’: 27th Oct/24th Nov

Hope to see you!

Christina, Karen, Moira, Barbara, Ria, Liz and Fiona

Do let Donna know on 01808 521321 if you would like transport on the SCATA Bus for either of these occasions.

CARE IN STRATHNAIRNHANDYMAN SERVICESDo you have any little jobs around the house waiting to be done before winter sets in? If you live in the Strathnairn Community Council area and are disadvantaged by age, illness, disability or social circumstances then you are eligible to use our Handyman Services. Derek Rose, our Handyman is happy to discuss with you anything that you feel

might needs doing. As a former policeman he can also advise on home security and safety issues that might be worrying you. All works carried out by Derek are free of charge, you only have to pay for any materials. If the job is outside Derek’s expertise he will be happy to help you find a local tradesman to help. Give Derek a ring and get your house ready for winter.

FRIENDSHIP GROUPThe Group enjoyed their regular outings over the summer despite the sometimes wet weather. With Autumn coming they will continue to meet, weather permitting, with some time off over the holiday period. Trips will be in and around the Inverness area for a bite to eat at lunchtime and a catch up. The Group meets every other Wednesday, dates below, 11am at Farr Hall or Derek, our driver will pick you

up at home. Ring Derek on the number below if you would like to join us for a friendly outing.

OCTOBER 18th

NOVEMBER 1st, 15th and Christmas Lunch on 29th

DECEMBER 13th, last before holiday break, restarting January 17th and 31st

Food Hygiene HACCPs

Health & Safety Training, advice, help & qualifications for the food industry

email: [email protected]

Food Industry Training


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7pm, Wednesday 13 December 2017 Farr Community Hall

Members of the public are welcome to attend as observers

Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund. Registered in Scotland No: 272756. Registered Address: Farr Community Hall, Inverarnie Park, Inverarnie, Inverness IV2 6AX

E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 07858 688355

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING


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MARIA TAKES ON HIGHLAND YOUTH CONVENER ROLEOn Monday 28th August, Maria Roberts succeeded Calum Maclennan by becoming the 11th Highland Council Youth Convener.

Maria (22), from Strathnairn, was actively involved in the Highland Youth Parliament before becoming a student at the University of the Highland and Islands which saw her become President of the Inverness College Students’ Association and then going on to become Vice-President of Higher Education of the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association.

Paying tribute to outgoing Youth Convener Calum Maclennan the new post-holder said, “Calum has done an amazing job over the last 12 months and he should very proud of the ambassadorial role he has played on behalf of young people across the Highlands.

“I have been lucky enough to undertake some ‘on the job’ shadowing with Calum over the last couple of weeks which has given me a real idea of what is going to be involved in taking on the role of Highland Youth Convener.

Looking forward to taking up position on Monday, the former Inverness Royal

Academy pupil went on, “I am really honoured to have been chosen as the new Highland Youth Convener, and although it is a huge responsibility – I am definitely ready for the challenge.

“I think it is really important for the views of young people to be heard and for young people to be involved in the decision-making processes which could have an impact on their future.

“I think I have gained great experience from my recent roles with the University of the Highlands and Islands and therefore feel confident to be able to speak up and offer a young person’s opinion when it matters.

Maria, who is also a Lieutenant in the Girls Brigade in her spare time continued, “I would like to spend my year developing support for sexual and mental health services for young people across the Highlands. However, as equalities are also a big issue for me, I would also like to focus on supporting young people with additional support needs or who are in care.

Cllr Alasdair Christie, Chair of Highland Council’s People Committee welcomed Maria to her first attendance at the


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Committee, saying, “I am sure that Maria will find her new role very rewarding and enjoyable and we look forward to working with her over the coming year. We also wish our outgoing Youth Convener Calum Maclennan all the best in his new career, which I understand he will be following with the Police. Best wishes to both of them with their new roles.”

Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson also paid tribute to Calum, she said, “..I wish Calum the best of luck for the future and look forward to working with Maria who has joined Highland Council in a very interesting and challenging time during its re-design. Her input and outlook on council business will be greatly appreciated.”

ST PAUL’S CHURCH As the church has been open every day during the summer months we have enjoyed welcoming friends, old and new, as they visited the strath during their holidays. Some just paused as they passed to have a look inside. It is always a delight to have visitors to our lovely church, particularly those we see regularly at intervals during the year. As I write I really feel that autumn has arrived – it is a lovely sunny day and I have just returned from helping to decorate the church for our Harvest Festival service and so we now look forward to our autumn/winter activities which include:

BLYTHSWOOD SHOE BOX APPEALEach year St Paul’s Church collects shoeboxes for this appeal and we would be delighted if you could join us in this. Information about what to include can be downloaded from http://www.blythswood.org/shoebox/index.php?id=31 and leaflets are available at St Paul’s. If you would like to contribute but don’t wish to do a complete shoebox, how about knitting hats, gloves or scarves (all sizes needed but please label with age/size), or buying a number of combs, toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste, soap, small toys, coloured pens/pencils, notebooks or small packets of sweets (not chocolate) - large numbers of these are always useful to the box checkers as often

essential items have not been included. Please pass your filled shoeboxes or extra items to a member of St Paul’s Church by 5th November or contact Helen 01808521315. Many thanks.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY (12TH NOVEMBER) The Rev Canon Kathy Collins (our minister) will be leading the service which starts at Daviot War Memorial at 10.15am and then continues at Daviot Church at about 10.50am. All are welcome to join the joint congregations of St Paul’s and Daviot Church in this annual act of remembrance.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS FAIR 2 – 4PM ON 18TH NOVEMBEROnce again our Christmas Fair will be held in Farr Hall and have tables from many others in the strath. There will be games, a ‘consumables’ table, a raffle (prizes include a hamper etc.) and a whole variety of other interesting things to buy and do.

Refreshments are also available. Entry is free.

Come and join us, perhaps get ahead with buying a Christmas gift or two and enjoy a blether over a cup of coffee or tea. Put the date in your diary - we’d love to see you!


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RURAL INVERNESS COMMUNITIES CONVENTIONEach local community has an enormous amount of talent; enthusiasm; and local knowledge about what is best for their community and what the identifiable needs of it are to help it develop further and to flourish.

The Highland Council has, therefore, arranged this year’s annual Communities Convention for rural Inverness on Wednesday 1st November from 5pm to 8pm at the Craigmonie Centre, Drumnadrochit to enable communities from rural Inverness to gather to:

• share their experiences

• discuss with each other what their communities need

• identify opportunities to meet those needs.

Two recurring themes that impact on the rural economy are Tourism and Broadband and many of you will have your own experiences of them.

We plan to make available on the day advice and information about both these topics that may provide you with opportunities for local community development.

You are most welcome to attend and to join the convention at any time between 5pm and 8pm and to leave at any time that is most convenient for you.

RAY COLLIERReaders of this Newsletter will be aware that for many years Ray Collier contributed a Nature article to this Newsletter. They will also be aware that Ray died earlier this year and many readers have said how much they miss these articles.

Acting from a request from within the community the Community Council set up a memorial fund and approached RSPB with a view to placing a memorial bench on the shore of Loch Ruthven. This was a spot that Ray was particularly fond of so RSPB have offered a spot in one of the small bays for such a bench. RSPB

suggested a bespoke bench from a local source and this proposal was accepted.

We are approaching the time when we should be able to order the bench so if you wish to make a contribution and have not yet already done so would you please do so without delay. Cash and cheques should be left with the Inverarnie Stores; cheques should be made out to Strathnairn Community Council.

We will use these columns to keep you informed of progress.

Secretary, Strathnairn Community Council

FARR BABY AND TODDLER GROUPFarr baby and toddler group has had a fun filled couple of months since returning

to the hall after the summer holidays. We’ve had visits from Julia our early


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years practitioner where lots of babies from across the Strath had a chance to get weighed and parents could have a chat about their little tot’s development. We also had a delivery of lots of new crafts items, toys and play equipment which the children have been making great use of. This month we had our trip to Eden Court to see the Fun Box where we had 50 parents and children from the area heading down to have a party and sing songs with Anya, Kevin, Gary and Bonzo. Over the coming weeks we have a few more events for the Calendar and we hope to see you all along at the hall to enjoy the fun and games… 9.30am-11.30am every Thursday at the Farr Hall.

Thurs 12th + 19th Oct - No Toddlers due to school holidays

Thurs 26th Oct - Halloween Party

Thurs 9th Nov - Julia Early years practitioner visiting, Baby massage session

Sat 18th Nov - Toddlers hosting stall at Christmas Market Farr Hall (all volunteers welcome to help)

Thurs 14th Dec - Toddlers Christmas party ...with special visitor


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STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY WOODLANDSMilton Wood - Froglife returned in August to provide an education/awareness workshop for Farr Primary School. This was combined with a pond dipping session to look for insects and amphibians. The ponds are settling in well now and it is hoped the standing fresh water will aid colonisation of more floral and faunal species and offer foraging opportunities for other species in the woods. The School always enjoy the afternoons and will be able to take advantage of the site in future.

SCW will be managing the ponds as part of the Woodland habitat and there are plans to create one more small pond in the area. There will further evening pond dipping sessions next spring.

To find out more about Froglife and their conservation work visit www.Froglife.org.

Free Froglife app available for android and iPhone.Search Froglife in app stores.

School Wood - Following the storm damage 2 years ago the first task was to harvest the fallen timber then let the ground rest. Now we are planning to erect a fenced enclosure at the south

end of School Wood that received the most storm damage. The fencing will be deer proof to allow Scots Pine seedlings a chance to regenerate. It is part of our Forest Plan to encourage native species to regenerate in the woods. The fencing won’t interfere with the existing path network and will be in the central part of the clearing.

The Farr School created panorama will be installed soon at the moorland viewpoint at the south end of the Wood. The board will identify existing landmarks seen from the edge of the wood with their original Gaelic names.

Dog fouling - Since the erection of signs an improvement has been noted.

Cabin bookings – If you would like to book the cabin please contact 01808 521207.

Volunteers Needed - Over the winter months we will be clearing more non-native spruce saplings and removing old tree guards from earlier plantings in Milton Wood. Other activities are planned so if you would like to join in contact Don 521308 or Davy 521207.


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PETER JOYCE 1931 – 2017Peter arrived in Farr with his wife Pauline in 1978 to continue his work for BP. He was delighted to find this entailed flying regularly to Shetland, Orkney, Lewis, Skye, Arran and other isles as he himself had acquired a private pilot’s licence a few years earlier.

Peter had many interests including writing articles for the Yorkshire Post on the Blue Diamonds RAF Display Team, which were the forerunners of today’s Red Arrows. This was after he had actually been invited to sit beside Red Leader during one of the team’s daring rehearsals. Peter said that the long vapour trails and smoke (red, white and blue) from the other planes “crossed right in front of us at terrifying

speed” adding that his camera became very heavy with gravitational pull. The article was entitled, “Ambassadors of the Air” and it was followed by “The Glory of Gliding” - another enjoyable pastime.

While Peter was serving on the Community Council he was caught up in the much publicised need for a hospice in Inverness, so he decided to create a quiz and invited

all sectors of society to form teams which they did with alacrity. The quiz was very popular in all the surrounding areas and at each event local churches, village halls and community centres managed to accommodate with a stage etc. The public’s response was very enthusiastic, there was always a full house and an air of excitement rippling through the audience. The Town House was the venue for the final which was hosted by Bamber Gascoigne, the TV quiz master of University Challenge, who presented the winning trophy. The quiz was highly successful and raised many thousands of pounds. Later coffee mornings were held at home where neighbours marshalled the cars and took the cash - “Coffee and Cakes - 95p” (well it was 30 years ago).

Several years later, Peter took early retirement with a view to discovering more.... He did discover a latent talent for drawing. With his acumen he could foresee a nice little crystal engraving business and so “Crystal Images” was born and grew rapidly. Each client had something to celebrate:- engagements, weddings, births, congratulations, birthdays and anniversaries and some celebrity commissions. Craft fairs were a magnet to him and after 5 years the demand was huge. It became too huge, so Peter withdrew from commerce and enjoyed his numerous other interests, gardening, DIY, reading, music, computer and cars. His fascination for cars stemmed from his varied experience in engineering accrued during his 5 years service in REME attached to the Guards in Egypt.

Peter will be remembered fondly for his ready smile, integrity, wit and courtesy. Always a perfect gentleman with a positive outlook on life Peter greatly appreciated the love and joy of family, friends and neighbours who contributed to his very happy life. He died peacefully in Raigmore Hospital on August 20th 2017 and it was Peter’s wish that he continue to help people by donating his body to medical research.


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STRATHNAIRN MUSIC INITIATIVEOPEN MUSIC SESSIONSWe continue the singing group led by Fiona Bowie every second Thursday. Our numbers vary and we would love to have more members of the community joining in. We have been sampling songs from a few different genres; some Burns, some musicals and some Gaelic songs. These are generally fun, relaxed sessions.

If there is an appetite in the community for instrumental sessions in addition to the singing group, we would like to hear from you. It is always fun to make music with others, and it would be great to have some traditional music sessions in Strathnairn (or other genres if people prefer).

GROUP MUSIC SESSIONSWe kicked off the 2017/18 academic year of lessons on 22nd August, with 68 members of our community attending weekly music tuition.

We’re delighted to be continuing to work with last year’s music teachers, Sarah

Smith – violin; Monica Neeling – Kodaly and piano; Jamie Mackenzie – piano; Ben Hesling – guitar; Marc Rollins – drums, plus we have recruited an additional music teacher, Moteh Parrot, who is teaching ukulele and beginner piano.

This academic year, our students will be working on more ensemble pieces so that the individual instrument groups can come together more often to play. We are really looking forward to this!

And, as ever, we would very much appreciate any volunteers to assist with the group learning sessions on Tuesdays. This involves setting up the instruments, being present in the school dining hall to ensure people can enter and sign in, as well as any troubleshooting, and helping to tidy up at the end of the session. We hope that with a number of volunteers we can spread the work more evenly so it becomes less demanding for those who currently do it.

SMI AGMWe will be holding an AGM at Farr Hall at 8pm on 28th November 2017. This is open to all community members. We will be discussing the direction of Strathnairn Music Initiative, and will be making new appointments of Trustees.


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The current trustees are;Fran Matheson - ChairpersonMarielle Piron - TreasurerKristina High - SecretaryLaura Kerr - Communications Eva Craig - Child protection

You will find a brief resume of each of the current trustees on the strathnairn.org.uk website under Strathnairn Music Initiative.

They will be standing for re-election. Any member of the community who is keen to become a trustee please contact us in advance of the AGM. The e-mail address is [email protected].

We would like to thank the Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund for funding the initiative.

THE NEIL MACKENZIE TRUSTIt has been a busy couple of months for the Trust, with two of our Trustees taking part in a 60km cycle on Vancouver Island, Canada, to raise money for both MS Canada and The Neil Mackenzie Trust. The full report can be read here - https://thenei lmackenz ietrust .wordpress.com/2017/09/10/our-2017-challenge/

Three other Strathnairn residents took up the challenge of cycling from Farr to Bell’s Bothy at Camasunary on Skye, off-road where possible, over a 3-day period as part of our year-long ‘Bell’s Bothy Challenge’. The estimated distance was 120 miles so the aim was to cycle around 40 miles a day, which ended up being over 60 miles on day 3. The terrain was varied, with a climb of over 4,000ft achieved on each day, and some spectacular views. The full report can be found here - https://thenei lmackenz ietrust .wordpress.

com/2017/09/28/three-unwise-men-travelled-from-farr/

As the winter draws in, we are also planning a less physically challenging event in the form of a Ladies Night. This will be held at Farr Hall on Friday 10th November from 7pm. Please come and join us for some pampering, Temple Spa and Scentsy goodies for sale and pizzas from Cheese ‘n’ Tomatin!

The Neil Mackenzie Trust assists individuals to participate in physical outdoor activities and with training in outdoor skills. The following grants are available:

• Junior Skills Grants – open to 14-17 year olds looking to carry out outdoor skills training in Scotland for non-competitive purposes.

(more over page)


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• Outdoor Skills Training - for outdoor skills training for residents in Scotland who will use their training to help or train others, for example members of mountain rescue teams or volunteers in clubs and organisations.

• Expedition Grant - If you are planning a trip, adventure or expedition and

need a bit of help please contact us. We will consider anything from a Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition, to a first ascent!

For more information on The Neil Mackenzie Trust and the grants we offer please visit www.theneilmackenzietrust.wordpress.com and email - [email protected]

GET EXTRA SUPPORT DURING POWER CUTSScottish and Southern Electricity Networks look after the wires and cables throughout the North of Scotland. Our job is to maintain and repair the actual electricity networks. It’s also our job to fix power cuts as quickly and safely as possible.

We know that a power cut can be worrying or diffcult for some people, that’s why we offer extra help and support. We can help you far better, and quicker, if we know in advance what extra support you might need. If you’d like to register for Priority Services, even if only temporarily, please call us on 0800 294 3259 or complete a registration form, which can be found on the community website – www.strathnairn.org.uk

SOME REASONS YOU MAY WANT TO BE ON OUR REGISTER:• You are deaf or hard of hearing

• You are blind or partially sighted

• You are disabled

• You are chronically ill

• You have children under the age of 5 at home

• You rely on powered medical equipment

• You are over 60

Of course everyone has different needs so feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements.

WHAT WE AIM TO OFFER• Priority treatment during a power cut

• Connection to local emergency services

• Emergency power supplies

• Safety advice tailored to your needs

• Provisions for your community

• Peace of mind

All of our priority services are free.

Register for Priority Services today by calling 0800 294 3259, textphone 0800 3165457. The registration form is available at www.strathnairn.org.uk or visit www.ssen.org.uk/priorityservices for more information.

BE PREPARED FOR POWER CUTS• Have some warm clothes and a

battery-powered torch to hand

• Check you have back-up power for any medical equipment

• Check your stairlift can be operated manually or has battery back-up


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KINGS STRATHNAIRNWell it is that time of year again where the nights get darker earlier and we cosy up in front of the fire and our

thoughts turn to Christmas! We wanted to take this opportunity to let you know of some events coming up in the next couple of months to which we would love to invite you and your family to. If you wish to join us but have transport issues then please don’t hesitate to contact us as we will be able to arrange transport for you.

For any enquiries re our monthly meetings, any of the events or requests for transport please contact Nikki on 01808 521770.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:• Following last year’s successful

Community Carollers Event (jointly hosted by Daviot Church, St Paul’s (Croachy) and Kings Strathnairn in partnership with Farr Primary School) and included a fantastic performance from the Strathnairn “Music Initiative” there will be another Community Carols Singalong @ Farr Hall in December (Time and Date to be confirmed)

• 17/12/17 - Christingle @ Farr Hall (5pm-6pm) followed by refreshments - celebrating Jesus Christ as the “Light of the World” at Christmas time.

• 28/01/18 - Creative Storytelling @ Farr Hall (10:30am-12 noon) - A fun & creative family event followed by lunch (which will be provided)

REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT FARR HALLThroughout the year and during school term-time there are regular weekly activities taking place in the Hall as follows:

Second Monday of the month Strathnairn Community Woodlands committee meeting

Third Monday of the month Strathnairn Community Council meeting 7.30pm

Tuesday evenings from 6pm Highland Budokan Judo

Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm Boleskine Shinty Club training

Thursday mornings Farr Baby and Toddlers

Thursday afternoons 2.30pm – 4.30pm Post Office

Thursday evenings from 6pm to 7pm Community Keep Fit runs October to May

Second Friday of the month Seniors Lunch Club

Last Sunday morning of the month King’s Strathnairn

If you wish to book the football pitch, a room, or the whole Hall please call Maggie on 01808 521346


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Give something back to your Community by becoming a

Board Member of the Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund The Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund (SCBF) was set up in 2004 as a charity and limited company and distributes funds from the Farr and Dunmaglass Wind Farms and the Farr Hydro scheme. The key objective of the SCBF is “the promotion, for the benefit of the public, of urban or rural regeneration in areas of social and economic deprivation and in particular in the Strathnairn Community Council area as established in the Memorandum of Association.” Further information is available on the website www.strathnairncbf.com SCBF is recruiting a number of new Board Members (to become Trustees and Directors) to assist with the engagement of the local community and with the management of the funds for the benefit of all Strathnairn residents. SCBF is managed by a Board of up to 12 members assisted by a Secretary. It currently receives around £158,000 a year from wind farm developers before income from investments. Board Member Duties and responsibilities include:

Attendance at Board Meetings (normally monthly) Ensuring correct management and investment of monies within the Fund Reviewing grant applications to ensure compliance with its governing documents

and the developer agreements Reviewing operational procedures and policies as appropriate

Board Members serve a term of 3 years with a possibility of an additional year. If you are over 18 and interested in becoming a Board Member please contact our Secretary, (details below) for further information or an application form.

Applications must be received by Friday 3rd November 2017 and, if successful, new Board Members will be appointed at the AGM on

Wednesday 13th December 2017.

Secretary: Carol Elliot Address: PO Box 5783, INVERNESS, IV1 9EW Email: [email protected] Phone: 07858 688355



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Give something back to your Community by becoming a

Board Member of the Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund The Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund (SCBF) was set up in 2004 as a charity and limited company and distributes funds from the Farr and Dunmaglass Wind Farms and the Farr Hydro scheme. The key objective of the SCBF is “the promotion, for the benefit of the public, of urban or rural regeneration in areas of social and economic deprivation and in particular in the Strathnairn Community Council area as established in the Memorandum of Association.” Further information is available on the website www.strathnairncbf.com SCBF is recruiting a number of new Board Members (to become Trustees and Directors) to assist with the engagement of the local community and with the management of the funds for the benefit of all Strathnairn residents. SCBF is managed by a Board of up to 12 members assisted by a Secretary. It currently receives around £158,000 a year from wind farm developers before income from investments. Board Member Duties and responsibilities include:

Attendance at Board Meetings (normally monthly) Ensuring correct management and investment of monies within the Fund Reviewing grant applications to ensure compliance with its governing documents

and the developer agreements Reviewing operational procedures and policies as appropriate

Board Members serve a term of 3 years with a possibility of an additional year. If you are over 18 and interested in becoming a Board Member please contact our Secretary, (details below) for further information or an application form.

Applications must be received by Friday 3rd November 2017 and, if successful, new Board Members will be appointed at the AGM on

Wednesday 13th December 2017.

Secretary: Carol Elliot Address: PO Box 5783, INVERNESS, IV1 9EW Email: [email protected] Phone: 07858 688355


LOCAL WALKSAUGUST’S FEATURED WALK IS THE WADE ROAD FROM INVERNESS TO MOYStart location: Milton of Leys (NH 693 417)

End location: Moy (NH 769 341)

Distance: 13.7km

OS Landranger 26 (Inverness & Strathglass) and 27 (Nairn & Forres)

This route forms a section of the military road from Dunkeld to Inverness. Built between 1728 and 1730 under the orders of General Wade, it was 102 miles long. It cuts through Strathnairn between Daviot in the North and Achbain to the South.

Near NH729349 lies a cairn commemorating the “Rout of Moy”. On 16/17th February 1746, a handful of Jacobites routed a small army of Hanoverians at night, seemingly by pretending that peat stacks were large groups of clansmen. The skirmish resulted

in only one fatality - the piper, Donald Ban MacCrimmon. The information board at the site relates that his death had been foretold.

In the 1930s this route was a motor-road, so it has hard bottoming in places. It is also known as the Old Edinburgh Road. Perhaps it is a tribute to the military roadbuilders that when the A9 north-west


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of Moy was realigned in the 1970s, its line reverted to one similar to Wade’s original alignment.

Starting at the Wade’s roundabout in Inverness, take Stevenson Road west and then head south along Old Edinburgh Road South, which will take you to Druid Temple Farm, where the road becomes narrower and becomes more of a path. The route remains obvious at all times, although in places becomes more overgrown and wet under foot. You will pass through Milton of Leys and Castleton before entering farmland and then forestry before reaching Daviot. (Please note that if you are joining the route at Daviot and heading North to Inverness, you will start at the entrance to Inverernie Woods. The Wade Road is to the right of the forestry track and more of a grassy path at this point.)

As you exit Inverernie Woods, you will see the green right of way sign on the other side of the road. This part of the route takes you down to the Bridge of Faillie. The path itself is no longer visible, but the way is still apparent through the grass. At the bottom of the hill, you join a vehicle track and then cross the B851, where the route heads towards the quarry. The route becomes a track here, and passes Achbain before entering

woodland again. Approx. 1 km on from entering the woods, there is a sign to ‘Wade’s Bridge’ to the left. This takes you off the existing track and onto the original Wade’s road, where the route has been diverted due to the quarry.

Continuing along the main route, it continues along forestry tracks along the side of the A9, as the original Wade Road has been overlaid by the A9.

In order to reach the official end of the route it is necessary to cross the A9 to reach the railway bridge at Moy.

Each walk we feature is suitable for all abilities and can be used for cycling, running and horseriding as well as walking.

Please remember to follow the Outdoor Access Code when enjoying our countryside – further details can be found at www.outdooraccess-scotland.com. If you have a particular favourite route that you would like to see included please contact The Editor.

Much of the information on this walk was sourced from Heritage Paths Scotland. For further information on this route and images, please visit www.heritagepaths.co.uk.


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EVERY SUNDAY, WET OR FINEsent in by Desiree Wedderburn

Every Sunday, wet or fine I trot along to the half past nine.

I go because I think I should To praise the Lord for He is good.

The service starts, then goodness knows Where all my concentration goes

For though I speak and sign the words My thoughts fly off like little birds.

I call them back on to their perch And tell them they must stay in church But soon, when I’m supposed to pray I find they have fluttered miles away.

Again I summon them to me And scold them for their truancy And when the lesson clearly read They settle down inside my head.

Five minutes later all in vain The blighters have escaped again! The Lord must think me very weak To let them play this hide and seek.

At least I get them to confess To all their sins and waywardness

I tell the Lord I’m filled with shame But anyway at least I came!

STRATHNAIRN55LUNCHCLUBTOBE55+

ONLYQUALIFICATIONNEEDED

WHYDON’TYOUJOINUS?WehavetwooccasionseachmonthwhenwegettogetherinFarrCommunityHallat12.30p.m.

• THE2ndFRIDAYINTHEMONTHfortheLUNCHCLUB• THE4THFRIDAYINTHEMONTHfor‘SNACK’NCHAT’

DatesforyourDiaryfortherestof2017• LUNCHCLUB:13thOctober/10thNovember/15thDecember

• ‘SNACK‘NCHAT’:27thOctober/24thNovember

HOPETOSEEYOU!

DoletDonnaknowon01808521321ifyouwouldliketransportontheSCATABusforeitheroftheseoccasions.


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FEATURED RECIPESDue to popular demand, we are pleased to include a new Recipes feature. Please send through any recipes you would like us to include.

RECIPE FOR PUMPKIN CUPCAKES (MAKES APPROX 24)sent in by Suzie Dobson

INGREDIENTS:• 280g plain flour • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of

soda • 110g butter, softened • 200g caster sugar • 5 tablespoons brown soft sugar • 2 eggs, room temperature • 180ml milk • 250g pumpkin, cooked and

pureed (can use butternut squash)

CINNAMON CREAM CHEESE ICING • 200g cream cheese, softened

(full fat is better than low fat) • 50g butter, softened • 350g icing sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

METHOD:1. Preheat oven to 190 C / Gas 5.

Grease muffin cups, or line with paper muffin cases. Sift together the flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, allspice, salt, baking powder and bicarb; set aside.

2. Beat 110g of butter, caster sugar and brown sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in colour. Add the room-temperature eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to blend into the butter mixture before adding the next. Stir in the milk and pumpkin puree after the last egg. Stir in the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Pour the cupcake mixture into the prepared muffin cases.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until golden and the tops spring back when lightly pressed, about 25 minutes. Cool in the tins for 5 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

4. While the cupcakes are cooling, make the icing by beating the cream cheese and 50g butter with an electric mixer in a bowl until smooth. Beat in the icing sugar a little at a time until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; beat until fluffy. Once the cupcakes are cool, ice with the cream cheese icing.


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STONES AND STORIES: WHAT’S IN A WORD? ‘The third in a series of brief essays on place names and stories from Strathnairn and places nearby.’ Compiled by R. Sandilands.

WHAT’S IN A WORD?What’s smaller than a streamlet, and is something you can hear but can’t see? ... And it can’t see you....

There are a great number of small watercourses in Strathnairn described by the Gaelic word Caochan. Caochan could be translated as streamlet, or rivulet but, that translation is unsatisfactory.

There are several other Gaelic words applied to watercourses, and in order and size they are - uisge (water, river), allt (burn, stream) and alltan (burnie, streamlet). These are all plentiful on the maps but, Gaelic has an extra word, for a watercourse smaller again. Translating Caochan as a ‘streamlet’ doesn’t make good enough sense.

There is a meaning and a connotation that feels just right. A letter send to Seaton Gordon, writer and naturalist, from William Watson, toponymist and chair of Celtic at Edinburgh University, dated January 13th 1925, contains a list of Gaelic place names and their meanings - the relevant lines read:

Caochan is literally “little blind one” i.e. A burn or rivulet so obscured by vegetation that it is hidden.

This name is particularly charming as it seems to ascribe the streamlet itself with properties. Robert MacFarlane in his brilliant book ‘Landmarks’ (Penguin, 2015) describes it as -

Caochan: slender moor-stream obscured by vegetation such that it is virtually hidden (possibly from Old Gaelic caeich,

meaning ‘blind’, i.e. The stream is so overgrown that it cannot see out of its own bed).

‘Dwelly, the Gaelic dictionary compiler, cites caochan as also applying to the first distillation of whiskey or the sound made by fermenting wort.’

Looking to the first edition of the Scottish OS 6 inch maps, I count 27 Caochain / “little blind ones” on one section of the high moor between Strathnairn and Strathdearn, running from Farr to Dunmaglass and over to the Findhorn. On this expanse, away from habitation, we find a wealth of names full of descriptive precision and colour. I’ve tried to highlight them on this map [map here]

They are; (* = little blind one)

• 1 Caochan na h-Earbaige - * of the hind

• 2 Caochan Dubh - black *• 3 Caochan na Caillich - * of the old

woman• 4 Caochan Bad an Daimh - * of the

place of the stags


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• 5 Caochan Coire Sheilich - * of the corrie of the willow

• 6 Caochan Dubh - black *• 7 Caochan na Cloiche Claise • 8 Caochan na Buidheig - * of a linnet

/ goldfinch• 9 Caochan Breac - speckled *• 10 Caochan nam Breac - * of the

trout. ( * = little blind one )• 11 Caochan Odhar - dun coloured *• 12 Caochan na Mòine Guirme - * of

the blue/ verdant peat• 13 Caochan a’ Ghille - * of the ghille• 14 Caochan a’ Chàirn - * of the cairn• 15 Caochan Dubh - black *• 16 Caochan Seileach * of willow• 17 Caochan Dubh Ghlaic - * of the

black hollow• 18 Caochan Bad an t-Sneachda - * of

the place of the snow• 19 Caochan Cosach - * of the crevices• 20 Caochan Ruadh - russet / rust

coloured *• 21 Caochan na Poite - * of the illicit

still• 22 Caochan Dubh Ruighe na Sròine -

little black blind one of the sheiling of the promontory

• 23 Caochan an Fhèidh - * of the deer• 24 Caochan Beag an Sgianair - small

(little) blind one of the knifer• 25 Caochan Meadhonach - * of the

middle part• 26 Caochan a’ Chùil - * of the back

part• 27 Caochan na Claise Gairbhe -* of

the rugged hollowJust off the map is Caochan na Duibh Chaileig - * of the black haired lass between East & West Croachy

That these small features were named, and in such detail, goes some way to proving how fundamentally connected the Gaels who named this landscape were to the place, and suggests that language allows for attention to detail and facilitates an ability to notice things in nature, that we could perhaps value more.

However, there are only three ‘caochain’

named on the 1:50 000 OS map today (9,25. & 26). It often surprises people that names for features of a landscape are excised from maps.

That having language to describe something allows for attention and care, is an idea MacFarlane expands upon in his book...

‘... Words are not just a means to describe landscape, but also a way to know it and love it. If we lose this rich lexis, then we risk impoverishing our relationship with nature and place. What we cannot describe, we cannot in some sense see.’

Thanks to Jillian MacLennan for helping produce this map highlighting watercourses and to James Murray for the illustration of an ‘Alltan’ or Burn.

Next time - body parts in the landscape.

“Alltan/burn” by James Murray


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STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUNDBOARD MEETING MINUTES SUMMARY – JUNE 2017The June 2017 Board Meeting was held on 28th June at Farr Community Hall. There were no apologies.

GRANT ACTIVITY No applicants were invited to attend the meeting to discuss applications. The table below shows the grants that were approved at the June 2017 Board meeting.

Applicant Value Type of Grant One x £500 £500 2017 Supplementary Home

Heating GrantStrathnairn News Editorial Committee

£8,930 To produce the newsletter for 12 months

Strathnairn Summer Activities

£894 Towards costs of a weeks programme of activities

Strathnairn Music Initiative £17,080 Towards costs of 2017/18 activities

F & D Haldane £500 Energy Efficiency GrantR Matheson & D Mitchell £500 Energy Efficiency GrantF M Forbes £1,000 Renewable Energy

Technology Grant

OTHER BUSINESS • The Board noted that 327 Energy Grants had been awarded so far this financial

year.

• The Board approved a new SCBF logo to be provided in various formats fit for purpose.

• The Foundation Scotland Review Report has now been published on the SCBF website.

BOARD MEETING MINUTES SUMMARY – AUGUST 2017The July 2017 Board Meeting was held on 2nd August in Farr. There were two apologies.

GRANT ACTIVITY No applicants were invited to attend the meeting to discuss applications. The table overleaf shows the grants that were approved at the July 2017 Board meeting.


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Applicant Value Type of Grant Strathnairn Farmers Association

£3,504 General Grant – towards marquee hire for September event

1 applicant £1,000 Hardship Grant

OTHER BUSINESS • The Board thanked Paul Robinson for his time and hard work serving as a Director,

accepting his resignation as he moves out with the area.

• The Board considered feedback relating to the Fund from the recent Strathnairn News Survey carried out by the Strathnairn News Editorial Committee.

• The Board’s plan for a community consultation following the Fund Review was discussed.

For more information on Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund and the Grants that are available, please visit our website - www.strathnairncbf.com, email [email protected] or phone 07858 688355

NOTICES

ARE YOU AN SSE CUSTOMER?STRUGGLING TO PAY YOUR FUEL BILLS?

ARE YOU ON BENEFITS OR IN RECEIPT OF FREE SCHOOL MEALS?If YES, you may be eligible for a £140 one-off discount.

Information and Application Forms are available at: sse.co.uk/help/accessibility/warm-home-discount

OR Find out more from the Council’s Welfare Support Team by e-mailing: [email protected]

or Freephone 0800 090 1004


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The Natural Vegetable Company Regular Organic Veg Box – Grown in the Highlands

We have operated for 15 years from our base at Torbreck, Dores road. We grow a complete range of seasonal veg available from field and

greenhouse. Seasonality and organic methods guarentee’s freshness, flavour and quality. Choose from a Regular £10 or Large £15 Box.

Delivery by arrangement or collect from the farm.

Book on Line at our website www.natvegco.com or

call Maggie on 07890 189676 or 01463 250 440

INVERARNIE STORES

OPENING HOURSMon - Fri 7am - 6pmSaturday 8am - 5pmSunday 9am - 4pm

Pop along and say hello!

Inverness IV2 6XA

Convenience Store


36


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“Tea-room open daily for coffee,tea and home baking”

Emily Evans Mobile Hairstylist

Based in Strathnairn

Unisex cutting, blow drying and

colouring

Competitive rates

07841 030477 [email protected]

A & C Gardens and Landscape

Alan Cadden

01808521509/ 07753 257312 [email protected]

•Garden maintenance •Sheds erected/felted •Tree/hedge cutting •Chips/gravel laid

•Turfing •Fencing •Slabbing •Snow clearance/salting

•All rubbish removed •Free estimates

The Craigdarroch Inn

Foyers, Loch Ness

Village pub – Real ales – Fabulous loch views

Open daily from 11am to 11pm

Food served every day 12‐2pm and 6‐8.30pm

Tel 01456 486400

Gask House Farm Cottages has three, 4* quality properties set around an

attractive courtyard available for hire. Ideal for family or smaller groups.

Gask House Farm Cottages Balnafoich By Farr IV2 6XG

01808 521409 07970 027741

[email protected] www.gaskhouse.co.uk

Professional CV Writing Service

Looking for a new job and would like help to revamp your CV?

We offer an in-‐depth service which will

provide you with a CV perfectly tailored to your needs.

Contact Caroline for more

information: Tel 01808 521464/ 07971 689833

[email protected] www.albacvs.co.uk


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CONSTRUCTIONSOLUTI NSTarmac Caledonian is the leading supplier of aggregates and blocks to all construction industry sectors.

With a UK network of operations we are able to supply high quality, innovative products that also improve the sustainable performance of the built environment by reducing waste, energy usage and carbon emissions.

For more information call our area office at Daviot quarry

01463 772210

Auchnahillin Holiday Park

Daviot East, Inverness IV2 5XQ

Static Caravans available for hire weekly/nightly

Touring Caravans, Motorhomes & Tents welcome

Pitches available for Privately-Owned Static Caravan Holiday Homes

Stockists of

Please contact us with your requirements 01463 772286 /07974 008567

[email protected]

Myles Evans & Co Ltd

Window cleaning Gutter clearing and repairs

A reliable, quality service based in the Stath since 2000


Sam Evans

Grass cutting & general garden jobs Pressure washing slabs/decking Fence and shed treating & painting

Other work also considered

Very competitive rates Tel: 01808 521486





Sam Evans








Sam Evans




Window Cleaning

Gutter Clearing and Repairs

A reliable, quality service based in the Strath since 2000


39

Emily Evans

Mobile Hairstylist

Based in Strathnairn

Unisex cutting, blow drying and colouring

Competitive rates

07841 030477/ 01808 521486

[email protected]

Andy Taylor

Gloonan Daviot

Inverness IV2 5XQ

07887 915380 01463 771336 [email protected] www.actheritageltd.co.uk

Traditional Stonework

Roads, Tracks and Paths

Ground Works

Fencing

Timber Structures

Timber Structures

George Borthwick JCB Hire

Site clearance Foundations

Drains Septic tanks

Any job considered

Achbain, Daviot, Inverness [email protected]

Tel: 01463 771350/ 07733 445868

WA MacDonald MCIATBuilding Design Consulant

Unit 16, Dalcross Industrial Estate, Inverness IV2 7XB

Email: [email protected]: 01667 461111 / 07889 722463


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CARDON, Balnafoich, Farr, Inverness IV2 6XG

Tel: 01808 521389 Fax: 01808 521471

E: [email protected]

CARDONHome Improvements

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Bedrooms...Quality building contractors for over 25 years

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