Present:
Alex Mackenzie, Helen Grainge, Uisdean Menzies, Marion Taylor, Jean Hollingdale, Sue Tarr, Sheree Grant, Jimmy Ruggles Brise
In attendance:
Cllr Urquhart, Robbie Bain (Highland Council, 6 Members of the Public
Chairperson opened meeting.
Apologies:
John Urquhart, Lady Eliza Melville, Ruari Matheson, Donald Northwood
Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:
Proposed - Jean Hollingdale. Seconded Uisdean Menzies
Matters Arising:
Gorstan Road Safety – Cllr Urquhart to arrange meeting with TEC Services to look at safety at junction.
20’s plenty speed limit – Sheree contacted TEC Services with suggestions from previous meeting, speed limit is to be put in place as per original plan as changes are not allowed to be made.
War Memorial – ongoing. Application has been prepared to seek grant funding from Historic Scotland.
Bus Stops – reply received from Transerv who are now going to arrange a meeting with Highland Council to further discuss the possibility for Bus Stops at Gorstan.
Treasurers Report:
Main Account £1697.42
Senior Citizens £760.32
War Memorial £656.84
All invoices and income receipts are now with A A Mackenzie for auditing for year end. During July invoices for re-advertising in Newsletter will be sent out.
Correspondence:
Planning Lists
Forestry Land Sale – Wester Corriemoillie
David Stewart – Victims Commissioner for Scotland
NHS – various newsletters/magazines
Highland Council – new model scheme for Community Councils
Marybank, Scatwell and Strathconon Community Council – letter informing Community Council that SSE have decided that Garve & District will not receive any community benefit for the Fairburn Windfarm development.
Liz Fraser from E-on had contacted Helen by telephone with regards to having a private meeting with Community Council members only with regards to Windfarm development. Community Council felt that this was not appropriate and felt that E-on should hold public meetings. E-on have now decided to hold public meetings on the 1st of July in Garve Village Hall and on the 2nd July in Achnasheen Hall. Robbie Bain from Highland Council felt that it would be beneficial to hold a meeting to discuss the structure for community benefit from windfarms – he will organise and chair this in September.
Low Flying – Squadron Leader Gilbert has re-scheduled talk and this will now take place on 1st December 2009 at Achnasheen Hall. Sheree to write and confirm.
Any Other Business:
Booking of Halls for meetings – Sheree to double check and confirm that bookings for Halls have been made, also book for Coffee mornings and Christmas Fare.
Notice board – further discussion about Village Notice boards – Uisdean to follow up on this matter.
Christmas Tree powerpoints – Robbie Bain to obtain costs for this.
Date of Next Meeting: 4th August 2009 @ 7.30pm in Achnasheen Hall.
Draft Minutes: Newsletter Sub Committee
2nd June 2009
Present:
Helen Grainge, Uisdean Menzies Sheree Grant, Jackie West, Pam Morrison (Part), Marion Taylor, Jim Curry.
Apologies: Donald Northwood
Advertising:
agreed to keep advertising rate the same at present. Marion will be sending out invoices in July.
Discussion on new copier:
looked at print copy from Konica machine which is the same machine as used by newsletter in Muir of Ord. Excellent copy and photographs reproduced really well. Sheree will hopefully have obtained quotes for new machine by next meeting and then we can look at funding this project.
Ideas for funding:
one idea for funding was a ‘friends of the news & views’.
Extra copies:
required for Kinlochewe shop, all other outlets happy with distribution amounts.
Date of Next Meeting:
after C C Meeting on 4th August 2009.
All welcome to participate in the Newsletter Meeting!
Wind Farm Proposal at Corriemoillie
I attended one of the recent Wind Farm proposal exhibitions. It seems, however, that quite a few people didn’t receive their ‘invitations’ from E.ON.
Apparently, this was because many people now subscribe to the mail preference service, which eliminates ‘junk mail’ from being delivered this means that other items, such as the E.ON invitation, also don’t get delivered.
Because of this, I’ve given over space this issue to give those of you who didn’t get your invitation, or couldn’t attend, an overview of the proposal. I hope it helps.
Note that I’m using the word ‘proposal’ because that is just what this is at the moment. However, if you have any objections at this stage, please register them with the relevant authority (The Planning Officer at the Highland Council). Or, if you wish to receive more detail contact E.ON direct, or visit their website.
I chatted to a number of the representatives from E.ON and RPS (an independent consultancy who have been commissioned to carry out all of the environmental studies for the project).
E.ON have provided me with an update (below), together with the scoping document and I’ve scanned the map which was given out at the exhibition, showing a more detailed view of the proposed siting of the turbines.
Ordnance Survey Licence number 100027856. Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2009. All rights reserved.
Ordnance Survey Licence number 0100031673. Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2009. All rights reserved.
I questioned them about the impact on the flora and fauna, and have been told that RPS have been consulting with the relevant experts in the field.
I asked about wind speed, as I’d read somewhere that the turbines shut-off at around 33mph, and that the wind speed around these parts was, on average, higher than that. This is what they have sent me:
The average wind speed at the site centre is 8.2 m/s or 18.3 mph. (This is based on extrapolating from the wind speed on the NOABL wind database at 45m height). A typical turbine will begin generating at 4 m/s and stop at 25 m/s.
With regard to bringing additional jobs into the community, I was told that, where possible, local labour would be utilised. However, specialised engineers work on these projects - I’m uncertain how many would actually live in the community.
On the upside, they confirmed, that those working on the project will require accommodation, and that local hotels/guest houses/B&B’s would be used for the duration.
E.ON have been forthcoming with information, and continue to stress that they welcome feedback from the community, and say, “We would like to remind everyone that the exhibition was not their only chance to give their opinions on the scheme, and that further opportunity will be available once a planning application has been submitted.”
Of course, this newsletter welcomes comments from anyone who wishes to express an opinion, either way. This newsletter is for the community and your views will be welcome (but please remember that it’s my decision to publish).
All I can do is report what I’ve discovered and give you an overview, a flavour of what is proposed, in the hope that I get some feedback from you. My opinions and views, I hope are not reflected in this piece, my job here is to be impartial.
Jackie West, Editor
Apparently, this was because many people now subscribe to the mail preference service, which eliminates ‘junk mail’ from being delivered this means that other items, such as the E.ON invitation, also don’t get delivered.
Because of this, I’ve given over space this issue to give those of you who didn’t get your invitation, or couldn’t attend, an overview of the proposal. I hope it helps.
Note that I’m using the word ‘proposal’ because that is just what this is at the moment. However, if you have any objections at this stage, please register them with the relevant authority (The Planning Officer at the Highland Council). Or, if you wish to receive more detail contact E.ON direct, or visit their website.
I chatted to a number of the representatives from E.ON and RPS (an independent consultancy who have been commissioned to carry out all of the environmental studies for the project).
E.ON have provided me with an update (below), together with the scoping document and I’ve scanned the map which was given out at the exhibition, showing a more detailed view of the proposed siting of the turbines.
Ordnance Survey Licence number 100027856. Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2009. All rights reserved.
Ordnance Survey Licence number 0100031673. Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2009. All rights reserved.
I questioned them about the impact on the flora and fauna, and have been told that RPS have been consulting with the relevant experts in the field.
I asked about wind speed, as I’d read somewhere that the turbines shut-off at around 33mph, and that the wind speed around these parts was, on average, higher than that. This is what they have sent me:
The average wind speed at the site centre is 8.2 m/s or 18.3 mph. (This is based on extrapolating from the wind speed on the NOABL wind database at 45m height). A typical turbine will begin generating at 4 m/s and stop at 25 m/s.
With regard to bringing additional jobs into the community, I was told that, where possible, local labour would be utilised. However, specialised engineers work on these projects - I’m uncertain how many would actually live in the community.
On the upside, they confirmed, that those working on the project will require accommodation, and that local hotels/guest houses/B&B’s would be used for the duration.
E.ON have been forthcoming with information, and continue to stress that they welcome feedback from the community, and say, “We would like to remind everyone that the exhibition was not their only chance to give their opinions on the scheme, and that further opportunity will be available once a planning application has been submitted.”
Of course, this newsletter welcomes comments from anyone who wishes to express an opinion, either way. This newsletter is for the community and your views will be welcome (but please remember that it’s my decision to publish).
All I can do is report what I’ve discovered and give you an overview, a flavour of what is proposed, in the hope that I get some feedback from you. My opinions and views, I hope are not reflected in this piece, my job here is to be impartial.
======================
Wind Farm Proposal:
note from the Garve and District Community Council
After the recent E.ON Road Shows in Garve and Achnasheen it may be a good time to put forward the Community Councils stand on wind farms.
We have already had several ballots on wind farms, and that these still stand without the need for further balloting, especially as the results did not effect the outcome.
Anyone who wishes to raise an objection to the Corriemoillie wind farm should write to The Planning Officer, Highland Council, Glen Urquhart Road. Inverness.
note from the Garve and District Community Council
After the recent E.ON Road Shows in Garve and Achnasheen it may be a good time to put forward the Community Councils stand on wind farms.
We have already had several ballots on wind farms, and that these still stand without the need for further balloting, especially as the results did not effect the outcome.
Anyone who wishes to raise an objection to the Corriemoillie wind farm should write to The Planning Officer, Highland Council, Glen Urquhart Road. Inverness.
Helen Grainge, Chairperson
======================
Corriemoillie Wind Farm Public Exhibitions - July 2009 Update from E.ON
“The proposed wind farm would be made up of 19 turbines, each measuring a maximum of 125m high from ground to tip and with a total generating capacity of between 38MW and 45MW.
The site does not have statutory landscape or nature designated areas, either national or international and lies outside of any Special Protected Areas for birds.”
The site does not have statutory landscape or nature designated areas, either national or international and lies outside of any Special Protected Areas for birds.”
On July 1 and 2, E.ON held two public exhibitions at Garve and Achnasheen to inform people about its potential Corriemoillie wind farm development.
Over the course of two days, E.ON welcomed 80 people from across the area who wanted to find out more about the proposal . Visitors had the opportunity to talk directly with the Corriemoillie wind farm developer, Matilda Urie, and other staff from E.ON about its plans.
In addition there were representatives from RPS, an independent consultancy who have been commissioned to carry out all of the environmental studies for the project. Displays of photomontages, of how the wind farm could look from various viewpoints in the area, were also presented alongside a wide array of information on the project.
We’re currently evaluating the feedback from the exhibitions and will make this available on the E.ON website shortly.
The planning process for a wind farm can be long and rigorous but E.ON has been working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that everyone benefits from a carefully planned wind farm.
RPS has completed most of the environmental impact assessment studies and the remaining studies are well under way. They will write up a large and detailed document called the Environmental Statement and this will provide information on issues such as landscape, ornithology, ecology, noise, traffic and cultural heritage. The planning application will be submitted to The Highland Council later this year.
“We understand that wind farms stir many different responses and emotions in the communities in which they are proposed, but we do pride ourselves on being a responsible developer. It's extremely important for us that we take every step to understand the site and keep the local community fully informed of our plans”.
Over the course of two days, E.ON welcomed 80 people from across the area who wanted to find out more about the proposal . Visitors had the opportunity to talk directly with the Corriemoillie wind farm developer, Matilda Urie, and other staff from E.ON about its plans.
In addition there were representatives from RPS, an independent consultancy who have been commissioned to carry out all of the environmental studies for the project. Displays of photomontages, of how the wind farm could look from various viewpoints in the area, were also presented alongside a wide array of information on the project.
We’re currently evaluating the feedback from the exhibitions and will make this available on the E.ON website shortly.
The planning process for a wind farm can be long and rigorous but E.ON has been working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that everyone benefits from a carefully planned wind farm.
RPS has completed most of the environmental impact assessment studies and the remaining studies are well under way. They will write up a large and detailed document called the Environmental Statement and this will provide information on issues such as landscape, ornithology, ecology, noise, traffic and cultural heritage. The planning application will be submitted to The Highland Council later this year.
“We understand that wind farms stir many different responses and emotions in the communities in which they are proposed, but we do pride ourselves on being a responsible developer. It's extremely important for us that we take every step to understand the site and keep the local community fully informed of our plans”.
To get in touch with us, you can: email corriemoillie@eon-uk.com
or write to: Matilda Urie, Freepost RRSE-KZCU-AZJL, E.ON, Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, Coventry CV4 8LG.
For updates on the wind farm, please visit:
www.eon-uk.com/generation/corriemoillie.aspx
or write to: Matilda Urie, Freepost RRSE-KZCU-AZJL, E.ON, Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, Coventry CV4 8LG.
For updates on the wind farm, please visit:
www.eon-uk.com/generation/corriemoillie.aspx
Ward Forum
27th April 2009
14.00 in Kinlochewe Village Hall
Chair:
Cllr Biz Campbell
Present:
Cllr Biz Campbell; Cllr Richard Greene; Cllr Audrey Sinclair; Cllr Jean Urquhart; Charlie Macrae (Plockton CC); Alistair MacLean (Torridon & Kinlochewe CC); Tom Forrest (Torridon & Kinlochewe CC); Isabel MacKenzie (Gairloch CC); Sue Tarr (Garve & District CC); Jean Hollingdale (Garve & District CC); Kate Finlayson (Contin CC); Alison MacLeod (Applecross CC); Richard Munday (Shieldaig CC); Graham Hewitt (Dornie & District CC); Isobel Stewart (Contin CC); Roy Baker (Marybank, Scatwell & Strathconon CC); Lizzie Bird (Stromeferry & Achmore CC); Roddy MacKenzie (Aultbea CC); Ken Morrison (Lochbroom CC); Margaret Denny (Wester Lochewe CC)
Officials in attendance:
Robbie Bain (Ward Manager); Chief Insp Mike Coates (Northern Constabulary), Insp Matthew Reiss (Northern Constabulary); Colin Clark (THC, Head of Waste Management); Ian Wilson (THC, Education & Enforcement Officer); Caroline Eccles (RoWAN); Claire Munday (West Coast Recycling); Mary Gibson (SNH); Fiona Downie (THC, Youth Development Officer).
And 8 Members of the public.
Introduction
Biz Campbell welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Police Issues
Chief Inspector Coates introduced himself to the Forum as replacement for Paul Eddington who had moved on to a position in Police HQ in Inverness.
Inspector Reiss outlined recent police activity in the Ward, including an incident concerning quad bikes in Contin, a mountain rescue alert on Slioch and the fire at Lochbroom House. He noted on-going policing in respect of vehicles, with about 20 vehicles per month impounded for lacking tax, MOT or insurance and speed enforcement work at Achanalt.
Points from Forum members included compliments to the police for their handling of a particular issue; the advantages of informing the local CC when problems arise and questions over whether a rise in drug-related offences was a likely consequence of recession and whether the police force was up to complement locally. Insp Reiss confirmed that the force was up to strength in both Ross & Cromarty and Skye, Lochalsh & Lochaber. No increase in drug-related offences had yet been noticed and the police continued to emphasise the benefits of intelligence-led policing.
Waste Issues
Ian Wilson, Highland Council, Education & Enforcement Officer, outlined his work and the penalties that can be charged but emphasised that he relies on people reporting incidents. Abandoned vehicles require a notice to be displayed on them for 7 days after which they can be removed and destroyed. Where the owner can be traced, the charge is £150 for removal and £150 for destruction. Fixed penalties are £40 for dog fouling, £50 for litter and £50 for flytipping. In the case of fly-tipping the case can additionally be reported to the procurator fiscal for further action.
Discussion commenced on the topic of fly-tipping, the difficulty of identifying culprits since most of the fly-tipping happens at night and the risk that bulky-uplift charges levied by the Council might add to the problem. The difficulty of getting fly-tipped debris removed from private land was raised and reference was made to the problem in respect of Railtrack and Forestry Commission land.
There were pleas for more bins and debate over whether removal of bins from car parks and lay-bys encouraged people to take control of their own waste. A plea was made for the community skips (available to Lochalsh) not to be removed and for money to be made available directly to communities to enable them to undertake litter pick-up campaigns themselves.
Colin Clark, Highland Council’s Head of Waste Management, outlined the policy background to waste management in UK and EU before going on to detail the current arrangements for collection of waste and recycling in Ward 6. Colin noted that in Ward 6 at present about 55% of households had access to Kerbside recycling, either through rural blue bins (Lochalsh, Marybank, Strathconon, Contin and Garve) or blue box/brown bin (Strathpeffer). He closed by outlining some of the developments likely to occur in the future, including in-vessel composting and energy from waste schemes.
Colin was asked when the remaining Households in Ward 6 might expect to receive a kerbside collection scheme. While he could not provide any assurances, Colin suggested that where 95% of households were receiving a kerbside collection service it may be untenable to leave the remaining 5% without such a scheme but also pointed out that to maximise capture of recyclable materials, all three elements needed to be present: a kerbside scheme and recycling points and recycling centres.
It was suggested that there was a need for skips for mixed recyclates at strategic points across the Ward rather than only at regional centres and there was discussion on the potential for community-operated local centres.
Caroline Eccles, from RoWAN (the Ross-shire Waste Action Network) spoke about the their role in waste awareness. Currently they operate a Master Composter Scheme, whereby volunteers help at events and talk to neighbours and friends. They also have staff employed in “Towards Zero Waste Communities” a project which is active in 6 communities including Ullapool. They perform school activities and Caroline showed slides from a waste audit carried out with pupils at Dingwall Academy. More information is available from the RoWAN website at www.rowanweb.org.uk
Claire Munday and Tom Forrest, gave a presentation on the West Coast Recycling Group. This group has been running since 2004 and has the aim of “reprocessing and closing the recycling loop ideally in Highland, or preferably within Scotland”. While they also have aspirations to provide recycling for cardboard, most of the attention to date has been on plastics recycling. The Shieldaig plastics scheme started in 2006 and was followed by further collection centres at Kinlochewe, Applecross & Strathcarron.
To date, 54.5 tonnes or 1784 cubic metres of segregated plastic has been collected by these communities and taken by Ferguson Transport to Invergordon.
Currently a business plan is being prepared to extend the range and scope of the collection regime and form a charitable organisation which could work with Highland Council to deliver local recycling in Wester Ross.
It was agreed that the next Forum meeting would be provisionally set for Monday 22nd or 29th June at 19.00 in Dornie Hall.
14.00 in Kinlochewe Village Hall
Chair:
Cllr Biz Campbell
Present:
Cllr Biz Campbell; Cllr Richard Greene; Cllr Audrey Sinclair; Cllr Jean Urquhart; Charlie Macrae (Plockton CC); Alistair MacLean (Torridon & Kinlochewe CC); Tom Forrest (Torridon & Kinlochewe CC); Isabel MacKenzie (Gairloch CC); Sue Tarr (Garve & District CC); Jean Hollingdale (Garve & District CC); Kate Finlayson (Contin CC); Alison MacLeod (Applecross CC); Richard Munday (Shieldaig CC); Graham Hewitt (Dornie & District CC); Isobel Stewart (Contin CC); Roy Baker (Marybank, Scatwell & Strathconon CC); Lizzie Bird (Stromeferry & Achmore CC); Roddy MacKenzie (Aultbea CC); Ken Morrison (Lochbroom CC); Margaret Denny (Wester Lochewe CC)
Officials in attendance:
Robbie Bain (Ward Manager); Chief Insp Mike Coates (Northern Constabulary), Insp Matthew Reiss (Northern Constabulary); Colin Clark (THC, Head of Waste Management); Ian Wilson (THC, Education & Enforcement Officer); Caroline Eccles (RoWAN); Claire Munday (West Coast Recycling); Mary Gibson (SNH); Fiona Downie (THC, Youth Development Officer).
And 8 Members of the public.
Introduction
Biz Campbell welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Police Issues
Chief Inspector Coates introduced himself to the Forum as replacement for Paul Eddington who had moved on to a position in Police HQ in Inverness.
Inspector Reiss outlined recent police activity in the Ward, including an incident concerning quad bikes in Contin, a mountain rescue alert on Slioch and the fire at Lochbroom House. He noted on-going policing in respect of vehicles, with about 20 vehicles per month impounded for lacking tax, MOT or insurance and speed enforcement work at Achanalt.
Points from Forum members included compliments to the police for their handling of a particular issue; the advantages of informing the local CC when problems arise and questions over whether a rise in drug-related offences was a likely consequence of recession and whether the police force was up to complement locally. Insp Reiss confirmed that the force was up to strength in both Ross & Cromarty and Skye, Lochalsh & Lochaber. No increase in drug-related offences had yet been noticed and the police continued to emphasise the benefits of intelligence-led policing.
Waste Issues
Ian Wilson, Highland Council, Education & Enforcement Officer, outlined his work and the penalties that can be charged but emphasised that he relies on people reporting incidents. Abandoned vehicles require a notice to be displayed on them for 7 days after which they can be removed and destroyed. Where the owner can be traced, the charge is £150 for removal and £150 for destruction. Fixed penalties are £40 for dog fouling, £50 for litter and £50 for flytipping. In the case of fly-tipping the case can additionally be reported to the procurator fiscal for further action.
Discussion commenced on the topic of fly-tipping, the difficulty of identifying culprits since most of the fly-tipping happens at night and the risk that bulky-uplift charges levied by the Council might add to the problem. The difficulty of getting fly-tipped debris removed from private land was raised and reference was made to the problem in respect of Railtrack and Forestry Commission land.
There were pleas for more bins and debate over whether removal of bins from car parks and lay-bys encouraged people to take control of their own waste. A plea was made for the community skips (available to Lochalsh) not to be removed and for money to be made available directly to communities to enable them to undertake litter pick-up campaigns themselves.
Colin Clark, Highland Council’s Head of Waste Management, outlined the policy background to waste management in UK and EU before going on to detail the current arrangements for collection of waste and recycling in Ward 6. Colin noted that in Ward 6 at present about 55% of households had access to Kerbside recycling, either through rural blue bins (Lochalsh, Marybank, Strathconon, Contin and Garve) or blue box/brown bin (Strathpeffer). He closed by outlining some of the developments likely to occur in the future, including in-vessel composting and energy from waste schemes.
Colin was asked when the remaining Households in Ward 6 might expect to receive a kerbside collection scheme. While he could not provide any assurances, Colin suggested that where 95% of households were receiving a kerbside collection service it may be untenable to leave the remaining 5% without such a scheme but also pointed out that to maximise capture of recyclable materials, all three elements needed to be present: a kerbside scheme and recycling points and recycling centres.
It was suggested that there was a need for skips for mixed recyclates at strategic points across the Ward rather than only at regional centres and there was discussion on the potential for community-operated local centres.
Caroline Eccles, from RoWAN (the Ross-shire Waste Action Network) spoke about the their role in waste awareness. Currently they operate a Master Composter Scheme, whereby volunteers help at events and talk to neighbours and friends. They also have staff employed in “Towards Zero Waste Communities” a project which is active in 6 communities including Ullapool. They perform school activities and Caroline showed slides from a waste audit carried out with pupils at Dingwall Academy. More information is available from the RoWAN website at www.rowanweb.org.uk
Claire Munday and Tom Forrest, gave a presentation on the West Coast Recycling Group. This group has been running since 2004 and has the aim of “reprocessing and closing the recycling loop ideally in Highland, or preferably within Scotland”. While they also have aspirations to provide recycling for cardboard, most of the attention to date has been on plastics recycling. The Shieldaig plastics scheme started in 2006 and was followed by further collection centres at Kinlochewe, Applecross & Strathcarron.
To date, 54.5 tonnes or 1784 cubic metres of segregated plastic has been collected by these communities and taken by Ferguson Transport to Invergordon.
Currently a business plan is being prepared to extend the range and scope of the collection regime and form a charitable organisation which could work with Highland Council to deliver local recycling in Wester Ross.
It was agreed that the next Forum meeting would be provisionally set for Monday 22nd or 29th June at 19.00 in Dornie Hall.
Looking back…
It seems I’m not alone in tracking down the story of the stalker killed by the stag (John Maclennan). Ronnie Ross very kindly passed on details of a gentleman in Oban who wrote to him late last year enquiring about the story, also passing on some further information and a photograph (reproduced here).
Photograph above is entitled “Gralloching* a Royal at Loch Rosque, shot by Sir Arthur Bignold”.
Below see two scans of the Game Book for 1896 - the bottom page showing the same scene, and although you can’t see it here, there is a note from the artist (W. L. Muir) that says “The Fallen Monarch - taken from a photo”
Compare and note the artistic licence used in respect of the landscape...
*Gralloching: removing the stomachs and entrails in the field.
The gentleman in question was looking for information about the memorial to the stalker, I have sent him links to our website where he’ll see the recent photographs provided by the Seligman family – at the time of preparing this article I’d not heard back from him, but I’m hoping we can exchange information, which I will, of course, include here.
The further information, mentioned above, comes from a book published in 1927 entitled Hunting and Stalking the Deer, and within the chapter ‘Notes on the Habits of Deer’ the following is reported:
A stalker at Lochrosque in the ‘eighties had a nasty adventure. Duncan Fraser by name, he was digging potatoes in an enclosure in which was kept a tame stage. Hearing a noise behind him, he looked round to see the beast charging him. So close was the animal that he had no time to turn, and received a severe blow in the back, the horns passing on each side of his body under his arms. He fell forward clutching the horns, of which he dared not let go.
There were some cottages about three hundred yards off, and he yelled for help with all the power of his lungs. For a long time no one paid any attention, those who heard his cries saying afterwards that, though they heard them they did not think they were of any consequence!
For over half and hour Fraser remained struggling with the stag in this terrible position, and eventually, help arriving, the beast was driven off with sticks. The man was terribly knocked about and was in bed for six weeks as a result of injuries he sustained.
Two years later this same stag killed a stalker. The case is well known. His battered spy-glass and broken stick were found beside by his body, showing that he had put a good fight for his life. The stag knew him well, as he was accustomed to feed it; but, as has been remarked before, deer seem incapable of displaying any affection for their benefactors.
The people in the district turned out and shot the stage, building a large cairn on the spot. Trees we planted there, and the place was afterwards hidden by the plantation.
The photograph shows Sir Arthur Bignold and a stalker – we can only surmise that this stalker is John Maclennan.
Sir Arthur Bignold was born in July 1839, the 13th son of Sir Samuel Bignold, who was at one time Mayor of Norwich (and in turn was son of Thomas Bignold, the founder of Sun Insurance, Norwich – five generations of the Bignold family are linked to Norwich, and the company which was to become Norwich Union).
The Duke of Wellington was his god-parent.
He was educated at Cambridge, spoke five languages (he was fluent in Gaelic) and went on to be a Member of the London Stock Exchange, a founding member of the Kennel Club, a Fellow of the Royal Zoological Society, as well as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Sir Arthur undertook many ‘good works’ around this part of the Highlands, and was in fact President of the Ross and Sutherland Benevolent Society as well as a magistrate of Ross and Cromarty, a Freeman of several burghs, and Chief of the Gaelic Society.
He married Mary in 1866, and had the church at Lochluichart built in her memory.
In 1885, they moved to Scotland and acquired the forest and lodges of Strathbran, Lochrosque and Cabuie. (The lodge at Cabuie disappeared below the waters of Loch Fannich, when it was dammed in the 1950’s).
Even today these estates are being reported as follows “...Lochrosque, Cabuie and Nest of Fannich have some of the most challenging stalking grounds in Scotland, especially as there are a number of punchbowl-like corries which demand great skill in order to complete a successful stalk.”
Sir Arthur had obviously done his homework, to ensure that his new estates would provide a challenge for stalkers.
Standing for Parliament in 1900 he was, until 1910, the MP for the burghs of Wick, Cromarty, Dingwall, Dornoch, Kirkwall and Tain.
In June 1901, at Lochluichart Parish Church, Mrs Mary Bignold was laid to rest, after suffering from a long illness. The Minister at the time, Rev. W. L. Wallace Brown, of Alness, spoke at the funeral, of her, as follows: She was so courteous, kind and generous, to the humblest as well as to the highest, with whom she was associated, and a true helpmeet to her talented and greatly respected husband.
He later added: Nowhere in the Highlands of Scotland will you see better cottages than these which Mr and Mrs Bignold build for their people. The old low, black huts with their small windows have given place to healthy, comfortable slated houses.
Between them they certainly made a difference to the lives of those in their employ it seems. And, today, some of those ‘comfortable slated houses’ can still be seen in and around this community.
In July 1903, he purchased Northcote House and grounds, Wick, which he gifted to the people of Wick to be used as a cottage hospital, in memory of his late wife.
He was knighted in 1904, and in 1906 was the only Conservative to be elected north of Edinburgh.
He remarried, in 1906. In the same year received the Freedom of the City of Kirkwall, whereupon he gifted a public park.
He never possessed a motor car, he disliked them, and it was only in his last few years that he found he could easily shoot, and fish by their aid - that was the only time he was persuaded sit in one.
In 1890 (according to the Game Book of that year) Sir Arthur shot at 10st 2lb stag at Fannich, and next to the entry was recorded “This stag swam out into Loch Fannich with Byron on his back…” – Byron was one of the estates faithful dogs, well trained in stalking. Later on it records Byron being ill and being patiently treated, the writer was very much concerned about his loyal companion. When the dog died a touching obituary was written, I can only assume by the stalker. The books are meticulous in detail, and at the end of each season records the total game ‘bagged’. The two scans here record the end of the 1890 season.
Sir Arthur Bignold died in 1915, and is buried at Achanalt.
There’s much, much, more to write about, I had intended to include lots of the lovely anecdotes this time about Irene, the Marquesa de Torrehermosa, and her infamous Alvis cars, but I shall save them until next time.
However, I will leave you with one little snippet about Irene (who was, from all reports a most remarkable person, and reading of her ‘adventures’ I have no doubts about that at all).
Here is an account of one of the famous feuds with her neighbours. There was a dispute about the shooting of a fine stag between herself and Major Simon Turner, who at that time owned Fannich Lodge.
The Fannich stalker turned up with a knife in the Strathbran deer larder and the Strathbran stalker had a narrow escape. Simon and Irene did not speak for years after this incident.
However, they did meet at a local drinks party at some point, and were both rather the worse for wear. They stared each other out and eventually Irene said “Alright, you stupid old fool, you can have your damned head when I die.”
Years later, at Irene’s funeral Simon Turner arrived saying “I want my head”…
Thanks once again to the Seligman family allowing me access to all this wonderful information - it’s been a great pleasure and privilege for me. I’d like to thank Jim who accompanied me this time around, and spent nearly six hours patiently scanning as I wrote up my notes .
Also, my grateful thanks to Donny Hogg who was most kind to us the day we visited Strathbran (and who I know to be a fountain of further information…)
This month I shall be meeting with Mark Seligman to visit the stalker’s monument, and hopefully take a few more photographs.
Until next time...
Jackie
The Lochrosque Game Books are beautifully illustrated, here’s a page showing the castle, and the then track alongside the loch.
The artist (W. T. M) seems to be a regular guest of Sir Arthur, filling many pages of the game books with wonderful depictions of life on the estate in the late 1800’s.
As yet I’ve not found his/her signature in any of the ‘guest/visitor’ books, or noted as a participant of the stalk, but I shall keep looking and endeavour to find out more about this person.
As yet I’ve not found his/her signature in any of the ‘guest/visitor’ books, or noted as a participant of the stalk, but I shall keep looking and endeavour to find out more about this person.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT: Please note that all scans have been undertaken with the kind permission of the Seligman family and copyright therefore belongs to them. Please do not reproduce any item contained in any of my articles, past, previous or present relating to Strathbran, Sir Arthur Bignold, or Lochrosque without first asking permission of the family. This can be done via this newsletter to email address achnasheenandgarve@gmail.com - I will be happy to pass on all requests.
Larisa’s Recycle Update
A story first:
Finally:
I will be doing a clean up very soon along road side.
Anyone wanting to join in will be very welcome!
Larisa Jansen
01997 455230
The summer has arrived, so have the blue wheelie bins. The weather has been great and the blue bins a common look.
Everybody wanted to get a bit of that sun and spent time in their garden, the river or on the road. So did I, and on a late sunny afternoon, after many, many times passing Silver Bridge I decided to park my car and walk down to the falls.
This time it was not the water that was attracting me but the rocks. In the previous days I had seen some youths jumping into the falls, and now I was wanting to be impressed by the height of the bridge and the rocks themselves. Well, I was impressed.
The bridge did definitely not convince me of being safe. Looking down the rocks reassured me. I took a big breath and with the sound of the falls I proceeded. I noticed some good natural steps. But when I looked over the edge, I was shocked by the litter and plastic bottles. I turned around and noticed more and more. There was even an aluminium barbecue, with some sausages left for me!
Question: How can these young people have such a great time together in the water, travelling from far, having a barbecue, loving the place and NOT taking their rubbish and other stuff with them?
Doesn’t the place look much better, if, when you return with your mates if the bottles and rubbish were not there? Besides if you like the place why not look after it? Ok, I could understand the attitude “I DON’T CARE” if you did not have a rubbish bin at home.
But, because people do have rubbish bins in their homes, and do have respect for their own environment there, surely, must be a way of expanding this to all the places where these people pass!
Now there’s an idea!
27th April 2009 Ward Forum meeting in Kinlochewe: Main issue was a discussion on Waste Management. Colin Clark, Head Waste Management HC, gave an extensive explanation for the benefits of a “Zero Waste” society, how much challenge it would be to come to this target and to promote the awareness of reducing waste, to no waste.
Highland Council could not reach the target from The Landfill Allowance Scheme in March 2008, leaving them with a fine (70,299 tonnes to landfill, 2,706 tonnes over the allowance).
HC is now working close together with Moray Council (who well succeeded their target) regarding logistics and costs savings. The whole of Scotland reached the total target and HC has progressed in many ways since their start in 2005. Recycling was 9% at that time with 30.7% March 2008. In 2010 HC have to reach target of 40%.
That this is a big challenge, it is believed, with an average of 8 persons /km2 in Highlands.
Another interesting schedule Colin showed was the amount going to landfill in other European countries, with Germany on the top with 5% only going to landfill at present. Also the amount of energy from waste is to be jealous of. Most European countries started 20 years ago and the UK is very far behind. Still very positive, Colin is determined to reach the same.
Everybody wanted to get a bit of that sun and spent time in their garden, the river or on the road. So did I, and on a late sunny afternoon, after many, many times passing Silver Bridge I decided to park my car and walk down to the falls.
This time it was not the water that was attracting me but the rocks. In the previous days I had seen some youths jumping into the falls, and now I was wanting to be impressed by the height of the bridge and the rocks themselves. Well, I was impressed.
The bridge did definitely not convince me of being safe. Looking down the rocks reassured me. I took a big breath and with the sound of the falls I proceeded. I noticed some good natural steps. But when I looked over the edge, I was shocked by the litter and plastic bottles. I turned around and noticed more and more. There was even an aluminium barbecue, with some sausages left for me!
Question: How can these young people have such a great time together in the water, travelling from far, having a barbecue, loving the place and NOT taking their rubbish and other stuff with them?
Doesn’t the place look much better, if, when you return with your mates if the bottles and rubbish were not there? Besides if you like the place why not look after it? Ok, I could understand the attitude “I DON’T CARE” if you did not have a rubbish bin at home.
But, because people do have rubbish bins in their homes, and do have respect for their own environment there, surely, must be a way of expanding this to all the places where these people pass!
Now there’s an idea!
27th April 2009 Ward Forum meeting in Kinlochewe: Main issue was a discussion on Waste Management. Colin Clark, Head Waste Management HC, gave an extensive explanation for the benefits of a “Zero Waste” society, how much challenge it would be to come to this target and to promote the awareness of reducing waste, to no waste.
Highland Council could not reach the target from The Landfill Allowance Scheme in March 2008, leaving them with a fine (70,299 tonnes to landfill, 2,706 tonnes over the allowance).
HC is now working close together with Moray Council (who well succeeded their target) regarding logistics and costs savings. The whole of Scotland reached the total target and HC has progressed in many ways since their start in 2005. Recycling was 9% at that time with 30.7% March 2008. In 2010 HC have to reach target of 40%.
That this is a big challenge, it is believed, with an average of 8 persons /km2 in Highlands.
Another interesting schedule Colin showed was the amount going to landfill in other European countries, with Germany on the top with 5% only going to landfill at present. Also the amount of energy from waste is to be jealous of. Most European countries started 20 years ago and the UK is very far behind. Still very positive, Colin is determined to reach the same.
Finally:
* Clothes from recycling bank Garve are sent to Nathan Waste Savers Ltd. All banks emptied here. 1 million items sorted every week in central Scotland. Clothing sold on, affordably, to poor folk in Africa and Asia. Further information see web.
* Ullapool Plastic bottles - Due to low price plastic bottles Graham Imrie could not afford yet to start again with pick-ups. Good news is the price is going up again, and Ullapool will be celebrating hopefully soon.
* Kinlochewe plastic bottles - Tom Forres and co (all volunteers) have written a letter with business proposal, to HC, for support in recycling in this rural community. They are still waiting for response.
* Ullapool Plastic bottles - Due to low price plastic bottles Graham Imrie could not afford yet to start again with pick-ups. Good news is the price is going up again, and Ullapool will be celebrating hopefully soon.
* Kinlochewe plastic bottles - Tom Forres and co (all volunteers) have written a letter with business proposal, to HC, for support in recycling in this rural community. They are still waiting for response.
I will be doing a clean up very soon along road side.
Anyone wanting to join in will be very welcome!
Larisa Jansen
01997 455230
The Wild Brownie
T’was the fish of a lifetime,
I’m happy to say.
It took a gold spinner,
That I cast it’s way.
“Another good Pike” I thought at the time.
As it twisted and turned, and tore of more line,
Then it leapt from the water,
A good foot in the air,
And at once I could see
“Than was no Pike!” out there.
Then doubt started up, “What if the line broke?”
Would I be believed? Would they think it a joke?
Would it throw out the hook?
With its head wildly shaking,
As again it leapt high,
While I stood there quaking.
Then, there were the rocks.
Where I’d lost fish before.
And massive big tree roots.
That big fish headed for!
But I need not have worried ,
Hardy rod kept it clear.
And into the side, through the weed I did steer.
Once, on the bank, I could see its full size,
A ‘personal best’ was in front of my eyes.
I took photo’s and weighed it,
This eleven pound Trout,
Then took it round to my neighbours
But, all of them out.
Nor Harry, or Jock, or Max could be found.
So, with it, in my car. I just drove around.
Then to Johnny Niblet, at railway station I went,
Who was there with a friend, and both gave their consent
To witness and weigh it take more photo’s too
“Was the biggest caught local” as far as they knew!
Now the fish of a life-time
Is carved out of wood,
And painted and mounted, it really looks good.
I’ll not catch another one life, I’m sure
But the memory will stay with me, evermore!
David Willis
I’m happy to say.
It took a gold spinner,
That I cast it’s way.
“Another good Pike” I thought at the time.
As it twisted and turned, and tore of more line,
Then it leapt from the water,
A good foot in the air,
And at once I could see
“Than was no Pike!” out there.
Then doubt started up, “What if the line broke?”
Would I be believed? Would they think it a joke?
Would it throw out the hook?
With its head wildly shaking,
As again it leapt high,
While I stood there quaking.
Then, there were the rocks.
Where I’d lost fish before.
And massive big tree roots.
That big fish headed for!
But I need not have worried ,
Hardy rod kept it clear.
And into the side, through the weed I did steer.
Once, on the bank, I could see its full size,
A ‘personal best’ was in front of my eyes.
I took photo’s and weighed it,
This eleven pound Trout,
Then took it round to my neighbours
But, all of them out.
Nor Harry, or Jock, or Max could be found.
So, with it, in my car. I just drove around.
Then to Johnny Niblet, at railway station I went,
Who was there with a friend, and both gave their consent
To witness and weigh it take more photo’s too
“Was the biggest caught local” as far as they knew!
Now the fish of a life-time
Is carved out of wood,
And painted and mounted, it really looks good.
I’ll not catch another one life, I’m sure
But the memory will stay with me, evermore!
David Willis
Lochside
Our Lochside correspondent has landed the largest Brown Trout recorded for Lochluichart and surrounding area.David Willis caught a fish weighing 11 lbs. David’s previous personal best was a fish of 3.5 lb.
This beats the previous best weight, recorded about 20 years ago, of 6 lbs (caught by Jock Logie).
Our intrepid angler, caught the fish using a gold spinner on a “bright and sunny day”, reckons this is his lifetime personal best for a Brown Trout, and has had the fish's likeness carved in wood.
Jim
PS: David managed to beat his regular companions, the otters, with this beauty - we feel sure they are wondering
where they are going wrong… and probably look miffed like this one!Photograph courtesy of
www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/islandblogging/blogs/005630
STOP PRESS: David has now received the scale reading from the Scottish Fisheries & Scottish government saying that the fish was in it’s 10th year, scales show growth and good condition, and of wild origin (not farmed or introduced).
Celtic Fringe Tourism Association
Celtic Fringe?
Who are they?
Perhaps a worthwhile exercise might be to clarify some of the activities we have been involved in…….
Locally, committee members are:
Steve Plowman (Achnasheen)
James Mould (Lochcarron)
Richard Spence (Gairloch)
Chris Field (Shieldaig)
Gina Burt (Torridon)
Fran Cree (Melvaig)
Sandie Stevens (Poolewe)
Should you want to contact, comment, feedback, or forward inquiries about Celtic Fringe or Tourism generally, then gently berate the following:
Douglas Gibson, 01445 712085
Email: contact@celticfringe.org.uk
Who are they?
Perhaps a worthwhile exercise might be to clarify some of the activities we have been involved in…….
Celtic Fringe has now been active for some eleven years…..our membership has gradually increased from the initial half dozen or so members up to just over 110 throughout the area between Lochcarron and Braemore Junction. While these have a concentration in the Kinlochewe – Gairloch area, all recent projects and work have concentrated on tourism throughout the entire area. There has never been a focus on any one community.
So, what has been achieved? Well, the first major issue was to improve road signage . This was an extremely time consuming process, but eventually resulted in the “Coastal Trail” signs dotted around the area. The trail itself was mirrored in the “Slow Down in North West Scotland” booklet, which had a print run of 15,000 copies. There is a well used website at www.celticfringe.org.uk on which all members are entitled to advertise themselves as part of their membership fee – this fee is £35.00 per annum and includes not only the website entry, but an e-mail based news / info service currently linking 90% of all members.
1000 Information Packs were produced several years ago with information and brochures on just under 50 tourist facilities and services throughout the area – entry in this was available to all, and the packs were distributed throughout Wester Ross all the way up to (and including) Ullapool. These have been updated three times to date.
We launched the Wester Ross Brand last winter, and an associated website called www.visitwester-ross.com - do have a look.
Finally, in conjunction with business / tourism associations in Lochcarron, Gairloch, and Ullapool, we initiated a proposal to develop regional projects which are seen to be able to offer marketing and tourism benefits for everybody, whether they are members of any of the above organisations or not.
The latest of these now under way for 2010 is a year long marketing and promotional campaign for Wester Ross. This includes a 34 page booklet, website developments, appearances at the 2010 Outdoor and Camping Show in Glasgow, and an Image Library for Wester Ross.
Our website at www.celticfringe.org.uk carries PDF downloads of all recent AGM’s, annual reports, conferences, application forms, brand details etc.
So, what has been achieved? Well, the first major issue was to improve road signage . This was an extremely time consuming process, but eventually resulted in the “Coastal Trail” signs dotted around the area. The trail itself was mirrored in the “Slow Down in North West Scotland” booklet, which had a print run of 15,000 copies. There is a well used website at www.celticfringe.org.uk on which all members are entitled to advertise themselves as part of their membership fee – this fee is £35.00 per annum and includes not only the website entry, but an e-mail based news / info service currently linking 90% of all members.
1000 Information Packs were produced several years ago with information and brochures on just under 50 tourist facilities and services throughout the area – entry in this was available to all, and the packs were distributed throughout Wester Ross all the way up to (and including) Ullapool. These have been updated three times to date.
We launched the Wester Ross Brand last winter, and an associated website called www.visitwester-ross.com - do have a look.
Finally, in conjunction with business / tourism associations in Lochcarron, Gairloch, and Ullapool, we initiated a proposal to develop regional projects which are seen to be able to offer marketing and tourism benefits for everybody, whether they are members of any of the above organisations or not.
The latest of these now under way for 2010 is a year long marketing and promotional campaign for Wester Ross. This includes a 34 page booklet, website developments, appearances at the 2010 Outdoor and Camping Show in Glasgow, and an Image Library for Wester Ross.
Our website at www.celticfringe.org.uk carries PDF downloads of all recent AGM’s, annual reports, conferences, application forms, brand details etc.
Locally, committee members are:
Steve Plowman (Achnasheen)
James Mould (Lochcarron)
Richard Spence (Gairloch)
Chris Field (Shieldaig)
Gina Burt (Torridon)
Fran Cree (Melvaig)
Sandie Stevens (Poolewe)
Should you want to contact, comment, feedback, or forward inquiries about Celtic Fringe or Tourism generally, then gently berate the following:
Douglas Gibson, 01445 712085
Email: contact@celticfringe.org.uk
Wildlife & Nature
"Summer is a coming in" as they merrily chanted in the 70's movie, 'the Wicker Man'.
Nature's Cycle moves another step onward. From the first green shoots of Spring and into the lush green foliage and flower of Summer. With its arrival, come the various creatures not usually (or willingly, I bet) associated with man and his workings.
On four legs (with antlers): A local lady has been pleased with the efforts of a surreptitious volunteer trimming her lawn (see photos). This young stag is believed to be - a knowledgeable
source tells me - the unfortunate beast who last year had a feed bag hanging as a ragged veil from his antlers! Obviously he's repaying a debt to the species that freed him...
On two legs (with wings): Lots of activity in and around the villages - though we are not blessed with some of the more exotic species which favour the more remote or extreme settings, we do get our seasonal share!
Passerines / Coastal: Seagulls have almost finished their breeding trip inland and will soon be following the Oystercatchers and Curlews back out to their more usual coastal habitat. The Siskins have raised a manic clutch or two - their airborne antics never cease to amaze me. Around our place,
the Song and Mistle Thrushes have been joined by a cousin of theirs, the Redwing. That's the first of us noticing these recent additions!
Oddly, our Chaffinch population is not a numerous as it once was (last year we had around 20 mated pairs that used to come feed in the garden - this year, it's closer to six pairs) - whether that be a change in their feeding habits, or the 'work' of an outside agency, I have no idea.
One of our neighbours brought us a Siskin, which she'd found dead and unmarked, at her feeding table. It did, however, have a ring on its leg (from the British Museum, as it happens) so we duly noted down the number and reported the bird as dead. It may take a while for a reply, though - apparently over 800,000 birds are ringed each year - this is done by 2,000 trained volunteer 'ringers'!
According to their website
http://www.bto.org/ringing/ringinfo/index.htm#report less than 1 out of every 50 ringed birds is reported: that
means EVERY report of a ringed bird is of value. The site does stress that if you see a ringed bird feeding at your table, do not try to catch it - use a telescope / binoculars to read the ring number instead.
Our Robins now have 2 chicks, which initially looked like Dunnocks wearing stilts!! A quick look at the RSPB book soon told me otherwise. Whilst I'm on Dunnocks, our usual two pairs are nowhere to be seen - perhaps they only visit the garden in Autumn / Winter to forage?
From the other end of the village, a kind reader has submitted some photos of Long-tailed Tits and Goldfinches feeding in a garden there (as well as a nosey doe looking into her kitchen window).
Raptors: 'Our' Ospreys have two young 'uns, and seem to be thriving - though, for a week or two, they had us worried, as their nest seemed to be empty for long periods at a time.
I notice, with a little inward sigh of pleasure, that the red kites are establishing themselves further into our part of Ross-shire - usually following the route of the roads: there's a curious tie-in there, Raptor and road-kill, perhaps? Also, over Garve way, I've seen 'Kestrels on the go' so it appears that the smaller guys are getting a look-in too!
Our closest Buzzard (he knows who he is...) still sits atop his lonely tree, occasionally accompanying the Inverness train towards Achanalt for a few hundred meters on his early morning search for food.
We have had the fleetest of glimpses of Sparrowhawk activity around our garden. The 2 or 3 broods painstakingly reared by the Sparrows (who, despite nationwide reports to the counter, appear to be burgeoning here!) are treated like cakes on a tearoom tray, by this skilful hunter. Thus far, I've only seen the female...
One evening, in late June, I happened to be looking skyward and saw a curious sight: a large bird, with something in its claws being chased (mobbed? There was only one of the little guys...) by a much smaller bird. The larger bird had pointed wingtips, so wasn't a Sparrowhawk, however, it may have been a Peregrine - though what it would be doing here in the flats of the Strath, eludes me! I only mention it because at the time, the poignancy of the smaller bird in desperate pursuit rang a note with me. Perhaps it was giving chase to save one of its young, or its mate...
Sometimes Nature is both beautiful and merciless. What we do when we find those things that we have no previous experience of intrigues me. Example: Armed only with a mini RSPB book of British birds during a visit to the convoy memorial at Cove, I managed to misidentify a Wheatear as a Great Grey Shrike!
In closing, I'd like to give many thanks to everyone who keeps me informed of what's going on where with the wildlife, and also to those of you who take time to submit photos!
Jim
Nature's Cycle moves another step onward. From the first green shoots of Spring and into the lush green foliage and flower of Summer. With its arrival, come the various creatures not usually (or willingly, I bet) associated with man and his workings.
On four legs (with antlers): A local lady has been pleased with the efforts of a surreptitious volunteer trimming her lawn (see photos). This young stag is believed to be - a knowledgeable
source tells me - the unfortunate beast who last year had a feed bag hanging as a ragged veil from his antlers! Obviously he's repaying a debt to the species that freed him...On two legs (with wings): Lots of activity in and around the villages - though we are not blessed with some of the more exotic species which favour the more remote or extreme settings, we do get our seasonal share!
Passerines / Coastal: Seagulls have almost finished their breeding trip inland and will soon be following the Oystercatchers and Curlews back out to their more usual coastal habitat. The Siskins have raised a manic clutch or two - their airborne antics never cease to amaze me. Around our place,
the Song and Mistle Thrushes have been joined by a cousin of theirs, the Redwing. That's the first of us noticing these recent additions!Oddly, our Chaffinch population is not a numerous as it once was (last year we had around 20 mated pairs that used to come feed in the garden - this year, it's closer to six pairs) - whether that be a change in their feeding habits, or the 'work' of an outside agency, I have no idea.
One of our neighbours brought us a Siskin, which she'd found dead and unmarked, at her feeding table. It did, however, have a ring on its leg (from the British Museum, as it happens) so we duly noted down the number and reported the bird as dead. It may take a while for a reply, though - apparently over 800,000 birds are ringed each year - this is done by 2,000 trained volunteer 'ringers'!According to their website
http://www.bto.org/ringing/ringinfo/index.htm#report less than 1 out of every 50 ringed birds is reported: that
means EVERY report of a ringed bird is of value. The site does stress that if you see a ringed bird feeding at your table, do not try to catch it - use a telescope / binoculars to read the ring number instead.Our Robins now have 2 chicks, which initially looked like Dunnocks wearing stilts!! A quick look at the RSPB book soon told me otherwise. Whilst I'm on Dunnocks, our usual two pairs are nowhere to be seen - perhaps they only visit the garden in Autumn / Winter to forage?
From the other end of the village, a kind reader has submitted some photos of Long-tailed Tits and Goldfinches feeding in a garden there (as well as a nosey doe looking into her kitchen window).
Raptors: 'Our' Ospreys have two young 'uns, and seem to be thriving - though, for a week or two, they had us worried, as their nest seemed to be empty for long periods at a time.
I notice, with a little inward sigh of pleasure, that the red kites are establishing themselves further into our part of Ross-shire - usually following the route of the roads: there's a curious tie-in there, Raptor and road-kill, perhaps? Also, over Garve way, I've seen 'Kestrels on the go' so it appears that the smaller guys are getting a look-in too!
Our closest Buzzard (he knows who he is...) still sits atop his lonely tree, occasionally accompanying the Inverness train towards Achanalt for a few hundred meters on his early morning search for food.
We have had the fleetest of glimpses of Sparrowhawk activity around our garden. The 2 or 3 broods painstakingly reared by the Sparrows (who, despite nationwide reports to the counter, appear to be burgeoning here!) are treated like cakes on a tearoom tray, by this skilful hunter. Thus far, I've only seen the female...
One evening, in late June, I happened to be looking skyward and saw a curious sight: a large bird, with something in its claws being chased (mobbed? There was only one of the little guys...) by a much smaller bird. The larger bird had pointed wingtips, so wasn't a Sparrowhawk, however, it may have been a Peregrine - though what it would be doing here in the flats of the Strath, eludes me! I only mention it because at the time, the poignancy of the smaller bird in desperate pursuit rang a note with me. Perhaps it was giving chase to save one of its young, or its mate...
Sometimes Nature is both beautiful and merciless. What we do when we find those things that we have no previous experience of intrigues me. Example: Armed only with a mini RSPB book of British birds during a visit to the convoy memorial at Cove, I managed to misidentify a Wheatear as a Great Grey Shrike!
In closing, I'd like to give many thanks to everyone who keeps me informed of what's going on where with the wildlife, and also to those of you who take time to submit photos!
Jim
Highland Delivery: E-petition Response
Update (12 June 2009) on petition lodged on the No. 10 e-petition website.
“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to investigate the charges levied by some couriers/suppliers to the Scottish Highlands.”
“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to investigate the charges levied by some couriers/suppliers to the Scottish Highlands.”
Details of Petition: This petition argues the need for a enquiry into the inflated charges imposed by some couriers/suppliers for delivery to parts of the Scottish Highlands which now have communications links of standard similar to (if not better than) other UK regions. It submits that the charges relating to many parts of the Highlands are outdated and are restricting economic and social growth in order to simply increase the profits of delivery companies or suppliers.
The Government’s response: Parcels’ and courier services are not regulated as the sector is a highly competitive market. In addition to parcels carriers and couriers, some retailers/manufacturers/mail order companies also have their own delivery fleets.
Although Royal Mail provides a universal service for parcels which allows for a delivery of parcels weighing up to 20kg at a uniform price anywhere in the United Kingdom, retailers/manufacturers/mail-order companies may prefer to use alternative carriers or their own delivery services.
The application of price banding for different areas within the UK is a common practice and is based on the fact that greater costs are incurred by the operator to get the parcel to its destination. Two key factors are involved – the physical distances are greater, whilst the density in volume of the packages going to remote areas is smaller. Companies must be able to cover their costs in order to provide a sustainable business.
These companies must however try to provide or secure the most cost-effective service to ensure their own competitiveness in their respective market. In such a commercial and highly competitive environment, it is for private carriers and couriers and other companies who use or operate carrier services to review their own pricing structures in response to competitive pressures and market demands.
Customers of mainland suppliers/mail-order companies are advised to carefully consider delivery policies when making orders and where an extra charge is being applied they should take the matter up direct with the respective company, especially in those cases where they feel an extra charge is being wrongly applied. This should be done preferably before making an order, but where customers have only become aware of the extra charge after the order has been delivered, they should formally register their concern direct with the respective company.
In those cases where there is evidence that a company is behaving in an anti-competitive manner, customers should be advised to raise the matter with the Office of Fair Trading.
For more information on this petition and others visit:
www.number10.gov.uk/Page19603
From Italy to the Highlands
Laura Gauna tells about how she found her new home here in Achnasheen:
"Maybe the Celtic spirit has always been inside me...
I remember when in primary school making drawings of Princess Anne in a purple dress, and when it came the time to choose a foreign language, the obvious choice was English.
Later in life I learned French and Spanish. I studied in one of the first Tourist Colleges and went on to work in travel agencies in the north of Italy for at least 18 years where I saw the travel industry evolve as it moved into the computer era. I enjoyed that job and during that time I had the opportunity to visit many beautiful and exotic countries and could have moved to some of them like Bahamas or Madagascar, but Scotland always had a special place in my heart.
Now, when I manage to have a day off, I just have to go to Skye or north for the day and I feel like I am on holiday.
October 1997: My first trip to Scotland with my dear friend and colleague Cristina from the travel agency.
We left Italy in a foggy autumn day and after a few hours we landed in an incredibly sunny Edinburgh. After the usual tourist visit to the Castle we hired a car and started our adventure driving north.
We arrived in Inverness which was, back then, nothing more than a sleepy highland village before travelling north to John O’ Groats, Durness, Gairloch and finally back to Glasgow to catch our flight back home.
I had fallen in love with the Scottish wilderness. That was the first of many trips to Scotland in the years to come.
In 2005 I came here almost once a month, looking for a job that could give me the opportunity of moving here and, at the end of May, I found a job as a cook in a local café.
I stayed there until last year when I decided to be my own boss and started my little home baking business specialising in gluten free products. I love this job. Although it is really hard having to work on my own, being boss, baker, accountant, buyer, seller, courier, and PR at the same time, but all the tiredness fades away when I receive compliments about my work.
I started getting mail orders from all over the country from people who have been on holiday here, sampled my baking, and now want to have some more to share with friends. I sell my products in shops, cafes and markets in Inverness and Ross-shire.
Since coming here I have made many good friends who always made me feel welcome, as if they have known me for years. Just the other day I was thinking how Scotland has changed my life and the lives of many people I know who have moved here, and completely changed jobs, too. It would be nice to hear how other people arrived here..."
Laura
Ed: I agree!
Let’s hear more about the people who make up our community - have you a story to tell?
You can meet Laura at most the local fairs and markets
"Maybe the Celtic spirit has always been inside me...
I remember when in primary school making drawings of Princess Anne in a purple dress, and when it came the time to choose a foreign language, the obvious choice was English.
Later in life I learned French and Spanish. I studied in one of the first Tourist Colleges and went on to work in travel agencies in the north of Italy for at least 18 years where I saw the travel industry evolve as it moved into the computer era. I enjoyed that job and during that time I had the opportunity to visit many beautiful and exotic countries and could have moved to some of them like Bahamas or Madagascar, but Scotland always had a special place in my heart.
Now, when I manage to have a day off, I just have to go to Skye or north for the day and I feel like I am on holiday.
October 1997: My first trip to Scotland with my dear friend and colleague Cristina from the travel agency.
We left Italy in a foggy autumn day and after a few hours we landed in an incredibly sunny Edinburgh. After the usual tourist visit to the Castle we hired a car and started our adventure driving north.
We arrived in Inverness which was, back then, nothing more than a sleepy highland village before travelling north to John O’ Groats, Durness, Gairloch and finally back to Glasgow to catch our flight back home.
I had fallen in love with the Scottish wilderness. That was the first of many trips to Scotland in the years to come.
In 2005 I came here almost once a month, looking for a job that could give me the opportunity of moving here and, at the end of May, I found a job as a cook in a local café.
I stayed there until last year when I decided to be my own boss and started my little home baking business specialising in gluten free products. I love this job. Although it is really hard having to work on my own, being boss, baker, accountant, buyer, seller, courier, and PR at the same time, but all the tiredness fades away when I receive compliments about my work.
I started getting mail orders from all over the country from people who have been on holiday here, sampled my baking, and now want to have some more to share with friends. I sell my products in shops, cafes and markets in Inverness and Ross-shire.
Since coming here I have made many good friends who always made me feel welcome, as if they have known me for years. Just the other day I was thinking how Scotland has changed my life and the lives of many people I know who have moved here, and completely changed jobs, too. It would be nice to hear how other people arrived here..."
Laura
Ed: I agree!
Let’s hear more about the people who make up our community - have you a story to tell?
You can meet Laura at most the local fairs and markets
In Brief
*Achnasheen pupils may remember their trip, in the late 1980’s, on The Waverley which is the last paddle steamer in operation. Delays to renovation of Largs pier may threaten the steamer’s economic viability and The Waverley Steam Navigation Co are urging the Scottish Parliament to speed up the work in time for the summer season. In a typical season 11,500 passengers would board at Largs.
*Pubs across Scotland are warning of closures due to new licensing laws. Every licensed store and pub in Scotland must comply with changes by September. Licensees require three pieces of paper before they can sell drink (a personal license, a premises license, and a training certificate). Lack of necessary paperwork may mean temporary closure until the matter is dealt with. Supermarkets will be barred from selling drink before 10am!
*Applecross residents may have to travel to the nearest post office in Lochcarron if a sub-postmaster cannot be found to run the local branch.
*Muir of Ord now boasts the largest Skate Park in the Highlands. It was completed in August 2008 at a cost of £80,000. As well as looking after the Skate Park, the club organises a variety of adventure excursions.
*At the Highland Show something happened which is thought to be unique. A shepherd from Stow, who has been competing in the North Country Cheviot classes for almost twenty years, but never taken a main prize, exhibited six sheep in the section. He took the competition by storm by winning all the major awards.
*Also at the Highland Show this year the overall Beef Champion came from the Galloway breed. This very popular choice reminds us that “the reputation of Scotch Beef came originally from our native breeds.”
*Until August 28th the Lewis ferry from Ullapool will make three crossings on Wednesdays and Fridays. Leaving Ullapool at 9.30am and returning for 9.45pm will give around seven hours on the Island. At £14.50 return it’s a real bargain!
*A project that aims to “recycle” computer parts and prevent good equipment being dumped needs a “recent graduate “to manage a database for three months. ROWAN feel that too many useful pieces are being landfilled or shipped away instead of being put to good use by local people.
*A consumer watchdog has published a report accusing energy suppliers of overcharging customers an average of £74 a year by not passing on cuts in wholesale energy costs. Energy companies refute this and say the watchdog use its data incorrectly and ignores other costs which affect the price of energy…
*Buy British charcoal for your barbecues and help save the world! British charcoal involves about 85% less CO2 from transportation and encourages sustainable woodland management. Information about charcoal products from local producers is available at www.bioregionalhomegrown.co.uk
*4th September has been named Eat Scottish Venison Day by an alliance of producers. This was prompted, by the demand for venison being met, by importing up to one third of the supply. New Zealand venison is flown thousands of miles to supply supermarkets and restaurants, yet deer shot by traditional game dealers in Scotland is primarily exported….to France.
* A newspaper letter notes that farmers are to be educated on how to use railway crossings, and that motorists will be stopped and issued with leaflets at both GARVE and DINGWALL crossings, in a bid to reduce what the Transport Police call “misuse”. The writer questions the assertion that Garve is “...one of the most transgressed crossing in Scotland...” and asks how this is possible with only six trains a day and, by urban standards, the limited volume of traffic.
*MSP’s campaigning for action on Kessock Bridge logjams claim growing public support for Park and Ride schemes and they pledge to press the issue. This does not mean just a BIG car park - it will mean having an effective and reliable public transport system in place.
*Agricultural shows are an increasingly important part of the powerful McDonald’s marketing machine. They now source 100% of the beef, dairy products and potatoes sold in the UK from British and Irish farms. Ten thousand tons of seed potatoes (used to make McDonald’s fries) are grown mostly on the east side of Scotland, going up to the Black Isle. So the origin of their potatoes across the UK is in Scotland.
*Staff, guests and more than 800 pupils joined together in Dingwall Academy at the end of term, to celebrate the first full year of education at the £28m school. Headteacher, Graham Mackenzie, said “It has been my privilege to oversee the smooth transition of pupils into their new school”.
Pam Morrison
*Pubs across Scotland are warning of closures due to new licensing laws. Every licensed store and pub in Scotland must comply with changes by September. Licensees require three pieces of paper before they can sell drink (a personal license, a premises license, and a training certificate). Lack of necessary paperwork may mean temporary closure until the matter is dealt with. Supermarkets will be barred from selling drink before 10am!
*Applecross residents may have to travel to the nearest post office in Lochcarron if a sub-postmaster cannot be found to run the local branch.
*Muir of Ord now boasts the largest Skate Park in the Highlands. It was completed in August 2008 at a cost of £80,000. As well as looking after the Skate Park, the club organises a variety of adventure excursions.
*The Royal Highland Educational Trust (RHET) is responsible for a much improved understanding between town and country. Volunteers travel round schools and there are open days on farms. The CCOW (Countryside Classroom on Wheels) goes round primary schools to help children understand where their food comes from!
*At the Highland Show something happened which is thought to be unique. A shepherd from Stow, who has been competing in the North Country Cheviot classes for almost twenty years, but never taken a main prize, exhibited six sheep in the section. He took the competition by storm by winning all the major awards.
*Also at the Highland Show this year the overall Beef Champion came from the Galloway breed. This very popular choice reminds us that “the reputation of Scotch Beef came originally from our native breeds.”
*Until August 28th the Lewis ferry from Ullapool will make three crossings on Wednesdays and Fridays. Leaving Ullapool at 9.30am and returning for 9.45pm will give around seven hours on the Island. At £14.50 return it’s a real bargain!
*A project that aims to “recycle” computer parts and prevent good equipment being dumped needs a “recent graduate “to manage a database for three months. ROWAN feel that too many useful pieces are being landfilled or shipped away instead of being put to good use by local people.
*A consumer watchdog has published a report accusing energy suppliers of overcharging customers an average of £74 a year by not passing on cuts in wholesale energy costs. Energy companies refute this and say the watchdog use its data incorrectly and ignores other costs which affect the price of energy…
*Buy British charcoal for your barbecues and help save the world! British charcoal involves about 85% less CO2 from transportation and encourages sustainable woodland management. Information about charcoal products from local producers is available at www.bioregionalhomegrown.co.uk
*4th September has been named Eat Scottish Venison Day by an alliance of producers. This was prompted, by the demand for venison being met, by importing up to one third of the supply. New Zealand venison is flown thousands of miles to supply supermarkets and restaurants, yet deer shot by traditional game dealers in Scotland is primarily exported….to France.
* A newspaper letter notes that farmers are to be educated on how to use railway crossings, and that motorists will be stopped and issued with leaflets at both GARVE and DINGWALL crossings, in a bid to reduce what the Transport Police call “misuse”. The writer questions the assertion that Garve is “...one of the most transgressed crossing in Scotland...” and asks how this is possible with only six trains a day and, by urban standards, the limited volume of traffic.
*MSP’s campaigning for action on Kessock Bridge logjams claim growing public support for Park and Ride schemes and they pledge to press the issue. This does not mean just a BIG car park - it will mean having an effective and reliable public transport system in place.
*Agricultural shows are an increasingly important part of the powerful McDonald’s marketing machine. They now source 100% of the beef, dairy products and potatoes sold in the UK from British and Irish farms. Ten thousand tons of seed potatoes (used to make McDonald’s fries) are grown mostly on the east side of Scotland, going up to the Black Isle. So the origin of their potatoes across the UK is in Scotland.
*Staff, guests and more than 800 pupils joined together in Dingwall Academy at the end of term, to celebrate the first full year of education at the £28m school. Headteacher, Graham Mackenzie, said “It has been my privilege to oversee the smooth transition of pupils into their new school”.
Pam Morrison
Thank You!
Thanks to everyone in the community for the beautiful planter gift, presented to following Brenda’s recent visit to Raigmore.
Brenda and Michael Clough (Achnasheen)
Thanks from the Parent Council
On behalf of all at Strathgarve School, the new Parent Council would like to thank the outgoing Parent Council for all of their hard work over the previous two years, and in some cases many years !
Particular thanks go to Rhoda Urquhart, Katrina MacKenzie, Uisdean Menzies and Joanne Raeburn.
Angela Moxon
Particular thanks go to Rhoda Urquhart, Katrina MacKenzie, Uisdean Menzies and Joanne Raeburn.
Angela Moxon
Runners raise funds for Achnasheen Village Hall
Well done Moira & Steve!
Well done to Moira and Steve for raising a huge amount of money (see below) for Achnasheen Amenities. We are very grateful to you both, and hope the half marathon wasn’t too exhausting. The money raised is very badly needed for renovating the old kitchen area in the hall, to bring it up to Health and Safety standards set by the Highland Council.
A BIG thank you to everyone who dug deep into their pockets with sponsorship monies. PLUS, an even BIGGER thank you to Moira and Steve for not asking me to run with you on the day!
Gill Ross
Isle of Skye Half Marathon - a result!
Yes, we did it! The weather was extremely kind as 280 runners were piped to the start line at Portree High School. Moira had to do a quick last minute (and very public!) adjustment when she discovered her running top was back-to-front but soon we were on our way.
The 13.2 mile course is very picturesque and helps to take your mind off the effort and the pain. It’s quite undulating, with a bit of a ‘cardiac hill’ at miles 10-11. There were plenty of well-stocked water stations though, so dehydration was never going to be a problem on this sunny June day.
The support from people along the route was greatly appreciated and there was a real buzz as you crossed the finish line and heard your name being announced. We were both extremely pleased to finish the event in less than 2 hours.
The generous hospitality that followed was magnificent, with mountains of delicious food for lots of hungry runners. We finished the day with a free swim and sauna, kindly offered to all competitors, so a big thank you to the organisers of the Skye Half Marathon – we’ll definitely be back!
The best news is that we managed to raise £440.00 for Achnasheen Amenities, so a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who sponsored us and sent us messages of good luck.
Moira Harris and Steve Jones
Well done to Moira and Steve for raising a huge amount of money (see below) for Achnasheen Amenities. We are very grateful to you both, and hope the half marathon wasn’t too exhausting. The money raised is very badly needed for renovating the old kitchen area in the hall, to bring it up to Health and Safety standards set by the Highland Council.
A BIG thank you to everyone who dug deep into their pockets with sponsorship monies. PLUS, an even BIGGER thank you to Moira and Steve for not asking me to run with you on the day!
Gill Ross
Isle of Skye Half Marathon - a result!
Yes, we did it! The weather was extremely kind as 280 runners were piped to the start line at Portree High School. Moira had to do a quick last minute (and very public!) adjustment when she discovered her running top was back-to-front but soon we were on our way.
The 13.2 mile course is very picturesque and helps to take your mind off the effort and the pain. It’s quite undulating, with a bit of a ‘cardiac hill’ at miles 10-11. There were plenty of well-stocked water stations though, so dehydration was never going to be a problem on this sunny June day.
The support from people along the route was greatly appreciated and there was a real buzz as you crossed the finish line and heard your name being announced. We were both extremely pleased to finish the event in less than 2 hours.
The generous hospitality that followed was magnificent, with mountains of delicious food for lots of hungry runners. We finished the day with a free swim and sauna, kindly offered to all competitors, so a big thank you to the organisers of the Skye Half Marathon – we’ll definitely be back!
The best news is that we managed to raise £440.00 for Achnasheen Amenities, so a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who sponsored us and sent us messages of good luck.
Moira Harris and Steve Jones
Garve & Lochluichart WRI
AGM Thursday 28th May, Garve Hall
President Mrs J Haslam reported a good year, in which we won two cups and a silver salver in the bulb and baking show in Dingwall, we also had successes at the craft show, and made our mark at the quiz night at Marybank.
Last November and December we joined with other community groups in fund raising events, in which our members worked hard to the benefit of our WRI as well as the other community charities.
Over the year we have had a series of interesting and informative speakers, and many enjoyable evenings.
At the AGM The President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer remained the same. Mrs E Urquhart resigned as Press secretary and this post has been taken by Mrs H Grainge, Inchbae, Garve. IV23 2PG.
Mrs J Haslam won the MacGregor Sorbie cup for the most points in the monthly competitions.
The evening finished with a lovely tea and hopes that next year we can do as well, if not even better.
Helen Grainge
President Mrs J Haslam reported a good year, in which we won two cups and a silver salver in the bulb and baking show in Dingwall, we also had successes at the craft show, and made our mark at the quiz night at Marybank.
Last November and December we joined with other community groups in fund raising events, in which our members worked hard to the benefit of our WRI as well as the other community charities.
Over the year we have had a series of interesting and informative speakers, and many enjoyable evenings.
At the AGM The President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer remained the same. Mrs E Urquhart resigned as Press secretary and this post has been taken by Mrs H Grainge, Inchbae, Garve. IV23 2PG.
Mrs J Haslam won the MacGregor Sorbie cup for the most points in the monthly competitions.
The evening finished with a lovely tea and hopes that next year we can do as well, if not even better.
Helen Grainge
Tricky Dickie is 60!
Many people will recognise Richard and Sheila Green in this photograph.Richard was Manager of Garve hotel for some years - he left around 30 years ago, and returned to Glasgow for two years, spent three years managing Kings Mills Hotel, and has been at Lochardil Hotel for the past 25 years. On Sunday 28 June he had a surprise party for his 60th birthday
Invitation to Margo's
Diaries to the ready!
Make a note of this date now!
Friday, 25 September
Place: Margo's House, Strathvaich.
Time 10.30 onwards, all day in fact!
Please come and bring friends.
In 2008 we raised £652 thanks to the great support received. It would be wonderful to get close, or even better it this year.
See you on the 25th September!
Margo
Make a note of this date now!
Friday, 25 September
Place: Margo's House, Strathvaich.
Time 10.30 onwards, all day in fact!
Please come and bring friends.
In 2008 we raised £652 thanks to the great support received. It would be wonderful to get close, or even better it this year.
See you on the 25th September!
Margo
Robbie Cassie
The communities of Achnasheen and Garve were saddened to hear of the passing of Robbie Cassie, and would like to pass on condolences to his wife Ann and sons Steven and Robert.
Robbie was well known around the west coast, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
The team, past and present, who have written, produced and delivered this newsletter would like to record that we’ve been very grateful for Robbie’s support through the years. Without hesitation he supported us from the beginning, and made a healthy donation to the funds every year. As well as supporting us with his advertising.
Thank you Robbie - our July/August newsletter is dedicated to you.
Robbie was well known around the west coast, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
The team, past and present, who have written, produced and delivered this newsletter would like to record that we’ve been very grateful for Robbie’s support through the years. Without hesitation he supported us from the beginning, and made a healthy donation to the funds every year. As well as supporting us with his advertising.
Thank you Robbie - our July/August newsletter is dedicated to you.
Ceud Mile Failte!
What a wonderful welcome the folk of the area have given Anna and myself. In the short time we have been here people have made us feel at home. We are so grateful.
I have told a number of folk that we do have a special place in our hearts for Achnasheen. It was there we descended from the train as a newly married couple and set off - on the postbus - to our honeymoon in Aultbea.
St. Paul wrote to the early church that they had to ‘practise hospitality’ (Romans 12.13). Welcoming and caring for visitors is part of a way of life which we can easily lose in the modern rush.
Of course, in the ‘Year of Homecoming’ we have been made aware of how vital the hospitality industry is to Scotland and in particular the Highlands. Our economy depends on visitors. On visitor off a cruise ship can spend hundreds. One fisherman can spend even more if he decides to get new tackle or his waders spring a leak.
There is also a ‘divine economy’. But it is about giving more than receiving.
The folk of Achnasheen and Garve I have discovered give a great deal - to help others and to support their communities. And they certainly know how to give a welcome!
Rev. Fraser Stewart
01997 423296
I have told a number of folk that we do have a special place in our hearts for Achnasheen. It was there we descended from the train as a newly married couple and set off - on the postbus - to our honeymoon in Aultbea.
St. Paul wrote to the early church that they had to ‘practise hospitality’ (Romans 12.13). Welcoming and caring for visitors is part of a way of life which we can easily lose in the modern rush.
Of course, in the ‘Year of Homecoming’ we have been made aware of how vital the hospitality industry is to Scotland and in particular the Highlands. Our economy depends on visitors. On visitor off a cruise ship can spend hundreds. One fisherman can spend even more if he decides to get new tackle or his waders spring a leak.
There is also a ‘divine economy’. But it is about giving more than receiving.
The folk of Achnasheen and Garve I have discovered give a great deal - to help others and to support their communities. And they certainly know how to give a welcome!
Rev. Fraser Stewart
01997 423296
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