In Brief

* The GeoSearch problem is escalating around the Bignold Mausoleum where the end of the trail encourages searchers to remove stones from the nearby wall. Unfortunately, it is a retaining wall for the ancient graves adjacent to it, and the wall is regularly being damaged both on top and at its foundation.


 

* University students can now study for a Masters’ in Food Security and, specifically, learn how genetic modification could play an important role in tackling the Global challenge of a “World food crisis which is almost upon us”.  The world’s largest wheat importer, Egypt, has felt the brunt of the drought in Russia which reduced the wheat harvest by a quarter.

 

* If, like me, you don’t throw out those old desk diaries (some are just too beautiful) then see if you have a copy of the 2005 diary - the names of the days are the same, and it wasn’t a leap year, which would have altered the dates.

 

*An article in the Scottish Farmer warns that Scotland faces an “environmental disaster” if Europe carries out its threat to ban the key bracken-control chemical, Asulam. The NFU Scotland said that there was a very real possibility that the country could be left defenceless against uncontrollable bracken growth.  I do know that small areas can be cleared by cutting for three years consecutively.

 

* It was good to see Josephine Dean's report in the March issue of An Carrannach. In particular she mentioned that wrens had been seen locally having survived the winter - so far. It is snowing again as I write…


 

* At a sale in Dingwall the park champion from Thurso, sold to the Orkney judge for £900.  The “showstopper” is by Roadside Jack The Lad!


 

* Having ploughed through Corriemoillie wind farm application report, I am pondering the several references to the Local Development Plans for Ross and Cromarty EAST (that is us, folks!) 2007.  These immense documents reside in Libraries, Post Offices and, presumably, on line.  Will they be current, under review or soon to be declared obsolete by the time decisions are made? And will we still have those Post Offices and Libraries?



* I expect our new gardening expert could have told me that after collecting molehill soil, home-made compost and river sand then mixing it and barrowing it to my greenhouse (Dingwall) raised bed that I would only achieve the magnificent depth of 3 inches (8 centimetres)!  So, it was off to the garden centre for “3 Bags for £10”.  They are still in the car and snow is covering the bed now!

 

* Financial crises are having tremendous effects on Sponsorship, particularly for sporting events: Golf, Tennis, the Tall Ships Race, etc. are cited!  The general public perceive a contradiction when companies - which put huge amounts of money into Sport sponsorship - are also raising the price of their brands and even, in some cases, making employees redundant.  The companies justify this as the need for along term view, continuously raising awareness of ‘known’ but sometimes forgotten brands.

Pam Morrison

Kyle Line project

People have enjoyed looking at the ARCH Kyle Line project which is currently displayed in Achnasheen Village Hall and is viewable from the Station Platform, through the window. Pictures and text (take your specs!) are well-researched and interesting.

If you haven't already seen this presentation, try to catch a glimpse before it moves to its next journey along the line!  
Pam Morrison                           
(for Janet Hooper, ARCH)


Additional  Information:              
Work on a third phase of the project – covering Lochluichart-Dingwall – is due to begin at Dingwall soon. When the project is completed, all the information will be on display at the Friends of the Kyle Line Museum at Kyle Station.

Train operator ScotRail supported the project, providing complimentary train travel for tutors and students to carry out their research.     
      
ScotRail’s sponsorship and events manager Theresa Gault said: “We were delighted to help and are confident the displays will enhance our customer’s experience of the Kyle Line.”

Arch project officer Susan Kruse said: “The rail travel was essential to the success of the project. It allowed our participants to take in the archaeological sites as viewed from the train.”

Peter Beck, of the Friends of the Kyle Line, said: “The findings are varied. They range from the ancient history of a Bronze Age axe-head found near Strathcarron in 1925 to evidence of wartime activity, with munitions stores along the line.

“There is also the realignment of the line at Lochluichart for the hydro-electric power scheme in 1954 and the building of a holiday home  - in the style of a traditional railway signalbox at Plockton - in the 1970s.”

More information at www.archhighland.org.uk/heritage-along-the-kyle-line.asp

Garve and District Community Council: Agenda - meeting 3 May 2011

AGENDA

Tuesday 3 May 2011,
Achnasheen Village Hall, 7.00pm


1.    Apologies

2.    Declarations of interest

3.    Chairman’s comments

4.    Approve the minutes of the last meeting

5.    Matters arising from the last minutes

6.    Treasurer’s report

7.    Resignation of CC member

8.    The Community Liaison Group

9.    Correspondence

10.   AOB from CC members

11.   AOB from members of the public

11.    Scoping reports and Consultations

12.    Planning applications

13.    Licensing applications

14.    Community Benefit Fund

15.    Date of next meeting

All welcome!

News from Strathgarve Primary School

The children have written pieces about the Ross-shire Cross Country championships and World Book Day.

The Nursery also took part in a Chatter-Box Challenge. This was on March 1st at Strathconon Primary School. The children from Marybank Nursery also joined in. The children brought £1 and were part of a nation-wide ‘chatter’ to raise money for the children’s communication charity ‘I CAN’. They all had a fun time.

It has proved to be a very busy and exciting few weeks. Everybody is working hard and taking part in a wide range of activities. Eight children represented the school in the Cross Country championships and I was so proud of everybody’s amazing effort. Just walking around the course made me tired!  I can’t wait to start the training for next year!

World Book Day was a great success especially as the theme was ‘food’. The children read recipes, menus and were involved in a wide range of fun activities. It was lovely to see all the children from Marybank, Strathgarve and Strathconon mixing and working so well. Indeed the lunchtime football match was a highlight for many.

Thank you to Strathpeffer Primary School for letting us use their gym hall. The children were able to develop their skills in gymnastics and it was amazing to see Martin from the Nursery climbing up to the top of a rope.

Thank you also to all the wonderful parents and grandparents who help with transport to all these events – we really could not manage without you!

I am thoroughly enjoying being Acting Head Teacher and I will inform you of any change to my title!
Best wishes to you all, Sue Bate

World book day!
On the 2nd March 2011, Strathgarve, Marybank and Strathconon primary schools were all celebrating World Book day a day early. This year the theme was food. There were many activities to do. The activities were  - ready steady sandwich, making your own pizza, drama, takeaway music and art. All the schools made chefs hats and they were brilliant.
It was very special day!!! Ella P6


Cross Country
On Friday 4th of March a group of runners from Strathgarve primary school took part in the Ross-shire cross country championships at Alness academy.

We left school at 11:45. We arrived at 12:30. When we got there we went into a big hall and got very excited.

At 1:00 we walked around the course. We saw a bath! When we got back the boys went first. Brandon and Cameron ran really well.

The girls ran 5 minutes after. Lucy, Ella, Claire, Ellie, Tiania and Becky ran their fastest and were completely tired out.

After everyone was finished we went back into the hall. We thought the girls wouldn’t win because Tore came 2nd and we thought they were better than us.

When they called out Strathgarve we screamed with delight!!!

We went up to the front and got handed a big trophy which we took back to school. We get to keep it for a year. Our photograph is on the front page of the Ross-shire Journal. We phoned Mr. Quigley to tell him the good news. We all feel very proud and we can’t wait until next year. Becky p6
  

Our Champions!
Congratulations on winning the Ross-Shire Primary Schools Championship Group E Shield, for cross country.From left to right the winning team: Tiana, Claire, Becky, Ella, Lucy, and Ellie.

The Tale of MacWoody

In a wee field high up in the Scottish mountains at the back of some unit on an industrial estate MacWoody lies discarded.

He dreams of the days when humans thought he was useful, the many thousands of miles carrying everything from food to furniture, often at times feeling that he would buckle under the sheer weight of the goods he was being asked to carry.

Never complaining, only to happy to be of use.

The excitement of that Monday morning having been loaded onto a truck, and the thought of where he would journey to, had over the years  filled him fit to bursting point.

But gradually, over the years, he had noticed all around newer pallets look at him down their noses, ashamed to be travelling next to this scruffy one. The odd nail had come lose, and where once a human would replace it, it now was left to rust and bend, moss had even begun to take hold, no one cared any more.

Then one day, as he lay with the other pallets waiting to be carried inside one by one, the pallets left him, smirking as they went, until looking around MacWoody realised he was alone..

Then in the gloom he noticed the door swing open and a man walk towards him. Yes! Yes! They still want me MacWoody beamed.

The man picked him up, but walked past the unit doors he headed to the small patch of wasteland and hurled him over the fence and down the embankment near to the railway.

He lay in the grass for the next few months, slowly being hidden from view no, longer wanted - he dreamed and dreamed.

The one day an old rusty truck turned up and a big fat bald human walked towards him, and dragging him from the grass chains was placed into the rear of the old truck - a truck the likes he had never seen...

He listened as the man talked to himself about what he was going to turn the pallet into. Talk of a huge nest box made MacWoody smile like he hadn’t for so many years.
Once again he would be useful!                      
Andy Lowe

Andy's blog: www.theblackbuscompany.blogspot.com 
Shop/Gallery: www.photoboxgallery.com/3004962
Andy's YouTube www.youtube.com/dafthermit

Staying in is the new going out

Call me a hermit, but staying in is definitely the new going out. 

If you were not already hacked-off with the cost of petrol or public transport getting to the cinema, the cost of the ticket to get in, the price of those essential sugar-filled snacks has skyrocketed!

The cost of going to the cinema has spiralled to a point where, if you have a family, the choice is a Saturday night out at the flicks or a week in Tenerife. 

Yes. The seats are wide and comfy, but they still have chewing gum on them.

Compare and contrast with the home cinema experience.  From a cost perspective alone, home cinema offers unbelievably better value entertainment for the entire family. 

Services like LoveFilm offer unlimited movie rentals for just a tenner a month, and a media streamer like Apple TV allows you to download and watch HD movies instantly for as little as 99p each.

Factor in the cost of petrol, parking, tickets, drinks, snacks and even maybe merchandise when taking the family to the flicks, and you could buy a stunning home cinema system, including blu-ray player, surround sound amplifier and speakers, for less than the cost of a dozen visits.

I can’t vouch for your sofa, but mine is pretty comfy and does not have chewing gum on it.  My popcorn is freshly-made, and all my fizzy drinks and chocolate goodies come from the supermarket where every little helps. 

My home cinema comfort is further enhanced by as much leg-room as I want, the perfect room temperature and, most importantly, the ability to press pause when you need a toilet break.

Given the choice of burning a couple of gallons of petrol driving to the cinema and back, or spending the fiver on a bottle of plonk for the movie – I go for the headache in the morning every time. 

The screen is at an ideal distance and in glorious high definition and the volume level suits everyone (well, except the dog!)

When you add it all up, it’s difficult to see why anyone would ever go to the cinema again…                                    
Kris Gamble

Customised Home and Office are your local technology company offering bespoke home cinema installations

at prices to suit any budget.

To arrange a free consultation with Kris Gamble call 01997 414 246

or visit www.customisedhomeandoffice.co.uk

Garve and Lochluichart SWRI

Meeting 27 January President Jennifer Haslem opened the meeting.

There was a lot to discuss as this was the first meeting of the year. 


Plans for the bulb and baking show were made and forms filled out, with some of us persuaded to add an item onto the baking class.  Some of our bulbs are too far ahead (my Amaryllis is in full bloom now) and some not showing signs of life, but will probably be ok on the day.

There were also discussions on the entries for the craft show, an evening out, and fund raising for the federation.

We then  decorated a small parcel each, with help from Jennifer Haslem, before the tea with everyone contributing.
 
Competitions:                                               
For girdle scones:                                           
1st Ilsa Jack,
2nd Pat MacDonald,
3rd Lynne Shearer

For household tip:                                          
1st Doreen Young,
2nd Jennifer Haslam,
3rd Lynne Shearer


Meeting 24 February The meeting was opened by president Jennifer Haslam. 
Plans were made for collecting and taking the contributions to the bulb and baking show on the 12 March.

A few of us are concerned that the bulbs we have been nurturing over the winter will not perform as well they should after all the care they have been given. 

We decided that we would all contribute baking for our fund raising stall at the Easter fair in Garve hall on April 22.  And forms were filled in for the handcraft show on 15 and 16 April. 

Four of the members had been to see Spirit of the Dance at Eden court, which had been a great experience, with dances from various countries, with quick costume changes and very professional dancing.


Business finished we continued the craft of artificial flower arranging started last month with an arrangement in a gift box.

Every one supplied a raffle prize some quite surprising! 

Competitions:                        
For something Royal:                                     
1st Jean Bailey, 
2nd Ilsa Jack,                      
3rd Penny Moir. 

Gipsy creams:                                                 
1st Pat MacDonald,
2nd Penny Moir,
3rd Lynne Sheara.

Helen Grainge

News from Strathpeffer Community Centre

Art Fair: We will be holding an Art Fair on the Sat 14th and Sun 15th of May. Many pieces will be available to purchase and we will be selling refreshments and home made cakes. We will be having a preview evening on the Friday to which artists can invite two guests. If you are interested in displaying a painting, photograph, ceramics etc, book now. We are also looking for volunteers to help organise the Art Fair, and to make and/or sell refreshments during the event, please contact the community centre for further details.

Food and Craft Market: The market is held every 3rd Saturday of the month from 9.30 am until 12.30 pm with a cafe area open for refreshments. Come along and get your fresh bread, local fruit and vegetables and delicious cakes. In addition you can buy unique crafts, jewellery,  plants, photos/cards, books and body products.


Along with the markets we continue to have the Kids Saturday Matinee. Films run from 10.30 am – 12 noon. Entry is £2 by raffle ticket with one lucky child winning a prize!  Juice, popcorn, crisps and sweets are available to purchase. Children under 5 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Easter Activities: We have a number of activities planned over the course of the holidays including a Creche, Youth Hub, Incredible Edible,  Girls Pamper Evening, Multi-sports and a Kids Matinee. Booking is essential.

New Adult Classes: Digital Photography - Just finalising details for the popular Digital Photography course to start on a Weds or Thursday evening after Easter. If you are interested in attending, send us an email and we will send out the booking form once we have things confirmed.

Art Classes: We are starting an Art Club on Weds 27th April from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. This will be an informal drop-in session for budding artists, it is not tutor lead but the group can invite speakers and tutors depending on areas of interest. Just bring your own Art materials and spend time with like-minded people. £2 per session.

Are you interested in the outdoors? Would you like to know how to map read and safely navigate a mountain trek? Running in June when the weather is warm and bright, you will receive a mixture of in-door classroom information and outdoor practice in the surrounding hills. Contact us to register your interest.

Would you like to join the Community Centre Helping Hands? You may have noticed how busy we are at the Centre if you've popped in recently.  As a consequence we now find ourselves really needing a little extra help. Could you spare an hour or so now and again?

We need help serving teas or coffees, help laying out some tables (usually this takes 15 mins at the beginning of the day around the school drop off time). Or maybe your skills lay with DIY, such as changing a washer, putting up a shelf or painting the odd wall. It all adds up to make a huge difference and keep our Community Centre looking and working in a way we can be proud of.
Nadine Paterson is co-ordinating and she promises not to call on you too often!

If you'd like to know more, contact Nadine on: 01997 421271 or email info@strathpeffercommunitycentre.org.uk 
Strathpeffer Community Centre,
Strathpeffer IV14 9AG
01997 421989  
www.strathpeffercommunitycentre.org.uk
Email: info@strathpeffercommunitycentre.org.uk  

News from the Beavers and Cubs (Scouts coming soon!)

The Scout group has been running since 2009 when Roy MacGregor, successful businessman and chairperson of Ross-County made the official opening.

The group has gone from strength to strength since then, and now has a Beavers section, open to boys and girls aged 6-8 years old, a Cub section from 8-10. We are now working towards opening a Scout section which will be open to boys/girls aged 10-14.

We have some children ready to move up from Cubs then so no matter what it takes, we shall open after the summer so we do not lose the children.

We have secured a lot of camping equipment through grants, as well as recently been given a donation from the Free Masons in Dingwall and local painter and decorator, Mike Bartlett from Strathpeffer.

Our plans for our next fundraiser are well underway, with help from Fairburn Estate who have paid for a children's activity, and sports coaches offering their free time, with Jump for Fun from Dingwall donating the bouncy castles. It should be a great community day with the proceeds going to local groups.

We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and reliable team of volunteers, some with Scouting backgrounds and some who have never been involved in the movement.  They have all, to a certain degree, been 'thrown in at the deep end' as the group needed to progress to accommodate the children.

However, the leaders never complain about anything and are always positive. We have found it is a better way of learning for new members as it's a bit like 'on the job training'! You get far more learning out of going along to weekly meetings and getting the feel of how we run, as well as getting the support and information needed from other leaders.

You can enjoy it more as the children all have an infectious enthusiasm for anything we throw at them. I feel it is important that people don't think they will need to sit behind a stack of workbooks learning protocols and legalisation, and doing training that way.

There are experienced leaders throughout this district who run different courses (which they
do not need to attend until they feel they want to). These are on our doorstep, as well as covering a lot of training through weekly meetings/camps/outings.

People sometimes do not want to come forward as they feel they can not offer any skills. I would disagree strongly with this as everyone has something to offer.

Not everyone enjoys outdoor activities. but the sections all cover so many different aspects, such as cooking, arts and crafts, IT, badges,  nature, astronomy, first aid, community work, gardening, eco-friendly, knots, sports and general social skills.

We are very pleased as we have not sat and waited for things happening, we keep up the interest to keep our numbers of children up.

There would be no point in lying and saying that Scouting is an hour a week, as it is a commitment, but it only needs to be as long as you make it.

It's the most rewarding organisation I have ever known, watching children exceed their own expectations and gather to have so much fun on a weekly basis. We always remain positive, which rubs off on the children and we hope to find some reliable volunteers to help our group succeed in being relevant.

We are present looking for adult volunteers for this friendly group, who could help organise putting a Scout section together, or to otherwise be involved in the our weekly meetings.

We would also like to see any children from surrounding villages. At the moment we take from Marybank, Strathgarve, Strathconon, Contin and Strathpeffer.

We advise that children interested in Beavers put their names down from age 5 onwards, the Cub section is at the moment full. We would like to hear from interested parties for the new Scouts section.

We currently have 16 Beavers and 16 Cubs.

Any enquiries about becoming a leader, registering or being placed on waiting list, or the new Scout section should be made to Nicki Mackay on 01997 421369.

We are not allowed to say what night nor what times we are on, but we can state it is held in Marybank.                                                   
Nicki Mackay, Group Scout Leader

About The Scouts
www.scouts.org.uk                     
The Scout Association provides adventurous activities and personal development opportunities for 400,000 young people aged 6-25. Internationally, we have over 28 million young people enjoying the benefits of Scouting  across 216 countries. Personal development means promoting the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being of the individual, helping them achieve their full potential. In Scouting, we believe that young people develop most when they are 'learning by doing,' when they are given responsibility, work in teams, take acceptable risks and think for themselves.

Lochside

The first of March found me fishing in a sheltered spot on a surprisingly overcast, but very mild day with sunny spells, with a slight breeze from the west. The water on the loch was calmish, and fairly high for a change, conditions looked ideal.

So casting out a mackerel and a herring for bait, I settled back with high expectations of a catch of some sort. The biggest pike I've ever caught from this particular spot over the years has only been 10lbs, and the average is around 7lbs, but with the start of the year being so bad again, with hardly a fish taken anywhere, a pike of any size would be a welcome sight.

With a new rod, new lines and two new bite alarms set up everything seemed perfect as I relaxed in my seat taking in the warm sunshine.

A couple of black and white diving birds were over the far side of the loch, they kept going down and staying for an average of 13 seconds, they took off eventually when a tornado zoomed low over the hills. They soon returned to the same spot.


Later, a lone cormorant kept a steady path down the loch heading for Garve, while a small flock of long tailed tits kept up a continuous chatter in the nearby oak trees and birches, just at the back of me.
Everything was so peaceful and calm that I actually nodded off and would wake to the gentle lapping of the water, ready to leap into action when one of the bite indicators would beep!

Unfortunately, despite everything being perfect for fishing, nothing happened and after four relaxing hours I decided to call it a day, putting away my camera that was all set up (and the landing net that has yet to be used!)

It's sod's law that every time things seem perfect and I have everything to hand and ready, nothing is ever caught.

On other occasions the weather has been atrocious, too wet, too windy to even unpack the net or take the camera out of the bag, with waves pounding the shore, rocks holding the chair legs down to stop it being blown away, and yet one big fish after another is landed!

Ha! It's a funny old game!

Hopefully better luck next time.

David Willis

Tempus Fugit

Come May we will have lived at Railway Cottages for thirty years and how those years have flown by!  Mind you we could only stay for the months of April and May for the first fourteen of those years as we were living a tea planter’s life abroad.  Many things have changed since those first years especially regarding the bird life, and I’m afraid they are for the worse.

Hen harriers used to be a common sight quartering the Bran strath or around the Fannich road and short-eared owls could be seen in the same areas.  Black-headed gulls have gone and common sandpipers once so common around the loch shores have dwindled to the odd pair.  Black cock used to lek in May on the grass patch in front of the house and families of wrens were everywhere.  Not so many wood-cock are nesting along the old railway line and I haven’t seen a snipe for some years now.  All these are ground nesting species and I lay the blame for their demise squarely on the pine martens, once so rare, which are now relatively common.

There are not so many brown trout in the loch now through the survivors are bigger: the pike fishers picking up big ones on their dead baits.  At first it would be relatively easy to bring home a couple of pounders for supper caught on the fly.

Never-the-less our family have had a great time here and we have made some good friends and Mary’s garden became a joy to walk round. 

So it’s with a heavy heart that we leave a place that we can no long keep up and enjoy as old age grips ancient bones.  The house is up for sale and we move off the hill to Conon Bridge.
Jonny Niblett                      
Railway Cottage. Lochluichart


=========================


Mary and Jonny Niblett
We're all sad to hear that Mary and Jonny will be leaving soon.
However, the good news is that they won't be far away (Conon Bridge).
Everyone in the community sends warm wishes and every happiness in their new home to Mary and Jonny.
Keep in touch!
From everyone in the community

John Taylor

Our sincere condolences go to Mrs Hilda Taylor and family at the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel on the sudden death of John, her husband, after a short illness.  We shall all miss seeing him around the hotel. Our thoughts are with Hilda and the family at this very sad time.
From everyone in the community


Hilda and family at Ledgowan Lodge Hotel would like to thank everyone for their kind words, cards and flowers after the sad loss of John - who would have been 90 in August. A wonderful husband, lovely Dad, Granddad and Great Granddad, who enjoyed the last seven years in this community.                                                        
Hilda Taylor and the Duffield Family

Thank you!

Ruth and Tommy would like to send a special thank you to everyone for the wonderful party, on the 5 February, in Achnasheen. Your generosity and hard work made the occasion such a memorable night. It was lovely to see you all, from near and far - thanks for reminding  us of some of the old stories from the 'good old days'! We had a great evening. All the very best to one and all!
Ruth and Tommy Ross


Thank you to everyone for unexpected gift and the lovely party! Although, I was a little disappointed. When I saw the police lady arrive. I thought you'd organised a stripper for Tommy and I, to mark the occasion. However, it wasn't to be - Joanna and her colleague were just carrying out their normal duties! Seriously, thank you all - and a big thank you to Ruth and Tommy for their lovely gift, too.
Jim Ruggles-Brise


The Presbytery of Ross translated me to Kilmuir and Logie Easter  Church on 11th of March. We felt honoured that folk travelled to support us at the induction service despite the bad weather that day. We now live near the coast, just north of Invergordon but if we climb towards the top of the parish we can see Ben Wyvis. Not so far away if we were crows! As we settle into our new surroundings we want to say thank you to the community and church for their kind gifts to us at our leaving. We now have bright pictures to remind us of the  beauty of your blessed corner of the world, and beautiful plants to adorn our very large garden. Thank you for your kindnesses.   
Fraser and Anna


Thanks to the Gairloch and District Times newsletter team for all their help in continuing to provide dates for our Out and About events diary. The GDT is published every fortnight and is available to buy in outlets around Gairloch, and surrounds. They also run a postal subscription scheme, details obtainable from: Gairloch & District Times, c/o Harbour Post Office, Pier Road, Gairloch. IV21 2BQ. Telephone: 01445 712 856 Mon & Tue of publication weeks, or 01445 799 943 Mon to Fri 9am to 7pm. Email: editor@gairlochtimes.co.uk
We would also like to thank editor, Mavis Harrop, in the February An Carrannach, who kindly congratulated us on our "excellent seasonal publication" - thank you Mavis!  
The AGNV Team


Thank you to Strathpeffer Pavilion and the Peatbog Faeries for all their help facilitating the International Otter Survival Fund to sell ottery items at the gig on April 2nd. All monies raised will go towards the cost of feeding and looking after the cubs currently in their Broadford rehabilitation centre. For anyone not yet having the chance to visit the Pavilion we'd highly recommend it - it's a great venue! As for the Peatbog Faeries, what great guys they are (great music too!) - they are also donating merchandise to the IOSF for fundraising - these items may be included in the auction at Ledgowan in September.
Jackie & Jim

What a great night!

Thanks to everyone who came along and supported the AGNV first (annual) quiz night in Achnasheen Hall, on the 25 March.

Steve Jones, our quiz master and master of ceremonies, did an excellent job, keeping everyone entertained and under control! Although it was a hard job at times...
An excellent supper was provided to refresh our brains at half time, and was certainly enjoyed by all. A big thank you to everyone who helped out.

The very worthy winners were the Achnasheen Academics, who shared a beautifully presented hamper. The Numpties (gallant losers) were presented with wooden spoons engraved with details of the event. Plus, lots of great (donated) raffle prizes were won, together with some quirky spot prizes.
Some hilarious answers were provided during the course of the evening (thanks mainly to Ronnie Ross!), together with some debate on one particular question regarding the royal family.

A superb £121.50p was raised, and the newsletter team announced that as part of their promised commitment, to help other local fundraisers in the community, that a donation would be made to Achnasheen Amenities. Gill Ross accepted £60.00 on behalf of the hall committee. The remaining funds raised will go towards the running of this newsletter.

The newsletter team continue to work hard on your behalf - we can't do it without your support.
Further thanks go to contributors and, of course, to our advertisers.

Finally, we must also mention the support we've been receiving from the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel, who continue to allow us to use their facilities and wi-fi for our ongoing training sessions. It's very much appreciated!             
Jackie

Out and About - diary of markets, fairs and events

APRIL
22  Garve Easter Fair, Garve Village Hall 10.00-14.00
22  Rhythm N Reel Dance, Gairloch C Hall, 21.00-01.00
22  Dave Fleming, Old Inn, Gairloch
22  Applecross Producers Market, Village Hall, 11.00-15.00
23  Easter Fun, Contin, 13.30 -16.30 (Details: Melissa 420024/Beth 420168)
23  Dominic Kirwan, Strathpeffer Pav, 20.00
23  Ceilidh Dance, Poolewe Hall, 19.30
23  Chapman & Chapman, Old Inn, Gairloch   
24  Phil Kay, Strathpeffer Pavilion, 20.00
25  GALE Community Market, Gairloch, 10.00-14.30
25  Coffee Morn/Baking, for Maggies Highland, Poolewe Hall, 10.30-13.00
27  Hawkings Dawkings, Poolewe, 19.30
28  GALE Community Market, St Maelrubha's C Hall, 10.00-14.30
28  New Youth Club Night, Poolewe Hall
28  Watoto Choir, Strathpeffer Pavilion, 19.30
29  Eric 'The Frog', Old Inn, Gairloch   
30  The BreeZZe, Garve Hall
30  Contin Litter Pick (plus games & refreshments) from 10.30am
   


MAY
05  Applecross market, C Hall, 11.00-15.00
05  Jimmie MacGregor, Strathpeffer Pavilion, 20.00                                   
07  Shooglenifty, Kinlochewe Hall, 19.30 - by ticket - from www.thebooth.co.uk
07  Garden and Craft fair, Armadale, Clan Donald Centre  11.00-15.00
07  Bealach Beag cycle challenge, Shieldaig, Further information www.handsonevents.co.uk
07  The BreeZZe, Dingwall National Hotel, Seaforth Hall
07  Dingwall Choral Society, Strathpeffer Pavilion, 19.30
12  Antiques Valuation day with Bonhams Auctioneers, Strathpeffer Pavilion, 13.00-19.00
14  Richard Smith & Julie Adams, Strathpeffer Pavilion, 21.00
17  Ducati Race Legend, Paul Smart, at Ledgowan Lodge Hotel
20  David Allison - The St Kilda Tapes, Strathpeffer Pavilion, 20.00
20  Applecross Producers Market, Village Hall, 11.00-15.00
21  Strathpeffer Food and Craft Market, Community Centre, 9.30-12.30
27  Quiz, Gairloch Community Hall
28  Feis Alligin, Crofters Field, Alligin, 13.00 onwards , BBQ etc - in evening Skippinnish playing.
28  Shopping Extravaganza, Contin, 10.00-15.00 (Details: Melissa 420024)
28/29 Garden and Craft fair, Armadale, Clan Donald Centre, 11.00-15.00



JUNE
03  Applecross Producers Market,Village Hall 11.00-15.00
03  Fashion Show in aid of Blythswood, Strathpeffer Pavilion
04  The Breezze, Ullapool Village Hall
10  The Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Strathpeffer Pavilion
11  Strathpeffer Pavillion/Strathpeffer Village, Victorian Day, 11.00-16.00
17  Applecross Producers Market,Village Hall 11.00-15.00
17  Absolute Bowie, Strathpeffer Pavilion, 20.00
18  Strathpeffer Food and Craft Market, Community Centre, 9.30-12.30
21  Sticky Kids - Summer Singsong, Strathpeffer Pavilion, 10.00-13.30 
23  Applecross market, Community Hall
25  Food and Craft fair, Armadale, Clan Donald Centre, 11.00-15.00


Other regular events:
Kinlochewe: every 2nd Thursday: soup lunch in Kinlochewe Hall 12.00-13.30.
Kinlochewe:  Zumba - Tuesday mornings Kinlochewe Village hall 10.00-11.00. £3.50
Dingwall:  Farmers Market 2nd Saturday of each month from April
Contin: Tuesdays - 1st Contin Brownies 17.00-18.30 (Details: Angelina 421386)
Contin: Tuesdays - Carpet Bowling 19.00 (Details: George Hay  421615)
Contin: Thursdays - SWRI 3rd week of month Sept to May, 19.30
Contin: Thursdays Toddler Group 09.30-11.15 (Details: Beth 420168/Melissa 420024)


HIGHLAND GAMES - July
Lochcarron Highland Games 16th July
Applecross Highland Games 23rd July
Gairloch Highland Gathering 2nd July

Garve & District Community Council: meeting 5 April 2011

Draft Minutes:  Garve and District Community Council held
5th April 2011 at Garve Village Hall

PRESENT:  Kenny MacLean (Chairman), Jean Bailey (Treasurer), Jean Hollingdale (Sec.), Lady Eliza Leslie Melville, Ruari Matheson, Jennifer Haslam, Alex MacKenzie, Sue Tarr, Bob Moir, Jock Logie, Robbie Bain (Ward Manager), Cllr. Jean Urquhart; Eneco – Jonn Barnes, Nicola Brookes; Infinergy – Nick Sage; E-ON – Matilda Urie, Val MacIver (Platform PR). 3 members of the public.

APOLOGIES:  Steve Jones, Pam Morrison, PC Carl Sandever, Cllr. Richard Greene, Alan Gartshore (Ross-shire Voluntary Action).

Meeting opened 7.00pm.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST:  Lady Eliza Leslie Melville (Community Benefit), Cllr. Jean Urquhart (Planning).

CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS:  Lady Eliza was welcomed back to the Community Council. The Chairman attended the HC meeting on 3rd March where the Pan Highland Fund was approved.  This means the first £100,000 stays within the community after which the money is split 55/30/15.  Bob Cameron stated “this is not retrospective to already signed or in negotiation wind farms”.  Offshore will be split 80/20, and there is also talk of a Scotland wide scheme. The new Constitution for CC’s was also approved at this HC meeting, see item 7 on the agenda.
Public hearing for Corriemoillie Wind Farm was held on 22nd March, at which the application was passed unanimously with conditions, one of which included the setting up of a liaison group - see item 12 on the agenda. 
Church service times to change from 10.45am to 11.30am in Contin and 12.15pm to 12.30pm at Lochluichart in due course. This is due to the linkage with Strathpeffer. 
CC members were asked to keep all paperwork received from Sec. until no longer required and then to shred, copies are kept for files by Sec.
News and Views are asking for donations of unwanted gifts/presents for their stall at the Easter Fair.
Parent Council informed Chairman that the Vacancy for Head Teacher has been re-advertised.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  for 1st March 2011 with amendments: Where SCF is mentioned in the Eneco section of minutes, it should read “SCF or another distribution/investment body”; omission from Community Benefit section “Steve Jones feels strongly that a more effective dialogue should be setup between Eneco and G&DCC to bottom out details of such an arrangement.  This would be best via a sub-group of G&DCC”; in Treasurer’s Report an “s” was missed on News and Views. Approved: Jennifer Haslam; Seconded: Jean Bailey

MATTERS ARISING: 
Gorstan Sign - The requirement for a new sign at the top of the Gorstan road raised at CC meeting on 2nd Nov 2010 was installed on 17th March 2011.  Thanks given to Robbie Bain.

Bins in laybys - A litter bin is now in place in the Gorstan layby on a trial basis.  Cllr Jean Urquhart will keep trying to acquire a bin for the Grudie Bridge layby, on going. Jennifer Haslam has great concern about the litter spread about in the Grudie area.

TranServ - Their maintenance contract has now been extended to 31st May 2012.  We have had no reply to our comments re- Station Road walls and also tree cutting. Sec. will contact TranServ again. The road between the Church bend and Hazel Brae House was resurfaced w/c 15th March.

Fun Day insurance cover - Robbie Bain to check if we need to have First Aid cover, we are insured for the Fun Day. Penny Moir will have Food Handling certificate for the Fun Day.

Litter Pick – Sec. handed out gloves, pickers, bags and tabards to members for the litter cleanup.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  5th March 2011; Treasurer’s Account - £1167.01, minus Garve and Achnasheen Hall rental - £82.50 total £1084.51, Senior Citizens Account - £645.85, War Memorial Account - £82.33.  News and Views Account is now closed.  £1 has been received for the printer on 25th March 2011 and receipt issued. The CC insurance for the printer has been cancelled. G&DCC send its best wishes to the AGNV team.

Ann MacRae has agreed to audit the accounts for a reduced cost.  The Treasurer is looking into internet banking, not for paying costs, but for obtaining up to date balances and internal transfers. Jean Bailey proposed G&DCC appoint Ann MacRae as auditor; Kenny MacLean seconded; all in favour. Members were asked to note that Achnasheen Hall charge solely by the hour; therefore we must make sure that we do not overrun our time. The next Fundraising Committee meeting will be after the Easter Fair at Garve Hall. The Chairman then made a collection of donations (bottles etc.) for the Easter Fair.

ADOPTION OF NEW COMMUNITY COUNCIL CONSTITUTION:  The new constitution and accompanying documents have to be adopted by all CC’s between 1st April and 30th June. The Chairman then highlighted key points but there will be very little difference in how this CC is currently being run.  Motion to adopt the new constitution and associated documents in full: Proposed, Kenny MacLean; Seconded, Bob Moir; all in favour. Documents were duly signed and passed to Robbie Bain for HC signatures. G&DCC copy will be returned at next meeting. Robbie Bain is our Liaison Officer; training will be arranged for all community council office bearers by HC over the coming months.

CORRESPONDENCE:  Email: Notice of planning meeting  8th March 2011; Notice of Ward Forum 21st March 2011 Plockton; AGNV to Treasurer; Parent Council update; Infinergy re-minutes; Eneco re-minutes; Reply TEC Services re-litter bin Silver Bridge layby; Amendments to minutes from Steve Jones; Sheildaig CC Minutes; Robbie Bain info for CC Constitution; Robbie Bain - Agreement for Lochluichart Windfarm Community Benefit (sent to all members); Parent council minutes; Lochbroom CC Minutes; Notice of planning meeting 29th March 2011 Conon Bridge Primary School; AGNV to Treasurer; PC Sandever apologies; Rogie Falls bridge update; Infinergy update. By Post: HC planning on Corriemoillie windfarm; NHS Highland; M.o.D. Exercise Notification; Review of Scottish Policing Structure; Ways to Pay HC leaflet.

AOB (Members):  
Jock Logie asked if it was possible for him have a dispensation by HC to collect dumped rubbish from Grudie Bridge lay bys and the full litter bags from the Litter Pick and take them to the recycle department, Robbie Bain will look into this.
It was commented that the daffodils around Garve village belong to the community and are not for picking. It has also been noted that a car has been sitting in Stirling Drive Garve for some time with two flat tyres and no tax disc, also a trailer parked by telephone box. Sec to look into these matters. 

Jennifer Haslam - White lines from Corran, Gorstan to Lochluichart Station are almost invisible.  Robbie Bain will investigate.

Kenny MacLean wished to send of note of thanks to the Street Lighting Dept. for their prompt actions at Achnasheen Roundabout following several problems in recent weeks with the lights.

Robbie Bain was asked for short update on the Plockton Ward Forum meeting, topics covered the amalgamation of Lochaber and Skye and Wester Ross colleges into the West Highland College, Bill Alexander Head of HC Social Work gave a talk on Home Care for the elderly.  Cllr Jean Urquhart stated that any Community Council topics can be put forward to Ward Forums for discussion. 28 members of the public attended this Ward Forum.

Rogie Fall footbridge, the bridge has been closed to the public because of a rock fall. Highland Council and Forestry Commission are reviewing plans for the bridge and there will be consultation in the next four months. Dingwall swimming pool is closed to the public due to roofing problems.  Work has started on repairing the Ullapool swimming pool roof.

AOB (Public): Val MacIver of Platform PR wished to thank members and the wider community for their courtesy shown during the E-On planning process.

Cllr. Jean Urquhart was thanked for attending and left the meeting; she gave apologies for our next meeting.

SCOPING & CONSULTATION: 
HC Consultation on old Ledgowan Bridge, Achnasheen right of way for pedestrian and cycle use. Agreed to write in support of the right of way. Sec. to write to HC. 

Infinergy:  Update by Nick Sage on their community drop in consultations, who thanked everyone who attended. A total for both days of 27 people attended. Many people questioned LEO scheme whether or not it would affect social benefits.  Nick Sage is looking into this and will report back to the CC. Infinergy are hoping to submit their planning application end of May 2011 or early June 2011.

PLANNING:  Ledgowan Lodge - passed and Corriemoillie Windfarm - passed with conditions.
The Chairman then explained that the three planning applications for discussion this evening were all hydro schemes.  Although none had indicated any information regarding Community Benefit within their planning applications, he did not want the CC to have any conflict of interest issues down the line if any Community Benefit should come about.  Robbie Bain was asked to write to the applicants regarding Community Benefit from these hydro-electric schemes and to deal with if necessary.  Proposed by Jennifer Haslam; Seconded, Alex Mackenzie all members agreed.

The three planning applications for G&DCC area are as follows:  Ref; 11/00044/FUL.  Land at Dosmuckeran Achanalt, Construction of hydro-electric scheme (100kw) including pipeline, weir, power house, and formation of access track.  Ref; 11/00770.FUL.  Land at Allt Achadh Na Sine Achnasheen, Construction of hydro-electric scheme (800kw) including power house and pipeline.  Ref; 11/00771/FUL.  Land at Allt Gharagain Ledgowan Achnasheen, Construction of hydro-electric scheme (999kw) including power house, pipeline, and upgrading of access road. Members agreed that G&DCC to make no comments on these applications.

Building Warrants – Ledgowan Lodge, Aultguish Inn. No Comments from members.

Corriemoillie Windfarm - Matilda Urie – E-On highlighted the requirement to set up a liaison group which will inform the community of construction dates, contracts and transport movements. Val MacIver- Platform PR explained the purpose of a liaison group.  The main lead would be taken by the Community Council as the wind farm is in this CC area plus other bodies would be represented on the group such as Parent Council, Hall Committee, Police, HC, Roads Dept., etc. Meetings maybe once a month or when necessary during the construction stages of the wind farm.  Robbie Bain agreed it is a good process.  Jock Logie suggested Cal Mac regarding Ferry traffic times.  Everyone will be informed when very large loads are on the move. Roads will be inspected before and during and improvements made. Sunday movement could be restricted.

Jonn Barnes – Eneco  agreed that it is a good idea to set up a liaison group perhaps sooner rather than later as Eneco wish to begin construction this year or early next year, there will hopefully be a trial run next month – Invergordon to Lochluichart for turbine transportation, more details to come.

Kenny MacLean then asked members about setting up a liaison group at next months meeting once Eneco have more information. Proposed by Jennifer Haslam; Seconded, Alex Mackenzie all members agreed.
Lady Eliza Leslie Melville was thanked for attending and left the meeting.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT:  
Jonn Barnes – in the proposed agreement there would be one trust which covers all three Community Council areas. Eneco envisage some “weighting” to reflect proportion of money going to each area i.e. G&DCC would have more representation than Contin or Marybank. Once agreement is signed, next stage is setting up trust. Questions about the structure of the trust are still to be decided.

Jean Bailey – finds the trust set up difficult; may be problems with having three community council areas; public may find confusion over which windfarm fund to apply to. Query about “entertainment” being a prohibited use of funds. Jonn Barnes stated they would be pleased to sponsor the Senior Citizens Christmas Party.

Sue Tarr – having the other community councils may give a more balanced outcome on the panel.

Val MacIver – advised - trust and common sense. The community need to be “protected from themselves” with no disrespect meant; also remember that the three developers will require publicity for the money they are giving the community.

Robbie Bain advised leaving as much flexibility as possible for pragmatic decisions.

Kenny MacLean felt that once the trust begins to be set up, a number of the concerns raised by members would be addressed.  He then raised some minor errors in the agreement document. He then read out proposals from Steve Jones in his absence which were considered by the members who agreed no action was necessary.

Kenny MacLean proposed that Highland Council sign the document (Lochluichart Windfarm Community Benefit Agreement) (with typing amendments); Alex MacKenzie seconded, all in favour.

Robbie Bain suggested that he and Eneco continue talks, draw up a list of organisations to contact e.g. Ross-shire Voluntary Action, Highland Opportunities with a view to inviting them to a future Community Council meeting so we can decide the next steps in setting up the trust.  Members agreed with Robbie Bain.

E-ON – negotiations can now proceed further as planning permission has been granted. Matilda asked what the community would like whether they wanted individuals to be able to apply to the fund. G&DCC agreed to leave it to Matilda Urie and Robbie Bain at this stage and report back to G&DCC at next meeting.

Kenny MacLean read out a proposal from Steve Jones in his absence about setting up a sub committee to negotiate community benefit with E-On; members were not in favour.

Dates of next meetings:
3rd May 7pm at Achnasheen Village Hall
7th June 7pm at AGM followed by Ordinary Meeting Garve Village Hall
5th July 7pm at Achnasheen Village Hall
2nd Aug 7pm at Garve Village Hall
6th Sept 7pm at Achnasheen Village Hall
Fundraising Committee – Tues 26th April 2pm Garve Village Hall

Meeting Closed at 9.40pm.