The Villagers August 2020

the

Villagers

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...one moEr e time!

Donations welcome see page 2

T h e Vo i c e o f B a l q u h i d d e r, Lo c h e a r n h e a d, S t r a t hy re & S t Fi l l a n s • AU G U S T 2 0 2 0

Time for a little Lockdown reflection... page 5 Lochearnhead Highland Games - lo oking back... page 22

The Villagers Survey - the results... page page 30 30

Ed’s Bit

I must confess that I initially had grave concerns that we would find it difficult to continue to fill 24 pages when we were all “confined to barracks” for so long. To be honest I do not think many of us really envisaged how long and how deep this global catastrophe would become and, at this moment, it seems to have the potential to cause even more suffering and misery.

Our “brief history of Lockdown” from the Francis family illustrates how immured from many of the worst effects our communities have been up to now and concludes with the hope that positive bonds will be maintained.

However, our concerns about the limitations, disappointments, minor irritants and disagreements were put into sharp relief for me personally when doing a “virtual” Children’s Panel. A 6-year-old boy’s perspective for the last four months has been confined to a one bedroom flat, cooped up with his father, new partner - and his dog permanently tied up in the bathroom. The Police report about the conditions in the home and contents discovered, underline the hidden impact and suffering being endured by children with far greater troubles than cancelled flights or which mask to wear when. He is just one of the unintended consequences of quarantine and isolation causing him to fall through the social safety net that would normally have protected him.

Let us hope for the discovery of the vital vaccine that will enable us to turn to a new normal whilst taking into account the issues we have been forced to consider over the last turbulent months.

JJ 2

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Future Villagers

This our fifth month of providing up-to date news, comments, police reports and advice, recipes, photos and scandal... (okay perhaps not the last one) for free as we endeavour to work out the practicalities of providing a secure online edition - and a limited print run from Stirling University.

At this stage we envisage the annual subscription costs are going to be £12 for online and £2 per copy for print.

We really hope that many of you will join us online, now that circumstances have forced many of us to accept and even embrace new ways of doing things.

Now for the advert/plea: If you enjoy The Villagers and feel you could support us at this time by giving us a donation, please send it either direct to our bank: BLS Newspaper Association - Account No: 00185538 Sort code: 80-05-91 or Paypal, using the email address: payments@the-villagers.org.uk

Many thanks for all your support so far! Keep safe.

Jill Johnston, Editor

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Villagers Survey Many thanks to the 128 people who responded to our survey, the results of which, in glorious coloured diagrams, you will find starting on page 30 of this edition.

There was a fairly even distribution between the four villages and quite a few responses from people who reside elsewhere with a connection to the area. The general profile of our readership poses the issue of trying to attract a younger element - an issue for newspapers in general. 70% of responders bought The Villagers monthly when we were printing copies and currently 60% read it online. If we could return to printing, over 40% would continue to buy it if we have to charge £1.50, dropping to 35% if the viable figure was £2.00.

Will Diamond was rather surprised when I told him his Police Report was the most read article, claiming he did not think anyone actually read it! Our advertisers were used by over 75% of responders. Nearly 44% said they might be willing to contribute at some point, and we would be very pleased to welcome you. I was particularly interested in the comment section and suggestions as to what we should be including.

Regarding the comments about including events: this would be our normal bread and butter in normal circumstances - always happy to include these! Some suggestions have given us new ideas and others mention features previously included in the past, which we can revive.

We are leaving Bruce Montgomery, our most easterly reporter, to interpret “more wild life from St Fillans”.

Please feel free to send further comments and suggestions.

Looking after your best friend!

• Join our Pet Health Plan and budget monthly to reduce your pet care cost

• Call us to make an appointment for

our nurse clinics, or to consult a vet

Strathyre News The Broch Field Community Consultation

• Get your pet food and pet accessories from our in house pet shop

Tel: 01877 381213 enquiries@riversidevetsstirling.co.uk www.riversidevetsstirling.co.uk

Riverside Veterinary Clinic 1 Lagrannoch Industrial Estate Geisher Road, Callander FK17 8LX

•

•

Riverside

•

COVID-19 Important Information We are open - but please note our safety measures:

•

Anyone who is currently showing any symptoms, or living in the same household as anyone who is showing symptoms - please telephone the practice first.

•

Please telephone the practice first to make an appointment for your pet.

•

Please telephone or email the practice first for repeat prescriptions, parasite control or over-the-counter products.

•

Please try to keep the recommended distance of 2 metres from others whilst at the practice.

We ask that any payments are paid by card rather than cash and preferably over the phone.

info@darrenrice.co.uk

Firstly, a big thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts on the proposed Community Asset Transfer of The Broch Field.

It is really important that everyone in the wider community has the opportunity to contribute to the future of this important community space and we are very appreciative for everyone who took the time to read the consultation information and cast your vote.

Of all votes cast through the online survey or by paper vote in the Strathyre Village Shop, 75% were in favour of going ahead with the Community Asset Transfer process. This gives a positive indication that there is significant support for this next step – although it is important to note that there were a number of concerns raised around the proposed usage of the field and potential developments. Whilst there is a clear desire to protect the field for future Community use, there was also an overarching feeling that this should not be at the expense of the environment or negatively impact on the everyday lives of local residents.

The next step will therefore be to set up a Management Committee for the Broch Field, with this committee then reflecting on all points raised before exploring further the options for future use, alongside detailed development plans and budget proposals. All individuals who noted an interest in the survey in being part of this group going forward will be contacted directly – thank you in advance for volunteering. If anyone else is interested in being part of this committee, please contact the BLS Community Trust via email at blscommunitytrust@gmail.com.

Thank you again for taking part in the consultation and we look forward to working alongside the Management Committee in the coming months as we all work towards securing a positive future for the Broch Field.

BLS Community Trust Board 3

BOOK REVIEW

A Single Thread Tracy Chevalier

Lochearnhead Latest

CLACHAN COTTAGE HOTEL ONE OF SCOTLAND’S ICONIC SETTINGS ON THE SHORE OF LOCH EARN The Clachan has been here for a long time, tending to travellers and residents alike and is now the largest hotel in the area, boasting deluxe bedrooms and amazing loch view rooms.

Under normal circumstances, we’d be inviting you to come and stay, or try our restaurant and bar and just soak up the wonderful views! But for now, we wish you well and look forward to happier times.

And for the future, we’d like to remind you that weddings and small functions are hosted by the Clachan.

Our stunning setting provides the perfect backdrop for those all important videos or photos.

Stay safe • be careful Clachan Cottage Hotel • Lochside, Lochearnhead • Perthshire FK19 8PU info@clachancottagehotel.co.uk • 01567 8302477

After lockdown...

Join me on a journey into Hatha Yoga 7-8.30pm Thursday evenings in Lochearnhead Village Hall

www.robroycountry.com

Twitter@robroycountry

www.thegoldenlarches.com info@thegoldenlarches.com

4

Level: Beginners to intermediate.

For more information contact: Melanie Lewis Union Sun&Moon 07525 126482 creative@melanie-lewis.com www.westerauchrawcroft.com

This author is well known for her novel The Girl with the Pearl Earring, so we know she writes well, especially about the human condition. This book is no exception. The setting is Hampshire just after the Great War. The main characters are the women who embroidered the kneelers in Winchester Cathedral so that the worshippers could pray in comfort.

So far, not very inspiring, maybe?

But read on.

It is 1932. Violet is one of the surplus women left behind having lost her brother and fiancé in the war, and she lives with her demanding and overbearing widowed mother in circumstances which would not have been uncommon after 1918. She soon finds the courage to break away and seek out an independent existence; finds a job which barely keeps her in rent and food, but is a sort of freedom, and a chance to control her own destiny against a background of judgement and harm from men who see a single woman on her own as fair game.

Mostly this is a book about ‘borderers’ - those who are forced to rebel against society’s norms in order to enjoy any kind of life or love. Violet helps her friends and receives love and friendship in return despite the sometimes unconventional element of their friendships. She is attracted to Arthur, a bell ringer, and there are explanations of the intricacies of bell ringing which I found fascinating.

But for me the descriptions of the craft of ‘bordering’ are inspiring.

Chevalier uses a real-life borderer, Louisa Pesel, as a central character whilst all the others are fictional and cleverly drawn so that we feel we really get to know them. I know this part of Hampshire well and the sense of place depicted is wonderful. The story is filled with all these interesting and complicated personalities, so what is not to like? I definitely recommend it for a gentle holiday read.

Lockdown DIARIES

LOCKDOWN – HOW WAS IT FOR YOU, BABY?

Standing shivering on ‘Morven’s Beach’ by the side of Loch Voil, water running off me, teeth chattering, the rain pattering down, and as cold as any of those other mad people around me, I pondered on the vagaries of Lockdown (not Loch Down; that’s in Moray somewhere I think…), and what it is about these situations that makes us do things that we wouldn’t normally think of…. People seem to have taken up all sorts of things when they not only had the time, but when there were so few other people around.

Whose idea was this? Not sure, but there we were, having just spent a happy twenty minutes or half an hour swimming up the Loch to Rob Roy’s Stone and back, and now with the happy prospect of coffee and cake at Morven and Jamie’s; social distancing of course.

We may be daft, but we aren’t stupid. That’s the trick isn’t it; managing life so that you can do things, but making sure that everyone stays safe.

It all seemed so unreal back in March; our whole world suddenly turned upside down. From being something remote that was ‘happening in China’, a news article way down the list, it took over our world. We couldn’t go anywhere, people couldn’t come here. Some people found themselves caring for others, such as the grandchildren whose mother was a nurse.

We couldn’t work; the hotels and bars closed down, the B&Bs were empty.

And yet, let’s face it, we were the lucky ones. If you were going to be locked down, where else would you want to be? We have gardens, we have lochs, we have mountains, we have trees and we have fresh air and greenery. And all of a sudden, they were just ours. No tourists, no visitors, no day-trippers. Well there were the occasional ones who broke the rules, so we made up some very nice signs to discourage them. The roads were empty. Yes, so were a lot of the shops, especially when you were trying to buy bread flour and yeast (who were all these people who were suddenly taking up home baking?!) But that was temporary; an illusion in many ways, there was actually enough for everyone. But I digress; the A84 was silent, the glen road empty (which was very useful when Penny Hannah’s outhouse caught fire and the fire engines from Callander got here in about fifteen minutes!). You could walk and cycle as though it were the fifties again. Well, apart from the very occasional time when the grass needed cut and the silage pit needed filling… The peace was overwhelming; the quiet of the countryside had returned. Let’s be honest; in many ways we wished that it could continue like that…. But as we know, nothing lasts for ever!

And we were a proper community; there was that ‘we-are-all-in-ittogether’, ‘all-for-one, one-for-all’, ‘London in the Blitz’ feeling. Of course we always were a community, but now even more so. The Strathyre Shop became our hub, providing us with all that we needed (well, apart from bread, flour and yeast, at least most of the time…). And we organised a roster to deliver groceries and prescriptions, especially to those who needed to self-isolate. And most people didn’t even forget when it was their turn to do the deliveries! We had a ‘Naked Gardening Day’. We got fish delivered from Crieff. The broadband got up to Immeroin and joined the glen together electronically as well as mentally. We created a WhatsApp group to share information and news. We even managed to do a survey of all the fire hydrants in the Glen, and re-painted them yellow (turned out that even the Fire Service didn’t know where they all were)! Well, apart from where the loch was the water supply.

Which takes me in a complete circle, back to the beach at Morven and Jamie’s, where the fire service would draw their water if there were ever the need. To a group of daft people who enjoy nothing more than wading out into a cold loch and swimming around until they can’t feel their feet and hands. Mad? Maybe. But a community who came together in the face of adversity. And we are still doing it. Is this the ‘new normal’ as the visitors return, the A84 gets busy again, and the hotels and bars and B&Bs reopen? Maybe. Let’s hope so. Because if it is, then something good will have come out of it after all.

Duncan Francis

e.campbell147@btinternet.com

www.feedsandstoves.co.uk dawn@feedsandstoves.co.uk

5

The

St Fillans Bit

by Bruce Montgomery

Very Wild Camping Let me start by applauding the efforts of our Community Council and particularly its Chair, Stewart Gavigan, in tackling the issue of anti-social camping and litter at the east end of Loch Earn. This is not a new problem.

Back in May, while noting the significant economic benefit brought to our local economy by tourism, I drew attention to the scourge of litter left by some of these visitors to Loch Earn and round our village - and to the lengths that the village community goes to in clearing it up. The volunteers make the lochside once again beautiful, for another lot to come in and trash it again – you may detect a hint of bitterness there!

Well, it didn’t take long to happen.

Visitor numbers began to increase about a month ago as the lockdown guidance nationally began to be relaxed. Mid to later June, visitor volumes were still relatively small and environmental impact appeared patchy. Most folk then arriving in the area that I met when out walking were there to take pleasure from the natural environment and were careful and courteous as they enjoyed their renewed freedoms.

They came for the day, undertook their pursuit or exercise and went home. While I am not suggesting they would all have taken every scrap of litter they had created, there was no appreciable environmental impact.

Unfortunately, that all changed in the last weekend in June. Environmental degradation became sadly obvious after the weekend ending 28th June.

Campers and fishermen arrived in numbers and a great many of them were clearly uneducated about their responsibilities to clear up a wild camp site. I am not going to dwell on their toilet habits, but the results were obvious to dog walkers on the loch shore. Sadly, it got worse! It would be no exaggeration to say that hoards 6

The above small section of the south lochside is about 20 metres in length.

Not much social distancing in the above photo.

descended on the lochside during the weekends of 4-5th and 11-12th July. The National Park had introduced bylaws more than a year ago to restrict camping to specified areas where permitted camping was available, but camping as an activity was not to be released from lockdown until July 15th so neither permits or guidance on where to camp were available. Park rangers were few and far between: their activities being curtailed by their inability to travel in pairs - another hangover from lockdown. The chaos was predictable. Large groups of campers occupied the south foreshore directly opposite St Fillans, and few of them were safely distanced from the next group.

The weekend of 11-12th July was particularly bad, with some groups behaving so badly that some family campers packed up and went home. Loud music was played into the early hours of Sunday morning over a speaker system and I heard an unsubstantiated report of a fight breaking out at about 2am the same morning. Fires were regularly dotted along the shore and trees were cut to fuel them. Since when were chainsaws a camping accessory?

Two examples of tree damage.

The campfire shown above was directly under a tree whose branches were burnt and the leaves destroyed.

Of course rubbish was everywhere.

I went across on Sunday night, which was after some clearing up had already been done by a local gamekeeper and at least one villager.

Even then, there was still evidence of carelessness, an attitude of “couldn’t care less” and “I value nothing”.

There is little or no concept of “take your litter home” or “leave no trace”.

The pics below show some of the bins areas after the limited clear up mentioned above, but that still left a lot of litter on the foreshore.

Now I think it is fair to say that the village had had enough. Villagers, particularly those whose homes are adjacent to the A85 on the north shore, placed call after call to both the Police and the Park Authorities over the weekend, complaining about noise, vandalism, anti-social behaviour and of course jet skis. The latter not just because of noise pollution but because of public safety, as they were being driven irresponsibly in an area of the loch east of Neish Island where there is a designated speed limit to allow use by families and wild swimmers. The Police did attend, but were unfamiliar with the bylaws governing this area of the National Park and so were unaware of the breaches of regulations they were witnessing. I put this down to the fact that the east end of Loch Earn is the only water within the Tayside Police area which is subject to National Park overview and specific bylaws. Written complaints were lodged repeatedly with the Police and National Park over the weekend and subsequently a formal note of concern was sent to the First Minister, our local MP, our local MSP, the Tayside Police Chief, the National Park, and all our local Councillors. The above effort possibly helped set the scene for a Friday 17th July conference call involving representatives from our Community Council, the National Park Authority, Police Scotland, Perth and Kinross Council, Crieff Hydro, Park Rangers, and our Local Authority Councillors at which assurance was given that the upcoming weekend will see the ramp up of both Police and National Park Ranger patrols. It was noted that changes in lockdown guidance would allow National Park to begin issuing camping permits for designated areas and allow their rangers to operate in vehicular patrols of two.

However, that Friday night did not start well with an influx of people arriving to camp on the south shore

and the village’s WhatsApp group reporting issues including some horrific descriptions of youngsters behaving in a crazy manner on jet skis. These included getting dangerously close to other water users. Complaints again started to fly. However, when Saturday morning dawned things were quieter. Action was being taken and fewer folk were to be seen on the south shore, where by the end of the day, only one tent remained and that was for day use only. That is in keeping with the bylaws and perfectly acceptable.

Before nightfall it was gone. I noted it back on Sunday morning, again for the day. All good - peace returned, what a pleasant change! I understand that the Police had visited one particularly rowdy group of campers on the Friday night. They could not move them on immediately as they had been consuming alchohol, and so were not fit to drive. However, they must have taken the heavy hint and packed up and disappeared Saturday morning. However, it is now the case that campers are aware that if they consume alcholhol as soon as they arrive, then the police as presently equipped, can do little to move them.

That sounds to me as though there is a need to re-equip the force with ‘black Marias’ and go back to the old days when drunks causing trouble would be transported away from public sight and locked up for the night. As I have Continued overleaf

7

The St Fillans Bit Continued from previous page

had to state before in this column, that is my opinion and suggestion, neither of which necessarily reflect the views of The Villagers magazine!

It is worthwhile noting that during the conference call mentioned above, the following points were made by our representatives: The first point was that the National Park should position more and bigger signs as the existing ones are too small and can be easily missed, even by folk I would describe as“sensible” campers. I had occasion to engage with a cyclist and couple camping right after the second weekend.

It was easy to see that they were aware of their responsibilities to the environment, so in conversation, I asked them whether they had seen the No Camping signs. They had not and I believed them. They are too small, there are too few and can be easily missed, especially if you are arriving from the west by car or if you arrive on foot or by bike over the bridge at the east of the loch. This pic (right) illustrates the point. Come by car, and the detail on the sign is too small to be readable.

Secondly, more and bigger bins which would need to be emptied more often in high season.

Thirdly, increased visibility of both Ranger and Police patrols to act as a deterrent...

And finally, fines and punishment for violations of existing legislation should actually be implemented and made public. These should not simply be used as a threat.

What is also becoming apparent, is that this problem exists across Scotland. We will all have seen similar reports from other Trossachs lochs and Loch Tay. I have just read a report in the Glasgow Herald which indicates that villages on the ‘North Coast 500’ route are experiencing similar problems. The authorities will need to up their game on this as it needs to be tackled on so many levels, not least education. I see it as a social rather than a political problem, but maybe a bigger fleet of black Marias is the short term answer!

During all this carry on, one further crime was committed. Earlier this year, the village had purchased a life-sized cut-out policeman who “patrolled” sections of the village to encourage motorists to slow down.

This actually had a positive effect, in 8

that as soon as “he” came into vision, motorists immediately took their foot off the accelerator. The change in their engine note was clear. That it worked was great news for the village, where excessive speed along the main thoroughfare was a daily problem.

Unfortunately, he was stolen from his beat at the west end of the village.

The real police were alerted and have been looking for him since. The following bulletin was published on their facebook page. I quote: APPEAL FOR INFORMATION THEFT, STATION ROAD, ST.FILLANS Actually, this might be more of a kidnapping than a theft. Many of you will have at some point come across our favourite plastic patrolman, PopUp Jim. Jim has been known to patrol many areas of Tayside and beyond, and recently he has been stationed in St Fillans.

Jim was on duty at 5pm last Sunday (12th) at the junction of the main A85 and Station Road, doing a good job

of keeping everyone safe and slowing down speeding drivers. Unfortunately, by 8:15pm he had vanished. No radio call, no note, nothing. We don’t think he’s gone AWOL, so there must be some other explanation.

In all seriousness, while someone may have removed Jim thinking it was a funny prank, it’s not - it’s a theft. This Pop-Up Jim doesn’t belong to Police Scotland, but was purchased by the local Community Trust for the purpose of making the streets of the village safer by slowing down speeding traffic, and was having the desired effect. He will cost well over £100 to replace. If you saw anyone paying him more than passing attention, or saw any vehicles parked up beside him, we’d like to hear from you.

If you have any information that could help us find Jim or those who took him, please call 101 or speak with any police officer. Also, information can be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Our reference is Incident No. 3905 of 12th July.

I am sure it goes without saying, that if any Villagers readers can shed any light on the fate of our policeman, you now have the telephone number and crime reference to be able to report it.

The gradual easing of lockdown restrictions has enabled our hotels and Golf Club to undertake a staged move towards normality.

Starting with the Four Seasons, Susan Stuart told me that she recommenced operation of her self contained chalets as soon as soon as controls on selfcatering accommodation were relaxed.

Uptake was almost instantaneous, and she was able to provide some meals as “delivered to the door carry outs”. Once a full meal service was again possible, she was happy to be bombarded with inquiries for hotel accommodation and is now regularly operating at or close to capacity. Interestingly, many of these bookings are last minute, so the hotel occupancy can change from having rooms available to 100% in a morning. This year, she is supported by Ian Rainbird and Chris Bellshaw in the kitchen. Ian has experience of working in multi rosette establishments down south. Chris is a weel kent face around the village and he was a loss to the Achray when he left there a couple of years ago to move to the new catering facility in Glenturret Distillery. It’s good to see him back in St Fillans. I must also comment on the new décor in the main dining room. In keeping with its new name of “Seasons View”, wall paper featuring spring and autumn scenes now adorns the back wall. This has changed the feel completely. I always felt the old white décor was cold, sterile and did not make a comfortable environment. This is vibrant and welcoming, giving a positive vibe even when looking through the window from the outside.

I have talked each month since lockdown commenced about the Achray’s efforts to provide customers within the village and beyond with food delivered to their doors. They too are going full steam ahead now the business is released from its constraints and are getting a steady stream of reservations. Interestingly they are now getting table reservations from customers in Crieff and Comrie who enjoyed the lockdown carry out and now want to get the hotel experience.

Occupancy is presently being held by management at 60% while new staff and anti-Covid measures are bedded in, but the decision to go to 100% is imminent. Like Four Seasons, they are

getting lots of inquiries. Chef Ryan McCutcheon is taking on a more prominent role in hotel operation and will be ably supported by his fiancée Lyndsey. He tells me they should have been married by now, but Covid has stymied that twice already. Good luck for the happy day when it comes!

Furniture in the dining room has been refurbished to match last year’s major redecoration effort. Tables are still available in the conservatory and guests will be able to select from the full menu irrespective of where they decide to eat. Panu Lehti, the joint owner, is at the moment focussing his attention on a new venture in Scandinavia set up to market electric scooters. He hopes to expand this operation to Scotland in due course.

St Fillans Golf Club has managed to not just maintain but slightly increase its membership this year. However, it has suffered financially by the enforced closure of the course which eliminated all visitor income. Given that the Club was voted “Best 9 Hole Course in Scotland”, this was expected to be a bumper year for visitors. Hopefully, with the general relaxation of

regulation and outstanding condition of the Golf Course, some of this can be recovered in the remaining months of the golf season. Catering is now available 7 days a week but as I write this, it is still on a carry out basis. The Club has erected a marquee in which players can enjoy their carry out food pre or post game. In normal times they would consume this in the clubhouse.

The Club will keep this under review and try to normalise dining as soon as they feel able.

So, that is where we are in St Fillans in respect of recovery from Covid.

Understandably, no news is available about future events. It does feel a bit strange that I have no major village activities to announce. In the last couple of years, the August edition featured upcoming Festive Weekend activities. Not possible this year and we all hope that the new normal, when and however it comes will allow for the resumption of village wide celebrations. These are missed.

Meanwhile, stay well!

Bruce Montgomery

Post Script: My report was written and submitted prior to the week end of 25th- 26th July. Again it started on Friday night with an influx of campers - to the south shore, and east end of the Loch. The latter is less used, given that you have to walk a hundred or two yards from either the north or south road, which these days appears beyond the capability of many. The photo above illustrates use of the east end.

As can be seen, this is heavy duty camping kit, set up by folk who obviously knew what they were doing. It turns out that they had camping permits but were not fully aware that the permits applied to specific areas round the loch. I am pleased to be able to say that they left the place in a very tidy condition so they were aware and took their environmental responsibilities seriously. However, this does rather reinforce my points above about signage (or lack thereof ), and suggests that the Park should take another look at exactly what and how information regarding BM restrictions is supplied to campers when they buy a permit.

Online classes during Covid-19.

Full information at

www.buddhabodies.co.uk 9

The Plough can be used as a convenient guide for locating comet C/2020F3 Neowise over the remaining nights of July and into early August. Stars are shown in the position they will have relative to the horizon on 30 July at 00:00 BST.

August Skylights by Vernon Alexander In this note of Astronomical events I have only included items that can be seen either with the naked eye or with a pair of binoculars.

It is always helpful to have a star chart to follow when navigating and observing the heavens. A free star chart which also contains lots of additional observational notes is published monthly by Skymaps. com. Simply go to skymaps.com and scroll down to Download Now. A new page opens to reveal several types of download. Press Download Northern Hemisphere Edition and save. This is then best printed double sided to an A4 sheet. Should you want to download a Skychart onto your pc, Stellarium is available free of charge.

It is worth noting that planets do not appear on “skymaps”.

Looking North Ursa Major is now the ‘right way up’ in the northwest, but some of the fainter stars are difficult to see. Bootes stands almost vertically in the west, but pale Arcturus is sinking towards the horizon. Higher in the sky you can see Corona Borealis and Hercules clearly. In the northeast Capella is clear to see, but much of Auriga is below the horizon. Higher in the sky is Perseus and later in the night and later in the month stunning Pleiades rises above the northeastern horizon. Between Perseus and Polaris lies the constellation of Camelopardalis.

Higher still, both Cassiopeia and Cephus are easy to observe even though Cassiopeia is bathed in the band of the Milky Way. Pegasus and Andromeda are now above the eastern horizon with Pisces climbing into view.

Looking South The whole of the summer Milky Way is stretched across the sky in the South from Cygnus, high in the sky near the zenith (that point that is directly above you at the very centre), past Aquila, with the bright star Altair, to part of the constellation of Sagittarius close to the southern horizon, where the patterns of stars known as the ‘Teapot ‘ may be just visible. This area is rich in nebulae and both open and globular clusters. Between Alberio and Altair lie two small constellations of Vulpecula and Sagitta, which can be distinguished from the Milky Way using binoculars.

Still using binoculars, between Sagitta and Pegasus to the east lie the highly distinctive five stars that form the tiny constellation of Delphinus.

Below Aquila, mainly in the star clouds of the Milky Way, lies Scutum, known for its bright open cluster, M11 or the ‘Wild Duck Cluster’ readily visible with binoculars. To the southeast lie the two zodiacal constellations of Capricornus and Aquarius.

Meteors August is the month when one of the best meteor showers of the year occurs, the Perseids. This long shower started on the July 16th and continues until August 23rd, reaching its maximum on 11/13th August. The Perseids originate from the Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle (the great Comet of 1862). The best time to observe the Perseids is after midnight when we are on the side of the Earth facing forward along its motion around the Sun where we run into more meteoroids. Scientists have estimated that the total mass of material contained within the Perseid stream is over 10 billion tonnes. Swift-Tuttle has an orbital period of 133 years. Its last visit was in the early 1990’s and led to increased activity during 1991, 1992 and 1993 when one of its meteoroids damaged the Olympus satellite leading to its ultimate demise. Cosmonauts onboard Mir around the same time reported hearing pings which were believed to be meteoroids impacting on the station’s hull.

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Nights of Interest

Some of the objects described below are expressed in degrees from the Moon. This is far less complicated to measure than you might think.

To measure 10 degrees, hold your hand up towards the sky at arm’s length and turn your hand up so that it obscures part of your view. The width of your hand is 10 degrees and holding just one finger is two degrees.

2 - 14 August Alpha Capricornid shower 4 August Moonrise 22.00 - look out for illusion; Moon appears artificially large.

13 - 24 August Delta Aquariid meteor shower 11 – 13 August Peak of the Perseid meteor shower. Best after midnight.

19 August New Moon 20 August Best night for viewing the Milky Way from a Dark location.

28 August Jupiter 3.7 degrees SW from a waxing gibbous Moon.

29 August Saturn, as the sky darkens Saturn appears 4 degrees NW of Moon.

31 August Best sightings of Mars are at 04.00 looking South through Pisces.

Comet Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE is visible in northern skies, making for a fabulous celestial spectacle. Around 24 July, it will sit roughly one Plough handle’s length below the Plough’s blade. Neowise will again return in about 6800 years.

What will happen over the following nights is not entirely clear. At the time of writing, the comet remains relatively bright and visible to the naked eye.

It’s not certain how long it will be able to maintain this status but with luck it’ll remain so into early August. After it fades from naked eye brightness, it will still be visible with binoculars and telescopes for a while longer.

The Planets Mercury is now close to the Sun but

Balquhidder Church News MUSINGS FROM THE MANSE Faith in an age of labels As an enthusiastic subscriber to the Spectator magazine I am a huge fan of Douglas Murray. I have several of his books and love his many and varied articles. He is incapable of writing a dull sentence. He wrote an article recently on the closure of a Church that he had attended for many years. Now Murray has moved from what I would describe as a soft Anglicanism to a soft Atheism in these last years. You get the sense that he is still drawn to God/Faith in some indefinite way by many of the comments he makes. In the article mentioned above he describes himself as “conflicted” and “confused” on matters of religion.

At the same time, I received a communication from a couple who attend Church but who have concerns and doubts about the Christian Creed but who nonetheless described themselves as “wondering” and “respectful.” I did make the point that this put them, in some very important ways, in the company of many famous people down through the ages. In fact, from a Christian point of view what is wrong with “wondering” and “respectful”? Is that not a brilliant starting point for the journey of faith…it shows humility, honesty, realism and openness.

Likewise, what is wrong with “conflicted” and “confused”? Does that not describe the state of the Disciples both before and even after Easter? These four terms certainly describe my own continuing journey. ‘Certainty’ is not an option in this life. Like St Anselm, my pilgrimage has been dialectical: faith seeking understanding which deepens faith but which in turn, seeks further understanding. That faith has not remained exactly the same. Over the years I have moved from religious nominalism to fundamentalism, to liberalism to radicalism and now - well who knows! - I have given up on labels - they are only partially useful but often divisive.

What matters, is I am still on the journey; one that has not been easy, smooth, or straightforward. It has not been uniform, neatly linear nor progressively ascensional. It has often been hard and difficult but never dry or boring. On the contrary, it has been the very “stuff of life”; a great adventure of the soul and despite the struggles, which have, at times, been deep and intense; I would not have missed it for the world.

One of my favourite songs is U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. From a faith perspective this is a brave and incredibly profound song. It is ruthlessly honest, tension laden and paradoxical. But it expresses something very deep and very real at the heart of every restless pilgrim. A close inspection I have climbed the highest mountains of the lyrics reveals a bringing together of affirmation and doubt in the same I have run through the fields moment. It testifies to the band’s Christian background but also to their need Only to be with you to keep wrestling, struggling, hoping, expecting and searching – or as the Only to be with you song puts it, to keep “running.” The final verse says it all. Thank you, Bono!

I have run I have crawled To those of you both inside and on the fringes of faith - I would say don’t I have scaled these city walls These city walls lose heart and don’t give up. Keep questing….and God Bless you all.

Russel

Venus is a brilliant early morning object and will remain so into September. Jupiter makes a fine appearance, late in the evening, at the beginning of the month coming together with Saturn just above the south-southeastern horizon with the Moon. in the second week the Moon passes Mars in the east-southeast around midnight to 1 am. At the end of the month in the late evening there is another opportunity to see Saturn and Jupiter joined by the Moon.

A free colourful online book of Mars is downloadable at the following address: https://issuu.com/ futurepublishing/docs/asb2860. issuu_ec?e=1191357/78478211

CHURCH SERVICES

Balquhidder, Lochearnhead Strathyre and St. Fillans Although the churches remain closed at the moment, we are providing short recorded services online, every Sunday. You will find them on Killin Church’s Facebook page or directly on YouTube via Killin Parish Church.

Please join us!

Russel

Only to be with you But I still haven’t found What I’m looking for…

I have kissed honeyed lips Felt the healing in the fingertips It burned like fire This burning desire I have spoke with the tongue of angels I have held the hand of a devil It was warm in the night I was cold as a stone But I still haven’t found What I’m looking for…

I believe in the Kingdom come Then all the colours will bleed into one Bleed into one But yes, I’m still running You broke the bonds and you loosened chains carried the cross of my shame, of my shame You know I believe it But I still haven’t found What I’m looking for…

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12

Treasures of Balquhidder

Thanks to Clare Hunter for sharing these items: an old document (left) listing tenants’ rules & regs, and an early 20th century hand tinted postcard (above) of Rob Roy’s grave.

enquiries@coopercottages.com

www.sulafurnishing.co.uk catriona@sulafurnishing.co.uk

Although we have all missed the social side of our U3A, technology has come into its own and U3A members have been able to learn and have had the opportunity to keep in touch. While more active groups have been unable to meet, other interest groups have continued online, for instance (though by no means exhaustive).

The Rock Music Group joined the Zoom generation and has continued to “meet” every fortnight. Topics explored include Plans, Despair, Holiday Destinations, Isolation, with videos used to lighten the mood.

A selection of paintings has been emailed weekly to the Art History Group for members to enjoy and to try to identify.

Due to lockdown and the fabulous spell of weather producing wonderful clear nights, the Astronomy Group this year continued into the summer months.

Our U3A fanzine ‘Chatterbox’ featured ‘Skylights’ enabling other U3A members to share in some of the spectacles.

German, French and Spanish language groups have been practising in different ways, including online work, chatting via Zoom, chats on landlines, as well as completing crosswords and reading at home.

There is no physical Knit and Natter but members have kept in touch by email, sharing patterns, keeping busy with their own knitting as well as knitting cannula gloves for babies in hospital and kitten blankets.

In Current Affairs various online discussion topics were explored but the group has decided to have a summer break and hope to meet up outdoors for a picnic and chat when guidelines permit.

As life is still less busy and more home based for some people, several groups have opted to carry on throughout the summer months. Until we can meet and share common interests face to face, U3A members will carry on learning, laughing and connecting with each other.

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Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre Community Council A public meeting took place online via Zoom on 1st July 2020. Please note that these minutes have not yet received formal approval and should be considered as a draft version only. Present: David Johnston (DJ), Andrew Poulter (AP), Donald McLaren (DM), Ruth McLusky (RM). Apologies: Eunice Frame (EF), Angus Cameron (AC), William Dalziel (WD), Jim Heron (JH); Cllr Evelyn Tweed (ET), Michelle Flynn (MF), Stirling Council; PC Will Diamond (PCWD), Police Scotland. In attendance: Cllr Martin Earl (ME),Cllr Jeremy McDonald (JM), Stirling Council; Paul Hicks, minute-taker.

1) Approval of Minutes It was proposed by RM and seconded by AP, that the minutes of the meeting on 13th May 2020 should be accepted and this was approved unanimously.

2) Declarations of Interest DJ declared an interest in item 14(b): a planning application by BLS Development Trust in respect of the former railway line at Lochearnhead.

3) Police report (13 May - 20 Jun 2020) In respect of anti-social behaviour, twenty incidents were dealt with. They included illegal fishing and camping, sheep-worrying and refusal to conform to restrictions imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Locations for these offences varied from North and South Loch Earn to the River Balvaig, Balquhidder Church, Loch Voil and Loch Doine. Forty-six people were dealt with in all, having travelled from as far afield as Edinburgh and Hamilton to visit the area. There were no traffic-related incidents during this period, but four crime-related incidents took place. On 22th May, a report was received in relation to an allegation of illegal tree-felling and subsequent theft of timber from a commercial forest in Balquhidder. Enquiries are still ongoing. Between 4-5th June, Stronvar House at Balquhidder was broken into. Those responsible forced open wooden panels securing the property and entered but did not appear to take anything. Between 1-15th June, a theft occurred at a property on South Loch Earn Road, just prior to the bridge at Edinample Castle. A large marble plaque, with the name ‘Edinample Lodge’ etched onto it, was stolen from outside the property. PC Diamond would appreciate any information regarding this theft. Between 17-18th June, Stronvar House at Balquhidder was again broken into. Those responsible forced open the wooden panels securing the property and entered but, again, did not appear to take anything. The CCTV shows a silver-coloured Vauxhall Corsa attending the property twice, at 12:35 and 14:35 hours on 17th June.

The vehicle contained three females and CCTV shows them at the area where the property was entered. The females were in their late teens or early twenties, dressed in jeans or tracksuits. One was blonde and the other two had dark hair. If anyone saw or heard anything around that time, please contact PC Diamond.

Since the last report, PC Diamond’s time had been spent in and around the local communities. The current Government advice had changed slightly and, as a result, the area was much busier than it had been previously. The powers open to the police are actually reducing as the restrictions ease. For example, the current advice to remain within five miles of one’s home address cannot be enforced legally. Police are still able to issue fixed penalty notices to large groups who arrive but are not all resident together, because the advice remains that only two households may meet within a twenty-four hour period. Camping is still not permitted within the area. Together, these had contributed to the majority of the workload since the last report. Reports submitted have been in respect of those who have either refused to leave or been unable to do so, owing to intoxication. Local communities will see that in nearby areas (including Loch Lubnaig and the Falls of Falloch) ‘Clearway’ signs are now in place, in addition to temporary speed limits of 30mph. These measures have been introduced as an emergency response, owing to the number of issues experienced by police at these locations with parked cars and the volume of visitors attending. Officers are now enforcing both the ‘Clearway’ restriction and the speed limit reduction. Parking is not permitted on Loch Lubnaig, either on the road or on the verge for two and a half miles nor, likewise, at the Falls of Falloch for two miles.

DJ commented that the local police had seen a significant increase in their work and had responded with patient dedication to the task.

He proposed writing a letter of thanks on behalf of the community to the Divisional Commander for the work of PC Diamond and his colleagues. This was agreed unanimously. Action: RH to write letter of thanks to Police Divisional Commander.

4) Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Michael Gemmel from the East Area of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) had been invited to address the meeting in response to local concerns in the wake of a recent fire at Balquhidder. He began by referring to the matter of fire hydrants and explaining that these were owned and maintained by Scottish Water, but SFRS naturally took a close interest in the the maintenance and condition of the infrastructure. Mr Gemmel went on to provide some background information on the current situation with Covid-19 and how this had affected the ability of SFRS to maintain its normal levels of service. The operational response had continued much as before, but engagement with local communities had suffered. Normally, a programme of between eight and nine thousand home visits, mainly to vulnerable residents, checking on smoke detectors and the like, would be undertaken, but this had had to be drastically reduced. Since the beginning of 2020, the service has seen twelve fatalities relating to fire incidents, which represents a significant increase on previous years. To counter this, the service has launched a number of social media campaigns, encouraging residents to look out for their vulnerable neighbours and report any concerns. It has proved particularly difficult to stay in touch with rural communities, where contact has been limited to social media and online conference calls. The service has focused on outdoor safety in respect of barbecues and fire pits because there has been a rise in the number of fire-related incidents outdoors. There have also been efforts to address problems over water safety with two recent fatalities reported.

ME commented particularly on the question of water safety and asked for an assurance that the SFRS would continue to fund water safety events. Mr Gemmel replied that the service would certainly be prepared to support such events in future and regarded them as very important. JM asked about water safety videos and Mr Gemmel replied that several videos on this subject were available and being used regularly.

5) Fire Hydrants DJ thanked Mr Gemmell for his presentation and then referred to the particular problem that had raised local concerns about fire hydrants. On Sunday 7th June, 2020, a fire had occurred at Gartnafuaran Cottage in Balquhidder and the SFRS from Callander attended. Luckily, the wooden hut which was on fire, was close to the river and the fire-fighters drew water from it, assisted by neighbours who formed a human chain to pass along buckets of water. The fire was controlled and prevented from reaching the main buildings and no one was hurt. However, the incident precipitated questions and concern from the local residents as to 14

the whereabouts of fire hydrants in the vicinity and the Community Council had been asked to investigate. DJ stated that he had, personally, previously raised a concern previously regarding a fire hydrant near his own property. During an inspection by an officer from SFRS, a sign indicating the presence of a hydrant was discovered, but there was no sign of the hydrant itself. Following subsequent investigations with neighbours, it transpired that the hydrant had been covered over with soil and buried about six inches deep. The residents were able to make repairs and restore the hydrant to working order, although it was still not at ground level. Similarly, another hydrant at Stronvar House has been re-discovered and restored. DJ had, therefore, on behalf of the Community Council, contacted the SFRS with a series of detailed questions regarding who was responsible for inspecting and maintaining fire hydrants and what information could be given to the local community to enable people to assist in the process of keeping them in serviceable condition.

Mr Gemmel responded that SFRS has a duty of care to check hydrants, but the infrastructure itself belongs to Scottish Water, which has the primary responsibility for servicing and maintaining them. SFRS has a mapping system with thousands of hydrants recorded on it and undertakes regular inspections of them, reporting any defects to Scottish Water. However, changes occur frequently, with some hydrants getting ‘lost’ in vegetation or obscured by local developments. SFRS does not have the capacity to check on whether Scottish Water has fulfilled its responsibilities. JM asked whether local communities could have lists of hydrant locations so that local volunteers could find them and maintain them, especially in rural areas. ME commented that the authority for this would need to come from Scottish Water. DJ had written to Scottish Water as well but, so far, there had been no response. AP asked further about ‘self-help’ responses from local communities, but Mr Gemmel replied that SFRS could not supply any equipment to support such initiatives. DJ concluded by thanking Mr Gemmel again for his contribution and asking him to feed back these ongoing concerns to the SFRS Area Commander. This he agreed to do.

6) Postponed Business The following items have been postponed until the current restrictions have been relaxed: a) Lesley Milne’s presentation on Town Break Dementia Support Services. b) The installation of lights between Balvaig Bridge and A84, Strathyre. c) Parking in Callander.

7) Matters arising from previous meeting There was nothing to raise under this heading.

8) Correspondence a) Information relating to Covid-19 pandemic. A good deal of useful information regarding temporary arrangements, guidelines and advice had been circulated by Stirling Council and incorporated into a special section of news on the community council’s website at: www.blscc.org b) Grass-cutting. A resident in Balquhidder had noted a letter from Bonnybridge Community Council to Stirling Council regarding grass-cutting. She had written to the BLS Community Council, asking if members would be prepared to support a similar letter asking for the following points to be considered: 1. To increase the frequency of grass-cutting in recreational areas to every two weeks. This would include football pitches, parks and public gardens.

2. To manage all other grass areas in such a way as to encourage wild flower diversity. This would involve cutting later, cutting less and time cuts.

3. To dispense with the use of Glyphosate weed killer and to hand-cut path edges where required.

Such measures would save money, reduce emissions and encourage bees and butterflies to thrive. This was supported by ME who reported that the organisation, “On the Verge”, was working with communities across Stirling and Clackmannanshire to create areas of native wild flowers. It was currently running a petition to encourage Stirling Council to reassess its approach and current policy on cutting verges and other areas in order to better support the creation and sustainability of wild flower locations. ME added that the current reduction in grass-cutting by the council due to the health crisis in many areas had created a proliferation of wild flower locations. This provides an opportunity to reassess the current policy and consider how things could be done differently. Kilmahog CC is currently undergoing a survey with Stirling Council to ascertain whether grass-cutting could be adapted. Members queried whether weed killer was still being used. ME thought not but wasn’t sure. RM thought it had stopped some years ago. DJ commented that, in Balquhidder, there is an urgent need to keep vegetation cut in order to provide sight-lines and greater visibility on minor roads. It was agreed that, with the current policy already being re-considered, it was not necessary for the BLS community council to add anything further at this stage. c) PETAL. A letter had been received from Anne Rennie of “PETAL Support”. PETAL is an acronym for “People Experiencing Trauma and Loss”. The organisation exists to support the families and friends of loved ones lost to murder, culpable homicide and suicide. Further details have been posted on the community council website. (www.blscc.org) d) A81 Road Closure. Notice had been received of a road closure at the A81 in Callander, from its junction with Mollands Farm to its junction with Maclaren Sports Centre Car Park. This will take place between 14th July and 4th August 2020 to facilitate the construction of a new access road. Emergency service access will be maintained.

9) Timber Transport b) The Strategic Timber Transport Fund (STTF), managed by Scottish Forestry, had made an award of £282,699 to Stirling Council for the improvement of the Stroneslaney Road under the terms of a project which aims to reduce the impact of timber transport for the community in and around Balquhidder. It will enable work to be carried out that includes some resurfacing, the installation of passing places, replacing of some culverts and other drainage improvements. The work is expected to begin in September and take six to eight weeks, depending on the weather and any continuing disruption to schedules caused by COVID-19. The total cost is expected to reach £403,849, with the difference being paid by Stirling Council. The Council is also preparing to bid (in February 2021) for a further award from STTF to support improvements to the C33 road. The aim is to create some passing places and improvements to sight lines. Hopefully, the improved Stroneslaney Road could provide an alternative route during the inevitable disruption caused by road works on the C33.

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Community Council continued c) DJ commented on a particular problem with a BT telegraph pole at Stronvar Bridge. The management agent for Muirlaggan Forest Partnership has written to both British Telecom and Scottish Water in a bid to try and resolve the issue. DM asked if any conclusions had been reached on early morning traffic movements. DJ replied that the company would be happy with not starting before 7am. The community has asked for a maximum limit on the number of journeys per day (rather than an average). DM asked if the community could set a figure for the maximum number, but DJ replied that a better solution might be to work from the average figure but with a linked maximum. It was something that needed to be discussed and resolved with the industry. DM asked if it will be possible to review the situation at regular intervals. DJ agreed that this was reasonable and should be requested.

10) Closed Car Parks Information regarding restrictions on car parks and other public facilities (such as toilets, parks and tennis courts) was published by Stirling Council on 29th May and can be seen in detail on the Community Council website. (www.blscc.org) A meeting to be held on 2nd July with the National Park may lead to car parks being re-opened. ME will be attending this meeting and expects some car parks to be re-opened, but other locations are still to be discussed. Communities have requested that toilets be re-opened wherever an associated car park is opened.

11) Place Making in the National Park Kelly Clapperton-Bates from the BLS Trust and DJ had held conversations with people from the National Park on Monday 29th June and are looking at holding some sort of meeting in September or November. A ‘place-making tool’ has been provided, but DJ has found problems with it. Nonetheless, it is hoped to progress things, perhaps with a similar survey to that sent out for the situation regarding timber transport. The community will need support with mapping tools and advice on planning matters. There is no money for consultancy, so the community will have to do the work themselves, based on the existing ‘Action Plans’.

12) Matters from ward councillors and the National Park a) A recent proposal to Stirling Council for major changes in the management of waste services and the collection of local bins had been strenuously opposed by the local councillors for Ward One, but had been passed nevertheless. Further consultations are now to take place and the community council will be asked to consider making a response in due course. b) Stirling Council is now in recess until September. Virtual meetings are expected to continue, but committees will be used in future to deal with the bulk of the detailed business. c) A revised budget for Stirling Council will be submitted in September. There should not be any immediate crisis over funds, but there will be some difficult questions to resolve in the coming year. d) Stirling Council is now considering measures required for re-opening the local economy and is looking for comments from communities. e) Schools may re-open fully in August, provided that Covid-19 continues to be suppressed, but \u201Cblended learning\u201D proposals have been prepared as a contingency. ME stated that the question to resolve is whether those schools that have the capacity to continue full-time learning (with appropriate health protection measures) will be allowed to continue doing so, alongside other schools that have to resort to \u201Cblended learning\u201D schemes. f) Rural car parks will probably be given the \u201Cgo-ahead\u201D to re-open on 3rd July.

13) Any other competent business a) RM had received a letter from British Telecom about the closure of some local telephone boxes. A reply had been sent, stating that the community wished to keep open the ones at Mhor 84 and Strathyre. Notices regarding the ongoing use of public telephone facilities were to be placed in each of these telephone boxes. b) Eunice Frame had tendered her resignation from the community council, owing to pressure of other work. This meant that a new treasurer would need to be appointed. Members queried whether individuals could ‘double up’ on posts. It was thought that this should be possible but further advice will be sought. It was also agreed to contact MF at Stirling Council for help with a recruitment drive for further members. Action: RM to contact MF regarding recruitment and the filling of posts. c) A grant had been received to spend in relation to making available local resources to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. DJ requested that part of it be given towards the Zoom licence that he had obtained and towards the purchase of hand sanitiser for the village halls.

This was agreed unanimously.

14) Planning Matters a) 2020/0101/DET: Application for change of use from a residential ancillary building to a hair-dresser at Stathyre Camping Pods. This was discussed briefly but members were not aware of any adverse comments from the local community and agreed to raise no objections. b) 2020/0118/DET: Retrospective application by BLS Development Trust to reconstruct two bridges and build a retaining wall on the former railway line at Lochearnhead. DJ explained that this involved a project to re-open a stretch of the former railway line as a walking path. It had been started by two local people with support from a wider group of residents in the village, but had run into problems that required some building works to resolve. The BLS Trust had been asked to assist by submitting a retrospective request for planning permission and DJ had done this in his own name, as chair of the Trust. He was, therefore, unable to continue to contribute to this item as a member of the community council. DJ’s withdrawal meant that the community council was no longer quorate and ME suggested that another meeting would need to be re-convened to discuss this matter. This was accepted, but the point was made that there was nothing to prevent individual residents in Lochearnhead from submitting their own comments on this application in the interim.

There was no further business and, at 9:20 p.m., DJ declared the meeting to be closed. The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 12th August 2020 at Balquhidder Village Hall - health restrictions permitting. Otherwise, it will be held online.

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B A L Q U H I D D E R , L O C H E A R N H E A D & S T R AT H Y R E H O R T I C U LT U R A L S O C I E T Y

Get Baking!

We should have been staging our Annual Horticultural Show this month.

But COVID-19 need not stop us from growing, making, baking and getting creative.

This section of The Villagers is devoted to the activities that are usually catered for in the Horti Show, to inspire you and to keep you busy, indoors and out.

Each year, in the schedule, we include a baking recipe for everyone to try.

All the efforts are judged in the competition’s baking section. This year we fancied a Lemon Drizzle Cake - so here’s the recipe. Good luck!

LEMON DRIZZLE CAKE Ingredients 170 g (6 oz) self-raising flour 170 g (6 oz) caster sugar 170 g (6 oz) butter or margarine 2 medium eggs 3 unwaxed lemons 4 tbsp icing sugar Equipment Mixing bowl Weighing scales Measuring spoons Wooden spoon Whisk Citrus juicer and zester 23cm (9 inch) springform tin Wire cooling rack Saucepan Skewer Instructions Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan, 350F). Cream the sugar and butter (or margarine) together. Add both eggs and whisk in. Sift in the flour and fold until smooth. Add the zest of two lemons and the juice of one to the mixture and mix well.

Spoon the batter into a greased and lightly floured cake tin.

(Note, this is a wide tin and your cake will not be tall. This is so that the sponge can absorb lots of syrup all the way through later.)

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

The cake should be golden on the outside and the skewer should come out clean.

In a small pan, mix the juice of two of the lemons with the icing sugar.

Place over a medium heat and stir as it heats, continuing until you have a syrupy texture.

Poke holes all over the sponge with a skewer, almost down to the bottom, then take the syrup off the heat (careful, it’s hot!) and pour all over the cooling sponge.

Allow to cool.

www.kingshousetravel.co.uk 17

Doctors

CALLANDER M E D I C A L P R AC T I C E

Thank you!

We would like to start by thanking all the patients and friends of the practice who have kept us going over the past few months with delicious cakes and home baking. They have been excellent for morale – not so much the waistlines!

We would also like to thank local residents and businesses who have donated masks, hand sanitiser, hand creams, uniform laundry bags etc.

They were all much appreciated by the team.

Changes to the way we work Over the past few months, we have had to make dramatic changes to the way we work at the medical practice. As lockdown potentially eases over the next few months, we will be looking at what has worked well and will consider retaining certain aspects – including telephone triage/consultations.

We have to continue to limit the footfall to the practice as we continue to provide medical services to the community. We would therefore ask if you have to attend the practice that you wear a face covering and sanitise your hands-on arrival. The front door is open to allow you to drop off prescriptions and samples, but the internal door is locked and only opened to patients with appointments. Please phone in for appointments or queries and do not attend the practice unnecessarily.

We are trying our best to timetable our essential face to face appointments in such a way that we protect our most vulnerable patients.

As we gradually enter phase 3 of the ease of lockdown, we aim to slowly re-introduce some of our chronic disease reviews. We will be changing to annual reviews on or around your birthday month. This will entail an initial appointment for routine bloods followed up by a telephone consultation or face to face consultation where necessary. This is subject to change depending on the relevant and current Government guidelines. The amount of appointments for chronic disease review that we are able to offer has dramatically reduced as we have to allow time between each appointment for cleaning of the room.

You will increasingly be asked questions by the reception team when you contact the practice, and this is for a number of reasons.

The reception staff are members of the practice team and it has been agreed they should ask patients relevant questions in order to ensure that you receive: • The most appropriate medical care, • From the most appropriate health professional, • At the most appropriate time Receptionists are asked to collect brief information from patients: • To help doctors prioritise house visits and phone calls • To ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care • To direct patients to see the nurse or other health professional more appropriate rather than the doctor Reception staff, like all members of the team, are bound by confidentiality rules: • Any information given by you is treated strictly confidentially • The practice would take any breach of confidentiality very seriously and deal with it accordingly.

• You can ask to speak to a member of the reception team away from reception.

• However, if you feel an issue is very private and do not wish to say what this is then this will be respected.

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Margaret’s Leaving...

Margaret’s leaving us, this we know Because she went and told us so Her flaxen locks will no longer grace This, our Health Centre, our own workplace I know she’s coming back awhile To do admin stuff and make us smile But as far as the Inland Revenue knows This is the day she actually goes We’ll miss your penchant for good strong Yorkshire tea We’ll miss your laugh and repartee We’ll miss your IT savvy and expertise We’ll miss your steady hand on the tiller in this turbulent sea You may have noticed her with a stick Her hip’s not good, it needs a fix Time off for the op that’ll see her straight To get herself well and recuperate Once that’s done John, Rebecca and John Robert too Will have to keep up with the new you Campervan trips will be a pleasure When you visit the grandchildren that you treasure Because of Covid 19 it’s not fair Your leaving do’s not a big affair A glass of red medicine we’ll raise to you The rest of the party’s an IOU

d best n a e v lo ll With a r om us wishes f

Your reception and management teams Margaret Davis retired as Practice Manager at the end of May. Margaret worked with Bracklinn Practice for over twenty years and then latterly worked hard to manage the successful merging of the two practices.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 we were unable to give Margaret the send-off she deserved but we aim to make up for this in the months to come. Margaret will continue to work with the practice in a different capacity for a period of time to finalise the systems for the new practice. Dr Strang penned a poem for Margaret on her final day (see panel, left) We welcome Pauline Henderson to our reception team. Pauline has worked previously in various roles including a community hospital setting. We are delighted she has joined us and look forward to working with her.

Additional Colleagues We have also welcomed Michael Griffiths who is a Community Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to work at Callander. Michael will be working every Tuesday and part of Thursdays and appointments can be arranged through the reception team or by referral from the GP or Practice Nurse.

Online Prescription Ordering We would encourage as many of our patients as possible to use the online ordering service for prescriptions. If you are interested in registering to use this service, please speak to any member of the reception team who will assist you.

To order your medication by telephone please continue to phone 01877 331001 between 10 am and 3 pm Monday to Friday.

Ordering of Medication Please allow at least two full working days for processing of your request and arrival at your chosen Pharmacy.

The Pharmacies often have to order medication once they receive the signed prescription so please allow adequate time when ordering your medication.

Insurance Forms, holiday cancellation forms etc We are increasingly being asked by patients to complete forms for various personal reasons. Please note, where possible, we are happy to do this, but we would ask that you respect that these are not an NHS service and therefore not a priority and there will usually be a charge attached.

email:

mobilelibrar y@stir ling.gov.uk

THE

M O B I L E L I B R A RY T E M P O R A R Y T I M E TA B L E

Balquhidder Village Hall • Fridays 12.40 to 13.00 7 AUGUST • 28 AUGUST • 18 SEPTEMBER Balquhidder Station • Mondays 12.10 to 12.40 & Strathyre Car Park • Mondays 12.50 to 1.20 27 JULY • 17 AUGUST • 7 SEPTEMBER Call 01786 237553 at these times for Select and Collect Mobile Libraries Library Headquarters 6 Borrowmeadow Road, Stirling FK7 7TN Tel: 01786 237553 19

Since my last report, the following is a breakdown of incidents that have occurred: On the 25th June, an incident occurred within Cameron Court, Lochearnhead, whereby an individual was shouting and swearing at others.

As a result, a female was charged with contravening Section 38 Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 in regards to threatening and abusive behaviour, and she was issued with a Recorded Police Warning regarding her conduct.

On the 3rd July, a male was traced on South Loch Earn Road, having erected a tent. He was within the Camping Management Zone and had no obtained a permit. He was charged initially with the Camping byelaw offence, and when required to pack up and leave the area, he refused, so was also charged with failing to leave the Camping Management Zone. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Between the 29th June and the 6th July, a Housebreaking with intent to steal occurred at the Lochearnhead Scout Station. The incident occurred when the perpetrator(s) forced open a padlock and a door locked and although the buildings were entered, nothing appeared to have been taken.

If anyone saw or heard anything that they consider relevant, please contact PC Diamond. Enquiry is still ongoing.

On the 12th July, a male and female were found camped on Loch Voil, within the Camping Permit area. They had failed to purchase a permit, and when police observed them, the male was observed to be sawing at tree branches. Both have been charged with Byelaw offences in relation to erecting the tent without a permit, in addition to collecting/gathering wood from within the Camping Management area. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

On the 12th July, two vehicles were stopped on Main Street, Strathyre, given their driving manner. At the time, both drivers were issued with Conditional Offers of Fixed Penalty for Careless Driving. A few days later, it transpired that one of the drivers had provided Police with false details and his family member was not best pleased as a result. The male has now been charged with a number of other offences, including driving without

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Lochearnhead Scout Station

a licence, insurance, stealing the car and attempt to pervert the course of justice. A report has been submitted to the PF. On the 18th July, a male was found camped on Loch Voil, within the Camping Permit area, having failed to purchase a permit. He was charged initially with the Camping byelaw offence, and when required to pack up and leave the area, he refused, so was also charged with failing to leave the Camping Management Zone. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Again, on the 18th July, another male was found camped on Loch Voil, within the Camping Permit area, having failed to purchase a permit. He has been charged with the Byelaw offence and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

On the 19th July, two males were found camping on North Loch Earn, near to Dalkenneth. They were out with the Permit area and had not purchased a permit. Having ignored the signage, the males were charged with the Byelaw offence and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Again, on the 19th July, a male was found camping on North Loch Earn, near to Woodend He was out with the Permit area and had not purchased a permit. In addition to ignoring the signage, the male was also found to have cut a number of branches from nearby trees. The male was charged with the offences of erecting his tent and gathering firewood from within the Camping Management Zone and

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© James Allan

a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Again, on the 19th July, a male and female were found camping on Loch Voil. They were out with the Permit area and had not purchased a permit, so they were charged with a Byelaw offence and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

On the 19th July, a group of 4 individuals – 2 male and 2 female were found camping in Balquhidder, near to Loch Voil. They had set up their camp within the Camping Management Zone, but were out with the permit area, and had not purchased a permit. In addition, they had set a large fire within the woodland, which had caused damage, and they had also been gathering wood from the surrounding area, including branches from live trees. Their campsite was strewn with debris and litter. The group were made to pack up and tidy up and were charged with a number of offences including the Byelaw offences of setting up a tent, lighting a fire, and gathering wood – in addition to littering offences. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

On the 19th July, a vehicle was stopped in Balquhidder and the male driver was found to be driving on a provisional licence, and as such the insurance was not valid. The male has been charged and a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Again, on the 19th July, a group was found camping on Loch Voil, within the Permit area. Neither of the two adult males had purchased a permit, and they had caused quite a bit of damage

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to the surrounding area. They had lit a fire on grass, which had destroyed it, and they had entered into a nearby plantation and had begun cutting trees down and snapping branches off for their fire. The campsite was also in a real mess, so the two males were charged with a number of Byelaw and littering offences and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

On the 25th July, two males were found camped on North Loch Earn, within a Permit area. Neither of the males had purchased a permit, so they were charged with the Byelaw offence and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Again, on the 25th July, a male was found camped on North Loch Earn, within a Permit area. The male had not purchased a permit, so he was charged with the Byelaw offence and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Again, on the 25th July, another male was found camped on North Loch Earn, within a Permit area. He also had not purchased a permit, so was charged with the Byelaw offence and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Also on the 25th July, a male and female were found camped on North Loch Earn, within a Permit area. Neither of them had purchased a permit, so they were both charged with the Byelaw offence and a report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

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On Friday 17th July, I took part in a virtual meeting chaired by Gordon Watson, National Park CEO, alongside a colleague from Tayside division of Police Scotland, in addition to other National Park staff, and a number of local land and business owners to discuss a number of issues that relate particularly to Loch Earn. The meeting allowed for National Park and Police Scotland to explain their positions and activities to the local communities, and also allowed those from the local communities to raise a number of points. All in all, I felt it was a worthwhile and positive meeting, and there were a few action points that came from the meeting.

One of the key points that I took from the meeting, and feel is important to share is the importance of reporting matters whilst they are ongoing. For

example, a few weekends ago, around 20 or so groups of campers set up tents along the head of Loch Earn, within Lochearnhead. This area is not a permit zone; therefore no-one should be camped there, except the landowner only. I was on duty, and although I observed them, sadly there were so many other calls to other locations that we did not get a chance to engage with them or note their details. As expected, the next morning, they all left, and sadly a large number chose to leave numerous items of rubbish behind which has had to be cleaned up by others. Had it have been reported, we would have had their details and could have reported them retrospectively.

Equally, on a number of occasions, I have been emailed about incidents and they have not been reported to 101. Often by the time I return to duty the following day, or after a few days off, the perpetrators are long gone. I have no issues with details, and photos etc being emailed directly to me, but please ensure that it is reported at the time to 101 to have officers directed to the area. There are a number of other Police resources that are assisting me in this area at present to deal with the high numbers of visitors to the area, and we will attend to every call that is received.

As always, I can always be contacted on 101 or for those who prefer email, I can be contacted directly at william.diamond@scotland.pnn. police.uk.

Regards, PC Will Diamond PC 879 William Diamond Lochearnhead Community Officer

("C" Division Mountain Rescue Coordinator)

Trossachs and Teith Community Team Police Scotland - Forth Valley Division Lochearnhead Police Office, Lochearnhead FK19 8PT william.diamond@scotland.pnn. police.uk

Dial 101 any time it isn’t 999

New look, new website for Love Loch Lomond Love Loch Lomond, the official destination organisation for the Loch Lomond, Trossachs and Clyde Sea Lochs area has launched a new website alongside their new brand.

As a co-operative of local businesses, we’re passionate about sharing the very best of our beautiful region. We bring together a wealth of local knowledge and experience so that, through our website and our signposting, we can do exactly that.

Andy Roger, Chair of Love Loch Lomond and Resort Director of Cameron House Hotel said: “It is fantastic to be launching the new Love Loch Lomond website. As tourism in the area slowly starts to get going again we hope this platform will be of great benefit to our members and visitors in highlighting the breadth of activities, attractions, restaurants, bars and overnight accommodation providers in Loch Lomond and the surrounding area. We believe it will help spread the positive message about these businesses reopening and help us attract as many visitors as we can at such a challenging time for the industry.”

Karen Donnelly, Destination Manager of Love Loch Lomond added: “Whether you’re planning a future visit or looking for last-minute inspiration, our directory of trusted local businesses is the starting point for your Loch Lomond experience. Relax and enjoy unforgettable hospitality or set out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure; indulge in authentic local food and drink; soak up cultural highlights or dive into a day of family fun. Whatever you are looking for, you’ll find it here where great customer service and a warm Scottish welcome come as standard. Our goal is simple: we want you to love our beautiful region as much as we do.”

Visit www.lovelochlomond.com Engage with us via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Lochearnhead Highland Games Stories from the past and present In this the year of The Pandemic Covid-19 when we have all been confined to quarters since the middle of March, and all outdoor gatherings have had to be cancelled, arguably the most important event of the Lochearnhead summer schedule became a casualty of lockdown: the Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Highland Games.

This unprecedented consequence of the pandemic makes 2020 the first year the Games have had to be cancelled since the war years. Even the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001 did not interfere too much and the Games went ahead as usual.

The first Highland Games event in the area were held 217 years ago in one form or another, circulating through all three villages on a rotating basis. The last one before the war was held in the Kirkton field in Balquhidder in 1938. According to Ewen Cameron at the time, these games “had been run pre-war for some ten years in a very small, but good, way”.

After WWII they were reinstated in 1947

by Ewen Cameron, who became the first Secretary - a role he fulfilled for many of the following years. His father, Angus’s grandfather, William Cameron, Hotel Keeper at Lochearnhead, became the first President. Since 1947 they have been held in Lochearnhead every year. Angus told me that in some years the hay would have 22

been cut in the Games field before the date of the Games and the hayricks had to be towed to the edge of the field to allow the event to go ahead.

Thanks to Angus, I have been given access to many old scrapbooks filled with newspaper cutting reports of the Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Highland Games, accumulated by Ewen Cameron and carefully and helpfully dated by him (for the most part).

The office bearers’ roles since the early days have remained largely the same.

There are honorary presidents, honorary vice-presidents, the president, vicepresidents, and the treasurer. The list of officials from 1990 contains many local names recognisable in the village today.

Someone, usually from one of the local clans, will take on the role of Chieftain, appointed by a process of rotation. This social role involves meeting and greeting and presenting the prizes. One year, Ann Cameron, Angus’ mother, was persuaded to take on this role in recognition of the many years she had spent in a supporting role. The event always starts with the processional march of the three local clans resplendent in their tartan, McNab, MacGregor, Mclaren. Alongside them will be the President, the Chieftain for the day, and the committee members. They are led by whichever Pipe Band might be available on the day and for the past few years this

The Games, 1950s has been the Badenoch and Strathspey Pipe Band, who are very good and enjoy the opportunity to show off their skills (and also the refreshments offered in the bar, allegedly). They also come with the added bonus of having their own bus so have no need of reimbursement for travel expenses.

Of course, attendance numbers are critical for the success of such an event, and the biggest damper to numbers has always been the weather, about which nothing can be done, but which can make or break the event. Back in the 1950s it was reported that entertainment tax and bad weather could be a “real killer” of an event in smaller places. Those days income was entirely dependent on local donations and in ‘old money” the taxman would take 7 1/2d from every 2/6d paid at the gate. In the 1950s if an athlete could win £30 that would be a really good day; however it was rare that one man won all the prizes and £200 had to be found for prizes to attract the highest quality competitors. On top of that, was the cost of the band and their food and drink on the day, so it was and always has been a juggling act of cash flow and profit and loss. At his first foray into heavyweight competition after the war in 1947, Ewen won £4 at Killin. This was encouragement enough for him to continue the quest for more competition and success in the field.

Clockwise, from top left: Chieftains gather; hammer thrower Ewen Cameron in 1949; Gus receiving the prize for ‘heavyweight local allrounder’ from his Dad in the 1980s; Gus winning the 100 yd sprint in 1977; on the same page as Gus’s sprint, the hammer thrower is Bill Anderson from Aberdeen throwing the 16lb hammer. He swept the board in the heavy events to take the title (also in 1977).

In later years sponsorship helped to fill the coffers so that higher prize money could attract the best competition from home and sometimes abroad - in particular, in the heavyweight category.

In the 1950s the British Open Highland Games Heavyweight Championship held at Lochearnhead was sponsored by the Distillers of Black and White whisky, with £120 for the winner reducing to £20 for coming 6th. Later years saw sponsorship for individual events coming from the likes of Highland Spring Water, Carmichael the Builders in Crieff, Vladimir Vodka and the Banks when they would come along with their mobile vans. Local folk wishing to do their bit for the Games are among the lists of sponsors these days.

The programme of events has changed a little over the years. The main categories in the past were Heavyweight, Dancing, Athletics, Cycling, Wrestling and Piping.

The sub categories for the heavyweight competitors included, heavy and light hammer throw, caber tossing, heavy and light ball throw, weight over bar throw, and in the wrestling category it was catch- as-catch-can wrestling which is not included any more, but was a discipline in which Ewen Cameron was quite a famous proponent, it seems! Cycling is also no longer an event competed for these days.

But the Athletics high and long jump, 100m, 440, and 220m and the hill race

are still events enjoyed by competitors.

Pole vaulting was dropped from the schedule some years ago. In the Piping event, the pipers can be heard all around the field practising their skills in March, Pibroch, Strathspey and Reel before their time comes to go before the judges.

Likewise, the dancers draw a large crowd as they show off their nimble footwork in the Fling, the Sword Dance, Shean and Trubhais. The tug-o-war is a great spectacle usually held towards the end of the day’s events and it always draws a large crowd of supporter for both teams.

Quoting from one of the articles in the Cameron archive from 1952: “Ideal conditions favoured the Balquhidder Lochearnhead, Strathyre Highland Games and attracted a record attendance of 3650 to the Games Park at Lochearnhead on Saturday. Several records were broken or equalled in the heavy events, which Jack Hunter of Dunecht won although closely challenged by Ewen Cameron, Lochearnhead Hotel keeper. Major John Stewart of Ardvorlich, deputy lieutenant of Perthshire, presented the awards, including the Lady MacGregor cup for Scottish Country Dancing, which went to the Inchside Dancers, Perth with Lochearnhead Ladies as runners up.”

These days a crowd of 2500 is considered a good day and certainly the field seems to be jam packed with

spectators and competitors with this number of attendees. The current officials are happy with the take on the day.

They are in the process of bringing the governance of the Highland Games in line with many other enterprises working to bring events to the local community, by applying to OSCAR to become a Charity.

The figure who stands out in the history of the Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre Highland games is of course Ewen Cameron, who rekindled the event after the war, and nowadays under the presidency of his son Angus, who, aged 12, was photographed helping with stewardship on Games day.

The Games has become a mustsee event in the summer calendar for locals and tourists alike. The field is packed with stalls selling all manner of food, clothes, art and crafts, plus there is the ubiquitous bouncy castle and candy floss for the children. Hot dogs, cakes, bottle stalls and of course a bar/beer tent. These events do not happen without the willing gang of local volunteers who help prepare the field, arrange the parking, (wo)man the gate, run the proceedings on the day and keep everyone safe on the day.

Without the communal effort this could not happen - so let us all look forward to the next Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre Highland Games in July 2021.

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More ramblings about

DundurnParish

Now that we are coming out of the Covid crisis, I thought I would share some correspondence from 1874 between a concerned citizen and the local authority.

Elizabeth McGregor’s Cottage

Removing a fever patient to St. Fillans December 1874: - Meeting of the Crieff Board of Supervision.

A letter, from the Board of Supervision, dated 13th November, and a copy of a letter to the Board dated 11th November, from Mr P McIntyre, Edinburgh, complaining of the removal of a domestic servant from Crieff to St. Fillans while suffering from scarlet fever, and directing the attention of the Commissioners thereto.

Mr McIntyre’s letter to the Board stated that some time ago John Inglis, Royal Hotel, Crieff, removed one of his servants (Ann McGregor) to her grandmother’s house at St. Fillans, while she was dangerously ill with scarlet fever and that in spite of the protest of her grandmother Mrs McGregor, who was 75 years of age, Ingles forced the girl into her house.

The consequence was that a family staying in the same house were seized with the fever.

The Provost also said he had received the following letter from the gentleman; 179 High Street, Edinburgh.

14th October 1874 James McRosty, Esq., Crieff.

Sir, I have written the inspector of nuisances for the parishes of Crieff and Comrie, calling their attention to the inhuman conduct of John Inglis of the Royal Hotel, Crieff; inasmuch as he removed one of his servants while affected with scarlet fever to St. Fillans, and I now write to you as the Chief Magistrate of Crieff, insisting on a thorough investigation taking place. I assert that he has transgressed the law; and he must be amenable to it. I may at the same time state that a family belonging to Cockenzie was two days staying in the same house with this girl, 24

and now I find that one of the children is seriously affected with scarlet fever.

I am yours truly – Peter McIntyre The Provost sent the following reply to the above: - Crieff, 16th October 1874 Sir, I received your letter of yesterdays date last night. I have enquired into the circumstances of the case you refer to, and so far as I have been able to learn, Mr and Mrs Inglis have shown much solicitude for the welfare of the young woman you allude to. When she complained of a sore throat, the Doctor was at once sent for, but he was unable to say what the complaint was.

Mr Inglis knew very well that whatever it was she could not receive that attention in a hotel that she would in a private house, and at the girls express wish, Mr Inglis drove her in a covered carriage to St. Fillans, and there placed her in the charge of her grandmother.

And not only so, but when the doctor, a day or two after, found it was a case of scarlatina, he drove the doctor to St. Fillans, to visit her, and supplied her with such delicacies as the doctor recommended. You will thus see that there is really no blame to be attached to Mr and Mrs Inglis.

I am, sir, your obedient servant – James McRosty.

This drew forth the following: Edinburgh 17th October Sir, yours of the 16th inst, duly to hand.

I think you are really begging the question and becoming the apologist for Mr Inglis. You state that you have made inquiry into the circumstances.

Now sir, I am in daily communication with St. Fillans, and I am not yet advised that you have made any inquiry there. I think you ought to have heard the grandmother’s version before exonerating Mr Inglis. My objection to him is, why did he not send this girl to her proper relations? And why did he

not let them know she was ill?

I assert that Mrs McGregor, St. Fillans, refused point blank to have anything to do with her granddaughter, as she saw that she was dangerously ill with fever; but Mr Inglis, by force carried her into the house against the protests of the grandmother. And more in support of my complaint immediately on Ingles taking the girl into the house, Mrs McGregor went to consult the Rev D.T.K. Drummond, who was then residing at St. Fillans, and he strongly advised her to send the girl back with Ingles, requesting her at the same time to use his name as her advisor. You state that the girl expressed a desire to go to St. Fillans. I can prove that when she saw the state her grandmother was in, pleaded with Mr Inglis to take her back, and whenever he saw the grandmother go away to see Mr Drummond, he immediately made tracks for Crieff.

As to the doctor not knowing what trouble the girl was labouring under, I decline at present to express my candid opinion, but this must also be investigated.

From the tenor of your letter, I have little hopes of anything being done.

I shall give you time to reply to this merely as a matter of courtesy, but the matter cannot remain in this state. – I am yours truly – Peter McIntyre To this letter the Provost said he paid no attention. He had stated this at a meeting of the Parochial Board of Comrie, and they said very properly it was a matter they had no concern with. The medical man did not know what the matter with the girl was when she was removed, and it was only a day or two after when Dr McGregor was driven to St. Fillans by Mr Inglis that they discovered what was wrong. He (the Provost) did not see that they as a Board, had anything to do with the matter, nor had poor Mr Inglis anything to do with it either.

He and his wife did all they could in the circumstances.

Mr Young – said that what he heard from Mr Inglis about the girl, he did not think the Board had anything to do with the matter.

Mr Muir – said supposing Mr Inglis had done such a thing, does it come under the jurisdiction of this Board to inquire into this matter. – The Provost considered they had nothing to do with it as a Board. – The matter then dropped, the Board being unanimous of the opinion that there were no circumstances to warrant them to interfere; and that Mr Inglis had done all he could in the matter; and that he appears to have acted in the whole case in the most considered manner.

Readers can make up their own minds as to the right and wrongs of the Boards findings.

Cast of Characters Elizabeth McGregor Ms. Carmichael – born 15th January 1802 at Wester Glentarken – Died 6th Oct 1888 at her daughter Janet’s home in Cockenzie – lived in a cottage in front of what is now Corranour – she was described in the 1861 and 1871c as a Grocer – (Widow of Duncan McGregor – born 1 sept 1793 Portmore – Died 28 May 1834 St Fillans).

Ann McGregor her granddaughter – Born 9th Dec 1856 in Edinburgh – Father – Daniel McGregor – her son, Born 10th Sep 1930 – St Fillans – (a Hotel Waiter) who died in 1898 at Traquair, Peeblesshire. Ann’s mother Rebecca Robertson died at Glasgow in 1863, and her father remarried in 1869.

Peter McIntyre – Born 15th Feb 1838 in St. Fillans – (Grocer) he was Elizabeth’s nephew. His father the local shoemaker lived in a cottage at the corner of shoemaker’s lane. John McIntyre a Tea Merchant in London inherited the property after his brother Peters death; he demolished it in 1904 to build Inverearn.

James McRostie was the Provost of Crieff between 1866 and 1878 John Swanston Inglis - Licensee Royal Hotel, Crieff – 1871 -1886 – The Hotel ‘Boots’ or night porter sued him for loss of commissions amounting to £41.14s3d in 1886 and won his case. Mr Inglis left the area shortly afterwards.

The Old Crock

STIRLING MP WRITES TO ENVIRONMENT MINISTER OVER RURAL LITTERING Stirling MP Alyn Smith has written to the Scottish Government’s Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment, Mairi Gougeon, calling for a public awareness campaign on the impact of littering in rural hot spots.

The call comes after 21 people were charged with a series of offences in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park area, after tents, sleeping bags, and other equipment were left littering woodland area.

Environmental damage to the area also saw trees destroyed by fire.

Mr Smith has written to the Justice Secretary, calling for a maximum £5,000 fine for those who litter. In addition to this, he has also written to the Education Secretary, asking what more can be done to educate young people about the damage that littering can do to the environment.

During the lockdown period, Mr Smith joined Bruce Crawford MSP in speaking to community councils, local businesses, farmers, and residents about the issues that they were facing. Littering was one of the most frequent issues to be raised.

Last week, Mr Smith visited Malin Holmefjord-Heen, a sheep farmer based just outside Callander, and discussed how littering was impacting the local area.

Alyn Smith MP said: “Like most people, I was sickened to see the devastating damage that small groups of people had done to our local area. The Stirling area is a beautiful and welcoming place, but we need those who visit to give it the respect it deserves.

“Littering isn’t just unsightly, but it can disrupt ecosystems, and can be a real danger to animal welfare too.

“That is why last week, I wrote to the Justice Secretary, calling for a maximum £5,000 fine for people who are littering. This would not mean that everyone who drops a crisp packet would face such a large penalty, but it would give the justice system the ability to better reflect the seriousness of some incidents of littering and environmental damage.

“However, at the same time, we cannot take our foot off the gas when it comes to educating people about this stuff. Schools already do their bit in talking about littering and anti-social behaviour. If more people are going to visit our stunning rural hot spots, then it is only right that authorities undertake a public awareness campaign of the impact that leaving rubbish behind can have.

“The message is a simple one: please do visit our rural areas, but if you can bring rubbish with you, you can take it away again.”

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T HE VIL L AGER S ’ TR A D E D I R EC TORY

Charles Grant Decorator& Tiler Exterior & Interior Wall & Floor Paints, Wallpaper & Varnishes supplied

Tel 07768333792 charliehgrant@gmail.com

Your contact for advertising in The Villagers is Andrew Poulter

Coire A Chroine • Balquhidder FK19 8PB

01877 384784 apoulter72@gmail.com

comriebutchers@aol.com

neillmarshall1234@icloud.com Cheques for advertising and mail order subscriptions should be made out to: The BLS Newspaper Association

26

SUPPORT YO U R LOC A L S U PPLI ER S !

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pfkcallander@btconnect.com

In light of recent events and updates of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), we would like to offer all our customers, existing and future, a ‘contactless’ vehicle MOT, service and repair opportunity.

We can collect your vehicle from home or place of work (within a 25 mile radius from our premises) and deliver back once the MOT, service or repairs have been carried out.

Payments and transfer of payment can be carried out by bacs transfer or by card payment over the phone, to make a fully contactless service.

Please contact PFK Callander Ltd to make your booking appointment today.

Do you need an affordable home ?

Rural Stirling Housing Association aims to support local communities by providing quality homes at affordable rents for families, couples and single people in housing need.

We currently have over 595 rented houses and flats. Around 40 of these become available for rent each year. We currently have properties in the following communities:

Aberfoyle • Doune • Killin • Strathyre Balfron • Drymen • Kinlochard Stronachlachar • Buchlyvie • Gargunnock Kippen • Tyndrum • Callander • Gartmore Lochearnhead • Deanston • Killearn Strathblane We may be able to build in other communities in the future – please let us know if you want to live in a village that is not listed above. Information on local housing need and demand helps us plan for the future.

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If you are interested in renting one of our properties when they become available please contact us: Rural Stirling Housing Association Stirling Road, Doune FK16 6AA

01786 841101 enquiries@rsha.org.uk www.rsha.org.uk

Building affordable homes: growing rural communities

www.andrewbairdoptometrist.co.uk

Published by The BLS Newspaper Association 27

BALQUHIDDER, LOCHEARNHEAD & STRATHYRE LOCAL PLACE PLAN PROCESS OVERVIEW JULY 2020 This document presents a summary overview of the important changes to planning in Scotland resulting from the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. These introduce a bottom up approach to �egional Development planning. It allows communities to create �Local Place Plans� which regional planning authorities must take account of when developing their Local Development Plans. It also provides a draft proposal on how the consultation for the creation of a BLS Place Plan could be achieved and will develop and enhance the work already done on the Community Action Plans.

Strategic Overview Planning (Scotland) ��� December 2019

NPF

National Planning Framework

The �P� is a long term spatial plan for Scotland that sets out where development and infrastructure is needed to support sustainable and inclusive growth will take on enhanced status as part of the statutory development plan.

LDP

Local planning authorities (LLTNP and Stirling Council) are now legally re�uired to take account of �Local Place Plans� when preparing their Local Development Plans. These will run for 10 years from 2022.

Local Development plans set out the long term vision for where development should and shouldn�t happen in the places they cover and should reflect the uni�ue characteristics of the places and communities.

LPP

Introduces a new right which means that we will now be able to prepare a �Local Place Plan� for our three villages covering what we want done or not done in our villages� including issues such as housing� transport� our open space land and environment� community facilities as well as business development and employment opportunities.

Local Development Plan

Local Place Plan

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Updates aspects of the Scottish planning system by the introduction of a statutory link between development and community planning with communities having the opportunity to draft their own �Local Place Plan� which will form part of the �egional Development Plan.

BALQUHIDDER, LOCHEARNHEAD & STRATHYRE LOCAL PLACE PLAN PROCESS OVERVIEW | FEBRUARY 2020 Example Consultation and Development Process

'ĞƚƚŝŶŐ ZĞĂĚLJ

Create a Steering Group BLS Community Council and BLS Community Trust have agreed to form a �Local Place Plan Steering Group� who will co-ordinate and oversee the overall development of the consultation process re�uired to create our �Local Place Plan�. This group will report progress to the community� the Community Council the Trust and also liaise with the LLTNP and Stirling Council as appropriate on the �Local Place Plan�.

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Community Consultation Phase ϭ This will initially involve the distribution of materials like this overview outlining why the creation of a �Local Place Plan� for our three villages is so important. Then� until we are able to meet again as communities� it is proposed that we start with a survey� conducted on�line and on paper� based on the Standard Place �aking Tool which has been developed for this purpose. This will take some time to set up but it is hoped to distribute the survey for completion in the autumn.

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Community Consultation Phase 2 �nce the the survey returns have been analysed� and we are able to meet as communities� the ne�t phase of community consultation will involve a series of community meetings� to e�plore and further discuss and develop the key issues which have been raise as a result of the survey. The makeup and number of these meetings will depend on the nature of the topics to be discussed and will be decided nearer the time.

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Creating the Plan The Steering Group will collate all the outputs from the survey� community consultation meetings and the work already done on the Community Action Plan to create our �Local Place Plan�. This will take account of the consensus of the individual villages and any overall issues which are common to all three villages. This �Local Place Plan� will then link into the LLT�P�s Local Development Plan which in turn will inform the �ational Planning �ramework and Scotish �ovenments�s Strategic Development Plan.

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The Villagers Questionnaire Results Section 1 1 A total of 128 responses were received with the following breakdown of residency. 35 (27.3%) residing in Balquhidder, 33 (25.8%) in St Fillans, 28 (21.9%) in Lochearnhead, 21 (16.4%) in Strathyre and 11 (8.6) residing elsewhere with a strong connection with the area or having a property in one of the villages.

2 The breakdown of the ages of the respondents was as follows. 63 (49.2%) over 60, 56 (43.8%) between 40 and 60, 6 (4.7%) between 18 and 40 and 3 (2.3%) preferred not to say.

3 The breakdown of the sexes of the respondents was as follows. 69 (53.9%) female, 56 (43.8%) male and 3 (2.3%) preferred not to say.

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Section 2 4 The breakdown of how often the respondents read ‘The Villagers’ was as follows. 90 (70.3%) read it monthly when published, 34 (26.6%) read it 2 or 3 times a year and 4 (3.1%) read it less often.

5 The breakdown of how often the respondents bought ‘The Villagers’ was as follows. 73 (57%) bought it monthly when published, 30 (23.4%) bought it 2 or 3 times a year, 17 (13.3%) responded that they were paid subscribers so received it monthly when published as well, 6 (4.7%) bought it less often and 2 (1.6%) responded that they had never bought it.

6 When asked whether the responders had tried the free online version of ‘The Villagers’ the responses were as follows. 77 (60.2%) responded that they had, 42 (32.8%) that they hadn’t, 5 (3.9%) responded that they didn’t know about it and 4 tried it online using the link in the questionnaire.

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7 When asked to rate the online version of ‘The Villagers’ where 1 was ‘Very Good’ and 5 was ‘Very Poor’ the results were as follows. 34 (26.6%) responded 1, 33 (25.8%) 2, 47 (36.7%) 3, 9 (7%) 4 and 5 (3.9%) responded 5.

8 When asked to rate the paper version of ‘The Villagers’ where 1 was ‘Very Good’ and 5 was ‘Very Poor’ the results were as follows. 68 (53.1%) responded 1, 30 (23.4%) 2, 8 (6.3%) 3, 10 (7.8%) 4 and 12 (9.4%) responded 5.

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9 When it is possible to print ‘The Villagers’ again respondents were asked whether they would pay an online subscription, purchase monthly as before, subscribe for a delivered paper version or none of these options. The results were as follows. 53 (41.4%) would buy a paper version on a monthly basis paying £1.50 per copy, 43 (33.6%) would take an online annual subscription at £12, 26 (20.3%) would take a delivered paper annual subscription at £25 and 4 (4.7%) would not take any of the options offered to buy the paper.

10 If it was necessary to put the cost of a paper version of the paper up to £2 the respondents responded as follows. 46 (35.9%) would buy a paper version on a monthly basis paying £2 per copy, 44 (34.4%) would take an online annual subscription at £12, 25 (19.5) would take a delivered paper annual subscription at £30 and 13 (10.2%) would not take any of the options offered to buy the paper.

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11 The responses to what sections of ‘The Villagers’ that respondents read most are shown in the following chart. The most popular being the ‘Police Report’ with a 105 (82%) response and the least popular being ‘McLaren High School’ with a 28 (21.9%) response.

12 Local advertisers provide essential income to cover the costs of producing ‘The Villagers’ and respondents were asked whether they had made use of the services provided by these advertisers. The results were as follows. 95 (74.2%) responded that they had, 18 (14.1%) responded that they hadn’t and 15 (11.7%) respondent that they might have done.

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13 Respondents were asked whether they would be interested in becoming regular or occasional contributors to ‘The Villagers’. The results were as follows. 71 (55.5%) responded that they wouldn’t and 14 (14.8%) responded that they might.

14 The following responses were made to the question – What else would you like to see in The Villagers?

Morelocal localhistory historystories storiesand andititwould would be be good good to More to have have Q Q and and AA from fromthe thegardener gardeneratatBalquhidder Balquhidderstation. station. The online Villagers is the way forward.

The online is the CC wayMinutes forward.reported in The Villagers as I feel all three communities share many similar Would like toVillagers see St. Fillans problems.

Would like to see St. Fillans CC Minutes reported in the villagers as I feel all three communities share many similar Love to read all about the local activities. problems.

I gave a 3 for the online version rating because there wasn’t an option to say n/a as I don’t look at it Love to read all about the local activities.

Hotel/Business commentaries/stats. !

I enjoy the one-off articles about varied subjects.

I’d like to see more Lochearnhead news and events.

I gave a 3 for the online version rating because there wasn’t an option to say n/a as I don’t look at it You should set up an online forum. The Balquhidder WhatsApp group is a bit of a mess atm. Also, a What’s On for visitors section prominently displayed on the cover is likely to bring in more casual sales. People being identified by Hotel/Business commentaries/stats. their full name rather than their Christian name only.

I enjoy about varied subjects. like to see more Lochearnhead and events.

I also likethe theone-off eventsarticles news, history articles & news I’d about Balquhidder that’s not just news church news.

How about a swap page where you could swap homegrown/made produce or eggs etc., or trade services?

You should set up an online forum. The Balquhidder WhatsApp group is a bit of a mess atm. Also, a What's On for Lodged planning applications. visitors section prominently displayed on the cover is likely to bring in more casual sales.

Enjoy getting to know people e.g., business and pet owner insights previously. Would a gift sponsored competition work?

3 Answers to showbyyou have paper with a good localname gift, winners published etc. Would like to see People being identified their full read namethe rather than their Christian only. more Strathyre Primary school reports after all they could be future readers and subscribers.

I also of likethe theauld events news, history articles & news about Balquhidder that’s not just church news. How about a swap Stories days. page where you could swap homegrown/made produce or eggs etc., or trade services?

Stories from the past.

More interviews with local people.

Lodged planning applications.

I do think you cover most news items.

Enjoy getting to know people e.g., business and pet owner insights previously. Would a gift sponsored competition More local events! work? 3 Answers to show you have read the paper with a good local gift, winners published etc. Would like to see Recipes. more Strathyre Primary school reports after all they could be future readers and subscribers.

Articles looking forward as opposed to past, what has happened as editions are picked up by my guests.

Stories of the days.

Local walks andauld cycling routes.

A Stories primaryfrom school section, the past. not necessarily monthly, but a couple of times a year. A bi-annual BLS Trust piece.

I for one would love to see free energy to the community, this initiative was offered a number of years ago, under these circumstances it’s ripe to introduce the concept knowing our collective skills and it can happen. So much.

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Environmental/climate issues/proposals.

Local history.

The online version being easier to read, i.e. being able to open up to full screen.

Local walks.

More wildlife in St Fillans.

Not so much about what else I would like to see, but I would make The Villagers online only as paperless is the way forward and much better for the environment.

A section for younger readers (quiz, word search, crossword...)

Interactions with visitors and feedback on Leti trail etc., to garner subscriptions from repeat visitors.

The school.

Yearly stats on primary school role, any important updates from Stirling Council (or Perth Council for those in St Fillans) such as proposed change to bin collections for next year.

Sport, fishing shooting etc.

More local news.

More people stepping up to help with reporting and writing to give more equal focus to each of the four villages. The Villagers team is very small and they do an amazing job but I bet they would be happy to see others come on board.

Following the success of the Balquhidder WhatsApp group, how about an ideas section where villagers can make different suggestions that would be of interest to the community? Also Amusing Local Anecdotes and stories from the past and recent that relate to the area. Local photographs section - it could be Pick of the Month and could be more than one?

It’s great as it is.

I enjoyed the interviews with local people.

Walking guides/maps.

Features on local producers and their products within paper catchment area. Planning applications and road works warnings. More local people profiles?

Return of View from The Park (or similar) Possibly an article about the plans for the derelict sites in Lochearnhead – water sports centre, old 45 site and old garage site, and other proposed projects such as Lochearnhead to St Fillans cycle path along the old railway line.

Happy with what you do Puzzle / sudoku section.

Historical info / photos of the area.

Environmental issues, how to improve it together.

Quizzes, games?

Events happening across the villages - St Fillans doesn’t get mentioned. History of area. Upcoming events.

Future things to do in the area.

More positive comments etc. and less reports about minor events. People in profile - individuals that are helping their village communities. Maybe a restaurant/cafe/pub review thing?

A short story.

Happy with present contents.

Farming News and someone like Old Nyatti again.

Information on local clubs / activity groups in the wider surrounding area. We would probably switch to a paper subscription if mostly living in Lochearnhead. Not price sensitive.

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The Villagers’ Contacts Jill Johnston Editor Gardeners Cottage Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384227

Gill Waugh Production Manager Stronvar Farm Balquhidder FK19 8PB 07778 702304

David Johnston Production Gardeners Cottage Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384227

Andrew Poulter Advertising Coire A Chroine Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384784

contact@the-villagers.org.uk

gill@mercatdesign.com

contact@the-villagers.org.uk

apoulter72@gmail.com

Copy Deadline Day is the 24th of the month. Send your contributions to:

contact@the -villagers.org.uk

Please help us to get The Villagers to you as soon as possible!

Other Contacts...

Lochearnhead Contact:

Ali Ferguson 01567 830 405 St Fillans Contact:

Bruce Montgomery blmscotland@yahoo.co.uk Strathyre Contact:

Wullie Dalziel 01877 384 384 Mobile 07768 221661 Mail Order Distribution:

Andrea Poulter 01877 384784 Councillors Councillor Martin Earl Stirling Council Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET 01786 233114 earlm@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Evelyn Tweed Stirling Council Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET 01786 233101 Councillor Jeremy McDonald Stirling Council Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET 01786 233117

Bin Collections 1st August will be green & brown bins, 8th will be grey & blue bins, 15th will be brown bins & glass boxes, 22nd will be grey & blue bins, and so on.

Callander Recycling centre is open Monday-Friday 5pm-7.30pm and Saturday 10am-1.30pm.

If you want to start composting there is advice at https://www. gardenorganic.org.uk/compost

“ ‘Other Guy’ just added you to the Group”

Start-Up Stirling Food Banks are suffering at this time and are in greater need than ever. If you can’t donate food items you can donate directly at https:// startupstirling.org.uk/donate

https://chat.whatsapp.com/ LHPPc7oLTclE8QTHAFVn5I

©Berger&Wyse

Balquhidder WhatsApp group:

UNLOCHED at last...

We’re open again!

Monachyle

MHOR

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Chic rooms, open fires, stunning location.

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From Kindling to Cashmere.

Open Thursday - Monday, 10am to 5pm.

Open 7 days in summer.

W www.mhor.net Balquhidder FK19 8PQ T 01877 384 622

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Kingshouse, Balquhidder, FK19 8NY T 01877 384 691 W www.mhor.net

MHOR 84

MHOR Bread

MHOR

Stylish motel with 11 rooms and 1 self catering cottage. Roaring fires, games room, great food 8am - 9pm. Live acoustic roots music every Thursday.

Kingshouse, Balquhidder, FK19 8NY T 01877 384 646 W www.mhor.net

Artisan bakery and tearoom - Open 7 days.

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Bakery / shop 8am - 6pm.

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to your door Anytime. Anyplace. Anywhere. From fish & chips to fine dining,from private to corporate events. W www.mhor.net E events@mhor.net T 01877 384 622

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Broadband comes to Immeroin!

Ballimore and Immeroin Can Ditch the Satellite On July 7th Brandon Butterworth and Simon Lockhart from Bogons were finally able to head north after Lockdown to resume full fibre duties.

After the initial set up and the usual faffing about we started the blow to the pit at Ballimore. But everything stopped after a few hundred metres. Off went Brandon and David Johnston to find the fault while the labouring staff were entertained by Simon and his drone and watching the Immeroin sheep evading the sheepdogs and quad bikes on the hill opposite. I tried to call up coffee supplies and Darren Rice helpfully showed me the gate where I could get a signal if I balanced on the top rail.

Eventually the problem was diagnosed – a crack in the conduit caused by beast or vehicle was leaking air pressure and stopping progress, so the blow was changed to a short one to the repair. Back to work, turning the reel and guiding the fibre. My shoulders certainly won’t miss the reel turning part of the project.

Then down the hill to a huge pile of fibre carefully laid out in a figure of eight by Andrew Leishman and Jim Wilson doing the Balquhidder fibre dance and a welcome arrival of coffee and lunch from Andrea and Jill. For the next blow we just had to concentrate on watching for tangles as the fibre came off the upturned heap. It looks easy but in a few seconds the coils can slip and a veritable cat’s cradle develop. Then pack everything up and off to Ballimore for a final effort. Moving the big compressor was a bit harder than normal because the delivery driver literally somersaulted it off the lorry when it was delivered to Mhor 84. Fortunately the only damage was that one of the wheels would fall off at awkward moments.

It was 2.9km to the final pit near The Knoll and there were a few places in between where we could break out if there was a problem so we just started and went for it and apart from one wee hold up we managed the distance in one blow. Brilliant! All done in one day, leaving splicing for the following days and the conduit to be buried - but that is all the extremities of the Glen – Stroneslaney, Inverlochlarig, Balquhidder Station and now Immeroin connected.

Andrew Poulter