Ballater and Crathie Eagle, Summer 2017, Issue 86

THE

eagle

Ballater & Crathie Community Magazine

no. 86 summer 2017 ÂŁ1 where sold

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Balmoral S c ot t i S h h o m e

to t h e

R oya l F a m i ly

Inside Your Summer Eagle:

We’ve had a fair share of sunny days lately and both Ballater and Crathie have moved from Spring into Summer in glorious technicolour. Mindful of representing as much of a cross-section of our communities as possible, this issue likes to celebrate the youth. We were delighted with the submissions we received from our schools for this issue, as well as the response we had to an appeal for “cub” reporters to get the low-down one of Ballater’s new businesses... you can read about their findings in the middle pages. And there’s plenty else to keep you amused and up to date too.

Diary

Open daily from 1st April until 31st July 2017 Exhibitions, Gardens, Castle Ballroom, Audio Guide, Café & Shop.

Accompany a ranger on a Safari for a fascinating tour of the Balmoral Estate.

Booking essential For further information telephone: Tel: 01339 742 534

3

4-5

Community Action Plan

40

Letters

7-9

Keeping Council

48

National Park Update

26

Walk in the Park

50

Newfoundland Sounds

25

Battle of Culblean

54

School Report: Ballater

30

Pottering About

56

Eagle Cub Reporters

32

Skills Directory

60

School Report: Crathie

34

Situations Vacant

61

Local Groups

. Ballater Baby and Toddler Group: 27 . Ballater Business Association: 44 . . Ballater Caravan Park (BCE): 10 . Ballater Films: 37 . Ballater Highland Games: 20 . Ballater Royal Horticultural Society: 16 . Ballater Resilience Group: 11 . Ballater SWI: 18 . BRD Duck Festival: 10 . Buttony Bear: 24 .

Crathie Opportunity Holidays: 28 . Deeside Cats Protection: 19 . Dementia Friendly Aberdeenshire: 21 . Flood Research: 27 . Indoor Bowls: 13 . . Library News: 14 . Muckle Fest: 58 . Old People’s & Over 50s: 12 . . Photography Club: 16 . St Kentigern’s: 22 . Songsters: 13 . V&A Halls Trust: 42 . Victoria Week: 37 . Upper Deeside Music: 15 . . Advertisers’ Index: 62 .

Thanks to Noel Callaghan for our cover photo!

Advertising

www.balmoralcastle.com

Full page: £100; Half page: £50; Quarter page: £25; Eighth page: £12 Discounts on 4 issue series copy can be changed each issue Contact Karen Garioch at karen.garioch@btinternet.com or Tel 42344

Thank You! Grateful thanks are due to Alex and Anne Grant, Ian Mitchell and Pam Smith from Invercargill, New Zealand, for their generous donations to the Eagle.

The Eagle Diary June Sat 3 Sun 4 Sat 10 Mon 12 Sat 24 Sat 24 Sun 25

Ballater Royal Horticultural Society Plant Sale, 9.30am – Noon Ballater Duck Festival from 10am including Races at 3pm Ballater Films: ‘La La Land’, Mike Sheridan Rm, 7.30pm Ballater & Crathie Community Council Meeting, 7 – 9pm Ballater Farmers’ Market, Church Green, 10am – 2pm St. Kentigern’s Church Summer Fayre, Victoria Hall, 1.30 – 4.30pm FOCUS Crafts, Victoria Hall, 10am – 4pm

Fri 30

School term ends

Mon 10– Fri 14 Wed 12 Sun 16 Sun 22 Fri 28 Sat 29 Sun 30– Sat Aug 5

Children’s Summer Club – Victoria Hall, 10am – noon

July BRHS Outing to Fyvie Castle and Pitmedden Garden Methlick Cycle Challenge, Cyclehighlands 9.30am – 2.30pm FOCUS Crafts, Victoria Hall, 10am – 4pm AIYF Jazz evening, Heriot Watt University Group, Albert Hall, 7.30pm Ballater Farmers’ Market, Church Green 10am – 2pm Scottish 6 Days Orienteering, V&A Halls base, www.scottish6days.com

August Tue 1 Fri 4 Sun 6 Sun 6

Copy date for the Autumn edition of the Eagle Ballater Victoria Week starts Victoria Week Vehicle Parade and Fair on the Green Ecumenical Songs of Praise with the Aberdeen Citadel Salvation Army Band, Glenmuick Church, 6.30pm

Ballater Eagle Copy Deadlines Spring – February 1 for early March publication Summer – May 1 for early June publication Autumn – August 1 for mid-September publication Winter – November 1 for early December publication

What’s On? Are Your Dates Here?

For inclusion in this FREE section of the Eagle please contact Faye Swan on 013397 55345 or info@swandesign.uk.com

Mon 7

Tue 8

Wed 9 Thu 10

Fri 11 Sat 12

Sun 13

Sat 19

BVW Small Pet Show, Albert Hall, 12noon, £1 per pet, spectate free Rufts Dog Show, Church Green, 2pm Pantomime and Hobby Horse Trials, Church Green, 3pm Buttony Bear Picnic, Church Gren, 12-2 80s TV Quiz Show Quiz, Victoria Hall, 7.30pm The BIG BVW Lego Event, Mike Sheridan Room, 11am-1pm Ballater Highland Games in Monaltrie Park from 10am Beat Retreat, Church Green, 7pm approx Continental Market, Church Green, FOCUS Crafts, Victoria Hall, 10am – 4pm Ballater Angling Club Car Boot Sale, Church Green BVW Duck Races, Church Green 1pm & Royal Bridge 3pm AVA Spirit of Ballater Awards, Victoria Hall, 7.30pm BRHS Annual Exhibition & Flower Show, Victoria Hall, 1 – 5pm

Sun 20 Tue 22 Wed 23– Sun 6 Sept Sat 26

BRHS Annual Exhibition & Flower Show, Victoria Hall, 11-3.30pm School term starts Upper Deeside Art Society, Victoria Hall, 10am – 6pm Ballater Farmers’ Market, Church Green, 10am – 2pm

September Sat 9 Sun 10 Sat 23

Muckle Fest 2017, 2 – 5pm Etape Royale 2017, Bridge St, Ballater, 6am – 6pm Cats’ Protection Coffee Morning, Mike Sheridan Room, 10am

Ballater Library Opening Hours

Sun, Mon & Wed: Closed

Tuesday: 10am-1pm, 6.30-8pm

Thursday: 2-4pm, 6.30-8pm

Friday: 2-5pm

Saturday: 10am-12noon

Contact the Eagle

Hand in to the Library  Post to Ballater Eagle, c/o Ballater Library, Ballater, AB35 5QB

 email to: ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com

Contributions of any kind (ideally in Word format) always welcome.

Keep in Touch with an Eagle Subscription A subscription can be a very welcome gift to farflung friends and relatives. Simply provide the name and address to whom issues should be sent, with a cheque or postal order for ‘Ballater Eagle’ for the relevant amount and drop off your request to Ballater Library. Avril, our Subscriptions secretary, will do the rest. Easy!

For the rates below, four issues will be posted.

UK: £12.00 EU: £16.00 Overseas: £20.00

Contact Your Representatives

Scottish Parliament

Alexander Burnett MSP  0131 348 5642 email: Alexander.Burnett.msp@parliament.scot

Westminster Stuart Donaldson MP  01330 828171 email: stuart.donaldson.mp@parliament.uk Aberdeenshire Council Peter Argyle:  013398 82973 email: cllr.p.argyle@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Geva Blackett:  013397 41541 email: cllr.g.blackett@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Cairngorms National Park Gordon Riddler  07711609351 email: gordon.riddler@cnpaboard.co.uk

If you would like a large print version of the Eagle, please contact Ballater Library on 55628.

Eagle Who’s Who & Where Editor: Ian Hay  55941 Treasurer: Elaine Adams  56149 Subscriptions Secretary: Avril Fyfe  56162 Advertising Manager: Karen Garioch 42344 Distribution: Andy and Julie Bloor Diary Secretary: Faye Swan  55345 Design: Cat Houston, Stella Potter, Ollie Francis email us at: ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com Eagle Online: http://www.ballatercommunity.com

Letter from the Editor

7

One of the wonderful things about living in a village such as Ballater is the great community spirit. People stop to speak to one another in the street, acknowledge each other when passing and are always up for a wee chat. In the same way, the community spirit manifests itself in concern for others, or for local community enterprises.

The Ballater Eagle has been in existence now for over 22 years, and apart from during the very early years when members of the Eagle Team undertook numerous fund-raising activities to ensure the continued existence of your community magazine, income has been mainly provided from advertising, with occasional donations from readers both locally and further afield. However, the 12 months to 31st December 2016 proved to be rather difficult financially mainly owing to a reduction in advertising revenue following the floods. The Team’s decision to provide free advertising for businesses which were temporarily unable to trade was warmly welcomed by those affected. Increased donations from individuals however helped to compensate for the loss of advertising income. Indeed since the turn of the year, the Eagle has been very fortunate to obtain support from Aboyne and Upper Deeside Rotary Club, Ballater (Royal Deeside) Ltd. and Ballater Golf Club, as well as from various individuals, including a reader from New Zealand. These generous gestures are very heart-warming, and encourage the Eagle Team members to strive to produce an even more interesting and colourful magazine.

Ballater Victoria Week this year celebrates 30 years since the original week took place, and the team involved in devising new events has come up with some wonderful ideas for this anniversary, while also harking back to the time when some enthusiastic residents decided to come together to promote Ballater as a place to have fun. I hope that the weather will be warm and sunny, so that locals and visitors can enjoy themselves and provide encouragement to the BVW Team to continue with their excellent work for the community. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, enjoy your summer to the full.

Ian Hay (Editor) Ruth Powell, Rotary President, with Eagle editor Ian Hay. Photo: Ollie Francis

Letters to the Editor...

8

Dear Sir, I am writing in response to the article in Ballater Eagle issue number 84, “The Strange Case of the Vanishing Wishing Tree”.

On reading this very interesting article, I felt that certain aspects were not strictly correct.

Unfortunately, trees are not immortal, although this particular one could have told a grand story had it been able to talk. In the course of my work on the river bank, I had noticed in passing the tree, that there had been movement, and shortly afterwards found that half of the tree was lying in the field.

On discovering this, I called the Council to inform them, and the decision was made to take down the remainder of the tree as it was now dangerously weighted towards the road. So, to avert a serious accident where loss of life could have been caused, I and others, in collaboration with the Council, removed the remainder of the tree.

In essence, the tree was not in the prime of its life, and was actually dying. There was no root plate on the first part that had collapsed, and due to vehicular and pedestrian traffic, I can only conclude that the same would have been true of the remaining part.

As far as the remaining stump is concerned, yes, it should have been taken care of three years ago when the tree was taken down, but this task was left in the hands of the Council.

John Forsyth

Cairngorm Crafts & Gifts

We love it when you get in touch Dear folk of Ballater, I have followed your misfortunes over the past couple of years with sadness in my heart for the little village that my late husband Jim and I have grown so fond of over the past several years - the burning down of the railway station in 2015 and then the big flood, or spate as you would say, at the very end of that year. However, I read from the Ballater Eagle online how in true ain folk spirit, you met the challenge head on and are restoring life to normality.

We wrote to you in 2010 and asked for any knowledge of Smith or Gordon relatives and our letter was printed in the Eagle. As a result, on our fourth trip to Ballater in 2011, we finally met a Smith relative in Lumphanan. It was truly the highlight of all our trips to finally meet the first Scottish relative. We have continued to keep in touch. We also met John Gordon at Abergeldie Castle and had a talk with him about how my great, great grandfather, another John Gordon, was born at Bovaglie. We had been fortunate to visit Glen Girnock and see the area and old house in 2009. (The threat to the castle by the flood was on national news here in New Zealand!)

Upon our return to New Zealand at the end of 2011 my husband was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 65. We proceeded to sell our property and purchase a house in the neighbouring town of Invercargill. He passed away at the beginning of 2015. I continue to work and as I intend to retire this year I am turning my focus back to family history and possibly visiting Scotland again.

I am aware that since our last letter was published, our email and postal addresses have changed. I will include both as I still would love to hear from anyone who may have any information relating to Jim’s grandfather William Smith, who lived at Ballater at the turn of the twentieth century and especially the little cottage called Aultmore on the Balmanech farm now owned by the Michies. I have in my possession a collection of postcards from the Ballater area at that time and would love to show them to anyone who may be interested. Yours sincerely Pam Smith 56 Leith Street Invercargill 9810 New Zealand mapleg@clear.net.nz

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9

Photo from Invercargill, the southern-most city in New Zealand.

Next stop Stewart Island then Antartica!

10

Local Group News

A round-up of news from our local groups

BCE: Ballater Caravan Park

by Allan Harrison

A second phase of 17 touring pitches has been completed and opened for business at the start of the 2017 season on 31 March.

All of these pitches have been taken up on a seasonal basis. Our thanks are due to all the local businesses and many volunteers who helped ensure that phase 2 opened in time for the new season.

The accessible toilet facility has been upgraded along with various landscape improvements throughout the park. Visitors this year so far have all been complimentary on the look of the park. Discussions on the next

phase of refurbishment will take place over the summer.

Gordon Bruce has resigned as Chairman but will continue to help when he can. Gordon has been a major influence in ensuring the success of the caravan park, especially in project managing the refurbishment phases carried out so far. The Board wishes to record their thanks for all his work.

Two new Board members have been elected, Norman Cooper and Norman Wisely. We look forward to their participation in future developments. They join the current Board members, Allan Harrison (Chairman), Sandy Mitchell (Vice Chairman), Ian Wisely (Treasurer) and Alastair Cassie.

Duck Festival

Ballater’s second Duck Festival is imminent, taking place on Sunday June 4th.

Eleven inflated ducks will sail down the Dee at 3pm, each sponsored by a local business.

There will be a considerable offering of stalls (over 70 at last count) as well as entertainment from 11.30am, and Academy pupils are helping this year by running the stocks... Lots of food and music too.

More information can be found in the festival programme, The Quacker, available from various local outlets now.

Big ‘thank you’? Important date? Special event? If you’ve got something to say about your group, get in touch and get it into the Eagle - ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com

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Ballater Resilience Group

by Mike Forbes

We conducted a tabletop exercise at the Ballater Caravan Park in April with some of the wardens, staff and directors. While several opportunities to improve their emergency arrangements were identified, the key objectives achieved were to ensure that those arrangements were synchronised with the Ballater Resilience Plan (which can be viewed at www.ballatercommunity.com) and to understand the interfaces with the emergency services and external agencies. A repeat tabletop exercise is planned for June involving the other wardens, staff and directors.

We now have over 30 volunteers who have agreed to assist in the V&A Halls in the event of an emergency occurring in Ballater. While all the people designated as Coordinators have already been trained in this role, we will soon be inviting all volunteers to a short training session in the Halls to familiarise them with everyone’s roles, the layout of the halls in the event of them being used as an evacuation reception centre, and the equipment and supplies now in place throughout the building for such an event.

The Ballater Resilience Group is currently preparing a Household Emergency Plan which will be delivered to all homes in and around Ballater over the summer. The booklet contains simple advice on how households can prepare for emergencies, what to do if you have to leave your home and some useful contact numbers.

Ballater Halls Indoor Bowling Club

By Sheila Rumbles

12

Old People’s & Over-50s Association

by Ruth Burrows

By the time this goes to print I hope that members will have enjoyed their outing to Inverness and are looking forward to visiting Pitlochry in September. Look out for posters in all the usual places.

As reported in the last Issue, I was actively seeking funds to facilitate the work needed to upgrade the Hut on the Green. I have to say that the response has been both amazing and heartwarming. I think that all our benefactors recognise that the Hut is a valuable community asset.

On behalf of the Association, my thanks must go to the following organisations:–The £974.44 cost of rewiring the Hut was met by BRD from the Johnston Oil Fund –Ballater Victoria Week donated £150 –Ballater Golf Club £100 from their fundraiser –Aboyne and Upper Deeside Rotary Club £400 –Ballater Evergreens for their £1,000 donation and –The Co-op Community Fund netted us £1,905.33 Wow!! These last two donations mean that any further work needed is ensured. I would also like to thank Ted Emslie who very generously supplied and laid the new floor covering - he did a first-rate job. Lastly, and by no means least, my thanks to two of the Association’s members who wish to remain anonymous for their gratefully accepted generosity.

The “Old Mannies Hut” is now once more fit for purpose and the Association looks forward to its future within our Community. The Association welcomes new members and I may be contacted on 013397 53244.

Our season running from last September to this April has sadly come to a close and our members (31) seem to have enjoyed their bowling sessions.

Of course some of us will be continuing bowling outdoor at Ballater Bowling Club situated beside the Golf Club. Perhaps there may be some of you who would like to give this activity a try and if so you may be assured of a warm welcome, be it indoor or outdoor.

Our indoor will start again on 26th September 2017 on Tuesdays/Wednesdays 2-4 and 7-9 pm.

Ballater Songsters

By Sheila Rumbles

Carnelian

“Feel Good Factor”

Lynn Park – Massage Therapist Swedish Remedial Massage Thermo Auricular Therapy 1 Netherley Place, Ballater Tel 07793 354249

We have been extremely active these past few months providing homes and organisations in the Aberdeenshire area with our varied programme.

We are now busy with the preparation of our new programme for the Winter months and before we know it the Christmas Festive season will be with us once again. How time flies when you are enjoying yourself!

The ladies who make up my Songsters work hard but also enjoy the camaraderie with each other and I am proud to have such a loyal group.

The Queen’s Gift: Raffle makes a stand

Her Majesty the Queen has very kindly donated this stunning English Fine Bone china cake stand from the Royal collection to be raffled in aid of St Kentigern’s Church, Ballater.

Tickets are £1 each and available at the Brakeley Gift Room and Ballater Library. The draw takes place at St K’s Summer Fayre on 24th June 2017.

This lovely array of beautiful premature baby hats was created by Glenmuick Church’s ‘Crafty Quines’ and will be donated to the Special Nursery Aberdeen Maternity.

Photo: Sidsel Rennie

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Library News

by Sabine Muir

Aberdeenshire Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge The theme for this year’s challenge is about Books and their Illustrations: “Be Drawn into a Good Book”. The Challenge starts on Thursday 22nd June and will run until Saturday 26th August 2017. Alongside the reading challenge, there will be a creative competition for children to enter.

Reading Each child taking part will receive a themed card to keep track of the books they have read.

Children will collect a sticker for each book read and they can do this as many times as they want. Prizes after reading 6 books or more will be a book. Appropriate series of books will be purchased for the readers to choose from. We will offer choices for a wide audience of different ages and interests.

Creative Competition This is open to all children whether or not they are taking part in the reading challenge.

Children are invited to design a new book cover or re-design a book cover of their choice – their favourite book, the book they are currently reading, etc. They can draw, paint or do a collage, be as creative as they want!

Prizes will be awarded to three age groups – 0 to 4, 5 to 8 and 9+ years. Three winners will be selected from each branch library, then an overall Aberdeenshire winner and 2 runners up will be chosen from the local prize-winners. All branch winners will be invited along to PrizeGiving events happening across the Shire on Saturday 7th October, leading up to National Libraries Week.

Novel The novel ‘A Knife in Darkness’ by Lexie Conyngham is available for sale from the library. Funds from sales are in aid of the Ballater Flood Fund.

Upper Deeside Music

by Jane Angus

Pupils from the Library’s Craft Club show off their Lost Village of Loinmuie model Photo: Sabine Muir

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We have managed to hear a charming programme from a young duo of violin and piano at Creag Meggan and a classical jazz party in St Kentigern’s this year so far. If all goes well, we can hope to be involved at Victoria Week after the AGM in July. We do hope that we shall have a larger number than in the deluge of 2016 for mutual information and discussion.

The larger grouping on Deeside for exchanges of views and information proceeds gently, and we hope to help with news of Braemar, Aboyne, Tarland, Tornavean, Finzean and Banchory at least, so that we can add to the variety and stimulation of ‘different eras and styles of music’ in our area.

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Contact Brian or Angela Smith (24hrs)

BRHS

16

by Elizabeth Wilson

After a glorious couple of weeks, we returned to colder days, wind and rain – so much for Spring! Our Mini Bulb Show on 3rd April attracted a record number of impressive entries of various daffodils and Spring flower arrangements.

Photos of the Bulb Show can be seen on our website. http://ballaterroyalhorticulturalsociety. weebly.com/ Our Annual Plant Sale will again be held in the Victoria Hall on Saturday 3rd June from 9.30am-12 noon. The Victoria Hall proved to be an excellent venue and enabled us to set everything up the day before, instead of having to get up at the crack of dawn! We welcome donations of plants, raffle prizes, unwanted gardening books, gardening tools and home produce; these can be dropped off at the Hall on Friday 2rd June between 1-7pm. Please come along and grab a bargain or two on the day!

Photography Club Cat Houston

Following an appeal in the Spring edition of the Eagle, a new Photography Club has been formed.

Open to everybody, the club aims to provide an informal setting in which camera and photography enthusiasts can exchange tips and work out how to better use their kit.

At the moment it meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the Hut on the Green from 2-4pm, and you can drop in any time. £2 is required to cover hut hire. We hope that in the winter months we will engage some speakers to come and talk about specific topics of interest at the V&A halls.

If you are interested, just turn up or find the group on Facebook.

ROARING STAG COFFEE ROASTERS Family run craft coffee roasters in Ballater. We

Every year Aberdeenshire Council donates plants to the Society to plant in the various tubs throughout the village. We would be grateful for assistance in planting up, watering and pulling out occasional weeds in the many containers.

Anyone wishing to help should contact Elizabeth Wilson, the Secretary, on 55900 or emailing her eml_wilson@hotmail.com.

Our 141st Annual Exhibition and Flower Show takes place in the Victoria Hall on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August. Schedules and the Children’s Challenge leaflet are available from the Library and from Yule’s Newsagent.

This year there is a prize of £50 plus the Alex Copland Rosebowl, along with £30 for second and £20 for third, for the best floral display outside a local business. Details are in the Flower Show schedule.

Here’s looking forward to a warm and sunny summer in Ballater.

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Royal Deeside Coffee Roasters Unit 1, Ballater Business Park, Ballater, AB35 5PN www.roaringstagcoffee.com Tel: 013397 56200

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Ballater SWI

by Aileen Barbour

Our guest speaker in February was Andrew Thain of the Charitable Chiels who gave us a most interesting talk with slides on their history and how they raised money for the local community with their various activities.

President Margaret Finnie welcomed members from other institutes to our March open evening. She introduced Pat Fraser from Crathie who gave us talk on “Geneology”.

Pat explained how to go about researching for relatives, gave us helpful tips and also brought useful materials with her for anyone who wanted to start their own research.

April was our business meeting and Margaret welcomed members and members from Braemar WI who were conducting the business meeting. They entertained us with quizzes, a sketch and a game which we all enjoyed. The new committee was announced: President – Margaret Finnie Vice President – Thelma Cooper Secretary – Diane Wright Treasurer – Sheena Fraser Press Secretary – Aileen Barbour Magazine Secretary – Jan Williams,

WEE JIM Landscapes

All aspects of landscaping Mini digger and small tipper hire Firewood also available James Anderson, Bridgefoot, Glenmuick, Ballater 013397 55997 / 07821 746756 weejim03@live.co.uk www.weejim.com

Deeside Cats Protection All those directly involved with the Deeside Branch of Cats’ Protection – including Liz Robinson the branch co-ordinator - are volunteers.

We are not in paid positions with CP because most of us are in paid employment elsewhere. We give whatever free time we can to help unwanted cats and kittens, deal with cruelty and welfare cases and much, much more, but constantly need to raise funds to enable us to meet the many and varied expenses along the way. So your support is much appreciated by the branch and we THANK YOU. The recent Ballater Films screening of “A Street Cat Named Bob” raised the fantastic sum of £448 and everyone at the branch wishes to thank all those who supported the event in any way. Very special thanks go to Ade, Cat, Lizzie and Ryah for their help. We would also like to thank the Aboyne and District Rotary Club for their much appreciated recent donation and to all those who have donated in other ways -in particular those who contribute to our food bins located in the Ballater Co-op and Tesco, Banchory. Another food bin will soon be in the Aboyne Co-op.

Ballater Victoria Week continues to support us and we are looking forward to this year’s Duck Race and hope a light blue duck will prevail to be placed in the top three for a second consecutive year. Tickets are now available for purchase from branch members. On Saturday 23rd September we are hosting a Coffee Morning in the Mike Sheridan Room so please join us for a fly cup and a fine piece.

Sadly in these uncertain economic times many cats and kittens are abandoned to fend for themselves and turn feral as a result. At a national level the Cats Protection organisation is very proactive in trapping and neutering feral cats. This helps to prevent the over development of colonies and keeps them at a manageable size and also curbs the spread of disease within the

by Janet Bailey

feral community which in turn helps prevent the domestic community becoming affected.

All feral cats are fully vet checked, blood tested for Fiv/Felv, neutered and ear tipped and returned to site (TNR). In Scotland this policy also helps to protect the native wildcat population and prevents the overdevelopment of hybrids.

The Deeside Branch of Cats Protection has been working hard over the years with local farmers and landowners to help with the feral cat population in our area and will continue to do so. Feral cats are just scared cats that have had little or no contact with humans, but they are an excellent form of vermin control. Anyone with a feral cat colony can have them neutered at no cost to themselves.

In conjunction with Woodside Veterinary Clinic a neutering and micro chipping campaign is being run throughout the month of June where cats can be “snipped and chipped” for the sum of £15. For further information about this and any other issues please telephone us on 07837 342660 or e-mail Deeside.Cats@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.

20

Ballater Highland Games

Preparation for the 2017 Ballater Highland Games has been ongoing more or less since the end of last year’s Games, and is now picking up speed after a successful and very enjoyable Annual Dinner.

It’s great that we seem to be a very popular event these days, evidenced by: 1. Our limited number of pitches for craft and trade stalls were taken up this year by the end of February, to the disappointment of many subsequent applicants; 2. Within a few days of sending out Patrons application forms, a good number of applications have been received. Anyone interested in becoming a new Patron is invited to email: info@ ballaterhighlandgames.com or phone 013397 56224; 3. We believe we shall have more Pipe Bands attending this year; and 4. At the time of writing, all of last years’

Celicall Crafts G. Cowie, Workshop,

3 Braemar Road, Ballater Telephone: 013397 55699

By Appointment to H.R.H.The Prince Of Wales The Duke Of Rothesay Picture Framer Celicall Crafts, Ballater

Bespoke Picture Framer established over 25 Years.

Tapestry & Needlework framed.

Supplier of framed Fishing Flies, framed River Maps and local Pen and Ink Sketches.

by Ron Drever

Sponsors, with one exception, have agreed to sponsor this year’s Games, and we already have two new Sponsors.

Our Ballater sponsors are Cycle Highlands, Brakeley Gift Room, Hilton Grand Vacations, Ian Rodger Architects, Laurie & Company Solicitors, Braemar Mountain Sports, Cairngorm Crafts & Gifts, Roaring Stag Coffee Roasters, Deeside Deli & Garden Shop, H.M.Sheridan Butchers and George Strachan Ltd. Our other sponsors are Glenmuick Estate, Invercauld Estate, Tomintoul Venison, Axis Well Technology and Geordie Catto.

Our thanks to them all. Anyone else interested in sponsorship is invited to contact the Games Secretary at: info@ballaterhighlandgames.com or on 013397 56224.

Incidentally, as well as our VIP guests last year, we had of course a visit from the then Miss Great Britain - Aberdeen, Ursula Carlton. She was such a lovely and lively young lady that we forecast then she could go on to win the Miss Great Britain title later that year. SHE DID! For more information on the Games, and photos from last year, check out www. ballaterhighlandgames.com and follow us on Facebook.

Look forward to seeing you at Monaltrie Park on Thursday 10th August!

Dementia Friendly Aberdeenshire

Dementia Friendly Aberdeenshire now has its own dedicated worker for Dementia Friendly Communities in Ballater, Braemar, Banchory/Deeside Corridor. Karen Wood, the Project Officer, is working to raise awareness in Deeside of the early stages of dementia to reduce the stigma attached, enabling people with dementia to live well and continue to remain active participants in their communities for as long as possible. Dementia Friendly Communities involve everyone in the community, committed to working together to help people with early stages of dementia not to be isolated from their communities. All it takes is a little learning about dementia and doing small things which can make a big difference.

Karen says, “Whenever you mention dementia, people usually think of an older person losing their memory. But dementia is not a natural part of aging. It affects adults of all ages. It slowly affects all functions of the mind and leads to a deterioration in the person’s ability to remember, reason and concentrate. It can affect every area of human thinking, feeling and behaviour, and a person with dementia may experience sensory challenges to taste, sight, touch, hearing and smell, as well as memory.”

Karen is available to come to speak (no fee!) to all our community groups in Ballater and Deeside. For more information please email karen.wood@avashire.org.uk or phone/text Karen at 07585242428.

Domestic & Commercial Crown Thinning & Reduction Dismantling & Felling Hedge Pruning & Maintenance Dangerous Tree Control Stump Grinding & Removal

Professional Tree Surgeon N.P.T.C. Qualified

Fully Insured Free Estimates call: 013398 80823 e: deesidetreecare@gmx.co.uk

Firewood for sale

m: 07786 756078 w: www.deesidetreecare.co.uk

22

St Kentigern’s Round-up

FRASER & MULLIGAN

by Vittoria Hancock

Members of the different churches in Ballater met together early on Easter Sunday. Our riverside service was to celebrate the resurrection and to renew our baptismal vows together. The service was followed by bacon sandwiches and croissants for everyone in Glenmuick Hall. It was wonderful to meet together as churches on such a special day.

As we renewed our baptismal vows with water, we remembered the Easter promises of joy and hope for our lives. We asked for God’s blessings on ourselves and on this community in the weeks and months to go, that the love of God may be present with us. After our ecumenical Easter sunrise service, we went on to celebrate at St Kentigern’s with our Easter communion, followed by our Easter Egg hunt in the grounds.

We’re looking forward now to our Summer Fayre on Saturday 24th June in the Victoria Hall,

and to joining in the fun of Ballater Victoria Week. Tickets for the Queen’s gift raffle and the St Kentigern’s White Ducks will be available at the St Kentigern’s stall on ‘Duck Sunday’.

We provide a broad range of legal services ESTATE AGENCY RESIDENTIAL � COMMERCIAL CONVEYANCING LEASING WILLS � EXECUTRIES POWERS OF ATTORNEY SEPARATION � DIVORCE COURT WORK NOTARY PUBLIC WORK

Opening Hours: Monday 2pm - 6pm Tuesday Closed Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday Closed Friday 10am - 3pm

Open MondaySOLICITORS to Friday 9 - 5 RESIDENT

Tel. 013397 - 55134 24 Golf Rd Ballater AB35 5RE

24 Bridge Street, Ballater, AB35 5QP Tel: 013397 55633 Fax: 013397 55564 ballater@fraser-mulligan.co.uk Properties: www.aspc.co.uk

GLEN LUI HOTEL

Relaxation with a View Lunches served 12 – 2pm Dinners 6pm – 9pm Booking advisable to avoid disappointment

Glen Lui Hotel Invercauld Road, Ballater

Large Groups and

013397 55402

Celebration Dinners

email: info@glen-lui-hotel.co.uk www.glen-lui-hotel.co.uk

welcome.

01975 571775 07792 830780

• • •

Local family business Oil and biomass boiler servicing and repairs New boilers sold and installed with 5-year warranty

�lameboilerservices@gmail.com

www.�lameboilerservices.co.uk

24

Buttony Bear Shines On

Buttony is a bear that we adapt to have a stoma and pouch and the bears are donated to children undergoing bowel surgery throughout the UK. Buttony gives the child a ‘friend like them’. The bears are donated direct to families through our Buttony Bears Facebook page and a network of paediatric stoma nurses. In just over two years we have donated over 1150 bears. This has been made possible by lots of wonderful bear sponsors, many from the Ballater and Crathie communities who have supported the project.

We thought it might be interesting for you to hear about Buttony from an expert. Heather Beattie is the Play Service Manager at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and she explains the benefits of Buttony from her professional experience.

“It has long been recognised that if a child and family are well prepared for any medical experience they can cope better. As a Play Specialist at the Children’s Hospital, I am always looking for tools to enhance the way we prepare families and children for medical procedures. We have many adapted dolls, books and resources and these work extremely well. I believe that being honest and open with children is the best way. Giving children the opportunity to ask questions, express feelings and see real equipment all helps them to understand and cope better with illness and procedures.

Buttony Bears have become an extremely important part of our preparation programme and they are widely used by the play team and specialist nurses. At present Jenny & Lynn are working on creating another bear with a port, a cath, for us to use and give to patients. Having a Buttony bear gives the child the opportunity to play through their own experiences and selfprepare. It enables them to express fears and concerns and take some control over their illness.

Often children are afraid to discuss their fears and worries and Buttony bear can give them the permission to do so. It is through play that children learn their skills for life and Buttony bear helps them learn how to deal with their illness.”

If you’d like to hear more about the project please contact us on buttony@ breakawayfoundation.org.uk, call Jenny on 07813 720963 or find us on Facebook by searching for Buttony Bears.

Sounds of Newfoundland

Ian Cameron reviews an event very close to his heart Ursula Kelly and Meghan Forsyth are researchers at Memorial University of Newfoundland, in St. John’s, Canada, and over the past five years they have been documenting and recording the lost songs of the Newfoundland loggers. Over the past three years they have been corresponding with me about the Ballater Historic Forestry Project to share resources. At a special presentation in the Mike Sheridan Room in early May, they told the story of the foresters before they came to Scotland, their time here, and their lives when they returned home. The theme of the presentation was of the music and stories of the foresters since the 1800s. Paul Anderson and Shona Donaldson interpreted the music skillfully and beautifully.

The Newfoundland ladies had selected various readings from Newfoundland and Scotland.

These were read by original members and new recruits to Ballater Historic Forestry Project Association: Barry Florence (MC), Richard Watts. Carolyn Munro, myself and the Rev David Barr. The “Convoy to Scotland” poem by Angus Temple tells of the troopships crossing the German submarine-infested Atlantic in the Second World War, carrying the woodcutters to Scotland to cut pit props for the coal mines. Rev David Barr read this poem with a passion that only a son of the Clyde could muster as he described the troopship arriving at Greenock.

This was a non-stop presentation. Act followed act, and all the while images of lumberjacks, horses, sledges, sawmills, boats, log cabins, snow, sea, tractors and trees were shown on the screen to the accompaniment of loggers’ songs from the timber camps. There were pictures of “Newfies” from camps dotted all over the Highland forests; Ballater, of course, Kildrummy, Laggan, Carr Bridge and north of Inverness. With the end of the war, the men of the Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit returned to their homes; and amongst their total of 3,000 men there were 300 war brides with their young families. Another large number of NOFU men married and stayed on in Scotland, strengthening the bonds that we now see as year by year, sons, daughters, grandchildren and cousins come to see where their fathers and uncles had worked in Scotland.

Altogether a wonderful presentation to a packed audience in the Mike Sheridan Room; Mike, as a founder member, would have been delighted. As to the future; the Ballater Historic Forestry Project Association has applied to become a Charitable Trust to enable it to pursue its original aim of building two log cabin huts at Dalmochie and creating a museum to celebrate and remember the men of the Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit, along with the earlier soldiers that came to help our war effort in two World Wars.

We wish to extend our thanks to Cat and Ade who waved their magic wands and made everything possible. We must also thank the audience that packed our hall to capacity and donated handsomely to help our project. Find out more at www.ballaterforestry.org.uk/ of find us on Facebook by seaching for the “Ballater Historic Forestry Project Association”.

26

Cairngorms National Park

New board member: Geva Blackett I am very honoured to have been elected to serve as the local member on the CNPA Board.

Having been the only local councillor who actually lived in the Park, it was strange not really knowing what was going on and with the development of all the tourism-related work I am doing at the council, plus my commitment to more social housing in the area, standing for election was the natural thing to do.

I will be using this space in the Eagle to keep you up to date with what’s on in the Park.

Do please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions: cllr.g.blackett@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

By appointment to HM the Queen Purveyor of Meat and Poultry

Input Needed For Flood Research

by Dr Annie McKee

Bill Yule PGA Golf Professional Tuition available £20 per 1/2 hour - 5 Lessons for £80 Non Members Welcome! *Gift Vouchers Available*

Stockist of:

Ping / Titliest / Nike / Glenmuir / Srixon

Ballater Golf Shop

*Open 7 Days a Week* Ballater Golf Club

Victoria Road, Ballater AB35 5QX Tel. 013397 55658 Email: shnyule@aol.com

H. M. Sheridan BUTCHER

• POULTERER • GAME DEALER

By appointment to HRH the Prince of Wales Purveyor of Meat and Poultry

Ballater has been selected as a case study area for a three-year research project to understand the long-term impacts of flooding on people and communities, one year on from the December 2015 and January 2016 flood events in Scotland. The project is funded through the Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW), a Scottish Government-funded partnership between the James Hutton Institute and Scottish Universities, supported by the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS).

Researchers at the James Hutton Institute and the University of Aberdeen are undertaking this research project, and invite the participation of members of the Ballater community. Dr Mags Currie, a social scientist based at the Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences group of the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen, said the research will help provide information about what types of support and advice people and communities need at different stages of a long-term recovery process.

“We hope the project will be able to advance understanding of the long-term impacts of flooding, contribute to better flood risk management and make suggestions as to how personal and community resilience may be supported and enhanced in future flood events,” said Dr Currie.

The research is currently under way, through a survey of householders and businesses, a media analysis (including social media) of reactions and responses to the flooding, and yearly interviews with individuals and businesses to track the impacts of the flooding.

Full information about the project is available online (see: www.crew.ac.uk/project/assessingimpacts-flooding-people-and-communities) or please follow the project Facebook page (see: www. facebook.com/floodingimpact/).

The survey and interviews have been designed to ensure that a wide range of local residents, businesses and stakeholders associated with the communities have an opportunity to participate in the research. The first phase of interviews is continuing through May 2017. Over 400 households in Ballater have received a paper copy of the household and business questionnaire, and are kindly requested to return completed questionnaires at their earliest convenience. All residents and businesses who did not receive a paper questionnaire are invited to complete the survey online. Please visit the project webpage or Facebook page to find the link to the online survey.

All members of the Ballater community interested in finding out more about the project or in taking part are welcome to contact Dr Currie by phone (01224 395 297) or by emailing floodingimpact@ hutton.ac.uk

Ballater Baby and Toddler Group

Our finest quality butcher and deli products are brought to you through our Ballater shop, regular markets, home delivery and online services.We can bring a barbecue or hog roast to you or offer a range of delights through our exclusive restaurant at Ballater Golf Club.

11 Bridge Street, Ballater . Tel: 013397 55218 Fax: 56042 info@hmsheridan.co.uk . www.hmsheridan.co.uk Visit our online shop . See Facebook for updates and daily specials . Free delivery on Deeside and Donside

Ballater’s Baby and Toddler Group welcomes all pre-school children and their carers to make use of fun play equipment at the Victoria and Albert Halls.

The group runs every Friday (in term time) between 9.30am and 11.30am, in the Mike Sheridan Room at the Victoria and Albert Halls.

Cost is just £2 per adult and 50p per child, babies under eight months go free. Includes a snack.

Various fun fundraising events are also organised throughout the year. More info from Gemma on 07881 782385 or go to Facebook.

28

Meet Nicolle, Community Safety + Support Officer for Ballater, Crathie + Braemar

Hello, my name is Nicolle Macdonald and I have recently started in post as the Community Safety and Support Officer for the local communities of Ballater, Crathie and Braemar, within Marr, Aberdeenshire. This exciting new role is a pilot project and a partnership venture funded and supported by the following partners; Aberdeenshire Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Scotland and Police Scotland.

The overarching aim is to contribute to the safety of the Ballater, Crathie and Braemar communities, provide support and assist the delivery of successful outcomes across the partnership.

I hope to develop close working

Crathie Opportunity Holidays

links with communities, schools, organisations and local groups with the objective of creating safer communities. In addition, this role also includes working as a retained Firefighter.

Some examples of the things that we are hoping to achieve include: • Dementia-friendly town accreditation • Greater access to CPR training • Support to improve anti-social behaviour • Young driver road safety project I have a desk at both Ballater and Braemar Fire Stations so I am based locally in the communities I am here to support.

I can arrange and attend events, provide advice and deliver presentations to any interested local groups, organisations, and associated partners on the issues surrounding domestic fire safety and as well as other safety priorities for example substance misuse, water safety, bogus callers. I will also be working with the schools network in the area and would be delighted to extend that to work with any of local youth groups.

As part of the partnership aim to build a safer community, I can also undertake home safety visits. These are free and available to everyone and aim to make individual members of the community as safe as possible, whether that be issuing fire safety advice, raising awareness of bogus callers, fitting a smoke alarm, reducing the risk of falls or signposting onto other locally available services, information, or partner agencies. I am a dementia friend and working towards becoming a champion.

I am interested in hearing about the issues that affect your community, so please get in touch. I am excited by my new challenge and I am already finding that making a difference across our communities is very rewarding.

If you would like to arrange a safety talk for your community group or organisation, or would like to arrange a home safety visit or maybe you have a project that you think it would be good to get Nicolle involved with please get in touch. You can contact her at nicolle.macdonald@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or 07554 776204.

The cottages have been quite busy over the winter period and we are now looking forward to welcoming all returning guests over the summer.

Dates for your 2017 diaries, full details of these fundraising events will follow in due course:

• Film Evening in the V&A Halls on 5 August during Ballater Victoria Week; • Golf Day at Balmoral on 21 October; • 15th Anniversary Lunch and auction at Balmoral on 3 December.

As always, anyone wishing to become a Friend of COH should phone Maggie on 013397 42100.

GLENMUICK PARISH CHURCH CHILDREN’S SUMMER CLUB

Down by the Seaside To all boys and girls aged 4-12 Get your buckets and spades ready!

We are bringing the seaside to the Victoria Hall...

Fun! FREE! FAB! Monday 10th to Friday 14th July 10am - 12noon . Registration from 9.45am Games . Activities . Puppet Show . Singing

Flush Toilet Game . Crab Football . Dribble Ball

Ocean Creatures . Beach Hut Chimes . Bookmarks

School Report: Ballater Pupils from the P4/5 class have played an important part in an exciting project to restore a building once owned by Ballater-born Sir Patrick Geddes, located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

The children drew plants and leaves from the school grounds, which were then taken and used to create roundels made from sandstone. The roundels are going to form a new walkway, leading visitors from the Royal Mile to the entrance of Riddle’s Court.

Russell Clegg, a Learning Officer with Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT), visited P4/5 back in September and he spent a day and a half with the class to introduce the project and do the drawings. He taught us the

background of Riddle’s Court, how Geddes came to be such an important person from the past and why he is celebrated in the present day.

Mary Bourne, a sculptor, also visited. She did a stone carving demonstration and the children had a go too. This was definitely a highlight!

Geddes was many things in his life, and the thinking that underpinned this project came from his philosophy that learning is best done “By Hand, By Heart and By Head”. Other key quotes included “By Leaves We Live”, “Think Global, Act Local” and “By Living We Learn”.

We found out that Patrick Geddes was born in the building on the corner of Bridge Street and Victoria Road, across from Glenmuick Church.

He was born in 1854, which was 163 years ago!

He died in 1932 in Montpellier, France. This was 85 years ago. He lived to the age of 78.

The stone roundels were designed and carved by a team of apprentice stonemasons from a college in Elgin. They were led by Mary and worked in the wintertime. We were delighted to be visited in March by Mary and Ross, one of the apprentices, because they brought the finished roundels for us to see!

The end of the year-long project will be a trip to Edinburgh in June to see the finished building.

31

P7 Leavers’ Hoodies Project

Pupils shared what they enjoyed about the project: “I enjoyed the carving and learning about Patrick Geddes. I also liked colouring pictures of the roundel designs.” Anna “I enjoyed doing the drawings because I like drawing. I liked looking at the plants and putting the detail onto paper.” Rowan A “I liked doing the stone carving because it was fun but also quite hard.”

Ramsay “My favourite bit was doing the carving.” Leyton “I liked the bit when we drew because we went outside.” Bruno “When Mary and Russell were here, Russell brought a bit of the old ceiling from Riddle’s Court. It was interesting because he told us how much it cost, and rich people could afford to buy ceilings like it.” Liah “I liked when we got shown the roundels.” Taylor “It was interesting finding out about all the jobs Patrick Geddes did. He was a writer, an influencer, a botanist, a planner, an educator and a thinker.”

Lloyd

By Morgan, Fin, Cluan and Claire In term one the P7s had a meeting with Mrs Duckworth about getting Leavers Hoodies for the end of the year. We were all pleased with the idea and all happy to co-operate with one another to help fundraise for our hoodies.

We gathered ideas about what we could do to fundraise and get the money to buy our hoodies. We later thought of the idea of selling slices of buttered toast for 20p almost every Friday morning break. Mrs Duckworth put us into groups and each group would take turns to prepare and sell the toast. We did this for a bit less than 3 terms, this resulted in us raising an amazing £105.10.

Soon it came the time to start researching about leavers hoodies, we had to look into what designs we could get on them and which companies we could trust. We managed to find a small number that we liked and that were affordable for us to buy. We looked into what the hoodies were made out of and agreed it would be better if the hoodies were made out of more cotton than polyester.

Since we were aiming to get at least £200 to afford our hoodies and we had only raised £105 we had to think of a new way to fundraise. We thought of the idea of a Community Café and a book sale.

The café was held on March 31st and held in the school hall. We had worked hard after school to plan our café and we all did some baking to serve at our café.

The café was a huge success. Many people clearly liked the idea of a community café and arrived in small groups. The P7s were assigned to various jobs around the café and book sale as money handlers. We also sold onion trees, daffodil posies and eggs. In the end we raised a whopping £318.00.We also donated some of the money towards the East African Famine Appeal.

Eagle

Iona

Cub Reporters

We sent four intrepid pint-size reporters to investigate the new dairy delight that is Shorty’s.

Here’s what they found out...

Want to have a go? Get in touch!

AMELIA Age 7 P3

CIARAN Age 12 S1

IONA Age 14 S3

RHYS Age 10 P5

Rhys April 2017 saw the opening of Shorty’s Ice Cream Parlour in Ballater. A very welcome addition to the village. The delicious ice cream is made on the premises, in Ballater, then sold in the shop. To begin with, all the desired ingredients are combined with milk and mixed into a liquid form. This liquid is then subjected to its first chilling process; which turns it into almost like a Mr. Whippy consistency. Mr Whippy then goes into a blast freezer which brings the temperature of the ice cream down to -40 degrees and makes it rock solid. After that, the ice cream is put it into a different freezer at -18 degrees to store. Once the ice cream is ready to be used, it is moved into the ice cream freezer, in the front shop area, where the temperature is -14 degrees. According to Cheryl, the best-selling flavour of ice cream is Butterscotch; as it is nice for all ages.

I enjoyed the Tropical Marshmallow the best. Cheryl gets some flavour inspiration from a catalogue that she keeps in the shop, and sometimes just comes up with a variety of combinations herself. Specific ice cream flavours can also be suggested or requested. Cheryl tells us that in fact, some of the most delicious flavours have been made entirely by accident.

Cheryl is 27 years old. Before opening Shorty’s she was a restaurant and bar manger and also worked in marketing.

She wanted to start a business in Ballater because she really likes it. She wanted to help get it up and running after the flood in 2015. The good things about Shorty’s is meeting new people, long hours 6 days a week 12 hours a day.

She wanted to do ice cream because no one else was found and she didn’t want to take away any local business.

Her favourite kind of ice cream is chocolate marshmallow.

And she named it Shorty’s because her mum and her are short. Bad thing is working long hours, 6 days a week 12 hours a day.

Ciaran ~ Photography Page Layout ~ Lizzie

Amelia

On our visit to Shorty’s, Cheryl kindly let us taste four different ice creams and we each gave them a score out of ten. It was close but mint choc chip was our flavour overall. But we all chose a favourite, mine was butterscotch, Ciaran’s was mint choc chip and Rhys and Iona’s was tropical marshmallow. All the ice creams scored high which shows that all the ice creams at Shorty’s are good and most of us tried different flavours, which means that they have a good variety and something for everybody.

SCORES Chocolate Marshmallow 34/40 Tropical Marshmallow 34.5/40 Mint choc chip 37/40 Butterscotch 34/40

“It was very smooth and creamy” “I really liked the butterscotch flavour” “Mint choc chip is my favourite flavour and they make it even better. It tasted yummy”

School Report: Crathie

first, then it was the girls’ race. After the primary races, the secondary pupils race. Instead of having a separate boys and girls race, they both ran together. Then, after the children’s race it’s the 5k. People come from all over to see the Balmoral races and if they don’t come to see, they come to race. After the 5k it’s the 10k. People have stalls all over and they train for weeks. There are rides too. Crathie School also runs the secure baggage tent which raises a lot of money for school funds.

There is a fire engine that people can go in. The firemen also have a tent with rescue dummies and toys in. The fire fighters tell people about the fire engine and the equipment.

This year it was Run Balmoral’s 20th anniversary, and pupils from Crathie School will be taking part again next year. We would like to do even more training next time. This year most of us beat our scores from last year so even more training will make us even faster next time.

Photo: Run Balmoral

Run Balmoral

By Islay McKenzie Wilson, Neve Fernie, William Stewart and Skye Jones We trained every week on our football pitch for Run Balmoral. Each day we did our training we had to run as many laps as we could in 20 minutes. Every lap we ran we got a special stamp. It was a different colour of scorecard and stamp every week. At the end of our training we would go inside and get changed and then we’d count up our score. When we were running we were encouraging each other to keep on pushing ourselves. Everybody got a choice to walk, jog or run and everyone tried their best.

All the weeks of training were over and it was time for the race itself. The boys’ race was

Green Flag Status

Everyone at Crathie School was so happy that we were successful in renewing our Green Flag status. We got a letter from Eco Schools on the 23rd of March 2017 to tell us the great news.

The whole school worked for the eco flag by being kind and respectful. We looked after the wildlife by picking up litter, feeding the birds and making Bugingham Palace (a hotel for insects).

Every afternoon we have fruit snack and put all of our waste into the compost bin then on a Friday two of us take it to the compost bin outside.

We are going to put our new flag on the flagpole outside and we are going to have a massive celebration to say thank you and well done to everyone who has helped us.

What Is A Level Two Assessment Visit Like?

Crathie: Small School, Big Ambitions!

35

By Islay McKenzie Wilson and Zara Jones, P5 and P4 at Crathie Primary School On Wednesday March 29th Mr Innes and Mr Reid came to visit our school. When they came we welcomed them and showed them our Eco table (we have just been awarded a new flag), and also the letters we wrote to Mrs May, Nicola Sturgeon and Prince William about the poaching of African elephants. Logan talked about Bugingham Palace, the insect hotel we built with Glyn Jones, Head Ranger at Balmoral. Then we told them about our super heroes.

Two years ago the whole school made ourselves into super heroes who take action on issues which we are concerned about. These have included the End Polio Now campaign, Fair Trade, healthy eating and a local charity called Buttony Bear. We told Mr Innes and Mr Reid about The Smurfs.

All of our School took a quiz called Small Smurfs Big Goals. It had four questions all about the Global Goals and we had to pick one answer for each one. At the end we found out which Smurf we are and which Global Goals we are going to research and take action on. We showed them the Toddler Room where parents come on a Monday and Thursday afternoons with children who are under 5. We talked about the things in our glass display cabinet and the Rights Respecting signs around the School. We talked about the portraits we did of each other and the word clouds we had made sharing the positive things we think about each other. We shared our playground charter with Mr Innes and Mr Reid.

On the outside part of the tour, we showed our visitors our garden, our wildlife garden and the bird feeders, the pond and the bird table. We showed them the playground and the canteen. We even showed them the woods, the football pitch, the basketball court and the PE shed. We started to feel very excited when Mr Innes and Mr Reid said they were impressed with what they’d seen so far!

At lunchtime Mr Innes and Mr Reid met Heather Jones, Chairperson of the Parent Council and Hans McKenzie Wilson, a parent and Head Keeper at Invercauld Estate who helped us learn about jobs in the rural economy. They also met one of the local Councillors, Geva Blackett, a friend and supporter of the School.

In the afternoon, Mr Innes and Mr Reid came into the classroom to see our classroom charter.

They asked us some questions about Rights Respecting School and Unicef. Mr Innes and Mr Reid hadn’t been on Small Smurf Big Goals so we all wanted to see which Smurfs they were. Mr Innes was delighted to find out he was Smurfette and Mr Reid was relieved to find out he was Papa Smurf.

At the end of their visit they told us they were recommending us for our Level Two award. We were (and still are) thrilled and excited by this excellent news. We think all schools should be Rights Respecting Schools and we would like to tell all the Head Teachers to GO FOR IT! Crathie – Small School, Big Ambitions!

Article 42: You have the right to know about your rights!

Adults should know about these rights and help you learn about them too.

Ballater Victoria Week

C��� �n� j��� u�! �r�� d�y���� ...

A�ached to the Crannach Bakery, which provides us with our wonderful fresh bread and cakes, Riverside Co�age is a friendly, family run Café/Bistro offering an extensive all day menu.

Enjoy a full ‘Sco�sh’ with locally-sourced produce; homemade soups, sandwiches, toas�es and baked potatoes - all available to take away.

Why not try our “Riverside Eggs Benedict” with bacon or John Ross smoked salmon? Or enjoy a sundae, cone or tub of Equi’s Award-winning Italian Ice cream. You won’t be disappointed!

Dogs are always welcome in our garden - inside too - and we provide water bowls for thirsty pooches. We also offer free Wi-Fi, disabled access and free parking.

Open 7 days a week from 10am, we’re always ready with a warm welcome especially when the wood burner is on.

Please look out for our extended opening hours over the summer, serving tapas throughout the day H��� t� ��� y�� so��!

Cambus O‛ May, Ballater, Aberdeenshire 01339 755126 riversidecottagecafe@gmail.com

Plans are well in hand for this year’s 10-day extravaganza, running from August 4-13th.

New events include a Cartie Race, Lego event, Continental Market, The 1980s TV Quiz Show Quiz and an It’s A Knockout-type-thingy.

Entries are also open for the Scarecrow Competition and Trail... what are you going to make? You can get your entry form online from our website, our Facebook page, from Bean For Coffee? or Ballater Libary.

Be Amused.

Ballater Films 37

by Ade Scripps

We had a terrific spring with good turnouts for both our double bill in April and Star Wars in May. Our next film is La La Land (12a) on Saturday June 10th. Come and see if it deserved all those gongs... 7pm for 7.30pm, MS Room, V&A Halls. Entry free, donations welcome.

We are yet to confirm titles and dates for our July and August (Victoria Week films) but keep an eye on our website www.ballaterfilms.co.uk, Facebook or on posters round the village.

Our quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort

The

Lochnagar Indian brasserie Fully Licensed

WINNER! BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR (SCOTLAND) ASIAN CURRY AWARDS 2016

All major credit and debit cards accepted

Open Mon-Sun 12-2pm and 5-11pm 2 Church Square, Ballater, AB35 5NE

Booking Advised 01339 755611 tripadvisor 4.5

10% Discount on Takeaway

www.lochnagarindian.co.uk

CSM Handyman/Garden Landscapes General Maintenance Inside & Out Micro Digger Work Available 013397 56227 / 07506 951506 csmhandyman1@gmail.com www.csmhandyman.co.uk

CSM Aerial Satellite J Lanigan

Audio + Visual Engineer Freesat + Freeview Strathgirnoc Farmhouse South Deeside Road Ballater

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Will YOU Answer Call To Action?

Community Council instigates creation of new village plan

A potential way forward was discussed, with an initial stage being the development of a CAP by a Steering Group consulting the broader community, collating data and recommending an action plan. Following endorsement of the CAP by the community, a follow-on group or groups would execute the CAP. A vote was held and community consensus reached that the BCCC should coordinate the development of a CAP by selecting a Steering Group to be finalised by the end of June.

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Interested? Use this form to get in touch...

If you are interested in being on the CAP Steering Group or would like to be involved in helping in some way with the process, or would simply like to be kept informed, please complete the detachable form below. which can be dropped off at the BRD office or left in the library. Copies of this form can also be picked up from BRD offices, the library or the Bothy in Ballater. You can also follow progress on the Community Council Facebook page and website.

Should you like more information, please feel free to contact us on fionapresslie@aol.com or croll66@btinternet.com.

Following discussion with a variety of Ballater groups and with the support of the Cairngorms National Park Authority & the Marr Area Partnership, the Ballater and Crathie Community Council (BCCC) hosted an open meeting on the 10th May to discuss the possibility of progressing a Community Action Plan (CAP). There have been past efforts to progress a CAP, but the flood of December 30th 2015 put these on hold.

CAPs bring a variety of benefits, not least the ability to coordinate all village efforts in progressing mutually beneficial village projects and seeking funding, as well as gaining assistance from the local authorities who require a demonstrated community voice when it comes to supporting projects and initiatives. The meeting on the 10th May was well-attended by a cross-section of the village community.

During the meeting the benefits of a CAP were explained and the way forward discussed. There was a good presentation from Davey Geddes and Carole Paterson who shared what has been done in Braemar.

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by Bell Macaulay The Victoria and Albert Halls are now entering the busiest and most productive time of year from July through to September. The range of events – some new and one-off, some part of the annual programme for Ballater – demonstrates just what a lasting asset Alexander Gordon gifted to the community all those years ago.

The extensive Halls complex comes into its own now. Throughout July and August the Scottish Orienteering 6 day Royal Deeside Event, Victoria Week, Ballater Royal Horticultural Society Annual Show, Upper Deeside Art Exhibition and the Etape Royale cycling race are all based in the Halls, offering something for everyone and bringing tourists from A’ the airts to Ballater. Station Square, the Halls and the Old Royal Station. This area is developing as a village hub, working together to provide a focal point for information and entertainment with all the traditional businesses included – the Halls, the Old Royal Station housing the Tourist Information Centre, an Interpretation Centre, the Aberdeenshire Library and Information Service, the Station Restaurant, Dee Valley Confectioners, the Bike Station all clustered round a revitalised Station Square which has space for community events spilling outside – a continental atmosphere for everyone to enjoy!

Alternative power plans – mindful of our experiences in December 2015, and since the Halls are the designated place of safety for the community, trustees have been working on plans to provide alternative lighting and heating in the

event of a power outage. Professional advice has been sought, and we are at the point of testing a range of lighting and heating systems which would help the halls look after the community in the immediate aftermath of any incident. The Ballater Resilience Group use the Beaton Craigie Room as a base free of charge, and we will be working with them and with the emergency services when necessary.

Who Pays? – of course refurbishment and the installation of emergency power cost considerable amounts of money, and we have been very fortunate in the support we have received both locally and nationally. The Rotary Club of Aboyne and Upper Deeside has contributed a very generous sum of £10,000 from their Club’s Ballater & Deeside Flood Fund, and a further £10,000 has come from Rotary District 1010 Disaster Fund. Further amounts of £20,000 have been received from Foundation Scotland and Scottish & Southern Electricity. This funding, for which the Halls trustees are extremely grateful, will allow us to install external points to allow mobile generators to be linked into the Halls mains power system, and also provide funds to purchase emergency heating and lighting equipment pending the arrival of said generators.

In the event of any future emergency situation, we would hope that these arrangements will ensure that people will be safe and warm within the Halls until they can return to their own homes.

Events - on 28th July, we will welcome the Heriot Watt Jazz Band to the Albert Hall for an evening of traditional and modern jazz. Bring along your own supper and refreshments. Tickets priced £10 are available from Yule’s Newsagents.

Website, Information and Bookings – a reminder - please don’t forget to complete a booking form if you wish to use the halls. Check what is available on www.victoriaandalberthalls. co.uk. and look in the calendar. We are certainly getting busier!

Membership – we need your support – it costs nothing, but demonstrates that the Halls play an important part in community life, and helps with releasing funding.

For further infor mation or to obtain

Membership Registration Forms call/leave message for Janet Riddler at 013397 55308 or email: membership@victoriaandalberthalls.co.uk Keeping the Halls in good order –Karen Forsyth is a great support and continues to do an excellent job - the Halls look and smell clean and shining! Please help by leaving rooms as you find them. Karen is also now helping with events.

Don’t forget, we rely on users to tell us when problems arise - please record any problems in the diary which is kept on the windowsill in the Mike Sheridan Room store.

Do you have a few hours to spare? We’re always on the lookout for some help to organise / run events, or even take a turn in the kitchen, serve teas when necessary – all offers of help welcomed!

Do please pitch in where you can, by helping clear tables and chairs after any events you attend.

HANDY NUMBERS Bell Macaulay – 013397 55745 Gordon Riddler – 013397 55308 Karen Forsyth – 07921 460368 Douglas Glass – 07778 466817

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Live Long, and Prosper

by Michael Colletta, BBA Chair

I am sure that everyone will recognise these words uttered by Mr Spock, normally at the end of another heroic Star Trek adventure in which the crew of the Enterprise have overcome adversity.

Over the last 2 years I would consider Ballater to be like the starship, as its population has battled against the odds to protect their way of life. There have been many heroes over this time and while for many most of the battles have been won, for members of the Ballater Business Association there are still some battles ahead and we need to work cleverly together to ensure that victory is achieved.

I had my eyes opened on that fateful night in May 2015 when the station literally went up in smoke and with it went a huge part of the tourism sector. I drove through the village later that morning on my way to a tourism meeting and that was the first time I really noticed the decline of businesses in the village with the number of unsightly “To Let” signs on Bridge Street. The markers had been there for long enough, Ballater was suffering, but as a resident I had blissfully ignored them, most probably because I was happily and successfully working away in Craigendarroch. That morning changed my perspective and made me look at myself and consider what I could do to help.

I started attending the Ballater Business Association (BBA) meetings and found a successful management committee, but one which was struggling to keep things going because of a lack of support from its members and local and central government agencies. Then the flood came and changed everything. Attendance at meetings grew significantly as support from the various agencies increased and information and consultation was made available to businesses to help them through the difficult times. The monthly meeting generates lots of healthy debate about the challenges that the business community faces in the village such as unfair rates, high rents and falling footfall, a combination which

places existing businesses at risk and which does nothing to encourage new businesses to enter the marketplace.

Aberdeenshire Council commissioned the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce to identify the economic impact that the damage to the caravan park had on Ballater and it was established that even with the touring pitches being reinstated, the village would lose around £800,000 in revenues. This is a marker that cannot be ignored by the village and is one of which members of the BBA are acutely aware.

The last 18 months have seen the BBA strengthen as an association and there is a real enthusiasm for businesses to work together to overcome the challenge of economic decline.

The image of boarded up shops is a constant reminder of the work to be done and no one is complacent about the scale of work that is required. Tourism is clearly the market sector that needs to be boosted, but the question that is being asked is, what is it that tourists want from Ballater? The scenery is an obvious answer, but there is a real hunger for culture and history and Ballater and the surrounding area has so much to give. As with everything in life, balance is important and the essence of the village must not be lost to commercialisation, and therefore a carefully considered economic plan for the village needs to be developed. There should be no “them and us”, society and business need each other to survive and therefore strong partnerships with a common goal need to be developed.

The words of inclusion and collaboration are spoken by me at almost every meeting that I attend on behalf of the BBA and I firmly believe that by working together we can deliver the success that the business community needs to overcome adversity and seize the opportunities to enable growth and stability for our community into the future.

Ballater is fortunate to have many successful retired business people living in its midst and I would welcome anyone who feels that they may be able to contribute to the development of these plans for the business community. Your experiences will prove invaluable to the BBA

and different perspectives are vital to ensure that potentially important points are not being missed. The objective of this exercise is to create a sustainable economic environment for existing and new businesses that will allow them to “… live long and prosper”.

If you are interested in assisting the BBA, please contact Michael Coletta either by e mail (chair@visitballater.com) or by phone 07974 2293781.

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Keeping Council with Geva Blackett

The Aberdeenshire Council election count on 5th May was terrifying, far more so than the first time I stood because I have poured so much into being your councillor in the last five years.

So, I must thank everyone who voted for me so resoundingly and say to those who didn’t: I am here for you too. We had five candidates for three seats and I very much hope that those who did not win a seat will not view it as failure but as a stepping stone to ‘next time’. In my view, when you stand up for what you believe in with as much passion and conviction as they did, everyone wins and we need people like them.

My priorities for the next term will include continuing to work with others to make sure the world knows Royal Deeside (and indeed the whole of the Ward) is a world class tourist destination where there is something for everyone.

With the Snow Road having been launched from

Blairgowrie to Grantown, a solution needs to be found for the problems Gairnshiel bridge faces and it is no good to say “the buses can go via Logie Coldstone and avoid the bridge” – because they won’t.

Either they won’t come here at all or they will continue to batter that beautiful bridge.

Lorries too need a way through and it is clear the temporary 18 ton weight limit is not working.

If we are to attract young people to live in our communities and fill our schools with their children, we need sustainable and well paid employment opportunities and of course we need affordable housing – so that battle continues too! And as always, I am here to help with your day-to-day issues as much as I can. My contact details haven’t changed – you can phone me on 013397 41541 (diverts to my mobile) or email me at cllr.g.blackett@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Have a great summer and see you in Ballater!

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Walk in the Park

Katrina A Farquhar

As most of you know I have left the board of the CNPA and am no longer an Aberdeenshire Councillor. I have started a new position and a very different role but currently enjoying it very much.

I have really enjoyed writing my walk stories and after discussing with the editor of the Eagle I am going to continue with this little hobby!

Park your car in the Burn O’ Vat visitor

centre car park, this is a really popular spot so I tend to go through the week, but as it is such a large area, you don’t encounter crowds! Lying within the Cairngorms National Park, Muir of Dinnet has a range of enchanting walks through the woodland and around the water-filled kettle hole that forms Loch Kinord. There are four way marked paths starting from the visitor centre.

They range from just under a mile to the Burn O’Vat and up to nearly four miles on the Loch Kinord circular path. Take time to stroll through the woodland looking out for birds, animals and delicate woodland wildflowers.

There is a visitor centre, which tells the story of how the different elements of the reserve evolved and what you are likely to see if you go out to enjoy the reserve. You can find out how glaciers carved up the landscape, how the lochs and bogs formed, how well the woodland is doing and why the reserve is so special. The centre has a

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model of the reserve, with maps showing you the main habitats, places to visit and where the paths go to help you explore. Touch tables and displays show items found around the area.

Information is available on events being run at Muir of Dinnet and the latest sightings from round and about. The Centre is open all year round, staff permitting. There are also public toilets available which is always helpful!

If you wish to see the actual “vat”, take the path past the toilets and follow the finger posts. When you reach a small bridge, don’t cross it - just keep left and you will reach the “vat”. Burn O’ Vat is a striking geological quirk, a deep bowl gouged from the surrounding rocks by the passage of water.

The aptly named Vat Burn runs down from Culblean Hill on its way to Loch Kinord. Here, it tumbles down a very small waterfall and into an amphitheatre of rocks scooped out over millennia, before passing out through a narrow opening just wide enough to admit a moderately agile person.

The bowl was formed by water melting at the end of the last ice age and forming a pothole in the soft rock. This pothole then gradually filled with sand to a depth of 5-7 metres, forming the soft bottom of the Vat as we see it today. The Vat is some 18 metres side to side and about 13 metres top to bottom. It has been popular as a scenic destination since Victorian times, but even before then it was apparently used by outlaws hiding from their pursuers!!

After visiting the “vat” you come back to the little bridge but this time cross it and follow steps up into the woodland. You will come to a slight fork but stay on the left. Then you will come to the end of this path and if you turn right it takes you back to the car park passing a recently installed viewpoint of pine from Glen Tanar with an interpretation board about the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve.

However, if you turn left, this will take you on a longer route. You carry on the path, climbing up and through woodland, and eventually you arrive at a land rover track. Pylons heading over to Logie Coldstone also follow this track. Historically, this is an old drovers’ road. If you turn left it takes you down to the walks around what was formerly the Willows, now Riverside Cafe. We however turn right and head up hill for a short bit then it levels out and you look down on the woodlands. You can also see further afield from this height. Once you start descending you get fabulous views over the Howe of Cromar and walk past the site of the Battle of Cublean which took place on 30th November 1335! There is a line of stones on your left as you descend and these are said to be where the battle took place! Compared with the other great battles of the Wars of Independence, Culblean was a relatively small affair, and is now largely forgotten. Nevertheless, its size was greatly outweighed by its importance on the road to Scottish national recovery. Dr Douglas Simpson passed what might be said to be the final verdict on the battle when he wrote; “Culblean was the turning point in the second war of Scottish Independence, and therefore an event of great national importance. Small as it was, it effectively nullified the effects of Edward’s summer invasion, ending forever Balliol’s hope of gaining the Scottish throne. Its effects were almost immediately felt. Edward Balliol spent the winter of 1335-6, so says the Lanercost Chronicle; ...with his people at Elande, in England, because he does not yet possess in Scotland any castle or town where he could dwell in safety.” Walking along here it gives you a real sense of history as to what has happened previously, - goose-bump experience!

When you descend to the bottom of the hill you will walk across a small stream. The track then joins another track to the left which takes you to the cottage called Boggerfool. We take the track to the right and soon reach the B9119, cross this road through a small opening in the dyke and follow this path along the edge of marshy land with Lochhead Croft on the right, follow this path into the woods as it is safer than trying to walk along the B9119. After a short walk and passing an old fence, the track goes straight on but you will see a small path to your right, follow this and you will arrive at a small car park with a commemorative stone for HM The Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. Follow the track and soon you will see you have returned to the car park. You just have to cross the main road and you are back at the car.

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an innovative and unique dance development class for tiny tots and their carers

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Ballater’s Highland Hustle dance instructor Fiona Reid has extended her class offering to include the little ones.

Highland Hustle Tots is a fun and unique dance development class, in which the grown-ups get a workout too. Classes take place in Ballater on Tuesdays at 9.15am and also in Aboyne.

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The Battle of Culblean (1335)

by Sheila Sedgwick

As we drive up and down the valley and pass Loch Kinord, sparkling in the sun or wreathed in cloud, do we ever reflect on events that took place very many years ago, events that changed the nation’s history? Both Lochs Kinord and Davan were then larger than they are now. On 30th November 1335 a battle took place there that changed the course of Scotland’s history and of Deeside’s future.

David de Strathbogie, Earl of Atholl was one of the thirteen competitors for the throne of Scotland when in November 1335, David II a boy five years old, succeeded his father, Robert the Bruce. Earl Davy saw his opportunity for future advancement when the boy’s Guardian, de Moray, was in the south of Scotland, and marched to Kildrummy where the boy’s mother was staying as well as the Guardian’s wife. He probably thought the boy king was also there, but he had already, in secret, been shipped off to France for his own safety.

The Guardian’s wife managed to send a messenger to her husband, who collected a large force of many of the country’s leading men. Meanwhile, Earl Davy laid siege to Kildrummy.

The Guardian came to the area by the Fir Mounth, crossed the Dee at Dinnet collecting men as he advanced and went to relieve the siege of Kildrummy.

By the time de Moray had forded the Dee and marched north from the Mill of Dinnet, it was dark. Meantime Earl Davy had abandoned the siege of Kildrummy and was marching south to the Burn of Vat, via Logie Coldstone. He camped with his force of 3000 men at Burn o’ Vat. De Moray could see Earl Davy’s camp fires. There were many mounted and mail clad men who would find the terrain difficult. Two equal sized armies faced each other, nearly two miles apart, with forest and marsh between. The lochs then were larger and the ground more swampy. The obvious attack line was between the lochs with a track through forest and marshy land.

By this time de Moray had been joined by an excellent military tactician, John of the Craig, with local knowledge. Surprise and timing were essential. The plan was that at dawn, Douglas would lead a frontal attack between the two lochs and de Moray would lead a flank attack, John of the Craig guiding him by “ways” or tracks round the north end of Loch Davan.

On a dark dreich November morning, Earl Davy’s force found an enemy attacking them from the east, through the forest. Earl Davy was a brave man. He stood with his back against “a gret stane” and fought on, as did his men. He ordered his forces to move further up the Vat burn.

Unfortunately for them, de Moray and John of the Craig attacked in the rear.

There was fierce fighting on both sides. Many famous knights were killed. Earl Davy died after a hand to hand fight with Alexander de Gordon, who succeeded him in the Lordship of Strathbogie. Sir Robert de Menzies and some of his men took refuge in his castle on Kinord but they eventually realised that the situation was hopeless and surrendered. De Moray had saved the kingdom for David, the boy king.

In 1956 a memorial stone was erected to mark the site of the battle. Next time you drive past and see the lochs sparkling in the sun or shrouded in mist, imagine the clash of battle. Deeside did play a large part in our country’s history, even at a very early date. The sound of battle is no longer heard and life has changed dramatically since the fourteenth century, but we are all what our past has made us.

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Pottering About

with Stella Potter

Goodness, it’s been an eventful few months!

Firstly, I’d like to wholeheartedly thank the many of you who stopped me for a streetchat after my last Potter ponderings on the inexorably slow pace and variable quality of flood recovery. Although it’s been tremendous to note some new business openings that I’m sure we all wish well (if only I liked ice cream!), the situation in this end of the village is largely unchanged. Still no tenants in the council houses; still over a dozen empty properties just in one small street; still weekday white van gatherings. Some homeowners still doing their own recovery work, and many still trying to put poor workmanship right. I fully appreciate that the volume of work was, and is, so huge that insurance companies have had to employ contractors from way outside the area - I’m aware of contractors from central belt, Inverness, England and Ireland.

Some folk are on their third, fourth, even fifth, contractors. Some are fantastic and have done an excellent job, yet some promise the earth and don’t deliver, leaving folk in limbo or in a partially renovated home that isn’t right. It seems though that some insurance companies were, and are, out of their depth with the volume of work and offering little or no on-site supervision. Additionally, some

folk are still chipping away at the task themselves.

There has, however, been wonderful personal progress. Delightfully, at long, long last, my Mother-in-law has been able to return to her flood ravaged home. Despite there being still much to do, and put right, she is back where she belongs. Which is just joyful! I was also delighted to note that the Hazleys are also home at last. The trickle continues, yet still far too many are flitting between holiday lets, family and hotels. I continue to walk with them on their lengthy journey, and hope you do too.

The emotional cost is also still enormous. It came into stark relief for me a few weeks ago when I was planning a jammie day to do some writing.

As I took milk from the fridge, I noticed two police cars parked at jaunty angles blocking the street outside the building. Just as I put milk in my coffee I heard knocking on my neighbour’s door (sadly this building has minimal sound insulation). So I went downstairs to tell them I knew my neighbours were not currently in residence. To be honest, also to be a bit nosey. The lovely policeman told me that there was an “explosive device” found in the building, and that I would have to evacuate ASAP whilst they awaited the bomb squad.

Normally I do my very best to think rationally, but on this occasion my emotions took over.

My heart pounded, my mouth dried, my hands shook, I felt fear rising and tears welling.

14 months after being evacuated from the flood, here I was again. I was very grateful to the policeman who was so kind whilst my emotional equilibrium disappeared. At least I now have a grab-bag (documents, underwear, washbag, torch etc.) so hurriedly popped the laptop into it and donned a coat and shoes. As I shakily locked the door I cursed the universe and feared I would never return. Then I hot-footed it to my lovely friends where I’d sheltered after the flood.

I had hoped to continue my writing but was in no fit state to do so. Too many memories of the last evacuation - once is quite enough, universe, thank you! - and disappointed in myself that I was reacting so badly. I’d sort of thought that the flood experience had not left me with emotional baggage so many months later. How wrong I was.

Mid-afternoon the gentle policeman phoned me to say the device – a WW2 grenade found by workmen - was safe, my building was still standing and I could return home. The relief was stupendous.

I discovered that despite the news stating that many had been evacuated I was actually a one-woman evacuation! The halls were not needed for respite and I was hugely relieved for my neighbours that they were all away so escaped the emotional roller-coaster.

It was far too much excitement for a Monday morning – how I long for a quiet life! At least the experience gave me better insight. I found that useful when contributing to the research for the ‘Long term impacts of flooding’ project, details of which are on page 27. Our experiences will be part of recommendations to the Scottish Government on how best to plan for and respond to the many challenges we have been, and are still going through, in order to support greater community resilience. I see it as a really good way to assist in informing future planning and hopefully make other communities’ lives a little easier through the benefit of our experience. Giving back if you like. So if you were affected by the flooding you can fill in a questionnaire online, on paper, and/or agree to an interview, and I urge you to do so.

On a different note, I’ve been going to some of the Knit & Natter sessions in the Library recently. It’s a great group of supportive women of all ages - though men would also be very welcome!

Readers with long memories will know I went to the group a few years back to knit a boob. (They assist midwives in explaining about breastfeeding.)

I was, of course, asked what I was knitting. A pink pussy hat… Sparing blushes and questions We are always looking ahead – as swiftly as possible I explained these are antidreaming of blue skies and days of sunshine.

Trump hats, as seen on so many marchers of the We always keep ahead – Women’s Marches in January. I’d mentioned to bringing you the latest fashion in frames. my non-knitter US Sister-in-law that I was making Do come and see our new ranges – one for myself and she asked me to knit one for her you will not be disappointed! and my nephew too. So now I’ve knitted a boob Always more an experience than just a visit! and two and a half pink pussy hats in the Knit & Natter group. We have fun, share knowledge, enjoy a jolly good natter and hugely appreciate -who always care how you look.

Sabine running the group. Gotta love our Library!

45 Bridge Street, Ballater 013397 56222 Here’s to the hope of a wonderful summer for us all. Just no more evacuations for me, please universe!

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Muckle Fest Returns...!

Muckle Fest, when the Green was filled with music, fun (and sunshine!) for a whole day, is coming back... Muckle Fest 2017 will take place on Saturday September 9th on Ballater’s Church Green. Put the date in your diaries and look out for details and updates on posters, or the event’s Facebook page. If you want to help make it happen, contact Audrey on 07811 829625 or audrey.simpson@hotmail.co.uk or search for Muckle Fest 2017 on justgiving.com to pledge a little bit of financial support.

The Snow Roads

Route 66, USA; Stelvio Pass, Italy; the Great Ocean Road, Australia – now add to that list, The Snow Roads, Scotland.

Yes, the A93/A939 have always been there and have always been a stunning drive, but now it’s to be actively promoted as one of the world’s best scenic routes, whether that’s on four wheels or two!

The outstanding mountainous road linking Blairgowrie (A93) to Grantown-on-Spey (A939) via Braemar, Ballater and Tomintoul is the highest public road in Britain and is regularly used by classic car and motor bike enthusiasts and increasingly road cyclists, offering an alternative to the A9, traversing the eastern Cairngorms through remote, wild and breathtaking landscapes.

Take a look at the back page to see just one of the wonderful artistic installations en route, and we’ll bring you more details of this exciting project in the Autumn issue of The Eagle...

SRC Plumbing & Heating Engineer Ltd

07885 299717 info@src.sky.com www.src-plumbing.co.uk

Come and relax in

The Auld Kirk Coffee Lounge Opening in June Offering locally roasted coffee and quality loose leaf teas A small but daily changing selection, including seasonal soups, rolls and sandwiches, sweet and savoury pastries, cakes and desserts – all made in-house Peter, Tony and Lisa look forward to welcoming you Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm 31 Braemar Road. 013397 55762

60 Skills to Give?

Situations Vacuuming

Let AVAshire’s Aileen Longino know what they are...

Ballater Skills Directory... What is it and how can I get involved? I work with a number of local groups in the community, and it is becoming increasingly obvious that there are phenomenal skills held by the volunteers in these groups. There are also skills gaps in community groups too.

As we try and grow a stronger more resilient community in Ballater, it seemed the right way forward to have a record of who can do what, so that if your group is needing admin support for example, you can look at the Skills Directory to find someone to help. You might be new to volunteering, but have fantastic book keeping skills or be a retired plumber or a whizz at technology that local groups are crying out for.

This finished directory will be printed in The Eagle and be available electronically too. It really is that simple. If you have skills or experience that you are willing to share and help your community, please email Aileen.Longino@avashire.org.uk

Put your hand up in the air...

Rather than simply let every group that contibutes a piece for the Eagle say “we need more volunteers, please”, it has been suggested that we create a direct “Jobs Board”, where people can see what exact roles are required to fill in the voluntary/paid/blurred sphere in Ballater and Crathie and decide if it’s something they could do.

So, here’s a few examples... If your group needs a particular role filled or a one-off job done, let us know via the contacts on p6 and we can place it here and/or promote it from our Facebook page. Happy hunting!

THE PARISH OF BRAEMAR AND CRATHIE

ABERDEENSHIRE ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD All aspects of electrical work undertaken

– Domestic – Commercial – Industrial – – Agricultural – Oil & Gas – – PAT testing – Inspection & Testing – Free Estimates All work guaranteed No job too small Local friendly family-run business

(M) 07855 678677 (T) 01339 885355 (E) aberdeenshireelectricalsrvs@btinternet.com

Wanna Be an eagle?

The Ballater Eagle is constantly evolving and the demands of the digital era means that every role is getting bigger... We need “staff”. Design work is paid. All other roles are voluntary. Photographers very useful!

Someone to ensure all our advertisers get a copy of the magazine... Small but important things. contact ballater.eagle@btopenworld. com for a chat about your potential.

CLUB directory

recent conversations about the community action plan have prompted a few questions about the number of clubs/societies there are in the village and how easy it is to contact them. So we propose producing a regular club directory in the eagle, with names and direct contact details so people know where to go to find something that interests them. Want in? tell us - ballater.eagle@btopenworld.com

the v&a halls need an events coordinator/team. Your bag? do it.

Established 1998

well

speed

We require the services of a cleaner for Crathie Kirk Hall. It is anticipated that the work will require 2 to 3 hours per week and the remuneration will be £8 per hour. Initial enquiries to the Session Clerk, Patricia Fraser, on 013397 42327.

FRAMING

Friendly, Reliable Service Wide Range of Quality Materials in Stock

Paintings, Photographs & Mirrors Needlework, Sports Shirts & Objects Framing Canvas Stretching and More...

t: 013398 80448 m: 07766 176 186 e: jay@speedwellframing.co.uk Inchmarnoch Dinnet Aboyne AB34 5NX

Advertisers’ Index Auld Kirk Coffee Lounge Auld Kirk Wellbeing Aberdeenshire Electrical Alexandra Hotel Allan Milne Joiner Ballater Farmers’ Market Badger Balmoral Bill Yule Brakeley Gift Room Brian Smith Funeral Services Ltd Bruce Fraser Fencing C.S.M. Handyman/Gardens Cairngorm Crafts Carnelian Celicall Crafts Classic Abode Garden Services D P Opticians Davidsons Chemists Deeside Tree Care Drummond Enterprises Edward J Emslie Flame Boiler Services Forbes Duguid Fraser & Mulligan Glen Lui Hotel H. M. Sheridan Ltd Highland Glen Hot Tubs

59 59 60 43 55 37 10 2 26 53 15 16 38 8 12 20 49 57 10 21 11 55 23 12 23 22 26 46

Highland Hustle Tots Highland Yurts Ian Rodger Architects

India On The Green Julian Barclay Keiller Brasserie Laurie & Company M. H. Jewellery & Gifts Marie Chapman McCue & Porter McKay & Innes Funeral Directors Morven Veterinary Centre Phoenix Chip Shop Riverside Cottage Cafe Roaring Stag Coffee Shanghai Takeaway Speedwell Framing SRC Plumbing The Hair Loft The Lochnagar The MacNab The McEwan Gallery The Oven Valet Tornaveen Plumbing Total Building Services Tweedie Beasties Wee Jim Landscapes /Firewood Wilkies

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Photo: Dawn Rennie

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The Ballater & Crathie Eagle is made possible by: Advertising, Donations, Sponsorship & Fundraising.

Thank you to everyone who supports us.

We deliver FREE from Crathie to Cambus O’May. Thanks to Friends of the Eagle for delivering to some outlying areas.