Chatterbox 107

Black Isle

Chatterbox

Printed and published quarterly for the Black Isle by Chatterbox Community News Group

Chatterbox provides a vehicle for any member of the community to demonstrate his or her opinions or beliefs, so long as these are not defamatory or offensive. Publication does not mean articles are the opinion of the magazine or its production team.

Send stories, letters and adverts to: The Editor, Chatterbox, Burnside Cottage, Newhall, Balblair, Dingwall, IV7 8LT; phone 01381 610315; email editor.chatterbox@gmail. com

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The Team

Editor/Layout: Russell Turner editor.chatterbox@ gmail.com

Advertising: advertise.chatterbox@ gmail.com

Secretary: Liz McKinlay 07709 200132 lizzymac4402@gmail.com

Treasurer: Aileen Battye treasurer. chatterbox@ gmail.com

Chairman: Liz McKinlay

Reporters: Sandy Mitchell, Frances Armitage

Chatterbox was founded in September 1997 by Jack Malpas

ISSN 2399-1879

We support the Black Isle Tourism Team

Black Isle’s annual Potato Day will be on Saturday 2nd March, 11am-3pm at North Kessock

Village Hall, with around 50 varieties of seed potatoes available, sold by the tuber. Also seed swap, competitions and cafe. See website www.transitionblackisle.org in late January/ February for more details.

A View from the Black Isle

Help is all around to ease loneliness

When I saw that The Allangrange in Munlochy is offering a free Christmas eve lunch to over-65s, my first reaction was shock – not at the generosity, but that having turned 65 earlier this year I’m now eligible for treats aimed at a group many people might class as “the old folks”.

The no 19 cafe in Avoch has an over-60s lunch deal every Thursday, and doubtless there are other pensioner specials to be had that passed me by in my younger days. I’m obviously missing out.

But I’m fortunate. I’m healthy, still active (more marathons planned next year) and don’t feel old. Other people aren’t so lucky, especially if they live alone.

On page 16 we report on Black Isle Cares’ search for volunteers for its Befriending Service, which aims to ease isolation and loneliness.

Another group seeking helpers on the Black Isle (whose story I couldn’t find space for on the news pages) is national charity Re-engage, which is dedicated to helping those aged 75 and over.

It is re-building its network of free Sunday tea parties throughout the UK and needs co-ordinators willing to spend a few hours to oversee these gatherings.

The charity currently has nearly 400 volunteers across Scotland who regularly provide a location for tea, sandwiches and cake for over 200 older people. These guests are also driven to and from the tea par-

ties. But there is a shortage of co-ordinators in many areas including the Black Isle.

Meryl Davies, CeO of Re-engage said: “Before the pandemic our monthly tea parties provided a vital lifeline for older people who barely saw another person from one week to the next.

“Two years of lockdowns and uncertainty have left many of them lacking the confidence to get back into the outside world. We want them to start socialising again so they do not feel they have been left behind. But to do that we need local community leaders prepared to devote a few hours which can change so many lives.”

There is more information at www.reengage.org.uk, or call 0207 240 0630.

Another cure for loneliness might be found on page 29, where we describe the activities of Dingwall Field Club, and Cromarty Camera Club (page 8) is always on the lookout for new members. You don’t even need a camera – it’s amazing what can be done these days with a smartphone.

AnOTheR year is almost over, so it’s time to wish all our readers and advertisers – and everyone who’s sent us a story or tipped us off about one (more always welcome) – a merry Christmas and happy new Year. We couldn’t keep going without you.

Russell Turner Editor

Cover: A black-tailed godwit in summer plumage Photo: Tonveldhuizen Pages 30-32

Transition

Fortrose joins the global comfort blanket project

By Liz McKinlay

PROjeCT Linus, a global initiative begun in the USA in the mid 1990s, has reached Fortrose.

It was created in Colorado by Kathy Loucks, who read an article about a youngster with leukaemia who carried a blanket around with her for comfort during her treatments. The girl gained great comfort and security from having a constant with her during a difficult time.

Kathy was so moved by the story that she started a local group to make blankets for young people who needed support during times of distress and need. The project was named after Linus, the Peanuts cartoon character who loved his blanket.

now international, the nonprofit group requires only good

will and an ability to sew, knit or crochet or want to have a go. There are a number of groups in Scotland.

eileen Fraser from Fortrose retired in 2020, so set up a group in Fortrose. There is already a group in Inverness.

“I’ve always enjoyed sewing and quilting and I loved going to the project but it occurred to me that instead of travelling into Inverness, especially in winter, why couldn’t we have our own project on the Black Isle,” she said. “The coordinator, Alice nicol, agreed it was a great idea so in September of last year we launched our project on Facebook and it’s taken off from there.

“We meet every Thursday at 2pm in the Masonic Lodge in Fortrose and in the last year we’ve donated 80 quilts and 70 blankets. We’re so pleased, especially as all our efforts stay in the highlands whereas before they were sent to a central hub. Alice nicol collects them and distributes them in the highlands. They’ve gone to local hospitals, hospices, children in care and traumatised children. Our motto is

‘every child needs a hug’.

“It’s very sociable and we’ve all made new friends at the project, although if people want to make quilts at home and donate them, that’s fine too. Some people use sewing machines, hand sew or crochet and knit. We all donate our own materials and there’s a small charge to pay for the rent of the hall. We don’t have charity status and that suits our aims.”

When I visited the project there was a happy quiet buzz in the hall, and some beautiful quilts and blankets – some in progress, some getting finished off – and sewing machines rattling

away. There were avid discussions going on as folks sought help and opinions from their fellow ‘blanketeers’. There are some very skilled quilters helping beginners and each other. eileen has also been asked to share her skills at the Repair Cafe in Cromarty. She’ll be showing folks how to use a sewing machine, which may inspire future ‘blanketeers’ to join the project.

If you want to join the project or donate blankets, eileen can be contacted at fraserdubh@gmail.com. She also has a Facebook presence: eileen Fraser.

Some of the team at the Fortrose Linus Project.

Right: Eileen Fraser with one of the works in progress.

Fight climate change with chat and a cuppa

By Laura Donnelly

CLIMATe Cafe Black Isle is a space for all to come and chat about how climate change has impacted you and your community, have a cuppa with others and look at practical ways we can address climate change through tackling waste and consumption in your home and community. ‘Drink, Chat, Act!’

Climate Cafes are community led, informal, inspiring spaces to get together, share ideas, information and get involved in climate action. The Black Isle cafe started in April when we met at no19 in Avoch. The first gathering involved introducing the Climate Cafe movement and focused on hearing people’s thoughts on climate change and what implications are seen at home and around our community.

Learning how to reduce food waste through fermentation at the September cafe.

They also identified themes people wanted to know more about.

We held another evening in june themed around ‘Repair, Recycle and Reuse’ where we welcomed guest speakers Donnie McLeod and Steve Bramwell from the Black Isle Men’s Shed and Repair Cafe who explained how the Repair Cafe started, how it works and how to get involved. Morag Bramwell from Regenerate Our Green Spaces also joined us to spread the word about its initiative in Fortrose and Rosemarkie. It really shows that Climate Cafe Black Isle is a great space to share ideas and opportunities to take local action to tackle climate issues.

Attendees have fed-back that they were ‘more inspired to take action’ and ‘would attend a repair cafe and volunteer’ their skills. Attendees also stated that the Climate Cafe is ‘friendly, non-confrontational and non-judgemental’ is a ‘good place to meet like-minded people’ and provides ‘a chance to work with

others to improve the community’. (Quotes from attendee feedback April 23 / july 23)

In September we focused on ‘Tackling food waste through fermentation’ and learnt to make sauerkraut and apple cider vinegar with local facilitator Fuggo, Fiona King. not only did we learn how to make something yummy and good for you, learning about fermentation means we can preserve excess vegetable crops and become less dependent on shops which sell fermented products at a high price. Win Win!!

Karen Philip who attended the fermentation workshop in September said: “Lovely venue, nice people, interesting subject and good to learn something that is both good for me and the environment.”

Over the next few months the Climate Cafe will be focussing on themes that previous attendees have suggested. You can find the next one on 24th january where we will be focusing

on Sustainable energy and be discussing home energy saving and energy efficient solutions. Guest speakers include Transition Black Isle, Local energy Scotland, home energy Scotland and Changeworks. It’s to held at Fortrose Free Church hall from 6.30-8.30pm.

everyone is welcome to come along to any of the upcoming climate cafes and refreshments will be provided. You can contact me at laura@ transitionblackisle.org for any queries or to book a spot, otherwise you can just turn up.

The Black Isle Repair Cafe will also be back in the new year, on Saturday 6th january 1-4pm in the Victoria hall in Cromarty. Bring along any items you’d like a skilled volunteer to take a look at including sewing, electrical, digital repairs as well as knife and tool sharpening, general repairs and bike repairs and checks.

l www.climate.cafe

l www.transitionblackisle.org/black-islerepair-cafe.asp

The Repair, Reduce, Recycle evening in June which featured guest speakers from the Black Isle Men’s Shed and Black Isle Repair Cafe.

Camera club shines in Highland Challenge

CROMARTY Camera Club held its first meeting of the season on 14th September when Gary Beaumont, the recently appointed chairman, welcomed 19 members; a good turn out for the first meeting of the season.

One of the first club engagements was to attend the highland Challenge, hosted by east Sutherland Camera Club in Dornoch, in which each club submits 10 images. On judging day the host club invites all participants to join them, presentations are given by visiting experts, followed by light refreshments, then it’s down to the serious business of judging.

Images submitted were of the highest quality

Seed Heads by David Kent, and Stephens Brae (facing page), which won him the club’s Streetscape competition.

and despite fierce competition Cromarty Camera Club was delighted to come second out of eight entrants, just five points behind the winners – an achievement everyone in the club is proud of.

Back at the Victoria hall the season started off with some hands-on evenings, providing members with an opportunity to catch up with each other over a cuppa and a cake, dust off cameras and brush up on skills learnt last year. Several new members have been welcomed to the club, bringing in fresh ideas and lots of experience.

The committee remained active during the summer break, the syllabus team working hard to deliver a varied and interesting calendar of events. We have a full and varied syllabus with activities ranging from hands-on camera ses-

sions, post processing, visiting speakers and competitions both internal and external. Most weeks time is set aside for members to raise questions, seek advice and share images they are particularly proud of.

Pre Covid we had well established links to neighbouring camera clubs and Cromarty Camera Club has been working hard to restore these links. To date, several members have attended meetings at both Dingwall and Inverness Camera Clubs and we are hoping for a return visit in the near future.

Back in the summer, the club was approached by the Cromarty Open Gardens Committee to see if it would be interested in producing some images that could be used for future publicity. Several members jumped at the chance and spent an enjoyable weekend visiting the vari-

ous gardens throughout the town. Thousands of pictures were taken, and from this the best images were selected, edited and finally presented as a slide show of over 300 images.

Much to our surprise, the committee made a very generous donation to the club that has been put towards the purchase of a photo printer for members use. The printer will be a huge asset for members, enabling them to access affordable printing and for that we are extremely grateful.

Meetings take place on Thursday evenings, starting at 7.30pm. We are a friendly bunch and invite anyone with an interest in photography, regardless of photographic ability, to join us for an evening to see what we do.

Cromarty Camera Club is grateful for the support provided by The Cromarty Trust.

Challenge and change marks 250th year

By Liz Broumley

We all know Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis have had a devastating effect on households and businesses across the country. Scotland’s small independent museums are no exception. Income crashed during the lockdown and many volunteers didn’t return after restrictions were lifted, so museums needed to recruit more paid staff just as costs rocketed with the increase in energy prices. (even when they are closed, museums need to maintain a minimum temperature to protect the objects they hold.)

This was the scenario facing the trustees of Cromarty Courthouse Museum at their board meeting in november 2022. In addition, two long-serving trustees indicated they wanted to step back after having devoted many years to the museum and two more moved away. The rest of the team were facing some serious challenges! not an auspicious start to 2023, which is the 250th anniversary of the building of Cromarty Courthouse.

Fortunately good governance by the outgoing trustees had given the museum a financial buffer which allowed time to develop a resilient business strategy and apply to two heritage funding bodies – Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) and the national Lottery heritage Fund (nLhF)– for funds to employ a full-time museum manager/curator for two years. The aim of the post is to increase the museum’s engagement with the local community, improve its financial resilience and ensure the continued care of our heritage – a challenging and exciting job.

In july 2023, to our delight, the museum was told that MGS were happy to provide half the funding for the project. We were then on tenterhooks until earlier this September when nLhF announced they were willing to provide the funds we’d asked them for. So a collective sigh of relief and a massive thank you to the funding bodies, the local community organisations who supported our applications and to the national Lottery players and the Scottish Government who make the funding possible. It’s so encouraging to know that the CeOs of both bodies are very supportive of our ideas for the future success of the Courthouse.

Lucy Casot, CeO of Museums Galleries Scotland said: “It is vital that we support museums and galleries to continue their important work engaging with communities and telling the stories of their places and people. We’re delighted to support Cromarty Courthouse Museum through the Museum Development

Fund in their forward-thinking approach to ensuring the museum’s long term sustainability for their community.”

Caroline Clark, the national Lottery heritage Fund director for Scotland, said: “Our heritage 2033 strategy sets out as one of our key princi-

ples strengthening heritage to be adaptive and financially resilient, contributing to communities and economies.

“Thanks to national Lottery players our funding will support Cromarty Courthouse Museum to develop the skills and capacity to

Cromarty Courthouse Trust’s two new co-chairs: Arthur Bird and Liz Broumley.

ensure a long-term future that will deliver more engagement and benefits for people of all ages in the community.”

Together these two funders have provided just over £118,000 for a new employee and museum activity costs. We are now in the final stages of employing a museum manager/curator who will start work in january 2024 with big plans for the 2024 season.

Despite the difficult start to the year, the 2023 season has been very successful for Cromarty Courthouse. Funding successes aside, visitor numbers, sales, donations and fundraising are all way above previous years. As part of our 250th anniversary we have been involved with some very successful events; with schools, young people, children’s authors, DoorsOpen highland and Cromarty Open Gardens. We are gradually recruiting new trustees to step in as old friends move on, including our first ever youth trustee. We now have a

highly regarded presence on the international museums app Smartify, complete with a walk around Cromarty in the company of David Alston and nicole Bontemps as they explain Cromarty’s links to slavery. We are also to be found in the digital Museum of the highlands, an initiative of Museums and heritage highland. It’s a wonderful digital resource sharing objects, stories and activities that are part of the diverse highland heritage.

In September we invited the whole town to “Behind the Scenes in the Museum” – a social event to refresh memories about what’s in the museum and to share plans for the future. We took this opportunity to say fond farewells to our long serving chair and treasurer, Mary Bowers and Brenda Monk, without whose careful management the museum would not have been in a position to attract funding. Their knowledge and stewardship will be sorely missed.

Mary has been involved with the Courthouse for 16 years and during that time has seen many developments, many successes and, she acknowledges, some disappointments. One of her greatest achievements happened during Covid, Mary had just taken over as chair in november 2019… “little imagining what the impact of an impending pandemic would bring over the next few months (and years!) Keeping the museum going throughout that period, when restrictions prevented us from opening and once we could again, there were so many difficulties and hoops we had to jump through. The building still needed regular checks and upkeep and then came some opportunities for funding, through the auspices of Museums Galleries Scotland, to improve the sustainability of museums.

“That financial opening needed to be seized upon, but also brought with it a huge amount of work at a very difficult time. When many ➤

Staff and trustees of the museum with Brenda Monk (left) and Mary Bowers, both in red.

people talk about getting the chance to recharge during the lockdowns and restrictions, that is something I don’t recognise at all! It was hard work throughout the whole period, but the outcome for the museum was remarkable and something we couldn’t have hoped to achieve under ‘normal’ circumstances. A modern heating system was installed, as well as a new sound system throughout the building. new imaginative, but authentic, scripts and recordings (all accomplished with local volunteer voices) were commissioned and produced so that soundscapes are now an integral part of the museum’s offering. Finally, a brand new website was commissioned that could meet the future needs of a modern museum.”

Brenda came to the Black Isle with years of experience as a museum treasurer so it was not surprising that she and her husband Paul were soon actively involved with the Courthouse.

Looking back on her experiences here, what stands out for Brenda?

“It takes teamwork to manage a voluntaryrun independent visitor attraction, so I am proud of the whole team who have been involved with running the museum over the years – trustees, staff and volunteers.

“I’ve enjoyed chatting to hundreds, even thousands of visitors and hearing their stories and telling them about Cromarty and the Courthouse.”

For both Mary and Brenda, one of their biggest frustrations was the inability of highland Council, the owners of our iconic building, to carry out the maintenance and restoration work that the building sorely needs. But recent-

ly (thanks to the involvement of a new volunteer and some expert political advice) it looks as if we might find an innovative solution to the building issues – look out for more change and more excitement next year!

Meanwhile, just to prove how difficult it will be to replace Mary, we now have two co-chairs, Arthur Bird and myself, Liz Broumley; as for Brenda she’s currently irreplaceable.

The final event of the season was decidedly spooky: halloween in the Courthouse. Word on the street was that it was the scariest place in Cromarty – even the cakes were scary. A massive thanks to the Cromarty Youth Cafe for

cakes, activities and hauntings, to Bay Rochford and friends for making the cells truly terrifying and to all the staff, volunteers and trustees who helped to conduct the terror and of course to everyone who came and joined in the fun.

So our 250th anniversary has been a rollercoaster of challenges and change. A massive thank you to everyone who supported us this season, staff, volunteers, trustees and visitors. 2024 will bring more change as our new manager tackles the demands of an exciting and hopefully creative new role, one which will lead to a more active, inclusive and financially resilient museum.

Dressed for a spooky Halloween at Cromarty Courthouse.

Food and Drink Festival draws crowds to Culbokie

By Angie Morris

PLAnnInG and organising the first Food and Drink Festival on the Black Isle was a tall order. In the months leading up to the event, our small team of organisers had many moments of doubt. how can we be sure to attract customers? Will stallholders be prepared to offer tasters? Will the demonstrations go off without a hitch? Can we rely on the weather? In the end, the sun shone, and the day proved enjoyable for customers, stallholders and demonstrators alike.

Our sincere thanks to Dennis Overton for opening the event and setting in context the origins of the community markets on the Black Isle; to sponsors Cairn housing, ARK estates (Scotland) Ltd and Culbokie Spar; to the stallholders, local producers and demonstrators

Black Isle calendar on sale now

whose enthusiasm for the project kept us buoyant; and to our loyal team of volunteers, without whom we could not have transformed the space to accommodate so many stalls, both inside the hall and outside.

Thank you, everyone, for helping to raise over £1,800 for the CCT Glascairn Project (www.culbokiect.org).

Since the event in late September, we have received many encouraging comments: ‘A huge turn-out of producers and customers’ (stallholder); ‘The event was fantastic’ (customer); ‘It was a pleasure to be part of the local community’ (demonstrator); ‘A cracking afternoon’ (stallholder).

Already plans are afoot for a second extended Black Isle Food and Drink Festival on Friday, August 23rd (evening) and Saturday, August 24th, 2024.

VIVID images of the Black Isle, skillfully captured by entrants of the recent Black Isle Photographic Competition, are featured in the Black Isle 2024 Calendars.

They can be purchased at various outlets throughout the Black Isle and Dingwall: Culbokie Spar, The Cheese house in Cromarty, Rosemarkie Beach Cafe and Picaresque

Open Gardens set new date

The popular Cromarty Open Gardens and Art & Flowers display will be held earlier in june in 2024 in order to avoid coinciding with the Royal highland Show. Many local folk are unable to volunteer to help out or enjoy the events because they are away.

Saturday 1st june will see the start of the week-long Art & Flowers display featuring beautiful flower arrangements by the RossShire Flower Club and designed by Cromarty’s evelyn Wilson together with detailed Botanic and Wildlife artworks produced by pupils of local botanic artist, julie Price.

The following weekend, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th june, Cromarty Open Gardens will

once again be a major attraction for garden lovers from across the highlands and beyond. Organisers of this fundraising event are hoping to be able to match the amazing amount of £6,900 that was distributed amongst local organisations and charities this year.

Further details will be posted on the Open Gardens Facebook page in due course.

If you are busy dividing or taking cuttings of perennials in your garden, please don’t throw away the bits you don’t need. Pop them in pots and keep them somewhere safe until next june when we can sell them on the Open Gardens plant stall to boost our fundraising efforts.

Alison Palmer

Bookshop on the high Street in Dingwall. You can also catch us at the CCT stall at Culbokie Community Market on Saturday December 16th. Place an order by emailing event@culbokiect.org or order online via the CCT website: www.culbokiect.org/2024-calendars The wall and desk calendars cost £10 and £8 respectively.

Photo: Cromarty Camera Club

Golfing fundraisers defy breezy weather

MACMILLAn Cancer Support’s Black Isle & Inverness Group was delighted to hold its inaugural Golf Day at Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club on 29th September – the same day as the Macmillan Coffee morning.

The day started bright and breezy for the 17 teams who had travelled from around the highlands. Chairperson Andrea jack and her team of helpers from Macmillan Black Isle Group the golfers and made sure they were fed and watered before setting off.

Moira Anderson, the group’s longest-serving member, was driven by club member Sue evans, in a suitably decked out golf buggy, to the 13th tee to sound the hooter and get the competition started.

The golfers took the conditions in their stride and shared good banter as they struggled at times in near gale force winds as they navigated round the course, with many enjoying the hospitality laid on whilst doing so. “It

Challenging conditions were no deterrent at Macmillan’s inaugural golf day.

Enthusiastic Moira is a speedy star

AnDreA JACK pays tribute to Moira Anderson, who got the golf day under way.

Moi RA has been a member of the inverness and Black isle Macmillan Cancer Support Group for over 40 years. She is always willing to get involved and does it with a smile and laughter that is very contagious. She loves to chat, and she gets the best from people – always warm and full of enthusiasm.

We asked if she would like to go in the golf buggy to sound the klaxon for the opening of our first Macmillan Golf Day at Fortrose and Rosemarkie golf club and she said she would love to.

Sue, one of the golfers, was driving her around the course and Moira being Moira was wanting Sue to go faster. She said it was too slow for her. i can understand that as Moira is one for the fast lane, always enjoying all the new things that life has to offer her and does it all with such youthfulness.

She is one of life’s great characters and everyone loves her here on the Black isle and wherever she goes she is always full of cheer. We love her outlook – she is a star.

all adds to the fun” said one, whilst others took pleasure from the challenge of playing in such conditions. Indeed the message from all was that they were having a “great day”.

Competition over, the golfers made their way back to the clubhouse where a meal and refreshments were enjoyed by all.

David naismith, Macmillan’s fundraising manager for Scotland, had travelled from Stirling to speak about the charity’s work and express his gratitude to all who took part. Chairperson Andrea jack followed this by thanking the main sponsors, Caley Timber & Building Supplies, Mike MacDonald and his staff at the club, the businesses and golf clubs

who had provided prizes or who had sponsored a hole.

Liam Christie took to the floor to get the auction and raffle started. With his usual charm and banter, he successfully sold all items on offer, raising over £8,000. Liam took part in ness Factor in October to raise money for highland hospice.

Club member, Annette MacArthur, had the pleasure of presenting the prizes with the gents’ team prize going to The Alba Services & Supply Team, captained by Philip Taylor, and the ladies’ team prize to the Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club team, captained by Cathryn Field.

“With previous methods of fundraising proving to be not viable we took this event on to try to replace the lost revenue and are delighted to report that the charity has benefited to the tune of over £17,000,” said Andrea. “This has been a huge success, and we really appreciate the support from everyone who helped in any way but in particular are grateful to the golfers who took part.

“We intend to hold another Golf Day next year, about the same time, when with luck the weather will be kinder to the golfers.”

Contact Andrea at andmade@hotmail.co.uk or jennifer.morrison641@gmail.com for more information.

Right: Moira Anderson with Donald John Morrison of main sponsor Caley Timber.

Befrienders sought to help end isolation

By elaine Fetherston BIC Befriending Coordinator

BLACK Isle Cares is searching for new volunteers for its Befriending Service which supports people of all ages who sometimes find themselves isolated from their communities.

Alongside its Meals at home service, BIC provides a Befriending Service giving free face-to-face support aimed at reducing social isolation experienced by people living in the Black Isle. The service matches individuals with their own volunteer befriender who visits regularly to offer practical and social support. Volunteer befrienders can provide a vital connection for people and help them to feel part of their local community again.

Elaine Fetherston (right), BIC’s Befriending Coordinator, and Karin Moll, Project & Meals at Home Coordinator.

The pandemic had a significant impact and, in many cases, has led to increased social isolation for more vulnerable community members. BIC’s Befriending Service works in collaboration with highland hospice’s helping hands social support initiative which provides a network for befriending groups across highland.

Research has shown that volunteering also has a very positive effect on the lives of volunteers themselves, providing an enhanced sense of purpose and fulfilment. Volunteers are carefully matched to their clients so that the interests and skills of volunteers can be used to build a good rapport with those they are supporting. For some this might be just popping in for a cup of tea or going out on trips, whilst for others the support enables carers to have

time to themselves while the befriender spends time with the client.

Our Befriending Service provides vital support to vulnerable members of our communities in the Black Isle but we need more volunteers to help us maintain and grow this service successfully. Befriending can be a highly enjoyable and enriching experience for people and we’re looking for new volunteers from all age groups and backgrounds.

We’re very fortunate in the Black Isle to have many active and dedicated organisations and individuals who help to make their communities better places to live. This type of volunteering is a fantastic way of making an important and rewarding contribution to your community.

Black Isle Cares chairperson, Anne McDonald, added: “We are very aware of the impact of loneliness and isolation on people’s health and wellbeing and have been delighted to see the difference that having a befriender can make.

“It’s fantastic to be part of a community where people volunteer to provide this vital support, with all involved benefiting. We do have a waiting list of people looking for a befriender so please get in touch if you can help. It’s a simple and rewarding way to make a big difference.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for BIC should email befriending@blackislecares.com for further information.

l www.blackislecares.com

The BIC Board, which received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

News Greenberg – Nelson

The wedding took place at Rosemarkie Church of Scotland on 25th july of Tom nelson from Rosemarkie, son of Alastair nelson and the late Linda nelson (who taught at Fortrose Academy and started the Malawi Charity Linda’s Fund) and Sarah Greenberg from houston, daughter of Dallas and Cathy Greenberg.

Approximately 130 guests attended the wedding, including 80 USA guests, with most men wearing highland dress for the occasion. The service was taken by the Rev Sam Torrens, a past minister of Rosemarkie and Fortrose Church of Scotland.

There was a great turnout of local residents to congratulate the bride and groom which was much appreciated by the couple. Tom and Sarah currently live and work in houston.

l Chatterbox would love to receive more wedding photos –and anniversaries, graduations and any other of life’s big days. Send them to editor.chatterbox@ gmail.com

Looking back in Kessock

no RT h Kessock & District Local history Society has published its latest programme of talks.

Wednesday 7th

February, Anne Fraser –“Mystery of the Lion Tamer”

Wednesday 6th March, Lachlan McKeggie –“Vikings – What a Load of Rubbish!”

Wednesday 3rd April, Norman Newton –“history of Ness islands”

Wednesday 1st May, Eric Grant – “Tinsmiths and Travellers”

All take place at 7.30pm at North Kessock Bowling Club, 21 Ferry Brae, North Kessock. Tea, coffee and chat will be available after the talks. All welcome

For further information visit www. northkessockhistory. com or phone 01463 870889.

Travel plan takes next steps forward

By Lizbeth Collie, Active Travel Senior Project Officer

AS readers will be aware, work has been going on for some time to create a safe and attractive route for walking, wheeling and cycling between Avoch and Munlochy.

This would offer local residents non-car options for everyday journeys such as for commuting and leisure, as well as improving options for visitors to the Black Isle. It would also connect to the popular link along the old railway line between Avoch and Fortrose, and to Sustrans’ national Cycle Route 1 from Munlochy to Allangrange and onwards to Inverness.

Transition Black Isle has led on this project for a number of years, supported by funding

from walking and cycling charity Sustrans. In june 2023 the highland Council agreed to lead on the project going forward, subject to securing the necessary funding from Sustrans, to work with landowners and with TBI to seek a negotiated solution to deliver the route without the originally-planned stretch between Munlochy and Drumderfit.

In recent community engagement for Opportunity Black Isle (the Black Isle Local Place Plan), access to goods, services, and leisure activities comes up over and again as a key theme, including public transport, community transport, and walking, wheeling and cycling.

There is some concern that those without a car, including the elderly and the young, and those with certain disabilities, are at risk of isolation. Many householders are feeling the pinch and would like to reduce their car use wherever possible. A shift away from the private car, where possible, also fits with Council and Scottish Government targets for carbon reduction to combat climate breakdown: transport is the biggest single source of Scotland’s carbon emissions, and those emissions haven’t fallen for a decade.

l www.black-isle.info/opportunity-blackisle-black-isle-place-plan

Museum keeps busy before winter break

By Cindy Campbell

GROAM house Museum remains open a couple more weeks, offering Black Isle residents 10% off in our gift shop. We support local artists with many Black Isle and highland crafts for sale. We have a great range of books about the Black Isle and local history from the Bronze Age up to the 21st century, along with Celtic and Pictish design gifts and jewellery. We are open 11am-2pm Saturdays and Sundays until 10th December.

We are excited to announce our second concert bringing high quality music to the Black Isle! Tim edey will be presenting his Celtic Christmas Tour at the Black Isle Leisure Centre in Fortrose on Saturday, 16th December at 7pm. Tim brings remarkable musical virtuosity, along with his effervescent performance, engaging personality, and a sense of fun –combining this with a show that celebrates the music of both the Celtic tradition and the festive/sacred season.

Opening for Tim will be two young talented local women known as Kentra. Kate Macleod, who was part of the Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail, is joined by her friend Amy naulls. This fiddle and piano duo from the highlands is sure to impress you with their skill and youthful enthusiasm. Tickets available on eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/Groamhouse

We have a couple more lectures remaining in our 2023 lecture series. On 14th December Dr Russell O’Riagain of University College, Dublin, talks about artefacts of northern British provenance in Scandinavian furnished burials, hoards, and settlements. The talk with Dr Cynthia Thickpenny on Women as Pattern Makers in Insular Art will be rescheduled –we’ll post on Facebook when we have a new date.

If you’re a local teacher, please note our educational Outreach volunteer Andrew newton has been developing teaching plans on the Picts for primary and secondary schools. We can take artefacts, activities and Cfesupporting lessons into your classroom or host them at the museum. Please get in touch with me (contact details below) in the first instance and we will discuss how we can support you.

Recently, Andrew took the Kinmylies Primary class on a guided tour of Craig Phadraig; the Fortrose Academy S1 students visited us for some thought-provoking questions about the potential relationship between St Columba, the Loch ness Monster and the Pictish Beast symbol on the Shandwick Stone – along with discussion about the Pictish his-

tory of Rosemarkie; and the Kiltearn Primary pupils hosted national Kids in Museums Takeover Day, telling visitors about our stones and leading activities in the museum.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Groam house table or purchased teas and cakes from us at the Black Isle Gathering this year. Our own volunteer jenny Brogden is independently the driver behind the BIG event, and we appreciate her time and enthusiasm dedicated to the Black Isle community. jenny was also the driver behind the Groam house Christmas Craft Fair last month. This was once again well attended by everyone – crafters and customers alike – and we appreciate your support.

Our volunteers had an exciting opportunity

Tim Edey – on stage in December.

in September to visit the Pictish Fort at Burghead with Professor Gordon noble of Aberdeen University. We were treated to a fascinating talk and tour of the Pictish Fort site during active archaeological excavation. We learned so much from Gordon including how important and extensive the site at Burghead would have been. he also took us to the Burghead Well – not to be missed if you’re ever in the area.

We will be closed to the public after 10th December for a few months over the winter, opening just before easter. Keep an eye on our social media and outdoor noticeboard for details.

l If you have a group who would be interested in a private tour of the museum or our stored collections, we are able to open over the winter and provide a talk in exchange for a small donation. If you would like to know more, please contact me at admin@groamhouse.org. uk or call 07752 207014.

Groam House Museum volunteers with Prof Gordon Noble at Pictish Fort site.

The museum gift shop, which offers 10% off.

RDA – More than just a pony ride

By Gay McKeown

rIDInG for the Disabled is the only major UK charity whose focus is squarely on the therapeutic and health benefits of bringing people and horses together. Our activities are recommended by physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Many of our participants say that RDA activity is their main way of accessing physical exercise, and we have a positive, long-term impact on confidence levels, relationship building, communication skills, enjoyment and physical ability. Regular riding improves core strength, balance and coordination and our welcoming groups help to combat isolation and loneliness and boost wellbeing and happiness.

highland Group RDA is based at Reelig, Kirkhill. We have six therapy ponies of various heights, ages and characteristics but what they all have

in common is an amazing ability to empathise with our participants who also vary in ages and disabilities – not all of which are visible.

Most of our participants start by getting to know the pony through grooming it, leading it (if possible) and even cuddling it. Many have never had any involvement with ponies before so this is an important process that helps to calm them before eventually mounting the pony and riding in the arena. nothing is ever rushed so that the participant and their parents or carers know that safety is paramount. even before physically disabled participants can start, their medical carers are consulted to ensure that the activities they will do are safe for them.

The following impact statements, from the mothers of two young participants and a carer for a mature lady, say it all:

l “Our daughter is never happier than when riding Breagh at Sandycroft. her condition makes it impossible for her to ride unsupported and the work of the RDA is the only way for her to experience this joy. her condition is life-long and life-limiting so moments like this mean the world to our family.”

l “From the very first moment our child got in the saddle, something quite magical happened. To see the pure joy radiating from a young child who looked like they owned the whole universe was incredible. Our weekly RDA highland sessions gave a whole new experience to enjoy and for a child with disabilities that is a very rare thing to achieve.

“The impact of RDA highland isn’t just the therapy session itself, it’s the anticipation before and the reminiscing after the event that means one hour with a pony and therapy team translates to many hours of positive influence. For any child that would be an achievement and for a disabled child it’s invaluable. Our child’s confidence has grown and his enjoyment of life has been increased beyond measure. The videos and photos we have of him riding will hopefully keep his interest and joy sustained over the winter months until he can return to sessions in spring.

“We cannot thank the team at RDA highland enough for what they’ve done for our child. To see only the individual and the pure joy of achievement, and not the disability is a tremendous gift. Our whole family benefits from these sessions. Thank you.”

l “Our client’s regular sessions at the highland RDA had such a positive impact on her health and overall wellbeing. The RDA has provided our client with a safe and supportive environment to build her confidence and establish a deep connection with the horses. She thoroughly enjoys the sessions and considers it a very important part of her week and can’t wait to go back after the winter months. Our client has made a scrap book with photos so she can look at the beautiful horses and the happy memories.”

For further information contact info@highlandgrouprda.or.uk

l Highland RDA has been battling to complete an indoor facility that would allow it to operate year round. It is now closed for the winter but still needs funds to cover the cost of feeding ponies and meet their veterinary needs. The Chair of Trustees, Gay McKeown, was due to undertake a charity tandem parachute jump on 26th November to raise funds. At the time Chatterbox went to press we’d not heard how she got on but donations can still be made at: https://gofund.me/920aa749

Samantha enjoys time on one of RDA’s ponies.

By Sandy Mitchell

When Chatterbox heard that longtime Avoch resident Liz Danby had recently won a Lifetime Achievement Award from Scottish Gymnastics for her work in coaching and development, we wanted to find out more.

What she described as a ‘glittering event’ took place in an hotel outside edinburgh on 4th november. She said it was special because she had been nominated for this very prestigious award and was among friends who have also worked so hard for the sport.

“It was just wonderful and people’s comments have been so uplifting in appreciation of all that I have done,” she said. “All the encouragement and enthusiasm given for so many years which those gymnasts are now passing on to the next generation.”

We asked her to tell us how this had all come about – from the beginning. What got you into gymnastics?

“Well, when I was young we lived in Dorset. We didn’t have gymnastics classes so I used to be climbing trees, and doing cartwheels and handstands in the garden. Instead, I took myself along to ballet classes at my school when I was six and these continued when we moved to essex for three years, at a professional dance school in London. I was early teens then. At that point I was training for up to 18 hours a week. I did a daily paper round to pay for the train and bus travel involved. I earned 12/- (old money!) a week. We then moved back down south to Portland when I returned to my first ballet teacher. At school during this time I was also involved with hockey and athletics teams. Physical education College followed.

“My first job introduced me to the British Gymnastics’ Kit e Kat Awards. Gymnastics and dance displays followed. After three years I moved on to my second school and took part in the BAGA (British Amateur Gymnastics Association) Assistant Club and Club Coach Award Scheme (1974) with top GB coach Mitch Fenner. During these four years I took schools gymnastics teams to Crystal Palace in London to watch gymnasts such as Olga Korbut, elvira Saadi, nellie Kim and Ludmilla Tourischeva. Women’s gymnastics changed for ever after Olga. I subsequently met Olga Korbut again in Gotenborg in 1999 when I was

Liz honoured for lifetime of achievement

there with Inverness Gymnastics Club and the British delegation for Gymnaestrada. After some time spent in nigeria and Bristol, in 1983 my family relocated to the highlands.

“In 1985 I joined Inverness Gymnastics Club (IGC) because my eldest son wanted to do gymnastics. Louise Martin was head coach at the time, followed soon after by jim Smith. I took over as head coach in 1990 until 2003.

“As well as attending all the north District commitments, i.e. squads, competitions, training camps etc, and being on the north District committee, we began to take part in Scottish 2, 3 and 4-piece comps and British events. After the Liverpool Ministrada in 1989 we were invited to join British Gymnastics as part of

the British delegation taking part in World Gymnaestrada in Amsterdam in 1991, followed by 1995 Berlin, 1999 Goteborg and 2003 Lisbon. IGC continue to take part in these every four years.”

Gymfest and Gymnaestrada are non-competitive, allowing for creativity in dance, gymnastics and sports acro to music; 30,000 gymnasts take part in this popular world event.

“In 2003 I stepped back from Artistic Gymnastics and started the Schools Gymnastics programme in the highlands. Our first heats were in Auchterarder in 2004 but in 2005 we held them at the Inverness Royal Academy for the first time with seven teams. In 2008 it was so popular the highland Schools Gymnastics Association was created to facilitate our move to Inverness Leisure for the February heats. By 2018 we had 400 gymnasts from 36 schools and 14 display teams representing the highlands. Schools from as far afield as Thurso, Alvie and nairn took part.

“IGC are continually developing programmes for all gymnasts either at recreational or competitive level.”

Liz continues to judge regularly locally and is a lifetime member of IGC and on its board of trustees.

She moved to Avoch in 2005 and retired from teaching in 2014 but – no surprise – continued to be as busy as ever with running schools teams at Fortrose Academy, Avoch Primary and north Kessock. Finally she really did ‘retire’ in September 2023.

What a life – full to overflowing! Well done Liz Danby. enjoy your retirement.

It’s time for a change at the Cheese House

After 11 years behind the counter at one of the Black Isle’s most unexpected shops, Jon and emmy Palmer have decided it’s time for something new. Jon spoke to ruSSeLL Turner .

Why are you shutting up shop?

The short answer is… we’ve done it long enough. We’ve had a fantastic time bringing something new and different to Cromarty and the Black Isle, and enjoyed making lasting friendships by providing what we hope was considered good ‘customer service’. But anyone who’s run a shop, or indeed started any kind of venture, will tell you that after a certain number of years the initial enthusiasm begins to pale. There is a limit to how many cheeses you can cut and wrap in a lifetime. Also, we are both at retirement age and, quite simply, we want to have the freedom to explore other things –before it’s too late!

Do you have a last day celebration/wake planned?

A wake makes it sound rather sombre! We decided Christmas eve was a good day to finish – to go out on a high, because the ten or so days leading up to Christmas are always our busiest time of the year. We will see most of the folk who have supported us over the years either in the shop or at the Christmas markets during those few days and it will, hopefully, be a jolly way to say ‘goodbye’. (If we haven’t sold everything by then we may carry on between Christmas and hogmanay. It all depends on how well we’ve calculated our cheese reserves.)

Was it a difficult decision?

not really. When you know, you know. The hardest part was feeling an obligation to the local community and not wanting to ‘let them down’. But at the end of the day, it is what it is and we have to think about our wellbeing.

Will someone take on the business?

We are hopeful that somebody, or even a group of people, might see the opportunity that’s there, to take on a thriving and popular little business and develop it in new ways. But so far no one has come forward.

Will you stay at the Old Police House or are you moving?

We are going to take the first few months of next year (at least) to consider how things might pan out. We feel extremely fortunate to have made the Old Police Station our home and it would be a big decision to give it up.

What will happen with the Gluren?

We organised the ever popular ‘Peeking on the neighbours’ for the last time last year, to coincide with our ten-year anniversary. We felt that was a good way to finish. Sometimes these

Moving from Church Street to Bank Street, with help from the community.

things run their course and it’s not always appropriate to keep something going just for the sake of it.

What are your future plans?

See above. We are great believers in looking to see what comes on our path.

What were the highs and lows?

highs. having a crazy idea and it turning out more successful than we ever imagined. The

wonderful community of Cromarty who, even though they had serious misgivings about the venture, embraced our arrival and were very supportive from the outset. Undoubtedly The highlight was when we moved from our first shop in Church Street to the Old Police Station on Bank Street and 76 folk turned out to lend a hand, changing a chore into a joyous event.

Lows. having to explain to the 1,000th tourist doing the nC500 why there is a Dutch cheese shop in the highlands of Scotland.

l To get an insight into what was entailed in all aspects of running a cheese shop in Cromarty, look out for the YouTube videos which will be released from 12th January – a series of 12 weekly vlogs under the title ‘Last Year’. Each episode is approximately 15mins long and you will be sure to spot some familiar faces. The channel is called @cromartycheese2023. If you subscribe now, and click on the bell, you will get a notification every time an episode is published.

Jon and Emmy –going out on a high.

Emilie brings a taste of France to Avoch

By Liz McKinlay

AVOCh is blessed with quite a few take away food outlets. We have Gabi’s (Indian Tandoori), The happy Garden (Chinese) and The harbour (fish and chips). Is Avoch the food takeaway capital of the Black Isle?

All of these outlets are very good and they kept us going during the lockdowns, and gave us something to look forward to in those difficult days. We saw the opening of our much loved new cafe in the village last year, no19, which is going from strength to strength and which also provides takeaway food during the day.

As if we weren’t lucky enough, we now have a resident French pastry chef, emilie Brizard, who lives in Avoch with her two teenage daughters, Layla and Amy.

emilie is from Vendée near Brittany. She trained as a pastry chef in France as well as being a chocolatier, a confectioner and maker of ice creams, and spent a placement year in London with Michelin star chef Michel Roux in his award-winning Waterside Inn. She was 19.

“I really wasn’t very happy in London for lots of reasons,” she said, “but I then went to Dunkeld to work in a hotel as the pastry chef. I loved it so that worked out well. I also met my partner, Charlie, there, an Inverness man. We moved to France and stayed for 15 years and along came our two girls, though our oldest was born in Scotland.”

During that time emilie worked in the food catering business cooking for lots of different clientele.

“My partner moved back to Scotland in 2017 and since the girls missed their dad, we moved too, in 2020. Initially we lived in Inverness but have now moved to Avoch which we all love.

“It was a shock for the girls as it was lockdown and they didn’t get to school and make friends at the beginning. That was hard for them. They’ve now settled well and we’re very happy.

“In the beginning I worked as a support worker to adults with special needs, and then in a cafe in Inverness before starting my own business from home. It’s great to get back to use the skills I have in the kitchen.

“I registered my business as O’Délice in April 2022, and I’m now to be found at all the local markets. The girls are great as assistants on these days and take turns in helping. Fully paid, of course!” explains emilie.

“I also do buffets for large or small gatherings, which is great fun. I don’t provide hot food but deliver so that it is all ready to heat up or eat cold. I make quiches, savoury pastries and lots of sweet pastries and cakes. I also make customised cakes for special occasions. If you’re planning a festive ceilidh and don’t want to cook, I’m available.

“I make chocolate and chocolate boxes which are very popular to sell at the markets and they come in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white and gold. I will also be in the

A few of Emilie’s tasty creations.

“At the moment I get lots of orders at the

markets or people call me, but I’d like to expand the catering side not just on the Black Isle but outwith the local area too. Of course, I’d have to rent bigger premises but that’s for

the future.”

l O’Délice can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Email: o.delicefrenchpatisserie@ gmail.com. Phone: 01381 625279.

Christmas Food hall in the eastgate Centre.” emilie has plans for the future and expanding the business.

Back garden quandary led to business venture

By Stefan Quarry

BACK at the start of 2020, I decided it was time for a growing structure so my wife and I could grow tomatoes, chillies, and cucumbers. Our back garden, near Strathpeffer, is a slope leading up to a bank, and although a polytunnel might just fit on the top of it, there wasn’t sufficient ground to hold the polytunnel frame in place. A neighbour advised that a retaining wall would easily subside. enter Geodesic Domes, which I had learned about some five years earlier at an organic hemp farming cooperative, which I co-founded with my brother and some friends.

I realised that because geodomes are structures unto themselves, with all sides sharing load-bearing and structural stability, I would be able to place one corner over the edge of the bank (with a timber support frame underneath), and as long as the rest of the dome was anchored securely in place, the dome would be perfectly stable and secure. That dome is now in its third year and has fared marvellously.

having spent a fair while researching and designing this growing dome, which was covered in polythene, I was hooked. I spent Sundays and evenings, and sometimes the better part of the night, thinking, researching, and improving the design, and dreaming up other dome designs such as a passivhaus dome and sauna dome.

The dome that got the most attention, however, was the garden-sized growing dome, and when, having completed some work at a local vegetable farm this March, I decided it was time to launch forward with highland Domes, based near Muir of Ord, I went about creating the first triple-wall polycarbonate growing dome in the UK.

Since then, I have sold four domes, one each to Gairloch, Cromarty, and Muir of Ord, with one just assembled in Brora, with lots more enquiries coming in as I begin to open up my marketing.

The growing domes have head height all the way around and have a single opening door on the front, wide enough for a wheelbarrow, and an opening window up above and opposite the door, which results in excellent ventilation. We build the domes using local Douglas fir; with the triple wall polycarbonate covering, which gives two layers of air insulation, that makes us the most insulated growing structure on the market. The domes are anchored to the ground using ground anchors, which hold 1.4-4 tonnes each – plenty of holding power. And with air flowing around the outside and over the top of

the structure, downward force is created, further anchoring the dome in place.

We have now begun a collaborative project with the University of Aberdeen where we are optimising the design for a wind speed resistance of 150mph, which will make us the strongest greenhouse in the UK, as well as already being the most insulated. We are also designing a standalone renewable energy system for pow-

ering LeDs, a water computer, and perhaps a fan for linking up heating from a jean Pain composting pile adjacent to the dome.

Our domes come in sizes of 2.1m diameter, 3.5m diameter, and 4.3m diameter. Please feel free to contact me at stefanquarry@gmail.com for more information and early adopter prices if you’d like to hit the ground running this spring.

Stefan demonstrates the strength of his domes.

By Anne Balfour

FOLLOWInG julian Paren’s article on Black Isle woodlands in your last issue, it seems appropriate to draw readers’ attention to Dingwall Field Club’s activities. julian encourages local residents and visitors to get out and discover or re-visit these beautiful areas, and several of those he mentions – and others – have been venues for our walks.

The club enables members to explore parts of the countryside new to them and to reach spots where they might not want to venture alone. each walk has been recce’d by the leader for the day. We meet all year round and have two field trips every month – one, a morning walk on a Thursday, and a longer one on a Saturday when we take packed lunches. Areas most visited vary, and include the environs of Dingwall, the Black Isle, Inverness-shire, Morayshire, Wester and e aster Ross into Sutherland. We have one bus trip each summer which takes us further afield: this summer to Dundonell house Garden and the previous year to Ballindalloch Castle. Otherwise we take cars, sharing whenever possible to save fuel and simplify parking.

Our field trips take us to places of interest and scenic beauty, and focus on wild life, trees and plants as well as points of archaeological, geological or historical significance. The group is informal, welcoming and always happy to exchange scraps of information and anecdotes. The pace is fairly leisurely, with walkers lingering at times to examine this or that. Sights and

Out and about with Dingwall Field Club

sounds are shared – from glimpses of the smallest beetle to the largest mammal, an anthill, flower or birdsong; the promising signs of cones stripped and discarded on the ground that indicate the presence of red squirrels.

We make the most of seasonal highlights –fabulous autumn colours beside the River Findhorn; extensive patches of wild flowers on Dornoch airstrip in summer and a successful search for the rare twin flower blooming in a Sutherland forest; great views from Drumderfit hill in sunny September and Taindore in

n Dingwall Field Club’s next Black isle walk is on Thursday 21st March at ord hill, North Kessock.

n Before that there are Thursday morning walks on 18th January alongside River Ness from Whin Park, inverness; and 15th February, Dingwall Ferry/Salmon Bothy circular.

n Saturday day walks will be on 3rd February at Scatwell/Loch Luichart and 2nd March at Loch of Blairs, Forres.

spring; February’s carpets of snowdrops on Rosehaugh estate; there is always something to be seen along Rosemarkie beach path, especially at primrose and bluebell time, with winter having much to offer there too. Overwintering ducks, waders and other wildfowl will be seen in various places before long.

Anything that flies, swims, climbs, runs, creeps, crawls or slithers is of interest, as are the trees, plants, fungi and rocks along the way. Sharp eyes have spotted adders coiled up in early autumn sun and fragments of mica indicating the former site of a small mica mine. elsewhere dragonflies and butterflies bring welcome flashes of colour. Many a hairy caterpillar has lived dangerously on our footpaths and survived.

Some members are from the Black Isle and new members are welcome. The annual subscription is £15 per person and £25 for a couple. non-members pay £2 to attend a field trip. A varied, interesting programme for autumn and winter awaits! More details can be found on the Club website: www.spanglefish.com/ dingwallfieldclub or tel: 01349 864661.

Some of the sights enjoyed by Field Club members: Glen Affric (left) and River Findhorn.

Taking flight with the long-distance champs

By Sandy Mitchell

SOMeWheRe recently I came on a mention of godwits – a kind of wader – as world-champions of long-distance migration so I started to read it up. The results were astonishing.

Most people know and recognise the commoner of our shorebirds, like oystercatchers, curlews and redshanks, or have seen those wonderful tight-packed flocks of unidentified waders as they turn and wheel low over the water. But you need to be a bit of a birder to have seen or even heard of godwits. Yet especially on their spring and autumn migrations they show up on shallow muddy bays around the highlands.

On the Black Isle the most likely place is Udale Bay, which is more or less opposite Invergordon on the north side of the Firth and within eyesight of Cromarty on the Black Isle. At low tide the bay exposes a huge area of mud and muddy sand. These make for a rich and predator-safe feeding ground for great numbers of ducks and wading birds at different times of the year. There is an even bigger area diagonally opposite in nigg Bay. Both are edged by wet grasslands – salt marshes – that provide a safe roost at high tide. Both are designated nature reserves with RSPB hides.

There are two main kinds of godwits – bartailed and black-tailed. They are broadly similar and about the size of a curlew with similar colouring. The black-tailed bird is taller with longer legs. It has a long straight bill, curlew length, and in flight has a flash of white above and below on its wings. The bar-tailed bird is smaller and lighter, the bill a bit shorter with a slight upturn. The tails tell their own tale.

Both birds breed in the northern hemisphere, often far north between Alaska and

eastern Siberia with smaller numbers further south. They then migrate south to escape the northern winter and guarantee similar wet habitats with the food they depend on. The ones seen passing through our area are likely to be from Iceland and north-West europe, from Scandinavia towards western Siberia. Like millions of other birds they follow what is known as the east Atlantic Flyway.

Looking through specialist articles I found most information about black-tailed godwits that we are likely to see on their spring and autumn migrations. These breed in Iceland

and overwinter in three main areas: eastern england, southern Ireland and southern Portugal. I learnt that the most successful birds are those that arrive first on the breeding sites, taking the best nesting areas with the richest supply of food for themselves and their offspring. The Portuguese birds have twice the distance to fly compared to those from england where big numbers overwinter in the Wash and in estuaries on the Kent and essex coasts. This means twice the expenditure of energy getting to Iceland.

Surprisingly it is the Portuguese birds who make it first to Iceland. Turns out these birds are generally bigger and stronger than their northern cousins. Food supply is richer and better on the Portuguese rivers and estuaries, and because winters are so much warmer the birds expend almost no energy keeping their temperatures right for their metabolism. British godwits have to endure months of cold weather when they have to expend energy just keeping warm. They also need to eat more so feed during both high tides each day meaning longer hours on the go. Thus they are smaller and lighter than the southern birds.

The Portuguese birds get their nutrition from one high tide and spend almost half the time eating what they need. The Brit godwits, once in Iceland, get poorer breeding sites with less available food, so compounding their disadvantage. Fewer adults and chicks survive.

how do researchers know about these bird movements? And what can be learnt from this information?

Fitting metal rings to birds’ legs with coded details is a long-established method. however, to read that information the birds have to be netted then released. The practice of fitting coloured plastic rings to birds’ legs means codes can be read from a distance and thou-

A black-tailed godwit – they can be seen in Udale Bay.

sands of birders send in records of when and where a particular bird is seen so a picture of that bird’s movements can be built up.

A good example is coloured leg band records of black-tailed godwits showing up on the island of Tiree – especially on their way south from Iceland. Failed breeders arrive in june, adults in july and August and juveniles from late August through October. But of 63 colour banded birds recorded only one passed through more than once, suggesting Tiree was not a staging post to refuel but an emergency stop caused by unfavourable weather.

In both systems, records of the same bird can show their migration route and how long journey stages took – such as Iceland to Scotland. Other records show direct flights from Iceland to Portugal, southern Ireland or eastern england. Both species of godwit pass through Scotland in every month of the year.

One of the big British gathering areas of godwits and other coastal birds is the Wash. There is a research group – the Wash Wader Research Group – which uses mobile phone networks to track tagged birds. According to a member, their research uncovered the hazards the birds face and the choices they make: “which are a lot more complex than we ever imagined or would have predicted”. Some godwits cross Spain and the Mediterranean and over the Sahara and overwinter in countries like Chad. Others follow the African coastlands southwards as far as South Africa, returning just offshore on their northern journey.

Though not in the big league of godwit migration, the Wash group did uncover some feats of endurance. A godwit named Clive set off from the Wash for West Africa and, faced with an approaching storm, turned back to base. It had covered 2,000 miles in four and a half days.

however the real big distance records take place on the other side of the Pacific.

In 2007 a new Zealand a female bar-tailed godwit, code name e7, was fitted with a tiny surgically implanted satellite transmitter. Speed, direction and height were constantly recorded. The bird flew 6,300 miles north to the Yak juang estuary in China’s Yellow Sea in eight days without food or rest. It rested there and refuelled for 50 days before continuing for 4,500 miles to its breeding grounds in the Yukon Kuskokwim River Delta. In August, two months later, it then flew direct to the Piako

River near Thames, new Zealand in eight days and 7,258 miles – then the longest known nonstop flight of any bird. The bird had made a round trip journey of 18,194 miles with 20 days of flying time. Godwits normally migrate at heights between 3,000 and 6,000 metres.

In 2021 another godwit, LBBRW, of the same subspecies (Limosa laponnica baueri) broke that record by flying for 11 days from Alaska to new South Wales, Australia – 8,100 miles – having taken a wrong turning on its way to new Zealand. Then a year later ➤

Black-tailed godwits: Photo (above) by Aidan Semmens.

Out of Doors

godwit 234684 left Alaska on 13th October and flew direct to Tasmania in 11 days – a distance of 8,430 miles.

Researchers have discovered that birds leaving new Zealand delay leaving till the wind direction is right and seem able to predict weather patterns that will assist them on the entire migration route.

how on earth do these birds manage it? Physically, this is the same strategy as with many migrating birds: they eat and eat until they double their body weight. A typical female godwit weighs about a pound. Fat is the fuel –the polyunsaturated sort. Most is stored just under the skin and bulges of it can be seen with the naked eye. 90% of the energy comes from the fat, the rest drawn from flight muscles. The fat has to be converted to energy in the form of fatty acids. PUFA means polyunsaturated fatty acids and the flight muscles of migratory birds have a high capacity for absorbing these fatty acids.

One researcher described godwits as avian shape shifters. Before starting their journey the birds shrink their internal organs – gizzards, kidneys, lungs and guts – to lighten the load for the journey and to make more room for fat. The pectoral muscles are built up before departure to support the constant wing flapping. The birds have a perfect aerodynamic shape and long powerful wings. Another researcher said these journeys were less like a marathon and more like a trip to the moon!

They are also a delight to watch, delicate and nimble as they feed in the likes of Udale Bay. Females use their long beaks to probe for small bivalves and bristle worms; the males, with shorter bills, take mainly tiny snails from the mud surface.

The bird hide at Udale Bay usually has a telescope and lots of info posters on the walls, so you may like to have a go and godwit spot.

The name godwit was first recorded early in the 15th century. Maybe imitation of the bird’s call, or from Old english ‘god whit’ meaning ‘good creature’ because they were regarded as a delicacy. (Wikipedia). The Inuit name is ‘chiuchiuchiak’. The Maori call it ‘kuaka’. Sound imitations?

numbers of bar-tailed and black-tailed godwits, like many other species, are declining. The subspecies ‘baueri’ – responsible for most of the long-distance records, show a decline from 100,000 in the 1980s to 67,000 in 2018.

Dr nigel Clark of the Wash Wader Research Group, RSPB Migrants Recovery Programme manager Guy Anderson and others warn that coastal areas of the Yellow Sea, ‘a globally important hotspot for migrating birds’, are being threatened by land reclamation and coastal developments.

l Numerous sources included specialist scientific papers. Particularly helpful were

articles by Canadian researcher Christopher Guglielmo in the Journal of Experimental Biology. Likewise reports by Dr Nigel Clark and others of the Wash Wader Research Group. Good online articles go under the heading Godwits and Godwiteers. Another source is ‘Audubon’ the National Audobon Society house magazine. The RSPB site has excellent godwit migration articles.

Bar-tailed godwits: Photos by Wayne Butterworth (above) and Ian Kirk (below).

Your chance to learn new skills in 2024

By nicki Slater Arts Development Officer, Cromarty Arts Trust

The Cromarty Arts Trust would like to wish everyone a happy Christmas and all the very best wishes for 2024. A big thank you to everyone who came along to our concerts, workshops and classes in 2023 – we had a wonderful busy year!

We’re inviting you to get straight into the festive spirit from 1st to 3rd December at our popular Christmas Fair in the Old Brewery, Cromarty. Come and join us for a free glass of mulled wine and a mince pie on the Friday preview night from 6pm to 9pm, then over the Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 4pm both days. There will be lots of stalls selling a wide range of high quality, hand crafted gifts including: jewellery, soaps and candles, wooden items, knitwear, bags, home accessories and much more.

While we’re talking about Christmas, Black Isle-based singing teacher Kate O’Connell is leading a Winter Song Day on 10th December in the Old Brewery. no musical knowledge is needed. This will be a relaxed and fun-filled day to celebrate the beauty of the winter season with heart-warming acappella harmony songs. Come along and enjoy singing together.

new for 2024 is an Absolute Beginners Drawing Class. If you think you can’t draw (but would really like to), then this course is for you. There will be an eight-week block of classes on a Monday evening in Cromarty which will give absolute beginners the time and space to explore and play with a variety of drawing techniques and materials.

You’ll learn the basics of shading, shapes, light and shadow, adding colour and more. You’ll gain a sense of creative confidence, and at the end of the eight weeks you will have a sketch book that proves you can draw! Taught by Cromarty-based artist and graphic designer Dre huntley, your sketch book and drawing pencils are included.

Barbel Dister, Cromarty’s well-established potter, will be running a course in her cosy pottery workshop in February. Over two days, two weeks apart, you can learn how to hand build and throw on the potter’s wheel. You then return to decorate your pieces before they are fired in Barbel’s kiln. This is a lovely chance to try out a really enjoyable skill in a small group.

The Arts Trust is looking for volunteers who

could help out with getting posters up around the Black Isle and Inverness area. If you feel you might be able to spare a few minutes each month, please do get in touch.

To book on any of the classes, workshops or events at the Cromarty Arts Trust, you can call us on 01381 600354 or email in to info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk.

Barbel Dister –sharing her skills in February.

The perfect festive starter

By Chef Graham Fox

We are really excited to be welcoming customers back to Sutor Creek for the festive season. In addition to a set Christmas Menu with all the traditional trimmings, we have a selection of items on our seasonal menu that are perfect for considering for your Christmas table. This recipe is a great starter pre-turkey, is easy to prepare and looks beautiful on the plate.

Mulled wine spiced pear, Strathdon blue cheese and walnut salad

Serves 4

4 cloves

2 star anise

300ml red wine

200ml water

3 pears, peeled and quartered.

200g Strathdon or other blue cheese, crumbled

200g walnuts

2 little gems

100g rocket

150g sugar

1 cinnamon stick

First, put the water, sugar, wine and spices in a pan and bring to a boil. Add the prepared pears to the mulled wine poaching liquor. Leave to infuse overnight.

Wash the little gems, drain and spin dry.

To toast the walnuts, place in a frying pan with a little vegetable oil. Toast slowly as they will burn very quickly (due to the high natural quantity of oil). When they start to colour, season and then drizzle with about a table-

spoon of honey. Mix thoroughly and then toss onto a plate to cool.

To assemble the salad, cut the pears into bite-size chunks, place 3 or 4 on the plate, then put the rest into a bowl. Add the salad leaves, blue cheese and walnuts then drizzle with a little olive oil and a splash of white wine vinegar. Season to taste.

Place some leaves on top of the pears and then build up in layers.

l Christmas Menu available December 1st to 23rd – booking essential. Call 01381 600 855. Open daily 10-8pm during December. January & February hours online at www. sutorcreek.co.uk

Pangram’s Chatterbox Puzzle

Post your solution to the Editor, Chatterbox, Burnside Cottage, Newhall, Balblair, Dingwall, IV7 8LT, marked “Crossword”. The first all-correct answer opened on February 1st will win £20 from Chatterbox

No. 107

Across

7 Redirect a prong, a fine direction of type (7)

8 Plain fun, not quite, out and sore (7)

9 Snakes, like an afterthought (8)

10 Liked by the majority – royal pulp fiction? (9)

12 Cheers for saint (5)

13 Big bridge done with a kick? (8)

15 Low, daughter’s demeanour (4)

16 Good sort to wear with pride (5)

17 Condemn to appear in The Mikado, ominously (4)

18 Bad times consume valuation (8)

20 Temper sharpener (5)

21 Show person here with hesitation (9)

22 Match exam (4)

24 Car? Boat? Vehicles to a gymnast (7)

25 Knocked over and carpeted (7)

Down

1 Forego ticket (4)

2 Dad’s weapon might gain one entry (8)

3 Kathleen Jamie, for one, keeps very quiet favourite (6)

4 Most friendly lot, one caught by nuisance (8)

5 Corner bad parent (6)

6 Occupied transport unknown (4)

11 Support a National Trust advocate (9)

12 Reverse vessel into ponds (5)

14 Reverse kitties into vessel (5)

16 Gap made with this orbital saloon? (5, 3)

17 Timescale of the French allowance (8)

19 Diamond cuff for little freezer (6)

20 Walk out of street part (6)

21 Choose tool (4)

23 Cast outhouse (4)

The winner of Crossword 106 was R Macinnes, Millbank Road, Munlochy

Answers to Crossword No. 106

Across – 9 Vaporetto, 10 Blank, 11 Liner, 12 Christens, 13 Scraggy, 14 Bedding, 17 Gucci, 19 Eye, 20 Sigma, 21 Trigger, 22 Lioness, 24 Battalion, 26 Patch, 28 Lyric, 29

Crossflow

Down – 1 Evil, 2 Opener, 3 Proroguing, 4 Sticky, 5 Horrible, 6 Ibis, 7 Watering, 8 Skis, 13 Sight, 15 Discompose, 16 Glass, 18 Critters, 19 Ear-Piece, 22 London, 23 Extols, 24 Ball, 25 Arch, 27 Hawk

Black Isle

Chatterbox

We couldn’t exist without the support of the Black Isle businesses which put Chatterbox on their shelves and get nothing in return –except the goodwill of their community. You’ll find the magazine on sale at:

Avoch

Post Office (Fishermen’s Co-op)

Cromarty

The Cheese House, Bank Street; Post Office

Culbokie

Spar

Dingwall

Spar, High Street

Fortrose

John Munro, Butcher; Green Tree Gift Shop; Cromarty Bakery

Munlochy

Munro’s Nursery

Rosemarkie

Spar

Tore

Ryefield Farm Shop

Contact the editor if you would like to stock Chatterbox for sale

To have Chatterbox delivered to your home, fill in the coupon below or go to www.chatterboxnews.co.uk