Dee n' Do Magazine - Issue 3

September - December 2014

N W

E S

ISSUE THREE

A magazine for

Royal Deeside Outdoor Activities Cultural Events + Art Food + Drink Local Business Spotlight Deeside Discoveries History + Tales

Photograph courtesy of Amy Muir

2

Dee n’ Do : 3

Always take the scenic route

Dee n’ Do : 3

Photograph courtesy of Amy Muir

3

4

Dee n’ Do : 3

N W

E S

Dee n’ Do Magazine Tel: +44 (0)7790 129212 or +44 (0)7837 577338 hello@deendo.com www.deendo.com Produced by Burdie Creative Ltd +44 (0)7771 924103 hello@burdiecreative.com www.burdiecreative.com Editor Kirsten Horne +44 (0)7790 129212 Creative Director Mairi MacLeod Gray +44 (0)7771 924103 Ads & Design Director Kelly Whyte +44 (0)7837 577338 Contributing Photographers Amy Muir David Hetherington Pete Cairns Keith Fergus Louis DeCarlo Gavin Dougan Kate Redpath Printers J Thomson Colour Printers Publisher Dee n’ Do is published three times a year by Burdie Creative Ltd. ©Burdie Creative Ltd 2014. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, Burdie Creative Ltd and its editorial contributors accept no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences including and loss or damage arising from reliance on information in this publication.

Copyright All images contained in Dee n’ Do are subject to copyright of the artist, illustrator or photographer as named, but not limited to. Reproduction of any part of this magazine without prior written permission is prohibited.

Disclaimer All rights reserved.

The views and comments expressed by the authors are not always that of the editor or publisher.

Advertise with us Contact us to get your business in the next issue of Dee n’ Do. Call +44 (0)7837 577338 or email advertising@deendo. com and request a media pack.

An embarrassment of riches! This is how Dee n’ Do has been described…and we tend to agree. Not only are we full to bursting with interesting articles but we are brimming with pride over our third issue.

Over the summer months we have been overwhelmed by the number of readers who have been in touch to let us know what they think about the magazine (all good I might add). We have also been touched by those that want to give back, get involved or contribute in some way or another (we thank you!).

This summer I got involved with the Commonwealth Games, volunteering with the Press Operations for the netball competition.

I knew very little about the sport, but from the minute my first shift started I was hooked and immersed myself into the spirit of the friendly Games. What an amazing experience and one that I was so proud to be a part of. I found a new appreciation for volunteers and people who just wanted to get involved.

On a smaller scale, we at Dee n’ Do hope to deliver a little bit of this through the magazine. We hope to encourage people to try new things (ever tried stand-up paddle boarding?), visit new or forgotten places (when did you last visit Cluny Churchyard or walk around Tarland?), or sample different arts and crafts (heard of the Food and Fiddle Fortnight or Braemar Arts Festival?). I’m sure there will be something in this issue that will pique your intrigue and interest.

Get out there and enjoy!

Kirsten, Editor

Dee n’ Do : 3

Issue 3 SEPt-DEC 2014

Outdoor Meet Prue and her ponies

20

Stand-up Paddle Boarding: in the rivers and lochs of Scotland

78

Arts + Crafts Studio This Way: Meet the Designer/Makers from Deeside

40

Braemar Creative Arts Festival

74

History + Folklore Mausoleum of Elyza Fraser

8

A Lasting Legacy: The MacRobert Trust

88

200 years of the Bridge of Potarch

90

Food + Drink Citrus Fruits: Natural winter remedies Tarland Food and Music Day

4 58

Regulars Ask the Vet

31

Historic Castles

10

Dee n’ Doodles

36

Tales from the drink’s cupboard

24

Founded in 2013 by Kelly Whyte, Mairi MacLeod Gray & Kirsten Horne

5

6

Dee n’ Do : 3

Citrus FRuitS

...a natural remedy during the winter months Winter is the season of the citrus fruits and you can enjoy their abundance during the cold months!

LOwerS ChOlesTeroL

PReveNts viraL InFectIons

Since they’re full of soluble fibre, oranges are helpful in lowering cholesterol.

The abundance of polyphenols in citrus fruits have been shown to provide protection against viral infections.

REducEs tHe rIsk oF liVer CancEr According to studies in Japan eating mandarin oranges reduces the risk of liver cancer. This may be due to the vitamin A compounds known as carotenoids.

AIds respIratOry probLems

The HeaLTh BenEFits Of CItrUS FruITs

STrenGtheNs tHe IMmunE SyStem The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.

PRoteCts Our skin The anti-oxidant in citrus fruits helps

Citrus fruits can reduce phlegm; and can also help you breathe properly and aids a person suffering with asthma.

protect the skin from free radical damage which is responsible for aging skin and skin damage.

BOostS heArt HealTh Oranges are full of potassium, an electrolyte mineral responsible for helping the heart function well.

Dee n’ Do : 3

eze Sque

Full of ts !

Antioxidan

me Quic k!

WHICH FRUITS ARE CITRIC?

Lemon aromatherapy is efficient in the case of systematic headaches, fatigue and problems with concentration and memory. Massages with lemon oil enhance your well-being and are recommended during a cold or a flu.

Citrus fruits are slightly sour and juicy. These include oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruits, limes, satsuma, clementine and all hybrids of these. The kiwi is often mistaken for a citric fruit due to its high content of vitamin C and the fact that it is a more exotic fruit; however it does not classify as a citric fruit.

TANGERINE The tangerine contains all the nutrients found in other citrus fruits and its peel is thought to be the most efficient for the production of ethereal oils. The peel is the most valued part of the fruit - in the past it was used as a cure for stomachache and lack of appetite.

Due to its rich stack of vitamins, the tangerine is particularly efficient during colds in the winter. It also relieves digestion problems and tiredness.

Citrus fruits are, without a doubt, one of the healthiest foods. Their thick peel reduces the amount of pesticides and nitrates, which can otherwise penetrate it easily and are found in higher amounts in any other fruit. Citrus fruits are most commonly thought of as a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, containing a particularly high amount of vitamin C, which makes them the best defense for the immune system. Consuming several citrus fruits a day prevents flu and colds during the winter months.

ORANGE Like all citrus fruits the orange is acidic and although not as strong as the lemon, it is still quite strong, which makes it an integral part of any healthy diet. It aids digestion, strengthens blood circulation and the heart. Regular consumption of oranges detoxicates the body. It also influences tonus, work capability and mood. Two oranges are a much more powerful energy source than the morning cup of coffee. It can be consumed raw or in the form of juice. However, bear in mind that the juice needs to be consumed right after been squeezed as all the healthy nutrients disappear once they contact oxygen.

Besides these substances, citrus fruits also contain an impressive list of other essential nutrients:

LEMON A lemon is rich in vitamins C, A, B, B2 and P. Its consumption stimulates the inner secretory glands, digestion and the liver’s function. Several drops of lemon juice in a glass of water or coffee instantly relieve headaches. A glass of lemon juice a day is strongly recommended for people who work long hours and have little time to sleep as it energises and strengthens the organism.

pEE l

fo

r

you!

E

ven the

ood is g

packed full of vitamins C, A, B, B2 & P

7

8

Dee n’ Do : 3

Dee�ide �alKs:

GlenTanar

Area: Glen Tanar Woodland Distance: 8.5km (5.25 miles) Terrain: Waymarked woodland and riverside paths and tracks Start & Finish: Bridge of Tanar car park (parking charge) Map: OS Landranger 44 Source: The Dee, K R Fergus (Pocket Mountains)

The Water of Tanar flows through the glorious pinewoods of the Glen Tanar Nature Reserve as it makes its way to join with the River Dee near Aboyne.

TO ABOYNE START/FINISH

This walk makes use of the excellent waymarked tracks (including a section of the ancient Firmounth drove road) which strike through the peaceful woods which contain some beautiful stands of Scots pine.

Chapel (ruin)

FOREST OF GLEN TANAR

GLEN TANAR

Creag na Slice

The Knockie Craig of Woodend Burn of Boonie

N

Water of Tanar Creag Damh

W

E S

500m

0 0

Water of Allachy

The Strone

Burn of Skinna

Dee n’ Do : 3

From the car park, cross over the Glen Tanar estate road and then the fine packhorse bridge which spans the Water of Tanar. Beyond a gate, turn right onto a wide track (the visitor centre is to the left) and walk alongside the Water of Tanar following the Old Pine Trees waymark. Once past a path on the right, the track swings left away from the rover to reach the lovely little Chapel of St Lesmo.

Once past the chapel, go through a gate beside a cattle grid and at a fork bear right onto another broad track, and follow this to a crossroads. Go straight on and follow a stony track, climbing gradually into a Scots pine woodland which is home to a wealth of flora and fauna.

Follow the broad track as it climbs gently alongside the wooded slopes of The Knockie and above the Water of Tanar. People have used the land around The Knockie since the Bronze Age for grazing their livestock and the trees for timber. Some of these native trees survived until the Second World War, when the timber was used in the war effort.

Continue to reach The Knockie viewpoint, which grants a fine view over the forest.

Turn right here and follow a stony track, which drops quite steeply, to gain the Firmounth Road just before the Knockie Bridge over the Water of Tanar. There are some lovely waterfalls here. Turn left onto the Firmounth to the Glen Esk Right of Way. Walk along

the track (passing by an old well dating from 1874) which proceeds south then southwest bounded by rolling hills to the south and skirting woodland to the right, including some striking Scots pine.

Now deep within the Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve, follow the track until a lovely stone bridge over the Burn of Skinna is reached.

The track runs parallel with the Water of Tanar before reaching a waymark. Go right here, leaving the Firmounth Road to cross another old stone bridge spanning the Water of Allachy. Stick to the main track (passing by a track on the left), heading northwest to re-cross the Water of Tanar. Beyond is a fork; the right turn returns to the Firmounth Road, which continues northeast following the Water of Tanar. Before long an old cottage ruin is passed with the track then reaching another fork. Go right (left leads to Aboyne and Dinnet) to pass by a lovely lochan. At a fork, go right and cross the Knockie Bridge over the Water of Tanar.

Over the bridge, turn left and walk along the Firmounth Road. Follow this through a gate and then turn left at a waymark onto a grassy path, which crosses a field and goes through a gate. A riverside path then hugs the line of the Water of Tanar and is followed back to the outward track a couple of hundred metres before the visitor centre. Turn left on to this and walk back to the start.

Photograph courtesy of Keith Fergus

9

10

Dee n’ Do : 3

The Mausoleum of

1736-1814

If you’ve been out and about this summer, chances are you’ve encountered a small postcard having a big impact locally. These cards highlight one of the North East’s most remarkable pieces of architecture; a hidden gem in Cluny Churchyard. ~ By Paul Higson, North East Scotland Preservation Trust ~

The card highlights the plight of the mausoleum of Elyza Fraser of Castle Fraser. The A-listed building, built by Jacobite architect James Byres, has suffered centuries of neglect which has left it in a critical state of disrepair. This year marks the 200th anniversary of her death and The Friends of Miss Elyza Fraser Mausoleum who, as part of an awareness-raising campaign, have designed the information cards.

Elyza Fraser was a middle-aged spinster when she inherited Castle Fraser. Her life as an independent, widely-travelled and highly cultured woman is revealed in her notebooks and papers held at the University of Aberdeen. The Friends group – led by the North East Scotland Preservation Trust, and includes NTS, academia and the local community – hope their campaign will not only secure her mausoleum but also reveal her dramatic life.

Elyza’s early life was spent touring Europe with her beloved friend Mary Bristow. While in Rome, the pair may well have encountered James Byres who later, back in Aberdeenshire, became their devoted friend.

James Byres’ Jacobite family had fled to Rome after the ’45 rebellion. James studied architecture and was an influential guide-cicerone to wealthy young men on the Grand Tour.

The womens’ European jaunts were curtailed in 1792 when Elyza became Castle Fraser’s Lady Laird.

Back home, Elyza rolled up her sleeves to tackle innovative agricultural improvements, causing jaws to drop in the traditionally male world of farming!

James Byres too returned to his family estate of

Tonley. A bachelor, he looked to the Misses Fraser and Bristow for companionship. Their estates were only seven miles apart and even in winter he would ride through snowstorms to visit.

These bare facts were enough to give rise to rumours of intimacy between James and Elyza.

Tellingly, portraits of Elyza, Mary and James all hang at Castle Fraser in what was once Elyza’s bedroom.

James kept a portrait of Elyza at Tonley.

No letters between the pair remain – Elyza ordered that all her private papers be destroyed on her death.

But what does remain, in eloquent tribute, is the Byres-designed mausoleum. Drum-shaped of finely dressed granite, it contains memorials to many of the Frasers of Castle Fraser, from the 17th-20th centuries.

James had planned an exact replica for his own tomb, but changed his mind shortly before his death. Elyza’s mausoleum became his single significant work.

In order to preserve and repair this significant piece of architecture, it has been estimated to cost upwards of £90,000. The Friends are hoping to apply to a variety of sources, including the Heritage Lottery Fund and Aberdeenshire LEADER, for some assistance. They are optimistic too that appealing to Clan Fraser members worldwide may bear fruit too.

So who knows, one of those little postcards might just be the key to securing this remarkable building for posterity.

For more information visit www.nespt.org or contact info@nespt.org.

Dee n’ Do : 3

11

Dee n’ Do : 3

c

istori

H

Kildrummy (Ruin)

c

astle

Glenbuchat (Ruin)

The Castle Trail For centuries, the inhabitants of Scotland have been building fortifications and strongholds, and it has been estimated that there were once about 3,000 castles in Scotland.

We go in search of the more notable castles that can be seen in Aberdeenshire and Deeside and explore their history, condition and purpose.

Corgarff

A97

Strathdon

Tarland A97 A939

Loch Kinord

Braemar

Balmoral Kindrochit (Ruin)

BRAEMAR

BALLATER Knock (Ruin)

A93

Drum Castle "The castles of Aberdeenshire and Grampian are surrounded by an ambience of awe, a feeling of strength and timelessness"

A97

s

12

Drum Castle is near Drumoak and for centuries was the seat of the Chief of Clan Irvine. The castle and its grounds were granted to William de Irwyn in 1325 by Robert the Bruce, and remained in the possession of Clan Irvine until 1975.

Crathes Castle Crathes Castle is a 16th-century castle near Banchory. This harled castle was built by the Burnetts of Leys and was held in that family for almost 400 years. The castle and grounds are presently owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland.

Castle Fraser Castle Fraser is located near Kemnay and is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland, and one of the grandest 'Castles of Mar'.

There is evidence of an older square tower dating from around 1400/1500 within the current construction.

Dinnet

Dee n’ Do : 3

N W

Inverurie

A944

S

Alford

River Don

A947

Fraser

A944

A96

Sauchen Dunecht

Craigievar

Loch of Skene

ABERDEEN

Westhill

B9119

Lumphanan

E

A980

Torphins

Kincardine O ’ Neil

A93

Drum Drumoak

Crathes

ee

D er

Riv

Crathes

ABOYNE BANCHORY

Craigievar Castle

Balmoral Castle

Craigievar Castle is a pinkish harled castle six miles south of Alford. It was the seat of Clan Sempill and the Forbes family resided here for 350 years until 1963, when the property was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland.

Balmoral Castle is located near the village of Crathie and has been one of the residences of the British Royal Family since 1852, when it was purchased for Queen Victoria

by Prince Albert. It remains the private property of the monarch, and is not part of the Crown Estate.

Corgarff Castle Corgarff Castle is a four-storey tower house built circa 1550

by John Forbes, and in 1748 was converted into a fort. In the early 20th century, after years of neglect the castle fell into ruin, but in recent years has been wonderfully restored by Historic Scotland.

Castle Ruins:

Kildrummy Castle

Braemar Castle Braemar Castle is a five storey L-plan castle situated near the village of Braemar. It is owned by the Chief of Clan Farquharson and leased to a local charitable foundation but is also open to the public.

Glenbuchat Castle

Kindrochit Castle

Knock Castle

13

14

Dee n’ Do : 3

Castle, Shop, Tearoom & Garden of Historic Roses: 1st Apr - 30th Sept Grounds: Open all year, daily Opening times: 11am - 4pm (Garden of Historic Roses, 4:15pm) Entry Prices: Adult £10.50, Family £24.50, 1 parent family £18, Concession £7.50 There's a small shop within the castle with a variety of gifts. Enjoy a break and a cup of tea or coffee in the castle tearoom. There are also baby changing facilities and toilets located within the castle. Picnicking areas can be found in the grounds of the castle.

Spotlight on:

DRUM Castle Take in an enormous sweep of Scottish history as experienced by the Irvine family who lived in Drum Castle for over 650 years, from the 14th century onwards.

Drum is one of Royal Deeside’s top historic attractions, just 10 miles from Aberdeen. It is one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses and is set beside an ancient oak woodland and a walled garden that contains a fine collection of historic roses which perfume the air.

William de Irwyn was gifted the Royal Forest of Drum and the Tower of Drum by King Robert the Bruce in 1323. The tower has benefitted from various improvements over the centuries, including a Jacobean mansion house extension in 1619 and Victorian adaptations, such as the impressive library converted from the lower hall.

To find out more about what’s happening at Drum, please like and visit Drum's Facebook page www.facebook.com/DrumCastleGardenEstate

Drum Castle, Garden & Estate Drumoak, By Banchory Aberdeenshire, AB31 5EY T: 0844 493 2161 T (Ranger): 0844 493 2167 F: 0844 493 2162 E: drum@nts.org.uk

Dee n’ Do : 3

FAMILY FRIENDLY There’s much to occupy the entire family at Drum Castle. The castle’s grounds provide plenty of perfect picnicking spots, while little ones will also be drawn to the children’s adventure playground. You may even happen across roe deer hiding amongst the bracken.

Look out for the garden kiosk, which updates visitors on what wildlife and flowers can be seen that month.

They run a full events programme for families and children, including children’s nature trails, Eye Spy sheets and quizzes.

The walled garden is a safe haven to explore, while occasional sculpture exhibitions will also keep the wee ones interested. Be sure to clamber up the steep steps to the battlements at the top of the tower for great views of the Old Wood of Drum and the surrounding countryside.

You don’t need to rely on the weather though, for there’s plenty indoors to keep young minds lively too. Our friendly and knowledgeable guides always enjoy telling children about the castle and pointing out specific items of interest.

In 1323 Drum was gifted to William d’Irwyn by

Robert t he Bruce the original charter with the seal of Bruce is still intact

BAT HOTSPOT! American president Theodore Roosevelt descended from the Irvines of Drum

There is a trail of little fairy doors all around the grounds of Drum and little fairy furniture can also be found. Have fun looking for these!

The Estate has little fairy doors hidden at the bottom of trees. How many will you find?

The number of rooms discovered in 2013!

Drum

means hill or ridge

After the Battle of Culloden, Mary Irvine hid her brother in a secret room for 3 years because he supported Bonnie Prince Charlie

Did you know?

The roof beams of the Castle are made from the oak trees felled in the late 16th Century

Weddings at Drum Hire the castle for your nuptials

15

16

Dee n’ Do : 3

3,000 volumes, some of which date back to the 1500s. Take a look at the Irvine family memorabilia on display in the Family Room.

Next, explore the impressive tower – at 21m high and with walls that are 3.5m thick at the bottom, it made an imposing defensive structure in the days before artillery was used in battle. It also has a Store Room which was probably once used for preparing meat, and a well and a rare old stone trough. In the Upper Hall you can still see the original stone window seats in place.

Look out for Drum Castle’s charming chapel, built in the 1500s. The beautiful stained-glass window by Hardman of Birmingham was added in the 1800s.

Surrounded by yew and holly trees, it makes for an excellent intimate wedding venue.

Take a leisurely stroll ‘into the past’ with a walk around the walled garden. The Garden of Historic Roses showcases historically accurate rose gardens as they would have appeared during the last four centuries. It’s especially vibrant during June and July.

Then explore the estate further to discover three waymarked walks, an arboretum and the Old Wood of Drum (a Site of Special Scientific Interest).

Finally, make your way through the Service Passage in the castle and reward yourself with a browse in the shop and a refreshing cuppa in the tearoom.

HIDDEN HISTORY

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Drum Castle’s origins stretch back to medieval times when the imposing tower that dominates the east side of the property was built. The castle and its grounds were granted to William de Irwyn in 1323 by Robert the Bruce. We still have the original charter with the seal of Bruce intact.

Start at the castle’s Entrance Hall and make your way along the south side of the building. There are a series of grand rooms to explore, from the Drawing Room to the Dining Room, where you will be surrounded by the fine collection of portraits and Georgian furniture.

The striking Jacobean mansion was built in 1619 by Alexander Irvine and his wife Marion Douglas. The Civil War in the 17th century saw Drum captured twice and garrisoned four times. The Irvines’ financial struggles later in that century meant that much of the estate was lost by 1736, but thankfully the castle and surrounding land were saved.

At the east end of the castle’s Jacobean section, there are a few surprises in store. Head up the turnpike stair to reach the Chintz Room, a bedroom which benefits from windows on two sides, and two upper floor rooms furnished as a Day and a Night Nursery.

The Irvines’ bad luck continued in the 18th century when they found themselves on the losing side in both the 1715 and 1745 Jacobite uprisings. Mary Irvine hid her brother, the 17th laird, in a secret chamber at Drum to save him from capture by the Redcoats after Culloden.

Back on the main floor you’ll find one of the finest libraries in any Scottish castle, now home to around

However, by the 19th century the family had bounced back and were making various alterations

Dee n’ Do : 3

to the castle. The 1876 extension added corridors and an entrance hall to the castle, designed by the architect David Bryce and built by his nephew.

Since 1976 Drum Castle, Garden and Estate has been in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, and much work has been done to retain the authentic atmosphere of this centuries-old family home.

EVENTS at drum SEP

21

SEP

25

SEP

27-28

DEC

6-7 & 13-14

New Play Park On 29 June 2014, Drum welcomed a new play area at Drum Castle, complete with lots of new exciting features including a zip-wire, jungle climber, bubble tunnel and outdoor classroom.

It also has a drum kit sculpted from trees that have been blown down on the ancient estate.

The play area was funded by the conservation charity’s President’s Fund and designed by Drum’s Head Gardener Diana Robertson with the help of Drum’s volunteers, Sub-Sea 7 corporate volunteers and Echt Primary School, who undertook a special day of planting the colours of the rainbow.

RANGER SERVICES The Trust’s North East Ranger Service provides stewardship for the wildlife and flora of the estate, environmental education, waymarked trails and runs a guided walks programme. For more details please phone 0844 493 2167.

Why not see what wildlife species can be found at this property by visiting the National Biodiversity Network's Gateway? Remember to select the ‘group’ you are interested in.

Scotland's Gardens Open Day Join our Team in the Walled Garden for a day of events raising funds for Scotland's Gardens Scheme

Castle Concert Series An early evening classical concert in the unique setting of Drum Castle’s historic Drawing Room

Harvests and Hibernation Autumnal fun for all the family

Holly Fest Come and do your Christmas shopping in the peaceful and historic surrounding of Drum Castle and grab your chance to purchase one of the beautifully crafted holly wreaths made from Drum’s own holly.

Drum Castle’s signature Christmas craft fair returns with all the favourites including craft stalls, the Elves Toy Factory, the giant Advent Calendar made by the schools of Aberdeen city and Shire, driver-friendly mulled wine (made to a secret recipe), served in the 15th Century Brew House, Santa’s Special Tombola and the chance to make your wish at the Christmas Fairy’s special wishing tree. Some traders accept cash only payments.

Dates & Times: Sat 6 – Sun 7 Dec, 11:00 - 16:00 Sat 13 – Sun 14 Dec, 11:00 - 16:00 Prices: Adult

£4.00

Child

£2.00

Family

£10.00

17

18

Dee n’ Do : 3

EST.

1908

When you think of the founding father of Scottish Golf, one name invariably comes to mind - Old Tom Morris, and at Tarland Golf Club near Aboyne, not only does the legend live on, but you get the opportunity to play an original Morris design. ~ By Tim Gray, PGA Professional ~

Nestled just outside the Cairngorms National Park and set amidst beautiful Royal Deeside, the stunning views of the countryside rewards golfers even if the scoring is a little off. Designed in 1908, the year of his passing, this makes Tarland one of his final developments.

This delightful and scenic nine-hole run challenges golfers of all abilities, where accuracy and solid golf course management will result in a fine score. Old Tom would be delighted to know these traits are still prominent in today’s modern game. I am sure he would be even more delighted to know that golf in Scotland has become a game for the people, where status or class no longer rule; this cannot be said for other countries around the world.

This is no more evident than in the north-east as every town or village has a golf course in some form. The beauty of village courses is that not only

do they provide recreational facilities but they are at the heart of many communities.

If you think these wee nine holers are no challenge to “real” golfers then I suggest you take notice of the 6th at Tarland – a 212 yards par 3. With woods down the left and a road that sweeps in from the right, this makes the landing area very, very tight. The shot of choice would be to draw in a long iron or a wood but are you brave enough? A par here any day will make your round but if all is not going to plan then simply enjoy your surroundings, particularly the view from the 8th fairway across the Dee valley to the magnificent Lochnagar – memorable at this time of the year when in full Autumnal splendour.

With its rich variety of wildlife (look out for soaring buzzards and red deer crossing the fairways) to the exquisite views, this Morris masterpiece may be small and hardy like its creator but is an encounter that will charm you every time you play.

Dee n’ Do : 3

Club Information Tarland Gold Club Aberdeen Road, Tarland, Aboyne AB34 4TB T: 013398 81000 E: secretary@tarlandgolfclub.co.uk www.tarlandgolfclub.co.uk

Holes: SSS: Type: Length:

9 66/67 Parkland 5,875 yards (5,372m)

Fact: During his prime, Old Tom only carried five clubs in his bag.

Old Tom Morris Facilities: Bar, Catering Facilities, Changing Rooms Directions: Located in Tarland, on the B9119, 5 miles north of Aboyne and 30 miles west of Aberdeen Advance Bookings: Booking not required Guest Policy: Unrestricted, enquiry advisable weekends Putting Green Available: Yes Rental Trolleys: Yes - £2.50 Pro Shop: Yes Pro Available: Yes Price Range Weekdays: 9 holes - £15, 18 holes - £22 Price Range Weekends: 9 holes - £16, 18 holes £25

Thomas Mitchell Morris Snr, or more commonly known as Old Tom Morris, was born and brought up in St Andrews and went on to win the Open Championship four times (1861, 1862, 1864, 1867) and pioneered the birth of professional golf and modern greenkeeping.

As a golfer, he still holds the record as the oldest winner of the Open Championship at 46. Until recently, Morris held the record for the largest margin of victory in a major championship (14 strokes in the 1862 Open Championship), which stood until Tiger Woods won the 2000 U.S. Open by 15 strokes.

As a greenkeeper, his innovations are still present today. He introduced the concept of top-dressing greens with sand, which significantly helped turf growth and was the first to use a push mower to cut greens. He helped transform St Andrews by widening fairways to handle increased play, enlarging greens, and establishing separate tee boxes on each hole; all of these measures spread out play over larger areas, and led to better turf conditions. He also introduced the modern idea of placing hazards so that the golf ball could be routed around them (in the past, bunkers and the like were largely left to their own devices, becoming truly "hazardous"). In course design, he standardised the golf course length at 18 holes (St Andrews had at one time been 22 holes), and introduced the concept of each nine holes returning to the club house; this was the beginning of strategic design, which has dominated golf course design ever since.

19

20

Dee n’ Do : 3

Having spent the last 20 years travelling up and down from Aberdeen to our second home in Braemar with my husband, and often with my grandchildren, I feel that I have tried and tested a fair few coffee shops and eateries that allow me to share my finds with you!

Please make sure you check opening times before you go as they often vary during holiday periods.

Dee n’ Do : 3

Belwade Farm Cafe ~ n ear aboy n e ~

Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre with its new visitor centre and café, is a place I have often passed but never made the time or effort to go, until recently. And I am certainly glad we did. Located a little off the main road (just off the A93 close to Kincardine O'Neil), the café is situated about 1½ miles down a roughish road but as we turned into Belwade we were greeted by a very large modern building with great parking.

Walking into the café, I was immediately impressed with how spacious it felt and how beautifully furnished it was. It is very tastefully laid out and is extremely clean and tidy. The front of the room is all glass with sliding doors opening out to a lovely balcony with tables and chairs, which would be lovely on a sunny day as the views are breathtaking.

Onto the refreshments…we ordered a cappuccino which was great - a good sized cup - which went well with our scones. For the cake lover there was a selection of ‘ fancies’. On this occasion we didn’t eat but what we saw being served looked very inviting and tastefully presented; from baked potatoes, Paninis, lasagne, haddock and chips to one of my favourites Cullen Skink. They also have a children’s menu which looked good, or should they prefer they can have a small portion from the adult menu.

Belwade ticks a lot of boxes…it’s a lovely place to eat, there are nature walks to enjoy, it is dog friendly, offers tours of the facilities and of course you can watch some of the horses being rehabilitated in the indoor arena which has a viewing area. It’s worth making the effort to visit!

~ Open all year Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-4pm ~

The Bothy ~ B raemar ~

The Bothy in Braemar has only been open a very short time and already appears very popular. It is situated near the entrance to the village, in an extension to the Mountain Sports Shop.

Tastefully decorated with sanded wooden flooring and a mixture of old and new furniture, gives it a nice relaxed feel. It also has two outdoor seating areas: one at the front and one at the rear. The rear has a beautiful view overlooking the River Cluny just the place to enjoy a coffee or glass of wine after a day in the hills. In the corner is a wood burning stove ready for the colder days.

At The Bothy you can enjoy a cooked breakfast with toast and coffee to get your morning off to a good start. In fact they have a large and varied menu that will cater to all. On our lunch visit we enjoyed the homemade soup and roll. I had pea and mint while the other half had broth; both were delicious and the choice changes daily. I have to admit the coffee and homemade cakes and scones are already a favourite. The staff are friendly and helpful and willing to please. Dogs are also welcome in the front outside area with water bowls out for them.

This is a great addition to the village.

~ Open 7 days, 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am-6pm at weekends ~

Tearooms featured: The Bothy Invercauld Road, Braemar, AB35 5YP 013397 41242

World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm Rescue & Rehoming Centre Aberdeenshire, AB34 5BJ 013398 85398 www.worldhorsewelfare.org/farm/belwade-farm

21

22

Dee n’ Do : 3

D o u g a l , K at i

e & Ash

Dee n’ Do : 3

Meet Prue Scott, an 11 year old girl from Banchory who takes time out to tell us about her relationships with her ponies.

23

24

Dee n’ Do : 3

At what age did you start riding ponies?

I remember the first time I rode a pony was at a big country show on the pony rides. I was only 4 years’ old but loved it from the start.

How many ponies have you had? Tell us a little about them‌ Dougal was the first pony I got on loan, however I only had him for a few months as he became ill. My grandparents then bought me Katie, my 13hh mare.

She was quite cheeky sometimes but she loved cross-country and made me a better rider than I was.

I fell off a lot of the time but I soon got to grips with her! I got my new pony Ash in May this year. She is a 6 year old mare who is very sweet and honest and is a great show jumper!

How often do you ride?

I ride as much as I can - at least 5 times a week in the summer but I also have other hobbies which I love, including swimming.

What type of competitions do you enter?

I enter mostly show jumping competitions because that is what Ash is used to, but we have been taking her to Pony Club and we will be hoping to do more dressage. Hopefully next year I can start eventing her which is dressage, show jumping and x country!

How often do you compete?

In the summer, I can compete every weekend but not so much in the winter.

What's your favourite event?

Right now show jumping is my favourite event but my aim is to be an eventer!

How far do you travel to events?

It depends but mostly we stay in Aberdeenshire.

How far in advance do you start preparing Ash for events?

We start the preparations the day before an event depending on what kind of show it is. If Ash has to

Dee n’ Do : 3

be plaited we will make sure she is clean by bathing her first. We will keep her in her stable overnight and usually we have to get up really early to get her immaculate for the show.

Tell us what a typical event day involves For most events we have to be up early, which means being at the stable by 7- 7.30am. Most shows start at 9am or 9.30am and it is best to arrive in plenty of time. I usually enter two or three classes but there can be quite a wait between them. It's fun watching everyone else compete so we watch their events and catch up with friends. It can take a while to get Ash tacked up and ready, then we have to get her warmed up so you're never sitting around for long!

How many people do you usually compete against?

Some weeks the classes can be busy, maybe 15-20 competitors, but other shows are quieter and there may only be a few.

Tell us a bit about the governing body that regulates the events There are various organisations attached to competing. BS stands for British Show Jumping and if you win you get prize money. You and your pony have to be registered to get the prize money but you can enter unregistered. BD is British Dressage and is organised in the same way as BS. There is also BE which is British Eventing and there are lots of rules and regulations you have to follow in order to compete with them.

The majority of the shows I go to are local shows (unaffiliated) where the classes are open to everyone.

There are rules however they are not so strict and the shows are for fun. I'm also a member of Deeside Pony Club which is an international organisation and is there to help you with all aspects of riding and horse care.

25

26

Dee n’ Do : 3

By Jim Ewen Dark Matter Distillers, Banchory

I grew up in Dufftown so have been surrounded by the whisky industry from a young age and have always thought how wonderful it would be to have my own distillery (is there a bloke out there who doesn’t?) My father-in-law is a retired distillery manager and brother-in-law is also in the whisky industry so knowledge and advice was close at hand. However, the legislative conditions set by HMRC have, until fairly recently, been a massive hurdle to overcome for anyone who wanted to build a new distillery and about four years ago I noticed that one or two micro distillers had appeared in the UK. I confirmed with HMRC that they had indeed relaxed the rules to allow smaller scale distilleries so instantly set out on a plan to build my own.

A revolution inspired by science,

driven by curiosity

I quickly realised that building a whisky distillery in the heartland of the world’s finest malt producers was not a sensible business option. So I analysed the various spirits’ markets to see what would give me the biggest differentiation to what everyone else was doing. Very quickly it became obvious that there had been a tidal wave of vodka products and now gin is heading the same way so again it seemed like jumping into a crowded market. The conundrum was rum: nobody was making it here in the UK so I thought there must be some limitation or legal hurdle preventing it but this turned out to be not true. This was my light bulb moment and from then on I was convinced that being the first rum producer in Scotland was the way to go for lots of exciting reasons: real differentiation, the first to market with a new and unique product, new maturation conditions (unlike the Caribbean), our water, a local wild yeast we’ve isolated/grown to add a Scottish element to the flavour/fermentation conditions and a huge diversity of product opportunities from white, dark, spiced, flavoured

Dee n’ Do : 3

Sample responsibly

Ginger Mojito Spiced

Cinnamon RuM Apple

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

20 fresh mint leaves 3 tsp white sugar 1 lime, chopped 65ml spiced rum ginger beer, to top up sprig fresh mint, to garnish slice fresh ginger, to garnish

40ml organic rum 80ml organic unfiltered apple juice, chilled •20ml apple cider dash of ground cinnamon 1 cinnamon stick

Place the mint, sugar and lime into a sturdy tall glass and mash (muddle) with the end of a clean rolling pin. Add the spiced rum and a scoop of crushed ice. Mix thoroughly with a tall spoon and top up with ginger beer. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a thin slice of fresh ginger.

This winter nightcap recipe adds warming, spicy notes of cinnamon. Fill a lowball cocktail glass with ice. Pour in rum, apple juice, and cider. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

and aged all in the one spirit. On top of that, Rum was lagging behind the other spirits in terms of ‘premiumisation’ which I still find to be a wonderful opportunity and a prize just waiting to be picked. It still amazes me nobody has done it yet.

There are two of us setting up the business; me and my brother John. We also have a distiller working on product development in the lab at Heriot-Watt brewing and distilling department in Edinburgh.

Our ethos is “obsessive pursuit of flavour through systematic study, observation and experiment”.

There’s no magical and mythical nonsense surrounding what we do and we’re not ashamed to admit that science is at the core of who and what we are.

I can’t divulge where I’m sourcing the molasses because it took a long time to find a premium grade we were happy with. What I can say is the molasses (sugar cane) is excellent grade of about 60% sugar and is producing stunning results.

We have one hybrid still consisting of a 1,000 litre pot and a 10 plate column sitting directly on top.

We also have a retort vessel downstream of the still so in this respect it’s a similar set up to traditional rum distilleries. The still is under construction at the moment and is being made by John Dore & Co. Their vast experience with rum distilleries has been

invaluable and they’ve been great in assisting with the design process.

Our distillery has its own maturation warehouse so we’ll be setting aside rum into casks as soon as we start production in October. It will be fascinating to periodically assess the maturation effects on taste in our cooler conditions. Bottling will also be done on site at the distillery. Indeed everything will be done on site: molasses storage, fermentation, distillation, maturation and bottling. So we have full control of what happens to our rum and I see our business as a long game getting better and bigger with each year that passes.

It’s maybe too early to say categorically how many products we’re releasing but for sure we’re launching a white rum as soon as we get going.

We’re also working on a spiced rum and another flavoured option which I need to keep secret just for the moment. We may release one of those at the same time as the White and the other in 2015.

Cheers, Jim Jim Ewen Managing Director Dark Matter Distillers, Banchory www.darkmatterdistillers.com

27

Sunday’s at Ardoe Available from March 30th 2014 Join us for a lazy Sunday lunch Award winning food, friendly service and stunning surroundings will make you glad you chose to spend your Sunday with us at Ardoe House.

Sunday Lunch in Blairs Restaurant Experience the grandeur of a three course Sunday lunch at Ardoe House in the newly refurbished Blairs Restaurant served between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

£25 per guest. Under 12’s £14.

High Tea Served in the newly refurbished Blairs Restaurant from 4.00pm-6.00pm. Enjoy tea, coffee, toast and preserves before ordering your main course and then completing your meal with a selection of scones and sweet treats.

£19 per guest. Under 12’s £12.

Afternoon Tea Served all week from noon till 6.00pm. Delight in our selection of afternoon teas and champagne afternoon teas in the sumptuous surroundings of our Drawing Room overlooking the lawns with rounds of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, preserves and home bakes. Children’s afternoon tea menu available.

From £19 per guest. Under 12’s from £12.

Young Diners menu available at any of our Sunday offerings To make a reservation for any of the above please

call 01224 860 600 or email h6626-re@accor.com

Unusual and interesting is our speciality and passion

Deeside Drinks are an independent wine, whisky and craft, artisan beers.

We provide a professional customer service within a welcoming place and hold regular tastings of wine, spirits and beers.

Deeside Drinks Emporium 22 Dee Street, Banchory, Kincardineshire, AB31 5ST t +44(0)1330 822650 e deesidedrinks@live.co.uk

www.facebook.com/DeesideDrinksEmporium twitter.com/deesidedrinks

30

Dee n’ Do : 3

~ Owners: Emma & David Pattullo ~

Platform 22 has firmly established itself as one of Deeside’s leading visitor attractions. For 10 years, it has been a place to enjoy fantastic coffee and treats – standouts include the homemade scones and gooey choccy brownies, as well as their new lunchtime menu with plates and platters of fine Scottish produce and classic cocktails served on Friday and Saturday nights.

Platform 22 has been a destination to indulge in some affordable, locally made art as well as learn about local attractions. Little wonder then that this neighbourhood gem is a favourite haunt of residents, tourists and the local art community.

What made you decide to combine the gallery with the coffee house?

At first it was a simple idea to offer our customers an opportunity to relax and talk ceramics with Emma, as well as give them a little more time to consider a purchase! It also meant that Platform 22 became more of an attraction all year round particularly as back in those early days there were few places to grab a cuppa and cake; a change from today! For us an appreciation of art and design is inextricably linked with food and drink!

Platform 22 began life as a ceramics studio specialising in hand painted table and giftware, commemorative plates and bowls and tiles for interior decoration. An integral part of the business is the gallery and coffee house where they showcase Emma’s range of ceramic artwork, cards and prints, as well as exhibiting local jewellers’ latest work and collections.

The licensed coffee shop serves a full range of coffees, teas and hot chocolate as well as an unusual stock of Scottish craft beers, ales, ciders, wines and liqueurs.

In addition, Platform 22 also serves as a community space where they host the Weekly Wednesday Torphins Market. It is held in their forecourt from 10am to 2pm and involves local stall-holders selling their finest seasonal goods from fish, meat, eggs, breads, preserves and vegetables. Emma and David are very proud to be Scotland’s only outdoor market that runs weekly throughout the year, no matter the weather.

It’s clear that the Pattullo’s have, through Platform 22, made a vital contribution to the local community and become an established part of Deeside’s food and art circuit. So if you haven’t ventured to this Torphins gem, get yourself down there and enjoy a cuppa whilst browsing the gallery.

How did Platform 22 evolve into the business it is today?

Platform 22 has grown organically over the years, we always strive to move the business forward keeping things evolving and fresh and interesting for our customers. We are particularly proud of our market, which, although small, has now been running every Wednesday throughout the year for two years and is the only market of its kind in Scotland. Essentially we have had to be diverse in what we do as running a “bricks-and-mortar” business in a small village is often alarmingly precarious.

Dee n’ Do : 3

Which aspect of the business do you enjoy most – art or cuisine or community?

Without a passion for all three aspects we’d never have got this far. Nevertheless, over the last few years the coffee house and the market have taken up the bulk of our time and effort, to the detriment of our artistic ambitions. This has come as a surprise to both of us as we both went to art school and never trained as chefs or business managers! However, having at last established a viable business we are now looking forward to getting back on course with our art and design and rebalancing the business.

What are your memories from the early days starting out?

When we first opened there were times, particularly through the winter months, when we wouldn’t see a customer for days. Our determination to make it work was often combined with blind faith and a total naivety of the business world. In some ways things were easier back then because we were so small nobody bothered us. All that has changed and now we are very much tied into delivering a consistent service to the high standards that our customers expect; we also now have to comply with a myriad of rules and regulations!

What do you think makes your gallery special?

We have taken the time to find products we like and not just accept what is the easiest, or most profitable product to stock. The ambience here is quite distinctive with seating created from timber recycled

from our old garage roof and a music selection that ranges from Club des Belugas to Robbie Shepherd!

Above all, it is the people that make Platform 22 special; ambitious and determined owners, welcoming and helpful staff, friendly and informative market traders, and especially our new and returning customers, curious for something a little different!

Do you have plans to host other ventures or events in the next year?

Of course we will have our regular markets and the annual festival of arts and crafts that is North East Open Studios (NEOS), this will be our tenth year as participants, but next year will, possibly, see us taking our biggest step forward as we hope to make our plans to extend and improve Platform 22 a reality. It has been a slow process but if we can get the work done it will be a bigger and better Platform 22 that welcomes visitors to NEOS 2015. And if we can get to our studio it will be a bigger and better show too!

Platform 22 is open seven days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 5pm, on Tuesday 10am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 10pm and from noon to 5pm on Sunday.

Platform 22 22 Station Rd, Torphins, Aberdeenshire AB31 4JF T 01339 882807 | E mail@platform22.co.uk www.platform22.co.uk

31

In the

North East for the

North East Did you know that more than 91% of property purchases in this area are from buyers already in this area?

When you’re selling your home, aspc is the number one way to reach the widest relevant audience.

40 Chapel Street, Aberdeen aspc.co.uk

95%

of all properties for sale in the North East

85000

property searches per day on aspc.co.uk

91%

of property purchases are made locally

Dee n’ Do : 3

s ASK THE VET

Woodside Veterinary Group

Can I take my pet on holiday with me?

Under The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) cats, dogs and ferrets can now travel from the UK with their owners to another country and return without the need for quarantine. We frequently get asked about the procedure in our surgery.

Does my pet need a passport?

Your pet needs documentation to travel abroad just like you do. A suitably qualified vet can issue an EU Pet Passport. This can only be issued to an animal which has a microchip for identification purposes.

Is my pet at risk from Rabies?

As part of PETS all pets travelling abroad must be vaccinated against Rabies. This vaccine MUST be given after a microchip is implanted. Booster vaccinations are required at 1-3 yearly intervals depending on which country you are travelling to.

If there is no quarantine can I just bring my pet back into the UK from elsewhere in the EU whenever I want?

As long as a minimum of 21 days have passed since your pet’s initial Rabies vaccination and its boosters have been kept up to date – yes. All dogs MUST be treated against tapeworms between 1-5 days before arrival back into the UK.

Apart from Rabies, are there any other disease risks to travelling abroad with my pet?

External and internal parasites are the main dangers abroad.

Ticks can carry diseases such as Babesiosis, which destroy red blood cells and can be fatal in dogs, or Ehrlichiosis which attacks white blood cells causing chronic illness and can also be fatal.

Mosquitoes can transmit heart worms and Sand flies can spread Leishmaniasis, which can cause nasty skin conditions. Foreign Tapeworms can cause serious conditions in humans so that is why you MUST treat your dog before returning home.

It is advisable to contact your vet who can help you ensure your pet has an effective parasite protection plan before you travel.

Does it matter which country I want to take my pet?

Some countries have additional requirements, especially if outside the EU. Please ensure you check all the up to date rules before you decide to travel abroad with your pet. These can be found at www.gov.uk/pet-travel-information-for-petowners. If you plan to fly, there are approved transport companies using authorised routes.

If you do decide to travel with your pet, contact your vet who will be happy to help – and have a fantastic time!

Woodside Veterinary Group “Your Vets, for Your Animals, 7 days a week!” www.woodsideveterinarygroup.co.uk. Find us and like us on Facebook at Woodside Veterinary Group.

33

34

Dee n’ Do : 3

CAI RN G ORMS N ATURE

The nature of the Cairngorms National Park is outstanding. Vast forests of ancient and native woodlands stretch uninterrupted for miles on end, teeming with wildlife that is rarely seen anywhere else. ~ By Andy Ford, Cairngorms Nature Manager ~

Dee n’ Do : 3

Internationally important woodlands dapple the hills and cloak the low ground: the largest remaining areas of semi-natural woodland in the UK and more than half of the surviving Caledonian pinewoods…nearly 25% of Scotland’s native woodlands in just 6% of Scotland.

From Mar Lodge Estate to Glen Tanar and beyond, our native woodlands are a vital refuge for some of our rarest and most endangered wildlife. When we look a little further to the National Park as a whole, we see a collection of interconnected woodlands that are bigger, better connected and better in quality than anywhere else in Britain.

This is an exceptional foundation for the work of Cairngorms Nature. Yet there still remains a lot to be done. The ancient pinewoods are often fragmented, small remnants sometimes tens of miles apart. Many plantations are of just one species of tree, all of a similar age with few clearings, dead

wood or bogs. There are but a handful of scattered fragments of a natural treeline remaining – a patchwork of shrubs and wee trees that blur the hard line between trees and the open mountain.

And some of our woodland wildlife is under a real threat of extinction in Scotland – like the delicate twinflower and the impressive capercaillie.

We need to repair our damaged woodlands, expand and join fragments together. We need to restore lost habitats and develop robust networks, providing refuges for wildlife and delivering services for people, like recreation and flood alleviation.

If you want to feel what these great forests are like, explore the waymarked paths at the two National Nature Reserves at the eastern boundary of the National Park. Generations of sensitive stewardship at Glen Tanar have left some of the finest and largest areas of native pinewood in Britain – cornerstones for future success.

CNPA Native Woodlands Photograph by David Hetherington

35

36

Dee n’ Do : 3

a OF THE UK’s MOST THREATENED SPECIES

www.facebook.com/cairngormsnature

www.twitter.com/cnpnature

At the Muir of Dinnet you can walk amongst the autumn colours of a birch wood and look at the slow, natural spread of pine and birch onto the higher slopes.

Birch trees on the slopes around Glen Muick are amongst the largest patches growing at high altitude in the UK. Balmoral Estate has put up fences to protect young birch trees from deer and planted more birch in these exclosures, starting a revival of wooded hillsides.

At Mar Lodge the National Trust for Scotland have a long term vision to fill in the gaps between remnant pine areas and create a natural forest from the valley floor to the natural treeline. This is happening by both allowing the forest to regenerate naturally and in some places by planting. Different approaches for different circumstances, and the cause of much debate.

Elsewhere, trees are being planted for the benefit of fish! Climate change predictions suggest that water temperatures on exposed headwaters will increase to potentially lethal levels for salmon and freshwater pearl mussels. Through the work of the Dee Fisheries Trust and the ‘Pearls in Peril’ project, hundreds of native broadleaved trees are being planted in the upper catchments to provide shade. Are we seeing the first few threads that might one day tie the woodlands of Deeside, Donside and Strathspey together?

Alongside all of this is a compliment of estates, too many to mention, all with current plans and future ambitions to expand, connect and enhance our outstanding and extensive forests and woods.

Forests have ebbed and flowed around the Cairngorms for thousands of years. Perhaps after centuries of loss the tide is turning. Let us know what you think.

MA K I NG A B E R DE E N HOU S E P ROUD S I N C E 1 8 75 .

COME TO C A L A .

The Waverley at Hayfield Grange

From its beginnings in 1875, City of Aberdeen Land Association has built an unrivalled reputation for homes of exceptional design and quality in stunning locations. Now recognised as the UK’s best housebuilder, we continue to build on this success with homes you can be truly proud of, wherever you live.

DEVELOPMENTS THROUGHOUT NORTH EAST SCOTLAND. CALL NOW ON 01224 947 329. TEXT CALA400 TO 84840. CALA.CO.UK. 5 STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE 5 YEARS RUNNING

CALA H O ME S

DND_15SEP Photography has been enhanced in post production. 5 stars awarded for customers’ willingness to ‘Recommend to a Friend’ in findings of the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 surveys, undertaken by the Home Builders Federation (HBF).

38

Dee n’ Do : 3

Grab your pens kids, it's time to start doodling!

Why don't you practise drawing your pumpkin faces or create a winter scene? This is your page so get doodling!

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

WORD SEARCH Can you find all the spooky Halloween names in the word search?

D

Can you find 6 differences in the pictures?

L

T

I

H

C

U D

K

C

A

K

C D

R

F

K

A

A

A O

A W Z

Y B

E

C

I

S

U

T

T

N

I

M

P

J

A K U

C

B N

E

D

T

U

T D O

R

D

A

T

Y

C

M

Bat

Monster

C C

Ghost

Skeleton

M O N S

T

E

R U

T

E

H

M

Party

Witch

P

F

B

A

A

X

Y

V

D

Y

Treat

Cat

Boo

Moon

J

F

C O A M S

P O O

K

Y

Haunted

Spooky

T

I

P M O

Scream

Coffin

Z N O B

Trick

Mummy

S

K

E

Candy

Tomb

P

A

R

T

E

R

T

R

I

C

K

M

K

G

H O

S

T

G

O

L

E

T

O N

J

W Z

O

T

Y

Z

B

F

P

N

E

Calling all kids!

Got a favourite picture you want published in our next issue? Have the most fantastic idea for a puzzle we can share? Got the funniest joke to split our sides?

If you think so, please send us your pictures or ideas and you might just see your contribution in the next Dee n’ Doodles! Email: hello@deendo.com

V

ff a s k or w Fire Castle the

YOUR DOODLES >>>>

Dee n’ Do : 3

39

Castle s aff the Firework HEECH C E H, W H, WHE C E E H ry Goin W the libra SHT Bairns in T, WHEE H S E E H W , T HEESH Gettin W n Bru SH Cans o Ir Y, SKOO OSHITA O K S , Y A OOSHIT groond Goin SK the play OSH Fitbaw in ITAY, DO DOOSH , Y A IT H OOS Gettin D way e Norro ws in fa la b w a ES, TAES The sn TAES, TA r u o y s And nip sledges in on wir it k s o g AES We AES, BR AES, BR R B e th Doon kets n in buc mes doo o c in ET ra E The EET, W WEET, W ’s it es d e n A e swe ti is sair fa th e ET te E r R u Yo REET, G REET, G G ’s it d An e w the tim ls and a a p i R w t E o BLETH You’re o ETHER, L B , right R E in H d no go It’s BLET rang an w ’s in th HER n aw our MIT But whe ht nd tell y goin rig Jist go a o n ng and ra w ’s in ER wth wi MITH When a coorie in Jist you Fitt ry Matthew ology of contempora cil,

n anth rgh Cou ppers: an f Edinbu ldfish Su s (City o r e o ili th m From Go au fa the n and ission of r childre d by perm poems fo k eproduce R .u . o 4) t.c 0 fit 20 www.m

JOKES Q. What do you call a haunted A. A Poultry-geist!

chicken?

't work? you call a skeleton who won

Q. What do A. Lazy bones!

cross a snowman Q. What do you get when you with a vampire?

A. Frost bite!

Halloween night?

Q. What do birds give out on A. Tweets!

Knock! Knock!

Who's there?

Philip Philip who? treats!

Philip my halloween bag with

There once was a guiser from Braemar, Who, on Halloween night did go far, She got to Aboyne, Told a joke for a coin, Then went straight home to put it in her jar! ~ Submitted by Patsy Murray, aged 12

Far’s the THISTLE? Somewhere hidden in this magazine is oor Amelie’s thistle. Can you find it?

Spacious family homes at locations to suit you

Alford – Trinity Gardens

Cove – Brodie Mews

Echt – Cowdray Fields

2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments, terraced, semi-detached and detached homes.

Just 47 2 bedroom apartments, 3 bedroom terraced & semi-detached, and 4 bedroom detached homes.

Just 30 3, 4, 5 & 6 bedroom detached homes – only minutes from Westhill.

Call 07702 909055 Marketing Suite open from 11am-5pm Fri–Sun

Call 07702 517752 for information and to arrange an appointment to view

Inverurie – Davah Wood

Monymusk – Clyans Wood

4 & 5 bedroom executive detached homes looking onto Inverurie Golf course.

Only 44 3, 4 & 5 bedroom luxury detached homes located at the edge of this historic village.

Call 01330 860892 or 07525 910134 for further information and to arrange an appointment to view

Call 07702 909055 for information and to arrange an appointment to view

Call 01330 860892 or 07525 910134 for further information and to arrange an appointment to view

Portlethen – May Craig Gardens 3, 4 & 5 bed luxury detached family homes in the thriving town of Portlethen.

Call 07860 455824 Marketing Suite open from 11am-5pm Thurs–Mon

Sauchen – Linton Meadows

Stonehaven – St Leonards

Stonehaven – Ury Estate

Just 23 3, 4, 5 & 6 bed detached homes set in the stunning Aberdeenshire countryside.

Final remaining townhouse at this unique development overlooking Stonehaven Bay.

85 3, 4, 5 & 6 bed luxury detached luxury homes set in the estate grounds.

Call 01330 860892 or 07525 910134 for further information and to arrange an appointment to view

Call 07894 595687 for information and to arrange an appointment to view

Call 01330 833595 for information and to arrange an appointment to view

Find out more at www.kirkwoodhomes.co.uk or info@kirkwood-homes.com

bringing quality to life

RELEASED SEPTEMBER 2014.

You’ll know when you’ve found the right home (and we think we’ve got just the one).

WESTFIELD AT BROADSHADE, WESTHILL A selection of 2 and 3 bedroom homes from £245,995 Westfield sits on the outskirts of Westhill in a picturesque area offering exceptional views of the surrounding countryside that provide an ever changing outlook depending upon season.

The family homes at Westfield are spacious, light and airy. They’ve been designed to provide accommodation that suits the needs of modern family life; with well-planned living areas for entertaining and family time, combined with high specification kitchens with integrated appliances.

We are proud to be awarded

5 Star Home Builder

in the HBF annual consumer survey 2014

0845 076 6206 OPEN THURS TO MON 11.00AM TO 5.30PM

stewartmilnehomes.com

*Offers detailed in this leaflet are not combinable and are available on selected homes only. Offers are subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details, subject to contract and status. Images shown reflect the varying styles and sizes of typical Stewart Milne homes and are intended to illustrate typical styles and finishes only. Elevation treatments and specification may vary from those shown. Please refer to architectural drawings for details. Please ask for details. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY DEBT SECURED ON IT. Terms and conditions apply

42

Dee n’ Do : 3

Dee n’ Do : 3

You don’t have to travel very far in Deeside to find some extremely talented artists and designer/ makers. This area offers a kaleidoscope of artists and creative works and, understandably, many are influenced by the area, nature and surroundings.

In celebration of this wealth of creativity and to encourage artists to flourish and get inspired, there are a few exhibitions that are now dedicated to building a strong future for these talented people.

One of these events is the North East Open Studios (NEOS), which is an award winning collective of artists, makers and designers based in the north east of Scotland. It is run on voluntary grounds as a community organisation. Formed in 2003, they provide an informal contact network for artists and makers alike.

The open studios event serves to engage wider audiences in all aspects of art; to grow small-scale art and craft business in the north east of Scotland, and to provide a cohesive network of professional artists and makers. Every year they produce a catalogue with all of the members' information and locations; these are available from libraries, tourist information centres, galleries and selected shops throughout the north east of Scotland. NEOS 2014/2015 runs from September 6th-14th.

The Braemar Creative Arts Festival is another annual award winning event. Spotting a need for

creative outlets, a group of villagers decided to hold an arts festival to, in their words: “promote the arts, encourage new participants and stimulate the community and economy”. In October 2012, the first Braemar Creative Arts Festival took place.

A team of eight volunteers (mostly amateur artists and musicians) sent out a survey to local residents, asking what kind of classes they would be interested in. A hugely positive response showed they had tapped into local demand.

Their festival offers classes and workshops in music, dance, drama, creative writing, visual arts, crafts, and photography. The Festival runs from October 22nd26th. For more information, see separate article on page 74 and 75.

These events are successful in bringing people together, showcasing new and traditional crafts, and celebrating our rural communities.

43

44

Dee n’ Do : 3

Here we showcase some creative individuals and groups who are passionate about what they do and are embracing their talent.

naomi@naomimcintosh.com www.naomimcintosh.com 07872 004053 Naomi is a designer/maker with an architectural background, having studied Architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture University College London, before gaining a Masters Degree in Jewellery Design from Central Saint Martins in London. Now based in Crathie, she investigates space that surrounds that body with jewellery.

Her work is exhibited internationally and has been showcased in major galleries, including the Saatchi Gallery in London with ‘Collect’ and at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York as well as having shown in London Fashion and Design weeks and SOFA Chicago.

In 2014 Naomi made a bespoke collection of Jewellery for the Royal Academy of Arts, responding to their major exhibition, ‘Sensing Spaces: Architecture reimagined’. In May 2014, Naomi’s work was also exhibited at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh for Tales of the North; where six contemporary jewellers from Scotland, Norway, Finland, Hungary and Holland used unconventional materials such as paper, acrylic and pebbles, in an innovative way to create beautiful wearable jewellery.

“I use objects to reveal the landscape of the body.

The structural and precise pieces investigate how volumes, patterns, planes and forms that surround the surface of the skin are seen. They look organic because of the choice of materials used and the combinations of influences, which is an interesting contrast because of the technology and processes.”

www.facebook.com illustrationdoodlemonkey 07507 135688 Doodle Monkey Illustration (originally Monkey Doodle Illustration and Photography) was founded in 2012 by Laura after she spent six months working with monkeys. She specialises in quirky illustrations, bespoke logo designs, website artwork and book illustration (you can see her work at Junction Arts, Aberdeen; through her Etsy page, and also at exhibitions).

Laura explains “Illustration has always been my passion, ever since I was a child. I was always doodling in my sketchbook, finding inspiration from comics...I even doodled (more like graffitied) my entire bedroom wall once...much to my Dad's horror!”

Laura graduated in photography and still continues to freelance as a photographer (and sometimes as a Gallery Invigilator), and more recently has worked with the Creative Learning Team at ACC at the Arts Across Learning Festival.

www.hilaryduncan.co.uk hilaryduncan@btinternet.com Hilary works from her studio in Blackhall Forest at the foot of Scolty Hill, just outside of Banchory.

Her hand-built ceramics are inspired by local landscapes and stories, with simple and subtle use of colour and form. She loves to draw, and much of her work is illustrated by scratching into the surface of the clay or printing onto it before firing.

Dee n’ Do : 3

This year, Hilary is working on a project entitled ‘Seasonal Dishes’, in collaboration with Val Buchanan of Buchanans Bistro at Woodend Barn, Banchory.

In a series of Drawing and Ceramics workshops, people of all ages have been making a bowl inspired by locally grown, seasonal food. Each quarter, everyone who has made a bowl joins together to share a meal prepared by Val, eating from the bowl they have made. An exhibition in the Woodend Barn Gallery in December will show all the bowls alongside Hilary’s own work in response to the project, and the final meal for all who have taken

marinaoutdoors@yahoo.co.uk 07713 753 546 www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MarinaOutdoors www.facebook.com/MarinaOutdoors

part will be on 17th December. Hilary will be opening her studio for NEOS from 6-14 September, with Mel Shand and Helen Jackson. Details of workshops throughout the week are on Hilary’s website.

tillenteach@btinternet.com Helen is a member of the Scottish Basketmakers’ Circle and teaches basket making at her home on Deeside where she grows her own willow, mostly for their different colours.

She is passionate about traditional basket making with her inspiration coming from an appreciation of times when there were no plastic bags. When buying, selling, carrying, and measuring were reliant on a basket - be it homemade or bought from a professional basket maker - life depended on them.

It is only since the 1950’s that the use of baskets in everyday life has been replaced by other materials.

Currently living on the periphery of the Cairngorms National Park, Marina has always been fascinated by the outdoors, wilderness and nature. She studied Geography and Archaeology and soon began collecting experiences and images that would later influence her artwork.

After a decade of working in conservation, Marina settled in Deeside and started a family. During this time she took the plunge and enrolled in a weekend screenprinting course at Peacock Visual Arts in Aberdeen and has since developed a distinctive range of cards, prints and notebooks. The John Muir designs are proving very popular, depicting quotes of the great conservation pioneer.

Marina’s love of screenprinting was largely inspired by early Inuit prints. She loved the simplicity of the image, the use of bold colours and their strong connection to the land. She finds Deeside an inspiring location, with its abundance of natural beauty.

Helen teaches beginner basket making and other workshops such as plant supports, bird feeders, sculptures and other items and is happy to do talks and demonstrations. She is delighted to have been awarded the Aberdeenshire Council’s Visual Arts and Crafts Award this year which will enable her to further her skills. She is eager to help keep the tradition of basket making alive, passing on her skills whilst exploring new ideas in shape and form, replicating traditional baskets but developing her own designs.

Helen’s work can be seen on her FB page ‘Helen Jackson Made in Potarch’ and takes part in NEOS.

45

46

Dee n’ Do : 3

technique which involves hand carving a wooden block and then relief printing to produce the final set of prints.

www.woodendbarn.com/wood-engravers 01330 825431

Woodend Wood Engravers is a group of artists practicing the ancient technique of wood engraving. Inspired and mentored by Hilary Paynter, the group was formed in 2011. Over the years, with great encouragement and mentoring from Hilary herself, the group has become well established and enjoyed exploring this ancient

Tilbouries Lodge, South Deeside Road, Durris, Banchory AB31 6BA klgdeehide@gmail.com 01330 811208 www.klgdeehide.com KLGDEEHIDE is a small leather working business that was launched by Kathy Greaves in 2012. Her workshop is based in a converted outbuilding of her home at Tilbouries Lodge at Durris.

Having had a long career in health and education, Kathy planned a late career change around the decision to make leather handbags. After having taken several courses in leather working and traditional saddlery, she practiced cutting and sewing leather hide until satisfactory shapes and realistic bags emerged.

Using high-quality European sourced vegetabletanned leather, all her bags are made entirely by hand, using traditional methods of craftsmanship.

Each bag is individually made to her own designs, with particular attention given to a high quality finish as attention to detail is very important.

For two years running members of the group have had work accepted by The Society of Wood Engravers Annual Exhibition, which tours nationally including The Ashmoleon Museum in Oxford.

Members are Mairead Amos, Fiona Hope, Emma Palmer, Linzi Russell and Marga Schnell. The group meets regularly throughout the year and welcomes new members.

The Woodend Wood Engravers are delighted to be holding their fourth NEOS show in the Woodend Barn Gallery, Banchory. This year’s exhibition will show the progression of the group from very first prints to their latest works with demonstrations given throughout the exhibition as well as free family fun printmaking workshops on Saturday 6th (10am-4pm) and Saturday 13th (10am-3pm).

At Branching Out, the artists will showcase a collection of other works in different media including jewellery, oil paintings and crafts. 6th September to 1st October. Open Tuesday- Friday, every day, 12noon-4pm.

The bags are country classic in style with traditional leather craft detailing but injected with a contemporary twist, in the use of bold colour combinations, stitching and trim. In addition to a wide range of styles, Kathy also does commissioned pieces. Conservation and reconstruction of old pieces also forms a small part of her work.

Working from home allows Kathy to enjoy the local wildlife and wonderful countryside that is Deeside and adds to the richness that this new lifestyle offers.

Dee n’ Do : 3

project will take his work to a new level, something that Graeme is naturally very excited about.

graeme@gmotiondesign.com 07796 307407 www.graemephotography.com Graeme is a successful local videographer and photographer who will take his career to new heights this year as he embarks on a transatlantic journey as Director of Photography with Oscar shortlisted film company Bradgate Films. Entitled “The Crossing,” the creation of this new film will see Graeme reunited with old friend and actor Mark Wood. Wood has had a successful acting career and will play a supporting role to celebrated actor James Robinson. “The Crossing” will be directed by Alan Coulson, co-producer of Oscar shortlisted film “Gone Fishing.” This ambitious venture will initially see filming take place amidst the beautiful panoramas of the west coast of Scotland, before an epic tour begins stateside, taking the team from New York City to Los Angeles.

Graeme’s photography skills span the spectrum of the art; from commercial to fine art. His commercial photography clients include a variety of high profile companies such as TAQA, Trump, MacAllan Whisky, MacDuff seafood, CHAP, Mearns and Gill, The Art Department and Burdie Creative. Examples of Graeme’s Fine Art photography will be showcased closer to home this summer during his solo show ‘Change of Heart’ at Café 52, the Green, Aberdeen throughout September. ‘Change of Heart’ is a personal project symbolizing relationships in an abstract and photo-manipulated style.

Since his graduation from Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen in 2012, Graeme moved to Wroclaw, Poland to work on his retouching and fashion photography. He then returned to the north east to start his freelance creative work and has worked on a number of high profile projects, including a recent commission to create the music video for “Honey” the latest release from The Jellyman’s Daughter. This

The best

IN

Royal Deeside and The Cairngorms

Cairn O’ Mount This 1,500 feet hill lies some eight miles or so south of Banchory and is topped by a prehistoric round cairn.

It lies on the B974 road from Banchory to Fettercairn, which is famed for often being one of the first roads in Scotland to be closed by snow when winter weather strikes. There is a car park and viewpoint at the Cairn O’ Mount and views that, on a clear day, seem to stretch for ever. You can see all the way across the hills and farmlands of the Mearns to the North Sea. www.visitroyaldeeside.com

47

48

Dee n’ Do : 3

In Legion Scotland we stand for, and provide support to veterans.

When servicemen and women return to civilian life after serving with the Armed Forces, some are in need of community and friendship, either as a result of their experiences in the services, or purely because they are no longer part of the military ‘family’ on which they had come to rely. ~ By Bill Houston, Chairman, Royal British Legion Scotland, Ballater ~

At Legion Scotland, veterans of all ages and backgrounds find a sense of fellowship and comradeship. Members are welcomed into the large family network spread across Scotland where doors open to a range of opportunities.

We run local and national sports activities, help to organise and support remembrance events, and provide a range of services from specialist advice on disablement pensions, help to visit injured exservicemen and women family members in military hospitals south of the Border, welfare support, and aid for relatives to visit war graves on foreign soil.

Members work together to raise funds to support the work of the Legion Scotland and for other veterans’ causes including the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal in November. Through a range of volunteering opportunities, members can also gain a number of skills which not only give back to the veterans’ community but can also benefit themselves in other areas of life, as well as providing opportunities for fun and fellowship.

The Legion provides ways to help veterans to get on with their lives, and assists those who may require assistance. From local and national sports activities to raising money for veterans’ causes we are helping to put something back into communities.

So what has Ballater & District Branch been up to this year so far? The Deeside Inn in Ballater very kindly offered to organise a Quiz Night for the Legion in February and this was a very enjoyable evening with tasty snacks provided by the hotel.

The proceeds were donated to a military charity for disabled servicemen. Legion Scotland launched a National War Memorial Competition and invited

Primary School students from across Scotland to prepare a presentation about the War Memorial in their community. Thanks to some hard work and encouragement from the headmistress and teacher Jackie Beaton, Ballater Primary produced a video showing the history of the monument and some interesting stories from the descendants of those whose names appear on the memorial itself. Out of 74 school entrants across Scotland, Ballater finished in the top four – a remarkable achievement!

The Legion’s Annual Conference took place in Perth in May and Branch Secretary and Army Reserve Major David Allardice R.E. received two trophies awarded to Legion Scotland’s Ballater & District Branch. This was a unique occasion as it was one of the first occasions when the Royal British Legion Scotland’s new trading title of “Legion Scotland” had been used after the launch in May 2014 and the first time Ballater had won the awards! The ‘Riddell Webster Trophy’ is awarded annually to the Branch of Legion Scotland which during the year has shown the best record for increased membership.The ‘Kirkennan Cup’ for the Branch with under 100 members which has been judged to have been the most efficient and progressive in all aspects of Legion activities.

During the annual August Victoria Week the Branch and its volunteers erected a small marquee on the village green displaying the various services and benefits available to members and we are pleased to say this was received by passers-by very favourably.

Ballater & District Branch of Legion Scotland has a vigorous and enthusiastic membership made so by the willing and voluntary support of its membership.

For more information, contact David Allardice, Honorary Secretary, Ballater Branch 01339 755267.

Dee n’ Do : 3

The Fallen

If the stems of the grass in the fields carried words, and the wind turned those whispers into stories that matter.

What would they say of the conflict of war?

Would they speak the last thoughts of the ones who have fallen?

Share the book of their scars?

If the valleys could talk would they speak of their laughter?

Would they speak of their songs, their friendships and bonds?

Or would they talk of thereafter, when their friendships had burned when hell’s fire spattered.

If you listen quite close to the rumbling skies, You hear the tumbling cries of the heroes of war.

Falling as raindrops to the grass in the valleys, to help stories of hope carry through to the families of the ones who are now in those friendships and bonds.

So listen and feel the strength of the brave.

Hear the whispers of power from land, sea and air it’s the past who is calling.

And march with deserving gold on your chest to remember the poppies that grow for the fallen. ~ By Angela Kelman ~

Drum

By Kirsteen M. Tait

Of all who walked these battlements In autumns of the past,

Of generations swept away

Like leaves upon the blast, Surely were some who stopped to gaze, And caught their breath as I, Seeing this bravery of trees Beneath a troubled sky.

49

Deedo Advert_Layout 1 03/01/2014 10:33 Page 1

u Customised Outdoor Clothing made in Deeside u Supplying Specialised Outdoor Clothing for over 35 years u Outdoor equipment stockist u Visit our shop and workshop

creativity is the driving force behind this design and publishing group. we’re all about the design, look and feel. but we’re also sticklers for detail .

T H I N K . C R E AT E . D E L I V E R .

If you need some help producing creative works and ideas, we have an open mind and can plan new, innovative, and interesting ways of translating ideas into reality. We specialise in graphic, web and promotional material design. .......High Performance 100% Cotton Fabric

GET IN TOUCH!

Ballater Rd, Aboyne T: 013398 86062

www.hilltrek.co.uk

+44 (0)1339 886137 www.theboatinnaboyne.co.uk Charleston Road, Aboyne Royal Deeside, AB34 5EL

t +44 (0)7790 129212

e hello@burdiecreative.com

W W W. B U R D I E C R E AT I V E .COM

Great pub grub - locally sourced and freshly prepared breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner!

Beautiful New Pine Loft - offering an ideal space for parties, conferences and local gatherings.

Accommodation - overlooking the stunning River Dee.

The Deeside Inn Ballater Royal Deeside

An authentic Highland inn with roaring log fires and heartfelt hospitality High quality accommodation

Open all year

Wednesday Steak Nights

Traditional Sunday Lunches Open Scottish music sessions

every other Wednesday with Alistair Johnson and friends

Fantastic live music in the bar Log fires burning all day

Open for lunch and dinner over the festive period

Victoria Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire AB35 5RA T: +44 (0)1339 755413 E: deeside@crerarhotels.com

www.crerarhotels.com

52

Mindful Living Dee n’ Do : 3

OBSERVE

REFLECT

THE PRESENT MOMENT

BEFORE RESPONDING

SEE

THE GOOD

IN PEOPLE

WALK THE PATH AND EXPERIENCE LIFE AUTHENTICITY

OPENNESS

Living from the heart and soul, not from unhealthy coping skills and ego.

Embracing all moments in life for learning, seek personal truth and acceptance.

INTENTIONALITY

GRACE

A responsive and proactive head-space, not reacting or on autopilot.

Accepting the imperfect, unnecessary kindness, love in action, forgiveness.

CONTINUE TO

PERSONAL GAINS

Combats anxiety Reduces stress Aids in weight loss Improves sleep Fights chronic pain Lowers blood pressure

FORGIVE GO

#BeMindful

Dee n’ Do : 3

We are lucky that in this part of the world we are surrounded by rugged hills, sweeping landscapes, and the kind of beauty that has lasted thousands of years.

Only a short drive away from our doorsteps we can escape into nature and enjoy everything it has to offer. ~ By Nikita Stewart, The Om Existence ~

Sometimes, however, we take it all for granted, or even worse, we don’t notice it at all. Now this isn’t a reprimand, we are all guilty of it in one way or another! However, it is important to remember to take notice of everything we have and appreciate it non-judgementally and fully; being mindful of our surroundings.

Practicing mindfulness will mean we feel more connected to our surroundings, home and everyone that shares it. To do this, we need to do nothing more than take a moment to breathe and just observe what is around us: hear the birds (I know it’s a cliché but go with me on this one!); see the light shining through the leaves, making them glow; feel the breeze play with the light hairs on your arm.

When any thoughts come up, just let them rise then fall away; don’t attach any story to them or let them cloud your moment. Just let them go.

You will see that as soon as you do, you are able to take on this whole new appreciation for what is around you. And you know what? You can take this mindful way of being pretty much everywhere you go, even take it to work! It’ll make all that filing you

have to do seem a lot less boring (not exhilarating perhaps, but I can’t work miracles!).

When you practice this mindfulness you will soon see yourself cutting people a bit of slack, and why not? You are no longer thinking what a nag your friend is, or that the guy at your reception at work speaks in an altogether too raspy voice: these things no longer to seem to grate on you, and even more than that you feel a sort of empathy with them, a compassion that wasn’t there before. Not just for people, but for everything! This very same thing happened to me. It can be kind of annoying sometimes, not in a bad way, but being more conscious of your impact on other things means you change the way you operate a bit whether that is committing to your recycling (never missing the odd can!); signing up for that £1 a month charity donation you saw on television; or even just buying a couple of more houseplants that you bought just because “it’s nice to have living things in the house.”

One small change, to choose to truly observe, can alter the way you see everything. And isn’t that beautiful?

www.theomexistence.com

53

54

Dee n’ Do : 3

MakinG HeaLth EVeryoNe’S BuSiNesS Scotland has been known as being ‘the poor man of Europe’ for some years regarding the health of the nation. ~ By Dawn Tuckwood, NHS Grampian ~

The Scottish Government has for some time been focusing on introducing initiatives designed to improve the health and wellbeing of the population.

One of these has been the ‘Healthy Eating, Acting Living’ (HEAL) agenda, encouraging people to get more active and to establish a healthier eating regime.

In Aberdeenshire and in particular Marr/Deeside there have been a range of activities going on to encourage and support people to make changes

in the health behaviour both for themselves, their children and families.

In Deeside, we have had a ‘Walks to Health’ programme taking place for some years where people are encouraged to join a local group. The walks are for people who are currently not too active; they are short, safe, local, low-level, social and led by local people. Details of the full programme can be found at www.cairngormsoutdooraccess.org.uk under the ‘Walking to Health’ heading.

Dee n’ Do : 3

If you are interested you can also be trained to become a local Walks to Health leader.

Alan Melrose is the local contact for Walks to Health and he can be contacted on alan@ walkdeeside.com More information about walking and cycling can also be found on the Aberdeenshire Council website under the heading ‘Paths and Outdoor Access’. Within this section is also information about the Deeside Way (which is now nearly complete) with maps available for the different sections under the heading ‘Long Distance Routes’.

Food skills development is another aspect of the Healthy Eating, Active Living agenda. NHS Grampian offers free local food skills training which includes food hygiene, nutrition and experience towards delivering the ‘Confidence to Cook’ programme. The Confidence to Cook programme provides skills to support volunteers, organisations, groups working with people to promote healthier eating messages.

The course offers key nutrition messages, practical food preparation and provides supporting resources, which includes recipe ideas. We are presently organising for some of our Confidence to Cook volunteers to start running a series of sessions during autumn in Banchory targeted at young teenagers and older people.

The course offers advice regarding portion sizes, cooking to a budget, gives healthier recipe ideas and guidance around understanding food labelling. It also introduces the Scottish Food Standards ‘Eatwell Plate’ model. The model makes healthy eating easier to understand and gives people a visual image of the types/proportions of foods needed for a healthy and well balanced diet. More information can be found at www.food.gov.uk – search using ‘Eatwell Plate’.

If you are interested in more information about anything mentioned in this piece contact Dawn Tuckwood, Public Health Coordinator for the Marr area at dawn.tuckwood@nhs.net

~ By Morag Hives, GO Health Services ~

Performance and effectiveness at work is largely dependent on staff health and wellbeing. Occupational health professionals aim to find out what the impact of your work is on your health, and make sure you are fit for the work you do.

Working Health Services Grampian (part of NHS Grampian Occupational Health Service) provides free occupational health support to people working in small to medium sized enterprises in the Grampian area. They offer services to both employees and employers. Healthier workforces are more productive, and being recognised as an employer that takes the health and wellbeing of employees seriously reflects positively on the reputation and culture of any organisation. Employees can self refer into this service and receive professional treatment such as physiotherapy and counselling, on a strictly confidential basis.

Employers can request a free and confidential workplace visit from an adviser to look at common health and safety issues, as well as any arising from the specific nature of your work.

The Adviser will then identify areas of good practice, as well as those where improvements can be made. Clients receive a bespoke report following the initial visit and further support is provided via follow up visits, telephone and email.

If you or a member of your staff are interested in receiving free services such as a workplace visit, occupational health, physiotherapy or counselling support, please call our free phone number 0800 019 2211 or 01224 553663 to find out more. grampianohs@nhs.net morag.hives@nhs.net www.gohealthservices.com

55

LUXURY AND COMFORT FOR YOU TODAY AND A LEGACY FOR YOUR CHILDREN TOMORROW.

LIFE WORTH LIVING

DEEVIEW, IN THE EXCLUSIVE SUBURB OF CULTS ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF ABERDEEN, OFFERS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE A LUXURIOUS NEW BUILD FIVE BED BEDROOM HOME WITH MAGNIFICENT VIEWS OVER THE RIVER DEE AND NEIGHBOURING ROYAL DEESIDE GOLF COURSE. NOTES OF INTEREST ARE BEING ACCEPTED ON THE FOUR REMAINING PROPERTIES SO DON’T MISS OUT ON THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS. CALL 01224 861780 OR EMAIL ENQUIRIES@FORBESHOMES.CO.UK WWW.FORBESHOMES.CO.UK VIEWING HOME OPENING HOURS SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11AM - 4PM Registered Builder

We are quality catering butchers, supplying a large number of leading hotels and restaurants, schools, hospitals and other organisations with top quality beef, pork, lamb, poultry and speciality cooked meats; as well as some of the highest quality venison and game available in the UK.

Based in Aberdeen, we make regular deliveries all over Scotland throughout the week.

G McWilliam Aberdeen Limited 37 St.Clement Street, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB11 5FU T: 01224 211174 F: 01224 211128 E: info@gmcwilliam.co.uk

www.gmcwilliam.co.uk

58

Dee n’ Do : 3

with Ballater It was the infatuation of a teenager which grew through the decades into a full-blown love affair with Deeside, centred on Ballater. ~ By Joan Hill ~

Our caravan in the 1950’s was idyllically placed behind Mrs Reid’s cottage in Tullich where the silver birch trees and heather clumps marked out our erstwhile pitch n’ putt/non-stop cricket ground.

As I write, memories come thick and fast…the early morning shrieks of my brother and boyfriend (now husband) as they washed and shaved in the icy burn…the smell of bacon and fresh, warm butteries from Leith the Baker would go “roon’ our hearts like a hairy worm”…the rain stotting off the roof while we squabbled over Monopoly…golf at Ballater as the sun rose over the hills and fine curls of smoke oozed from the chimneys – pure joy – not so sure about my game though!

Then life changed. There was a wedding. Two little girls were born and we four moved south over the Border to Essex where we settled happily. Now exiled in the land of ‘big skies and warmer summers’ the need to visit grandparents and relatives grew strong, but the word ‘visit’ became synonymous with repetitive questions with regard to our daughters’ height, age and schooling. Enough was enough

they said. An urgent solution had to be found – a common meeting place. Where else, but Ballater!

And so Craigendarroch timeshares came into our lives – one of the best decisions we have ever made. From the initial three bedroom lodge, we moved to a very spacious house in the grounds.

New memories began to be created…warm hugs on arrival…excited burning cheeks…races up Craigendarroch Hill…homespun family entertainment on the rare wet afternoon (not as ‘rare’ as we might have wished sometimes perhaps, but the memory can play tricks!) …feeling “stappit fu’ “ after regular visits to Sheridan the local butcher… feeding the ‘five thousand’ on the sun terrace…flying paper aeroplanes from the small minstrel gallery… picnics and deer-spotting by Loch Muick…and the predictable tears on departure.

It was the means by which our expanding families grew closer, developing stronger relationships, despite being separated by many miles.

Life is about making memories it has been said and if that is true then we have certainly lived the good life.

Dee n’ Do : 3

Thank you Ballater.

All our love xxx

59

60

Dee n’ Do : 3

SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2014

Visit Tarland on a Tuesday evening, and you’ll be drawn to the gathering and sound of the regular traditional music session at the Aberdeen Arms, featuring renowned local musicians and a cosy atmosphere. Visit on a Saturday morning and you might pass a Community Garden work party, beavering away in the polytunnel at the top of Melgum Road. ~ By Annie McKee, Tarland Development Group ~

Dee n’ Do : 3

Photo by Louis DeCarlo

Photo by Gavin Dougan

We’re well placed in Tarland for local produce and a thriving music scene, which will both be showcased at the end of the September in the inaugural Tarland Food and Music Day. This festival day will be held on Saturday 27th September, at venues throughout the village, including the wonderful year-old community garden.

The Food and Music Day will kick off with the established food and local produce market in the MacRobert Hall (10am – 12 midday, free entry), featuring Crannach Bakery, Mortlach Game, Tarland Community Garden produce and much more. Morning teas and cakes will be ably provided

by Cromar Senior Citizens Association. A lunchtime barbeque will be available at the Community Garden, in addition to an exciting garden produce cookery demonstration provided by Head Chef and co-founder of the Gardener’s Cottage restaurant (www.thegardenerscottage.co), Dale Mailley (13.30pm; free entry).

Photo by Kate Redpath

and Capercaillie, amongst others) with fellow folkaficionado, Inge Thomson (currently also playing with the Karine Polwart Trio). Support will be provided by dynamic and youthful folk-duo Charlie Grey and Pablo Lafuente. Deeside Brewery will be on hand to provide tasty local craft beer and a local produce supper will be prepared by Tillypronie-based chef, Carol Eagles (7.30–11pm; ticket details below).

The afternoon will also feature music workshops by Fraser Fifield and Inge Thomson (MacRobert Hall, 4.30-6pm; ticket details below) and Aberdeen’s own African drumming group ‘Druminaboot’. A session in the Aberdeen Arms is a likely prospect, so bring your instrument!

Photo by Kate Redpath

Community members and visitors will be interested to hear experiences shared by fellow growers, the infamous Incredible Edible Todmorden (www. incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk) and Kelvin Valley Honey (www.kelvinvalleyhoney.org.uk) (talks in Upper MacRobert Hall, 3-6pm, free entry). Keen foragers may wish to accompany Liz Holden from Mar Lodge on a ‘Fungal Foray’ (Drummy Woods, 1.30-3pm, free entry). A children’s food-themed treasure hunt and other activities will be provided

by Tarland Playgroup (times to be confirmed).

A day of fantastic music is planned for the MacRobert Hall, including concerts by local singer Jenny Sturgeon, accompanied by ‘Old Blind Dogs’ stars Jonny Hardie and Aaron Jones (2-3pm; ticket details below), Tarland’s own ‘Take Back Tomorrow’ (3.30-4.30pm, free entry), and an evening finale featuring Glen Tanar-born multi-instrumentalist Fraser Fifield (who has previously played with Salsa Celtica, Old Blind Dogs, Afro Celt Sound System

Further programme announcements and ticket prices can be found at www.tarland. org.uk and tickets can be booked by emailing tarlandfoodandmusicday@gmail.com or bought in person in village shops. Advance booking is strongly advised! The Tarland Development Group look forward to welcoming you to the feasting and music-making on 27th September!

61

62

Dee n’ Do : 3

Photograph courtesy of Pete Cairns, Northshots

Dee n’ Do : 3

As summer makes way for autumn, now is a fantastic time to look for one of Scotland’s most iconic animals: the red squirrel. ~ By Stephen Willis, Project Officer, Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels ~

The Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project wants to hear about where you see them.

Established in 2009, SSRS has made great progress in securing a long-term future for the red squirrel in the northeast and beyond. Sadly the red squirrel is not alone; the grey squirrel has spread from an isolated population centred on Aberdeen City. The trapping and removal of these non-native invaders has been key to the success of the project.

‘It was a daunting task to start with. Grey squirrels were found across a huge area and, in places, lived at very high densities. We broke it down woodland by woodland and worked our way across the landscape.’ explained SSRS Project Officer, Steve Willis.

The community have been right behind the project too. Regularly reporting their sightings of squirrels has helped map their distribution. Many take it a step further by hosting a trap in their garden on the project’s behalf. To date, nearly 300 households have volunteered their time (and garden!) to assist in this essential work. ‘Today, red squirrels are thriving in the northeast. From gardens in the suburbs of Aberdeen to the vast pinewoods of Deeside, you stand a good chance of seeing red squirrels’. Steve added.

Look out for squirrels with very blond tails.

In spring they moult their thick winter coat (and usually lose those lovely ear tufts) and often sport a blond tail. These individuals are the truly

Scottish subspecies, and survived in places like Upper Deeside through a population crash in the late 18th century.

There are many areas where you can go looking.

Head into the woods early in the morning or late afternoon and just stand still for a moment (this is a great thing to do even if you’re not looking for squirrels). Listen for squirrels’ dropping cones from high in the canopy or the scratch of their sharp claws on the papery bark of a Scots pine.

Keep your eyes peeled for them leaping from branch to branch or dashing along the woodland floor. They are a joy to watch, and SSRS firmly believe that Deeside will remain a stronghold for red squirrels for many years to come.

Where to see red squirrels in Deeside: Scolty Woods, Banchory Glen Tanar Estate Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

Loch Muick Visitor Centre Ballochbuie Pinewoods, Balmoral Linn of Dee, Mar Lodge Estate

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels work in the northeast is funded by: Aberdeen Greenspace, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, Biffa, and the Red Squirrel Survival Trust. The project is led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. More details can be found at www.scottishsquirrels.org.uk.

63

64

Dee n’ Do : 3

FOrGet me nut!

Deeside offers some of the finest places to see our only native squirrel, and they are even found in the majority of towns and villages from Aberdeen to Braemar.

Dee n’ Do : 3

Photograph courtesy of Pete Cairns, Northshots

65

66

Dee n’ Do : 3

artist's n a

im

s e s r io p

n

There’s a kind of spiritual awakening, a sense of being, a wild instinct lying dormant deep inside of us that is stirred during that first gulp of fresh air upon leaving the city and heading west. ~ By Eryn Inglis ~

Travelling a few miles across country towards a haven; a wild playground for young and old; a sanctuary; a treasure trove found upstream of the shimmering trail of the River Dee. A place I do not hail from yet feel completely at home in, that is the beauty of Royal Deeside.

Studying sculpture at Grays School of Art, I’ve been a stone’s throw (or an hour’s drive on the A93) away from the heart of Royal Deeside for four years.

During these years the lure of the west often won the easy battle between afternoon seminars or awaiting adventures. Whether these adventures consisted of exploring the hidden world of Burn O’ Vat, wondering round the tranquil shores of Loch Muick, or bracing against the invigorating rapids at Linn O’ Dee, Royal Deeside provided the inspiration to lead me through the final year of my degree and beyond. It is an area held close to my heart and sketchbook alike.

With concerns of our ever changing climate at its core, my artwork questions the relationship between nature and modern man with an aim to inspire a new wave of explorers turning to the great outdoors seeking peace, balance and adventure to offset the daily grind of city living. Using my local environment and experiences had in the vast area of Royal Deeside as inspiration, I created an exciting body of work to display at this year’s degree show. Aiming to breathe new life into the outdoors, capturing spirited souls who are willing to see the

world differently, appreciate and reconnect with the wilderness that so closely surrounds us.

I owe a great deal of this appreciation of nature to my parents who taught me to respect and value my surroundings. Although this love of nature is now something I take pride in as a young woman, this was not always the case as a child growing up in rural North East Scotland. Being dragged around the mountains, across beaches and through forests was not always seen as such a privilege, especially when your friends are going to the cinema or playing the latest computer games! This is something my parents overcame by coaxing my sister and I out of our rooms with a game my dad conjured up that, little did I know, would come to play a crucial part in the process of my art.

I vividly remember my dad producing two fistfuls of colour charts which he’d taken from our local DIY shop with absolutely no intentions of redecorating.

That recognisable grin on his face, knowing his plan was foolproof with the temptation of competition between my sister and I being too great for either of us to resist, we threw our boots on and headed for the nearest forest. He gave each of us a matching set of colour charts and set us the challenge of finding something in the forest that matched as close to the sample on the chart as possible. I remember this game taking us through miles of forests, entertaining us to the top of mountains and captivating us until we ended up back at the

Dee n’ Do : 3

car, almost disappointed that it had to end so soon, looking forward to our next adventure with a new set of colour charts.

I definitely didn't think that, a child running through forests with something so simple as colour samples, would have such a resonating impact in my subconscious that would come back to light 20 years later and so heavily influence my art.

It was during a walk across the Cambus O’ May suspension bridge as part of a route found in Issue 1 of Dee n’ Do that memories of the colour chart matching began to stir. As my boyfriend, Chris, and I walked across the bridge on an overcast day the one thing that stood out against the muddy colours background colours was his bright yellow hat. Such a hugely precious memory triggered by some yellow wool and the damp smell of the forest became so incredibly important.

This full circle happening that linked my childhood to my adulthood and my passion for nature to my mind for creativity has reaffirmed my sentiment that no matter your age, ability or background, I urge you to go outside, get a lungful of that fresh air and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. Like the River Dee, my creative journey continues to flow and be changed and lead by my environment... so go and throw your boots on and head for the honey pot of adventure that is Royal Deeside - you never know what’s waiting to inspire you!

R133E Green Go

blin

X141 Good Earth

R259F Riverside Blue

R156C Sail the Seas

R265D Sleepy Blue R144E Sugar Leaves

Why don't you get some colour charts and play the game next time you go for a walk?

67

68

Dee n’ Do : 3

The times they are a-changin´ With summer officially ending on the last Sunday in October, we ought to turn our attention on how to make the most of our time. Arguably, time is our most valuable commodity. Often taken for granted.

However we choose to spend it, use it or waste it will determine how we live our lives. Time can play tricks on us though; sometimes it passes quickly – ‘time flies’ - with not enough hours in the day, not enough days in the week etc. And sometimes it lingers on too long. Our perceptions of time inevitably contribute to our sense of achievement or well being. Perhaps the rigid adherence to routine helps to achieve a feeling of accomplishment. Or in fact it is the opposite; the willful abandonment of acknowledging time has given unexpected pleasure.

Most of us are constantly spinning the plates to find that balance of productivity, relaxation, efficiency and happiness. We can improve our relationship with time by respecting its value. How do we do that? Embrace it. Savour it. Steal it. Use it wisely.

One place where you can do all this is at the Raemoir House Hotel. When was the last time you took some time out to think about yourself, treat yourself or others for that matter? Or have you been planning to make more time but just never found the right…time?!

The gift of time can take many forms – it can be an evening spent with friends or loved ones enjoying delicious, top quality food…whether it’s a simple bar meal or a fine dining experience in one of the best AA 2 rosettes, Michelin-recommended restaurants in Aberdeenshire.

Perhaps a night or weekend away from the routine is all that is needed to recharge the batteries. At Raemoir House, the traditional and comfortable

rooms offer complete relaxation with fabulous views over the gardens to the hills and beyond.

If you have found time to discover Deeside and its many countryside pursuits, such as fishing, golfing or hillwalking, why not use Raemoir House as a base from which to explore. Rivers, hills, trails and courses are all accessible and within a stone’s throw from the hotel – cutting down any travel time that you feel is otherwise eating into your quality time.

For those that are looking to completely unwind or are requiring a boost, Raemoir House offers a spa experience which can make time seem like it’s standing still. Leave all your cares and worries at the door and indulge in some ‘me’ time. Or some ‘me and you’ time. Or why not just make it a full-on girls night in and take advantage of their overnight package.

They offer treatments and packages to suit all.

Take advantage of the 11 acres of secluded wood and parkland at Raemoir House. The grounds lend themselves perfectly for private parties, outdoor activities and corporate days, and comes complete with a helipad for those wishing to arrive on time or leave in style. For the ultimate indulgence, you can have full use of the hotel and facilities and be flown to your destination of choice (golf course perhaps?).

This is an impressive setting and an inspiring way to spend some quality time.

Time. So when you’re feeling up against it or that you’re not managing it very well, why not consider leaving things behind for a while and live in the moment at Raemoir House Hotel.

On Wednesday, Jean helped protect osprey chicks.

On Thursday, she helped plant trees for red squirrels.

On Friday, she helped change the law to safeguard our land and seas.

On Saturday, it was five years since Jean passed away.

Make your wishes live on by writing us into your Will.

Jean’s gift to the Scottish Wildlife Trust in her Will was a simple yet powerful way to keep her wishes alive.

You can do the same.

To find out more call 0131 312 4777 or visit scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/legacy Scottish registered charity (no. SC005792)

©Colin Prior

Once you’ve taken care of your loved ones, please consider including a gift to the Scottish Wildlife Trust in your Will. No matter how big or small, you can be sure it will make a difference to Scotland’s wildlife.

70

Dee n’ Do : 3

The Flavour Thesaurus - £18.99 www.anthropologie.eu

Shoulder Bag - £58 www.etsy.com/uk/shop/candycoatedshop

Fantastic Mrs Fox Brooch - £35 www.etsy.com/shop/gabiReith Serve Dessert Set - £83.99 Mains of Drum Garden Centre

2o Ways to Draw a Tree - £9.99 Amazon

Where Chefs Eat - £12.00 Waterstones

Slate Tray - £40 Wild Thistle

Capri Blue Mercury Glass Jar Candle - £24.00, www.anthropologie.eu

Dee n’ Do : 3

Cats Whiskers Wall Clock - £25.00 www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk

Celestial Coasters - £8.00 www.anthropologie.eu

Pebble Bowl Set (Quartz) - £95.00 www.highlandstoneware.com

Punch Bowl Ladle and Four Glass Cups - £88.99 Mains of Drum Garden Centre

Scottish Stag Head Knitted Cushion - £85 www.etsy.com/shop/nervousstitch 12 Days of Christmas Crackers (set 12) - £20.00 John Lewis

Squirrel Nut Cracker - £12.00 www.notonthehighstreet.com

71

“WANTING TO EXPLORE ROYAL DEESIDE?”

Come to Glen Tanar Estate and enjoy the great outdoors with some of our bookable activities!

Guided Land Rover Safaris Hill Walking & Mountain biking on way marked routes Trout Fishing on our privately stocked loch Wildlife Photography Hides including Red Deer Camera Stalking this October For more information please contact Robyn on (013398) 86451 or robyn.mcpherson@glentanar.co.uk

www.glentanar.co.uk

Don’t bustle through the crowds this Christmas, relax and enjoy the wonders of the countryside at The Mains of Drum Garden Centre. We have an amazing range of unique handpicked gifts for all the family.

The Mains of Drum C H R I S T M A S

W W W. M A I N S O F D R U M . C O . U K TEL. 01330 811000

Monday 1st - Wednesday 24th December CHRISTMAS MENU

Saturday 6th, 13th & 20th December SANTA CLAUS

Saturday 6th December 1pm - 2pm INVERURIE CHORAL SOCIETY

Saturday 13th & 20th December C U LT S PA R I S H C H U R C H C H O I R

in association with

As Nightime Falls…

Crathes Comes to light 19 - 23 November 2014 Crathes Castle by Banchory

Like us on Facebook

www.theenchantedcastle.info

Tickets on Sale Now at Aberdeen Box Office & Banchorys Woodend Barn

Follow us on Twitter

74

Dee n’ Do : 3

Horse logging is a term used to describe the use of horses to extract timber. It is an ancient practice that has continued in to the modern day. The horse has been replaced by heavy machinery for large-scale timber extraction but the horse still has a role in environmentally sensitive areas and in difficult terrain. ~ By Roy Murray British Horse Logging Association ~

Dee n’ Do : 3

The Equipment The horse in its harness is like a tractor, providing the power and the mobility. The harness provides the fittings for the extracting equipment.

At the lighter end of the scale are skid grapples (a chain with a claw that grips the stump of the tree) and logging chains which wrap around the base of the tree and the swingletree (a spacer bar that is attached to the harness). For larger extraction are timber arches, a frame on two wheels that raises the front of the log(s) off the ground, reducing drag, and forwarders, which are carts specifically designed for timber extraction.

These make the pull easier for the horse so they can carry more and for longer distances, but due to their size cannot fit in as many areas as the smaller and lighter kit. Single horse teams are the most commonly seen but 2-horse teams are also used. Larger teams are rarely seen now outside of displays. The basics of the equipment have not changed much but the materials have evolved with time.

The Horses Logging horses are typically what are classed as ‘heavy horses’, usually cold bloods (a term used to describe horses of a northern European origin and calm temperament). Although horses are required to be strong, size isn’t everything. Smaller stockier horses often find favour as they are less inhibited by branches. The percheron, one of the French draught breeds, lack the feather (the long hairs around a horses feet) of other heavy horses like the Clydesdale and Shire, making them a bit easier to clean after walking through bogs. Temperament is important in a logging horse. They must be accustomed to the sound of chainsaws and they need to be able to stand still whilst logs are attached or detached.

The Extraction How much a horse can pull depends not just on the weight of the logs but on a number of other factors. A log that constantly hits into the ground and roots not only leaves more trace but will also tire a horse more quickly. Therefore it is important to set up the horses’ equipment to raise the logs correctly as well as cutting the logs correctly to enable them to be dragged more smoothly. The steepness of a slope can increase or decrease the drag of a log and certain kinds of ground will give less or more resistance than others, so correct route selection can make a huge difference. In addition to all this it’s important to balance out breaks for the horses so that they are not tired out too soon but able to finish their tasks.

Impact on the environment The main use of horse logging today is for environmentally sensitive areas as the horse extracting timber leaves very little mark on the ground especially compared to heavy machinery going into an area.

In fact, the mark that the horses do leave turns the soil in a very natural manner so can be a positive effect on the soil. They are also able to extract specific trees where a woodland is only to be thinned out rather than levelled. The other feature of horse logging is that the extraction does not use any diesel.

The future Horse logging has gone through rises and falls in popularity but has always maintained a presence. As the world becomes more environmentally aware hopefully the use of horses in logging will continue in importance.

For more information on Horse Logging go to the British Horse Logging Association website - www. britishhorseloggers.org. They are an independent group formed to represent those either working horses in forestry or for anyone interested in the art of horse logging.

The BHL Charitable Trust has established a three year Accredited Apprenticeship Scheme to allow for the recruitment, training and retention of new entrants to the profession. www. britishhorseloggerscharitabletrust.org.

75

76

Dee n’ Do : 3

MUSIC

VISUAL ARTS & CRAFTS

LITERATURE

FRINGE

BRAEMAR

cr eat ive arts festival www.braemarcreativearts.co.uk

EPIC Award Winners for Scotland 2013 from the Voluntary Arts Organisation

Braemar is a village of 400 residents situated in the centre of the Cairngorms National Park, over 50 miles from the nearest cities of Aberdeen and Dundee. While its remoteness makes it an attractive destination for tourists, and a peaceful haven for residents it also makes attending theatres, cinemas, museums, libraries or further education classes a problem. ~ By Marilyn Baker ~

Before starting the 2012 Festival, the Braemar Tourism Group used the local newspaper, the Braemar Buzzard, to promote the idea of bringing ‘education, culture and entertainment’ to our doorstep and invited residents to put forward suggestions for classes and activities. We sent a questionnaire to the school families asking what type of classes/workshops they would like to have, both for themselves and their children. We addressed a meeting of the business owners and sought opinions and offers of help from them. We reached the older population through the SWRI and we contacted people already involved locally in music, dance, drama, or art activities to ask what skills they wanted to develop.

in October 2012. The classes soon filled up, 70% from the village and 30% from surrounding areas. A lasting legacy of that first Festival is the formation of The Blaeberries, a local whistle and fiddle band who continue to meet weekly and play at a number of events in and around the village. The choir increased in number and confidence and they too perform frequently in public. As a result of the very positive responses we received from tutors and participants alike we decided to repeat the event in 2013. Festival 2013 grew both in number of classes and number of participants, showing there is a real demand for our event. Winning the EPIC Award for Scotland from the Voluntary Arts Organisation was the icing on the cake and gave validation to our project.

Using that information, a steering committee was formed to seek tutors in the identified skill areas, book venues, raise funds, and promote the event to an area of approximately 50 mile radius of Braemar.

With crossed fingers we launched the first Festival

The 2014 Festival will run from Wednesday 22nd until Sunday 26th October. It now has a website – www. braemarcreativearts.co.uk where you can find full details of the classes and workshops, times and venues and the facility to book online.

Dee n’ Do : 3

As in previous years there are three main strands: Music - ukulele, fiddle, drums, guitar, mandolin, song and dance.

Visual Arts and Crafts - water colour, pastels, acrylics, ceramics, woodcarving, willowweaving, quilting, paper-folding, glass painting, felting and photography.

Literature – creative writing, drama, poetry and lyric writing.

Every good festival has to have a Fringe and Braemar Creative Arts Festival has something for everybody in the Fringe - St Margaret’s Art Market with live music, a knitted bird trail, a treasure hunt, film night, dinner theatre, an old fashioned ceilidh with entertainment as well as dancing, a daily programme of busking, a bake-off competition, cooking demonstrations, a quiz night and to finish off the festival a music ‘jam session’ at lunch time on Sunday 26th October.

77

78

Dee n’ Do : 3

Pauline Kidd is a specialist movement instructor working to help riders find balance in their bodies and move in harmony with their horse. ~ By Pauline Kidd ~

Pilates and core stability are buzz words in the dressage world right now – and just like dressage there are a lot of learning options available – in a way it is easier to do it wrong than do it right… but if you find the right information from the right person then a whole new dimension of movement is out there for you.

Pilates is a mind/body form of movement – you use your mind to control the movements of your body.

Pilates works with your kinaesthetic or ‘felt’ sense so that you really are learning how to move from the inside of your body to the outside.

The better the rider, the slighter the imbalance, but in a way the more profound the improvement. A lot of people under 40 are challenged by confused core stability because of the advent of the computer age – and also the more yard work, driving a car, or computer work or sitting at a desk the person does the more unbalanced muscular strength patterns they will have.

For people struggling with core stability or those sitting at a desk all day, try any good mind and body movement work that brings awareness to the rest of the body, eg pilates, yoga, Feldenkrais or the Alexander technique. As with dressage, go with an instructor through word of mouth recommendation.

Instructor training courses vary from a weekend to several years so do work with someone who can keep you out of pain and help you evolve in your learning. If it’s easy/painful/your joints click – you are doing it wrong!

The pelvis is the centre of the universe for dressage – the legs come from there and it supports the spine and the structures above. If the pelvis is out of balance then the rest of the body doesn’t have a chance. Any issues with hands or legs will generally track back to an imbalance in the pelvis. And YES we CAN change that! Or we can at least try. A lot of problems of the horse’s way of going, stem from an unbalanced hip or pelvis in the rider. Pauline has combined Rolfing and Pilates training to use hands on manipulation and intuitive movement cues to help the rider rebalance from the inside.

If the pelvis is squint/out of balance the rider has no chance of true core stability and that’s where mind and body comes in. You need to use your mind to control your body but you also need hands on intervention to straighten things out and movement education relative to your unique learning style to anchor the changes. Once the pelvis is in balance the intrinsic core stability kicks in naturally and the rider is in self carriage. The horse and rider moving forward and freely in harmonic motion.

Pauline Kidd is a Certified Rolfer®, Advanced STOTT Pilates Instructor™, Reiki Master, and JMI Equine Sportmassage Therapist. All this in almost 20 years of learning has evolved Pauline’s speciality in equestrian performance enhancement – where she works with the horse and the rider to help eradicate pain, move freer and perform better. Her job is to get you performing better - whatever the level you compete at. Movement Improvement in horse and rider.

T: 01466 760381 M:07986 697976

|

E: pk@paulinekidd.com

|

W: www.paulinekidd.com

Dee n’ Do : 3

79

80

Dee n’ Do : 3

Let the water determine your route and allow your spirit of adventure to kick in... Go on, it's too good to turn down!

Dee n’ Do : 3

81

82

Dee n’ Do : 3

Stand Up Paddle-Boarding (SUP) is one of the world's fastest growing water-sports. Taking its origins from Hawaii, it has become increasingly popular in the UK with lots of ocean and river users embracing SUP as a fantastic way to explore the waterways or catch a wave. ~ By Barry Wallace, Director, Wilderness SUP Co. ~

In the UK, SUP plays to the strengths of our natural, rugged scenery from our stunning coastlines to our meandering rivers. From the more technical SUP Surfing through to SUP Fishing and SUP Yoga or just an easy flat-water paddle – time seems to stand still. Getting out on the water is what it is all about.

At Wilderness SUP, we have taken a seasonal approach to our trips highlighting the beauty that the UK has to offer at different times of the year.

Paddling with snowy peaks in the foreground to the soothing summer sun on your back floating a down a river - it is therapy SUP-style. There is a steep but fast learning curve, which quickly turns to fun with most people managing to get up and paddling within 20 minutes. As their confidence grows, so do the smiles. Momentum is your friend – paddling increases your stability so the aim is to keep moving.

An SUP board is much like a large surf board with a lightweight paddle. Any good SUP company should provide you with all that you need which can vary depending on the weather and time of year.

Preparation is key in the outdoors.

Some people find SUP’ing an exhilarating experience whilst some find it therapeutic and tranquil. There is a SUP experience for everyone and we are excited to see more people using the UK’s waterways and coastal waters.

Deeside Adventures Deeside offers amazing potential for Stand Up Paddle-Boarding throughout the year. Our Drumoak Paddle Adventure meanders down the River Dee past Maryculter before finishing at the bridge at Peterculter.

Our starting point at the bridge at Drumoak gives our guests their first experience of the river, watched by dog walkers wondering what on earth we are

doing…and then we are off. River SUP’ing can be a quick learning curve as the river pushes you where she wants to. This trip has everything from quicker moving water to slower mindful moments where you find that you are paddling with your mind drifting away but in an instant you can be brought back to laughter within the group as someone has lost concentration and fallen in.

The beautiful scenery of Deeside is a fantastic canvas made even better by having the advantage of witnessing it from the river. Standing up on the water takes a little bit of getting used with the legs wobbling a little as you try to stabilise and get used to standing on a board, however everyone adapts quickly although the first experience of quicker moving water while standing up certainly sets the heart off to a gallop. It is for this reason that SUP offers a very different experience to being on the water than most people would have experienced before. Even the fishermen and wildlife seem intrigued as you paddle past!

The rivers in Deeside are often very low in summer and therefore SUP offers a great way to negotiate this and the little tributaries that open up. Let the water determine your route and allow your spirit of adventure to kick in. Go on, it’s too good to turn down.

Trips offered by Wilderness SUP Deeside Paddles: Banchory to Drumoak/Peterculter Drumoak to Aberdeen Peterculter to Aberdeen Loch Kinord Knockburn Loch

Dee n’ Do : 3

About Wilderness SUP Wilderness SUP is a Paddleboard and Lifestyle company offering Paddle Adventures and a unique way to explore the rivers and lochs of Scotland.

T 0131 208 1154 E explore@wildernesssup.co W www.wildernesssup.co www.facebook.com/wildernesssup Instagram/Twitter: @wildernesssup Paddle Adventures Series: www.vimeo.com/87753633

83

84

Dee n’ Do : 3

FaLlInG OvEr 3-19

OCt

A splendid summer followed by a glorious autumn – or Fall as they say in the USA – and fall is what I do, for autumn every year. I’m inspired by the colours, the sounds, the smells and tastes that make autumn such a special season, and to celebrate this most evocative of times, Visit Royal Deeside are hosting the second annual Food & Fiddle Fortnight. ~ By Jan Leatham ~

Dee n’ Do : 3

This two-week festival is chock-full of events dedicated to showcasing the local produce, artisans, natural musical talent and independent cafes, restaurants and hotels that are studded throughout the region.

The area will be well-represented, with events from Crathes to Braemar, including Tarland and Finzean to name but a few of the towns and villages taking part.

Woodend Barn have the fantastic Old Dance Band (who are anything but – old, I mean) and Buchanans Bistro are hosting local folk musicians to complement their Fiddler’s Board, and a chance to taste their craft beers. Braemar Castle continue the tasting theme with gins and whiskies in the Castle Dining Room, accompanied by local musical talent.

The region is well known for its music, but not so well known are the many traditional music sessions held in pubs and hotels, some of them tucked away but well worth the effort of a visit. The Deeside Inn in Ballater is holding Wednesday sessions during the fortnight, hosted by Alasdair Johnston and friends.

Other sessions can be found at the Aberdeen Arms in Tarland, the Boat Inn in Aboyne and the Coilacreich near Ballater.

Traditional Sunday lunches are also on the programme from the Deeside Inn, and a three course

buffet supper at the Finzean Farm Shop starring venison, with young local pipers and fiddlers to help your digestion!

We are proud of our local markets and during the Food & Fiddle fortnight there are two weekly Torphins markets at Platform 22, as well as a Banchory Market in Bellfield Park which will be celebrating with seasonal events. Strachans of Aboyne will be showcasing a wide variety of local businesses and operating as a hub for the two-week festival.

Glendavan House – a splendid 5 star bed and breakfast nestled near to the Burn o’Vat in Dinnet, is offering a Highland Hamper and Bagpipe Breakfast combination – apparently bagpipes are the Queen’s alarm clock and if it’s good enough for Balmoral…

We will be out and about promoting the Food & Fiddle fortnight during September, so if you see a person-sized pumpkin and fiddle or some such nonsense disappearing round a corner – don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Up to date information on events can be found at www.visitroyaldeeside.com, you can also keep up to date with what’s happening on Facebook and Twitter – hope to see you all there!

85

86

Dee n’ Do : 3

Made in Scotland Used Worldwide

Hilltrek Outdoor Clothing may be based in a small workshop in Aboyne but it has a reputation that is now worldwide.

Established over 25 years ago, Hilltrek is proud of its adopted mantra of “Made in Scotland, Used Worldwide” as its reputation for manufacturing quality hand made garments has grown and developed, and where better to test outdoor clothing than in the rugged and often extreme conditions of the Cairngorms National Park.

Hilltrek develops and manufactures a range of specialised outdoor clothing in its workshop. The knowledge of the staff and the ability to make customised clothing requests means that many garments are truly unique.

Owner Dave Shand says “We may only be a small company but we have years of experience of outdoor clothing and how to manufacture it. We are unique in that someone can contact us and we can effectively help them to design their own garment, specific to their own requirements.”

Hilltrek is rightly proud of its use of Cotton Ventile in its garment production. Originally developed during World War II for the flying suits of fighter pilots, ventile is an entirely natural product that offers

extreme weather protection and said by many to be far more effective than modern day man-made fabrics. The market for ventile garments is worldwide.

Susan Griffiths, who has manufactured and designed garments at Hilltrek for many years explains “Every day I speak to people from across the globe. I’ve just finished an order for a customer in Russia and regularly speak to customers in Europe and America.”

As well as gaining international appeal for Hilltrek garments, the local market remains strong. This includes mountaineers, nature watchers, stalkers, outdoor photographers, forest rangers, anglers, bush craft enthusiasts, cyclists and folk who just want to keep warm and dry when walking the dog!

Hilltrek’s proud association with Deeside is perhaps best seen with its Dee Wading Jacket. The jacket was designed with the help of a local ghillie who put it to test on the River Dee and having gone into production can now be seen on rivers worldwide.

So the next time you are in Aboyne, pop in by this little Deeside gem and expect a warm and friendly welcome.

Ballater Road, Aboyne, AB35 5HN 013398 86062

|

sales@hilltrek.co.uk

|

www.hilltrek.co.uk

Dee n’ Do : 3

87

Celebrate Celebrate Christmas with us...

Christmas Bring a Party to a Party with us...

Dinner for only £36.00pp

includes 3 course meal and DJ until 1am ~ BRING A PARTY TO A PARTY ~

Festive and £36.00 Private Dining Dinner for only per person Includes 3 course meal andfrom DJ until 1am28th Nov Lunch Menu £26.95pp available Friday

Dinner Menu £30.95pp served from 6.00pm - 8.30pm ~ FESTIVE & PRIVATE DINING ~

Christmas Day Carvery Lunch Menu £26.95 per person 2 sittings, £65.00pp Available from Friday5&12 28th years November Children aged between £29.95

Dinner £30.95 per aperson Children under 5 Menu eat for free and receive gift from Santa Served from 6.00pm - 8.30pm

~ CHRISTMAS DAY CARVERY ~

2 sittings, £65.00 per person Children aged between 5 & 12 years £29.95 Children under 5 eat for free and receive a gift from Santa

3-4 Deemount Terrace Aberdeen AB11 7RX T +44(0) 01224 583699 E info@innattheparkhotel.co.uk

3-4 Deemount Terrace, Aberdeen, AB11 7RX T +44(0) 01224 583699 E info@innattheparkhotel.co.uk

www.innattheparkhotel.co.uk www.innattheparkhotel.co.uk

IT’S HAPPENING! This wonderful new project for Banchory is certainly the most exciting in the area for some time. It will be a fantastic leisure facility for all in Banchory and surrounding area to use and enjoy.

Located at Hill of Banchory and to the north of the primary school this project is estimated to cost £7.8m.

Leisure Facility to include

FOUR COURT SPORTS HALL • TWO SQUASH COURTS • SIX LANE SWIMMING POOL LEARNER SWIMMING POOL • FITNESS SUITE • GYMNASIUM • VIEWING AREA

GET INVOLVED! The support from Aberdeenshire Council has been vital to get the project into the Capital Plan for the Council and particular thanks to the local Councillors for all their support in getting this to where we are today.

Plans finalised 2015 • Tender process 2016 Commence build 2016• Facility opens 2017 There is a requirement to raise monies towards this project from the community and a figure of £700,000 is needed which would ensure the project is delivered as has been suggested. Therefore there is a requirement for all to COME ABOARD and GET INVOLVED in the fundraising exercise.

We are not starting the fundraising from zero as monies collected previously are available and including two pledges to contribute we are at £320,000 with £380,000 remaining to be found.

There is a challenge that if the £700,000 is not reached by September 2015 then there is every likelihood the project will be reviewed and sharply cut back with reduced facilities being available.

You are all needed to be part of this development and any ideas for raising £££££s or making personal contributions should meantime be directed to; James Knowles, Fundraising Chairperson E: james.knowles@banchorysportsvillage.co.uk M: 07899 792297

www.banchorysportsvillage.co.uk facebook.com/banchorysportsvillage

Dee n’ Do has pledged to donate a page to highlight and promote a local charity. Contact us if you would like to be featured in our next issue.

90

Dee n’ Do : 3

A

Lasting L egacy The MacRobert Trust

Dee n’ Do : 3

Walkers and cyclists enjoying the routes around Tarland will find much of interest. Not only will the beautiful landscape and the well laid paths contribute to a great day out, but those interested in the history of the area will find that the Tomnaverie stone circle and the settlements at Drummie provide evidence of the continuous presence of man for many thousands of years. ~ By Marion Miller ~

Those enjoying the impact on the senses that a visit to the Howe of Cromar brings, may wish to pause to remember the history of the MacRobert family and subsequently the Trust which bears its name, who have, over a period from 1888, owned, managed and farmed these lands.

Alexander MacRobert was born in humble circumstances in Aberdeen. After leaving school at the age of 12, his working life began as a sweeper at Stoneywood Paper Mill on the outskirts of the city.

Not only was he a lad of ambition but he also had a phenomenal brain – he is reputed to have studied 17 different and diverse subjects simultaneously, at evening classes and passed them all!

Job prospects took him to India, leaving his new wife Georgina at home until he settled in this land of opportunities. He took advantage of the conflict in Afghanistan to turn the ailing Cawnpore Woollen Mill into a thriving company. Over the years, he added to his portfolio of businesses until just before his death in 1922; he formed the British India Corporation bringing them all together under one umbrella.

In 1888, Sir Alexander, as he was to become in later years, bought Douneside, Tarland, as somewhere to stay on their trips home from India. To say it commands a pretty view over the Howe of Cromar is an understatement. The valley is breathtakingly beautiful, overlooked by Lochnagar, much loved by Queen Victoria and the poet Byron, and Mount Keen, the most easterly Munro.

Over the years, that initial purchase of 122 acres was to become 9000, thanks to the addition of the lands of Cromar previously the home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair.

Following Georgina’s untimely death, Sir Alexander remarried an American thirty years his junior who bore him three sons. The boys enjoyed an idyllic childhood at Douneside but tragically, all died as young men, two of them in active service in World War II. In response, their mother Rachel issued a very personal challenge to the Nazis by donating five planes to the RAF, one of them a Stirling bomber named ‘MacRobert’s Reply’.

But her generosity to the RAF is only one part of the story. She contributed much to the world of agriculture and was happy in her role as mistress of Douneside and as custodian of these lands for future generations. The deaths of her own sons prompted her to set up the MacRobert Trust, which today, 60 years after her death is still recognised as one of Britain’s most respected charities.

The MacRobert Trust is only one of the many bodies whose involvement has enabled the core of paths round Tarland to be constructed. Whilst mindful of the need to protect the evidence of the presence of man and the natural habitat in this outstandingly beautiful Howe, access to the countryside is being managed with sensitivity ensuring that the lands around Tarland are accessible and are indeed a great place to walk.

There are two booklets available locally, ‘Take the Tarland Way’ and ‘Tarland - A Great Place to Walk’ and more information is available on www.tarland. org.uk.

A book entitled ‘Cawnpore to Cromar – The MacRoberts of Douneside’ by Marion Miller has just been published and is available locally. See the book review on page 95.

91

92

Dee n’ Do : 3

200 Years of the Bridge of Potarch

One of Deeside’s most beautiful bridges was 200 years old this summer. Designed by Thomas Telford, and built by William Minto of Alford, the Bridge of Potarch was completed in June 1814, and rises proudly over the River Dee in a picture postcard setting some seven miles west of Banchory. ~ By Sally Wallis ~

In June of this year, over 100 locals and visitors gathered at the bridge to mark the occasion. Under a cloudless blue sky, pipers piped their way across the bridge, a plaque was unveiled, a poem was read out, and children enjoyed picnics and paddling in the waters below.

Two hundred years earlier, locals were no doubt celebrating too, as the construction here of a handsome, three-span bridge - complete with dressed-stone arch rings and piers - marked the beginning of a new era in transport and communication links for not only the people of Deeside, but across the north of Scotland.

To appreciate the significance of such progress in the nation’s infrastructure, we must first go back 250 years, to a time when roads were too poorly surfaced for wheeled carts, and were used only by packhorses and sledges. Indeed, the first cart only arrived in the parish of Birse in 1753. At this time, there was no bridge across the Dee anywhere between Banchory and Ballater, and crossings were made instead by ferry and ford, at Potarch. The great north road between Edinburgh and Huntly, and on to Inverness, crossed the river at this point.

Margaret Allardyce from Banchory, whose father was the last ferryman to operate the ferry boat across to Kincardine O’Neil, or ‘Kinker’, as it’s locally known, was one of many locals to celebrate the bridge’s

bicentenary this summer. She herself was a daily passenger on the ferry in the 1930s, when she took it from Carlogie over to Kinker, every day to go to school. She recalls her commute to school: “The crossing must’ve taken about ten minutes, and then it was another ten minutes’ walk from there to the school. There were maybe four or five of us going across the river to school - we took it every day, my father knew the ropes, or sometimes my brother took us across. For us it was just normal – we were never scared of falling in, we were used to the water, always playing by the waterside.”

A dramatic flooding event in January of 1937, which caused widespread damage and isolated many buildings, put an abrupt end to the crossings by boat, as Margaret, now 85, recounts: “The sound of the water was almost deafening, there was a hen house ripped up and carried along, and a great big shed that we had got washed away. We never took the boat after that, the water was higher and the course of the river had changed.”

The building of the bridge was not without its challenges. In 1812, the half-built construction was badly destroyed by floating timber, a common practice at the time. It caused sufficient damage to bring about an act of parliament, which dictated that timber companies would henceforward be responsible for any such events.

Dee n’ Do : 3

Above: Pipers from the Finzean School of Pipers pipe their way across the Bridge of Potarch this summer in celebration of its 200 years. Below: Margaret Allardyce from Banchory, who used to take the ferry every day from Carlogie to Kinker to go to school in the 1930s, unveils a plaque to mark 200 years of the Potarch Bridge. Bottom: Potarch Bridge.

As part of the 200th anniversary celebrations, the bridge will also benefit from a beautiful new information board, to be located in the car park off the A93 road on the north side of the river. Local artist, Mel Shand, was commissioned by the Dee Catchment Partnership, the River Dee Trust and Aberdeenshire Council, to provide an eye-catching and informative display about the area, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The appealing design, in ink and watercolour, portrays the message ‘take only pictures, leave only footprints’, highlighting the area’s flora and fauna, and showcasing some of the many outdoor activities to be enjoyed such as fishing, kayaking and walking along the Deeside Way. Local history is even touched on, through the proud presence of the famous local hero, Donald Dinnie, and the famous Dinnie Stanes.

The story of Donald Dinnie carrying the 350kg stanes across the bridge and back in 1860 is well known, and was in fact re-enacted this summer at the Aboyne Highland Games, when the Games Committee challenged celebrity strongman, Mark Felix, to carry the stanes along a 15 foot replica of the bridge built by Aboyne Academy pupils. He succeeded, though not without a few rest stops along the way.

Fittingly, the stanes also played a key role in the story of the Potarch Bridge, when they were used as counter-balance weights during a repair job in the 1830s. Whether the legendary stanes will be called upon for future repairs of the 200-year-old bridge remains to be seen…

93

94

Dee n’ Do : 3

Ca�eNda� �f E�e�t� September - December

SEPT

Harvest and Hibernation

27-28

Drum Castle

�cTObeR

SePteMbeR SEPT

6- 7

SEPT

13

75th Annual Show, Banchory Horticultural Show Banchory

Crathes Half Marathon Crathes, Banchory

SEPT

North East Open Studio

6- 14

Aberdeenshire

OCT

Food and Fiddle Fortnight

3-19

Royal Deeside, Various

www.visitroyaldeeside.com OCT

5

14

Half BraemarAthon 2014

5

14

Fascinating Fungi

21

SEPT

21,27

SEPT

22

14

Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar

A beginners guide to fungi found in the pine woods SEPT

Scotland's Gardens Open Day Drum Castle Gardens

Ranger Guided Adult Walk: Fungi Fact and Fiction Crathes Castle

Techfest Discovery Series The Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society Talk

OCT

15

OCT

19

OCT

19

OCT

20

Milton of Crathes

SEPT

23

Techfest Discovery Series - Cambus O' May Cheese Creamery Tour Ballater

SEPT

26

Ranger Guided Adult Walk: Fungi Fact and Fiction Crathes Castle

Braemar OCT

SEPT

Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor

Meeting at the Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre. Booking essential: 013397 55059

OCT SEPT

Mending Our Ways

Macmillan Coffee Morning Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Craigendarroch, Ballater

Ranger Guided Children’s Walk: Simply Squirrels Crathes Castle

Idlewild Woodend Barn Arts Centre

Scotland’s Gardens Inchmarlo House

Scots Fiddle Workshop Braemar Castle

Fascinating Fungi Cambus O'May Ballater

Booking essential, 01466 794161 Email: aberdeenshire.fd@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

OCT

21-23

Ceramics for All Ages Woodend Barn Arts Centre

Seasonal dishes - Make a bowl and eat from it!

Dee n’ Do : 3

OCT

27

�E�E�BER

Ceramics for Adults Woodend Barn Arts Centre Dec

6

�o�embeR NOV

1

NOV

2

Highland Christmas Fair Crathes Castle

Caledonian Pine Forest Walk Keiloch Invercauld, Ballater

Distance 10 kms, ascent 250 m. Free but booking essential: 013397 55059

NOV

3,10,17

15

6-7

Mains of Drum Garden Centre

Christmas Weekend at Crathes Castle Crathes

Meet Santa and his reindeer and watch them parade in front of the castle. Reindeer parades at 12:30pm and 2:30pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Santa's Grotto will be open from 10:30am to 12 noon, 1pm to 2pm, and 3pm to 4pm.

DEC

Hollyfest at Drum Castle

6-7

Drumoak

DEC

Winter Wonderland

Ceramics for Adults Woodend Barn Arts Centre

Seasonal dishes - Make a bowl and eat from it!

Nov

DEC

See Santa!

The Jetsonics Deeside Inn, Ballater

6-15

Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen

For 2014 we are expanding to bring even more Christmas activities which will appeal to all ages. www.aberdeeninvestlivevisit. co.uk/winterfestival for more information

Listen at www.thejetsonics.com/music Dec Nov

24

Christmas Tree Light Switch on

13

DEC

13- 14

Dec

20

Dec NOV

Mains of Drum Garden Centre

Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Craigendarroch, Ballater

6.15pm arrival for 6.30pm Lights Switch On. Hot Chocolate, Mulled Wine, Mince Pies & Shortbread available for a £2 donation per person. Christmas Quiz to follow in the Keiller Lounge. Join us in celebrating the start of the festive season with our annual Christmas tree lights switch on, and help us raise money for the Hilton in the Community Foundation.

29-30

See Santa!

Ballater Winter Festival Ballater

The festival which is based around the switching on of the Christmas Lights. Wonder Ice brings an ice rink to the village green. An under cover Christmas market with various different festival stalls. Santa will lead some local children accompanied by the Ballater Pipe Band for the big switch on.

24

HollyFest at Drum Castle Drum

See Santa!

Mains of Drum Garden Centre

Visit from Santa and his Reindeer Glenmuick Church Green, Ballater

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR! From us all at Dee n' Do!

95

Music & Melody

96

Dee n’ Do : 3

Junebug from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August. Whilst at the festival they won the Bella’s Got Talent competition and are now the first act to have been booked to appear at the festival in 2015.

This year the Banchory group have released singles and videos for ‘You & I’, and their latest track ‘TR’.

Members: David Devereux, Harry Smith, Owen Rataj, Alli Brown and Aonghas Maxwell Genre: Acoustic/Rock

Junebug, originally formed in Banchory in 2011 by David Devereux and Harry Smith from Banchory, and Owen Rataj from Peterculter. Making up the remainder of the five-strong group are members Alli Brown from Lancashire and Aonghas Maxwell from Edinburgh.

At Your Fingertips

The band recently performed at the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, which took place in Beauly

WEBSITES www.raring2go.co.uk With a bright new look and improved features, the revamped Raring2go! website is easier than ever to use. The website features enhanced versions of selected articles from the printed magazine, which allows you to learn more about local business, events and attractions. There is also a new ‘What’s On’ section that includes their popular events calendar, with ‘hyper-local’ listings to give you advanced notification of how far you’ll need to travel before you set off.

Raring2go! is not just a national website; there are over 60 editors producing a local magazine, that goes out every quarter, packed full of events, activities and offers relevant to you and your area.

Owen Rataj said: “Junebug was originally formed by myself and Harry. We had been in a high-school band together but it disbanded once we left to go to university. After finishing first year we both returned to Deeside for the summer and decided to start writing music again, and with the help of some local friends formed Junebug. The original line-up changed once we returned to Glasgow and met Alli, Aonghas & David.

We blend a mix of distortion with acoustic harmonies to produce a result that combines the caress of Bombay Bicycle Club with the energy of Blondie.”

The Deeside band is set to return to its local roots as it headlines at The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, on Friday November 7.

Source: Deeside Piper. Reproduced with permission.

APPS Balmoral Castle

By ATS Heritage

This is the perfect companion guide for a visit to the Estate, or can be enjoyed as a virtual tour from home. This tour is for adults and young people.

Category: Education Languages: English, German Compatibility: iPhone, iPad, & iPod Touch, optimized for iPhone 5 Cost: Free ScotsPipes - Play the Bagpipe

By Michael Eskin ScotsPipes is an easy to play, authentic sounding set of Scottish Highland Bagpipes for the iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. Category: Music Compatibility: iPhone, iPad, & iPod Touch Cost: £0.69

Dee n’ Do : 3

Cawnpore to Cromar – The MacRoberts of Douneside Marion Miller

Boy’s Own Adventure Series Brian Page

Alistair Urquhart

Alistair Urquhart was a soldier in the Gordon Highlanders captured by the Japanese in Singapore. He not only survived working on the notorious Bridge on the River Kwai, but also a torpedoed Japanese 'hellship'. Nearly everyone on board died and Urquhart spent five days alone on a raft in the South China Sea before being rescued by a whaling ship. He was taken to Japan and then forced to work in a mine near Nagasaki. Two months later a nuclear bomb dropped just ten miles away.

The Forgotten Highlander is not a book for the fainthearted yet it demands to be read by all. Mr Urquhart never fired a shot, never asked to be involved, and a warrior hero will not be found here. This is a story of an ordinary local man who survived some of humanity's most atrocious acts of barbarity. £9.56

312 pages 208mm x 140mm

In the darkest days of World War II, Rachel MacRobert’s very personal challenge to the Nazis inspired the British public to battle on.

Alone, without a husband by her side and mourning the loss of her three aviator sons, she travelled the country to raise morale.

But words were not enough: with boldness and imagination this American from Massachusetts, who made Aberdeenshire her home, took the fight to the enemy by donating a warplane to the RAF. ‘Mac’ may have begun life in a tenement in Aberdeen, but he turned an ailing woollen mill in India into one of the most successful enterprises in the British Empire. He was the creator of a vast fortune and his endowment formed the basis of one of the UK’s major charitable trusts. The MacRobert Trust, is still based in Tarland today. £7.64

206 pages 211mm x 147mm

Brian Page is the author of four books in a series of ‘Boy’s Own Adventures’ all of which are based on experiences gained throughout a long and varied career, firstly by managing to avoid being blown up

by Adolph Hitler, and then in attempting to keep the nation supplied with fuel.

So what are they all about?

Well you could say they come under the general heading of ‘reminiscences’. They are autobiographical in the sense that the events depicted are true but, in order to move the plot along as they say, timescales have been somewhat ignored and, with the exception of the Mining book, names have been changed to protect the innocent!

Undeterred by age, a failing memory and a refusal to accept defeat, he has almost finished a fifth ‘Boy’s Own’ saga and a series of articles called ‘A Touch of the Gurus’. £8-11

218 pages 230mm x 154mm

On The Bookshelf

The Forgotten Highlander: My Incredible Story of Survival During the War in the Far East

97

98

Dee n’ Do : 3

feedback yoonurissue two It’s great to see Dee n’ Do getting around – home and abroad. If you have any photos of the magazine you’d like to share, just send your pic to us at hello@deendo.com, or via www.facebook.com/deendomagazine or www.twitter.com/Dee_n_Do.

Just read Issue 2 from cover to cover. What a great magazine!

Thanks guys!

Alison Angus

My Daughter, who lives in Aboyne, like myself, was brought up a “Deesider” and we both went to Banchory Academy.

Karin knew that although I have lived in Norfolk for the last 20 years, I would much enjoy your Magazine, and I most certainly did! So many youthful memories for all the McAvoy Elder Family. It was a lovely read online from page 1 to 100! Thank you, and I so look forward to your next Issue.

Yours Aye

Stumbled across Dee n' Do when I was back home and thought it was an amazing little book and so full of useful information. It was great to read about all the places so close by. A little gem!!! It was a bit difficult to source a copy to take back to Malaysia because it is obviously so popular.

Thankfully a friend managed to help out and it has now been passed onto some of the pupils of Marlborough College Malaysia. Hopefully it will make them all want to visit Royal Deeside in the future.

Well done and thank you to everyone involved in producing such a great product.

Janice, Malaysia

George McAvoy, Norfolk.

Hey folks, I managed to get a copy of the first edition & loved it! Could we get some dropped off at The Courtyard & Adelphi Kitchen restaurants please?

Chris Tonner

@Dee n' Do is pure class throughout - the graphic design rocks! As a magazine editor myself I especially rate it.

Ian G Black

Hi Ladies, first of all i'd just like to say how brilliant your magazine is! I recently moved to Kincardine O'Neil and have fallen head over heals for the charms of Deeside. Proof being that i've bought a wetsuit to continue swimming in the Dee even when the suns not out. So i was very pleased to see the wild swimming piece : ) Ruth

As a German visitor to Scotland I found your magazine in a B&B in Aviemore. Congratulations!

You did a very fine job. Best wishes for future work.

Friedrich H. Berckhauer, Kassel Germany

We recently visited our favourite village Braemar again (for the 12th consecutive year) and were surprised by a lovely magazine called Dee n' Do. Our compliments to your team.It is a lovely presented magazine, good size for handling and taking along in a purse or backpack, beautiful pictures, very informative, great articles and a lot of information that really appeals to the traveller.

The Kids section is fantastic too, even for adults, and Pat´s Picks a great way to go and try all the places out. Keep it up and we look forward to the next issues which will be collected and saved for us by friends for our visit in 2015.

Anja & Hans, Eindhoven, Netherlands

@Dee_n_Do we'd love to have your magazines at our cafe if you have some. It's a fantastic publication.

Parx Cafe, Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen

Do you have something to say? Ideas to promote?

Information to share? Feedback to give? If so, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you! hello@deendo.com | +44 (0)7790 129212 | www.deendo.com www.facebook.com/deendomagazine | www.twitter.com/dee_n_do

Ticket Giveaway!

Dee n' Do survey

The Enchanted Castle returns to Crathes later this year with a stunning new light and sound extravaganza over five evenings in November when the Deeside castle will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland for all the family. The experience will be completely different to that enjoyed in previous years.

The illuminated trail will incorporate different skylines, new entertainment, and a few surprises along the way from the performance and street theatre artists Silver City.

The team at Dee n' Do love getting your feedback and appreciate what you have to say. So please take a few minutes to complete our quick survey‌and for one lucky reader, we're offering a complimentary lunch for two people at the Inn at the Park, Aberdeen*.

We have two sets of Enchanted Castle tickets to give away to our readers. All you have to do is answer the following question correctly and email your answer to us at hello@deendo.com with your preference of evening*: At which historic property can you witness the most spectacular sound and light show in November?

A Drum Castle B Crathes Castle C Craigievar Castle *Ticket choice: 1. Two Adult Only Tickets Wed 19th Nov 2. Family ticket (two adults and two children) Sun 23rd Nov Persons over the age of 16 years can enter. Winners will be chosen at random from all valid entries. The competition will run from 1 September until 14 November 2014.

1

Where do you usually pick up your copy of Dee n' Do?

2

Which articles are of interest to you?

3

What would you like to see more of in the magazine?

4

If we charged for the magazine, would you pay for it?

5

If yes, how much would you be prepared to pay?

Please email your responses to: hello@deendo.com (Subject: Survey) *A winner will be selected randomly and notified by Fri 5th Dec 2014.

Exclusively Yours

To find out more about Raemoir please go to page 66.

Raemoir House Hotel, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, Scotland AB31 4ED +44 (0)1330 824884

|

hotel@raemoir.com

|

www.raemoir.com