The Bridge December 2022

Local

News, Events and Information for the Dunkeld & Birnam Area

Candlelit Late-Night Christmas Shopping is back Again!

After the great success of two years of late-night festive opening, this year we again have well over 30 of our community’s independent businesses taking part, lots in both Dunkeld and Birnam!

So, hold the date for Friday 9th December - the evening before Santa Day - when our super independent businesses will open their doors into the evening from 4pm to 8pm or later, especially for us, so as a community we can shop local in a Christmassy, candlelit and still clovid-safe way There’ll be lots of special offers on the night, plus a prize draw for a wonderful Hamper thrown in for good measure!

As a community, we are proud to have such a wonderful range of independent businesses right on our doorstep

This late-night shopping is, like last year, partly their way of saying “thank-you” for the support you have given them through another year as we've all begun to get to a "new normal", and partly for us to continue to show our support for them! So, come and shop, get your "Trail Card" stamps to enter the prize Hamper draw, enjoy a bite to eat or a drink at one of our many friendly pubs or cafés (not forgetting Birnam will be open too!), enjoy a blether with friends and shop staff, and get in the spirit for Santa Day!

Can you give these dogs a new home this Christmas?!

Nationally celebrated artist and illustrator, Kate Leiper has donated a watercolour illustration to sell on behalf of our local Guide Dogs branch

The pictures is on display for sale in The Atholl Gallery All proceeds will go to Guide Dogs See page 11

To recognise his commitment and valuable contribution to the Archive, we have honoured him by naming our research room "The David Arbuthnott Research Room" See page 8

David Arbuthnott with Alison Gillies and Ruth Brown at his retirement as Trustee Chair of the Chapter House Museum Trust (Community Archive)

Editorial 2

The Bridge

Edited by volunteers for the people of Dunkeld, Birnam and the surrounding villages since 1974

Thank you for all your support

The Bridge Contacts

Editor: Sally Robertson

E-mail: editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk

Advertising Manager: Kirsty Gowans

Tel: 07967 117149

E-mail: adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk

Advertising rates from £7 per month Contact the Advertising Manager for details

Please e-mail your article to the editor at: editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk or post to: The Bridge Dunkeld & Birnam Community Co-Working Space Lagmhor, Dunkeld PH8 0AD

Facebook Page

Dunkeld & Birnam, The Bridge

Download Online: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk

As another year draws to a close and a new one dawns, I am once again giving thanks for the amazing community we are part of As I write this our family is living through the trauma of having the family dog go missing It is an absolutely horrible experience, but we have felt so supported by our families, friends and wonderful community As is so often the case people are doing things quietly in the background without us knowing – we hear that this person or that person has been out on their bike looking for our dog and they bumped into this person or that person who was also out looking The facebook page put out by the amazing organisation Perthshire Lost Pets has been shared hundreds of times and it seems everyone we ask to help already knows Volunteers have been out late into rainy nights searching We are so grateful for all the support

Reading the pages of this December edition you will see this community spirit shining through from the volunteers organising Santa Day, others busy overseeing the completion of our wonderful new Multi-Use-Games-Area (MUGA) to those trying to make the A9 a safer place to drive your car A special shout out to David Arbuthnott as he retires from his voluntary position at the archives after many years of service (See front cover and page 8) It is lovely to him honoured as with the research room being renamed "The David Arbuthnott Research Room"

Also, please may I draw your attention to some requests Firstly, can you have a rake through your cupboards for any good quality second hand or new toys, children’s books, games and gifts to donate to the Toy Stall to be held in the Duchess Ann on Santa Day (See page 14) Also please have a think about whether

you could help the community through volunteering on our community council (see page 14) or becoming either a first responder (see page 8) or becoming a retained firefighter providing vital fire and rescue services (see page 17) All of these are vital to our community and need our support

Finally a thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Festive arrangements in the village from Santa Day and Late Night Shopping events to those who put up the Christmas trees and wish everyone good cheer even when the wind is icy A reminder that once again, even thought we are through the lockdown stages of covid, that Gerries have very kindly donated us a memorial tree outside the Duchess Anne for us to visit and share our memories of loved ones we have lost during the year

On behalf of Kirsty, John and myself may I thank you for all your support to The Bridge We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year We look forward to catching up in February as the snowdrops push their delicate heads through the frozen earth to let us know spring is on the way

Sally Robertson

Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group

Working constructively to get the best community outcomes from the A9 dualling proposals

The next A9 Community Group meeting will be on Thursday 26th January 2023, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts/ Zoom unless otherwise notified. All welcome!

This edition's Junctions Action Group (JAG) report /update covers a lot of the recent correspondence and meetings To add some points specific to the dualling programme At the 31st October meeting which John Swinney MSP chaired:

• A representative of the TS dualling team did attend, but could say no more than that they would be making recommendations for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing to Ministers in a matter of months Lachlan MacEwan, Chair of the Community Council, pointed out that they had been saying this for years and that here was now a serious issue of credibility and lack of trust where previously there had been a very close working relationship between the community and TS

• We asked why TS dualling officials appeared to have been talking to the press about their likely recommendations (Courier online 28th October ) ; the response was that they had not and that all but one quote ( the statement above) were in fact taken from earlier consultation exhibition display materials on their website

• We also asked for some clarity about how much funding was now available for this section, from the amounts shown for major transport infrastructure in the Scottish Government's Resource Spending Review published in May It is clear that in the present economic situation this is getting more difficult to determine by the week, even in relation to the reduced roads budget announced by SG in June * The key point here is, if there is less money than was expected at the time of the Co-Creative process in 2018, what should be the priorities for investing in interim safety improvement measures, particularly where there have been recent fatalities and where risks are highest?

• https://www bbc co uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-61728712 amp

A fresh Courier article on 17th November based on interviews with Alison Bryden and Alasdair Wylie of the A9 Community Group focused largely on the the issue of a roundabout at Dunkeld junction, both as an element of the Community Preferred Route voted for in the Co Creative process and as a needed near term interim measure, making clear the A9 CGs support for the JAG's call for this and other safety measures to be implemented as soon as possible https://www thecourier co uk/fp/business-environment/transport/3883030/why-dunkeld-residents-want-a-roundabout-on-the-a9-now/

Among the matters discussed at our recent CG monthly meetings were:

• the need to get more publicity about the message – dualling is not going to happen any time soon and making the case that actions are needed and possible meanwhile to make the road as safe as possible without dualling; letters to papers (as JAG discussed too), articles with journalists etc

• updated briefings for local Councillors, and fresh engagement with Perth and Kinross Council Roads Dept, whose roads connect with the A9 and get massively stretched when A9 accident related diversions have to be put in place

• look into having/ upgrading our own web page, as has been done by a new action group further north

Possibly in a new spirit of communication, we heard from Alan Blair , Jacob's senior officer for their A9 related design contract from TS (believed to run to 2026) on 6th November, as follows: “I am emailing you to make you aware that a Jacobs sub-contractor is undertaking work within the River Tay in the vicinity of the River Tay crossing The work is to complete a bathymetric survey of the river, which will inform future stages of design and assessment The work is expected to be completed this week, subject to water and weather conditions “

Let us see!

NB: See the Junctions Action Group article on page 8

As always you can contact us at email: dunkeldA9workinggroup@gmail com, and to have your details added (or removed from) our mailing list; Also at Facebook page: Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group Please Like and Share it Or just phone me!

Alasdair Wylie, Coordinator 01350 727361

Our page on "The Bridge" website, including key documents for download is: http://www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk/community-council/a9-dualling

The latest Information from Transport Scotland is at: https://www transport gov scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/a9-pass-of-birnam-to-tay-crossing/ https://www transport gov scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/a9-tay-crossing-to-ballinluig/project-details/

Arts News 3

WHAT’S ON BIRNAM ARTS IN OCTOBER –PERFORMANCES & ACTIVITIES

Beauty and the Beast Pantomime

BIPS

Thursday 1st – Saturday 3rd

7pm + Saturday Matinee 2pm

Tickets £10 / £5 / £20* family

The beloved, romantic story of a young girl and a bewitched prince, in a Tale as Old as Time Oh, and a cross-dressing Ma and a giant French Poodle called Felix (every panto should have one)! And a nasty baddie! Every panto has to have one (Well, spoiler, the beast isn't bad really, is he!)

Tales of Birnam & Dunkeld

Jane Archer: Autumn Voices

Friday 9th December 7pm

Tickets £5* conc £3*

This evening sees the launch of an anthology of writing, Tales of Birnam and Dunkeld, featuring recently written and specially commissioned work about the area, past and present

The book features new work by James Robertson, Jess Smith, Linda Cracknell, Fiona Ritchie, Jamie Jauncey and Jane Archer, and by members of Jane’s writing group for over-60s which has been meeting at Birnam Arts in summer and autumn this year

Santa Day: The Gingerbread Man

Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre

Saturday 10th December

10.30am and 11.30am

Tickets £5*

Imagine a world made entirely of biscuits: trees, houses and stars in the sky Into this beautiful world comes THE GINGERBREAD MAN, creating havoc wherever he goes He meets a majestic Cow, a stubborn Goat and an opportunistic Bird But Can GINGERBREAD MAN outwit the dastardly Fox ?

Talisk

Saturday 10th December 8pm

Tickets £17* U16s £12*

Ground-breaking, chart-topping, genrebending, instantly enthralling it’s little wonder that Talisk rank highly amongst the most indemand folk-based groups to emerge from Scotland in the last decade Talisk have stacked up major awards for their explosively energetic, artfully woven sound Mohsen Amini, Graeme Armstrong and Benedict Morris fuse concertina, guitar and fiddle to produce an innovative, multilayered signature that captivates audiences worldwide

Lateshift

Saturday 17th December

Doors 8.00pm

Tickets £15*

It’s been a three year wait Dust down that party frock!

Join the best Christmas party in town as Dave Amos, Pete Caban, Gill Hunter, Pete Honeyman, Alan Sutherland and Matt Rogers belt out classics form the 70s and 80s to keep you on the dance floor Winter Exhibition

Coorie In Project

Our Winter Exhibition comprises of a wonderful collection of original prints from members of the DCA Prints Studio And, as always it is a pleasure to support our local creative artists and craft community showcasing their textiles, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, woodcrafts, and paintings All perfect unique Christmas gifts

Playwrights Studio Scotland

Starting 25th November

10 – 5pm last Friday of the month

Free

Coorie In is a nationwide project originated by Playwrights' Studio, Scotland to help playwrights find warmth, community and a place to work at their local arts centres

Playwrights’ Studio are proud to partner with Birnam Arts Centre to deliver Coorie In in Perthshire

Free warm studio space with WiFi Tea Coffee & Biscuits

Christmas Pottery Class: Saturday 17th of December

10 – 3pm

Adults £30 Kids £15

Come and join some festive fun for the family making clay Christmas baubles and decorations Mince pies included!

Coorie In’ Christmas Launch Party

To respond to the cost-of-living crisis, Birnam Arts has set aside the mezzanine gallery and seating area as a free-to-access ‘coorie in’ warm space over the winter

We are looking for community donations or loans of board games, books, children’s play mats, and children’s toys to help make the space more welcoming

Our warm space will be open every day 10am-5pm and will be catered From Wednesday to Friday – with coffee and tea available throughout the day and free lunches provided by our kitchen

We are advertising for a part-time programme coordinator to help manage the project Please find our advert on indeed com for more details

Anyone interested in lending a hand at our warm space should contact us at calum@birnamarts com

BIRNAM ARTS BOARD of TRUSTEES – Minute Taking

The Birnam Arts Board of Trustees is seeking an interested person to undertake the recording and production of the formal minutes for its Board meetings These meetings generally take place in the evening of the Third Monday of the month between 7 00 and 9 30pm at Birnam Arts

It is anticipated that financial remuneration would be agreed on a contract basis for a set number of hours per month

If you are interested, then please contact the Chair of the Trustees at chair@birnamarts com for further information

The Shop Around the Corner (1940) Friday 16th December 2pm Free

James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan are employees at Matuschek and Company, a general store in Budapest Klara and Alfred are constantly at odds with each other, butting heads and disagreeing on almost everything Both are enamoured of their respective pen pals, who serve as welcome distractions in their lives Little do they know, they are each the other's pen pal and, despite outward differences, have unwittingly fallen in love through their letter

Arts News continued

Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022

Tales of Birnam & Dunkeld

In the spring of this year, Autumn Voices invited proposals from writers in relation to Scotland’s Year of Stories My response highlighted the richness of stories within and around the area of Birnam & Dunkeld I presented ideas borne out of the four key criterion: iconic stories & storytellers, new stories, Scotland’s people and places, local tales & legends, and inspiration from nature The proposal focussed on creative writing, and how through a variety of explorations, exercises and prompts people could be encouraged to create their own stories about what this landscape, people and heritage means to them

The creative writing groups were initially set up while we were attempting (and still are) to scramble out of a pandemic Confidence was low and people were hesitant But as time went on, the creative process took hold and people wrote and shared at every session Facilitating the groups was an enjoyable and humbling experience From the outset participants submitted work for the anthology and we also commissioned pieces on the same broad themes from a number of established writers living in the area:

James Robertson, Jess Smith, Fiona Valpy, Tim Turnbull, Fiona Ritchie, Linda Cracknell Jamie Jauncey and Pete Clark Additionally, an exhibition featuring quotes from some of the pieces in the anthology will be on display in the café at Birnam Arts

The project culminates in an event at Birnam Arts Centre on December 9th 2022 with the launch of the anthology ‘Tales of Birnam and Dunkeld’ Participants and commissioned writers will read from their work Tickets are £3/5, which will include a copy of the anthology Everyone is welcome

Jane Archer / November 2022

Two pieces from the anthology: Brae Street / Bob Davidson

Why did they call it Brae Street I wonder? It’s a fair climb up from the village centre As steep as Birnam Hill itself maybe In the days of coal and wood fires and an outside privy discretely hidden out the back, most of the inhabitants of Brae Street would have had employment down the hill So unfair to be able to skip easily downwards, gravity assisted, towards a day of labour only to have the day’s exhaustion treated with the contempt of the trudging ascent home The man in the photo isn’t exactly posing There’s more a look of suspicion in his eye His pipe smoke adding to that of the chimneys Not an everyday occurrence - a camera in Brae Street There’s almost a look of ‘we’re no’ here to suit you’, but please yersel’ He is not posing He’s watching Like the two wee girls further down the hill And the man keeking out of the upstairs window and the couple of women standing chatting outside the next house down They’ve all been captured Captured without resistance or consent Frozen there in a solution of silver Somebody’s granny as a wee girl Someone’s brother, aunt or sister Caught in a sliver of time with no past or future Like the particles of smoke adrift in the cool air above the stepped roofs with their rusty skylight windows and damp attics in that Street on the Brae I am trapped in this photo too

Birnam Glen Spring / Mary McDougall

Just at the entrance to Birnam Glen, a line of ice-cold water emerges from a hollowed rock tunnel built into the bank and slides into the stone basin beneath It’s always damp here even on the sunniest, the driest, of days The earthy water is always cold Sometimes the continuous trickle becomes a drip Around the basin, moss, ivy, and spurge, all plants which thrive in damp and shade They too must add to taste And the leaves which in Autumn cover its surface Beneath, in the basin, the muddy sediment swirls, reflecting glints of mica Occasionally, someone will fashion a simple funnel from plant stalk or wood to act as conduit for slow moving water from the tunnel entrance to the basin below Today it is a flattened dandelion leaf

Two plastic water bottles, filled, sit beside the basin to be collected later An old neighbour once swore he’d never add anything other than this water to his whisky

Eventually, the water will run off into the Inchewan Burn where for a while, just above the confluence with the Tay, a small distillery situated at the bottom of the Glen would have been beneficiary of this uisge -beatha

There’s something liminal about caves, entrances, wellheads The Gaelic for well or spring is ‘tobar ’ All sorts of wells exist in story and legend, some with accredited efficacy : saints’ wells, wells for headache, toothache, madness, the pox ‘Tobar ’ is also used, endearingly, as a pet name for a child - my life- giving spring, slaker of my thirst, my joy

JustSingin` Community Choir

All are very welcome to join Justsingin`, a mixed, all age community choir, any Wednesday in Birnam, 7 30pm-9 30pm, in the upstairs studio in Birnam Arts, Station Road Our current tutor is Amy Lord and she will be leading us in Santa Day carol singing in Dunkeld and Birnam on Saturday 10th December, hope to see you there! No previous singing experience is required, there are no auditions, sheet music, or solos, we simply have inspiring professional tutors with modern and ancient songs taught in the traditional by ear method If you enjoy singing with others then come and try us You will be made very welcome Cost is £10 per evening/£64 per 8-week term, please see full details on www justsingin co uk or phone Katie on 07765 405203

Please note:, the current term ends on the 14th December when we have a final workshop with Amy Lord, and resumes on 1st February 2023 Justsingin wishes you a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year Scottish Charity No: SCO36400

Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries

Bookbug sessions are held at Birnam Library every Thursday from 10 30 – 11am Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for those under 5s Prebooking for each session is essential Please contact Birnam Library by phoning 01738 459709 or emailing birnamlibrary@culturepk org uk to book a spot Princh

Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries have installed Princh, a new printing solution in libraries across Perth and Kinross, including Birnam Library With Princh, it is now possible to print from any mobile device, tablet, or laptop from home or in one of our participating libraries Just print, pay online and pick up your items You can send your print jobs at any time from any place, and what's more, you no longer have to wait in line at the printer

Details can be found on our website: https://www culturepk org uk/libraries/internet-and-computers/princh-printing/ Birnam

Library

Birnam Library opening hours are:

Thursday 5pm-7pm / Friday 12pm-5pm / Saturday 9 30am-12pm

Birnam Library, Station Road, Birnam, DUNKELD PH8 0DS 01738 459709 / birnamlibrary@culturepk org uk

All Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries will be closed from 24th December 2022 for the Christmas and New Year holidays All libraries will reopen on 6th January 2023

Christmas Jumper Pairs

A festive day of bridge at BIRNAMARTS on Monday 19th December

Our Christmas BridgeDay will comprise 28 hands of duplicate bridge with a lunch break of (Christmassy) soup and sandwiches

Starting at 10 30 with coffee and Festive Tiffin, a full day of competitive bridge begins at 11am, finishing by 4pm Mulled wine and mincepies with the prizegiving £18 per player

Please book your place and prepay on BOOK EVENTS http://www bridgewebs com/bridgedays

The Pitlochry & District Choral Society

The Pitlochry & District Choral Society will perform their Christmas concert on Sunday 11th December at 7 30pm in The Church of Scotland, Pitlochry Save the date for "CHRISTMAS TOGETHER", an evening of festive music for all the family including excerpts from Handel's Messiah, plus choir and audience carols

Thank You!

What an absolute joy it was to welcome a full house to Birnam Arts on 4th November in support of The Little Sherpa Foundation An amazingly generous audience raised £7450 for the charity!

Superbly entertaining and informative talks from Fiona Valpy, Cameron McNeish and Richard Else Raffle and auction expertly managed by Simon Yearsley

Massive thanks to all the speakers, helpers, donators and the wonderfully supportive audience We are so very grateful, Team Little Sherpa

First Glimpse of Santa’s Grotto!

Santa’s Grotto will be opened for a sneak preview in the Drill Hall on Friday 9th December (same night as the late night shopping) for members of the community to be able to come along and see the grotto We just thought it would be lovely for local people to be able to view the grotto in all its glory, as many don’t get a chance to see it on the Saturday

The Kiln Creative

With a ball of clay in your hand the pottery possibilities are endless The Kiln Creative is hosting a variety of workshops at Birnam Arts from taster classes for Christmas and Valentine's day to blocks of evening and weekend workshops in January to further your pottery skills

I first tried pottery at night classes; they quickly became the highlight of my week A surprise to me though was that its main benefits were not the delightfully wonky mug or dinky vase I took home proudly but the calm that came as soon as I stepped into the studio Pottery is an addictive wee hobby that will take your mind off the work week and kids schedules You are forced to put your phone down and become immersed in the creative buzz You might come to class to make your dream mug or try a new hobby but you'll stay in class for the peace of mind you'll find See advert on page 18

Sports, Health and Wellbeing

AIMS:

1: To transform the lives of people in the villages and surrounding areas through sport and leisure

2: To promote the various sports and leisure activities in the Dunkeld & Birnam area

3: To support the building and maintenance of sports facilities including a sports hall

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––All sports and leisure clubs are invited to join 'The Sports Hub ' Membership is free

Please send details of your club's activities and events to editor@dunkeldandbirnmamnews co uk for inclusion in the hub page of 'The Bridge ' For more details see: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk/sport ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Dalguise Meditation Group

Why not come to a meeting this month and find out what we do? Meetings take place every other Tuesday in Dalguise Village Hall from 10 30 to 12 30 In December the meetings are on 6th and 20th We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments There is no charge and we have no religious affiliations

If you aren't able to attend in person, you might be interested in joining the mailing list, to receive interesting and helpful articles about meditation on the intervening Tuesdays If you would like to know more about how meditation helps us to become more aware, more focussed, calm and compassionate, contact faithanstey@gmail com

Use of New Covered MUGA Facility

The new MUGA is due for completion before Christmas The Hub are excited to share this wonderful new facility with the community

MUGA Sports and Activities

Fully Lined for: netball, including walking netball (portable hoops)

• badminton (portable net)

• tennis (portable net)

Partially lined for:

• 5-a-side football, including walking football (goals integral to MUGA)

• hockey (goals integral to MUGA)

• basketball (3 point markings, hoops integral to MUGA) Can be used for:

• volleyball (using tennis single court plus Frog tape),

• handball (using football lines)

• pickleball (tennis or badminton lines plus Frog tape; portable nets) fitness sessions

There is an Equipment store in the facility for the portable equipment

Floodlighting

• The MUGA has floodlighting

• Lights are switched on from within the MUGA Lights will switch off automatically after 1 hour (can be switched on again)

• Lights out automatically at 10pm Access

• Combination lock on main entrance

• Lock code given to members Non members get lock code when booking

MUGA Membership

• MUGA membership open to people living in PH8 and PH9 postcodes plus Bankfoot, Murthly, Caputh and Spittalfield

• MUGA membership gives usage of MUGA at no further cost

• MUGA members accept Terms & Conditions of Use (with a focus on keeping facility clean and returning equipment to store)

• MUGA membership includes membership of the Dunkeld & Birnam Sports & Leisure Hub

The Hub manages the clubhouse, car park and site insurance

Therefore, MUGA members have voting rights at the Hub AGM and are encouraged to be involved in the running of the Hub

MUGA Fees

• We aim to keep the MUGA membership fee as low as possible, to cover costs

Our current estimate is a MUGA membership fee of £30 per year

Fees can be paid one-off or in instalments

• Facilities are due to open December 2022

From opening until April 2023 use of the MUGA is free for MUGA members

We will start charging membership fees from April 2023

• MUGA membership is free for Under 16s and those in full time education or training

Non-members will be charged £30 per hour from opening

Booking and Timetable

Key points

• Local school and nursery have priority Monday to Friday mornings in term time

• Members can - attend timetabled sessions for specific activities (see table)

- book available slots using the Clubspark app or by calling [number to be confirmed]

- book a session on behalf of a club if the attendees are all members

• Timetabled sessions will be reviewed and amended according to usage

Further details will be confirmed before opening

Any issues on membership, booking or anything else, please email dbsportsleisurehub@gmail com or call [number to be confirmed]

Community News continued

Birnam and Dunkeld Junctions Action Group

There has been huge concern about the recent fatal accidents and near misses on the A9 This is a brief overview of what the action group has been doing to highlight this issue On Friday 7th October, The Junctions Action Group wrote to John Swinney MSP expressing our sadness about the loss of life and again expressing our concerns about the safety of this stretch of the A9 and especially at the junctions He wrote back the same day, saying that he would arrange some further dialogue on junctions’ safety and this had his highest priority

Representatives of the Junctions Action Group, Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council, and the A9 Birnam to Ballinluig Community Group then met with John Swinney in his constituency office on Tuesday 11th October

The outcome of this is that John Swinney set up a meeting with the representatives of the above groups, Transport Scotland and himself on 31st October We were informed that Transport Scotland has been asked to look at safety improvements

John Swinney also attended the A9 Road Safety group meeting The group consists of organisations involved in operating the A9 including Police Scotland, the road operating companies, local authorities, Transport Scotland and various safety personnel The meeting was chaired by Jenny Gilruth, Transport Minister, who made it clear, throughout the meeting, her desire for short-term improvements to be the focus of the discussions and action

Details were given of possible short-term improvements which involve signage to clarify dual/single carriageway issues, lighting at junctions, strengthened road markings, junction layouts, awareness campaigns and encouragement of rest breaks

The Minister made it very clear she wanted to have presented to her, at the earliest opportunity, specific propositions that could be implemented

We wait to see what they will be

The action group held an in-person meeting on 8th November and are looking for ideas and ways to make our voices heard and move the campaign forward

Our priorities are :

1 Roundabout at Dunkeld

2 Better signage at the end of the Dual carriageway northbound warning drivers of the single carriageway ahead and lower speed limits

3 Lighting at the junctions with improved road markings

50 mph speed limit through the single carriageway section at Birnam and Dunkeld

Monitoring cameras at the Birnam and Dunkeld junctions to record near misses etc

We have had some local publicity from local papers

We are not the only people concerned about A9 safety There was Opposition Motion at the Scottish Parliament on Road Safety on A9 and A96 on Wednesday 2nd November 22 which you can watch(see link to Scottish Parliament TV)

https://www scottishparliament tv/meeting/scottishconservative-and-unionist-party-business-essential-ro ad-improvements-november-2-2022

Our concern is to make the A9 safer and for example, a car and a lorry were recently involved in an accident at the Hermitage junction and this resulted in the lorry remaining on the A9 road for at least 6 hours with no warning cones in place Fortunately no further accidents occurred as a result These incidences are not officially documented so in the meantime, could you let me know of any incidents or near misses that you are aware of

If you want to get involved go on our mailing list please contact me at: pammgreen@btinternet com

Pam Green Birnam and Dunkeld Junctions Actions Group

Community First Responders –Dunkeld,

Birnam and surrounds Community First Responders are volunteers who are trained by the Scottish Ambulance Service to attend certain types of emergency calls in the area where they live or work Their aim is to reach a potential lifethreatening emergency in the first vital minutes before the ambulance crew arrives Their role is to help stabilise the patient and provide the appropriate care until the more highly skilled ambulance crew arrives on scene to take over the treatment They are usually based in rural communities where ambulance crews have longer to travel to the patient

Recent conversations with First Responders based in Perth, and with the Scottish Ambulance Service, have identified a gap in Community First Responder provision in the area of Dunkeld, Birnam and surrounds This gap could be filled by a dedicated unit in our community

There are a variety of ways in which First Responder units can run – with one most common being that of a charity This model allows for local fundraising for equipment and ongoing training (not all of which can be provided by the Scottish Ambulance Service), and allows provision most suited to local needs A charity model would need a number of individuals to be trained First Responders, and other volunteers to oversee the charity function (it is recommended these roles are not carried out by the same people)

If you are interested in either exploring training as a First Responder, or considering how you might be able to help by being on a committee, or volunteering in other ways, please get in touch with Graeme on 07904 411624 or gkcook@hotmail com The next steps are for an initial gathering of those interested in such roles, followed by a discussion with the Scottish Ambulance Service in the New Year

Museum & Heritage Centre

Dunkeld Community Archive

12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN www historicdunkeld org uk archives@historicdunkeld.org.uk 01350 727786

Retiral

David Arbuthnott, a very well-known figure in Dunkeld, with Alison Gillies and Ruth Brown at his retirement as Trustee Chair of the Chapter House Museum Trust (Community Archive)

To recognise his commitment and valuable contribution to the Archive, we have honoured him by naming our research room "The David Arbuthnott Research Room"

Donations

We encourage people/local clubs to deposit photographs, documents and memorabilia relating to Dunkeld and the surrounding areas, either as gifts or on loan We are a safe depository for things that may end up being thrown away It is important to archive these things for future generations

We recently received an amazing scrap book containing photographs of Dunkeld from May 1857 It is causing quite a stir with the experts, and could be the earliest photographs of Dunkeld !

Volunteers & Funding

Thanks to the Gannochy Trust, we have gained funding to offer our volunteer, Imogen, a job starting in January 2023 She will oversee the project to create 3D images for a museum for visually impaired and monthly online exhibitions The Gannochy Trust have also funded 50% of the Managers post for 2023

We have many exciting projects for volunteers to get involved with, and will welcome anyone with a bit of free time No experience necessary

Santa Day

We will be open with an exhibition to support Santa Day

We have lovely local themed gifts in our small shop which are great for Christmas stocking fillers

Holidays

The Archive will be closed for the Christmas holidays from Monday 19th December

We plan to re-open to the public on Monday 30th January This will give us the opportunity to do all the photographic work for the 3D scans during January when we are quiet We will be happy to look at any research requests via email

Supporting Us

As we rely on donations to keep the Archive and Museum open and to care for our unique collections, we greatly appreciate any financial support we receive

To DONATE please go to our web site www historicdunkeld org uk

We have recently introduced our Legacy Programme –Dunkeld Community Archive - Legacy

Whether you enjoy regular visits to our museum and archive, have memories of a childhood spent in and around Dunkeld or are simply passionate about the power of museums to inspire, a gift in your will, no matter how small will help to preserve the museum for generations to come

By choosing to remember us with a gift, you will be playing a crucial role in helping our stories live on to inspire future generations and to remain an important and relevant part of people’s lives – today and long into the future

For further details please visit our web site (www historicdunkeld org uk) and “support us”

Dunkeld Babies and Toddlers

Baby pumpkins, witches, skeletons and even SpiderMan and Snow White, all made an appearance at the Dunkeld Babies and toddlers Halloween party last month Much fun was had with activities and Halloween games Cakes were decorated, masks were made and the children enjoyed challenges on the table such as finding the eyeball in spidery custard, scooping the ‘bones’ out of the jelly with your mouth only and finding the Maltesers in the cream The firm favourite that had everyone rushing in was the game of trying to eat the hanging chocolate donut without using your hands There were lots of happy chocolaty faces after that

If you would like to come along to the group, we meet every Friday morning 10 00am till 11 30am upstairs in the Duchess Anne, Dunkeld A warm welcome awaits you and tea or coffee and snacks for the children are provided Our suggested donation is £2 but if this is not affordable, we would like you to come anyway We also have two what’s app groups, one for babies and toddlers and the other now for young parents, whose children are now closer to school age or at school The what’s app group provide support to one another as well as updates on what’s on in the community, and baby and toddler items are frequently posted for sale or for free If you would like to join these groups or come along on Friday mornings, please contact Lesley on 07546128902

The group also has five back packs for taking toddlers out walking in the hills, kindly paid for by the community council, along with play mats, childrens frames, a jumperoo and sensory toys These back packs can be borrowed by any young parent or fit granny, to try out, or use on a family walk We were well supported throughout 2021 by the community council with funds that also allowed us to pay our rent till summer this year and their support kept our group running till June this year

With the economic climate changing and cost of energy rising, we would equally appreciate any financial donations to our group which supports our communities young families If you would like to make a donation our bank account is Dunkeld Babies and toddlers

Account number 23624968

Sort code 80-22-60

Many thanks, Lesley

Community Noticeboard 11

Birnam Post Office Retirement of Gordon on 28th September 2022

I would like to thank all my customers and friends for all their very kind wishes, cards, gifts and donations on the occasion of my retirement from Birnam Post Office

It has been a great pleasure over the years to serve you at the Post Office as customers and friends I will be around Birnam and Dunkeld and hope we can have an opportunity to catch up

I would like to wish Kelly and all her the staff at The Chattan Tearoom and Post Office many continued happy years

Regards, Gordon

Atholl Gallery and artist Kate Leiper support Guide Dogs!

Nationally celebrated artist and illustrator, Kate Leiper has donated a watercolour illustration to sell on behalf of our local Guide Dogs branch (see picture on front page) The illustration, “Friends in the End”, was done while Kate was artist in residence at the Birnam Book Festival

The Atholl Gallery has leant its support and the painting is hanging for sale in the gallery Please stop by and have a look The entire sale of the watercolour will go to Guide Dogs

Breadalbane & District RDA (SC047991)

Our final activity for the year was the AGM which took place on 7th November in the Church of Scotland meeting rooms, Aberfeldy The meeting was well attended and everyone enjoyed soup and sandwiches at the end

It is quite a pivotal moment for the group with Jennifer Valentine standing down after 10 years at the helm as chair She will remain a trustee and Helen McDade who has been her vice chair for the past two years is stepping into her shoes for the next year We also now have three new trustees to include the coaching team who will bring energy and ideas to the group Jennifer was presented with a bouquet of flowers and our treasurer Clare Thomas was presented with a Long Service certificate for 25 years She has actually being holding the purse strings for 22 years and wishes to retire at next year ’s AGM

We have been very fortunate to have received a substantial grant earlier this year which together with our own successful fundraising activities has put the finances of the group into a very healthy position

We keep our fingers crossed that the kind owners who lend us their ponies for our weekly sessions in the summer months will continue to do so and that the ponies will remain fit and suitable for our riders

Although we will now not be riding again until April 2023 we are always on the look out for volunteers to join the group We operate from an outdoor arena just south of Pitlochry on Monday mornings during the school summer and early autumn terms The feedback we get from the schools indicates how much the children benefit from their riding sessions and it is immensely rewarding being able to help them

Anyone interested should get in touch with either Helen on 01796 470414 or Jennifer on 01796 474444

RBS mobile bank visits Dunkeld and Birnam. Thursdays: Dunkeld, The Cross 14.50 pm to 15.20 pm and Birnam, Post Office 15.05 pm to 15.25 pm

Getting Through this Winter with GrowBiz Support

For many rural enterprises there’s a tough winter ahead, with rising costs and fewer orders or bookings There’s no need to struggle alone GrowBiz is here to support small business owners, social enterprises and the self-employed:

1-1 Advice and Support: Get in touch to arrange to talk through your challenges with an experienced and friendly advisor, who can help you plan a strategy to cut costs or increase revenue, apply for funding, direct you to further support or just be a listening ear

Learning and Networking Sessions: GrowBiz holds regular networking events where you can form connections and be inspired Also available are free online learning sessions on various topics to help you improve your skills in areas such as using social media or managing your time

Mentoring: If you would like to build your confidence, talk to an open and responsive listener and define your goals, you would really benefit from the GrowBiz mentoring experience the only business mentoring programme to be accredited by the Scottish Mentoring Network

Rural Enterprise Directory Scotland (REDS): REDS is an exciting initiative led by GrowBiz to promote and support micro businesses in Scotland’s rural economy

Sign up for the REDS directory for free and put your business on the map at www reds scot

Self Employment + Entrepreneurial Development (SEED): This programme is for young people aged 1825 in Perthshire and Kinross who would like to start or grow their own business Grants of up to £1000 are available, as well as advice, help and learning opportunities

See all GrowBiz support services or get in touch at www growbiz co uk

Poppy Scotland

On behalf of Poppy Scotland, we would like to thank residents, businesses, and hotels in Birnam, Dunkeld, Ballinluig, Bankfoot and Murthly for helping raise £2570 for the cause

With thanks from Fraser, Sheila, Morag, Isobel and Senga

Bir nam Library

Opening hours: Thursday: 5pm – 7pm Friday: 12pm – 5pm Saturday: 9.30am – 12pm

Birnam Library is situated in the Birnam Arts Centre, Station Road, Birnam, PH8 0DS Tel : 01738 459709

Birnam Library is run by Culture Perth and Kinrossa charitable trust bringing art, culture, books, learning, creative communities and local history and heritage to people across the whole of Perth and Kinross https://www culturepk org uk/

Three Churches in the Community

Thought for the Month

And yet

I looked up at the gibbous moon with Jupiter shining bright above it and turning my face to the left I found the blush pink of Mars I stood for quite a while in the darkness as a myriad of stars popped onto the cosmic canvas that has no end and no time I feel humbled when I star gaze, I am so small and fleeting in comparison; and yet I matter as much I reflected upon the darkness, the night drawing in ever earlier in my days, and as I looked around at the stars once more I felt comforted, I was surrounded by darkness; and yet that darkness could never overcome the light I stood for long enough that night that I was able to see shooting stars, and witness the changing position of the plough as it made its way across the skies I then thought of the star of Bethlehem, that star we sing of and tell stories about , the star made at the beginning of creation, flung with purpose out and onto a journey that millions of years later would lead wise people on a journey of their own, a pilgrimage, a camino spoken about in scriptures and written on holy scrolls so ancient; and yet it pointed toward a new beginning

I thought about the journeys that have been taken by us all in our lifetimes, some have led to dead ends and some to possibilities, some have been sad and some joyful, most journeys are a mix of both We can never know how our journeys will end; and yet we move We are not born to be static, we are born to explore and to innovate

I wondered about new beginnings birthed out of the darkness, and I gave thanks for the birth that we celebrate just as the darkness is at its deepest The newness and freshness of a child born to be the light in the world, and as the hope that exists and grows even in the messiness of these uncertain times

As we move into the season of Advent, Christmas, and onto the new year none of us can be certain of what the year ahead holds; and yet we trust that God so loved the world that He gave His only son that we might live eternally Look up tonight and give thanks

Lesley-Ann Craddock

Church of Scotland Services

December 4th 11 00am – Communion Service in Little Dunkeld Kirk

December 11th 11 00am – Morning Worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

2 00pm – Bereavement Service in Little Dunkeld

December 18th 11 00am – Morning Worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

4 00pm – Christingle service in Little Dunkeld

December 24th 6 30pm – Christmas Eve Service at Amulree

11 30pm – Watchnight service in the Cathedral

(Carol singing from 11pm onwards)

December 25th 11 00am – Christmas Day Service in Little Dunkeld Kirk

January 1st 11 00am – Morning Worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

January 8th 11 00am – Morning Worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

After the service tea and coffee are served in one of the gathering areas in the church and everyone is very welcome to stay for a short time

Carols in the Cathedral

At the end of Santa Day on December 10th there will be carol singing (and a few other things) in the Cathedral at 4pm Always a lovely event and a chance to kick off the Season with a good sing of favourite carols!

Kirk Session

The next meeting of the Kirk Session is on January 17th at 7 30pm in the Duchess Anne

Online Services

For the remainder of the year our online presence will be different It is a huge task to produce weekly worship in addition to the Sunday service so it has been decided to experiment with different formats for a short time to see what works best What is produced will still be accessed on our YouTube channel ‘Dunkeld Cathedral online’ but it will not be in the same style as we have done There will be a few ‘shorts’ for Advent and some reflections on particular themes as well as music They will go live at different times in the week rather than on a Sunday And of course, there is two and a half years’ worth of videos which can still be viewed

The Meeting Place

The Meeting Place is in the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings between 10am and noon Please come along and enjoy tea/coffee and cakes in good company!

Fellowship Group –‘Exploring faith and life together ’

There have been two groups meeting over the past couple of months, one fortnightly on Tuesday evenings (which can usually be joined by zoom) and the other fortnightly on Wednesday mornings Both groups have been looking a booklet on the theme of ‘loving God and your neighbour as yourself ’

Over Advent the two groups will meet together on Tuesdays at 7pm (which can be joined by zoom as well – just email Fraser for the code ) The group will be led by the Rev Ewen Gilchrist and here is how he describes what we will be doing:

“I’ve slowly become persuaded that one of the best ways to explore the glorious season of Advent is through poetry There is a beautiful book with the enchanting title of “Haphazard by Starlight” and it offers a poem a day (plus some commentary) from Dec 1st

Anyone in the church community – and beyond – is invited to meet once a week on a Tuesday evening in the Chanonry at 7pm to discuss the poems for that week and which one was your favourite It’s as simple as that Not homework, not an exam, just a beautiful and mischievous way to explore our Christmas message – Emmanuel! God With Us! What does that mean? If you join us, I promise you a wonderfully different journey through Advent; to augment and enrich your Christmas preparations at home

The first meeting is on Tuesday, Nov 29th at 7 00 and then weekly, finishing on December 20th Buy a copy of the book beforehand – it’s edited by Janet Morleyand bring it with you It’s a setting-the-scene kind of evening, with some poetry surprises thrown in for good measure It would help me a lot if you could let me know in advance if you hope to be there Contact me on ewengilchrist@btconnect com or 077 477 46418 – but if you’re a spur of the moment kind of person, just come!

Finally, you’re probably wondering who I am My name’s Ewen Gilchrist – I’ve found food for faith (and a welcome) at the Cathedral and Little Dunkeld when my pulpit supply duties go quiet and have also had the pleasure of occasionally leading worship in the Cathedral ”

Booking Halls

Anyone who would like to book either the Duchess Anne or the Chanonry for meetings and events should contact Jill McCrory on chanonrydunkeld@gmail com

St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Birnam

1st December 2pm: The first Thursday of the month is ‘All together Now’ with the talented Colleen Nicoll a free interactive musical event for everyone to enjoyyoung and older Refreshments too!!!

2nd December at 6:30pm:

Festive Wreath Making will be happening on Friday the Come and make your own wreath There will be all you need to make one , but if you want to bring extra adornments for yours and make a SUPER cool one please do( last year there were lights!!) Hot drinks provided, but bring your own tipple if you fancy being more festive!! – to share obviously!

4th December at 9:50am:

The 1st Sunday of the month is ‘music Sunday’ at St Mary’s Visiting professional musicians come along and enhance our worship with a varied program On the before the service begins at 10am; Colleen Nicoll will sing arias by Bach accompanied by flute and cello During the receiving of the Eucharist (bread and wine at the altar), the music will be the original version of ‘Panis Angelicus’ for flute and cello All are welcome to join us, there is no requirement to ‘do’ what we do, just ‘be’ and enjoy the welcome and the beauty ( and the refreshments after)

11th December at 4pm:

A beautiful Taize service in candle light, to reflect on Advent and prepare us for Christmas Led by Rev William Hogg

On a couple of Saturdays TBA during December, you might see a motley crew of wise men/women, an angel or two, a camel ( Humphrey thinks he is a real camel), Mary and Joseph, a few shepherds and a star This fine group!!!!! Will be from St Mary’s They will have sweets and chocolates to give away, and will be stopping in a few places to sing a few carols and tell the story of Jesus birth Any budding Nativity characters who wish to join us please get in touch with Re’ Lesley-ann, or just join in on the day 23rd December at 4pm:

Another shout out for our Messy Nativity on Friday (when you don’t know what to do with the children’s energy) come and dress up, sing carols, listen to the interactive nativity story and help to put the Nativity figures in the stable, make biscuit stables (Baby Jesus is a jelly baby !!!) wave a glow stick and get ready for a lovely Christmas You can bring friends and the whole family; including any well behaved dogs It will last about an hour COME ALONG and Ding dong merrily!!!!!

The Meeting Place

Three Churches in the Community Church Services and Contacts:

Weekly Services

Church of Scotland:

Dunkeld Cathedral at 11am

Every Sunday from Easter Sunday to Remembrance Sunday

Little Dunkeld Kirk at 11am

Every Sunday from the Sunday following Remembrance Sunday to Palm Sunday

Scottish Episcopal Church:

St Mary’s Birnam at 10am Every Sunday

Roman Catholic:

St Columba’s, Mass 6pm Every Saturday

Monthly and Occasional Services

Church of Scotland, Amulree

Third Sunday of the Month 2 15pm

Servite

There is a Communion Service in the lounge at Servite at 3pm on the first Sundays of March, June, September and December

Contact Details:

Church of Scotland:

Congregational Office Bearers:

Minister: Rev R Fraser Penny,B A B D , Cathedral Manse, Dunkeld, PH8 0AW

Tel: 01350 727249

e-mail: r fraserpenny@gmail com

Session Clerk: Mrs C McNicoll Tel: 01350 727500

e-mail: mcnicoll431@btinternet com

Treasurer: Mrs Louise Luke

The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld Tel: 07773 604372

e-mail: to be confirmed

Covenant Officer: Mrs Ann Bryce Tomnagrew House, Dunkeld PH80BX Tel: 01350 723228

e-mail: j bryce@farmline com

Organist & Choir Leader: Mrs Hazel Murch Tel: 07867 642954

e-mail: hazel murch@gmail com

Parish Office: Mrs Jill McCrory

The Chanonry, 07808 703641

email: chanonrydunkeld@gmail com

www dunkeldcathedral org uk

St Mary's Episcopal (Anglican) Church, Birnam

Sunday Service 10 am - Holy Communion with hymns, music and sermon, followed by refreshments

The church is open daily for visitors, and prayers are said at 5 30pm on Fridays and 9 30am on Saturday

The Servite service is now held monthly on the last Saturday of each month at 2pm and is led ecumenically by members of the three churches in Dunkeld and Birnam It is not a communion service

The Rector:

Reverend Lesley-Ann Craddock

Priest in Charge of St Mary’s Birnam and Dunkeld

St Mary’s rectory, St Mary’s Rd, Birnam, PH8 0BJ Tel: 07903 020509

email: lesley craddock@btinternet com

Part time = Friday, Saturday & Sunday I can also be found dwelling nr LochNess 01456486663

Treasurer:

Penny MacGregor and Charles Cox

Vestry Secretary:

Adrian Freer Tel: 01821 650536

email: adrianfreer@btinternet com

Organist :

John Walker B Mus, FRCO, LRAM, ARCM Tel: 01350 727755

(www stmarysbirnam org uk)

St Columba’s

Roman Catholic Church

Catholic Church Priest:

Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP Tel: 01796 472174

e-mail: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese org uk

St Bride’s Catholic Church

Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AL

Our Lady of Mercy’s, Home Street, Aberfeldy, PH15 2AL

We celebrate the presence of the Risen Lord amongst us during these Masses:

St Columba’s Birnam, Saturday Vigil Mass at 6 00 pm

Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy, Sunday at 9 30

St Bride’s, Pitlochry at 11 30 pm

Holy Days of Obligation: Mass Times

St Columba’s Birnam, at 9 30 am

Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy at 12 30 pm

St Bride’s, Pitlochry at 6 00 pm

Weekday Masses:

Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy, Tuesdays at 9 30 pm

St Bride’s, Pitlochry, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 9 30 am

Lent and Easter

During Lent Stations of the Cross will be observed as follows:

Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy, after the Tuesday Mass

St Bride’s, Pitlochry after the Friday Mass

St Columba’s Birnam, before the 6 00 Saturday Vigil Mass

CAP -

Christians Against Poverty

How to show goodwill this Christmas, even when costs are tight

As we enter the season of goodwill, many of us may find ourselves needing to change our festive spending habits from previous years With the cost of living crisis having continually surged this year, we might struggle to adopt a generous spirit this Christmas And yet, goodwill to our fellow men and women is probably more important than ever this winter So, how can we – in the face of financial challenges – continue to show kindness this Christmas?

Go ethical

It’s so easy to get caught up in a shopping frenzy at Christmas! Are you aware of how your gifts are sourced? There are an increasing number of ethical retailers putting people and the planet before profit, and selling anything from clothes to coffee to cosmetics Being mindful of just how many items you are buying can be part of an ethical outlook; as they say, less is sometimes more Find guides to ethical shops and boutiques, such as the ethicalconsumer org, to help you become more conscious about which marketplaces you buy from this Christmas

Give a charity gift

From sponsoring an elephant to a community youth project, there are a host of charities and organisations you can make a gift to this season Simply choose your favourite charity and contact them to see if they facilitate a Christmas gift donation Or perhaps you’d prefer to donate your time to a charity this winter? Is there a food bank near you that needs help in delivering festive food packages locally, or wrapping children’s toys to be given out to low income families this Christmas?

Give blood

The NHS made its first-ever amber alert this autumn when blood supplies fell critically low, making urgent calls for donors With each donation having the potential to save three lives, as well as serving you a free helping of tea and biscuits, what better Christmas gift could you give that won’t cost you a penny? Head to blood co uk to find a donation location near you and find out what’s involved

Use your voice

We can all do our bit to help, but joining your voice with others will amplify calls to make change Perhaps add your name to a petition, or write to your local MP You can draw attention to the injustice of the cost of living crisis that you’re seeing in your community, and urge those in power to speak up on your behalf Find out how to contact your MP at theyworkforyou com and, if you can, arrange a face-to-face meeting to talk about your concerns of poverty in your area

Check in with your neighbours

The festive season can be a lonely time for a lot of people, particularly those who are elderly or live alone It sounds obvious, but checking in with our neighbours, even to just wish them a merry Christmas, can make a world of difference Make a point this year to call on your neighbours before the festive season runs away Gift it forward

You don’t have to buy lavish gifts to make someone’s day Plenty of cafés allow you to ‘pay it forward’ and buy a drink for someone who can’t afford it If you’re able, why not gift a stranger a hot chocolate or gingerbread latte this December? Giving to others is scientifically proven to boost our own mood, too Seek help with money worries

An increasing number of people are struggling with money, credit and debts this year, severely impacting our mental health Don’t let your Christmas be filled with worry – get help today by contacting an organisation like Christians Against Poverty (CAP) for free, expert budgeting guidance and debt help Call CAP on 0800 328 0006 (free of charge) or visit capuk org to find out more

If you’re in the fortunate position to give to others, you may want to check out CAP’s Christmas appeal at capuk org/appeals/christmas

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity with over 580 services across the country delivering debt counselling, money management education, job clubs, life skills groups and more Visit capuk org to find out more

Community News continued 14

Connect …

Linking Asheville, North Carolina, USA and Dunkeld & Birnam

Dunkeld and Birnam Friends of Asheville, NC and Asheville Sister Cities Celebrate their five year twinning anniversary!

Proclamations signed at Birnam Arts and the Highland Brewing Company in Asheville laid the groundwork for meaningful connections between our communities We share initiatives in music, tourism, heritage, education, the environment, spiritual life, outdoor sports, small business entrepreneurship, food and beverage culture, and more

Here's to five years of friendship and our future! 2017-2022

"Putting People Together"

The 2022 AGM of the Dunkeld and Birnam Friends of Asheville (FoA) NC was held at the Community CoWorking Space on 8th November Fiona Ritchie reviewed the year's activities including our online participation in the Asheville Sister Cities (ASC) Dunkeld and Birnam Committee's Burns Night - from which they made a welcome donation of $1000 to Birnam Arts towards energy efficiency upgrading ; a video contribution by Fiona to the ASC Tartan Day event; and activities connected with the welcome visits here by Jessica Caulfield, President of ASC, and her husband Ryan In April, and by Alan and Kathleen Young in August, including accompanying the Chieftain of the Birnam Games (and FoA committee member) Thomas Steuart Fothringham at the head of the Birnam Games parade The Youngs took a particular interest in the Community Archive and we are happy to welcome Ruth Brown, Archive Manager to the FoA committee Appreciation was again expressed for the continued support of "Bridge" with the regular"Connect" column including contributions from Asheville SC members Discussions were held about helping strengthen climate change related activities between the communities, how to mark the 5th anniversary of the formal 2017 Twinning/Sister Cities agreement (starting with this "Bridge"); looking ahead to the next Burns Night joint event in January; and a variety of Community Archive related activities ( of which more in a future Bridge) Office bearers elected were Chair, Fiona Ritchie; Vice Chair and Treasurer, Simon Yearsley; Secretary, Alasdair Wylie

If you'd like to learn more,please contact Fiona (07710 537969) or Alasdair (07927 175121)

News from our Community Council

Community Council Matters

If you would like to contact the Community Council you can do so by emailing: dbcc correspondence@gmail com You can also contact us via the messaging system on our facebook page

Of course, if you have the opportunity, then please do chat to any member of the Community Council if you bump into them while out and about

Meetings are held monthly at 7pm on the second Monday of the month Date of next meetings:

12th December

9th January

13th February

Venue: Online zoom meeting

Please email us on the above address if you would like to attend and we will send you a zoom invitation

To read the minutes of previous meetings and to find the agenda for forthcoming meetings, see: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk/community-news/ community-council

I can’t quite believe we are nearing the end of 2022! Throughout the year the Community Council have been thoroughly engaged in all aspects of community life – some more challenging than others but all of which we have done our best to resolve satisfactorily

At our October meeting the Community Council considered the proposed Erigmore planning application

Peter Shannon, from Verdant Leisure, representing Erigmore, attended the meeting where he gave a short slide presentation and an overview of the proposals and consultation work done to date They intend to submit a planning application in the near future

For a fuller picture of what was discussed please view our minutes on The Bridge website

Eilidh Henderson, on behalf of Atholl Estates, also attended the meeting and updated us about plans for a community consultation exercise for the proposed development at Haughend

They are keen for suggestions for locations to hold events

Please like and follow our facebook page where will continue to share any meeting dates, consultations, or planning applications that we receive

As the year draws to a close the Community Council would like to take this opportunity to thank our three departing members - Stewart Pritchard, Calum Martin and Laura Graham

Their invaluable knowledge, experience, enthusiasm and commitment has ensured the smooth running of

missed

Personally, I would like to thank my fellow councillors for taking the reins during what has been a particularly tough year for me I’m very happy to be able to continue as secretary into 2023 with their support

We would also like to welcome our newest member, John Wigzell, who is already proving to be a valuable addition to the Community Council

There are many Community Councils across Perth & Kinross that were unable to form this year due to a lack of volunteers from their local communities Dunkeld & Birnam is lucky enough to be one of the ones that did form However, the very recent loss of three of our members leaves us a little vulnerable and we would like to appeal to our community, and to those of you that think they could offer a little time into supporting your community, to put yourself forward to become part of the team Despite the challenges, it is extremely rewarding to feel that you are able to support your neighbours and wider community Anyone aged 16 and over can apply and would be made most welcome

And finally, we would like to thank all the people that support us, as a community council, to help us act as a voice for our local area – from the members of the public right through to the Community Council team at PKC

We wish you all a very enjoyable festive season and a Happy New Year when it comes!

Chris Claydon

Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council

the CC over the last few years They will be sorely

The directional sign in Asheville clearly showing Dunkeld and Birnam top left (3808 miles)

The delegation at Birnam Arts for the Twinning Proclamation signing, 21st August, 2017

Elaine Bur ns Podiatr y HCPC Registered CHIROPODY

Fully vaccinated & full PPE compliant.

For home visits, contact me on: 07986 092581 01796 474291

Three Churches Charity Shop High Street Dunkeld

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10-4 Donations welcome during opening hours

We will be closing from 4pm December 17th until 10am Tuesday 3rd January 2023.

We wish all our donators and customers a Merry Christmas and a peaceful new year.

Community News continued 17

Information from Scottish Fire & Rescue Service

Service Activity on the River Tay

“As local residents may have observed, there has been quite a lot of Scottish Fire & Rescue Service activity occurring on the River Tay in the area under and down river of the bridge this year

Part of the remit of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service is the provision of emergency response for flooding incidents and water rescue, including being able to rescue members of the public if they are trapped by flood water or get into difficulties in open water Water of all types presents many hazards and it is important that our Firefighters experience these as well as learn and practice skills for managing the hazards under supervision before they have to be involved in a real emergency

The River Tay at Dunkeld provides a relatively safe environment to provide training to both On Call and Wholetime firefighters from across the Tayside area, allowing them to experience working in strong flowing water and to practice their techniques for moving in water and rescuing members of the public as well as themselves should they get into difficulties

Should you see any personnel on the river bank they’ll always be happy to have a chat with you to let you know what they are up to but please be aware they are likely to be under instruction and concentrating on that ” Dunkeld & Birnam Community Fire Station are looking for new firefighters!

Retained Firefighters in Dunkeld & Birnam operate ‘oncall’ and respond to emergency calls via a pager from their home or place of work at any time of the day or night when they are available

They provide vital fire and rescue cover in the community, protecting local people and businesses in the area from fire and other emergencies

If you join the Fire Station not only will you be performing a highly valuable role in the local area, but you will be taught vital life-saving skills that will be of real benefit to you and your employer

It’s a challenging role within a team spirited environment where all have pride in working for the SFRS

If you are interested please come to the Station on a Wednesday evening between 7pm and 9pm or call Watch Commander Matt McLay on 07971 138179 for an informal chat about the role

Chimneys Stoves and Carbon Monoxide

Please see the Bridge website for a leaflet giving safety advice regarding Chimneys, Stoves & Carbon Monoxide This is significant as people may be relying more on these for heating this winter

More information is also available at the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service website:

https://www firescotland gov uk/careers/on-call/

SOBBS

(Save our Birnam Bus Service) Changes to Bus Services Autumn/Winter 2022

Unfortunately there have been more changes to our bus services, which again are resulting in a reduced bus service

Both City Link and Stagecoach services are affected

You may be aware of this but it is essential to check the revised timings in the bus shelters

The City Link changes are:

Birnam to Edinburgh

Birnam 9:35 via Broxden arriving in Edinburgh 11:15 Birnam 18:24 via Perth Bus Station and Broxden arriving in Edinburgh 20:15

Edinburgh to Birnam

Edinburgh 9:00 via Broxden and Perth Bus station arriving in Birnam10: 53

Edinburgh 18:00 via Broxden arriving in Birnam at 19:40

If you are going north from Birnam, please be aware of these changes but two of the buses, one in each direction goes to Perth bus station that might be helpful for some people

The Stagecoach services are too many to list here but essentially from Birnam it is a 2 hourly service for most of the day but please check the new timetables Pam Green pammgreen@btinternet com

Repair Cafe Bin it? No Way!!

What do you do with your shoogly chair? Jumper with a hole in? Broken ornament? Lamp with a loose wire? Bring it to our next Repair Cafe now running on the first Monday afternoon of the month 3 00pm to 6 00pm

Cost – donation only

Come along and have a tea or a coffee and we'll see if we can help We'll also pass on repair skills if you want to learn to fix things

Next Cafe – Monday 5th December

Venue to be confirmed – look out for posters and social media

Contact for queries dbrepaircafe@gmail com

Health and Social Care Partnership

Hello, I’d like to introduce myself I am Jeni Guthrie, Social Prescriber for Highland Perthshire and I work for the Health and Social Care Partnership

As a team of 9 Social Prescribers, we connect people to non-clinical sources of support in the community across Perth and Kinross

Social prescribing can involve a range of activities to improve your health and wellbeing , examples can include peer support groups, housing support, welfare advice, art therapy , befriending and physical activity

Our aim is to improve your health and wellbeing by empowering you to make informed choices, build confidence, learn new skills, meet and make new friends, and connect you with your community

I plan to be in the Dunkeld Surgery on the last Wednesday of every month from 10 30am -12 30pm (after the festive break) Please come and have a chat with me and maybe I can help you

Hope to see you soon, Jeni

The Kiln Creative

Locally made pottery and pottery classes

Upcoming workshops at Birnam Arts: Family friendly Christmas Clay Taster, 17th December

Monday Evening Pottery Classes, 6wk block (Jan/Feb)

Pottery Weekend Workshop, 14th-15th January

Valentines Special Taster Class, 11th of February

Private evening classes available on the 14th

More information at: www.thekilncreativepottery.co.uk

•

• Equine Rug Wash & Pet Beds

• Self Catering, Holiday Homes, Private Homes & Small Businesses

Any questions or to discuss individual or business requirements, please contact: Kelly or Rosanagh on mob: 07871 695461

email: dunbraantaylaundry@yahoo com Facebook: @dunbraantaylaundry

Opening times: Tuesday - Friday 9am to 1pm Perth Road, Birnam PH8 0BH (behind the post office)

A World Community 19

The Field –Community Growing Project

Field Produce Sales in The Winter 2022/3

We had our AGM and Harvest Supper on Friday 4th November in the Duchess Anne This is an occasion for us all to get together, reflect on the year, which has just gone, elect the Trustees for the year ahead, answer any questions that members may have One thing we did reflect on was the record breaking weather which was not a good record Five named storms, period of dry weather, wet weather and very warm weather! The AGM has always been well attended (40 plus people) and we are grateful for everyone turning up This is followed immediately by the harvest supper, which could account for the good turn out at the AGM!

The harvest supper is always a joyous occasion and a chance for us to celebrate our achievements in the past year, enjoy each others company without any field work at the field involved, But this year was different and we changed the format for the Harvest Supper and two teams of people produced the main course, a superb Venison main course and three excellent vegetarian meals, all using field produce where ever possible The desserts were an amazing range of desserts produce by members We would like to thanks all involved at every stage in making this such a memorable occasion We have now finished our stalls at Birnam Arts and Duchess Anne We are now in our winter mode of selling, which means that, there will be produce at the field gate during December, and January weather permitting We plan to replenish the stalls on a Thursday and Saturday We have potatoes, onions, leeks, some wintergreens and beetroot available

It would be great to have your continued support as a member when our new membership year starts at the beginning of February If you are not a member and want to know what being a member involves come along on a Thursday morning or Saturday morning at 10am and we can show what is happening at the field However you do not have to work in the field to be a member, there are many ways in which you can support us (see below for more information)

We would like to thank all our members and people who used the stalls or visited the field during the year for all their hard work and support It is much appreciated and without such an active membership with a wide range of skills we would not be able to produce such wonderful produce, organically and locally for people to enjoy

Thank you for your support in 2022 and we look forward to seeing you all in the field in 2023

For information about the field, please contact Dave Amos 01350 727763

Dave Roberts 01350 728926

E-mail: dblandtrust@btinternet com

Facebook: https://www facebook com/pages/-TheField-Dunkeld-Birnam

Website: www dunkeldfield co uk

Dunkeld and Birnam Community Orchard

Carry on picking!

Our last official picking at Dunkeld and Birnam Community Orchard was in mid November

However, many late varieties such as Winston and Tydeman’s Late, and even a couple of trees of Russet were still unpicked, so if there are still some apples hanging on in December, do go and help yourself

Pick them, wrap them in paper and store in a cool, dry place With any luck you’ll be eating them till well after Christmas!

It will come as no surprise that we have had a bumper crop this year

We have picked over 800kg of fruit, of which well over 200kg were the ever popular cookers, mainly Bramleys These figures compare with super year 2017, when we picked over 1000kg, but I’m happy to say that these days a lot more people are picking independently of our own Friday picking sessions

Also we have been so busy this year that we haven’t weighed any fruit, so all our records are best guesses based on tubful/cratefuls

As well as Big Apple Day we have held two very successful Apple Juicing sessions this year If you missed this year, look out for these events next year

As well as using our own crop, people brought their own produce, and the resulting juice was heaps more tasty than apple juice in the shops!

Join us for Saturday 17 December –Pruning Day at 1:30pm!

Do come and join us and find out what the orchard is all about

There will be plenty of pruning required in the dormant period, so we are starting “early” to look for more people who can help Adopt a row or work with a partner

Most of pruning is very simple - just keeping the tree “open” so the sun can reach the fruit

It’s December, so wrap up warm, and bring a flask of something hot to drink

We’ll supply the mince pies! We do hope you will come!

December and January at Loch of the Lowes

As the calendar year comes to an end and daylight shrinks to its lowest of the year, Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre is on winter hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 30am – 4pm

During the festive periods, please note the Visitor Centre will be open Friday 23rd December, Saturday Christmas Eve 24th but closed on Sunday 25th, Christmas Day The following week, we’re open Friday 30th and Saturday 31st but closed on Sunday 1st Jan 2023 New Year ’s Day

This is a wonderful month to visit the reserve for views of winter-visiting birds on the loch like geese and widgeon, fallow and roe deer coming down to drink at the loch and lively red squirrels bouncing through the tree Small flocks of whooper swans visit us in a fairly regular pattern while moving around between local lochs At dusk, we’re treated to a (small but amazing) starling murmuration where they swoop over the reserve and loch before funneling down into bordering wetland to roost for the night When they’ve landed, their chattering sounds like trickling water amongst the vegetation, a very autumnal sound

Photo: Ruth Anderson

Now that the hedgerow harvest of nuts, berries and fungi has been depleted, we’re seeing more of the

squirrels than over September and October If you live locally and usually have red squirrels in your garden, did you notice a lack of reds over those months too?

Have you seen nuthatches? These attractive little birds never used to live north of England, and only occasionally ventured into the Scottish Borders during long periods of very hot weather (mid 1970s) but are now resident in Scotland all the way up to Inverness It may be wetter, colder or even snowier at this time of year, but you can always indulge in some warm bird and wildlife watching in the comfort of our visitor centre and hides Our children’s activity area has quizzes and colouring-in sheets for all ages, and there’s a choice of cold drinks, coffees, hot chocolate, tea and snacks to enjoy while relaxing beside the viewing window In this season, it’s fun to look out for winter avian visitors like redwings, fieldfares and brambling A few years ago, we had a beautiful little bird which was a cross between a chaffinch and a brambling

We hope to see you at our Santa Day stall in Dunkeld or at Lowes in the coming weeks and wish you a happy, healthy festive season!

Scottish Wildlife Trust Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire Branch

The next meeting will be on Monday 12th December at 7 30pm in the Tryst Hall, Church of Scotland, Pitlochry The speaker will be Andrew Barbour, owner of the Bonskeld Estate at Fincastle, who will talk on Farming and Trees (Agroforestry) Everyone is very welcome, there is no charge Suggested donations £2 for members, £3 for non members For further information, contact Tim Fison, timfison@gmail com or Mark Aquilina markandrosie@btinternet com

Notes from a Councillor 21

Unbelievably as I sit writing this column it is nearly the end of November 2022 Even the weather, the birds and the plants cannot believe that in 3 weeks it will be the shortest day of this winter The unseasonably warm weather brings with it continuing localised and more widespread flooding throughout our area This problem will only continue to worsen because of global climate change The misery flooding brings to individuals and communities will have to be mitigated in any way possible for each individual situation, we are however dealing with old infrastructure that was not constructed to deal with these localised monsoon type situations which are becoming ever more prevalent Within the Council we have realised that in the long term the only way we can mitigate these problems is by tackling climate change and reducing our carbon footprint It is long past the time of standing idly by claiming, what can we do as we are responsible for only a tiny, tiny part of the overall global carbon emission ? We must NOW play our part in the global solution both as a Council and as individuals The council has formed a Climate Change and Sustainability Committee which will look at all facets of the Council’s work and its outcome regarding our carbon footprint and monitor our performance against targets set Our area has already got a good network of groups and individuals who are heavily involved in this area of work and that is why the Climate Change Commission was formed which is represented by diverse individuals and groups that will help to inform and influence Council strategy, regarding Climate Change as we move forward

The news does not get any better The Council along with all other organisations and individuals is facing a funding crisis We at PKC are facing a structural debt of over £32M I am not going to get into the political points and reasons why we face this position but it is a fact that the Council has to provide a balanced Budget each year

Along with households across Perth and Kinross we will have to make some VERY difficult choices in the coming months including choices that none of us would ever want to make One choice we have already made is to support our most vulnerable Residents through the current cost of living crisis We have committed and will continue to commit large sums of money towards helping people to have access to the basic human rights of shelter, food and heat We as a Council know that we cannot deliver these aspirations ourselves and that is why we have formed an Anti-Poverty Task Force which brings together Elected Members, business people, Community Groups and charities along with people who have lived experience of these issues, this task force will be invaluable in making our limited resources targeted at areas that will have the biggest impact The only political point I will make on what I have written so far is that each of the initiatives and requests for funding brought forward so far have been backed by ALL political parties and I look forward to continuing to work collegiately, with all others, as we address the difficult times and decisions ahead Each time I have written the column at this time of year, recently, I have written about how bad the previous year has been and how I look forward to better times in the forthcoming year

Unfortunately my optimism for next year is coloured by the reality of the situation we all face I wish you all a safe, merry and happy festive period and hope that 2023 pleasantly surprises me Best wishes,

JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576

diggercox@btopenworld com

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, EDINBURGH EH99 1SP Tel: 0131 348 5717 e-mail: john.swinney@parliament.scot

Pete Wishart MP: Member of Parliament for Perth and North Perthshire pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk Perth Office: 63 Glasgow Road, Perth, PH2 0PE. Tel: 01738 639598 North Perthshire Office: 17-19 Leslie St, Blairgowrie, PH2 6AH Tel: 01250 876 576

Grant Laing

December/January ‘Stick on the Fridge Page’

Local Organisations - Contact Details

Listing for local voluntary organisations are free however The Bridge welcomes donations to cover the cost of these listings Please send donations to the Advertising Manager, John B Gray at Highfield, Brae Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0BA Many thanks

Please contact the editor with amendments/additions

Organsiations - General

Local Organisations - Continued

Health Community & Services

Infinityblu Dental Care, Pitlochry 01796 470001

Infinityblu Dental Care, Dunkeld 01350 729198

Dentist

Phone 01350+

Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom 01350 727288 Linda Speirs

Dunkeld and Birnam Men’s Shed 07777696953 Mr Jackie MacLean

Email: dbmensshed@outlook com

Guide Dogs for the Blind 727346 / 727657

Friends of the Cathedral 01350 728697 John Gray

Probus Club 01738 787930 Sandy Love

Email: slove59@aol com

Horticultural Society 727255 Jan Silburn

Historical Society daveroberts132@btinternet com Dave Roberts

National Trust for Scotland North Perthshire Ranger Service - Office: 01350728641

The Meeting Place (Fridays DA) 727382 Jean Dickson

SWRI Email: evelyn menzies@sky com Evelyn Menziesl

SWRI Amulree 01350 723203 Jane Anderson

Chapter House Archive (Mon 10-12 & 7-9, Wed & Fri 10-12) 01350 727786

Bridge Club (Tuesday 6 45pm BI) 727294 Vilma Morison

Royal British Legion 01350 728884 W Forsyth

Tourist Association 01350 723297 Adrian Blundell

WRVS 01738 633975 Kathleen Coffey

German Shepherd Rescue, Scotland 01738 710111 Liz Bowers

Staffie Smiles Rescue 07743 180228 Shiona Cameron

The Orchard 727048 Katharine @thefield 728926 Dave Roberts

Email: dblandtrust@btinternet com

3 Churches Charity Shop 07751593421 Anne Graham

Alcoholics Anonymous 0141 226 2214

Community Learning & Development

PKC CLD Staff 01738 459701

Email: dunkeldcomlearn@pkc gov uk Cat Gordon/Kim McBain/Alison May U3A 01796 483281 Meg Ross Email: megross@btinternet com

Sport

Dunkeld & Birnam Angling Association Secretary, Russ Jobson dunkeldangling@gmail com DBAA@live co uk

Bowling Club Gael Shaw 07977 911068 Gaelshaw@btinternet com

Field Archery 07786 073686 01350 727911

Glendelvine/Spittalfield Cricket Club (all ages) Neil Wimberley

Website: www glendelvinecricketclub com Email: wimbo32@hotmail com

Golf Club (Visitors Welcome) 727524

Highland Perthshire Clay Shooting Club 07821 940252 Secretary Ted Carr Email: thecarr@waitrose com

Leisure Group (Sports Centre Project) 727361 Alasdair Wylie Curling 01738 454700 Claire Milne

Tennis Club m: 07740 586064 or 01738 710484 Shona Smith Email: shonamh@googlemail com

Tayside Orienteers 727048 Bill Melville

Running Club adrianrdavis@hotmail com Adrian Davis

Netball 723269 Tiffy Shedden

Yoga 728773 June Mitchell

Yoga 2 728783 Sue Atkinson

Uver 35's Rugby 07738 006738 iainhg@aol com

Tai Chi 07551029076 John Connelly

Swimming and Alexander technique 07778778007 Jan Osband

Music & Arts

Cathedral Tower Bell Ringers 724218 Iona O’Connor

Film Society 727740

Handbell Ringers 01828 628109 Margaret Davidson

Birnam Arts 727674

Just Singin’ 7 30 Weds BI 07765 405203 Katie Dalgliesh www justsingin co uk www justsingin co uk

BIPS howemarilyn@hotmail com Marilyn Howe

Birnam Youth Theatre Mon 5 00-6 30pm 727207

Dunkeld Strathspey & Reel Society 07531 520476 Duncan Thomson duncanwthomson@yahoo co uk

Birnam Arts Ballet Mon-Thu age4up 727674

Scottish Country Dancing 01738 561676 / 01350 727380 Helen or Dinah

Annual Events

Highland Games (August) www birnamhighlandgames com

Christian Aid Week 727867 Jim McCafferty

Flower Festival (bi-ennial) 724255 Sheila Mannion

Art Exhibtion (June - August) 01738 710399 Margaret Scott

Arts & Crafts Fair (June & Nov) 01350 727968 Na’an Meikleour

Niel Gow Festival - Weekend close to March 22nd - petethefiddler@btinternet com

For Children

Baby & Toddler Group 07546 128902 Lesley Singers

Playgroup 9 20-11 40 Tues and Thurs Playleader: dbplaygroup@gmail com Nursery at Royal School 01738 454470 Royal School Dunkeld Puddleduck Nursery 727117 Heather Morton

Royal School of Dunkeld 01738 454470 Kids Club - After school care 07930 462944 Supervisor

Sunday School - Church of Scotland 727249

Caputh Baby and Toddler Group Tues 10-11:30am - Lorna 07832 235 607

For Younger People Girlguiding Dunkeld Trix Stephen, District Commissioner (Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers): Tel 07770324173 Email guider@girlguidingdunkeld org uk

Youth Café 727760 Linda McDougall

Youth Club Wednesday pm DA 727259 Fraser Penny

The Black Watch Army Cadets 07429 113439 Staff Sergeant Craig Ross

Beaver, Cubs, Scouts 07766 071854 Martina Wolfe

Messy Church last Sunday in month 727259/727594 Fraser Penny/Deidre Gerrie

For Older People

Servite 07595 651446 Ivan Russell

Working Hours: Mon,Tues,Thurs,Fri: 09:00 – 13:30

Senior Citizens 727311 Ronalda Pattullo

Friends of Rivendell 728885 Fiona Ritchie

Hall Bookings

Duchess Anne 07808 703641 chanonrydunkeld@gmail com Jill McCrory

Chanonry 07808 703641 chanonrydunkeld@gmail com Jill McCrory

Birnam Arts 727674

Dalguise Village Hall 07746 392268

Amulree Village Hall www amulreehall org uk

Caputh Hall caputhhall@gmail com 01738 710 848

728826 Mr Greig, PS, BDS

Doctors 727269 Craigvinean Surgery

Chemists

727210 Davidsons

Chemist on Sunday 01738 643791 Asda, Dunkeld Rd, Perth

P&K Environmental Services 01738 476476

Library 01738 459709 Margaret Quigley

PKC Roads Dept 01738 625411

Community Council

dbcc chair@gmail com Stuart Paton

Registrar (3/5 High St Perth) 01738 475121

Police (Tayside Non-Emergency) 101

Dates for your Diary

BA = Birnam Arts Centre

DA = Duchess Anne Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld

December 2022

Winter Exhibition local creative artists and craft Birnam Arts

1-3

3

3-4

Beauty and the Beast Pantomime BIPS 7pm + Saturday Matinee 2pm

Tickets £10 / £5 / £20* family

Christmas Market At Clunie Hall

To book a table for the market email cluniehall@gmail com

Butterstone Artists’ Christmas Art And Craft Fayre 10am – 4pm

Butterstone Village Hall

5 Repair Café 3- 6pm Donation only Venue TBC

see on-line dbrepaircafe@gmail com

9 Tales of Birnam & Dunkeld Jane Archer: Autumn Voices 7pm

Tickets £5* conc £3*

10 The Gingerbread Man Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre 10 30am – 11 30am

Tickets £5* Birnam Arts

10 Santa Day, Birnam and Dunkeld – see main advert for times of all events

10 Talisk 8pm Tickets £17* U16s £12* Birnam Arts

12 SWT Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire Branch speaker Andrew Barbour, Bonskeld Estate at Fincastle, Farming and Trees (Agroforestry), timfison@gmail com

7 30pm in the Tryst Hall, Church of Scotland, Pitlochry

16 The Shop Around the Corner (1940) 2pm Free Birnam Arts

17 Lateshift Doors 8 00pm Tickets £15* Birnam Arts

17 Christmas pottery class: 10 – 3pm Adults £30 Kids £15 Birnam Arts

17 Pruning Day, Community Orchard at 1:30pm

19 A festive day of bridge at Birnam Arts 28 hands of duplicate bridge 10 30 - 4pm £18 per player http://www bridgewebs com/bridgedays Birnam Arts

January 2023

26 A9 Community Group 7:30 pm Birnam Arts/Zoom

For dates further ahead see: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk

PETS Lost and Found

If you have lost or found a dog, cat or other pet

Missing Pets, Perth and Kinross 07432 368792 info@dogfriendlyperthshire.co.uk

PAINTING & DECORATING

Heated Kennels Day & Long Term Stays

Elizabeth & Keith Lumsden 01350 728849

E-mail: bizzabooks@gmail.com This space could be selling for

Contact the Advertising Manager adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk 07967 117149

GARDENER 0777 546 0373

Call: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Text: 7 days 8am-8pm FREE ESTIMATES

Grass cutting, Hedge cutting, Strimming, Leaf collection, Weeding/dig over, Edging, Gravel footpaths, Aerating, General tidy-up.

All General Garden Maintenance work carried out to the highest quality on every job, everyday

Gillian Vaughan Painter Decorator

Interior / Exterior Feature walls Tel: 07841 116458 Email: thegirlcalledwill@gmail.com www.facebook.com/GillianWVaughan

Phone Sandy Carr Bankfoot 01738 787547 Mobile: 07818 254520

email: sandytcarr@yahoo.co.uk

the Advertising Manager adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk 07967 117149

We specialise in all types of Company Stationery: Letterheads / Business Cards Invoice Books etc

specialise in short-run paperback booksColour or Black & White, All types of binding.

or email for a quote!

ATHOLL STREET 01350 727556

Proprietor: Alasdair Wylie

G & A

Dunkeld Horse Grazing & DIY Livery Call or Email Karen: 07759 701413 gapdunkeld@gmail com

Contact: 01350 727320 Kevin: 07876 744936 www dunkeldbuilders co uk