The Bridge December 2023

Editorial 2

The Bridge

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

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Back in the 1970’s, when the ‘new’ A9 was built, Inver was, in many ways, cut off from the rest of our community However, the road did come with an underpass which provided pedestrian access connecting the Rec to the Inver road Later when the Sappers were billeted here in the run up to their deployment in Bosnia, they built us a bridge across the Braan enabling us to walk along the Braan path rather than along the road And so, we were connected

That was until everything got washed away in the autumn storms and once again our community has been divided Thanks so much to the many organisations who have prioritised trying to find a way to sort this situation out from volunteers like Jackie McLean offering to ferry people across the road to Jane and Stewart Pritchard leaders of the Paths and Nature Action Group for taking on a coordination role with PKC and other stakeholders

Please see page 6 for an update on the situation I hope that by the time you are reading this there will be a safe way of walking between Inver and Little Dunkeld even if the Sappers Bridge may take longer to sort out

2024 will see the 50th Anniversary of this publication We are starting a community consultation on what communications should look like for the next 50 years to come How could we coordinate across all the various, and different communication platforms from paper to TikTok and Facebook or even digital screens to reach all members of our community? Please feel free to share your ideas with us including coming along to one our ‘Super Second Saturdays’ to share your thoughts and ideas on how we could adapt to meet the ever changing

needs of our dynamic and wonderful community See page 16

As the winter inches its way towards us please take time to help our feathered friends make it through the cold, dark days Now is the best time to make and erect swift (and other bird) boxes, (see page 22 for more info) Loch of the Lowes is also offering us some top tips from cleaning our bird feeders to selecting different feeds and offering water for birds to wash and drink see page 22

Thank you for all your support during 2023 Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2024

Sally Robertson

Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group

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

The next routine A9 Community Group meeting will be on Thursday 1st February 2024, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts/ Zoom unless otherwise notified. All welcome!

We've put it back by a week as Thurs 25th January is Burns Night; and we might well be meeting sooner if as promised there has been an autumn Preferred Route announcement for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing

The Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop confirmed that this was still the intention when A9CG, Community Council and Junctions Action Group (JAG) representatives met with her and Transport Scotland officials at Birnam Arts on 8th November Overall the meeting was worthwhile and quite informative, with JAG issues (See Page 20 for an update from our Junctions Action Group ‘JAG’) being taken first and then the dualling programme The Minister herself – whom we had sent the summary “The Story so Far” (see July/Aug 2023 Bridge) – had done homework, was a good and good humoured listener, asked clear questions, gave officials time to speak and made sure that those of us who wanted to speak were able to do so

As regards a Preferred Route decision,while the Minister made it clear that this was her's to make (“not a co-creative decision”) she did acknowledge that “how to navigate” regarding appropriate community engagement is important , particularly if there are aspects of that decision which may be at variance with the Community Preferred Route voted for in 2018 She said that both technical and financial considerations would play a part and was keen to get an understanding of why the community wanted particular design options – particularly it seemed in respect of the lowering of the A9 so that Station Road can reconnect with the Station

The Minister was acquainted with some key points such as high community preference both for some length of tunnel/underpass and against having a high retaining wall or viaduct at Dunkeld junction, and the issue that only one method of tunnel build had been presented during the co-creative process It was stressed that all possible design options over the whole stretch were examined closely together during the series of workshops in late 2019/early 2020 and that Transport Scotland/Jacobs were clear that all of the design options chosen for the Community Preferred Route could be delivered It was also stressed that with dualling of Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing still years away, putting more interim safety measures at all points along the stretch is of the highest importance

We will have discussed all this and more and next steps at the A9CG meeting on 30th November

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 (May 2019 for PoB to TC!) is at: https://www transport gov scot/news/significant-milestone-as-four-more-a9-dualling-schemes-given-approval https://www transport gov scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/a9-pass-of-birnam-

WHAT’S ON AT BIRNAM ARTS

Jack and the Beanstalk BIPS Panto

Thursday 30th November 1st 2nd December

Tickets from £5

A tartan-toting Fairy, a whip-cracking Baddie, a Princess, a King, and a silly old cow and that’s not even the Dame!

Join us in Pantoland for lots of silliness and laughter guaranteed Can Jack save Daisy and the Princess from the Giant’s desires – and a pie?! Will the King ever let go of his teddy? Can Jack climb a beanstalk in heels?

All these vital questions will be answered in a fun-filled show with a fabulous live band and fantastic singalong song favourites

Santa Day

Jack in the Beanstalk Clydebuilt Puppets

Saturday 9th December 10 30am and 11 30am

Tickets £5

Fee Fi Fo Fum, a lively version of the famous story about Jack who plants a magic bean, grows a beanstalk and ventures into the Giant’s Castle Faithful to the original story, Clydebuilt have created a show with baskets and boxes that become a house or even a castle Just bring your imagination Suitable for all the family

Free Friday Film

White Christmas

Friday 15th December 2pm

Christmas Lunch Provided from 1pm

The Return of the Magnificent Seven Amos & Jauncey and Friends

Saturday 16th December

Tickets £15*

“It really lifted us up ” “Fabulous music ” “It was so cheering ” “Everyone was having fun - including the musicians!” Following the success of their Mid-Winter Pick me up show, Dave and Jamie and friends are back by popular demand for an evening of great music, great company and loads of Christmas cheer!

Singing and Rainbows

Community Christmas Concert

Friday 22nd December 1pm

Tickets £6

We were thrilled that the October Community Concert was a resounding success so we’re back again! Join us for another hour of Opera, Musicals, Movie Classics and Pop on the theme of CHRISTMAS!! Expect lots of sparkle and LOTS of FUN for the whole community!

Bring your friends, your family and your Jingle Bells for some vocal winter warmers from Opera Singers Coleen and Katie, and a few special guests!

Transitional Space: Exhibition

Saturday 20th January – Sunday 3rd March 2024

climate crisis and pandemics

Please check the website for all our ongoing and one off workshops throughout the Autumn and Winter months –birnamarts com

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group Christmas Concert

Join us for our Christmas concert where our young budding musicians from our class groups, junior and senior trad bands will be playing a selection of the traditional Scottish tunes they’ve been learning as well as some Christmas favourites As usual, we are very grateful for all the local support we receive and welcome you to come along and have a listen

The concert will be held at Birnam Arts on Monday 18th December Doors open 6:30pm with the performance running from 7-8pm Tickets will be available at the door on the night and are free to everyone We’ll have a donations box for anyone wishing to contribute - all funds go directly to the running of our group

Thanks to Dunkeld & District Strathspey and Reel Society for inviting our trad bands to play at their annual concert, it was a pleasure and we all had a lovely evening playing, listening and dancing

We run small group classes to learn how to play fiddle and piano-accordion, delivered by local tutors Karys Watt and Gill Hunter, and trad bands for those who can already play at least a little A wide variety of instruments are welcome in our bands and we encourage fiddle and accordion players, pianists, violinists, cellists, flautists, brass players, guitarists and players of any other instruments suitable for trad music to join

½ hour group lessons - Mondays 4-6pm

Junior trad band (P5-S2) - Mondays 6:30-7:30pm

Senior trad band (S3-S6) - Mondays 7:30-8:30pm

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group runs weekly during term–time at Birnam Arts and open to anyone aged P5 – S6

If you’d like to benefit from our free tuition or to join one of bands, get in touch Email dbtradgroup@gmail com or call 07958 324 766

December cheer with Just Singin'!

We have just completed four wonderful sessions with a very talented and fun tutor, Hannah Rarity The group rallied to her request to donate items to the charity Refuweegee, supporting refugees settling in Glasgow, and we packed her van! We are delighted to welcome back Adelaide Carlow to lead our final four weeks of term, on Wednesdays at 7 30 pm at Birnam Arts until 13th December In addition to welcoming anyone who would like to sing with us to our regular sessions, we would love you to join us to sing some well known carols and Christmas songs in front of the Birnam hotel to entertain the crowds welcoming Santa at the wonderful local event, Santa Day on 9th December Hope to see you there Merry Christmas to all!

Kyra Clegg, Su Grierson, Martine Foultier Pugh and Fanny Lam Christie have collaborated as Heartwood Artists since 2007 In this exhibition, they present new work based on their experiences of working together in a world affected by

Sports, Health and Wellbeing 5

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

D and B Leisure Group

The 2023 AGM of the D and B Leisure Group (the Sports Hall project) was held at the Co Working Space on 31st October The minutes of the 2022 AGM were reviewed and approved; these included the donation of £30,000 to the D and B Sports and Leisure Hub's Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) project, £20,000 of which was from the "Robbie Fund" in memory of Robbie Melvin, by agreement with his mum Kate Brooks, and also the annual award of £300 to the Royal School of Dunkeld also in Robbie's memory

The annual report by Kevin Lancaster, Chair, included the Group's participation in the welcome opening of the MUGA in February, also attended by Kate and her family Usage of the new facility so far has been encouraging although there are problems with the new car park surface, which the Hub is working on solving He also reported that a further donation of £2500 to the MUGA project had been agreed, also from the Robbie Fund The Group discussed plans for further discussion with the Sports and Leisure Hub about further collaboration Margaret Scott, Treasurer, reported on the financial situation and it was agreed that £55,000 would be put into a new bond Thanks were extended to Bill Nicoll as Auditor The following were reelected: Kevin Lancaster, Chair; Graham Rees, Vice Chair; Margaret Scott, Treasurer; Alasdair Wylie, Secretary; Bill Wright and

Connect …

Peter Guthrie, Committee Members The next AGM will be on 22nd Oct 2024

If you would like any more information about the Leisure Group (the Sports Hall project), please contact Alasdair Wylie, Secretary on 07927 175121 or awylie2002@yahoo co uk

Dalguise Meditation Group

Meditation has all sorts of benefits – increased focus and calmness, the opportunity to see things from a different perspective, a greater feeling of lightness and harmony, among many others Whether you have never tried meditation before, or whether you have an established practice, why not come to one of our meetings 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 the 5th and 19th 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 our mailing list, to receive interesting and helpful articles about meditation on the intervening Tuesdays If you would like to know more about our meetings or about meditation in general, contact faithanstey@gmail com

Linking Asheville, North Carolina, USA and Dunkeld & Birnam

Asheville NC connects with Royal School of Dunkeld

Doug Orr writes: Darcy Orr and I were delighted by our recent visit to the Royal School of Dunkeld and to see the wonderful paintings by pupils Twelve of these were matted by Darcy who is a painting artist and are being displayed for sale at the November annual meeting of Asheville Sister Cities (ASC) They will also be shown at our January 25, 2024 Burns Night event in Asheville, with any proceeds going to the Royal School of Dunkeld The paintings were first displayed at a recent meeting of the ASC Dunkeld and Birnam Committee and all of our members were most impressed by the creative talents of these young people with admiration for their teachers ”

The 2023 AGM of the Dunkeld and Birnam Friends of Asheville NC took place at the CoWorking Space on 26th October The minutes of the 2022 AGM were approved and Fiona Ritchie, Chair, gave a comprehensive overview of the last year's activities, a full report of which with matters discussed will appear in Bridge online and in the February edition The Treasurer reported that the only expenses had been room bookings The following were reelected as office bearers: Fiona Ritchie, Chair; Simon Yearsley, Vice Chair and Treasurer; Alasdair Wylie, Secretary The next AGM will be on 24th Sept 2024

If you would like some more information about the Friends of Asheville NC and/or would like to get involved, please contact the Secretary on 07927 175121 or awylie2002@yahoo co uk

Three Churches

Charity Shop

High Street Dunkeld

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10-4

Late Night Opening Friday 8th December, the charity shop will be open until 8pm Christmas closing times:We are closed from Wednesday 20th December, reopen Tuesday 9th January 2024.

We would like to wish all our volunteers, donators and customers a very merry and peaceful Christmas.

If you are interested in volunteering, please enquire in the shop for more info.

Find us on Facebook at 3 Churches Charity Shop

Community News continued

A9 Underpass and Path Washout and Planned Reinstatement

The River Braan, greatly swollen by October ’s storm Babet, washed out the gabions supporting the path to the A9 underpass, cutting off Inver from Dunkeld, and brought down the wooden (Sapper’s Bridge) which is currently lying in the river

The good news is that the work on the A9 underpass repairs started on Monday 13th November Full plans for the works are given on the PKC website here https://www pkc gov uk/article/23704/Work-toreinstate-footpath-at-A9-at-Dunkeld-starts-next-week

You will have seen the reduced speed limit of 30mph operating around the junctions and the advance signage warning of pedestrians crossing You may also have seen the paths signs to warn people who do not know the situation regarding the lack of bridges Hope fully safe links will soon be re-established

Whilst reinstating the footbridge would be highly desirable, the immediate priority is to reconnect the A9 underpass to avoid pedestrians and cyclists having to cross the A9 carriageway, a risky and potentially fatal endeavour

Sally Robertson arranged an urgent meeting on 30 October between the community, PKC Councillors and key officers and Transport Scotland Over 20 concerned residents attended the meeting, chaired by Stewart Pritchard (Paths & Nature Action Group – PNAG)

–Councillor Laing/PKC and TS pledged to work together to reinstate the underpass connection in weeks rather than months Jane Pritchard of PNAG undertook to be the liaison between community and PKC/TS The community’s main desires communicated to PKC/TS were:

“The best solution would be a temporary structure to facilitate passage with care via the underpass (such as scaffold bridge) - to connect with the existing paths and pavement along the Inver Road This should only be in place until proper repairs can be started/completed If the above cannot be achieved pedestrians and cyclists will have to continue to cross the A9 carriageway Clearly this is highly dangerous so, to safeguard life, the community feels the following temporary measures must be provided:

Temporary traffic lights on the A9 which can bring traffic to a stop when anyone needs to cross the A9; with advance signage to warn motorists and associate reduced speed limit

Temporary enforced speed limit in advance of the junctions (30) and crossing point (backed up by speed cameras)

Lighting for the junctions and especially at the crossing point

Transport for school children living in Inver (may already be in hand) ”

PKC’s position statement, published on their website on 6 Nov: https://mail aol com/d/folders/1/messages/

AIXnib9sKN1qZUoBdwkQUPuWEyA#:~:text=here%20 River%20Braan%20Footpath%20and%20Bridge%20R einstatement%20Works%20Update%20%2D%20Pert h%20%26%20Kinross%20Council%20(pkc gov uk) includes the key points: ‘to allow the path to be reinstated as quickly and safety as possible, temporary placement of rock bags in the river with a path and railings to replace those lost’ ‘‘aim works completed over the coming weeks’ ‘warning signage on paths and a speed limit restrictions have already been placed on the A9’ ‘we have instigated school transport in place until works are completed’

Advance warnings of pedestrians crossing and 30mph speed restrictions around the A9 junction are in place, as are path signs warning of the lack of connection under the A9 and over the Braan at Inver Clearly not all our ‘demands’ are being met but perhaps the most important thing is to see this temporary repair happen in ‘weeks rather than months’ Meanwhile let us know if you experience problems or have other suggestions

Others key roads and paths were also severely affected The Rotmell Road (old A9 N of Dunkeld) has been closed by a bridge collapse the multi-user path NE of the Dunkeld House Hotel is closed by a landslip, and the bridge on the Inshewan Burn in Birnam Glen was washed out

For more information contact Jane and Stewart Pritchard - janepritchard10@aol com

News from Ngumbe School, Malawi

We are pleased to advise that the students at Ngumbe Community Day Secondary School in Blantyre, Malawi can now breathe a sigh of relief as they have a comfortable sleep environment following a donation of 30 new bunk beds and 60 mattresses from funds raised by the Lindsay family

Classrooms for Malawi Country Facilitator Dezie Trigu said it is their mission to alleviate poverty through education by working inline with the National Education Standards and the National Reading Programme(NRP) by improving places of education throughout Malawi so that children learn in safe and conducive environment Headteacher for the school Feggie Mwale said a conducive environment is what students need for better quality education and the donation will play a crucial role in improving education standards We are indebted to the Lindsay family from Dunkeld and all their friends for making this possible

Ngumbe Community Day Secondary School offers day and night mode of learning and has approximately 1,000 students

We are also pleased to announce that the winner of the weekend stay in North Berwick was Mrs Cathy Reid from Dunkeld and we would once again like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their generosity in supporting this worthy cause

Bob Lindsay

In the past, students at the boys hostel were sleeping on the floor but now a good number will benefit from the new beds

Rivendell provides high quality care and support for you and your elderly relative Based in Birnam and Dunkeld, our homely environment provides a safe and fun community spirit Our trained staff provide care and support for all your needs 24 hours a day, we are always there

So, if you are looking for social contact, a safe and supportive environment, support with health or medical needs then contact us

Our mission is to provide a home for life, so come and live life with us

Please phone 01350 727413 and speak to Gina or email: rivendellcare@btconnect.com for more information

Community News continued 9

Dunkeld and Birnam First Responders

With the first five trained volunteers and co-ordinator in place, we plan a “soft launch” of the scheme in the coming months This means that when the volunteers are available they will be visible to ambulance control who can then deploy them to provide an initial first response in the case of a medical incident in our local community This will not substitute for existing emergency services, but will enhance what is already available, ensuring that patients can benefit from a defined range of interventions - including potentially lifesaving support

Even if it is simply providing comfort while awaiting specialist help, this can be invaluable for those affected

Although there are a number of such schemes across the country, there are gaps in this area and we aim to cover Dunkeld and Birnam and surrounding areas, when we can

We are a Scottish Registered Charity, with Trustees, Office bearers and a wider network of volunteers Our job is to recruit and equip our volunteers so that they can be trained, accredited and deployed through the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), who also provide and replenish consumable items We have had incredible support from our funders, including Dunkekd & Birnam Community Council, P&K Community Investment Fund, Sinclair Family Trust, Basil Death Trust, SSE Renewables Griffin and Calliachar Community Fund

We have also been recently advised that the Local Coop Community Fund has included us in their beneficiaries from the loyalty scheme - so keep using your card to benefit charities such as ourselves

All of this fantastic funding support has enabled us to purchase the kit bags, training kits, equipment and uniforms workwear for our volunteers

The next steps will be to review the outcomes from the soft launch, grow our group of trained volunteers, maintain training and skills and to expand our capacity and availability Recruitment and fundraising efforts will continue apace and we hope to see you all at the Santa Day on 9 December 2023

Chapter House Museum Trust

The Chapter House Museum Trust receives The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

opportunities and experiences for people in this community and beyond These include work experience for young people through the Kickstart and Young Person’s Guarantee Schemes, a Young Archaeologist Club, and a Mid-Week Memories Club for local residents to reminisce over a cuppa, to name but a few They have also been able to offer a Museum and Galleries Practice Apprenticeship this year to a graduate who began as a volunteer Future plans include the extension and redevelopment of their premises to create a first-class museum which will be fully accessible These extended and purpose built premises will enable them to increase even further the opportunities they currently offer to all age groups, and to provide the best experience for visitors exploring the history and heritage of Dunkeld and Birnam

The Chapter House Museum Trust is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them

Manager Ruth Brown says: “I am delighted that our group’s work has been recognised in this way I am very proud of our volunteers' achievements as we simply could not exist without them Our volunteers range in age from 17 to 96, and we are so fortunate to benefit from the diverse range of opinions and skills they bring to our workforce ”

Whisky Auction – Our charity auction with the whisky auctioneer begins on the 24th of November and will run until the 4th of December via the whisky auctioneer website, to take part in the auction you must register on their website

The direct link to register can be accessed via this QR code –

We are very thankful to all those who donated bottles of whisky to us for use in our auction and will update you all on the progress of our fundraising for our extension project after the auction Sam Heughan has kindly donated a signed bottle of his Sassenach whisky to us for the auction so, Outlander fans keep your eyes peeled!

Midweek Memories – Our midweek memories meetings are off to a great start! So far there has been lots of excellent chat and many stories and bits of information shared The midweek memories are every Wednesday 10:30-12:30 in the community archive, all are welcome! Taxi can be provided if necessary, free coffee, tea, cake and free raffle upon arrival

Young Archaeologists Club – Our bi-weekly young archaeologists club have had a great time learning how to barter and also learning about Dia de los Muertos! If you are aged 8-16 and would like to join our next meeting please contact the Archive

We are always accepting new donations of documents, artefacts and photographs relating to Dunkeld, Birnam and the surrounding area If you have anything you would like to bring into the archive please feel free to come along for a visit!

2nd Perthshire Scout Group (Dunkeld and Birnam)

Scouting is getting going again in Dunkeld and Birnam!

Scouts might not be how you remember it – check out how things are these days at:

https://www scouts org uk/scouts/

If you’d like to register interest, please do so by looking for our group at this link (easiest to search by postcode that way we can look after any personal data safely and securely right from the start) You can also reach our local Scout Leaders through this route: https://www scouts org uk/groups/

In order to run the Scout Group, we have volunteer leaders, but we also need an overview committee We’ve three trained and accredited leaders in place to run Scouts, and perhaps over time we’ll be able to extend activities to younger ages (Beavers and Cubs, and to older (Explorers) We’ve been lucky to have residual committee members stay on to allow us to get going, but we will need other volunteers to take over committee roles

Food Share News

There will be a few changes at the Duchess Anne for the Christmas period

The shelter will become the traditional lovely advent scene and the food will be in a gazebo nearby The fridge freezer will go back inside for a few weeks and will only be accessible when the DA is open for another function

However, there is exciting news about the Birnam table! We have been given a fridge freezer from a generous local family and the Men’s Shed are going to build a shelter for us St Mary’s Church have kindly agreed to connect it to their electricity supply We hope this will be operating in time to take over from the Dunkeld Fridge over Christmas In the new year we should have two tables and fridge freezers in operation

Please do keep donating any surplus food and helping yourselves to what is there for sharing

Happy Christmas to everyone and many thanks to our wonderful teams of helpers and to the shops and businesses who support us and prevent tons of food being wasted

FOOD BANK NUMBER - 01350 700018 or email PH8foodbank@gmail com if you need help with food

Repair Café

November's Café saw 5 lamps mended I think the nights are drawing in!!

See our Facebook page for photos

Have you still got things stored away waiting to be mended? Jumper with a hole in? Broken ornament? Lamp not working? Broken zip? Wooden toys or small pieces of furniture?

Bring them to our Next Cafes –Monday 4th December and 9th January

Venue – Birnam Arts in the Arts Studio

This service by volunteers is free Only cost might be for spare parts Donations also welcome 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

Contact for queries: dbrepaircafe@gmail com

Amulree Hall Project Update - October 2023

Work continues at the Amulree Hall

There had been queries regarding the work already done but after inspections by building control all were resolved and work continued There has been quite a delay mainly regarding the steel work As this is a significant cost it must be right New drawings for the steel work are being done by a structural engineer as some erosion has been found in the steel within the concrete pillars and a slightly different design is needed This all takes time

The concrete is in round the back in the extension, the next big order is steel and windows Phone box has been taken down in anticipation of the extension for disabled toilet

Established in 1994 by a group of volunteer amateur historians, the Trust has developed beyond its core purpose as a museum and archive The hard work and dedication of its volunteers creates a unique range of

We’re starting things off by relaunching a Scout Troop for any children aged between 101/2 and 14 We’ll be meeting initially at the Duchess Anne in the Square, Dunkeld, every second Monday evening (starting 20 November 7 30-9 00) - and we’d be delighted to hear of interest from children in the age bracket 10 to 14

It has been decided to “close” the hall for safety as the interior wall will be knocked through quite soon If anyone needs to get into the hall please ask Will try to send more updates when more work has been completed

We hope to have the AGM of Amulree Hall Committee on the 18th November, 4pm, venue to be confirmed

The Chapter House Museum Trust, a group of volunteers based in Dunkeld, Perthshire have just been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE

The Royal School of Dunkeld – at the heart of our community

It’s great to be able to update again on exciting activities at the Royal School of Dunkeld The winter term is always very busy with the school in full swing, and lots to keep pupils, teachers, school staff and parents alike on their toes!

Nowhere was this more evident than with the hugely successful spooky Halloween Disco held in the school hall on 2 November Superb costumes on show, terrific moves on the dancefloor, and snacks and drinks for all combined for a memorable and fun evening

In our last update we updated on the issue of what is known as ‘additional support needs’ or ASN We’ve since seen a successful and open meeting involving specialist school staff, parents and Parent Partnership Group (PPG) committee to unpack this further, and share thoughts It’s great to see this kind of open and healthy dialogue within the school community

Another developing PPG initiative is to breathe some life into the phone boxes which have run their course as food sharing areas – we now have fantastic bespoke food bank, and foodshare facilities This has meant the phone boxes are available for use – and the plan is for them to be used as book banks, available for book sharing, with an initial focus on books for children of school age This initiative is in early days but look out for the phone boxes near Birnam Arts and in Dunkeld Square getting a new lease of life

Next up – Christmas! Always a key part of the school calendar, this year we look forward to our Christmas Fayre on 7 December, with class and other crafts and gifts available in a welcoming mid-afternoon atmosphere in school This year the PPG has agreed to gift each resident in Servite and Rivendell a 2024 school calendar We hope this brightens up their homes as much as all the others across our community – and as an added bonus residents can expect a wee carol singing visit from the school too We’d like to place a massive thanks on record to all of those businesses who have paid to sponsor our calendar this year – we are immensely grateful for this support, with all funds raised going directly to support the school, and activities for the children

Graeme Cook, Chair, Parent Partnership Group Nicola Williams, Headteacher, Royal School of Dunkeld

Fraser Mills - NICEIC registered

All domestic and commercial work undertaken

Tel: 07545 078968

Email: fm electrical143@gmail com

FM-Electrical co uk

Locally based

Three Churches in the Community

Thought for the Month

These notes are being written in the period leading up to Advent, the four week season that invites us to slow down and ponder what is important before the Christmas celebrations begin In the last edition I was particularly struck by the poetic beauty of Reverend Lesley-Anne’s reflection on the beginning of Genesis Over the years for me the first three chapters of Genesis have come to read almost as if they were actually conceived as poetry They present for us the iconic symbolism of the Garden of Eden, the Apple and the decision that opens human consciousness to the dilemmas of good and evil This is a story that does not need to deny the science of evolution, instead it symbolically highlights the differentiation of our human condition In that in contrast to the animal kingdom, no matter how much comfort we have, we somehow still seem to have to plan for more During the Christmas season we are invited to reflect on a beautiful story which from a Christian perspective tells how a potential resolution to this underlying discomfort first gets under way During my lifetime our Western world has rapidly become more secular, so it does not seem unreasonable that those of us who still practise faith should from time to time be asked by our friends to explain the reasons we keep with that choice I was recently asked by a genuine enquirer what for me was the central aim of Christian spirituality For me spirituality has to do with how we live our lives and I prefer to avoid becoming involved in intellectual debates that seek to justify belief Such often polemical debates can so easily distract our attention from the simple but clear advice that Jesus gives us at Matthew 22:

A lawyer asked him a question to test him ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ Jesus said to him ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind ’ This is the greatest commandment And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself ’

If we were truly able to treat those around us with the sort of relationship with which we would ourselves like to be treated, is it naïve to wonder whether this might have avoided the terrible pain currently being suffered by ordinary people in Ukraine and Gaza? A huge question but this should not however distract me from doing something about this in my own life Thomas Fuller once said ‘Charity begins at home’ before adding ‘but should not end there’ but nowadays being usually quoted outside of its Christian context, the second important part is left out So to return to the question I mentioned about the aim of spirituality, my tentative answer is that Jesus’s second commandment above would surely provide a solid basis for how we might aim to conduct ourselves, be we Christian or otherwise How to better do this is going to provide me with plenty to reflect on during Advent and a challenging resolution for the New Year In the meantime I very much hope everyone will be able to enjoy the Christmas season when it comes Roderick Campbell Guion OCDS

Church of Scotland Services

November 26th 11 00am – Morning worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

December 3rd 11 00am – Morning worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

December 10th 11 00am – Morning worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

3 00pm – Bereavement Service in Little Dunkeld

December 17th 11 00am – Morning worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

4 00pm – Christingle service in Little Dunkeld

December 24th 11 00am – Morning worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

6 30pm – Christmas Eve Service at Amulree

11 30pm – Watchnight service in the Cathedral

(Carol singing from 11pm onwards )

December 25th 11 00am – Morning worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

January 7th 11 00am – Morning worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

January 14th 11 00am – Morning worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

January 21st 11 00am – Morning worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk

2 15pm – Service at Amulree Kirk

January 28th 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 ‘Prayers for Help and Healing’ is on the last Sunday of the month The first one was in the Chanonry, using an order of service from the Iona Community On November 26th it will be in St Mary’s Church, Birnam at 6 30pm The service will last about 45 minutes and give a chance to pray together about the concerns we have All are welcome

Santa Day

In the Duchess Anne there will be the usual Second Hand Toy sale downstairs (see separate notice) and teas and coffees upstairs and look out for lost sheep around the shops! There will be a Santa Day competition to find the sheep with sheets explaining what to do available in the Duchess Anne At the end of Santa Day on December 9th 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!

Bereavement Service

Sunday 10th December at 3pm in Little Dunkeld Kirka service of prayer, reflection and remembrance for people dealing with loss Families who have had funerals in the parish in the past year are invited by letter but there is a warm invitation to anyone who feels a loss keenly at this time of year, whether that loss was a few months ago or years ago The service lasts about half an hour and those who want to, can stay for tea/coffee afterwards

Christingle

There is something special about the annual Christingle service Through carols and an unrehearsed nativity play the story of Jesus’ birth is told again Young and old can dress up to be part of the telling or you can just sit to watch the drama unfold and join in the songs Towards the end, when the Christingle candles are lit there is a special atmosphere of wonder and prayer as we remember the purpose of it all – that Jesus is the light of the world

Please join us this year on the 17th at 4pm in Little Dunkeld - and at the end share Christmas refreshments before heading home oh, and the lost sheep from Santa Day may make an appearance!

Kirk Session

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

Youth Group

A group for all P 7s and upwards meets during term time in the Duchess Anne on Thursday evenings up until December 14th Each night we start at 7pm and finish at 8 30pm More information from Fraser Penny or William Hogg

Blythswood Shoe Box Appeal

A huge thank you to everybody who filled a box for this year’s appeal (and to Ann Rees for wrapping so many and organising the whole thing!)

132 boxes were filled this year along with donations totalling £589 for Blythswood Care

These boxes bring a great deal of joy to the people who receive them so thank you again for being so generous

The Meeting Place

The Meeting Place is in the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings from 10 – 12 All welcome

Men’s Breakfast

The smell of bacon rolls and sizzling sausages will be wafting out of the Chanonry every second Wednesday when the Men’s Breakfast meets at 9am There is no need to book; just turn up and enjoy food, company and conversation - all are welcome

Plans are not finalised for when we will start after the Christmas period but the remaining dates for this year are 29th of November and 13th December

Wednesday Worship

A more informal, relaxed type of worship has started on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in Little Dunkeld Kirk In January we meet on the 17th at 7 30pm There is no set format but the evening includes some worship songs, an open discussion around tables about a Bible passage, and ends with prayer (and a cup of tea/coffee at some point!)

While the aim is to be suitable for younger adults everyone anyone is welcome If you think this is something you might be interested in please come along and give it a try

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

Advent and Christmas at St Mary’s Episcopal Church

1st December – The now traditional and hilarious wreath making event begins our festive season (£5 donation to cover costs)

7th December 2 pm – All together Now sing a long for Christmas – free event for all living with memory loss Santa Day – There may be a wonky donkey from St Marys Nativity Stable on the loose in Dunkeld and Birnam, handing out chocolates and hugs 17th December – a traditional set of lessons and carols will replace the Eucharist service – 10 am start 23rd December 2 pm – A very wonky nativity; an interactive nativity service with lots of songs smiles and dressing up Christmas biscuit decorating will be happening too Dress up costumes for all shapes and sizes will be provided, so don’t be a shy sheep, king, angel, tree – yes tree! Come along and bring the family; last year was amazing Well behaved dogs are always welcome

24th December – a short incredibly quiet Scottish Book of Prayer service – 10am

25th December – Christmas day Family Communion –10 am

Everybody is always very welcome

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

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: Alison Gillies

The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld PH8 0AW Tel: 07736 423198

e-mail: sessionclerk@dunkeldcathedral org

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:

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

Roman Catholic Churches

Dunkeld is a village with a long history of Christian worship and we are pleased to continue that worship at St Columba’s in Birnam

Parish Priest: Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP (Missionary of St Paul) Tel: 01796 472 174

Email: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese org uk

Serving St Columba’s RC church in Birnam/ Dunkeld, St Bride’s RC church in Pitlochry and Our Lady of Mercy RC church in Aberfeldy

Follow us on Facebook at: St Bride’s RC Church, Pitlochry

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

Sunday Masses:-

Saturday Vigil 6pm St Columba’s Birnam

Sunday 9 30 am Our Lady of Mercy Aberfeldy

Sunday 11 30 am St Bride’s Pitlochry

Weekday Masses:-

9 30 am Tuesday – Aberfeldy

9 30 am Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – Pitlochry

Holy days of Obligation:-

9 30am Birnam

12 30pm Aberfeldy

6 00pm Pitlochry

Christmas Services:-

Christmas Eve – St Bride’s Pitlochry: 8 00 pm Carols,

8 30 pm Vigil Mass

Christmas Day – 8 30 am St Columba’s Birnam

10 00 am Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy

11 30 am St Brides, Pitlochry

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available prior to mass in St Columba’s Please phone Father to arrange it

If there are any parishioners who are housebound and wish the Sacrament of Holy Communion, let Father know and this will be arranged

St Columba’s, St Mary’s Road, Birnam PH8 0BJ

St Bride’s, Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5AL

Our Lady of Mercy, Home Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2AL Father Emmanuel in

Six free Christmas activities for children

Christmas is an exciting time for children and that’s great – but it can be stressful for parents to maintain the positivity when money is a worry However, there are lots of ways to sprinkle some Christmas magic without spending lots Read on for six ways to entertain the kids this festive season – for free!

Get crafting

You can make all kinds of fun festive decorations from things found around the house, and reduce waste at the same time Here are just a few ideas:

Use kitchen roll tubes, tissue paper and string to craft your own crackers

Collect pine cones, dip them in PVA glue and sprinkle with salt to create mini snowy Christmas trees

Create a herd of mini reindeer using bottle corks, twigs, buttons and string

Go to an all-age church service

It’s very likely that your local church is hosting various all-age services and events over the festive period Christingle and crib services are great for young people, but take a look at your church’s website or notice board to find out exactly what they have going on

Watch a free fireworks show

This is a great one for New Year’s Eve Have a look at a map and find an elevated point nearby that’s easily accessible by foot or road When it gets dark, take a walk or drive up and watch the various fireworks from across the area Take a flask of hot chocolate and some blankets for a cosy evening under the lights

Put on a living room show

Challenge the children to put on a Christmas-themed variety show in the living room They could sing, dance, read poetry and act out a nativity scene This will keep them busy for a few hours while they practise, plus all you have to do is sit back with a brew and watch!

See the local Christmas lights

Take a walk or drive around your local village or town to see the Christmas lights You could even make a game out of it by getting the kids to keep a tally of how many of a certain character they see, such as a Frosty the Snowman, Santa or Rudolph

Take on a Santa Run

Santa Runs take place all over the UK throughout December (and sometimes even through the rest of the year!) Each person who takes part receives a Santa costume and you can choose how far you want to run, so it’s great fun for every age, ability and fitness level

What’s more, you can make it a sponsored run and raise vital funds for charity too Visit thesantaruns com to find an event near you

There are lots of wonderful things about the Christmas season, especially for children, but remember that it’s not worth getting into financial difficulty If you’re worried about debt, coping on a low income, budgeting or finding work, visit capscotland org/help to find out about the free support offered by Christians Against Poverty (CAP) in partnership with local churches From all of us at CAP, we hope you have a very happy Christmas and New Year

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity working with over 800 affiliated churches to deliver debt help, budgeting guidance, support to find work, life skills education and more Visit capscotland org to find out more

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Community News continued

Annual Walking Meeting

Next meeting 24th February 2024

Slow movement on increasing road safety and improving how we move around in our communities

In February 2022 a walking meeting was held in and around Dunkeld and Birnam to explore issues related to how we move about our community, and road safety Cohosted by Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council, this was well attended with a huge variety of issues raised A report was produced, still available on The Bridge website, with over 30 potential actions and solutions identified In the year following the meeting, one action was delivered – the provision of a disabled parking space outside the pharmacy

A subsequent walking meeting was held exactly one year on in February 2023 This meeting was equally well attended, including by all our ward councillors, and John Swinney MSP This meeting reviewed and refreshed that the actions outlined in the report from the previous year remained valid, but there was also agreement to focus on three principle and deliverable aims – some of which were described as ‘no-brainers’ during the meeting

These three actions were:

Upgrading the zebra crossing to lights

Traffic lights and a road crossing at the school junction (as there is no pedestrian crossing on a stretch of road well over a mile long)

20mph through our settlements with related infrastructure to slow the flow of traffic

In addition there was agreement for speed monitoring data at key sites to be shared, and new monitoring to take place – results of this can be shared in future updates

There was no action proposed on the three main actions above until a suggestion was made recently to the council that they could consider working with Scottish Gas Networks to deliver infrastructure changes at minimal disruption to the community An answer from officials ensued following interventions from the leader of the council, Grant Laing The official response subsequently received from PKC officers is produced (slightly edited as was an email) below:

In regard to Item (1) following the walk abouts this request was added to the Road Safety Priority List (RSPL) of which there are over 900 requests for road safety measures [ ] the request is currently sitting at number 728 on the list and at number 3 in the signal requests for Ward 5 However, at the 3 monthly RSPL meetings with the Ward 5 members [councillors] this project was identified as a priority by the members [ ] and as such a brief was issued to the Urban Traffic Control (UTC) team to take the project forward for delivery as and when funding and resources allow It should be appreciated that there are 12 wards and all ward members have identified their local priorities The UTC team are working on priorities in all 12 wards A design brief was issued and the initial design work has started and it is intended to start the works as soon as possible following the completion of the SGN works We are actively working with our contractor to see when this project can be added to the works programme and once we have an agreed start date we will advise [ ] of the programme date Although it may have seemed on the face of it to be a good idea to carry out the upgrade work at the same time as SGN works this was not possible It is intended to provide the new and upgraded crossing facility on a raised table to help reduce vehicle speeds on the southern side of the bridge The proposed works are significant, will take time and they undoubtedly would have delayed the SGN works which could create contractual difficulties It is much better to do these projects separately

In regard to Item (2) following the walk abouts this request was added to the Road Safety Priority List (RSPL) and [ ] the request is currently sitting at number 760 on the list and at number 6 in the signal requests for Ward 5 This is a major project and will require significant staff resource and funding to deliver it It has not been identified as a ward priority by the ward members at the RSPL meetings so the focus of the UTC team is on other identified priorities However, the Road Safety team do see it as a worthwhile project and are keen to deliver this project when funding and resources allow Our intention would be to try and deliver this project next financial year using Cycling Walking Safer Routes grant funding depending on the allocation that we receive from the Scottish Government

In regard to Item (3) Perth & Kinross Council, along with all other Scottish local authorities, are working with

Transport Scotland on a 20mph national strategy The proposal is to make 20mph the default speed limit on all unrestricted roads in urban areas Basically, all residential streets will become 20mph This would include all the streets in Birnam However, Atholl Street and Boat Road in Dunkeld are restricted roads (A and B Class) so would not automatically be covered by the national strategy We are in discussion with Transport Scotland about additional measures (funding and staff resources) that would be provided to help change the road environment of these main roads, and on some of the wider, faster side streets, that happen to pass through rural communities It may be necessary to retain a 30mph limit on the periphery of some towns that lie along these key transport routes and focus a 20mph limit in the commercial core where there is a greater mix of road users Until the 20mph national strategy has been concluded by Transport Scotland we will not be introducing any further 20mph speed limits in isolation as they could be superseded by the national directive It is proposed to hold the third annual walking meeting on 24 February 2024 – at which another audit of progress will take place More details to follow in The Bridge and online Perhaps at that meeting it could be explored how we can get beyond campaigns for piecemeal change, and can instead explore how work can link together in the community – for example associated with the conversation ongoing about access to the station – and whether one of our community bodies might be able to carry out something more strategic to unlock expertise and funds of the type and amount (potentially millions) available through schemes such as Sustrans’ Places for Everyone programme

Graeme Cook – co-organiser of walking meetings

Lachlan MacEwan, Chair Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council and co-organiser of walking meetings

Further info available on:

www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk

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The Future of Community Communication – Launching Super Second Saturdays –Free cake and coffee!

In 2024 The Bridge will be 50 years old! What does the next 50 years of communications look like for our community?

Please share you thoughts and ideas via letter, email, survey monkey, FB messenger or old fashioned chat :

The downstairs area of the coworking space will be opening as community free space on the second Saturday of the month Call in and share your thoughts about communications in the community, or any other community matter, over free coffee and cake

Super Second Saturdays – Free coffee and cake!

Saturday 13th January, 10 – 4pm

Saturday 10th February, 10 – 4pm

Saturday 9th March, 10 – 4pm

Saturday 13th April, 10 – 4pm

Saturday 11th May, 10 – 4pm

Survey Monkey Link :

Mon-Fri 8 00am to 5 00pm Sat 10 00am to 11 00am

Òrnaich Jewellery

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Butterstone Art Group

Christmas Art and Craft Fayre

Saturday, 2nd till Monday, 4th December

10 am till 4 p m

Paintings, Toys, Christmas Crafts, home baking, preserves Teas and coffee

Critical gas network project - an update from SGN, Morrison Energy Services and Advance Group

Work progressing on the A9

Phase three – B898

As we come to the end of 2023, we’d like to thank the people and businesses in the communities of Birnam, Dunkeld, Inver and Little Dunkeld, for your patience and support as continue our work to divert and upgrade a section of our gas network, which currently runs close to the River Tay

You’ll be aware our critical project involves the relocation of a high-pressure gas pipeline, to ensure a safe and reliable future gas supply to thousands of homes in Dunkeld, Logierait, Birnam, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry

Phase

one – Perth Road

Phase one of our project on Perth Road began in July 2023 We’re pleased to say this work has progressed well and will be completed before Christmas

Phase two –

A9

Work to lay our new pipeline in the A9 just north of Dunkeld began at the end of October 2023 We appreciate motorists experienced significant delays at times and once again we’d like to offer our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused

After listening to feedback, we’ve added additional warning messages in the road, and we’re manually controlling our temporary traffic lights 24/7 A breakdown recovery vehicle is also present on site, which is there to remove any broken-down vehicles as quickly as possible

In addition, we continue to explore all possible options to help speed up our work and reduce any travel disruption

For continued updates on our project, please visit our website (sgn co uk) or scan the QR code to view our project page

A9 Festive Break

To ensure minimal disruption during the festive period, our work on the A9 will be temporarily paused during the week commencing 18 December and both lanes will be fully re-opened Our project will then resume during the first week in January 2024 and continue until completion at the end of February

Our work on the B898 will begin after work is completed on the A9 Details on how we’ll carry out this section of our project will be available on the SGN website in the New Year We’ll also be writing to all the householders and businesses in the area to update everyone on our plans in advance

The Kiln Creative

6 week block of classes Wednesday evening from 10th Jan to 14th Feb

Weekend workshop

20th - 21st January

Taster classes on 27th January

Private group bookings available, ideal for staff parties and family gatherings For

December ‘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 Phone 01350+

Organsiations - General

3 Churches Charity Shop 07751 593421 Anne Graham

Alcoholics Anonymous (Helpline) 0800 917 7650

Chapter House Museum 727786 Ruth Brown (in Dunkeld Cathedral, open 7 days) archive@historicdunkeld org uk

Dunkeld & Birnam Historical Society 07584 434253 Dave Roberts daveroberts132@btinternet c om

Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom 727288 Linda Speirs lindaladyhill@yahoo co uk

Dunkeld & Birnam Men s Shed 07777 696953 Jackie MacLean dbmensshed@outlook com

Dunkeld Masonic Lodge 724232 Tom Gordon secyonefour@gmail com

Dunkeld Community Archive 727786 Ruth Brown (Mon – Fri, 10am – 3pm) archive@historicdunkeld org uk

Friends of the Cathedral 728697 John Gray friends@dunkkeldcathedral org

Gardening and Growing Club (Horti) 07740 982465 Andrea Cox acox325@gmail com

National Trust for Scotland 07548 757060 Karen Clark kclark@nts org uk

Royal British Legion 728811 Kevin Forsyth Kevforsyth@hotmail com

RVS 01738 633975 Geoff Bird

(Supporting You At Home and perthsupportingyou@royalvoluntaryservice org uk Home Library Service)

SWRI 723203 / 07881 531565 Evelyn Menzies Evelynhmenzies@gmail com

SWRI Amulree 723203 Jane Anderson

The Field 07584 434253 Dave Roberts dblandtrust@btinternet com

The Orchard 727048 Katharine Melville kmelville@ogoroad com

The Meeting Place (Fri, DA) 07474 183042 Margaret Scott Tourist Association 723297 Adrian Blundell

Community Learning & Development

PKC CLD Staff 01738 459701 Cat Gordon/Alison May/ Robin Crawford dunkeldcomlearn@pkc gov uk

U3A 07714 103309 Sandra Cairncross smcairnx@hotmail com

Sport Butterstone Hill & Trail Group 07761 673231 Adrian Davis wildoutdoorscotland@gmail com

Clan Bowmen (Field Archery) 727911 / 07786 073686 Arthur Robert Hewines bobhewines@hotmail com

Dunkeld & Birnam Angling Association secretary@dbaa co uk Billy Davidson

Dunkeld & Birnam Bowling Club 07977 911068 Gael Shaw Gaelshaw@btinternet com

Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club 727524 Jackie MacLean (Visitors Welcome) dunkeld@outlook com

Dunkeld & Birnam Sports 07970 778525 Sally Robertson

Leisure Hub dbsportsleisurehub@gmail com

Dunkeld & Birnam Tennis Club 07731 631563 Morna Mitchell mornaamitchell59@gmail com

Glendelvine/Spittalfield Cricket Club 07816 982140 Andrew Ross (all ages)

Grass Track & Field Group 07736 724113 James Jarvis

Highland Perthshire Clay Shooting Club 07821940252 Ted Carr tedcarr@waitrose com

Leisure Group (Sports Hall Project) 727361 Alasdair Wylie awylie2002@yahoo co uk

Over 35’s Rugby 07738 006738 Iain Gordon iainhg@aol com

Running Club (8 – 12 year old,) 07761 673231 Adrian Davis (Mondays at 3 30pm) wildoutdoorscotland@gmail com

Swimming & Alexander Technique 07778 778007 Jan Osband jmosband@gmail com

Tai Chi 07551 029076 John Connelly dachutaichi@gmail com

Tayside Orienteers 727048 Bill Melville billmelville@ogoroad com Yoga 728783 Sue Atkinson atkinsue93@yahoo co uk

Music & Arts

BIPS 07872 505516 Melanie Brockway mbroc02@hotmail com

Birnam Arts 727674 Manager admin@birnamarts com arts@birnamarts com

Birnam Arts Ballet (Mon – Thurs, Emma Gray age 4 upwards & adults) ballet@birnamarts com Cathedral Tower Bell Ringers 742218 Iona Connor lowesfarm@hotmail com

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

Film Society 727740 Tom Barnard tom barnard@btinternet com

Just Singin’, 7 30pm Weds (BA) 07765 405203 Katie Dalgliesh www justsingin co uk

Traditional Youth Music Group 07958 324 766 Karys and Gill dbtradgroup@gmail com and Facebook Annual Events

Art Exhibition dunkeldart@aol com Margaret Scott Arts & Crafts Fair (Apr, Aug & Nov) 727968 / 07743 400938 Na’an Meikleour poppyseednaan@yahoo com Christian Aid Week 727867 Jim McCafferty

Highland Games (August) 07880 588433 Duncan Sim duncan sim@hotmail com

Niel Gow Festival 07766 406313 Liam Manion (weekend closest to 22 March) LManion41@gmail com

For Children Baby & Toddler Group 07546 128902 Lesley Singers

Caputh Baby & Toddler Group 07722 183546 Catherine Thomson (Tues 9 30 – 11 30am)

Nursery at Royal School of Dunkeld 01738 454470 Royal School of Dunkeld Sunday School – Church of Scotland 727249 Fraser Penny For Younger People Girlguiding Dunkeld (Rainbows, 07770 324173 Trix Stephen Brownies, Guides, Rangers) (District Commissioner) The Black Watch Army Cadets 07429 113439 2nd Lt Craig Ross 1989ros@armymail mod uk

Youth Group (for P7s & 1st years, 727249 Fraser Penny Thurs 7 – 8 30pm)

For Older People

Senior Citizens 727311 Ronalda Pattullo Servite 07595 651446 Ivan Russell (Working Hours, Mon, Wed, Friday ivan russell@caledoniaha co uk

1 – 4pm; Tues, Thurs 8 30am – 12 noon)

Hall Bookings

Local Organisations - Continued

Amulree Village Hall

07749 914906 Isabel Brady northamulree@btinternet com

Birnam Arts 727674 Manager

Caputh Hall 07832 235607 Lorna Lyle Chanonry 07808 703641 Jill McCrory chanonrydunkeld@gmail com

Dalguise Village Hall 07746 392268 Anne Cameron annedunkeld@gmail com

Duchess Anne 07808 703641 Jill McCrory chanonrydunkeld@gmail com

Health Community & Services

Birnam Library (Thu 5 – 7pm, Fri 01738 459709 Margaret Quigley 12 – 5pm, Sat 9 30am – 12 noon) birnamlibrary@culturepk org uk

Chemist (Dunkeld) 727210 Davidsons

Chemist (on Sunday) 01738 494610 Asda, Dunkeld Rd, Perth

Doctors 727269 Craigvinean Surgery

Dunkeld & Birnam Community Lachlan MacEwan Council dbcc chair@gmail com

Infinity Blu Dental Care(Birnam & Pitlochry) 729198 / 01796 470001

PKC Environmental Services 01738 476476

PKC Roads Dept 01738 475000

Registrar 01738 475121 3/5 High St, Perth perth-registrars@pkc gov uk

Tayside Police (non-emergency) 101

BA = Birnam Arts Centre, DA = Duchess Anne Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld

December

Dunkeld and Birnam Santa Day, Saturday 9th December from 10 30am

1 Jack and the Beanstalk: Panto 7pm Adults + 2 u16 £20; Adult £10 U16 £5 BA

2 Jack and the Beanstalk: Panto 2pm & 7pm Adults + 2 u16 £20; Adult £10 U16 £5 BA

2 – 14th Jan Winter Moonlight Exhibition local and regional artists Showcase Birnam Arts

3 Xmas Tree Lights On at the Cross Details to follow

4 Repair Café Birnam Arts in the Arts Studio

8 Late Night Opening & Candlelit Shopping Dunkeld and Birnam 4pm -8pm

9 Jack and the Beanstalk Clydebuilt Puppets Birnam Arts

13 Gardening & Growing Club Christmas Night Out, Atholl Arms Hotel 6pm acox325@gmail com

15 Free Friday Film: Title TBA 2pm Complimentary Light Lunch Provided from 1pm

16 Return of the Magnificent Seven; Amos, Jauncey & Friends 8pm Tickets £15* 18 Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group Christmas concert Doors open 6:30pm with the performance running from 7-8pm entry by donation 2024 January

9 Birnam Arts in the Arts Studio

20 – 3rd March Transitional Space: Exhibition Kyra Clegg, Su Grierson, Martine Foultier Pugh and Fanny Lam Christie collaboration

30 Kirk Session Meeting 7:30pm

February

1 A9 Community Group 730 pm Birnam Arts/Zoom

19 Historical Society 2024 AGM February Professor Boardman Edinburgh on the Wolf of Badenoch £2 cash please 7:30pm BA

Annual Walking Meeting ‘How We Move About Our Community’

Gardening & Growing Club Visit to Fingask (Andrew Threipland) 2pm acox325@gmail com March

Gardening & Growing Club AGM Birnam Arts 7:30pm acox325@gmail com

18 Historical Society aul McLennan on Dunkeld and Birnam Station plus Nikki Herbertson with a display about the Station Action Group £2 cash please 7:30pm BA

For dates further ahead see: www

Community Noticeboard

Dunkeld Guide Hall

Looking for a venue for a regular or one-off meeting or class? Dunkeld Guide Hall is available to hire

Our lovely bright hall has capacity for meetings of around 40 people (as we have around 40 chairs!!) We have a large well-equipped kitchen and disabled access and a disabled toilet Due to the closure of the Playgroup in Dunkeld we have most mornings free, plus there are some afternoons and evenings available too If a regular user requires storage space this can be arranged Letting rates start at £15 for up to 1 5 hours The hall is centrally located in Little Dunkeld, behind the Royal School of Dunkeld Please contact Helen Taylor on: helen@glenfender org uk to discuss your requirements

Volunteer Drivers Needed

Craigvinean Surgery has a group of volunteer drivers who take patients to hospital appointments if they are unable to use public transport and can't get help from family or friends Expenses are paid by the patient We need more drivers so that we never have to let a patient down If you would like to help, please contact: faithanstey@gmail com

The Meeting Place

We will continue with our Coffee Mornings, weather permitting, throughout December and January in the Duchess Anne from 10-12 on Friday mornings Come and join us for good company, tea/coffee and delicious home bakes Everyone welcome

The Dementia Cafe,

North Church Hall, High Street, Perth

Every 1st Wed of the month from 10am - 1230 pm

This cafe does what it says “ on the tin” It welcomes anyone who has a problem with their memory and those who have a diagnosis of dementia If you want a quiet word with one of our professionals eg a psychiatric nurse, a social worker , a link worker , our cafe is the place to come Some of our volunteers are ex carers of someone with dementia which can be of comfort for regulars and newcomers alike

There is always a warm welcome and a cup of coffee or tea with special biscuits which cater for gluten free folk The atmosphere is always upbeat and positive

Our next cafe will be held on Wed 1st November If you cannot come that month, save Wed 6th December in your diary and we’ll look forward to seeing you then We will be here on those dates, come rain, storms or snow!

Birnam and Dunkeld Junctions Action Group - Update

On Wednesday 8th November Fiona Hyslop, the Transport Minister and representatives of Transport Scotland met with the BAD Junctions Action Group and the A9 Community Group to discuss Improving safety at the eight local junctions with the A9 and the dualling of the A9

The Junctions Action Group went first and highlighted the background to the campaign which has focused on the safety for all users of the A9 as they travel on the 4 6 miles of single carriageway road with 8 difficult junctions through our local communities

Our six requests to improve safety at the Dunkeld and Birnam Junctions with the A9:

• Improved signing at the end the dual carriageway heading north before Pass of Birnam as the new signs do not give warnings of the junctions ahead with turning and crossing traffic

• Upgrade road markings and hatching, consideration of double white line areas (no overtaking) on the single carriageway section especially between the end of the dual carriageway going north and the Birnam junction and up to the Jubilee Bridge

• Improved lighting at junction, including better lit bollards

• Speed restrictions between the end of the carriageway going north and south to the Jubilee Bridge

• Cameras to assess the junction activity, ahead of dualling

• Serious consideration of a roundabout as an interim and potential long-term option at the Dunkeld Junction Widening the left turn exit and creating a slipway as well as a midpoint holding area may improve safety in the short term

Why are we asking for these improvements? There are frequent delays at these junctions leading to frustration, anger, stress and anxiety This can cause accidents or near misses, often with damage to people and vehicles Many drivers try to find ways of avoiding these junctions and diversions after accidents lead to longer journey times and frustration and more upsets In addition, local school children, postal workers, bus drivers, farmers and visitors face daily problems and experience risky situations The A9 splits our local communities and unfortunately there have been 3 deaths in the last two years on this stretch

The initial announcement about the dualling of the A9 was in 2008, when the Scottish Government said improving the A9 was a priority In 2011, the Scottish Government committed to dualling the A9 between Inverness and Perth by 2025 There was a public meeting in 2012 about the dualling of the section around Dunkeld and Birnam section with a definite completion date of 2025 Since then, two sections of the A9 have been dualled totalling 10 6 miles We have no idea when this section will be dualled and it is now last in the queue as it is the only section without an approved route We are therefore very concerned, with increasing traffic, these local junctions will become even more unsafe and a major source of stress, anxiety and delay for all A9 road users

What the Minister said:

Fiona Hyslop, the Minister Transport listened and took note of the points we made She appeared to understand our concerns and the detail of our requests She explained the process for making decisions about safety and explained the need for value for money in the present circumstances She has asked Transport Scotland to look again at some of the points we made and pointed out what has been done She then said she was going, after the meeting, to a meeting about A9 road safety and was concerned about the lack of community representation on that group

What next:

We await with interest the responses from Transport Scotland and the Minister In the meantime, we continue with our campaign and car stickers highlighting the safety campaign are available form Kettles of Dunkeld If you witness any accidents or near misses, please report them to us as we need to document these In addition, if anyone has experience of risk assessments for roads or is a civil/road engineer and is willing to help us, please get in touch

We will keep you informed of any progress and thank you again for your support

Pam Green - pammgreen@btinternet com David Bee

Dementia Cafe, North Church Hall, High St. Perth

This cafe opens every 1st Wed of the month from 10am -1230 pm and this December 6th, we are holding a special 15 th Birthday celebration ! In addition to the monthly delicious cakes and biscuits, Lang’s Foods will be supplying Christmas fayre at our festival brunch

Even if you haven’t been before , come along to share our special day We welcome anyone with memory problems and those who have a diagnosis of dementia

If you want a quiet word with one of our professionals , for example a psychiatric nurse, social worker or link worker, our cafe is the place to come

Some of our volunteers are ex- carers of someone with dementia which can be of comfort for both regulars and newcomers If you cannot come in December, save the date of Wed 3rd January in your diary when we will look forward to meeting new people in the New Year

Please note that the Cafe is open come rain, storms or snow!

Church of Scotland Christmas Offering

At the Christmas Eve services in Amulree and the Cathedral, the offering will be to support Corbenic's Day Service and Community Barn Project The Corbenic website says 'This is a plan to build a new multi-use Community barn which will house an extension to the Day Service This combined project ensures the benefits of the new building will be maximised, with the provision of six additional daily day places and the provision of a space large enough for the whole Corbenic Community to gather for meetings, socialising and celebrations ' Corbenic is a wonderful part of the wider community in this area and it is great to be able to support it through our Christmas giving

FOR SALE:

The Old Surgery, Bankfoot

Completely refurbished to a 2 double bedroom flat.

Selling agent: Premier Properties.

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

LADY DRIVER TAXI

New Driver Coming Soon

Notes from a Councillor 21

As I write Perth & Kinross is in a post storm Babet phase with many teams and officers working to deliver repairs post clean-up Areas in North Perthshire have felt the effects of the storm, areas of roads, bridges, paths, and riverbanks washed away or damaged by the force of water It has been challenging for those who have been personally affected

Perth & Kinross teams worked hard to deal with the cleanup process These teams are continuing to work on repairs, which will impact on the scheduled repairs list due to resources being diverted to the essential repairs At Dalguise the road culverts were inundated by the debris running from the forest tracks, all road culverts required attention and the eroded edges of the road will be repaired if not yet carried out.

A section of road embankment was repaired North of Gilmerton on the A822, chocked culverts at Corrymuckloch were attended to. Further eroded embankments on the A826 between Griffin and Calliacher wind farms also dealt with

The road at Rotmell is more complex with a design process required to identify the reinstatement and involvement from the landowner during this, none the less it is a priority Once the design is agreed the repair will progress

Similarly with the Inver underpass and Sappers Bridge The underpass has been given priority for repair However the bridge is more complex and also requires a new design combined with conversations with landowners and SEPA before any understanding of time and cost to deliver the replacement Roads winter maintenance programme began mid-October and will run to mid-April Please remember public footways are not treated on Public Holidays To finish on roads a few stats – Perth & Kinross have 2,400 Km of roads, 44,000 road gullies and 1,600 grit bins

Many of you will be aware and have hopefully engaged with the consultation process of Perth & Kinross National Park bid, Tay Forest National Park The stage of the process is currently at the evaluation and analysis of evidence The finalised bid being presented to Council at the February meeting before submission to Scottish Government

For the second year Perth & Kinross Council are supporting free bus travel on the four Saturdays running up to Christmas, December 2,9,16 and 23, those with free travel passes should use as normal This offer does not include Citylink, Ember, Flixbus, Parks of Hamilton, Megabus or Fishers Tours

Wishing all a Joyous Festive Season and a Happy New Year,

News from our Community Council

Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council Community Council Matters

Community Council MembersAlan, John, Lachlan and Laura

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

Please look on www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk for information about future dates and times

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

JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH

can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, EDINBURGH EH99 1SP Tel: 0131 348 5717

e-mail: john swinney@parliament scot

2023 has been quite a year for our little piece of Scotland Voted best place to live in Scotland is a wonderful accolade and has undoubtedly contributed to an increase in visitors to the area, but at the same time it has highlighted a number of issues that confront the community Not least that of parking

The Community Council have been kept extremely busy over the past 12 months and would like to thank all who have supported us by attending our public meetings and those who alerted us to the many issues that have occurred Our Facebook page has become increasingly busy in recent times and the number of followers have increased significantly Planning applications probably take top spot, but more recently we’ve focused much of our time on flooding and road conditions On a more positive note, we’ve been involved in discussions about the Dunkeld & Birnam Railway Station and look forward to continue with what we hope for a good outcome in the future

We’re sure 2024 will provide us with many more challenges and we look forward to the continued support from the community we call home

As we approach the festive season we’d like to wish the whole community a restful, peaceful time and if anyone is looking for a novel New Year ’s resolution, there’s room for you in the Community Council You

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

can determine how much time you want to devote to community issues Just make contact via our email address or Facebook page and we’ll point you in the right direction

Cllr Bailie Claire McLaren

A World Community 22

Field Produce Sales In The Winter 2023/2024

We had our AGM and Harvest Supper on Friday 3rd 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 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 This year we followed the precedent set last year when we had changed the format for the Harvest Supper Teams of people produced the main course, a superb Venison main course and three excellent vegetarian meals, all using field produce wherever possible The desserts were an amazing range of desserts produce by members We would like to thank 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 into the new year, weather permitting We plan to replenish the stalls on a Thursday and Saturday lunchtomes, We have potatoes, onions, leeks, and some wintergreens 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 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 2023 and we look forward to seeing you all in the field in 2024

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/-The-FieldDunkeld-Birnam

Website: www dunkeldfield co uk

Gardening and Growing Club

Whether you potter with a few pots or garden an acre you are very welcome at our friendly Gardening and Growing club

£20 annual membership

Everyone welcome – first meeting FREE Please come along and ‘try out’ being a member Annual membership £20

The Gardening and Growing Club is a group for anyone interested in learning more about a wide range of matters to do with gardening and growing in a relaxed environment where you can also chat and meet other people in the village interested in gardening and growing During the year there is a mix of talks, visits to gardens, socials as well as the annual show in August Whether you tend a few pots on your windowsill or garden a massive plot it really doesn’t matter – you are very welcome to join us

Programme of Events for remainder of the year: Sun 24th Feb, 2pm - Visit to Fingask (Andrew Threipland)

Wed 13th March, 7:30pm - AGM Birnam Arts

Lifts to any of the meetings/trips away can be arranged on request

Loch of the Lowes

This is the time of year when we want to be inside, cosy, sipping a cup of something and watching the birds on our feeders Recently at Loch of the Lowes we were incredibly fortunate to see Goldfinch on the sunflower hearts The Goldfinch has such striking colours that they manage to brighten up even the dullest of days At the centre we see many Chaffinches However, all is not as it seems Look again, carefully at the chaffinches, especially when its cold possibly with snow on the ground If you are lucky you may spot a Brambling (Fringilla Montifringilla) As you see in the photograph, taken at Falls of Clyde by a volunteer called Jim Ness, Brambling and Chaffinch are really very similar The Brambling is on the left and the Chaffinch on the right The Brambling is a type of finch which eats seeds, beech mast (a mast is when a tree produces a large volume of nuts in a year) and berries Some Brambling are locals but others may have migrated from Russia or Scandinavia in search of food

A few tips about feeding the birds Consider which birds you have or want to attract as their beaks and food preferences differ The finch type birds crunch down on seeds like sunflowers, niger seeds and millet Birds like blackbirds, thrushes, fieldfare, redwings and robins have a “soft bill” so don’t eat the hard seeds They eat worms, insects, suet, rolled oats, sunflower hearts and fruit Woodpeckers and Tits like peanuts and suet Watch out for the Coal Tit taking a small piece of nut or seed and stowing it away for later

It is important to clean feeders regularly with bird specific cleanser We have tube brushes and bird safe cleaner in the shop Unfortunately without hygiene birds can get diseases such as Bird Flu (a virus), Trichomonosis (caused by a parasite) and Salmonella (a bacterial infection)

Water is important for birds to wash and drink Remember to melt any ice with warm water Salt or grit is toxic for birds

Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 30am to 4 00pm at this time of year Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld, PH8 0HH Tel: 01350 727 337

Email: lochofthelowes@scottishwildlifetrust org uk

For any events of the Scottish Wildlife Trust see https://scottishwildlifetrust org uk/things-to-do/wildlifeevents/

It is important to note that the paths are never treated so take care not to slip, especially if there is ice The paths can also be uneven

Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom

By the time you are reading this, we will have put our gardening tools away for another year

So from all the Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom volunteers we wish you a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year

If passing through St Ninian’s please stop and say hello to our little feathered helper

Moira (07931 758456)

Paths and Nature Action Group Update

The Group is now partnered with the Community Development Trust giving us banking and other support We attended an DT open evening on 25 Sept when several new contacts joined our Whatsapp group Landowner permission was secured for work along the river path including removing some of the invasive snowberry and the planting of native species Some drainage work on local paths as well as continuing to cut back encroaching vegetation will be continuing over the winter

Now is the best time to make and erect swift (and other bird) boxes, and we put up our first gable-end box in Trochry (see photo) Please let us know if you need advice or help making and placing swift boxes To find out more please contact: stewartpritchard@aol com

PAINTING & DECORATING

Interior / Exterior Work

bizzabooks@gmail.com

Pet Cremation

individual cremation services for your beloved pets 07522 174883

perthshirepetcremation co uk

Dunkeld Horse Grazing & DIY Livery

or Email Karen: 07759 701413 gapdunkeld@gmail com

Call: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Text: 7 days 8am-8pm FREE ESTIMATES HONEST, RELIABLE SERVICE

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

ATHOLL STREET 01350 727556

Proprietor: Alasdair Wylie

New Builds, Extensions, Renovations and Restorations, Stonework, Drainage, Groundworks and jobbing

Contact: 01350 727320

Email: info@dunkeldbuilders.com www dunkeldbuilders co uk

admin@potterplumbing co uk Struan, Coulterenny, Cairneyhill, Bankfoot, Perth PH1 4AQ Telephone & Fax: 01796 472494 Mobile: 07800 577259