Bridge
Local News, Events and Information for the Dunkeld & Birnam Area
Girlguiding Dunkeld – We need your support –
Volunteer with Girlguiding Dunkeld and make a difference to the lives of our local girls
See page 6 for lots more information about how, though volunteering with this amazing organisation, you can make friends, build your confidence and empower girls and young women
Community News
Stanley Hill Park –don’t just bag it … please bin it too!
Stanley Hill park is looked after by the National Trust for Scotland for everyone to enjoy, but sadly it is being ruined by a few individuals During the summer months our seasonal Estate worker was daily clearing up and filling a bin bag of dog mess He engages with people he sees, locals and visitors alike, highlighting the issue He hands out poo bags and reminds owners that not cleaning up after your 4 legged friend is breaking the law The law states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse and you can be issued with a fixed penalty Notice of up to £100, or if taken to court, it can cost the owner up to £1,000 – buying dog poo bags are a much cheaper option!
In this photo our ranger Maria is dealing with this dog fouling issue here in Stanley Hill Maria, like all of us, loves this place and is saddened that people are continuing to do this – she has become Dunkeld and Birnam’s very own Poo Fairy If it wasn’t for Maria going out in all weather to clean up this mess imagine how bad it would be Please can you highlight this issue with your readers, and hopefully very soon Maria can hang up her fairy wings
I would also like the opportunity to say Thank You to the kind locals who, on their daily dog walks, are helping us by binning dog poo bags discarded by others who don’t follow the mantra “Bag it and Bin it”, we really appreciate any and all help given, to ensure that everyone can enjoy these beautiful spaces
Karen Clark, Visitor Services Manager - North Perthshire Dunkeld, The Hermitage and Killiecrankie Mob: 07548757060 | Email: kclark@nts org uk
Editorial 2
The Bridge
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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
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Download Online: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk
I hope you all enjoyed the festive break and managed to stay warm, safe and cheery through January with its biting cold, darkness and everlasting ice Loyal readers of this column will know that I suffer with January-itis Despite my best efforts with sunlamps, walks in the fresh air and reciting mantras about spring being on the way I struggle my way through these early weeks of the year In a bid to hold back the darkness we have even left up the fairy lights in the kitchen In times gone past the rich sailed for Madeira in the autumn and wintered there – what a great plan that was Just imagine! However, by the time you are reading this, we should be welcoming in dear little February with its promise of light and hopefully my sap will start rising too
In the spirit of the new year and taking up new opportunities can you think of anyone who might consider becoming a guide, brownie or rainbow leader?
Trix really needs some help to keep guiding going in the village (see front cover and page 6) It’s an interesting challenge as to how we match people’s available time, skills and talents to the voluntary jobs that always need doing I’m thinking of setting up a “volunteer bank” and encouraging everyone to log what they are interested in helping out with and how many hours per month they can manage Our community is awash with gifted and talented people – we just need to find a way to make the ‘snaps’ happen that work for both the person and the organisation If anyone is reading this who could set up a database to enable this, please drop me a line
What else? What else? Well, all sorts really – please note the dates for the Niel Gow festival (page 4) and keep an eye on their facebook page for more info on all
the musical treats to come As usual with the first stirring beneath the soil there are many ways to green your fingers whether helping at The Field, The Orchard, In Bloom or coming along to the Gardening and Growing Club Surely there is nothing more magical than a walled garden, so I am already getting excited about hearing Gabriella Bennett talk about the Taybank Walled Garden at Murthly on 8th February at the first meeting of the year of the Gardening and Growing Club (see page 4)
Finally on a personal note, a big thank you to everyone who has been helping look for our missing Labrador Sandy You have all been so kind My dear friend from Cyprus, Lefkia, always reminds me that we always have hope – the one thing that remained in Pandora’s box So we stay hopeful and pray that one day she will find her way home
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 23rd March, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts / Zoom unless otherwise notified, or unless events require one sooner. All welcome! At our November meeting, it was agreed to:
– write again to Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary, to request an urgent meeting to define a timeline for a decision on the dualing proposals for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing, in the light of the continued and unacceptable lack of communication by Transport Scotland about a decision making timeline
– Consider how best to frame an appropriate Freedom of Information request to better understand the delays in decision making
– work on an update of the “The Story So Far” presentation to reflect recent history and to circulate it, especially for the benefit of those new to the community since the Co-Creative process in 2018, and to consider a full-page update summary in The Bridge
In mid December we received a further message from Jacobs about survey work:
“ We will likely have ecologists on site over the next two weeks, weather dependant, undertaking winter ecology surveys in the locality of Dunkeld and Birnam The surveys will be largely focussed on bird and bat activity and will continue through January and February 2023 Landowners and property owners affected by these surveys will be contacted in accordance with relevant guidance and legislation”
As far as the dualling of theTay Crossing to Ballinluig section ** goes ( and others farther north), TS advised just before Christmas as follows:
“ Work to determine the most suitable procurement options for these sections of the A9 dualling is ongoing This is a complex exercise which looks at a number of factors including how the project can be delivered most efficiently by the industry, whilst minimising disruption to road users and helping to support economic recovery post-COVID As part of this exercise, in light of recent fluctuations in the economic environment, work is also underway to assess the impact of market changes on the potential procurement approaches available “
** see the first TS link below
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-
Arts News 3
WHAT’S ON AT BIRNAM ARTS
Birnam Arts Fundraiser
An Alpine Ecological Excursion
with Adrian Davis
Thursday 16th February 7pm
Tickets £9 + booking fee
SWISS Alpine Pass Route Alta Via 1
The Alpine pass route is split into 15 stages from east to west Switzerland (described by Reynolds, Cicerone Guides) The route starts from the old town of Sargans in the east of Switzerland to Montreaux, on the shores of Lake Geneva The trek traverses 326km of mountain and valley with a variety of route route options but nominally crossing 16 passes all over 1500m
The trek passes through beautiful scenery and amazing flora and fauna including animals such as the brown bear, wildcat, chamoix and marmots The flora is world renowned as it is one of Europe’s botanical hotspots Little did he know it was going to be such an adventure!
Our sincere thanks go to Adrian, who has generously donated his time to give this talk in aid of Birnam Arts’ fundraising efforts
Free Friday Film
Summertime 1955
Friday 17th February 2pm
This delicately handled love story was legendary director David Lean's first colour film and his own personal favourite Katherine Hepburn shines in the leading role and both director and star were nominated for Oscars American spinster Jane Hudson has finally saved enough to take the trip of a lifetime and she hopes Venice will bring a spark of magic into her life
Overwhelmed by the beauty of her surroundings her holiday becomes all the more special when she encounters a charming antiques dealer and is soon swept of her of her feet Could this be the romance she has waited her whole life for?
Winter Pick Me Up Concert
Amos & Jauncey and Friends
Saturday 18th February 8pm
Tickets £12 + booking fee
This promises to be a fantastic night of music to banish those winter blues!
With our lovable local legends: Dave Amos, Pete Caban, Jim Harcus, Jamie Jauncey, Simon Jauncey, Donny McElligott, Ian McLaren
Great songs, great company, a concert not to be missed
Lizabett Russo
Friday 10th March 7 30pm
Tickets £12 + booking fee
Lizabett Russo launches her 5th album 'While I sit and watch this tree' volume 2 with a tour around Scotland The new album will be available on vinyl, CD and even cassettes for the melancholic collectors
Scotland-based singer-songwriter Lizabett Russo merges her native traditions with elements of contemporary jazz, avant garde folk and world music, a range of influence effortlessly spanned by her powerfully versatile voice The BBC have championed her work - featuring on both BBC Radio 3 and Radio 6 as well as the BBC stage at Latitude Festival She has also toured extensively around Europe and Asia Lizabett will be accompanied by the award-winning jazz guitarist Graeme Stephen Today he leads and contributes to a multitude of musical projects in Scotland and overseas, playing a wide array of styles from free improvised jazz to Scottish folk In the Gallery
Jennifer MacLean: 55 Years of Watercolour and Weaving 15th February – 19th March
We are delighted to be exhibiting the work of local artist Jennifer MacLean this spring This body of work spans Jennifer’s artistic career of 55 years and ranges from her distinctive watercolour paintings to her unique ‘organic wall designs’ - woven with her own hand spun and naturally dyed wool Her work derives its inspiration from nature and nature’s textures - her subject matter tends to be ‘things enduring’, (stones, old buildings, vegetation, landscape ), and her colour is strong and vital Above all the feeling one gets from MacLean’s work is of her genuine and absorbing love of what she is doing
Playwrights Studio Scotland
Friday 24th February 10am – 5pm
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
Beginners Guitar
A Talk from Tom Bowser: Red Kites, Beavers and Rewilding.
Wednesday March 8th
7 00pm
By determination and a passion for wildlife, nature writer and journalist Tom Bowser is successfully rewilding his family farm in Stirlingshire Hear how a working livestock farm can be a haven for native wildlife including recently introduced beavers
Tickets from Birnam Arts, or contact: lochofthelowes@scottishwildlifetrust org uk
Tutor Malcolm Devenny
Tuesday Evenings
5pm – 6.15pm – 7.30pm
We have still places left in our 5pm kids guitar class and 7 30pm adult class
Malcolm Devenny – with more than 10 years teaching experience – will give you the guidance to learn basic skills, essential open chords, strumming patterns, and loads of great songs This will be a fun and friendly group for beginners with a max of 5 participants
Kids Musical Theatre
Tutor Colleen Nicoll
Thursday P1 – P4 4 30pm – 5 15pm
Thursday P5 – P7 5.30pm – 6.30pm
A combination of essential theatre skills for all children who love to perform!
This class is packed full of challenging exercises especially designed to boost self-esteem, confidence and creativity within your child They’ll learn new Singing, Acting and Dancing techniques as well as working on a variety of show extracts
Please check the website for updates on all that’s going on at your local arts centre
Arts News continued
Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell In Concert
Dalguise Hall, near Dunkeld (PH8 0JX)
Friday February 3rd 2023
8 00pm (doors open 7 30pm)
Tickets: £10 00
Available on the door or in advance from:
Birnam CD, Station Road, Birnam PH8 0DS 01350 727158 / info@birnamcd com (cash only)
Cards / PayPal: online via eventbrite co uk
Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell are carving out a name for themselves with their unique style, rooted in Quebecois traditional music fused with songs from around the British Isles and North America Their creative choices and syncopated melodic rhythms are a testament to their talent and great synergy
These multi-instrumentalists and vocalists are making music that is thoughtful, conscious, and driven They excite, motivate, inspire, comfort, and spread love and joy to all those that hear them
Arthur Coates is an acclaimed UK awardnominated musician who began playing the Violin at the age of 7 He later attended Aberdeen City Music School where he studied Violin and Piano Arthur eventually found his calling for Quebecois traditional music which he continues to chase He released his debut solo album ‘Focus’ in June 2019, a project that heavily featured original material
Kerran Cotterell is an energetic and melodic Guitar player who leans on his vast and varied musical experience to create timeless works of art that are refreshingly unique but are still deeply grounded in traditional folk music He has garnered plaudits having performed on the main stage of the Cambridge Folk Festival, as well as the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall
Together, Arthur & Kerran produce a versatile mix of sound through instrumentals and song featuring various instruments, including Fiddle, Guitar, Bouzouki & Feet Percussion They create a sound that is often surprising to the ear but remains true to the roots of traditional music
“World class fiddle tunes, sparky guitar arrangements and songs too: Arthur and Kerran's performances are powerful and dark, fresh and fun” - Alex Monaghan, Folkworld Magazine
“Arthur's sense of rhythm and brilliant way of infusing energy and excitement into the music is much talked about in the local scene” - Gill Russell, Eclectic Events “Arthur thrives on performance and collaboration with other musicians, but is also a brilliant multi-instrumentalist in his own right” - Jonny Hardie, Old Blind Dogs
For samples of Arthur & Kerran’s music and performances, search “Arthur Coates and Kerran Cotterell” on YouTube or visit: www arthurcoates com or www facebook com/ArthurandKerran
JustSingin` Birnam!
Everyone is very welcome to join JustSingin , a friendly, mixed all age community choir which meets on Wednesdays in Birnam, 7 30pm-9 30pm, upstairs in the Birnam Arts, Station Road, Birnam
The current term runs to 23rd March (resumes 12th April) and we are happy to welcome back Perth-based choir leader Ruth Rankin, ruth-rankin com There are no auditions to join our a capella choir, just come along and enjoy singing with us Inspiring professional tutors teach old and new songs all in the aural tradition Please visit www justsingin co uk for fees/ full details; email to enquiries@justsingin co uk or phone Katie on 07765 405203 We look forward to singing with you
Newsflash! Our 20th Anniversary Concert will be on 17th June! Scottish Charity No: SCO36400
Niel Gow Festival 2023 17th – 19th March
The Niel Gow Festival is back with cracking concerts, wonderful workshops, smashing sessions and more!
We're busy finalising the programme but you won't be disappointed Dunkeld (more specifically Inver) was home to Niel Gow and the festival celebrates his music but also all of the traditional music inspired by him and played since his time - including lots of the amazing music of today's musicians and all those in between
See next months Bridge for programme info also https://www niel-gow co uk/ https://www facebook com/nielgowfestival/
Dunkeld and Birnam Handbell Ringers
This is the last time the above heading will appear Members have finally had to accept that efforts to recruit more members have failed and the remaining few can no longer continue We all have many happy memories of ringing in Dunkeld and Birnam and in the wider Perthshire area as well As well as visits to ring in Orkney, Mull, Iona and Skye in the years since the group was started by Heather McLean nearly 20 years ago
Members thank all those who have encouraged, helped and supported the group during those happy times
Gardening & Growing Club
8th Feb - Talk by Gabriella about the Taybank Walled Garden at Murthly – 7 30pm Birnam Arts Also short AGM
Annual membership fee £20 – the year starts at February meeting
Ever-greening Fingers - anyone interested in gardening or growing is very welcome to join the club irrespective of how green your fingers currently are
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 Printing
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/internetand-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
Culture Perth and Kinross Museums & Galleries
The galleries at Perth Art Gallery are currently closed while they receive a refresh, but the doors to the building are open and looking forward to welcoming you
The Messy Museum in the Marshall Gallery is open, as well as our shop, coffee bar and toilets, from 10am to 4pm, Friday to Monday
Why not come along to one of our lunchtime lectures given by curitorial staff and learn about the treasures and stories in the collections and the work that goes on behind the scenes
27 Jan - Care of large water vessels
10 Feb - Building a new museum for Perth
24 Feb - Curator ’s Choice – Photography
3 Mar - Modern Scots
10 Mar - The East India Company and Perth Museum
17 Mar - Power to the People!
23 Mar - Tales from the Natural History Collections
Full details can be found on the Culture Perth and Kinross website: https://bit ly/PAGlunchtime
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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Please join members of the Dunkeld and Birnam Sports and Leisure Hub to Celebrate the Opening of the new Multi Use Games Area MUGA
Wednesday 22nd February 4pm
Dunkeld and Birnam Recreation Ground
The Red Ribbon will be cut by Eilidh Barbour, BBC Sports Commentator Everyone Welcome
Dalguise Meditation Group
Why not start the new year by coming to a meeting this month and finding out what we do? Meetings take place every other Tuesday in Dalguise Village Hall from 10 30 to 12 30 In February the meetings are on 14th and 28th 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Pitlochry Angling Club Open Night
Pitlochry Angling Club is delighted to announce a resumption of our annual open night, to which all are warmly welcome, on Wednesday 15th March 2023 at 7 30pm in Scotlands Hotel, Pitlochry There will be a charity fishing tackle auction with the proceeds being shared with the Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) Our guest speaker for the evening will be announced nearer the time
To donate items of fishing tackle please contact Alistair McCartney on 01796472924
Covered MUGA at the Sports Hub
As you will probably have noticed, the new Covered Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is now up and running- this is a fantastic new facility for our village and surrounding areas
The MUGA is already being used by a wide variety of local groups, including the school and nursery, and individuals
From 9th January 2023, the timetable for the MUGA is a combination of prebooked sessions for a range of sports and activities and open booking You need to be a member to book- please join at:
https://clubspark lta org uk/DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub/Membership/Join Membership (which is open to people living in the PH8 area plus surrounding areas to Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Murthly, Caputh, Spittalfield and Bankfoot) is free until April 2023- after that we are aiming for the membership to be about £35 per annum for adults and free to under 16s and students
You can book sessions at:
https://clubspark lta org uk/DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub/Booking/Boo kByDate#?date=2023-01-15&role=administrator – bookings are free for members and £30 per hour for non members
Information on access, lighting etc is provided when you book or online at: https://clubspark lta org uk/DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub/CoveredMUGA
We are keen to get feedback so please drop a note to: dbsportsleisurehub@gmail com with any comments
Community News continued
GROWBIZ
Caring Futures: What is it and how can it benefit you?
Would you like to earn additional income on a part-time basis and support your local community at the same time?
The Caring Futures project, delivered by GrowBiz, provides support to individuals and groups of people in the Perth and Kinross area, to consider working in the care sector on a self-employed basis Caring can encompass anything from personal care and befriending, to gardening, cleaning, dog-walking, shopping or driving services
The project will develop and support a network of self–employed carers across Perth and Kinross, helping them to be motivated, supported and fully aware of the opportunities available, along with the technical, legal and financial information needed for self-employment One-to-one support is provided, along with learning opportunities and peer support through an extensive care and wellbeing network
If you would like to find out more about how becoming a self-employed carer can benefit you and your community, come along to our friendly information session at PKAVS, Perth, on Wednesday the 8th February, 13:30 - 15:00 Everyone is welcome and snacks and drinks will be available
We will share information about:
• How to set up as self-employed
• Insurance, PVG checks, training opportunities etc What you can charge as self-employed
• How to find clients
• What support is available to help you
• The range of services you can provide and more!
Visit www growbiz co uk/events to find out more, or email: hayleygardiner@growbiz co uk
Community News continued
Dunkeld and Birnam
Historical SocietySpring Programme 2023
We would like to invite you to the next two meetings of the Historical Society
We have deliberately chosen two local topics:
Monday 20th February - 7:30pm - Birnam Arts
AGM plus Ecclesiastical History of Dunkeld
Fraser Penny
Monday 20th March - 7:30pm - Birnam Arts
Little Houses of Dunkeld
Bryan Dickson
Head of Buildings Conservation Policy
National Trust for Scotland
Although the February meeting will start with our AGM, this will be brief and to the point However if you are interested in joining the Committee or have some suggestions for future meetings or visits, you can raise this at the AGM
We look forward to seeing you at our spring meetings
Dave Roberts on behalf of the Historical Society Committee
WE ARE RECRUITING
We need your support – volunteer with GIRLGUIDING DUNKELD and make a difference to the lives of our local girls Make friends, build your confidence and empower girls and young women
Register today on https://www girlguiding org uk/getinvolved/become-a-volunteer/register-your-interest/ or email: guider@girlguidingdunkeld org uk for more information
What will you do?
You will become part of a team to run a unit, plan meetings and deliver awesome activities You will be supported to complete our Leader development programme
We have a good support network of volunteers in Dunkeld and Birnam, but we need leaders who are willing to take front roles to make sure our units survive Guides and Brownies currently have existing units, but without a qualified leader in charge, we will have to shut them down Rainbows need to be started anew, as there hasn’t been a leader for a number of years Girls are missing out –we have spaces for more girls in all our units, but we can’t invite them to join unless we have committed leaders in place
What training and support do you get?
You will get a thorough introduction to your role and to Girlguiding and have lots of training opportunities, including e-learning and face-to-face sessions When you start your Leader development programme, you will have a volunteer mentor to help you through the qualification We will reimburse you for agreed expenses
What qualifications, skills and attributes do you need?
You do not need to have had experience of Girlguiding before, but you’ll need to become a member now and complete our A Safe Space training and a disclosure check
You need to be flexible and willing to get involved in a team and in activities with the girls A sense of fun is a great asset You will be willing to learn new skills and keep your current ones fresh
We welcome volunteers of all ages 18+, of all backgrounds and of all faiths and none
Register today on https://www girlguiding org uk/getinvolved/become-a-volunteer/register-your-interest/ or email guider@girlguidingdunkeld org uk for more information
Help Guides to step up
Bring out the best in Brownies
Give Rainbows a great start
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 Noticeboard 9
Dance in Amulree Hall with Callum Wallace 17th March
8-12
Music, licenced bar, raffle £8 / £5 students
“The Duchess” Raises Money For Children In Need
Alison Clearly (one of the pilots), Ann Graham and Hilary Stewart (from Servite)
Ann Graham, from Servite came up with the fantastic idea of using the Dunked and Birnam Trishaw, “The Duchess” to raise money for Children in Need, by doing its own “Trishaw Challenge” Ken McLean, whose idea it was to have our own trishaw here in Dunkeld and Birnam, took up the challenge and put a plan in place and so, on November 19th last year “The Duchess” undertook a trip around Dunkeld and Birnam, piloted by several volunteers during the day With ladies from Servite rattling their trusty collection cans a total of £526 89 was raised for Children in Need A huge thanks to everybody who helped on the day and all those who donated to this very worthwhile cause
“The Duchess” will be out and about again in the Spring! Watch out for her taking those less able to enjoy cycling around our beautiful village We look forward to getting back on the road again Please get in touch if you would like to book a trip by telephoning 07821 102681
Dunkeld Cathedral
The historic grounds of Dunkeld Cathedral are once again accessible to visitors
The grounds were closed as a precaution after a potential safety risk from unstable masonry was identified HES has been working with the Church of Scotland on a reopening plan and additional safety measures have been implemented to allow the grounds to reopen Access to the Cathedral Nave and the Bell Tower is currently restricted until conservation works have been carried out The part of the Cathedral which is used as the Parish Church and run by the Church of Scotland is open again for visitors too Dunkeld Cathedral grounds and Parish Church are open daily from 10am – 4pm in the winter, with last entry at 3:30pm
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 Cook 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
FOR SALE
German Snow Blower
5hp petrol motor with electric and pull start High volume augur with 4 forward and two reverse gears
Perfect for clearing small car parks and access roads
Used twice £450
Local delivery may be possible by arrangement
Contact Peter Mackie 01738 626210
Petermackie46@gmail com
Available: Housekeeper/PA/Cook
Super-organized, reliable, responsible Housekeeper/Cook/PA seeks live-in position in Perthshire Experience with private-household/ sporting estates/luxury hospitality and available now for long-term position Let me help while you get on with the important stuff!
Tel: 07730 030 024 (no agencies).
Wanted: One/Two Bed Property to Let
Single, mature female, non-smoker/no pets seeks one or two-bedroomed property to let in Perthshire (Dunkeld/Pitlochry/Aberfeldy areas) References available Tel: 07730 030 024
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/
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
Three Churches in the Community
Thought for the Month
I have to admit that I am not a great fan of winter My wife and I disagree on this but in support of my case I was recently reading a slightly tongue in cheek article titled ‘January blues: How our spiritual resources help us endure the bleak midwinter’ The author and his father clearly both dislike the winter but they remain unable to agree on what they see as the worst month The father here is retired and most dislikes February, whereas the still working son votes against January because the New Year enforces a return to the office after the Christmas break Reflecting on what my own answer to that question might have been makes me realise that late in life I have become a bit of a Scrooge For instance my wife, who loves winter, tells me that traditional Chinese medicine sees it as a season to rest and to recharge one’s spiritual batteries An excellent idea I would say, but in the meantime market interests have seen this spiritual potential as a vacuum awaiting commercial exploitation As a result we now have an annual frenzy that buds with Halloween, comes into leaf with Black Friday before reaching its full flowering in Xmas, an evolving festival that has become progressively estranged from its Christian origins
The benefits or otherwise of the ongoing move to secularism is better left for others to debate, however when analysing my own discomfort with winter, I am forced to admit to myself that it would be strange indeed to live in a climate where there were no seasons For those of us who live in Northern Europe the unique character of each season comes from its contrast with the other three We might also here note the importance for our own survival of the seasonal rhythm of planting, growth and subsequent harvest whilst recalling the need for a period of recovery before the new cycle can start over again So, should this find an echo in our own lives? Clearly things can’t just be good all of the time and in everyday life we have to learn to live with both the rough and the smooth I muse thus on whether a possible measure of our spiritual health might be an ability to achieve this balance within our everyday activities Rudyard Kipling, who once enigmatically described himself as a ‘God-fearing Christian atheist’, captured this movement in two oft quoted lines from his poem ‘If-’ where he counsels us:
‘if you can meet with triumph and disaster And treat these two impostors the same’ Kipling was of course a confident advocate of Britain’s then Imperial ambitions but when his only son disappeared without trace at the Battle of Loos in 1915, he would have to bring himself to embrace the stoicism that he had previously recommended The Christian calendar invites us to focus on this adaptability during the forty days of Lent, which this year starts on the 22nd of February Forty days seems to be a recurring symbol in the Bible There were forty crucial days for Moses on Mount Sinai and forty days of wilderness temptation before Jesus starts his public ministry The darkest tragedy of the Christian story is resolved in the joy of Easter and then another forty days lead to the Ascension So, echoing a thought I offered this time last year, I will suggest that Lent may provide us with a real chance to reflect on our own difficulties
Meanwhile Lent is quietly ushering in the spring, offering a new start during the Easter season which for Christians offers the ultimate symbol of hope Hope after all is something we can all share in, no matter what our beliefs
Roderick Campbell Guion OCDS
Church of Scotland Services
January 29th 11 00am – Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
February 5th 11 00am – Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
February 12th 11 00am – Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
February 19th 11 00am – Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
2 15pm – Service at Amulree
February 26th 11 00am – Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
March 5th 11 00am – Communion Service in Little Dunkeld
Every Sunday there is chance to meet together over tea and coffee after the service
Kirk Session
The next meeting of the Kirk Session is on Tuesday March 7th at 7 30pm in the Duchess Anne
Fellowship Group –
‘Exploring
faith and life together ’
After meeting as one group over Advent, the Fellowship groups are going to return to meeting fortnightly on Wednesday mornings and Tuesday evenings Over this session we are going to using talks on the Old Testament by American Biblical scholar, Amy-Jill Levine who teaches at Vanderbilt University
The meetings over the next few weeks will be: Wednesdays – 1st & 15th February and 1st and 15th March at 10 30am in the Chanonry Tuesdays – 7th & 21st February and 7th & 21st March at 7pm in the Chanonry
For this session both groups will be looking at the same subjects and it will be easy to move between the two groups All are welcome and it would be good to see the groups grow and perhaps then be able to form more smaller groups in this way More information available from John Ferguson (727585), William Hogg (727053) or Fraser Penny (727249)
Men's Breakfast
Every second Wednesday a group of men meets in the Chanonry to start the day with a cooked breakfast together, discuss events, both local and international, and enjoy each other's company In February the dates are 1st & 15th and in March also the 1st and the 15th There is no need to book; just turn up and enjoy and all are welcome
If you would like more details please contact Peter Mackie at Petermackie46@gmail com
Youth Group
A group for all P 7s and 1st years meets during term time in the Duchess Anne on Thursday evenings Each night we start at 7pm and finish at 8 30pm More information from Fraser Penny or William Hogg
Messy Music
Tuesdays after School Messy music meets in Little Dunkeld Kirk There are refreshments (usually cakes involved) fun songs, activities and even a bit of recorded playing – but bring your own for hygiene reasons! We have all ages from new born babies up to primary 3 so if you have family in that age group you will be very welcome to join us Just come over after school It will be on every Tuesday until 7th February and then will have a couple of weeks off
New Session Clerk
At the Kirk Session meeting on January 17th Alison Gillies formally took over as Session Clerk after the retirement of Christine McNicoll Christine has given great service over her 10+ years in post and the
Congregation has collected for a presentation to her That will be presented at the morning service on April 2nd We are delighted that Alison Gillies has taken on the task
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
Who’s who in the Parish Church?
Recently there have been a few changes amongst the office bearers of the Parish Church so to ‘introduce’ some of the folk who have taken on roles, we are going to run a ‘Who’s Who’ column – for a bit of fun but also to show the variety and talents there are contributing to the congregation As well as new faces there will be a few who have been around a wee bit longer! Each will be asked to answer a few questions about themselves and to get the ball rolling we begin with our new Session Clerk Alison Gillies Where did you grow up?
I was born and brought up in Perth
Where have you lived?
I have lived mainly in London and Edinburgh with 4 years in Boston, USA I am married with 3 grown up sons and a black Labrador called Isla
What is your favourite film/book?
My favourite film is probably Dr Zhivago – I also think the music is wonderful I am currently enjoying the ‘Strike’ novels by Robert Galbraith (aka J K Rowling) What is your favourite piece of music?
I have loved Rachmaninoff’s Variation on a theme by Paganini since I first heard it at school I am also a big Billy Joel fan!
What is your favourite place?
There is a hill loch near my house where I enjoy walking and having picnics with the family - it is very beautiful and peaceful
How long have you been involved in the church –here and elsewhere?
I moved to the parish nearly 7 years ago Before that I was a member of Bendochy Church and when I lived in London, I belonged to St Columba’s, Pont Street
What changes have you seen in that time?
Over the last few years, the pandemic has encouraged the church to look at new ways of connecting with people Using technology to bring our worship to people not familiar with the church as well as to those unable to come in person, has been really inspirational
What are your hopes for the future of the Kirk?
I think the changes seen over the last few years offer hope that the church will find ways to be relevant to the developing needs of our community and will always be open and welcoming to everyone from young families to the elderly, whether they have a history with the church or are looking for something new in their lives
I hope we will live out the words of Jesus to love our neighbours as ourselves, offering comfort and support where and when it is needed
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
Christmas Offering
Usually at the Watchnight Service in the Cathedral the offering is given to a charity other than the church This year a total of £608 was given and will be forwarded to Christian Aid to support their work amongst the poorest communities around the world
In addition to the offering, the events on Santa Day in the Duchess Anne always raise quite a bit for the nominated charities This year the Second Hand Toy Sale downstairs raised £1300 and the teas and coffees upstairs made £450 This money will be evenly divided between Perth Foodbank and CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association in Kinross ) Many thanks to all who helped out and contributed
CAP -
Christians Against Poverty
Four ways to keep your New Year ’s resolutions
It’s already February – and it’s probably worth reflecting on how many of our New Year ’s resolutions we’ve kept! Some would’ve been harder than others Have you declared 2023 as the year you’re going to get healthy? The temptation of snacks and treats might’ve pulled you in by now But if they haven’t, well done!
If you find that you’ve already broken some of your resolutions, there are ways to make your goals that little bit more manageable
Make a budget – and stick to it
Our finances dictate our way of life To keep things manageable, it helps to make a budget Budgets can be daunting With so many things going out during the month – from one-off expenses to direct debits – how can we keep on top of it? Knowing your finances really helps make sure you have that safety net for when times get tough You can find great tips online with sites like moneysavingexpert com/banking/budgetplanning If you’re struggling to create a budget, there are free money management courses like Christians Against Poverty’s CAP Money course Visit capuk org/get-help/cap-money-course to find out more
Plan ahead
No matter what your resolution, making a plan is the key to getting it done Having a step-by-step strategy means that you’re far more likely to be able to stick to it If you plan to eat healthier, create a meal plan If you plan to exercise more, schedule your workouts Trying to think of healthy recipes when it’s almost dinner time is the easiest way to excuse a takeaway or hit the snack cupboard Having a day off and the occasional treat will feel more like a reward if you’re following a plan for the rest of the week
Keep things simple
It’s easy to overcomplicate simple things When your mind becomes clouded, take some time to reflect Whether that’s going for a walk or checking in with a friend, you need a clear head and a balanced mindset to keep any resolution or hit any goal Remember why you started, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself by chasing perfection
Ask for help
You don’t have to go at it alone Having someone to talk to or check in with can really put things into perspective Sometimes, getting tied up in the pursuit of goals can distract us from looking after ourselves At Christians Against Poverty (CAP), we offer a variety of free services to give practical and emotional support to those on low incomes or struggling with unmanageable debt Whether it’s living well on a low income with a CAP Life Skills course or getting back into work with CAP Job Clubs, our services are open to everyone Visit capuk org for more information Let’s continue the year with hope!
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
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council
Community Council Matters
Name
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council
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: 13th February
13th March
10th April
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
News from our Community Council Community News continued
Dunkeld Community Archive Museum and Heritage Centre Welcome
Imogen started volunteering with us in July 2022 She had completed her Degree in Ancient History and was looking for work experience Thanks to the Gannochy Trust and the SSE Griffin Windfarm Community funding, we now welcome Imogen as ‘an employee’ Her main project will be to create the museum for visually impaired and our new online monthly exhibitions using 3D imaging of our museum objects
Museum For Visually Impaired
We are in the process of photographing and creating 3D images of our museum objects so they can be displayed on our digital screen and on our new Tablets to allow full accessibility The objects can be enlarged and rotated to show all their detail
ONLINE EXHIBITIONS
Please visit our web site (www historicdunkeld org uk) to view our first online exhibition We will be using our 3D images to produce monthly exhibitions telling the stories of Dunkeld’s past
YOU TUBE CHANNEL LAUNCH
Did you go to the musical play about Beatrix Potter at Birnam Arts?
Have you seen Pete Clark’s brand new film about Niel Gow?
Appointment of John Wigzell as Treasurer for the Community Council.
In September 2022 I was appointed to the Community Council as the new Treasurer and I am indebted to those who proposed and sponsored me In taking over this role I would like to thank Stewart Pritchard for his help in translating the treasury work to the new team
From a personal perspective, I retired to Dunkeld a decade ago with my wife to pursue my lifelong hobby of salmon and sea trout fishing which I started at age seven in Shetland
I was born in Edinburgh and christened in Greyfriars Kirk and spent the first twenty-five years of my life in Scotland at school and university and working as a ghillie in the summer months
For the next forty years, fishing took a back seat and I worked and travelled in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa for various companies heading business development, sustainability and environmental projects
In many meetings I would sit opposite government, local council or SEPA arguing my case as the “poacher” having now crossed over to become a “gamekeeper” in retirement
My reasons for wanting to join the Community Council were many
Firstly, I strongly believed that a local person should chair the council and in Lachlan MacEwan we have the perfect person, so the timing was right The council
now also has a nice balance of people since the changes in 2022
Secondly, I felt that the community needed a stronger voice in matters such as planning and environmental issues of which there have been many even in the last year Discussions on these topics can be challenging and the council is often buffeted from all sides and there are always conflicts of interest Having said this, there are set policies for the Community Council administered by the Scottish Government which provide a defined pathway covering everything from finance, elections, conflicts of interest, complaints and many other topics These are available to everyone in the community and are worth reading
Further to this, I am keen to see younger individuals join or participate in the Community Council activities Experience on the council is a valuable item to have on a CV for employment whether it is for a couple of weeks, months or a full term This also overlaps with some of the bigger issues affecting young people, for example affordability of housing, proportion of holiday lets and environmental drivers for the future
Finally, I of course have much to learn from the community as well and everyone should feel free to contact me on any matters of concern Alternatively, we can talk about the fishing
John McMillan Wigzell
Did you hear BBC Gardeners Question Time broadcast from Birnam in 1991?
Did you see all the events at last year ’s Jubilee and Living History Weekend?
Surely you’ve seen the black & white silent movie of Dunkeld & Birnam in the 1950s?
Did you get tickets for the Dunkeld & District Strathspey & Reel Society Concert?
Did you attend the street-theatre production of the Bridge Toll Riots?
If you have answered NO to any of these questions, then you need to head over to our newly-launched Dunkeld Community Archive YouTube Channel where everything and more is waiting for you to browse and enjoy for free
Just go to historicdunkeld org uk and click on the YouTube link
Remember to hit the Subscribe button to get notified when new videos are added
Donations
If anyone has any photographs, documents and memorabilia relating to Dunkeld and the surrounding areas we would love to hear from you We are a safe depository of local history for future generations
Volunteers
If you have an interest in the local history and have a spare bit of time, please get in touch and ask about volunteering No experience necessary A great way to meet like-minded people and learn about Dunkeld’s past
Dunkeld Community Archive, 12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN 01350 727786
www historicdunkeld org uk archives@historicdunkeld org uk
The Dunkeld Deer Management Forum
The Scottish Government actively encourage responsible deer management The Dunkeld Deer Management Forum first met in 2015 to assess interest in collaborating with each other to manage deer sustainably within a 100sq km area centred on Dunkeld (see map) It was quickly established that most stakeholders had an interest in managing deer with the objectives of protecting crops, forestry,
amenity woodland or designated areas of nature conservation and reducing deer related road traffic incidents Cull figures and targets were shared annually and representatives of stakeholders met annually until 2020 when the Covid pandemic intervened Over this period the total cull for the area effectively doubled from c 600-800 to 1200-1500 Members participated in two herbivore impact training days and have attended meetings of the Association Lowland deer management groups Although we have modeled the population dynamics based on historic cull figures and suggested future cull levels we do not set formal cull target, our main value is seen as providing landscape scale information on deer numbers and impact on the local environment in order that Stakeholders can effectively plan their own deer management activities
The Forum is not formally constituted and no fees are collected; we receive small grants for administration from the Community Council Association with the DDMF is voluntary However, for a number of years, all stakeholders have acknowledged the value of this landscape scale approach which is non statutory but brings together all stakeholders We think we have done some very positive work over the last few years
Although we have collated deer cull figures over the last two years It has taken us a while to consider getting the Forum up and running again post COVID And of course there have been a number of changes in land ownership and deer controllers during this period However, we think it is important to start progressing the aims of the forum again We have drafted a DDMF Plan which we will circulate for comment once we update contacts
We intend to hold a forum meeting on the 20th February at 2pm at BASC Trochry PH8 0DY to reassess interest in the forum, discuss current status of deer management locally and nationally, reach consensus on the way forward on the plan and agree any other actions going forward
We wish to involve a diversity of people in the Forum so if you plan to attend know of anyone with an interest please contact us at: dunkelddeermangementforum@gmail com
Raymond Simpson, Chair
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.
The Kiln Creative
Locally made pottery and pottery classes
Upcoming workshops at Birnam Arts: Valentines Pottery Taster Class11th of Feb
Weekend Workshop25th/26th of Feb
Thursday Morning Pottery Classes6 wk block- 20th April-25th May
More information at: www.thekilncreativepottery.co.uk
Opening times: Tuesday - Friday 9am to 1pm Perth Road, Birnam PH8 0BH (behind the post office)
A World Community 15
Climate Café
Foodshare
Foodshare is significantly reducing food waste across the whole community, ensuring that a culture of sharing is promoted and vast emissions from food waste are reduced Every single day an incredible team of volunteers ensure that food that could go to landfill is shared and distributed in both Birnam and Dunkeld, supported by local businesses like the Co-op, The Scottish Deli, Livvi's Little Lunchbox, Chattan Tearoom and more, everyone is encouraged to participate by sharing what they cannot use at home and helping themselves to anything they can use!
See more and follow on facebook for updates: https://www facebook com/DnBFoodshare/
Repair Cafe?
What is a repair Cafe?
Why have we started one here in Dunkeld and Birnam? Well, the repair cafe movement has been growing quite fast over the past few years It obviously offers teas, coffees, cake and biscuits (free) – that's the cafe part It also invites anyone who has something at home that maybe could be mended to bring it along to see if any of our fixers can help They would also be delighted if you could stay a while and maybe learn some fixing skills for yourself if you want to
We are all volunteers who have practical skills and a fondness for problem solving but we are not professionals There is no charge apart from any costs of spares but we do accept donations These donations will go towards the cost of the venue rental, buying some handy tools we don't already have and also we hope to collect useful information for everyone about how to mend
Why would we bother when Amazon can deliver replacements the next day when something breaks? We were inspired by the reduce waste messages, by helping to reduce general consumption and also to save money If we can do that whilst having a very
sociable, relaxing and productive afternoon once a month then we're very happy
So do pop in on the first Monday of the month to Birnam Arts art studio, 3 00pm to 6 00pm to see what's happening and enjoy a cuppa Bring along anything you think we can help with – we fix clothes, lamps, electrical stuff ( if we can) wooden items (not too big but wobbly chairs are OK), tech advice
Also, if you have skills and would like to help, please get in touch or just pop in for a chat I guess that we're going to get busier as the word spreads For further details or to check if we can help before a visit, email dbrepaircafe@gmail com
February at Loch of the Lowes
Throughout February Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve will still be on winter hours, opening to the public three days a week: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 30am-4pm
If you are a gardener, you are probably itching to get back outside and our first 2023 event at Lowes is on this very subject
Thursday 23rd February 7pm –Gardening For Pollinators
Come for an evening at Lowes and meet Claire Pumfrey, Conservation Officer at Buglife Scotland She will be talking about the exciting B-lines project ‘People and Pollinators in Strathmore’! Learn how you can help pollinating insects in your garden and how to add your pollinator patch to the B-lines map, contributing to Insect Super-Highways! Booking essential, Free, Donation optional Please visit our Events page on our website (details below)
A heads -up for a super event we are presenting with Birnam Arts:
At Birnam Arts, Wednesday March 8th 7 00pm
A Talk from Tom Bowser: Red Kites, Beavers and Rewilding. By determination and a passion for wildlife, nature writer and journalist Tom Bowser is successfully rewilding his family farm in Stirlingshire
Hear how a working livestock farm can be a haven for native wildlife including recently introduced beavers
Tickets from Birnam Arts, or contact: lochofthelowes@scottishwildlifetrust org uk
The birds and animals we see this month are the strong and canny ones From robins to red squirrels, bank voles to crows, these creatures have survived the ravages of deep mid-winter, enduring short hours of daylight, freezing temperatures and, most probably, hunger They know the sun’s returning and are now (like us) preparing for the season ahead
Lowes is home to many bird species and at this time of year visitors are often treated to early courting displays Great crested grebes are amongst the first water birds to amaze us with dramatic displays As one person in the Hides commented, ‘like a scene out of Disney’ diving to gather and drape reeds over their bills before ‘dancing’ together
Our native mammals are busy too Due to a natural process of delayed impregnation, almost all baby
until at least April Red squirrels can struggle this month due to fat and food reserves running low If the weather ’s dry and bright, look out or them making the most of it to dig up food caches and gather moss or dry grass for bedding
The countryside is starting to show promising hints of green, with the earliest shoots usually being from honeysuckle and elder
Please keep your bird feeders well supplied and regularly cleaned Avian flu and other diseases are still around and are easily transferred
Stay safe while making the most of enjoying Perthshire’s winter wonderland this month
Keep up to date with Loch of the Lowes by following us on Facebook: Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve or Twitter: @LochoftheLowes or visit www scottishwildlifetrust org uk
Growing and Going Forward in 2023 at the Field
2022 was an exciting and interesting year for us The weather had many different extremes with five named storms at the beginning of the year, hot dry spells, and heavy rain and over Christmas and New Year, snow and frozen ground Apologies for the lack of produce over the Festive Season but the weather conditions especially frozen ground meant we were unable to harvest crops
However, for most of the year, we had a good crop of vegetables for sale and a lot of interest in our work at the field We are looking forward to 2023 and although it may appear quiet at the field, we are still working on Thursday and Saturday mornings getting ready for the spring In addition, weather permitting, we are still harvesting some crops and will have them ready on a Thursday and Saturday morning at the field stall at the gate to the field We have leeks, onions, carrots, and turnips and possibly some potatoes
If you want to come along and help, we would love to see you We have regular working parties in the field on Thursday and Saturday mornings from 10am with a coffee and tea break around midday throughout the winter months If you think it is too cold to work in the field, there is always work to be done in the polytunnels from planting seeds to preparing the ground in the large polytunnel for the spring Do come along, everyone has a skill we can make use of!
It is the start of our new membership year and we are in the process of sending out an information leaflet and membership form at the end of January As agreed at the AGM the membership fees for 2023 have remained the same as previous years
Thanks for your support last year and we wait, with interest to see what challenges we will face this year
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 GROWING SC042496
Scottish Wildlife Trust Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire Branch
The next meeting will be on Monday 13th February at 19 30, at the Breadalbane Campus, Small lecture theatre, Crieff Road, Aberfeldy PH15 2DU The speaker will be Rick Worrell Come and find out more about the ecology and genetics of wild crab apple (Malus sylvestris), which is probably Scotland’s least understood and most under-appreciated native tree Everyone is very welcome, there is no charge Suggested donations £2 for members, £3 for non members For further information, contact Mark Aquilina markandrosie@btinternet com
badgers are born in February, who stay underground
Notes from a Councillor 17
We look forward to the arrival of spring, newborn lambs in the fields, daffodils and long hours of daylight Possibly even sunshine Fresh hope
The MUGA sports facility in Dunkeld will be greatly welcomed, allowing greater community participation in the variety of sports offered The effort of those involved in raising the monies to bring the project to fruition is commendable A process which can be both challenging and time consuming I am looking forward to attending the opening event later in February
I was part of the Strathtay Community investment Fund (CIF)Committee who awarded funds to community projects throughout Strathtay ward, those in PH8 area were- Amulree Village Hall, Friends of Clunie Loch, MUGA Dunkeld, Dunkeld & Birnam Men’s Shed With applications amounting to double the amount of money available (£33,267) the committee assessed each application on its own merit and within the CIF guidelines The fund was financed by Perth & Kinross Council and every council ward had an allocated fund for distribution towards community projects
Many residents struggle with insufficient broadband, Perth & Kinross Council provides support in the take up of the Scot Gov R100 voucher If anyone is having difficulty in accessing the scheme, please get in contact with your address, postcode and GDPR authority for your contact details to be passed onto the relevant officer within the council Greater 4G coverage throughout Perth & Kinross is also being worked on Connectivity is so important to daily life now, something Perth & Kinross Council recognise Many rural areas suffer from poor connectivity which needs to change and something I will keep pushing for
Please look out for changes in some speed restrictions approaching and exiting villages Within Dunkeld the 20 mph is likely to be extended to include Atholl Gardens The reasoning for some changes is due to the introduction of temporary traffic orders during lockdown, officers have been evaluating these temporary traffic regulations A speed limit should reflect the road environment Setting a speed limit unrealistically low can result in poor compliance and lead to increased demands for speed enforcement or further traffic calming measures Forneth, Butterstone, Caputh, Spittalfield and Meikleour will also have some changes to speed restrictions
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns or issues ClaireMcLaren@pkc gov uk
Contact the Advertising Manager adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk 07967 117149
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
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 Mon-Fri 8 00am to 5 00pm Sat 10 00am to 11 00am
07836 615626 Email: diggercox@btopenworld com
Struan, Coulterenny, Cairneyhill, Bankfoot, Perth PH1 4AQ
Email: admin@potterplumbing.co.uk
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
Phone 01350+
Organsiations - General
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
Local Organisations - Continued
Health Community & Services
Infinityblu Dental Care, Pitlochry 01796 470001
Infinityblu Dental Care, Dunkeld 01350 729198
Dentist 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
January
3 Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell In Concert Dalguise Hall 8 00pm (doors open 7 30pm) £10 00
6 Repair Café 3-6pm Birnam Arts
8 Gardening and Growing club talk - Gabriella Bennett Taybank Walled Garden 7:30pm BA
13 SWT Rick Warrell ecology and genetics of wild crab apple tree Small lecture theatre, Breadalbane Campus £3 markandrosie@btinternet com
15 - 19th March Jennifer MacLean: 55 Years of Watercolour and Weaving 16 Birnam Arts Fundraiser An Alpine Ecological Excursion with Adrian Davis 7pm £9 + booking fee
17 free Friday Film Summertime 1955 2pm
18 Winter Pick Me Up Concert Amos & Jauncey and Friends 8pm Tickets £12 + booking fee
20 Deer Management Forum 2pm BASC dunkelddeermangementforum@gmail com
20 Historical Society Ecclesiastical History of Dunkeld, Revd Fraser Penny 7:30pm Birnam Arts
22 Opening of the new Multi Use Games Area MUGA, 4pm, Dunkeld and Birnam Recreation Ground
23 7pm- Gardening For Pollinators, Claire Pumfrey, Conservation Officer at Buglife Scotland 7pm Loch of the Lowes Free (donation optional) 24 Playwrights Studio Scotland Coorie In in Perthshire 10-5pm March
2 Climate Café ‘Food 7-9pm Coworking Space Meeting Room
6 Repair Café : Garden tools, maintenance & sharpening, Birnam Arts studio
7 The Heat Project, Free Energy Advice 5-7pm Community Co-Working Space
8 Talk from Tom Bowser: Red Kites, Beavers and Rewilding Birnam Arts 7pm 17-19 Niel Gow Festival 2023 https://www niel-gow co uk/ https://www facebook com/nielgowfestival/
10 Gathering for local businesses: Unplugged 7-9 pm, Community Co-Working Space
10 Lizabett Russo 7 30pm £12 + booking fee
17 Dance in Amulree Hall with Callum Wallace 8-12, Music, licenced bar, raffle £8 / £5 students
20 Historical Society Little Houses of Dunkeld, Bryan Dickson, Head of Buildings Conservation Policy, National Trust for Scotland
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
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
Phone Sandy Carr Bankfoot 01738 787547 Mobile: 07818 254520
email: sandytcarr@yahoo.co.uk THE 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
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 Paddocks
Dunkeld Horse Grazing & DIY Livery Call or Email Karen: 07759 701413 gapdunkeld@gmail com
Contact: 01350 727320 Kevin: 07876 744936 www dunkeldbuilders co uk
