The Bridge February 2024

Bridge The

Edition 403 February 2024

Local News, Events and Information for the Dunkeld & Birnam Area www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk

This Issue:

Community News

1,3,4,5

Editorial

2

Arts News

Sports Hub Classified:

3

4

6,7,8,12

Highland Hounds - p16

Stick on the Fridge Notice Board

15

16

3 Churches in the Community 10 - 11 Notes from a Councillor

Winter flooding has had devastating effects in the community however the underpass of the A9 is now repaired.

See Dunkeld & Birnam Paths & Nature Action Group update (p16) and Community Council Column (p17).

Community News

A9 Dualling News

"Preferred Route" announced for A9 Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing section.

Tay Crossing to Ballinluig section contract notices to go out this Spring.

Preferred Route has some but not all of the elements of the Community Preferred Route (June 2018) Public consultation on Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing is now open, until 17th March.

Public exhibitions by Transport Scotland/ Jacobs are to be held on 29 and 30 January 2024 in Birnam Arts

Centre: Monday 29 January 2024 11am to 8pm and Tuesday 30 January 2024 10am to 6pm Meanwhile an online exhibition and Story Map, with information on the Preferred Route option and how it was chosen, has gone live and the public can leave feedback on-line. A9 P2 Dualling Virtual Event Space A Community Event will be held on a Saturday in February, date tbc.

See ____________________________ page 2 for key features of the Preferred Route.

19th Niel Gow Festival

Tickets are now on sale for the 19th Niel Gow Festival 22nd - 24th March 2024 with Concerts, Workshops, Sessions and Recitals from some of Scotland’s finest musicians from Birnam Arts - www.birnamarts.com

www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk

News from our Community Council World Community

Community Orchard - p18

Connect Column

17 17

18

20

Loch of the Lowes - p18

Classified

13,14,19,20

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Copy Dates for the Next Issue: Friday 9th February publication Friday 23rd February _________________________

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The Bridge

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

Thank you for all your support.

The Bridge Contacts Editor: Sally Robertson

E-mail: editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk _________________________

Advertising Manager: Kirsty Gowans

Tel: 07967 117149 E-mail: adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk Advertising rates from £7 per month. Contact the Advertising Manager for details. _________________________ Please e-mail your article to the editor at: editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk or post to: The Bridge Dunkeld & Birnam Community Co-Working Space Lagmhor, Dunkeld PH8 0AD _________________________

Facebook Page Dunkeld & Birnam, The Bridge _________________________

Download Online: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk _________________________

Editorial

I’m sitting writing this as storm Isha swirls around the house rattling slates and whistling around the chimney pots. Inside we sit warm and comfortably around a lit fire and with the electricity, for now, thankfully staying on. I think about how the wind howled around this Strath for thousands of years before the first rough settlements were built in these hills. I then think about how the wind will continue to blow once our time has passed.

For now, our community continues to thrive amidst the storms and floods. Thanks to everyone who has helped us to navigate the difficulties and cope with our challenges and then to rebuild once again. It was so heartening to see the huge yellow crane towering over the Braan assisting the team to repair the pedestrian underpass under the A9 so we can again walk safely from Inver to Dunkeld. That response required joint efforts of local councillors and community members alongside the professional expertise of engineers and other workers. Thank you to everyone involved (see page 16).

Many of you reading this column will already have heard the sad news of the passing of one of our former GP’s, Michael Some will remember Dr Silburn as your GP – Silburn. others will have met him since his retirement from the practice leading and engaging with many of our community groups and particularly those related to horticulture and access issues. Mike’s energy and enthusiasm will be much missed and we send our best wishes and condolences to Jan and all the family. We give thanks for all his years of service to the community whether as the on-call doctor rushing to help with an A9 accident or supporting us with our everyday aches and pains.

It seems the year has begun with a round of questions and consultations for us to join in with – here are just three highlights to get you started:

Firstly, Transport Scotland have announced their preferred

route for the Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing section of the A9 and a public consultation is now open until 17th March (see front page and this page for more information.) Thanks to Alasdair Wylie and all on the A9 group for keeping the interests and views of the community at the heart of this protracted planning process.

Secondly, consultation is underway on a major proposed development by Atholl Estates at Haughend, Dunkeld There are a number of opportunities to engage with this process at events organised by the community and Atholl Estates – see page 6 . Thanks to Stuart Paton, Alex Kettles, Eric Bremner, Caroline Robinson and others for encouraging our engagement with all aspects of this application.

Thirdly, a very practical ‘here and now’ look at ‘how we move around our community.’ Why not don your sou-wester and wellies and join the Annual Walking Meeting on 24th February beginning at the Post Office, Birnam 10:30am and have a good old stomp around the village sharing your thoughts as you go. (see page 5)

A reminder that this year sees the 50th Anniversary of this publication. We are engaged in a community consultation on what communications should look like for the next 50 years to come. How we coordinate across all the various and different communication platforms from paper to TikTok and Facebook or even digital screens to reach our community?

Please feel free to share your ideas with us including coming along to our next ‘Super Saturday’ on the 10th February and share your thoughts and ideas on how we could adapt our communications to meet the ever changing needs of our dynamic and wonderful community.

Oh, and to finish with a piece of good news. As I battled Isha head down to let me in the garden gate I noticed our first snowdrops valiantly pushing their pretty heads through the grass. Spring is on the way.

Sally Robertson

Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group

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

The next A9 Community Group meeting will be on Thursday 1st February 2024, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts.

All welcome! See highlights of latest news on front page.

Best wishes to you all for 2024, and after years of waiting, progress to report! On 20th December Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition Mairi McAllan gave the Scottish Parliament a statement on the A9 dualling plans including updates on the Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing (Jubilee Bridge) section and on the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig section.

For the former, the long awaited Ministerial decision on a “Preferred Route” has been taken. For the latter a timescale is given for contract notice (spring 2024) and contract award (summer 2025).

The Preferred Route for PoB to TC contains some but not all of the elements of the Community Preferred Route (CPR) voted for in June 2018 in the co-creative process (see June/July 2023 Bridge for "The Story so Far"). It does include a roundabout (the childrens' eggabout ! ) at the Dunkeld/Crieff Rd Junction and the Dalguise and Hermitage junctions as in the CPR. There is a modified Birnam Junction design. However there is no A9 tunnel ,or underpass at the Station. The dualled A9 will be "at grade" throughout, with a proposed pedestrian subway entrance to the Station from the top of Station Road , under the A9 , and a new Station car park where the present Industrial Estate is. This is the most significant departure from the CPR.

Transport Scotland and Jacobs staff met with A9 Community Group and Junctions Action Group representatives on the day of the Cabinet Secretary's announcement to present the Preferred Route proposals and consultation plans, and John Swinney MSP met us and JAG on 12th January to discuss the Preferred Route announcement.

The Community Group Core Group has met twice since, to discuss first reactions to it and our approach to the Transport Scotland/Jacobs consultation.

The consultation on the Preferred Route has started and runs until 17th March. There will be public exhibitions at Birnam Arts on Monday 29th Jan (11am to 8pm) and Tues 30th (10am to 6pm)

The full details of the Preferred Route with a virtual exhibition and a fly through of the stretch including the Station proposal , and a feedback form,can be found at: A9 P2 Dualling Virtual Event Space

Brochures, feedback forms and a feedback box are also at Birnam Arts. The full (and huge!) Stage 2 Route Assessment document for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing which is the the basis for the Preferred Route is available to read online . We have asked for a reference hard copy to be placed at Birnam Arts too. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/637b0abb542842269c31d0c41a901bf8

The results of the consultation on the Preferred Route will also feed into the next (DMRB 3) phase of more detailed design and assessment work for the stretch by Transport Scotland/Jacobs, including environmental, which it is planned will be complete by spring 2025.

The announced plan for other A9 sections to the north including Tay Crossing to Ballinluig is here: https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/delivery-plan-for-remaining-a9-dualling-projects-announced/

Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop has paid a compliment to the involvement of the community in the cocreative process and to the work of the A9 Community Group. https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/major-progress-on-design-of-pass-of-birnam-to-tay-crossing-section-of-a9-dualling-programme/

We are keen to help maximise community participation in the consultation, not only by those who were involved during the co creative process in 2017/18 and what followed but also those who have come to the local area since then. Among other things, we plan to have a community event on a Saturday in February, date to be announced.

If you have any queries or suggestions don't hesitate to get in touch.

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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 07927 175121 Our page on "The Bridge" website, including key documents for download is: http://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/community-council/a9-dualling

Arts News

Birnam Arts: Concerts & Events ∙ Café ∙ Shop ∙ Gallery ∙ Beatrix Potter

Station Road, Birnam PH8 0DS 01350 727 674 Tickets and full____________________________ details online at www.birnamarts.com

WHAT’S ON AT BIRNAM ARTS

Transitional Space: Exhibition

Saturday 20th January – Sunday 3rd March 2024 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 climate crisis and pandemics.

Family Ceilidh with The B.A. Ranters: A Braw Nicht Oot!

Saturday 10th February, 7.30pm Tickets: £20 2 adults/2 kids, £10 adult, £5 U16

Free Friday Film: Friday 23 February

Paint Your Wagon (1969) starring Lee Marvin, Clint Eastwood and Jean Seberg.

Bringing the free living and free loving gold rush days to life in this exciting Western musical.

Complimentary Soup / Sandwich Tea & Coffee served on the mezzanine from 1pm.

All welcome - supported by Basil Death and PKC Warm Spaces.

Scottish Community Drama Association Festival, 28th February - 2nd March

Blairgowrie Players: Babysitting Calvin by John H Newmeir, The Show Must Go On by Stella Wyn James, Me, Mckenna by Don Shaw; Blairgowrie (Y) Players: I Never Thought by Michael Newbold; Perth: Full Circle by William Douglas, Grave Prospects by Isabella C Rae; Aberfeldy Players: The Bridge by Joe Corrie, Flying With Swans by Jack Dickson; Aberfeldy (Y) Players: Dear Mum by Anna Price; B.A.D: Switch by B.A.D; Curtains Up: In Need of Care by David E Rowley Tickets: £12 adult, £8 youth, £40 season adult, £28 season youth.

Neil Gow Festival: Friday 22 - Sunday 24 March

Sat Afternoon Concert: Performances from musicians Adam Sutherland, Jenn Butterworth, Fin Moore & Sarah Hoy and The Royal Conservation of Scotland Junior Musicians.

Sat Evening Concert: Performances from musicians Charlie Stewart & Rebecca Hill, Charlie McKerron & Marc Clement and Dunkeld Strath & Reel Sun Afternoon Concert: Performances from musicians Hannah Fisher & Sorren McLean, Amy Geddes & Ian McLeod and Tayside Young Fiddlers

James V: Katherine - Tickets on sale now

Friday 17 - Saturday 18 May, 19:30 - 21:30 One woman’s love story during a time that changed Scotland forever.

Raw Material and Capital Theatres production directed by Orla O’loughlin and Designed by Becky Minto. Advanced booking recommended as sell out expected. ____________________________

Café Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 16:00 serving a wholesome hot and cold menu, homemade cakes and bakes, and a wide selection of beverages. ____________________________ Gift Shop and Beatrix Potter Exhibition

Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 – 15:30bakes, and a wide selection of beverages. ____________________________

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

Just Singin’ - new term begins this month!

Our spring term begins at 7.30pm on Wednesday 7th February in the upstairs studio at Birnam Arts. As always, everyone is welcome to our friendly, community choir where we learn songs by ear, without music and without stress!

Our tutor for the first four weeks of term will be the talented Amy Lord, fresh from leading workshops at the Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow. The energetic Hannah Rarity will be returning to lead the final four sessions of term, finishing on 27th March when we hope to revisit the Mango song as part of our fun warm up!

We look forward to seeing all of our singers back again, and promise a warm welcome to everyone who comes along to give it a go! ____________________________

The 19th Niel Gow Festival 22nd - 24th March 2024 Dunkeld & Birnam

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Concerts Workshops Sessions and recitals featuring some of Scotland’s finest musicians.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FROM BIRNAM ARTS WWW.BIRNAMARTS.COM or call 01350 727674 Look out for more information in the March edition of The Bridge. ____________________________

Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition

We had a successful Exhibition during August 2023 resulting in a donation of £4000 to church funds.

Our AGM will be held in The Chanonry, Cathedral Street on Tuesday 27th February at 2.30pm and all are welcome.

This will be the 54th annual exhibition and plans will be discussed at the AGM. We do need to recruit some new stewards to ensure the exhibition can continue in the years ahead. If you would like more information or would like to exhibit, please email dunkeldart@aol.com or contact Margaret Scott at 01738 710399.

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Community News - continued A9 News

Major progress on design of Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing section of A9 Dualling programme Public exhibitions are to be held on 29 and 30 January 2024 in Birnam Arts Centre.

The preferred route option for the challenging section of the route between Pass of Birnam and Tay Crossing has been identified.

Public exhibitions are to be held on 29 and 30 January 2024 in Birnam Arts Centre.

In the meantime, an online exhibition and Story Map, which includes information on the preferred route option and how it was chosen, has gone live today and the public can leave feedback on the plans on-line. https://a9p2.virtualeventspace.io/ Monday 29 January 2024 11am to 8pm and Tuesday 30 January 2024 10am to 6pm See page 2 for____________________________ key features of the preferred route.

Countryside Youth Council Looks For Volunteers

Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) are looking for enthusiastic young people with a passion for the countryside to join their new youth council and help encourage people to make the most of the countryside.

PKCT are looking to recruit a range of young volunteers aged between 12 and 18 who would like hands on experience of working with the Countryside Trust to help us get people into the great outdoors, learning about nature, and fighting climate change.

Youth Council members will attend four meetings a year to discuss, debate and shape the work of the Trust as well have the opportunity to gain skills and experience to help them progress in all aspects of their life.

Young people interested in the Youth Council can find out more and apply on the PKCT website at https://www.pkct.org/youth-council-member by Tuesday 9 February.

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Connect …

Linking Asheville, North Carolina, USA and Dunkeld & Birnam

Over the next few editions of The Bridge we are going to share exerts from our Chair's Report for 2023 – Part 1 of 3

We have maintained good contact with Asheville Sister Cities (ASC) and have hosted many visitors this past year. From the ASC newsletters we can see that the connection with Dunkeld and Birnam is a much valued part of their global network, which al-so includes Karpenisi, Greece, Saumur, France, Osogbo, Nigeria, Valladolid, Mexico, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico and Vladikavkaz, Russia.

Occasional committee meetings and regular Bridge articles have kept us connected and ensured support for Asheville visitors. Online meetings with Asheville included a gathering for St. Andrews Day, 30th November 2022, hosted at the Dunkeld Community Archive. Sister Cities members in Asheville joined us on screen for the evening to hear poetry and a presentation on music in Dunkeld. We learned that live music (Munro Gauld, flute and Neil Baillie, cittern) does not transmit via Zoom! It was an important discovery that shaped some of our thinking for Tartan Day and other out-reach events.

On 25th January 2023 we participated in the annual ASC Burns Supper via Zoom with new pre-recorded content from Fraser and Pete and live presenting duties and poetry readings from Fiona. Christine Kydd’s rendition of ‘Address to the Haggis’ was reprised. Proceeds raised from ticket sales in Asheville (after costs) were donated by ASC to the Dunkeld Community Archive. These funds secured the purchase and installation of much-needed Rack Line Storage in the Archive.

On 6th April, Tartan Day, we presented a recorded performance of newly uncovered, unpublished tunes composed by James Mackintosh of Inver. These were performed

by Munro Gauld on flute, a Perthshire traditional musician and researcher who is particularly interested in the rich traditional musical heritage of the area. He was ac-companied by Neil Baillie of Aberfeldy on cittern. The music was very well received by those celebrating Tartan Day at the White Horse performing arts venue in Black Mountain, near Asheville.

"We all loved the Tartan Day videos. And what a sweet flute. We plan to watch it again and I also look forward to visiting the Archive Room and Collection. The Youngs were most impressed during their time there." ~ Doug Orr Look out for the next installment in the March edition of The Bridge, Fiona Ritchie, Chair

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Sports, Health and Wellbeing AIMS:

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

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

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

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

Please send details of your club's activities and events to editor@dunkeldandbirnmamnews.co.uk for inclusion in the hub page of 'The Bridge.'

For more details see: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/sport ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Dalguise Meditation Group

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 February, the meetings are on 13th and 27th. 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 around meditation on the intervening Tuesdays. If you would like to know more about our meetings or about meditation in general, contact faithanstey@gmail.com

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Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club Quiz Night Saturday 2nd March 7.00 for 7.30 Teams of 4 £20 per team ____________________________

Community News continued

CHAPTER HOUSE MUSEUM Dunkeld Community Archive 12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN. www.historicdunkeld.org.uk archives@historicdunkeld.org.uk 01350 727786

Exciting discovery in the Duchess Anne !

A beautiful wrought iron and hand-painted glass lantern was discovered in the back of a cupboard in the Duchess Anne. It is contemporary with the Duchess Anne school, dating from C1860. It is now on display in the Archive building, so please come along and see it.

Young Archaeologist Club Ages 8 to 16. We meet fortnightly, please get in touch if you fancy joining.

Mid-Week Memories Club Wednesdays 10.30am to 12.30pm until the end of March. A social gathering of folk interested in history, with free tea/coffee and cake, a free weekly raffle, and free transport if required. Please get in touch if you would like to join us.

Online Exhibitions Check out our latest exhibition at: www.historicdunkeld.org.uk Online Newsletter Sign up for our free online newsletter –

LIVING HISTORY EVENT 2024 3rd, 4th and 5th May – See our web site to find out more.

Fundraising opportunity for local community groups We are offering FREE pitches to any community or charity group in the area to do a spot of fundraising for themselves at our Living History event. Please get in touch if interested.

Pitches available for stalls Pitches are available at our Living History event for stallholders (e.g crafts, art, local goods, antiques etc.)

Please contact us for pricing and availability. ____________________________

Dunkeld and Birnam First Responders

Great news as we now have a further three volunteers scheduled to undertake their training with the Scottish Ambulance Service over the end of January and beginning of February, taking up to eight the numbers of our trained volunteer Community First Responders (CFRs).

This is exciting as it will enable us to commence our initial launch in mid-February and will give us a good starting pool of CFRs to cover critical periods.

As previously stated, 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.

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.

The incredible support from our funders has enabled us to fully kit out and equip our team of CFRs. With the appointment of our Team Co-ordinator, David Fraser, we have commenced regular training sessions for our trained volunteers and those awaiting formal training.

We will continue to campaign for more volunteers so that we can provide wider cover over a wider period.

So, please let us know if you are interested in joining us in whatever capacity. We have a Facebook page that can be accessed via the following link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094303 985508 ____________________________

This space could be selling for you!

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

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 10th February, 10 – 4pm Saturday 9th March, 10 – 4pm Saturday 13th April, 10 – 4pm Saturday 11th May, 10 – 4pm Survey Monkey Link :

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Community News continued

Third Annual Walking Meeting – 24 February 2024 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.

Co-hosted 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, and related updates were as follows:

Upgrading the zebra crossing to lights – this is due to proceed in March 2024, including raised road (i.e. a physical measure to slow traffic down).

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) – hoped to proceed in 2024. AS PKC have said this is seen as “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”.

20mph through our settlements with related infrastructure to slow the flow of traffic- PKC 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 […] 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”.

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The third annual walking meeting – to review progress, and to bring in conversations undertaken by the local Paths and Nature Group, work on access to the station, fundraising and design of a new path through Dunkeld, and how to improve access to the surgery - will take place on 24 February 2024, this year beginning at the Post Office in Birnam, commencing at 1030. All welcome.

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

If links are possible, perhaps online versions of article, then relevant are here:

https://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/images/Rep ort_of_Feb_2022_Dunkeld_and_Birnam_Walking_Mee ting_Final_080822.pdf https://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/32communitynews/1894-dunkeld-and-birnam-walking-me eting-24-february-2023 ____________________________

2nd Perthshire Scout Group (Dunkeld and Birnam)

Scouting going again in Dunkeld and Birnam!

We’ve relaunched a Scout Troop for children aged between 101/2 and 14. The first few meetings have been about Scouts and leaders getting to know each other – through some exciting activities – including cooking with Trangia stoves, outdoor ‘rockets’ spaghetti/ marshmallow construction, stargazing and tent construction. 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 the link below (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/

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Haughend Farm, Dunkeld – Emerging housing plans by Claire Spencer-Churchill, Atholl Estates January 2024

In recent years I have been approached by a growing number of individuals and organisations looking for land to build homes in Dunkeld. Drawing on Atholl Estates’ experience in delivering homes in Highland Perthshire including at Bruce Gardens and Stell Park, I am determined to continue the design and partnership led approach adopted by Atholl, to meet local housing needs.

The PH8 community housing needs survey provides a clear picture of the level of demand, houses sizes and potential ownership models for Dunkeld and Birnam. Of the 114 completed surveys, 67% have been unsuccessful in finding a new home, 50% are looking for an affordable option such as low cost rent or purchase and 33 current households are looking to move. 23 of these are future independent households i.e. younger people looking to stay in Dunkeld and Birnam. Demand is largely for 2-3 bedroom homes of mixed tenure including open market and affordable, with high levels of energy efficiency and a strong interest in local workspace.

Public meetings I have attended have raised the importance of ensuring that future affordable homes are owned by the community, as an asset, to support local families and businesses. This comes at a time when the Highland Perthshire Housing Market Area has a 200 house shortfall; a point reflected by the average house price in Dunkeld now being over £325,000 compared to the Scottish average of £195,000.

Haughend Farm is part of Atholl and one of the very few locations in Dunkeld and Birnam that is not in a flood zone or heritage designation but is of a size that can meet local housing demand. Working with Page Park architects we have invested in a master planning exercise for a housing and workspace project at Haughend that provides a range of local homes for sale and rent with, at its core, affordable homes that would be a community owned asset.

At the consultation event in November, we outlined our emerging plans for Haughend. This is for 65 homes, of which 23 (33%) would be affordable, alongside 42 private homes of a range of sizes and workspaces in the form a ‘makers-space’ at the steading. The new homes would be grouped in small clusters of upto 10 houses with affordable homes integrated into each group and set within parkland. The exhibition plans are on display at the Birnam Arts Centre and can also be accessed on the link below - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y96JPnsnvhh0MdnaeQFnBieqjnFlQzV3/view

Responding to the PH8 survey, the central aim of the project is that the 42 private homes would enable 23 fully serviced house plots to be transferred to a community interest group.

The whole of Haughend is included in the design work so a comprehensive landscape, drainage and footpath/cycleways plan can be planned to deliver a sympathetic design that respects the character, scale and amenities of Dunkeld. I recognise that there is additional land at Haughend that could come forward for additional housing of a similar scale in the long term future, if this is necessary, desirable, policy compliant and these plans – which is my focus – are successful.

Over 200 people attended the November event with a wide range of constructive comments raised covering areas from access and traffic, particularly Boat Road and Brae Street, through to scale, pedestrian and cycle connections, delivering the affordable homes, amenities and capacity, timelines and the future of the remaining land.

The team & I are reviewing this feedback in detail to refine the work and inform a second community consultation event scheduled for Wednesday 21st February 2024 between 10am - 9pm at the Birnam Arts Centre.

All are very welcome to the next event to help shape plans and the approach to delivering local homes at Haughend.

In the meantime, my team & I can always be contacted at haughend@atholl-estates.co.uk Claire

Haughend Development Community Meeting, 17 January 2024, 1900-2100

On Wednesday 17th January a meeting about the proposed development at Haughend in Dunkeld was held at Birnam Arts, organised by a group of individuals from across the community, including the Chair of the Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council, the Treasurer of the Community Development Trust, the interim Chair of the Housing Action Group (HAG) and members of that group, all acting in their personal capacities. 85 members of the community attended. The event was Chaired by Stuart Paton and three presentations were given on: 1. The proposals for development set out by the owner of the land, CG Troughton Estates in a consultation published in November 2023, delivered by Alex Kettles; 2. The work of the local community HAG to fulfil the objectives of the PH8 Community Action Plan (CAP) on housing, including identifying sites for affordable housing development in the area. This was delivered by Eric Bremner the Interim Chair of the HAG. In summing up Eric underlined that the HAG has not itself identified Haughend as a site for local affordable housing, and has not partnered at any point with CG Troughton Estates in its development proposals.

3. The Local Development Plan (LDP) process, delivered by Caroline Wilding a member of the HAG, highlighting the interaction between this proposed development and the current LDP and future LDP currently being advanced through cross PKC community consultations and due to be published in mid-2027.

A wide-ranging and open discussion followed in which points were raised on: The development proposals: the scale of the development proposed and potential for further development across the 40 acres (on which the majority of comments were focussed); The conflict between this development and the CAP’s 6 key priorities including safe and active travel and the environment; the way in which Haughend development has been presented to the community; what the Haughend development offer of 23 serviced plots means, how they are zoned and what they will ultimately provide the community in practice; How the community could have certainty about the maximum size of the development.

The CAP and HAG: particularly how future community housing would be allocated and the process the HAG has adopted for considering affordable housing development sites; the need for affordable housing and how this development could meet that need; The need to re-visit the CAP survey and get a sense now of community views.

Planning: the LDP3 process, timeframe and need for cross-community consultation exception projects out with the LDP process (Haughend is not currently zoned for development) and how housing shortfalls are calculated across Highland Perthshire.

Attendees were invited to answer three questions, to which 87% of meeting attendees (74) responded. Responses showed a majority opposed to the development of Haughend as an exception project to the LDP (77% of respondents), and the full development of the 40 acre site (88% of respondents). Half of those who responded had completed Ristol Consulting’s consultation on the development with 27% satisfied or very satisfied with the questions, and 46% dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. 22% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

Anyone wishing to raise any comments or concerns about the development can contact their local representatives and/or the developer’s representatives. Contact details are below: PKC Councillors: Grant Laing, glaing@pkc.co.uk | Ian James, ijames@pkc.co.uk | Claire Maclaren, claire.maclaren@pkc.co.uk MSP: John Swinney, john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot Developer’s representative: Mark Richardson, mark.richardson@ristolconsulting.com

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

Last term our children were learning about the world of work and as part of their learning, classes were supported by a number of local businesses including the Birnam Post Office, the Birnam Institute, the Atholl Arms Hotel , the Co op and Kat ‘n’ Kat. Classes were able to visit these businesses, find out about more about how they operate and the roles of people who work there. These local businesses also supported the children to develop their skills further by running their own small business project and donating their profits to a charity of their choice. Our youngest learners visited the Birnam Post Office and posted their letters to Santa; another class created a recipe book for sale and were supported by Birnam Institute staff to run their own café in the Institute.

The Co op supported one of our classes to make and sell fairtrade gingerbread biscuits and mulled juice to the rest of the school; Kat ‘n’ Kat helped our children to design and make gifts for sale in their shop and the Atholl Arms challenged our older learners to create their own main dish – the children voted for their favourite and this is now on the specials board with proceeds from each order being returned to the class. The School are so grateful to these businesses for their support but also to all the businesses that help school at various times throughout the year supporting a variety of initiatives including our annual Harvest donations, calendar and sports day. We are very fortunate indeed to have such continuing support.

Alongside these activities the school children had an array of enjoyable Christmas activities – this year that included carols singing at Servite, and the gift of a 2024 school calendar for residents of Servite and Rivendell, the latter paid for through fundraising by the school Parent Partnership Group – which also recognised and celebrated the contribution of every member of school staff with a small Christmas gift. More fundraising, this time for LEGO kits, is upcoming with a pub quiz to be held at the Royal British Legion on 9 February. If you’d be interested in entering a team, or you might have any LEGO you’d be willing to donate to the school, please contact Steph Handa on 07875 485281.

Nicola Williams, Headteacher, Royal School of Dunkeld Graeme Cook, Chair, Parent Partnership Group –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Our school aim to offer a number of extra curricular opportunities and in particular like to offer a variety of lunchtime clubs to the children. Some of these clubs are run by staff, others are offered by parents or other community partners such as Live Active.

The school would like to be able to offer more music and drama opportunities to the children so if you have skills in these areas, would like to work with our children and are able to commit to some lunchtime sessions please get in touch with Nicola Williams, the Headteacher via the school email address: royaldunkeld@pkc.gov.uk

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T

s in the Commun e h c r u h C e ity hre

Thought for the Month

The beginning of Lent is governed by the date of Easter which occurs on the first Sunday after the full moon of the vernal equinox. At least that is since the Synod of Whitby in 664 AD when King Oswiu of Northumbria decreed that this should be so instead of the alternative dates preferred by the Celtic monks then living on Iona. Conventionally referred to as being forty days Lent is actually forty-six days as it includes six Sundays during which the fasting was allowed to be relaxed. Lent, depending on that full moon, may thus start anywhere between February 4th and the 10th of March. This year it starts on the 14th of February, which is also St Valentine’s day, nowadays linked with romance rather more than the 3rd century martyr whose origins have since become lost in legend.

So why 40 days? We have various patterns based around the figure 40 in the Bible. Exodus 34:28 has Moses staying on Mount Sinai ‘for forty days and forty nights, eating and drinking nothing’ whilst he receives the Ten Commandments. 1 Kings 19: 8 tells of Elijah journeying ‘for forty days and forty nights to reach Mount Horeb, the mountain of God’ where after a great storm he was to hear the ‘still small voice’. Then at Matthew 4: 1-3 we have Jesus led into the wilderness, where ‘he fasted for forty days and forty nights’, being tested three times before starting his active ministry in Galilee.

Lent has created some strange customs that are now adapted into our everyday culture. Some countries have Mardi Gras, literally ‘Fat Tuesday’, where in preparation for the coming fasting a final great celebration was to be held. This tradition spread to America where the New Orleans Mardi Gras hosts is internationally known for its parades and floats. Our own Shrove Tuesday echoes this, traditionally this being when all the butter and fatty foods forbidden in Lent were to be used up, with tossed pancakes being the popular way they were consumed. In Scotland we had our own version of this with F. Maria McNeil’s The Scots Kitchen published in 1929 offering an oatmeal recipe for ‘Sooty Bannocks’ with ‘sautée’, the French word for ‘tossed’, migrating into Scots as ‘sooty’!

In the September issue I quoted Matthew 22 where Jesus tells us that we must learn to love our neighbours as ourselves. Did not know that a couple of weeks later our troubled world was about to become even more so when Hamas would attack Israel, ironically in the very land that is held sacred by each of our three monotheistic faiths. It is not my place to make judgements about the political rights and wrongs of this complex situation, but I think it is surely now ever more urgent that we start to act on this advice that Jesus gave us. But where should we start? The other day I came across a thought from François de Sales, a 17th Century Savoyard priest, who later became the Bishop of Geneva, recognised in his own time for taking a gentler approach to the religious divisions that raged during those times. By coincidence the Catholic Church commemorates him on the same day that this edition goes to press, so I will share what he said: You learn to speak by speaking To study by studying To run by running To work by working, and just so, You learn to love by loving

A thought indeed worthy of our Lenten contemplation whilst we are looking forward to the joys of the spring and Easter.

Roderick Campbell Guion OCDS ____________________________

Church of Scotland Services

January 28th.

11.00am – Morning Service in Little Dunkeld February 4th.

11.00am – Morning Service in Little Dunkeld Kirk 6.30pm – Prayers for Help & Healing in St. Mary’s February 11th. 11.00am – Morning Service in Little Dunkeld February 18th. 11.00am – Morning Service in Little Dunkeld 2.15pm – Service at Amulree February 25th. 11.00am – Morning Service in Little Dunkeld March 3rd.

11.00am – Communion Service in Little Dunkeld 6.30pm – Prayers for Help & Healing in Little Dunkeld Every Sunday there is chance to meet together over tea and coffee after the service. ____________________________

Prayers for Help & Healing

On the first Sunday of the month there is a short service held jointly between the Parish Church and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 6.30. This follows the pattern of the weekly service of healing in Iona Abbey and lasts about 45 minutes.

It is a very gentle, quiet time of worship and prayer for specific things people may mention if they want to, or you can simply join in the service and have your own time of prayer.

The next one will be in St. Mary’s on the 4th. of February and then in Little Dunkeld Kirk on March 3rd. ____________________________

Christmas Bits & Pieces

At the Christmas Eve Services at Amulree and in the Cathedral the offering is given to a charity other than the church. This year the Kirk Session decided to support the Community Barn Appeal at Corbenic and a total of £1078 was raised. More information about the project can be found on the Corbenic website but it is an ambitious plan to convert a barn into hall space which will provide a bigger gathering area for community events and enable the expansion of day services for non-residents. The appeal is still open and donations can be made through the website.

The events on Santa Day in the Duchess Anne always raise quite a bit for nominated charities too. This year the Second Hand Toy Sale downstairs and the teas and coffees upstairs raised £1488 between them. This money has been split between Perth Foodbank and CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association in Kinross.)

Many thanks to all who helped out and contributed - our wonderful Mission and Education Committee and John Ferguson with his team of elves who organised (and cleared up after) the toy sale!

The Lost Sheep – a huge thank you is due to the knitters who lovingly knitted sheep which were then hidden around shops in Dunkeld on Santa Day. Children were then given a sheet to find and note down the names of the sheep and at the Christingle service all the children present (and a few older folk) got to take a sheep home with them – and they were in big demand. Thanks to all who helped …. ewe know who you are! ____________________________

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. Upcoming dates are January 26th, February 7th. & 28th. 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 ____________________________

Kirk Session

The next meeting of the Kirk Session is on Tuesday January 30th. at 7.30pm. in the Duchess Anne.

On December 3rd. we had the great joy of adding 9 new elders to our number (six who were ordained and three who were previously elders in other congregations.)

The 6 new elders are Lorna Birse-Stewart, Finlay Campbell, Sean Hanafin, Rosie Mackie, Peter Mackie & Jean Peacock and the three previously ordained and added to our Session are Lousie Luke, John Luke and Monica Stewart. ____________________________

Fellowship Group –

‘Exploring faith and life together’

After meeting as one group through Advent, the Fellowship groups are going to return to meeting fortnightly on Wednesday mornings and Tuesday evenings. Over this session we are going to use studies on the theme ‘Sharing Faith.’

The Wednesday group will start on January 26th., then February 7th. & 28th. at 10.30am in the Chanonry.

The Tuesday group will be on January 30th., February 13th & 27th. at 7pm in the Chanonry.

It is possible to join both meetings by zoom too, on this link: Meeting ID: 898 7502 8047 Passcode: 809745 All are welcome and for more information available from John Ferguson (727585), William Hogg (727053) or Fraser Penny (727249) ____________________________

Youth Group

A group for all P.7s and upwards 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. ____________________________

The Meeting Place

THE MEETING PLACE is open every Friday morning from 10-12, weather permitting in the lower hall at the Duchess Anne. Everyone welcome - come and join us for a cup of tea, some delicious home baking and good company. ____________________________

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 recorder playing.

We have all ages from newborn 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 13th. February and then will have a week off at the school mid-term break.

____________________________

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

____________________________

Joint Church Healing Services

Every first Sunday of each month in 2024, there will be a service of prayer for healing at one of the churches – either at Little Dunkeld Kirk or at St Mary’s Birnam. Venues may change later but will be announced.

4th Feb St Mary’s 3rd March Little Dunkeld 7th April St Mary’s

All Welcome from any church or none.

T

s in the Commun e h c r u h C e ity hre

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.

Church Services and Contacts:

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.

Five ways to look after your mental health this February

Money and mental health struggles often come as a package. When finances are difficult, our mental health can take a hit, and vice versa: poor mental health can lead to difficulty managing money. As millions of us continue to face challenges when it comes to money, it’s so important that we take steps to look after ourselves and prioritise mental wellbeing.

Talk it out When it comes to our finances, we too often feel we must face the problem alone. Many people feel too ashamed or embarrassed to seek help but find that when they finally reach out, things start to change! If you’re struggling with money, open up to someone you trust, or get free help from an organisation like Christians Against Poverty (CAP). You can find out about all the services we offer at capscotland.org/help.

Write it down Our emotions can easily build up and become too much to bear. Putting your thoughts down on paper can help you process how you’re feeling and provide a healthy outlet for anger, frustration, grief and lots of other emotions.

Sweat it off According to the NHS, physical exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that help to improve our mood. However, you don’t need an expensive gym membership or pricey equipment to do this – walking, running and playing games in the park are all great ways to get a bit more active (and they’re free!).

Cook it up The food we eat affects not only our physical health, but our mental wellbeing too. Planning your meals before you head to the shop can help you choose healthier options and cut down on non-essential costs, bringing a little peace of mind. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) provides local groups in communities like yours with lots more guidance on shopping and cooking healthily on a budget. Find out more at capscotland.org/help.

Know it well Whatever emotions you’re feeling, it’s important to know that they are valid and worth taking seriously.

You can honour this by taking the time to get to know your emotions better, learning about what causes you to feel a certain way and why. This might include speaking to a trustworthy source such as Samaritans (call 116123) or SHOUT (text 85258), or asking yourself GP about counselling.

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.

Three Churches Charity Shop High Street Dunkeld

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm

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

Find us on Facebook at 3 Churches Charity Shop

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Birnam to Logierait major gas project – Update from SGN and Morrison Energy Services

After the Christmas and New Year break, work started again on our critical infrastructure project to ensure safe and reliable gas supplies to thousands of homes and businesses across Birnam, Dunkeld, Logierait, Abrfeldy, and Pitlochry.

Phase 2 - A9 works Our work to lay the pipeline along the A9 north of Dunkeld and towards the B898 is progressing well. Much of our remaining work can now be carried out in the verge of the A9, leaving the road open for longer periods. However, there are occasions when the use of temporary traffic lights is still required to ensure everyone’s safety. The temporary lights will be in place for short periods of time, and we'll give as much notice as possible when this is the case. These lights are manually controlled, and a breakdown recovery truck will also remain on site in case it's needed.

Phase 3 - B898 works Phase 3 of the project along the B898 is due to commence in mid-February 2024, following the completion of our work on the A9. This is to lay the next section of our new gas pipeline along the B898 from its junction with the A9 and along to the Logierait bridge.

So we can carry out this work safely, it's necessary for the B898 to be closed for approximately nine months. Local access for residents will always be maintained and a signed diversion route will be in place for motorists at all times. The road closure itself will be a 'rolling' road closure, which means the point where access is blocked will move along the road as works progress. Cyclists, pedestrians and dog walkers will be able to pass at all times, but cyclists will have to dismount as they pass through our works.

We always carry out our work as safely and efficiently as possible. We’re predicting this section of our project will take nine months to complete due to many factors such as challenging ground conditions and potential flooding.

We're liaising with operators of all the bus services currently using the B898 as well as the refuse collection and school transportation departments at Perth and Kinross Council. In addition, we're in touch with the emergency services to ensure they're aware of the restrictions on the road during this period.

We’d like to offer our sincere apologies for any disruption you may experience because of our works. Thank you in advance for your patience while we continue with our critical project to ensure safe and reliable gas supplies to thousands of homes and businesses across the region.

If you have any questions, please email our customer service team at BirnamtoLogierait@sgn.co.uk and someone from our project team will reply.

You can also call us on 0800 912 1700.

Elaine Burns Podiatry

HCPC Registered CHIROPODY

Fully vaccinated & full PPE compliant.

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

The Kiln Creative

Locally made pottery and pottery classes More group classes and workshops at Birnam Arts in the Spring.

Get in touch for private class information.

For more information and bookings: www.thekilncreativepottery.co.uk

BMR Bob’s Mechanical Repairs Try our engine carbon clean machine!

SERVICING MOTS CARBON CLEANING DIAGNOSTICS REPAIRS 24HR RECOVERY

CARS BOATS SMALL PLANT MACHINERY QUADS OFF ROAD BIKES

01350 727276

February ‘Stick on the Fridge Page’

Local Organisations - Contact Details

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

Please contact the editor with amendments/additions.

Organsiations - General 3 Churches Charity Shop Alcoholics Anonymous (Helpline) Chapter House Museum (in Dunkeld Cathedral, open 7 days) Dunkeld & Birnam Historical Society

Phone 01350+

07751 593421 Anne Graham 0800 917 7650 727786 Ruth Brown archive@historicdunkeld.org.uk 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 724232 Tom Gordon Dunkeld Masonic Lodge secyonefour@gmail.com 727786 Ruth Brown Dunkeld Community Archive archive@historicdunkeld.org.uk (Mon – Fri, 10am – 3pm) Friends of the Cathedral 728697 John Gray friends@dunkkeldcathedral.org Gardening and Growing Club (Horti) 07740 982465 Andrea Cox acox325@gmail.com 07548 757060 Karen Clark National Trust for Scotland kclark@nts.org.uk 728811 Kevin Forsyth Royal British Legion Kevforsyth@hotmail.com 01738 633975 Geoff Bird RVS (Supporting You At Home and perthsupportingyou@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk Home Library Service) SWRI 723203 / 07881 531565 Evelyn Menzies Evelynhmenzies@gmail.com 723203 Jane Anderson SWRI Amulree 07584 434253 Dave Roberts The Field dblandtrust@btinternet.com 727048 Katharine Melville The Orchard kmelville@ogoroad.com 07474 183042 Margaret Scott The Meeting Place (Fri, DA) 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 07761 673231 Adrian Davis Butterstone Hill & Trail Group wildoutdoorscotland@gmail.com 727911 / 07786 073686 Arthur Robert Hewines Clan Bowmen (Field Archery) bobhewines@hotmail.com Dunkeld & Birnam Angling Association secretary@dbaa.co.uk Billy Davidson 07977 911068 Gael Shaw Dunkeld & Birnam Bowling Club Gaelshaw@btinternet.com Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club 727524 Jackie MacLean (Visitors Welcome) dunkeld@outlook.com 07970 778525 Sally Robertson Dunkeld & Birnam Sports 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)

Local Organisations - Continued

Hall Bookings Amulree Village Hall Birnam Arts Caputh Hall Chanonry

Dalguise Village Hall Duchess Anne

Health Community & Services Birnam Library (Thu 5 – 7pm, Fri 12 – 5pm, Sat 9.30am – 12 noon) Chemist (Dunkeld) Chemist (on Sunday) Doctors Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council Infinity Blu Dental Care(Birnam & Pitlochry) PKC Environmental Services PKC Roads Dept Registrar Tayside Police (non-emergency)

07749 914906 Isabel Brady northamulree@btinternet.com 727674 Manager 07832 235607 Lorna Lyle 07808 703641 Jill McCrory chanonrydunkeld@gmail.com 07746 392268 Anne Cameron annedunkeld@gmail.com 07808 703641 Jill McCrory chanonrydunkeld@gmail.com

15

01738 459709 Margaret Quigley birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk 727210 Davidsons 01738 494610 Asda, Dunkeld Rd, Perth 727269 Craigvinean Surgery Lachlan MacEwan dbcc.chair@gmail.com 729198 / 01796 470001 01738 476476 01738 475000 01738 475121 3/5 High St, Perth perth-registrars@pkc.gov.uk 101

Dates for your Diary

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

End of January Continuing Exhibition at Birnam Arts until 3rd March : Transitional Space Heartwood Artists reflect on a world affected by climate crisis and pandemics.

29 A9 Preferred Route Options Public Exhibition Birnam Arts 11-8pm 30 A9 Preferred Route Options Public Exhibition Birnam Arts 10-6pm

February 1 A9 Community Group 730 pm Birnam Arts/Zoom 4 Prayers for Help and Healing, St Mary’s Church 5 Repair Café 3- 6pm Birnam Arts.

8 Orchard Planning Meeting Perth Arms Hotel side room 7pm 10 Family Ceilidh with The B.A. Ranters: A Braw Nicht Oot! 7.30pm Tickets: £20 2 adults/2 kids, £10 adult, £5 U16 19 Historical Society 2024 AGM February Professor Boardman Edinburgh on the Wolf of Badenoch £2 cash please 7:30pm BA 22 Dunkeld & Birnam Events Group AGM The Birnam Hotel 7pm 23 Free Friday Film Paint Your Wagon (1969) Complimentary Soup / Sandwich Tea & Coffee served on the mezzanine from 1pm. All welcome 24 Annual Walking Meeting ‘How We Move About Our Community’ Beginning at the Post Office, Birnam 10:30am All welcome 24 Gardening & Growing Club Visit to Fingask (Andrew Threipland) 2pm acox325@gmail.com 27 Dunkeld Art Exhibition AGM 2:30pm Chanonry Cathedral Street dunkeldart@aol.com 01738 710399.

28 – 2nd March Scottish Community Drama Association Festival, Tickets: £12 adult, £8 youth, £40 season adult, £28 season youth.

March 2 Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club Quiz Night 7.00 for 7.30 Teams of 4. £20 per team 13 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 22-24 Niel Gow Festival 2024 with concerts workshops Sessions and recitals from some of Scotland’s finest musicians tickets www.birnamarts.com

May 3-5 LIVING HISTORY EVENT 2024 Dunkeld Archives see website 17-18 James V: Katherine 19:30 - 21:30 Birnam Arts

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

16

Dunkeld Guide Hall

Community Noticeboard New Dog Walking Business

and I suggest that the Community Council and our three ward Councillors be asked to seek assurance from the Council's Culture and Community Services that the Birnam Library is safe.

Alasdair Wylie, Birnam - 07927 175121 ____________________________

Birnam Library

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. ____________________________

Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club Quiz Night

Saturday 2nd March 7.00 for 7.30 Teams of 4 £20 per team ____________________________

The Meeting Place

THE MEETING PLACE is open every Friday morning from 10-12, weather permitting in the lower hall at the Duchess Anne. Everyone welcome - come and join us for a cup of tea, some delicious home baking and good company. ____________________________

The Dementia Cafe,

North Church Hall, High Street, Perth Every 1st Wed of the month from 10am - 12.30 pm

This cafe does what it says on the tin. It welcomes anyone who has a memory problem 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, or 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 Wednesday February, 7th in your diary and we’ll look forward to seeing you then .

The Cafe is always open , even if it rains, sleets or snows ! ____________________________

Dunkeld & Birnam Events Group AGM The Birnam Hotel Thursday 22nd February At 7pm

We are looking for new committee members so please come along to make sure that this event can go ahead this____________________________ year!

Repair Café – First Monday of the Month

The Next Repair Cafe is on Monday 5th Feb 3.00pm to 6.00pm Birnam Arts.

If one of your New Year resolutions is to get down to mending those things that need fixing then why not bring them along to see if we can help. Or maybe just pop in, have a cuppa and see what we do. You'll be very welcome. ____________________________

Highland Hounds is a professional dog walking and daycare service operating in Dunkeld, Pitlochry and the surrounding areas. We are qualified, insured and pet first aid trained so your four legged friends will be in great hands! Our services include private/group walks, daycare and weekend hikes. Get in touch today to get booked in or for more information! Morgan Gallacher highlandhounds8@gmail.com ____________________________

Thank You

The Silburn Family would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and many beautiful tributes they have received following the sad passing of Michael, former GP in the community. ____________________________

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 Kinross a 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/

Thank You

Mrs. Watson of Inchewan, Birnam very kindly sent us a Santa Day ceramic decoration. It hung on our festive tree throughout The Season and will do so on all future years.

It’s a splendid idea, we’ll cherish it. Both my wife Gillian and I hope this years event was a huge success for the entire community and wish you well in all future years.

Sincerely, Jeremy Law. ____________________________

A9 Pedestrian Underpass Repaired - Thank You

We wanted to thank everyone involved for the speedy and decisive action taken to repair the functionality of the A9 underpass connecting Inver and Dunkeld.

We understand that the work was led by TS and BEAR and many of the community have watched as the rock bags were placed and the path reconstructed. Thankfully no-one will now have to cross the A9 itself.

We understand that all partners involved played roles in getting this work done - thanks to everyone involved.

We were also pleased with the temporary signage and speed restrictions and lighting to help reduce the risk for those being forced to cross the A9. Although it was clear that it was still a risky crossing, these measures were of help.

We have been circulating news and updates within the community and many people have expressed their thanks to all involved.

There are of course still outstanding safety concerns at the junctions but that is for another day!

With best wishes, Jane & Stewart Pritchard.

(Dunkeld & Birnam Paths & Nature Action Group) ____________________________

Library – Dear Editor,

Last year Perth and Kinross Council carried out a Transformation Review of its three Arms Length External Organisations (ALEOs) including Culture Perth and Kinross which runs the Library service. The Review report (no. 23/347) was approved at a meeting of the full Council on 6th December 2023.

Six of the report's 12 recommendations concern Property, and no 6 about Libraries says: "Consolidate key library provision to Community Campuses and the AK Bell Library.

Trial the Open Library model at Scone Co-locate other rural library services where possible within the wider Council/public estate".

The first part of this potentially puts at risk all libraries not designated as "key". The last part, however, gives hope because the Birnam Library is already located in a non Council owned building , Birnam Arts (where another Council service also has a room) - arguably a good example of the "co-location" approach the report recommends?

At this time of unprecedented financial pressures on the Council, however, nothing should be taken for granted

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

Advanced Booking recommended

Notes from a Councillor

17

I hope that everyone has a very happy and healthy New Year and that 2024 will be kind to us.

2023 finished with a bang. Storm Babet and Storm Gerrit left us in no doubt just how vulnerable we all are to our changing planet. The Council’s workforce were stretched to the limit and budgets are very challenging. Flood damage, fallen trees and damaged road infrastructure, all caused huge problems but along with our stretched workforce, local communities all pulled together to get life back to normal as quickly as possible.

Everyone keeps highlighting the “Cost of living crisis” and the “Climate emergency” but I feel that this is just going to be the “normality” in the future and we will have to adjust accordingly. Our budgets are already stretched to breaking point and as a Council, we face some very difficult decisions as we enter the budget setting process this year. Priorities may have to change and the way in which we deliver services has to be scrutinised. Whatever happens, it is going to be challenging, to say the least!

The SGN works on the A9 around Dunkeld and Birnam to replace the much needed upgrade to the gas network continues to progress. Phase 3 of their gas pipeline project begins on Monday, 19 February 2024, to lay an 8.3km gas pipeline along the B898 from its junction with the A9 along to the Logierait bridge.

In order to carry out this work safely for all concerned, it will be necessary for the B898 to be closed as a through-road for approximately nine months, while the new pipe is laid. The road closure itself will be a ‘rolling’ road closure, which means the actual point where access is blocked will move along the road as works progress. Cyclists, pedestrians and dog walkers will be able to pass but cyclists will have to dismount as they go past our works.

Watch out for notices and diversions.

As always, I can be contacted at any time on my mobile 07557815546 or email Ijames @pkc.gov.uk.

Ian James

News from our Community Council

Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council Community Council Matters Community Council Member John Wigzell

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.msp@parliament.scot

The Rain in Spain:

Christmas and New Year returns each year like clockwork. However, other less desirable events now return like clockwork and this year has been no exception.

Flooding has become a perennial problem now in Dunkeld and there have been three to four catastrophic floods in the town in the run up to Christmas where businesses and homes have been badly affected.

Interestingly, the recent study of Dunkeld by AECOM, the large US consultancy mapped the specific areas forecast to flood given global warming.

Unsurprisingly, the areas badly flooded were those highlighted in the AECOM forecast and included Atholl Gardens, the North Car Park and Atholl Street.

Despite the misery, the bad news is that some forecasts have intimated that these downpours are actually coming earlier than forecast.

Against this backdrop, undersized or blocked culverts consistently exacerbate the flooding. These include culverts at Atholl Gardens, Cally Brae, Blairgowrie Road junction and the Victorian water tank at the top of Blairgowrie Road. All the over topping from these areas ends up in the town.

Following each downpour, remedial work is undertaken by the fire/police, PKC and contract road sweepers at great cost. Despite the certainty of more severe flooding, there appears to be no movement on the AECOM recommendations and businesses and homes will inevitably suffer more severe flooding as the effect of global warming advances.

These events are summarised well by the image shown of The Market Cross before Christmas which looked more like a marina.

Following the carnage, it was great to see the enthusiasm when the community got behind the clear up operation to their immense credit. Many residents were also out at 2am lifting and unblocking drains desperately trying to save their and their neighbour’s properties.

How long should the community have to tolerate this?

John Wigzell

COUNCILLOR GRANT LAING

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

(SNP) 01738 475000 or 07881 500501 Email: GLaing@pkc.gov.uk

COUNCILLOR IAN JAMES (Conservative) 01738 475000 Email: IJames@pkc.gov.uk

COUNCILLOR CLAIRE MCLAREN (Scottish Liberal Democrats) 01738 475000 Email: ClaireMcLaren@pkc.gov.uk

A World Community

18

Loch of the Lowes

Dunkeld and Birnam Community Orchard

For much of the world, February is viewed as the month of love. Valentine’s day sits right in the middle, on the 14th, and whilst the wildlife has no likely comprehension of this somewhat human event, it does mark the start of when many birds begin to get amorous themselves.

February does often “feel” a bit early to be called spring-like, especially as both February and March are more than capable of providing a winter blast, but many species are nesting earlier than they used to, and without debating climate change, many views suggest there is a link.

Long Tail Tit

The annual planning meeting for the Orchard will take place on Thursday 08 February at 19:00 in the side room of the Perth Arms Hotel. We would be delighted to welcome new friends there who would be interested in lending a hand.

Our busiest times are in February and March, when we do the bulk of the pruning, and from mid September till early November when we do picking for the community.

This year, however, we found to our cost that we had neglected our rabbit defenses and you will notice as you wander through the Orchard that many trees have been quite severely damaged because the hungry rabbits got in to eat the bark.

Also, Summer pruning is often recommended because it leads to less vigorous regrowth, but this is something the present volunteers have not found time to do.

So there are other activities which could be spread through the year if we had more helpers.

Many of you already love this space, as we do. Please come and join us!

Katharine Melville Coordinator 01350 727048 dunkleldbirnamorchard@gmail.com

____________________________

Some of our more common garden birds, such as the blackbird, may begin nest-building in February – sometimes earlier. Building their complex nests can easily take two weeks, and only then can they begin the serious business of egg-laying. But they are by no means the first; the charismatic long-tailed tit begins even earlier, sometimes in January, and their beautiful nests can take even longer to construct, consisting of lichens and even cobwebs!

Nesting early brings both advantages and risks. A bird nesting early, and hatching eggs, can take advantage of the first food sources to come available, perhaps early insects or green shoots. But if that aforementioned winter blast does arrive, and we experience a late winter, then there is a risk of chicks sitting in nests with no available food.

Long-tailed tits (affectionately called “spoons”) are seen frequently at Loch of the Lowes, flitting around in groups and seeming to travel as a “pack” between trees, chattering (or “churring”) as they travel. They are pretty little birds but they don’t stay still for long.

It perhaps seems odd, but grey herons also nest in trees, looking quite ungainly as they perch in the canopy. They will reuse nests from previous years, starting in February, so that can give a good head start, but this can still take time. Grey herons are also seen frequently at Loch of the Lowes, perhaps the most patient of birds as they await a passing meal.

Of course, we can’t forget the ospreys. Whilst they usually arrive in late March, it is likely they will have already commenced their lengthy migration from Africa by now, and hopefully they will arrive safely in a few weeks.

February (and March) can be a good time to see many tree-based birds, as they are much easier to spot before the leaves grow in the spring. So why not pop along and make the most of the lengthening daylight hours? The visitor centre is open Friday to Sunday weekly between 10.30am to 4.00pm. From the 1st of March it will revert to the summer schedule of being open 10.30am to 5.00pm seven days a week.

____________________________

GrowBiz Support: Get More for 2024

There are many ways the self employed, micro businesses and social enterprises in Perth & Kinross can benefit from GrowBiz support services this year. One key focus for us in 2024 will be providing jargon-free, practical advice on creating realistic and manageable net zero targets.

Made possible with funding from SSE Renewables, GrowBiz’s net zero support will take into account specific rural challenges, such as lack of public transport. It will facilitate conversations, provide peer support and learning events, and will also include support for better mental health and wellbeing.

To start a conversation with a friendly GrowBiz team member on how to start or continue your journey to net zero, email us at connect@growbiz.co.uk We will also be continuing to provide our usual support of 1-1 business advice, networking events, mentoring and online learning sessions on useful topics for small business owners. On Tuesday 27 February, you can learn how to use design platform Canva to create professional and eye-catching video content to support and promote your business.

Another learning session on Wednesday 6 March will discuss cashflow management and how it can help you manage your projected income and expenditure over a given period of time. Our events are free, informal, interactive and open to anyone thinking about starting or growing a business or enterprise in rural Scotland.

To see all of our services or book an event go to www.growbiz.co.uk

____________________________ Tayside Woodlands Partnerships

Do you have a favourite tree or a favourite local wood?

We have so many to choose from: the majestic oak, the willow with its slender leaves, the rowan with its brilliant red berries at this time of year, and of course, our very own Caledonian Pine.

The Tayside Woodland group had its beginnings in Blairgowrie but its work is spreading to include tree planting and management of woodland in Coupar Angus and Pitlochry.

Why do we plant trees? Apart from the obvious love of trees, we want to encourage local wildlife to thrive, to give people somewhere quiet and natural in which to relax and we understand the value of trees in mitigating climate change.

These were the driving forces for our founder, Alastair Fraser, who sadly died in September last year. He had been a forester for more than 60 years before he moved to this area and, once here, quietly enthused a lot of people in the project of creating woodland.

If you would like to know more or join or support this work, do visit the website: Tayside Woodland Partnerships or email us at lenseal210@gmail.com

____________________________

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