Edited by volunteers for the people of Dunkeld, Birnam and the surrounding villages since 1974. Thank you for all your support.
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Editorial
As we stood doing the washing up, gazing out at the frozen landscape where black trees stood stark against grey skies, my son Scott said, “Mum, your favourite month is coming up!” His words cheered me up no end. Regular readers of this column will know that February is my favourite month of the year. It’s when the light begins to return, and we can venture out in search of spring’s early signs. Or, as Cicely Mary Barker puts it so beautifully in The Snowdrop Fairy:
Deep sleeps the Winter, Cold, wet and grey.
Surely all the world is dead; Spring is far away.
Wait! the world shall waken; It is not dead, for lo, The Fair Maids of February Stand in the snow!
As the earth stirs, so too do the sounds of strings tuning up. I’ve always loved that moment before a concert begins—the orchestral cacophony of half-played scales and snippets of music yet to come, followed by the stillness just before the first note. In my mind, that’s what I’m hearing now as I think about the incredible musicians gathering for the 20th Niel Gow Festival this March. Some will be wondering what to play; others will be practicing tirelessly to perfect their performances. All we need to do is buy our tickets—which are now on sale!
A quick reminder: Perth and Kinross Council is seeking your input on improvements to the Jubilee Play Area (see page 20). They’d like to hear your ideas by 16 February. Graeme Cook has pointed out that some of the original equipment at the site was gifted when the “new” A9 was routed through the old playpark. Speaking of the A9, many thanks to Alasdair Wyle for his Sisyphean efforts to keep us informed about its latest developments. Thanks as well to Pam Green and her team of volunteers for doing all they can to improve safety at the junctions in the meantime (see page 2).
So, here we are at the start of another community year. I hope you find much to enjoy and appreciate in the months ahead. Thank you all for being part of this wonderful village, and a special thanks to everyone who contributes to making it such a vibrant and welcoming place.
Aren’t snowdrops simply amazing? How can something so small and delicate push through the frozen earth and withstand the likes of Storm Éowyn and the snows that followed? A huge thank you to everyone involved in our “In Bloom” efforts for tending the borders and gardens around the village, allowing us to enjoy these first harbingers of spring. Thanks also to the volunteers who maintain our paths, making it possible for us to venture out and breathe in the fresh air.
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 Thurs 27th Feb, 730pm at Birnam Arts. All welcome!
A couple of briefings with Transport Scotland and Jacobs staff took place in late Nov/early Dec covering their progress on more detailed planning of the Preferred Route for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing ( stage DMRB3) , and also their continuing work assessing responses/ objections to elements of the Preferred Route as announced in Dec 2023; for example as regards the proposals for Dunkeld Junction which have attracted a lot more comment from outwith our community than before.
They also advised that they have now sent individual replies to all those who sent consultation comments on their January 2024 Preferred Route exhibit. See also below - ANOTHER REMINDER
The consultation report on their August 2024 exhibit at Birnam Arts is expected to be out end January A hard copy of the complete Oct 2023 DMRB2 assessment report for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing is now available at Birnam Arts/ Library for reference.
We are now receiving weekly updates from TS on activities for this section and Tay Crossing to Ballinluig as regards route survey work etc.
As regards the government’s overall A9 dualling programme and the outcome of last year’s Holyrood Petition Committee report and recommendations, there is an update in the Junctions Action Group (JAG) report (see right).
ANOTHER REMINDER!
IF YOU SUBMITTED WRITTEN COMMENTS TO TS ABOUT THE PREFERRED ROUTE AFTER THEIR JANUARY 2024 EXHIBIT AND WANT TO KNOW WHAT THEIR RESPONSE TO YOU IS, PLEASE LOOK AT THEIR AUGUST CONSULTATION REPORT, PLEASE DO!
There is also a hard copy of this report at Birnam Arts for ease of reference. It contains a summary analysis of responses to them (page 16 onwards) and an Appendix J (page 50 onwards) with 85 verbatim written comments to them (anonymised) on aspects of their Preferred Route announced in December 2023 and for each one a response from TS.
ALTHOUGH NO NAMES ARE SHOWN IN APPENDIX J, ITS VERY LIKELY THAT YOU WILL RECOGNISE YOUR OWN COMMENTS.
WE’D BE VERY INTERESTED TO KNOW IF YOU DO THIS AND IF SO WHAT YOU THINK OF THE TS RESPONSE TO YOU, OR IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER COMMENTS ON THE REPORT. PLEASE EMAIL ALASDAIR, SEE BELOW. THIS WILL BE A GREAT HELP IN OUR FURTHER ENGAGEMENT WITH TS ABOUT THEIR PREFERRED ROUTE DESIGN. For all Transport Scotland contact details/links including their DMRB Stage 2 assessment and Preferred Route, see the June Bridge, also available on our A9 dualling page in the online Bridge, 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
Our report on “The Bridge” website is on page
Dual Action Group are based up north. In December 2022 they presented a petition to the Scottish Government which included a call to complete the Dualling of the A9 by 2025.
Their petition about Dualling the A9 was considered by the Scottish Government Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee. This Committee set up an inquiry into the issues leading up to the delays in dualling the A9.
The Committee presented its report to Transport Scotland in October 2024 which included a recommendation calling for the dualling of certain sections to be brought forward particularly concerning dangerous junctions
Transport Scotland said it had explored whether some sections should be speeded up on safety grounds, or where lengthy diversions could be put in place, should the road be closed.
It said it had considered introducing “overlapping” construction on the carriageway to speed up the project.
It also suggested rescheduling the planned programme of work around the areas of the road deemed to be least safe.
However, it said its findings revealed that current scheduling “achieves an earlier overall completion date than would be achieved were it to be rescheduled” Transport Scotland said on Tuesday 14th January 2025 that, having reviewed the current timetable , any changes risked the certainty over the final cost, and could cause further disruption to motorists and put the project at further risk of delay.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said “real progress” was already being made on the project. She added that a £5m package of new short-term safety measures would be put in place by the end of March this year.”
Ceramics, video/performance and installation/sculpture by Perthshire neurodiverse artist Nicky May, providing a platform for the neurodiverse perspective.
Artist Talk: Nicky May
Bolland
Part of Aches & Pains Exhibition
Fri 7th Feb: 6pm – 7pm: Gallery
£3*
Well Woman Café
Fri 7th Feb: 7pm - 9pm
Subject - Breast Cancer
Nicola Burke talks about her breast cancer diagnoses, treatment and everything in between. Refreshments available. Pay what you can.
Open Mic Night
Songs, Poems, Tunes and Tales
11 Feb - 18 Mar 2025: 7.30pm: Café
Free
The perfect opportunity to showcase your talent or enjoy the lively atmosphere. Whether you play an instrument, sing, have a story to tell or simply want to support.
Feminist Embroidery Workshop:
Nicky May Bolland
Part of Aches & Pains Exhibition
Thu 13th Feb: 6pm – 8pm: Studios
£5 - £12*
Behold Ye Ramblers: Townsend Theatre Productions
Sat 15th Feb: 7.30pm £14*
Laced with wit & song, this comedydrama reveals the history of the Clarion Movement which inspired the growth of outdoor pursuits & leisure for the many.
Warm Spaces: Free Wednesday Film: Grease:
Olivia Newton John & John Travolta
Wed 19th Feb: 2pm Lunch: 1pm
Come and join us for our winter season of Warm Spaces Free Film and a complimentary pre-film lunch at 1pm for the first 15 people to attend… no booking required – just turn up!
Sgraffito Clay Carving Workshop:
Nicky May Bolland
Part of Aches & Pains Exhibition
Sat 22nd Feb
2pm – 4pm: Studios
£45/£55*
If you’d like to volunteer at Birnam Arts, we’d love to meet you. Come and learn new skills, meet like-minded individuals, and immerse yourself in the cultural heartbeat of the area. Interested? Contact Elspeth on: Volunteer@birnamarts.com, or ask at Reception!
See website for workshops and more: Birnamarts.com / 01350 727674
* Denotes Booking Fee
Blue Giant Orkestar: Winter Warmer Dance Party!
Sat 22nd Feb: 8pm
£16*
A melting pot of blazing brass, searing fiddle, pounding tuba, one enormous Russian concert accordion and a percussion section that could flatten your house!
Art Club for Adults: Michael Fullerton
Tue 25th Feb: 1.30pm-3.30pm: Studios
£25*
Monthly art classes with Michael Fullerton, aimed at artists who would like to benefit from expert tuition, exchange ideas and connect with others. Following sessions are confirmed for Monday 24th March and Tuesday 29th April 2025. Please book separately for each session.
Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group
Plans for expanding have come to fruition and we now have group lessons for fiddle, piano-accordion, guitar and whistle. Our extra classes started on 20th January and have filled up quickly, but if you would like to join classes to learn any of our instruments, please get in touch.
All classes and band sessions run weekly during term–time at Birnam Arts for anyone aged P5 – S6, it’s completely free and we provide the instruments at no cost.
Our junior and senior bands are for those who can already play at least a little, and we welcome accordion, string, wind and brass players, guitarists, pianists and more to join in with our musical adventures and concerts throughout the year.
½ hour group lessons - Mondays 4-6pm
Junior trad band (P5-S2) - Mondays 6:30-7:30pm
Senior trad band (S3-S6) - Mondays 7:30-8:30pm
We’re building up a stock of small guitars for our students to use and so far it’s going well, however, if you do have any hanging around your home and would like them to be brought back to life, we’ll happily put them to good use. We rely entirely on funding and donations to keep our group accessible to all and as always, our thanks go to SSE Renewables, National Lottery, Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, Basil Death Trust, Scops Arts Trust, The Lang Foundation, Hugh Fraser Foundation, Crescendo and Enchanted Forest for their funding, and all of the local residents and groups who have generously donated money and instruments.
Our local community has already given tremendous support and encouragement through donating instruments, time and money, attending concerts and involving us in local events. We couldn’t ask for more.
Find us at www.facebook.com/dbtradgroup
Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com or call 07958 324 766 for more info.
Just Singin’ – Spring Term starts!
A warm welcome awaits you at local Community Choir, Just Singin’.
Our Spring term (8 weeks) starts on Wednesday 5th February at 7.30pm in the upstairs room at Birnam Arts.
We are delighted to be welcoming well known local singing coach, Emma Neck, to lead us for the whole of this term. As always, we will simply be learning songs by ear, having fun and enjoying the company of other friendly folk who like to sing.
For further details, please have a look at our website (justsingin.co.uk) or better still, pop in and join us any night of our term, everyone is welcome!
Birnam Arts Open 7 Days: Café: 10.00-16.00 | Shop: 10.30-15.30
Booking Fees apply to all events. Birnamarts.com / 01350 727674
The Kiln Creative
The Highland Boundary Races 2025
Birnam Hill Race 29 March
Deuchary Hill Race 30 March
• Centre from 10.30-11.30 am, junior and senior races. Start 11.30
6 Week Block: 18th September to 23rd October
• The Deuchary Hill registration at Birnam Guest House from 10am for a 12am start (early start 11.30)
Private group classes available to book
• Newtyle Hill race registration at The Field, Brae St. from 5.45pm start at 7pm.
Races set in Birnam and Dunkeld, one of the most stunning areas of natural beauty in Scotland. Food and refreshments at finish of each race. Local prizes. Please contact Adrian at wildoutdoorscotland@gmail.com
For more information and bookings: www.thekilncreativepottery.co.uk
Fraser Mills - NICEIC registered All domestic and commercial work undertaken Tel: 07545 078968
Email: fm.electrical143@gmail.com
FM-Electrical.co.uk
Locally based
Free support for small businesses, social enterprises and the self-employed in rural Perth & Kinross.
1-1 advice ~ online learning ~ business mentoring ~ networking events ~ sustainability support ~ and more
www.growbiz.co.uk
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: manager@rivendellcarehome.co.uk.com for more information.
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.’
Dunkeld and Birnam Sports and Leisure Hub
The Hub owns and manages the sporting facilities in Dunkeld and Birnam which includes a covered Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), two tennis courts, bowling green, clubhouse with changing facilities. Memberships and court booking available for both members and non members on this website. We also have a basketball hoop and junior tennis court open to the public at all times. For more information contact https://clubspark.lta.org. uk/DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub
Jubilee Play Area Improvements
Perth and Kinross Council look after over 160 play areas across the region, from large facilities at our major parks to rural and local play areas right on your doorstep. Jubilee Park play area in Birnam has now come to the top of our list and in order to make improvements which suit everybody’s needs we’re asking you to take part in our small survey and consultation. The consultation is here - https://consult.pkc.gov. uk/communities/refurbishment-of-jubileepark-birnam/ - and closes on 16 February.
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 freedom 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?
Live meetings take place every other Tuesday in Dalguise Village Hall from 10.30 to 12.30. In February these meetings will be on 11th and 25th. We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments. There are no charges, no formalities, and we have no religious affiliations – what we do is decided among our members.
We also have virtual meetings on zoom on the first Tuesday evening of every month, from 6.30 to 8.30pm. (Thus they sometimes coincide with the days of live meetings and sometimes not.) In February the zoom meeting is on 4 February. These meetings usually include a guided meditation at the beginning and a silent meditation at the end, with a discussion on the latest topic (mailed to all members, see below) in between. People attending can join in or remain incognito as they wish. If you would like to take part in a zoom meeting, please contact Maragaret margaret.q.lear@gmail.com who will send you the link.
If you aren’t able to attend in person, and are not wanting to join a Zoom session, you might nevertheless be interested in going on our mailing list. Members receive thought-provoking
and helpful compilations about meditation and mindful living, on the Tuesdays between live meetings. If you would like to know more about our meetings or about meditation in general, please do contact faithanstey@gmail.com
Food Share
Good news! We now have a second fridge/freezer at St Mary’s. Many thanks to the Church for providing the electricity supply and the wooden cabinet. There will now be more meat products available in Birnam.
The Coop and Livvy’s continue to be our biggest donors. Please keep checking and help yourselves-
banana bread makers have had a bonanza over the festive season!
We could still use some extra volunteers, so if you have about 45 minutes to spare once a month, working in a team on a flexible rota, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
Please contact Jan Silburn j.silburn@btinternet.com or 07881 813835 Food Bank
If you need regular help please contact our confidential line. 01350 700018 or email PH8foodbank@gmail.com
Donations can be left at the Coop.
Community Developments
AGM November 2024
We had a successful AGM, with 38 interested members, at which the activities of the Trust were presented.
A comprehensive Minute will be published on our website.
The topics covered were Financial Report - the treasurer presented a healthy financial picture for the immediate future.
The Trustees would like to thank the following for their continued financial support- SSE Griffin Calliacher Community Benefit Fund, Gannochy Trust, PKC and Basil Death Trust.
The Care Group is largely funded by PKC but also benefits through funding from SSE Community Benefit Fund, Sinclair Trust, the Masonic Order in Dunkeld and the fundraising efforts of the team. We are actively applying for additional funding to maintain the work of the Trust for the longer term.
Affordable Housing - the Trust welcomed the formation of a new housing group and offered support from our development officer and access to all the information already gathered.
Care Project - John Gilruth outlined the role of the group in recruiting and training personal assistants and befrienders to be paired with people in our area. Also to raise awareness of the services and groups in the community which offer support. Other supported projects include Repair cafe, Food Share, Paths and Nature Group, Artisan Village Project.
A Local Place Plan is being prepared, in conjunction with the Community Council, to submit to PKC, indicating areas of concern or potential development within the community.
Beth Taylor, our Development Officer, outlined her role in supporting local projects by liaising with other Development Trusts and official bodies. It was acknowledged that the Trust could not function effectively without Beth’s valued professional input.
All the speakers appealed to the various community groups to work together collaboratively and respectfully and to be aware that we are all volunteers, trying to help the community. The current trustees are Jan Silburn, chair, Roseanna Preston-Jones, vice chair, Stuart Paton, Treasurer, Jane Bremner, secretary, Lachlan McEwan, Kirsty Binnie, Anne Cameron, John Gilruth.
We would welcome new Trustees with time, enthusiasm and skills which could help us advance some of the projects which will emerge from the LPP.
Current Priorities
Care group. The group will continue to recruit and train personal assistants and befrienders to be pared with clients within the Community. Please contact Eilidh Wild on 07432569447 or John Gilruth on 07754099030 if you are interested in training or would like help.
Completion of the Local Place Plan
We are appealing to everyone to submit responses to the questionnaire before the end of January. If you don’t like or understand the questions please just write your comments in the blank spaces. We welcome ideas about any aspect of our community or environment which could be used
to improve or protect our experience of living hereyou may have a great suggestion which nobody else has considered!
The main areas covered are 1 Travel, 2 Housing, 3 Sustainability, 4 Environment, 5 Cultural and historic spaces, 6 Local economy
We need the opinions of younger people- hardly any have replied so far, so please encourage them to respond - they have a much longer future here! We will present the survey results at a public meeting, before the submission to PKC in mid March. Date will be announced.
Social / Voluntary Activities In The Community
We’d like to draw your attention to some groups which people might be interested in joining or volunteering with. Please encourage anyone who might benefit to join.
Lunch Club
This began many years ago for older members of our community who would like to socialize and grab a bite to eat. Recently numbers have been dropping and we’d like to ensure that everyone is aware of this sociable group so that it can continue to provide this valuable opportunity in years to come.
Lunch, consisting of soup and pudding, followed by tea, coffee and cakes and often a short sing song with Jack McNeill at the piano, is provided every two weeks, by three different teams. Transport can be provided by a team of volunteers. Dates for February will be: Tuesday 11th and 25th. And for March: Tuesday 11th and 25th. If you would enjoy a lovely lunch in good company please contact Rhona Jubb. gordonjubb800@gmail.com 01350 727962
Recently some of the teams have struggled to find enough volunteers to bake and serve, as the helpers age and retire. If you feel you could devote a few hours every 6 weeks to this very enjoyable activity, please contact Ann Rees. shoetrees@btinternet.com or 07512137025
Meeting Place
This is a sociable coffee morning, sometimes in aid of charities, which happens every Friday from 1012 am. Everyone is welcome and the proceeds are donated to the church community fund. There are 4 teams of volunteers. Bakers and helpers will be welcomed with open arms! You only need to be able to do one traybake!
If you can help please contact Margaret Scott elwood7330@aol.com 07474183042
Knit And Natter
This group meets in the Duchess Anne on Monday afternoons from 2-4 and has some very skilled people in knitting, crochet and sewing. If you’d like to join in or just have a good blether over tea, coffee and cakes, you’d be very welcome. Contact Joan Cameron 07856559783 or email joan.cameron43@gmail.com
Men’s Shed
In recent years some local men have formed a Men’s Shed group. They are in the process of securing premises from which they can undertake more ambitious projects but so far have repaired a bench and built a shed for the orchard and made new tubs for Birnam in Bloom. They made a 1000 mile round trip to collect a huge quantity of mechanical shelving for the Community Archive which they installed. They also do small projects for individuals.
If you can help them find premises or would like to join the group please contact Neil Graham 07713 216839
Minibus Outings
There is an established group of older community members which goes on outings to various places
of interest, usually including lunch or a cup of tea and cakes. Recent trips have been to Glendoick garden centre, Ballater and Christmas lunch at the Salutation Hotel.
There are spaces on the minibus and some extra people would be welcome.
Forthcoming dates:
Tuesday 1st April, Tuesday 15th April, Tuesday 13th May, Tuesday 10th June.
A small contribution to petrol money is required as well as spending money for the activities. Please contact Beth on 07729327729 or email dbdcdt@gmail.com if you or someone you know would like to join an outing.
Junction Action Group Requests:
Unfortunately there continue to be accidents and near misses, plus long traffic diversions and delays as a result of insufficient safety measure at these local junctions on the A9, The Junctions Action Group will continue request improved safety measures on the A9 junctions in our area: Improved lighting ( overhead)..including bollards Improved signage before the Junctions
Upgraded road markings - give way lines and hatching
Enforce and monitor the 50 MPH limit for HGV Improved slip road at Dunkeld junction southbound.
Chevrons on A822 to highlight road curvature. Pam Green For more information or to join the Junctions Action Group please contact Pam pammgreen@btinternet.com
Dunkeld / Inver Junction
A separate draft report to Transport Scotland by BEAR in October on the A9 Dunkeld to Inver junction, investigated in detail options to improve this junction.
As far as the Junctions Action Group’s requests for an interim roundabout or new complete roundabout in advance of the dualling , these appear to have been rejected . The suggestion that they could consider a slip road to turn left at the Dunkeld junction to go south, this also appears to have been rejected.
However the report recognises that delays at the junctions are considerable and safety concerns are genuine, and suggested a number options considered worthy of consideration.
The Birnam and Dunkeld Junctions Action Group are seeking a meeting with Transport Scotland to discuss this report.
National Speed Limit Review
There is also a separate consultation being undertaken called
The Scottish Government Consultation on National Speed Management Review
The Scottish Government has undertaken a National Speed Management Review to examine the potential effects of changes to speed limits across Scotland. The review supports Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 and seeks to ensure speed limits on Scotland’s roads are appropriate and help contribute to a reduction in injury and death on our roads.
This consultation invites feedback on proposals to lower the national speed limit on single carriageway roads from 60 mph to 50 mph and to increase speed limits for goods vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes on single carriageways from 40 mph to 50 mph and dual carriageways from 50 mph to 60 mph.
The deadline for responding to this is 5th March 2025 and we would encourage people to respond to this It has been a long standing request from the Junctions Action Group(JAG) that there should be a speed limit of 50 MPH from the Pass of Birnam to the Jubilee Bridge past the 8 Junctions on this stretch.
Leadwork • Cement work • Guttering Repaired/Replaced
Gutter Cleaning • Velux Windows Supplied & Fitted
UPVC Fascia • Moss Removal On Roofs & Driveways
Flat Roofs Repaired Or Replaced • New Roofs
General Building Repairs & Maintenance
Insurance Work & Storm
The SSE Renewable Griffin & Calliachar Fund is currently looking for a new panel member to represent the Dunkeld & Birnam area. The panel is made up of local residents drawn together from five areas.
The panel meets four times a year to advise on grant awards from the Fund, based on applications sent to the panel members in advance of meetings. The main commitment is reviewing papers and being able to travel locally to meetings which last around 2 hours. Training and an induction will take place. Panel members with registered interests are not involved in decision making about groups they are involved in or are related to.
If you live in Dunkeld & Birnam and feel you have something to offer, why not email cassie.mcgunnigle@sse.com for more information. Applications should be received by 17th February for consideration by the SSE Renewables Community Investment Team.
07946 861520
grahamrobb@grahamrobb.co.uk
www.grahamrobb.co.uk
Work & Business Support
Brighten Your February with GrowBiz Support
February is the shortest month of the year, but it can feel like the longest! If you’re struggling to find the motivation and drive for your rural business, social enterprise or self-employed practice this month, here are some ways we can help:
Learning Sessions: Our online learning sessions can help you develop important skills, sparking fresh ideas and inspiration. This month we’ll cover things you need to consider if you’re just starting up, which will give you a clear direction for your next steps, and how to create beautiful designs for your business using Canva, which is sure to ignite your creativity.
1-1 Support: Feel supported during 1-1 chats with our friendly Enterprise Facilitators, who can help you overcome challenges, identify where you need assistance, encourage you to prioritise your well-being, and provide answers
to your questions. You can get in touch at connect@growbiz.co.uk, or attend one of our Thursday afternoon drop-in surgeries.
Mentoring: Our mentoring programme can support you to overcome internal barriers, such as lack of confidence, as well as providing a listening ear and a sounding board for your ideas. Or perhaps you’re ready to share what you know with others as a volunteer mentor? Giving back can help us feel positive, useful and empowered.
Find out more about our free services at www.growbiz.co.uk
Three Churches in the Community
Thought for the Month
A friend of mine who is a retired Accountant used to find January a very taxing time - literally! It meant working long hours well into the night principally because of people like me; people who know that their Tax Return should be done by the end of the month and have already had 8 months to do it. He keeps telling me to do the tax return early……. and I keep ignoring the advice.
I know I should do it soon after April but then I delay because I just don’t like figures….. and paperwork……. and bureaucracy so I keep putting it off. As the year progresses, I tell myself ‘I’ll do it before Christmas’ but then that gets fairly busy, so I’ll do it in the lull after Christmas but then I can’t be bothered. So yet again it’s January before it is done. There’s no excuse really, I intend to do it, it’s just that I can’t get motivated. Some folk are very decisive and others are procrastinators. Perhaps we are mixture of bothhappy to get on and do the things we like doing but the less attractive things get shelved until, again, it is the last minute.
Delays can be for other reasons too. Perhaps hesitancy or uncertainty because we are not sure how to do something or even that it is the right thing to do. It might cross our minds to phone someone, or pop in for a visit but we wonder how it will be received. They might think it is a bit silly so we delay then the moment is gone. We might think to send a card or note of encouragement, other things take precedence, or we might not be sure how to word it, or wonder how it will be received, so we delay. Then time moves on, the moment is gone and it is too late.
We meant to do it, of course, so that feels good enough. The intention was there – but you know what they say about the road to Hell being paved with good intentions.
In Luke’s Gospel (Luke 9:57-62 & 14:18-20) we are told about would-be followers of Jesus who declare their intentions to follow him but each finds an excuse. They have to attend to family, or they have business matters they must deal with – then I’ll follow. It doesn’t matter the reason; the nett result is the same. They all fail to act on the intention. Jesus says in reply ‘whoever puts their hand to the plough and looks back is of no use to the Kingdom of God.’
Often we feel a nudge from God to do something, to commit to him, to follow Jesus and we put it off to another day and then we miss the moment, the impulse. Strike while the iron is hot!
For Jesus’ Kingdom the time is always now. There is no better time than January, the turn of the year, to make – and keep – a resolution. Not just intending to follow, but actually doing it. It’s not taxing, rather it’s fulfilling to follow him.
Fraser Penny
Union of Dunkeld and Caputh & Clunie
As part of the Presbytery of Perth’s mission plan for this area the parishes of Dunkeld and Caputh & Clunie are to unite to form one larger parish. The group of elders from both parishes appointed to take things forward felt it would be good to get together sooner rather than later so on Sunday January 12th. the service in Caputh was cancelled and we had a united service in Little Dunkeld. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet begin the process of joining together. The singing was great, our small band played for some of the hymns as well as before and after the service and there was a chance to meet informally over coffee afterwards.
While it will be a difficult adjustment for some folk, the joint service provided a good and positive start. It will take a bit of time to sort out the details and get everything agreed through the right processes but it should happen before too long. It will be good to join and then move forward together.
Sunday Services
January 26th 11.00am Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
February 2nd 11.00am Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
6.30pm Prayers for Help & Healing in St. Mary’s
February 9th 11.00am Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
This will be a Gifts Service to celebrate all the good things that happen in our church and Community. Led by our Worship Group.
February 16th 11.00am Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
2.15pm Service at Amulree
February 23rd 11.00am Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
March 2nd 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 2nd. of February and then in Little Dunkeld Kirk on March 2nd.
Christmas Bits & Pieces
Every year the Kirk Session chooses a charity to support at our special Christmas services. This year we divided it two ways – half for a Sand Dam project in Eastern Kenya through the Salvation Army and half to go to our mission partners in Zambia, Keith and Ida Waddell.
Sand Dams are wonderful projects suitable for certain arid areas. They irrigate an area which can then grow food, provide clean water and help protect the environment.
The Waddells, who work in education and health care are raising money to buy truck. This would enable them to get building materials and supplies much more efficiently and cheaply.
Thanks to a combination of the teas & soup upstairs in the Duchess Anne on Santa Day, and the Christmas Eve offerings at Amulree and the Cathedral we raised £2,125.82. That has now been sent off to the Salvation army and Church of Scotland to support these projects.
In addition to that, the Toy Sale on Santa Day made £1,436 which has been divided between Perth Foodbank and CHAS (Scotland’s children’s hospice.)
Many thanks to all who supported these wonderful causes.
Dunkeld Cathedral Pilgrim Walks
This summer we are offering a series of guided spiritual reflective walks around the Dunkeld area. These walks are an opportunity to leave the hurly burly of everyday life behind and be still and enjoy all the beauty around us. The walks will have times for reflection, times for silence and times to enjoy those walking with you.
The walks will run every two weeks on Friday mornings, from April until September. The start and end point will be the Cathedral grounds. There are currently two guided walks, one long and one short and these walks will alternate throughout the summer.
The Long Walk
This walk of about three hours meanders along the river and up to St Colme’s Well. There is one short hill and the terrain can be muddy so sturdy shoes are recommended.
The Short Walk
This walk of about one and a half hours hugs the river along to the Birnam Oak, taking in the Orchard and St Mary’s Church in Birnam. This walk is less strenuous.
The dates for all the walks are listed below. If you have a church group who might be interested in walking as a time together away from church life we would be happy to arrange one of the walks to suit you. This too would be guided and we would offer tea and coffee at the end of the walk.
For further information on all our walks, including group walks, please contact Rosie Mackie -rosiemackie2@gmail.com
Schedule of Walks
Every second Friday at 10 am in the Cathedral grounds.
Friday 2 May (short walk) and alternating with the long walk until the 19th September (short walk.)
Three Churches in the Community
Church Services and Contacts:
Kirk Session
The next meeting of the Kirk Session is on Tuesday March 11th at 7.30pm. in the Duchess Anne.
Fellowship Group
‘Exploring faith and life together’
There are two ecumenical groups which meet on a Tuesday evening and a Wednesday morning for Bible Study and prayer.
The up-coming dates for the Tuesday group will be on January 28th. February 11th & 25th. at 7pm in the Chanonry.
The Wednesday group will be on February 5th. & 19th. then March 5th. at 10.30am in the Chanonry.
It is possible to join both meetings by zoom too on this link:
Meeting ID: 898 7502 8047
Passcode: 809745
At the moment both groups are going through a series of studies called ‘Light to the Nations’ based on the Prophecies of Isaiah.
All are welcome and for 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. Upcoming dates are February 5th. & 29th. and March 5th. 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 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.
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 11th. February and then there will be a short break until later in February.
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
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
The Chanonry, 07808 703641 email: office@dunkeldcathedral.org www.dunkeldcathedral.org
St Mary’s Episcopal 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 Loch Ness 01456486663
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 Tue - Aberfeldy
9.30 am Wed, Thur, Fri - Pitlochry
Holy days of Obligation:9.30am Birnam
12.30pm Aberfeldy 6.00pm 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.
Why not make it a New Year’s resolution (it’s not too late!) to prioritise your financial health? Many of us face money worries post-Christmas, and here at Christians Against Poverty (CAP), we want to share 5 top tips to empower you to take control of your finances.
Find out your financial personality
We all have different habits when it comes to managing money. CAP’s free, online money personality quiz can help you to understand your spending habits better and provides useful tips on building a healthier relationship with money. Create a personal budget
Creating a personal budget is key to understanding your financial situation in order to make positive changes. A balanced budget will help give you a clear picture of how much money you have coming in each month, what you’re spending and where you’re spending it. It can also help you with saving for the future. Download CAP’s budgeting guide at capuk.org/budgeting to create your own personal budget or contact your local CAP Centre for help with this (angelahanvey@capuk.org).
Cut back, cut costs and cut out
To make your money go further, you can reduce spending by cutting back (reducing how much or how often you buy something); by cutting the expenditure out completely (identifying if it’s a need or want), or by cutting the cost (finding it cheaper elsewhere).
Buy second-hand
Consider buying second-hand, shopping around for the best price, and using discount codes where you can. Plan ahead, giving you time to shop around and use price comparison sites and online search engines to find the best deal. For grocery shopping, plan your shopping list ahead of time and try not to shop when you’re hungry. Shopping in the evening may also lead to discounts on food approaching expiration dates.
Build up an emergency fund
It’s important to save for future emergencies. Start small so that it’s manageable and set up your bank account to transfer the money into a savings account automatically each month so that you’re not tempted to spend it. An emergency fund can offer huge peace of mind if and when unexpected costs arise.
Seek free help
Money worries can put a strain on relationships, so if you’re experiencing financial difficulties, do seek help. Visit capuk.org/help to see what free services are available in your area. There’s also information and support at moneyhelper.org.uk.
If you’re struggling with unmanageable debt, call our free helpline on 0800 328 0006.
Scottish Landscaping
Friendly reliable service guaranteed
Grass Cutting, Hedge Cutting, Strimming, Gravel laid, Fencing, Turfing, Slabbing, Tree Work and all General Maintenance
Free Quotes Given
Kilry: 01575 560411
Blairgowrie: 01250 798403
Mobile: 07834 258491
Fraser Mills - NICEIC registered All domestic and commercial work undertaken
Tel: 07545 078968
Email: fm.electrical143@gmail.com
FM-Electrical.co.uk
Locally based
WRAP ® Wellbeing Training
Join us for a two day free WRAP® workshop to self-reflect, learn skills and build an action plan for early intervention and prevention, to support your wellbeing.
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.
17th & 24th Sept 2024 9-3pm both days
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 with us.
Beth dbdcdt@gmail.com
Book a free place here: residents 18 years +
Please phone 01350 727413 and speak to Gina or email: manager@rivendellcarehome.co.uk.com for more information.
Raise your level of wellness, reduce pain, stress/anxiety & re-align where you are in life. Health & Wellbeing Hub
pennybaird5@icloud.com Little Dunkeld • 07342 979393 Zerobalancinguk.org
... Dunkeld & Per thshire ...
Dunkeld & Birnam Guidehall, Little Dunkeld
Gardening and Growing Club
Whether you potter with a few pots or garden an acre you are very welcome at our friendly Gardening and Growing club. £20 annual membership.
Nature and Climate
Everyone welcome – first meeting FREE. Please come along and ‘try out’ being a member Annual membership £20
The Gardening and Growing Club is a group for anyone interested in learning more about a wide range of matters to do with gardening and growing in a relaxed environment where you can also chat and meet other people in the village interested in gardening and growing. During the year there is a mix of talks, visits to gardens, socials as well as the annual show in August. Whether you tend a few pots on your windowsill or garden a massive plot it really doesn’t matter – you are very welcome to join us.
Programme of Events 2025
Wed 12 Feb 7pm Alan Horgan, Soft Fruit Growing (Zoom Meeting) Birnam Arts
Wed 12 March 7pm AGM followed by talk on the History of Dunkeld & Birnam Orchard Talk –Birnam Arts
Wed 9 April 7pm John Mattingley Demonstration on growing Himalayan plants from seed. Birnam Arts
Wed 14 May Fiona Stewart, Scotland’s Garden Scheme Birnam Arts
Wed 11 June 7pm Kate White, Head Gardener, Branklyn Gardens Birnam Arts
Sun 29 June 2pm Wild Orchids Garden Visit, The Steading at Newmill, Nr Clunie, PH10 6SG
Therapeutic Gardening Project
We are really fortunate that in the Dunkeld & Birnam area we already have several wonderful gardening and growing projects and groups – including the Field, the Orchard, In Bloom and the Gardeners’ and Growers’ Club. This year we hope to build on that by running 10 drop-in gardening sessions at the Guide Hall in Little Dunkeld. The sessions, for people from the PH8 area, will be designed to meet the needs of people that enjoy – or used to enjoy – gardening but who can find it challenging due to mobility, health, age etc constraints, recognising that access to and movement around the Orchard, Field etc can be difficult for some people and that poor weather can mean we can go a few weeks without a chance to do any gardening. The proposed sessions at the Guide Hall will use a combination of table-top activities and accessible planters so we can connect with plants, soil and nature – and fresh air - as weather conditions and the group’s interests determine. We will be able to run sessions come rain or shine as we have easy access to indoor space.
The Guide Hall and access to it are fully accessible, with a ramp into the building and disabled toilet facilities. There is a drop-off point outside and parking nearby. We are very grateful to the support of all the local groups so far for their input to this project, especially to the Guide Hall for agreeing to use of the space and to the Dunkeld, Birnam and District Community Development Trust for providing an administrative “home” for the project. This trial project is being funded by a grant from Perth & Kinross Council’s Community Investment Fund.
Look out for further publicity about when the sessions will start and what we will be doing. Meanwhile, if you are interested in coming to the sessions, in helping with the project or maybe have some gardening equipment or supplies that we might use please contact Mel on 07876 118625. We are also chewing over names for the project –your ideas welcome!
Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom
As I am writing this it is like a Spring morning and as you can see from the attached photograph the snowdrops are flowering in Torwood walk. They are also popping through in St Ninian’s but weather as we know can change that. No sign yet of the crocuses that we planted to replace the ones that we lost during the SGN work but hopefully they should flower in March. I would like to thank the Gardening and Growing Club and the Community Council for donations which we will put to very good use. We are planning to do some maintenance work in St Ninian’s as the benches, pagoda and tubs all need attention. Also we will take delivery of more gravel as we did last year. We are having a planning meeting on Monday 17th February at 10am the weather will dictate the venue but we may have in St Ninian’s if anyone wants to come along. If the weather is kind we will continue to meet on a Monday morning at 10am in St Ninian’s Garden, Dunkeld and Torwood Park, Birnam, where anyone is welcome to join us. Thank you Moira (07931 758 456)
Dunkeld and Birnam Community Arboretum (SCO 49890)
The Arboretum will be holding its AGM for members at 2pm on Monday 24th February 2025 in the Guide Hall, Birnam. There will be an update on activities including the status of the Stanley Hill Path project. All members are encouraged to attend. Non members are also very welcome to attend and will be able to apply for membership on the day.
Repair Cafe
Bin it? No Way!!
Repair cafe’s first date of 2025 is Monday 13th February at Birnam Arts in the Arts Studio 3.00pm to 6.00pm
Bring along anything you think we might be able to fix or for advice – all free.
Come along and have a tea or a coffee and we’ll see if we can help. We’ll also pass on repair skills if you want to learn to fix things.
Workshops
We have 2 workshops planned Come and join us for a Creative Craft session led by Mags Wallace making lovely things out of any spare wool you have and rope. Saturday 1st February 10.00 to 12.00.
Further details and to book https://www. eventbrite.com/e/craft-workshop-learning-tomake-lovely-things-out-of-rope-and-wool-tickets1205678740569?aff=oddtdtcreator
Handtool maintenance session Saturday 8th March for booking details. Check March Bridge Facebook and Nextdoor for booking details nearer the time.
Contact for queries dbrepaircafe@gmail.com
Applications open for Dùn Coillich Rural Skills Traineeships
Are you aged 16-25 and live in Highland Perthshire? Thinking about a land-based career but not sure where to start?
Why not have a look at the free Rural Skills Training Course offered by the Highland Perthshire
Communities Land Trust which is open for applications now? The next course starts in March 2025 and runs for 30 weeks every Wednesday and some Thursdays.
Based at Dùn Coillich Community Land outside Aberfeldy, the course offers trainees chance to get hands-on training and industry-recognised vocational qualifications, all tailored to opening up opportunities in land-based careers.
You’ll learn everything from all-terrain vehicle (ATV) driving to chainsaw handling, dry stone walling to ropes training – and a huge amount in between. And it’s all completely free!
Previous trainees have found work in sectors such as forestry and farming, gamekeeping and conservation – and they’ve had a lot of fun along the way!
“We aim to create a supportive, friendly environment where trainees are given chance to explore their individual strengths and interests,” said Heather Hamilton, Project Officer. “As well as the practical rural skills training we also offer oneto-one support to help them achieve their personal goals, as well as additional employability skills such as team work, leadership and time keeping. “We’ve seen so many trainees increase in confidence and life skills during their time with us, whatever their background - it’s really rewarding to see them go on to the next stage in their lives having gained so much in a short space of time!” Interested? Know someone who might be? Head to https://www. duncoillich.org/skills-training/ to fill in an application form, call Heather on 07849 268411 or drop her an email at projectofficer@hpclt.org.
Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust
Get busy for bumblebees!
Did you know that it’s the start of the bumblebee surveying season? And that you could get involved?
Why not come along to the next talk hosted by the Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust to find out more!
Annie Ives is Project Officer for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, working on a fascinating project called ‘Skills for Bees: Scotland’ – and she’ll be speaking at our next talk on February 17th in Pitlochry.
The aim of Skills for Bees is to improve long-term monitoring of bumblebees by empowering local people to identify and survey for bumblebees. Annie will give us some insights into the lives of these precious pollinators, explain why they are so important, and give practical tips to those who might be interested in supporting bumblebee surveys in our area.
Even if surveying isn’t for you, it’s chance to learn more about the 20 different species of bumblebee we have in Scotland – and familiarise yourself with the Foggie Bummer!
Date: Monday 17th February 2025
Time: 7.30pm - 8.30pm
Place: The Tryst, Church of Scotland, Church Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5EB.
Suggested donation: £3 for non-members, £2 for members (you can donate in person on the day).
Contact markandrosie@btinternet.com for more information. Sign up to hear about events and find out more about activities on the numerous reserves in our area and beyond. https:// scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/sign-up-to-ourmailing-list/.
Nature and Climate
Community Orchard Update
At this time of year our focus is on winter pruning the apple trees – at least on the days when it’s not so cold that our fingers stop working the secateurs! We inspect the trees and take out damaged, diseased and dead wood and also selectively remove branches to ensure the centres don’t get too congested nor the trees so big that we can’t reach the fruit! We will also be giving the soft fruit bushes some attention and keeping on top of the sycamores and ash that are prolific self-seeders – if they get too big they compete with the fruit trees and bushes.
We have (or will have had, depending on when you read this) our annual planning meeting/AGM/get-together in the Perth Arms on Wednesday 5 February at 7pm. It’s a good way to meet some of the orchard crew but if you don’t manage to come along please do get in touch and we can arrange to meet up at the orchard and show you around if you are interested in getting involved. The Orchard Group is open to everyone and
includes younger and older members of our community. We have a What’s App group which you can join as well as email list. We have some fixed “work” sessions but you can also go down on your own or link up with others in the group on an ad hoc basis to fit in with your work or weekly schedule. You don’t need to know about fruit trees/horticulture, there’s no need for regular commitment and we can help you to find a task that isn’t physically-demanding if you can only manage gentle exercise. It’s a great place to meet other members of our community and being amongst the trees is good for the soul. The trees have a structural beauty during winter when they are leaf-free – but we also look forward greatly to new growth and to the beauty of the blossom come spring.
Contact Katharine 01350 727048 or email dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com
Paths & Nature Action Group
An activity-based Christmas work party? Sounds like fun. Just move 10 tons of gravel by shovel and wheelbarrow and spread it along the Polney Loch-side path. The party, which went on over two days before Christmas, turned out to be a popular distraction for members of the Paths Group, ably
assisted by Dunkeld Runners and Mens Shed members. Together, 13 volunteers, with more barrows than the Bronze Age, shovelled, wheeled and spread the small mountain of gravel kindly provided by Atholl Estates.
The Polney Loch to Cally Car Park path – you may recall an earlier Paths Group note about re-opening a nearby blocked culvert to drain this path, is very popular with local and visiting walkers, runners and cyclists and takes you along the banks of the Loch to link with other paths.
Many thanks to all who answered the call to help shovel or who lent barrows – I hope your backs have recovered! And thanks to Julia and Hazel at Atholl Estates and especially to the energetic James Jarvis for making it all happen so quickly.
Community Noticeboard
Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition
Our AGM will take place in the Chanonry Cottage in Cathedral Street at 2.30pm on Tuesday 18th February.
We hope to have our 55th annual exhibition in the Duchess Anne in the summer. Dates will be discussed and we would welcome new helpers to come along to ensure the Exhibition keeps going. For further information please email DunkeldArt@aol.com or contact Margaret Scott on 07474183042.
The Meeting Place
The Duchess Anne is open every Friday morning for tea/coffee and delicious home baking along with the opportunity to join in and make new friends. All welcome.
3 Churches Charity Shop News
Christmas seems like a long time ago as we move into 2025. One memorable incident happened when I asked a little boy visiting the shop with his mother if he had written a letter to Santa. “NO” he said “ because I met the REAL Santa and I told him what I would like”. Such happy childhood times. New stock is on the shelves as people change their wardrobes after Christmas. Beware you do not accidentally leave anything behind when visiting us. A lady recently left an expensive walking stick behind and as it was thought to be a donation a £60 price tag was attached. The very next day the same lady returned looking for her misplaced stick! Luckily it had not been sold. Do come along and visit us for a browse or just a chat, you will find us very welcoming.
HEADing towards Everest
I would like to thank everyone who supported our fund raising to help us make our trek to Base Camp. 5 of us reached our goal after a 10 day trek. It was a very emotional journey and we were so pleased to have achieved something that others said we would never do. We commissioned a Nepalese film company to make a documentary about this trek which should be ready late March. We hope this will be shown at film festivals throughout Scotland and possibly further afield. This documentary will show people that life does not stop after a brain injury or in fact any serious injury. It will show the courage and determination these people with acquired brain injury (ABI) have which has helped them get to Base Camp Everest. They are all members of groups and branches of Headway throughout Scotland but they did this as individuals. This is something most of them never thought they would ever achieve.
We are did this in conjunction with The Little Sherpa Foundation. We are still fundraising for the documentary - gofundme page – gofundme/ littlesherpafoundation – HEADing towards Everest. Evelyn Menzies (Chairperson, Headway Perth & Kinross)
The United Lodge of Dunkeld No 14
Prostrate Disease
Presentation Awareness
An Open Public Meeting - DUNKELD MASONIC HALL, TAY TERRACE, DUNKELD, PH8 0AQ
Thursday, 27th February at 8.15pm
On behalf of prostate Scotland, Scottish Freemasonry are holding a series of talks to raise
The Paths & Nature Action Group is now turning its attention to other paths and resuming efforts to reduce the invasive nonnative snowberry shrubbery along the riverside near The Oak. We also plan to fit wire mesh guards to selected trees along the riverside to protect them from beaver gnawing. If you’d like to be involved, in whatever way suits you, please get in touch.
awareness prostate disease in men. To this end, and in keeping with our wishes to support our community, we, at the United Lodge of Dunkeld No 14 are hosting a talk presented by our Prostate Champion Martin Cockburn. It will take the form of a PowerPoint presentation prepared by Prostrate Scotland and is intended to inform men of the signs and symptoms of prostate disease and if they have any symptoms or concerns to contact their General Practitioner. It will be Followed by a question-and-answer session off which our champion has personal experience.
This meeting and others throughout Scotland are being hosted by Masonic Lodges for the public and is in partnership between Prostate Scotland and the Freemasons. All are welcome (it’s not just men) - although men only suffer from prostate disease, partners and families live with the consequences. Ian White, Secretary
Events Group AGM
The Dunkeld & Birnam Events Group AGM will be held on 13th February 2025 at 7pm in the British Legion, Dunkeld. Everyone is welcome to attend. Lachlan and I will be stepping down from the committee this year and we have had some people step forward. BUT it is important that members of the community come to the AGM to give their support to the new committee going forward.
D & B Men’s Shed
We are still actively pursuing premises but in the meanwhile continue to support community activities.
Members were involved in marshaling on Santa day and on 20th & 21st December, joined the Dunkeld & Birnam Paths and Nature Action Group to make repairs to the popular path at Polney Loch.
Community Noticeboard
Charity Law Seminar for Trustees
On Thursday, February 27th, Sarah Brown, Charity Law Specialist, will present a Trustee Training Seminar.
Topics covered include Taxes, Rates & Reliefs and other aspects of Trustee responsibilities for good stewardship of charities.
Open free to all interested parties. The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld, 7-9pm
Bushfires Threaten Dunkeld, Australia
Scottish residents of Dunkeld may not know that there is at least another town with the same name in Victoria Australia and 272 km from Melbourne. For the information of Dunkeld Scots on (Boxing Day 26 Dec 24) Victoria Australia Dunkeld residents, are under extreme fire danger warnings from bushfires, with residents and tourists trapped in the town. Though the temperature is predicted to drop it may not assist because of predicted strong winds. Scots settled in Dunkeld by taking up land in the late 1830s then settled by local Aborigines. The resultant town was given the name Dunkeld by the predominantly Scottish settlers in 1854. The area’s economy includes wool production and a significant tourist industry.
Malcolm McDonald 86 Parer St Burwood Vic Melbourne Australia PH O398081319
For Sale
Massage Table used once £80 (£190 new) COMBI-LITE 3 IN 1 – Multifunctional Navy (5cm Foam).
Contact: coworkingdunkeld@gmail.com. Sale due to it not being the specification required. All proceeds to community projects.
Be Kinder this Valentines Day
“Today you could be standing next to someone who is trying their best not to fall apart. So, whatever you do today, do it with kindness in your heart”.
February 14th is Valentines Day, a day traditionally associated with love, but this year I encourage you to view it as a day of kindness instead. Being kind is what makes us human, in fact the kindness gene (oxytocin) is one of the oldest in the human genome, and being kinder has many, scientifically proven, benefits: Kindness improves relationships. Kindness makes us happier. Kindness is good for our hearts Kindness slows ageing. Kindness boosts the immune system. Kindness helps relationships stand the test of time. If we ‘turn towards’ each other, rather than ‘turning away,’ a relationship is more likely to last. We get a natural high from being kinder, AKA ‘The Helper’s High’, and numerous studies have found the being kind makes us happier. Kindness is ‘cardioprotective’ which means it is good for our hearts. Being kind reduces
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/
blood pressure and helps to keep your heart healthier. Kindness is antioxidant, which means it fights oxidative stress, and this in turn slows the rate at which skin cells age. And so, kindness is a free form of Botox! The efficiency of our immune function is improved when we are kind. This is sometimes described as the ‘The Mother Teresa Effect’ after a study which proved the positive impact kindness has. And the very best thing about kindness is that it is contagious!
So, spread a little kindness this Valentine’s Day! Namaste, Beth.
Highland Perthshire PLUS is your local Charity (SC053712) that works to support people with additional support needs (ASN) and/or disabilities and their families to enable them to Play, Learn, Unite and Shine in Highland Perthshire.
The Community Telephone Box, Butterstone
The Community Telephone Box, Willowbank,Birnam
Amulree Village Hall
Caputh Village Hall
Dalguise Village Hall
BASC office Trochry
Auchnacloich Farm, Amulree
Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club Office Wall, Erigmore Holiday Park
Davidson’s Chemist Dunkeld Inver Caravan Park
Sports and Recreation Hub
All these defibrillators are located externally and give 24 access Contact shoetrees@btinternet.com
The charity does this by working to create housing, employment, training and volunteering opportunities as well as improving local access to social and sporting opportunities.
We define Highland Perthshire as the area outlined by the Perth & Kinross Council Highland Ward and additional areas surrounding the catchment for Breadalbane Academy, thus reaching as far as Dunkeld, Amulree and Strathbraan.
Highland Perthshire PLUS currently works in conjunction with Perth and Kinross Disability Sport to provide free sporting activities such as swimming, boccia, and football at Breadalbane Campus. Highland Perthshire PLUS also runs Supported Volunteering at Dalweem for working age adults with an additional support need or disability, working on gardening in the warmer months and cooking and crafts in the winter. Highland Perthshire PLUS is committed to understanding the needs of the people it serves. The organisation invites individuals to share their insights, helping us to shape services that truly reflect their priorities and aspirations.
We can only do this with your help, and it is our job to listen to your needs and respond to them. Please get in touch with the team with any queries or concerns and someone will be in touch with you to discuss. info@hpplus.net
We are currently recruiting a Project Coordinator to run and develop our ‘Star Project’, a supported volunteering project for working age adults with ASN/Disabilities as well as sessional workers to support this role. Please get in touch to find out more and to apply.
Notes from a Councillor
As we head into another Year and face the uncertainty of what lays ahead of us, let’s hope that it will be kinder to us than last year.
Without sounding like a broken record, the Council faces another challenging budget dilemma in the coming months. With increasing demands on our services and a shrinking pot of money to facilitate them, difficult decisions will no doubt have to be taken and services that people have expected from the Council in the past may no longer be possible. We have already seen the reduction in grounds maintenance and verge cutting and I fear that this may only be the tip of the iceberg. Whoever’s budget gets approved this year, I truly hope that the focus remains on providing the services that the people of Perth and Kinross expect from us and not the unachievable targets and unnecessary vote winners that are forced upon us from elsewhere.
Enforcement of the national ban on pavement parking began in Perth and Kinross at the beginning of the year. Enforcing the ban is part of an effort to improve the safety of pedestrians, particularly those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and parents or carers with pushchairs. Pavements are not designed to bear the weight of vehicles, and persistent parking can cause significant damage. Local authorities now have the power to enforce this law and issue fines through Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) of £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. However, we will be keeping the situation under constant review and if there are specific streets where enforcement brings no actual benefit to pedestrians then we may introduce some exemptions. After years of planning and waiting, work is due to start to widen the carriageway along the Stewart Tower road. A temporary traffic regulation order has been put in place for 7 weeks from 17th February, which will prohibit all vehicles from driving, parking and loading on the C408 Stewart Tower road from its junction with the A9(T) to its junction with private access to property known as Stewart Tower Farm Cottages. Access to Stewart Tower will still be available from the B9099 via Stanley or Murthly. Network Rail have begun with the main works to raise the level of the platforms at Dunkeld and Birnam station. The £3 million work will raise the height of both platforms to improve accessibility for all those using the station and especially passengers with reduced mobility, with luggage, or those travelling with children. I don’t host dedicated surgeries, I prefer to deal with issues directly on an adhoc basis. If you have any issues that you wish to discuss, please contact me via email: ijames@pkc.gov.uk or Tel: 07761988308
News from our Community Council
Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council
The next meeting of the Community Council will be on Monday 19th February at Royal British Legion 19:00 – 21:00
For updates on the Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council please see their facebook posts and Twitter posts on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DandBCC/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DandBCC #DandBCC E-mail the community council: dbcc.correspondence@gmail.com
JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE
Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm 12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN. www.historicdunkeld.org.uk archives@historicdunkeld.org.uk 01350 727786
Our Public Consultation launch for our redevelopment and new museum took place on Friday 17th January. As the deadline for this newsletter was prior to this meeting, we look forward to updating you in due course.
Your opinions matter greatly to us, so please pop into the Archive to share your thoughts at any time.
Talks
We are pleased to announce the following historical talks for 2024/25. Tickets (£5) are available via Eventbrite or from the Community Archive.
All talks will be held in the Duchess Anne Hall monthly on a Friday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Tea/coffee & biscuits will be served afterwards, giving people a chance to mingle and chat with the speaker.
14/02/25 – Dr Andrew Paterson: Christian Icons ~ Making & Meaning
14/03/25 – Paul MacLennan: Dundonnachie ~ The Man Behind the Bridge Toll Riots
11/04/25 – Lesley Wilson: Local Stories from Local People
EXHIBITION
Come in and see our new exhibition about Golf in Dunkeld and Birnam.
Also, another chance to see the amazing James MacIntosh display.
Mid-Week Memories Club
Our Mid-Week Memories club had a fabulous trip to Perth Museum just before Christmas. The club meets on a Wednesday from 10am to 12pm in the Archive.
A lovely group of folk, reminiscing over tea/ coffee & biscuits.
We do have a taxi funded, so if you need transport please get in touch.
Young Archaeologist Club (age 8 to 16)
We meet fortnightly on a Thursday during school term in the Community Archive at 4pm. The next meeting is Thursday 6th February. If you have an interest in history and archaeology, come along !
Newsletter
To keep up with all our news and what’s on in
Public Consultation for our redevelopment
Connect with Asheville
The 2024 AGM of the Dunkeld and Birnam Friends of Asheville NC took place at the CoWorking Space on 29th October. The minutes of the 2023 AGM were approved and Fiona Ritchie, Chair, gave a comprehensive overview of the last year’s activities, a full report of which will appear separately. The following were reelected as office bearers: Fiona Ritchie, Chair; Simon Yearsley, Vice Chair and Treasurer; Alasdair Wylie, Secretary. The next AGM will be on 23rd Sept 2025.
On Friday, 17th January, we held a public consultation to launch our new plans for the redevelopment of the Community Archive followed by Q&A. A few years ago, we began this redevelopment journey with the idea of extending our current building upwards, but due to the announcement of the future sale of the Duchess Anne building we decided to wait until we had time to investigate this amazing opportunity. We have since lodged an expression of interest with the Church of Scotland.
We were very pleased to welcome members of the community to our public consultation where we explained our new plans and demonstrated all the good work the Chapter House Museum Trust has achieved over the last 30 years. We also spoke about our wishes to work closely with them to create a new museum that benefits both the local community and visitors.
We would love to hear from you, the community, and your hopes and dreams for this new heritage centre in Dunkeld. Please pop into the archive, or email manager@historicdunkeld.org.uk
Linda Farquharson
Linocut Workshops
New Dates for 2025
Saturday 8 February
Sunday 9 February
Saturday 8 March
Saturday 15 March
Sunday 16 March
Fee £120 per day - Lunch and all materials supplied. Contact Linda or book online: www.linocut.co.uk
Email: linda@linocut.co.uk
Call 01350 723330 to arrange a date & time.
Borelick Farmhouse Studio 5 miles from Dunkeld on A822 (Crieff)
On 25th January Fiona Ritchie attended the annual Asheville Sister Cities Robert Burns Night Supper (full report to follow in March Bridge). For the first time, Nigel Large of Dunkeld’s Gael Spirits Company became an event sponsor. A special feature of this year’s event was the presentation of a certificate of thanks from our community and PKC to Cary Findlay who has served as Asheville Burns Suppers Event Director. Each year since 2020, these events have provided generous funding for a variety of community projects in Dunkeld and Birnam. This year, Dunkeld and Birnam wanted the funds raised to remain in Asheville for their hurricane and flooding disaster relief projects, and a variety of items were donated from our community to a charity auction. Special thanks for this go to Kettles of Dunkeld, the Dunkeld Community Archive, the Royal School of Dunkeld, The Gael Spirits Company, and Jane Saba (Chattan Tea Room).
If you would like some more information about the D&B Friends of Asheville NC and/or would like to get involved, please contact the Secretary on 07927 175121 or awylie2002@yahoo.co.uk.
Home Repairs and Improvements Carpentry : Plumbing : Tiling Glazing and Decorating SERVING PERTHSHIRE FOR 30 YEARS NO JOB TOO SMALL Chris Wylie 2 Millhole Road, Spittalfield, Perthshire. PH1 4JR Phone: 01738 710671 / 07925 844491
• The Birnam Arts Centre
• North Car Park Toilets Dunkeld
• Brodies Sawmill Inver
• The Community Telephone Box, Butterstone
• The Community Telephone Box, Willowbank, Birnam
• Amulree Village Hall
• Caputh Village Hall
• Dalguise Village Hall
• BASC office Trochry
• Auchnacloich Farm, Amulree
• Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club
• Office Wall, Erigmore Holiday Park
• Davidson’s Chemist Dunkeld
• Inver Caravan Park
• Sports and Recreation Hub
February ‘Stick on the Fridge’
Local Organisations - Contact Details
Listing for local voluntary organisations are free however The Bridge welcomes donations to cover the cost of these listings. Please send donations to the Advertising Manager, John. B. Gray at Highfield, Brae Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0BA. Many thanks. Please contact the editor with amendments/additions. Phone 01350+ Organsiations - General
3 Churches Charity Shop 07751 593421 Anne Graham
Alcoholics Anonymous (Helpline) 0800 917 7650
Chapter House Museum 727786 Ruth Brown (in Dunkeld Cathedral, open 7 days) archive@historicdunkeld.org.uk
D&B Paths and Nature Action Group stewartpritchard@aol.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Historical Society 07584 434253 Dave Roberts daveroberts132@btinternet.c.om
Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom 727288 Linda Speirs lindaladyhill@yahoo.co.uk
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 and District Strathspey & Reel Society 07740 664052 Theresa MacVarish Clark secretary@dunkeldstrathspeyandreel.org 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
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
BA = Birnam Arts Centre, DA = Duchess Anne Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld
February
Continues at Birnam Arts until 2nd March - Exhibition Aches & Pains Exhibition: Nicky May Bolland 10am – 4pm Daily: Gallery
1 Repair Café Workshop Workshop Mags Wallace making lovely things out of any spare wool and rope 10-12pm dbrepaircafe@gmail.com
2 Historical Society Talk Dr Andrew Paterson: Christian Icons ~ Making & Meaning Duchess Ann Hall 7:30 – 9:30pm £5
2 Prayers for Help and Healing, 7 – 7:45pm St Marys Church
5 Just Singin’ re-starts after festive break https.//www.justsingin.co.uk Emma Neck leading this terms 8 sessions
7 Artist Talk: Nicky May Bolland Part of Aches & Pains Exhibition 6pm – 7pm: Gallery £3
7 Well Woman Café 7pm - 9pm Breast Cancer Talk by Nicola Burke Pay what you can
8-9 NNAS Navigator Bronze Award - 2 days, £140 at Little Dunkeld Girl Guide Hallhttps://walks.dunkeld.info/Navigate-With-Confidence/ 07736 724113
11 Dalguise Meditation Group, Dalguise Village Hall from 10.30 to 12.30. In February these meetings will be on 11th and 25th faithanstey@gmail.com
12 Gardeners and Growers Meeting Alan Horgan, Soft Fruit Growing Birnam Arts
13 Repair Café Bin it? No Way!! Birnam Arts in the Arts Studio 3-6pm Free.
13 Feminist Embroidery Workshop Nicky May Bolland Part of Aches & Pains Exhibition 6pm –8pm: Studios £5 - £12*
13 Events Group AGM 7pm British Legion, Dunkeld.
14 Historical Talk Dr Andrew Paterson: Christian Icons Making & Meaning 7:30 – 9:30pm Duchess Anne Hall
15 Behold Ye Ramblers: Townsend Theatre Productions 7.30pm £14* Birnam Arts
17 Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire SWT branch Talk ‘Get busy for bumblebees!’ Annie Ives, Project Officer for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, 7.30 - 8.30pm, The Tryst, £3 for non-members, £2 for members markandrosie@btinternet.com
18 Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition AGM, Chanonry, Cathedral Street at 2.30pm DunkeldArt@aol.com 07474183042.
19 Warm Spaces: Free Wednesday Film: Grease: Olivia Newton John & John Travolta 2pm Complimentary Lunch (first 15) : 1pm Free Birnam Arts
22 Sgraffito Clay Carving Workshop: Nicky May Bolland Part of Aches & Pains Exhibition 2pm –4pm: Studios £45/£55*
22 Blue Giant Orkestar: Winter Warmer Dance Party! 8pm £16*
24 Dunkeld and Birnam Community Arboretum AGM, 2pm, Guide Hall, Birnam.
25 Art Club for Adults: Michael Fullerton 1.30pm-3.30pm: Studios £25* Birnam Arts
25 Dalguise Meditation Group, Dalguise Village Hall from 10.30 to 12.30. In February these meetings will be on 11th and 25th faithanstey@gmail.com
27 The United Lodge of Dunkeld Awareness raising talk on Prostrate Disease Dunkeld Masonic Hall, Tay Terrace, Dunkeld, PH8 0AQ 8.15pm
27 Charity Law Seminar for Trustees by Sarah Brown, Charity Law Specialist, will present a Trustee Training Seminar. Open and free to all interested parties. The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld, 7-9pm
March
2 Prayers for Help and Healing, 7 – 7:45pm Little Dunkeld Kirk
3 Historical Society Talk Paul MacLennan: Dundonnachie ~ The Man Behind the Bridge Toll Riots Duchess Ann Hall 7:30 – 9:30pm £5
12 Gardeners and Growers Meeting History of Dunkeld & Birnam Orchard and AGM Birnam Arts
14 Historical Talk Paul MacLennan: Dundonnachie ~ The Man Behind the Bridge Toll Riots 7:30 – 9:30pm Duchess Anne Hall
24 Art Club for Adults: Michael Fullerton 1.30pm-3.30pm: Studios £25* Birnam Arts
April
1 Minibus Outing for older community members to local place of interest 07729327729 or email dbdcdt@gmail.com
5 Historical Society Talk Lesley Wilson: Local Stories from Local People Duchess Ann Hall 7:30 – 9:30pm £5
9 Gardeners and Growers Meeting John Mattingley Demonstration on growing Himalayan plants from seed. 7pm Birnam Arts
Stay up to date with all the latest info on events and activities in Dunkeld and Birnam by checking our the Community Calendar on the homepage of www.dunkeldandbirnannews.co.uk
Coworking desk with use of sound proof pods for calls - £1.80 per hour - 24/7
