The popular Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition will be taking place in the Duchess Anne Hall between 4th August and 1st September Over one hundred artists are showing and selling their work in this four week long exhibition and sale Open every day from 10-4pm and 12-4 on Sundays, in the Lower Hall at the Duchess Anne in Dunkeld A percentage of all sales goes to church funds For more information see p4
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After two very difficult years it’s wonderful to see return of the annual Horticultural Show on 20th August and the Birnam Highland Games on the 27th of August I’m looking forward to them both and hope you are too
Firstly to the Horty Show Loyal readers of this column will have shared my joys and woes over the years in putting in competition entries to the Horty Show This event usually starts with Tiffy leaning over the garden wall the night before the show and asking, ‘Anything for the Horty, Sal?’ This finds me looking hopefully at fading borders, mildewed roses and slug eaten lettuces wondering what on earth I can enter Meanwhile up the track Colin will be putting the finishing touches to his perfectly grown vegetables fit for an RHS show However it's great fun to enter what you can. Have a look at the schedule on page 15 and as long as you’ve grown or made it you can enter it It might even spur you on to get that raspberry jam made that you’ve been promising yourself that you will get to soon From the boys making vegetable dinosaurs (about a million years ago now) to my triumph one year in the miniature flower arrangement in a shell resulting in a first class certificate you never know when lady luck might shine upon you Good luck!
On the other hand I will not be entering anything at the Highland Games I have no idea how men lift that caber, or race around the track so speedily; or how the girls leap around in the Highland dancing with such finesse I can only stand and admire –hopefully with a glass of wine in hand Of course
tradition has it that everyone under the age of 18 will be down at the showies the night before for the half price rides – all the fun of the fair
Looking ahead to the early autumn please make a note in your diary of the week of Dunkeld and Birnam Unplugged 26th September to 2nd September This provides the annual opportunity to focus on what we can do as a community to reduce our environmental impact and set new objectives for the year ahead On that note it’s great to see the new food share initiative gettingsee p20
However before all of that it’s time for the holidays and some time to relax in the sunshine and browse the pictures for sale at the Dunkeld Art Exhibition Then before you know it, the brambling season will be upon us, the September Bridge will be popping through your door and autumn will be here Enjoy!
Sally Robertson
Working constructively to get the best community outcomes from the A9 dualling proposals
The next A9 Community Group meeting will be on Thursday 25th August, 7 30pm at Birnam Arts/ Zoom unless otherwise notified All welcome!
The 2022 AGM was held on 26th May, with 8 attendees and 11 apologies
The Coordinator reviewed the main developments since the 2021 AGM all of which have been reported in our monthly piece in “Bridge” Little of substance has changed in a year, when we reported on two things of note : First, a statement from TS saying that design work was continuing and they expected to share a preferred route proposal later in 2021 That was actually the last substantive statement we’ve had from them And second, there was a new Transport Minister, Graeme Dey MSP We got him here for a briefing visit with John Swinney MSP, Jacobs and TS last July but heard nothing back from him before he stood down and was replaced by Jenny Gilruth,MSP early this year We hope she will join us for a briefing We met John Swinney this March to pursue this and the question of separating from the clearly delayed dualling project the priority issues of improvement actions at the junctions – recognising that some progress had been achieved by the Junctions Action Group (JAG) – and at the station
The Coordinator noted that strong feelings had emerged during the Community Action Planning process last year about need to finalise the dualling planning
He again thanked all who have attended the monthly Community Group meetings, and who have otherwise been in touch, and in particular the Core Group members for their involvement and support
The Treasurer ’s report showed an end year balance of £ 3366, the only spend being on the zoom account and room hire, This is all from the Council’s Community Investment Fund grant (from 2019), for community engagement, and it was agreed to make another microgrant application to DBCC to keep us going for basic costs
Norman Grieve took the chair and the following office bearers were re-elected: Coordinator – Alasdair Wylie, Deputy Coordinator – Mike Wolfe, Secretary – Sophie Cade and Treasurer – Garth Ponsonby He thanked everyone for looking after the Group over the last year Even though nothing really has happened on the dualling it’s important that the Group exists and is ready for when something does
Date of next AGM: 25th May 2023
As always you can contact us at email: dunkeldA9workinggroup@gmail com, and to have your details added (or removed from) our mailing list; Also at Facebook page: Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group Please Like and Share it Or just phone me!
Alasdair Wylie, Coordinator 01350 727361
Our page on "The Bridge" website, including key documents for download is: http://www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk/community-council/a9-dualling
The latest Information from Transport Scotland is at: https://www transport gov scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/a9-pass-of-birnam-to-taycrossing/ https://www transport gov scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/a9-tay-crossing-to-ballinluig/project-details/
Let Birnam Arts be a regular part of your Summer Holidays The Café is cooking, the coffee is fresh, and there’s a new exhibition for July and August We know there’ll be something to tempt you to visit or visit again!
FRI 15 JUL
Blue Rose Code
£18 + Booking Fee
Ross Wilson aka Blue Rose Code’s songs address universal themes of love, loss, travel, home and hard times in a deeply personal way Embracing folk, Americana, jazz and soul, his soulful eclecticism has rightly earned comparisons to John Martyn, Van Morrison, and Tom Waits
His fifth album, With Healings Of The Deepest Kind was released in 2020 to great acclaim Self-produced for the first time, and taking his emotional honesty to new levels, it’s the most fully realised rendition of his singular vision to date "One of the greatest live acts around right now so if you get a chance to see them in any of their many guises do yourself a favour and go " Americana UK
FRI 12 AUG | 8pm
Hannah Fisher, Sorren Maclean & Friends
£14 + Booking Fee
We are super excited to welcome our home-grown talent Hannah back to her roots in Dunkeld Now both living on Mull, Hannah and Sorren find musical inspiration in the landscape, seas and space of their tranquil home When not writing, recording and performing together, both are sought after session musicians and tour extensively with Idlewild, Mull Historical Society, King Creosote, and Roddy Woomble
This intimate performance with friends will include original and contemporary songs and tunes, blending rich vocal harmonies with bluegrass influenced fiddle and guitar tunes
THU 1 SEP | 7.30pm
Ventoux by 2Magpies Theatre
£14 + Booking Fee
Ventoux is the most fearsome mountain encountered on the Tour de France
It is also the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani – whose drug-fuelled race there in 2000 was the greatest cycling had ever seen Ventoux charts the parallel lives of these champions who overcame great adversity in tandem, and the mountain that cast them in opposing directions
Twenty years on, Ventoux restages the race using breath-taking video accompaniment and a pair of road bikes, asking the question – how far will we go to succeed?
1 JUL – 28 AUG | 10am – 4pm
nATURE with Katherine Fay Allan, Alicia Escott, Simone Kenyon, Heidi Quante and Christine Riley Ciara Gibson | Artist in Residence '22
‘nATURE’ is an exploration of the disembodied relationship and sense of separation we feel from the rest of nature Through this collective of sculptural installations, Artist Talk events and workshops, ‘nATURE’ seeks to remind us of our kinship with the more-than-human Each artist approaches the subject in a curious and insightful way, from creating new words encapsulating this experience, curating a reference library and reading space connecting people to land, sky and sea, a collaborative composition of insect and vocal recordings, to documentation of a place sensitive performance project in the Cairngorms, nATURE offers ways to reimagine our relationship with nature, not as a separate space but as parts of one ecosystem
Simone Kenyon (Into the Mountain), Alicia Escott and Heidi Quante (The Bureau of Linguistical Reality), Christina Riley (The Nature Library) and Katherine Fay Allan (Insect Mimicry: a call for interspecies empathy) image by Felicity Crawshaw
CREATIVE KIDS with Helen O'Brien will pause for the summer holidays To find out more or to sign up for the next block, contact Helen O’Brien via info@creativecatalystscotland co uk
Details of our Summer Arts for Kids sessions will be released via our Box Office, website, newsletter, and socials
TUE 23 AUG – 27 SEP | 9.30am – 12pm
CREATING EXPRESSIVE CERAMICS
CLASS with Anna Olson
Join ceramicist Anna Olson for a 6-week course exploring the potentials and nature of clay You'll learn core hand-building techniques including pinch, coil and slab building, as well as the Japanese technique of kurinuki
You will journey with the clay from wet to dry, learning to react and respond to its transformational qualities Throughout the course you’ll be supported to explore ways of conveying thought and expression through form and texture, and to consider aesthetics in relation to the Japanese ethos of wabi-sabi
Materials and tools will be provided: various clays and glazes will be available for use Tickets available through birnamarts com
EVERY TUESDAY | 10.30am – 12.30pm CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP
Limited Spaces | Free
Are you interested in writing Dunkeld & Birnam Stories?
As part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, Autumn Voices is inviting older people living locally to tell their stories about the area
The writing can be about legends such as the Birnam Oak or Shakespeare’s mobile wood, or historical figures like Beatrix Potter or Neil Gow Equally, you may have a personal story to tell about a local person you know or have known Stories can be about the changing landscape, wildlife, or the streets and shops that have changed over time No story is too great or too small
Autumn Voices will publish the stories and poems in a pamphlet and host a reading of them at Birnam Arts in the latter part of the year Come along and tell your story!
We are delighted with the response about guitar lessons, and the first group is currently underway There’ll be a break over the summer, with classes starting again in the autumn
For those who have already been in touch with Steph Hand to express an interest, we’ll be in touch with you in the coming weeks for you to confirm your interest
If you’d like to be added to a waiting list, Steph would be pleased to hear from you These small classes fill up fast, so if it is of interest, it is worth getting in touch
For summer schedules of our regular classes – ballet, tai chi, yoga, and Pilates –we invite you to speak with your instructors to see if they have anything organised Otherwise, check our regular newsletter for updates
Agathe’s Dance and French classes will start again in the Autumn Keep an eye on our newsletters and website for more information
Enter the world of Beatrix Potter through our Victorian school room, investigate the natural world, and explore ideas through drawing Look out for fun family activities throughout the Summer Holidays to ignite the imagination! We have a range of interactive games and colouring in for little ones You can choose the right option for you with our family day pass or tickets for small groups, and remember, kids under 3 go free! You can buy your tickets in the Gift Shop or online
In our Gift Shop you'll find a unique selection of gifts sourced locally and from throughout Scotland With a range of toys, accessories, stationery and nature items, there's a little something for everyone Keep an eye on socials for news of late-night shopping and new additions arriving in our Shop
With the busy season now upon us, we're looking for volunteers to help support the Gift Shop If you’d like to join our wonderful group of volunteers, please contact our Shop Manager, Rachael at rachael@birnamarts com
And finally, with summer here, the Café has delicious ice cream flavours to tempt you to linger a little longer at Birnam Arts There are still the tastebud-tempting baked treats and mouth-watering breakfast, brunch, and lunch items to entice you to enjoy time on our terrace or inside with our wonderful new café furniture We look forward to welcoming you back to Birnam Arts
Our summer hours – open daily from 10am to 4pm, with the Gift Shop and Beatrix Potter open 10:30am to 3:30pm – offer more opportunities to visit Birnam Arts again and again
For more information on any events and to buy tickets, you’ll find all you on our website – www birnamarts com The Box Office is open 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday
The Arts Society – a Society for everyone Possibly the best, the most enjoyable and varied arts lectures available, the wonderful Arts Society – theartssociety orga nationwide organisation, has been offering the highest quality talks for over 50 years It’s a friendly, sociable society At illustrated lectures you can hear experts, chosen for their knowledge, presentational skills and entertainment value, speak on a huge variety of topics: architecture, artists and designers, china, glass, painting, music, furniture, sculpture, jewellery and much more
The Tayside branch lectures are held in the well equipped Birnam Arts (Birnam and Dunkeld are just off the A9, 12 miles North of Perth), leaving time for lunch after attending the lecture in the morning, or tea following the afternoon one You can chose either time Talks this past year have ranged from music ‘Vivaldi in Venice’, who was revealed to have primarily written for choirs of orphaned girls; ‘The genius of Antonio Stradivari’, whose skills remain unsurpassed today; ‘Debo Mitford, the Duchess of Devonshire’ uncovering a life far from her insistence of being ‘just a housewife’, delivered by Simon Seligman who worked for her for 20 years and the inimitable and ever amusing Bertie Pearce who delved into the history of Punch and Judy, sparking laughter all round
The Arts Society believes whole heartedly that the arts have the potential to enrich peoples' lives and strives to be the most inclusive and influential arts society
Everyone is welcome to join the 300 members in Tayside, who meet monthly from September through to June, on the second Monday of the month, either in the morning (11am – 12 noon) or the afternoon (2pm - 3pm) The Arts Society Tayside (TAST) https://theartssocietytayside org uk is an affiliate society of The Arts Society (formerly NADFAS)
Do think of joining in time to start the new season 2022-23, beginning September 12th If you are interested, and would like to try a lecture before committing, you would be most welcome to email our Chairman Jane Gordon, tastchair@gmail com, who can arrange for you to sample one complimentary lecture, in September, to see whether this is for you Forthcoming lectures encompass ‘The two great Queens of Crime’ Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers, to ‘The Glasgow Girls’ a distinctive branch of the Art Nouveau movement, ‘Courts and Palaces of India’ and the ‘Roaring twenties’ - an amazing variety See more on theartssocietytayside org uk Please note that we do not normally offer our lectures individually but as part of a seasonal membership Application forms are available by contacting Jane Gordon, our Chairman and Membership Secretary at tastmembership@gmail com In addition to our Lectures There is more! The Arts Society Tayside also runs Visits and Special Interest days including a series of Winter Lectures and Summer Garden Visits
Birks Cinema – a year on
As community initiatives go, the resurrection of The Birks Cinema is an inspirational story Situated proudly on the corner of Aberfeldy’s main square, from the moment it opens its doors at 10am, this is a place where locals from throughout highland perthshire meet for coffee and conversation, enjoying breakfast or lunch, or joining in with one of the many cultural, recreational or musical activities that the venue hosts each week You can even see a film! A changing weekly programme includes independent releases, the latest blockbusters, live performances from New York, Covent Garden or the National Theatre and often something of special, local interest on natural history, landscapes or Scottish stories The Cinema also facilitates a Gaelic Café, with guest speakers and the chance to hear, try and listen to conversations in Gaelic It’s popular! And so is their keenly supported Climate Café, seated exercise classes, not to mention a Lego club, games nights and the muchloved Craic and Craft sessions plus on Thursday evenings, it becomes a hive of sound as local and not-so-local musicians play acoustic, celtic inspired sessions that are free to all! Oh, and a beer club the list is almost endless!
But The Birks hasn’t always been there Having opened in 1939 and enjoyed many decades as a source of entertainment for local people, in 1982 it had closed its doors as a cinema After a number years as an amusement arcade this iconic Art Deco building was finally put up for sale for redevelopment in 2005 This was a cue for a small group of Aberfeldy film-obsessed and cinema-deprived local residents –members of the Heartland Film Society – to set about acquiring the building and reviving it as a community-run social enterprise The dream came true and following an enormous fund-raising effort The Birks opened its doors as a cinema again in 2013 This community spirit lives on in the army of volunteers and trustees who give their time and expertise to support a professional team lead by Chief Executive Giles Conisbee Marking a year since reopening due to the pandemic, your local community Cinema has welcomed 20,000+ guests despite the continued impact of the covid-19 pandemic “The support of the local and wider communities has been absolutely amazing” said CEO Giles Conisbee, adding “People have been so positive and have voted with their feet, for which we are extremely grateful We recognise however that some of our regulars and local patrons may have lost the habit of going to the cinema and forgotten the unique enjoyment that a shared experience of watching a film in a cinema can bring People may also have concerns regarding COVID The Birks is fortunate as we have the benefit of a sophisticated, industry-leading ventilation system that is set to maximum! This results in refreshing the air in the auditorium every 8 minutes!” Giles adds: “And we still operate distanced seating arrangements That means there is automatically a seat placed between parties when you book We are listening to our patrons and visitors and we feel it’s imperative to ensure we do everything possible to provide a safe and comfortable experience for our cinema-goers
But what next for the Birks Cinema? Giles is enthusiastic “We will continue to provide a varied film programme We are in the process of launching a new series of intergenerational and intercultural films and events over the coming months This is alongside the return of a full programme of Royal Opera and Ballet, National Theatre and RSC performances, plus a special screening from Glyndebourne of La Boheme in September We also are pleased to be bringing back more film and book events from Edinburgh International Film and Book Festivals in August And into Autumn, we
are now in the advanced stages of some plans, which I will keep under wraps for the time being, that will power our ambition to extend beyond film and our physical walls
This is in response to what the communities we serve have told us they want, so lookout for theatre, literature, workshops and music events coming soon ”
“The Birks Cinema brings enormous benefits to our rural communities of Highland Perthshire, a truly inclusive environment of entertainment for all generations For me it’s a symbol of the pride we have in our community and what can be achieved when we all pull together”
Registration has now closed and with around 100 artists we are looking forward to our 4 week Exhibition from 4th August - 1st September
Once again we are fortunate to have support from a number of professional as well as keen amateur artists We have a number of new faces including 2 teenagers who picked up their paintbrushes during lockdown - along with woodturning, stained glass and greetings cards, we have a wide range of items and prices We will be open every day from 10-4pm and 12-4 on Sundays, in the Lower Hall at the Duchess Anne in Dunkeld
Our Preview will take place on Sunday 31st July from 12 - 5pm and if you are in the area, please call in and say hello
The artists' work can be seen on our website www dunkeldartexhibition com and news updates on facebook - Dunkeldcathedralartexhibition
Any queries please contact DunkeldArt@aol com
Blairgowrie and Rattray arts showcase celebrates Scotland’s Year of Stories Artists and creatives in Blairgowrie and Rattray will share local tales through music, art, photography, crafts and storytelling this summer as part of the celebrations for Scotland’s Year of Stories
The sessions, which will take place throughout August, are being held as part of the fifth annual It’s BRAW (Blairgowrie and Rattray Arts for Wellbeing) Festival and have been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund
It’s BRAW runs throughout the year and aims to highlight the wealth of creative talent in the area and support the wellbeing of people by providing opportunities to participate in arts, crafts, music and drama activities
Now in its fifth year, it will culminate in a packed month-long programme of activities, encouraging people to try out new skills and hobbies while at the same time giving professional artists the option to showcase their skills
Inspired by nature and the area’s rich cultural heritage, there will be music events telling the history of the famous Berryfields of Blair, an accessible walk along the River Ericht which flows through Blairgowrie and Rattray with wildlife and plantlife experts, storytelling workshops about the historic – and rumoured to be haunted –Newton Castle, nature videography and photography workshops and several creative skills sessions
A number of other events are also taking place in the town throughout the It’s BRAW showcase month
The Rattray Arts Festival, which this year will be held on Saturday, August 27th, and Sunday, August 28th, celebrates the talent and skills of artists with an annual exhibition of work and will feature hundreds of original paintings and selected designs by sculptors, jewellers, silversmiths, stained glass artists, potters and a weaver
As well as the exhibition, there will be workshops over the weekend run by artists and a competition with a £100 voucher for artists’ materials up for grabs
There will also be a chance to enjoy several performances by award-winning local amateur dramatic group, the Blairgowrie Players On Sunday, August 14th, there will be an opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea while solving a murder mystery, and then on Saturday, August 27th, and Sunday, August 28th the youth section of the group will be performing Dracula: The Final Countdown? in Blairgowrie Town Hall
The team behind the month-long celebration of arts, crafts, drama and music is looking forward to what they say is going to be “a braw month filled with workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations, live music, theatre and more”
The celebration of the area’s cultural heritage and biodiversity through the arts is open to everyone and aims to encourage people to get involved and maybe try something new
This event has been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund
This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players
For further details and to book a place at any of the events, please visit the website at www itsbraw scot (see our advert on p16)
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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The Tennis Club is very grateful to have received a Griffin and Calliachar Micro Grant towards our children’s and junior coaching sections We would like to thank Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council and SSE Renewables for supporting our application
The award has allowed us to enhance the equipment for the coaching and we have purchased various items- mini tennis stand/net set with double wheel-away storage holdall, a selection of appropriately sized rackets and equipment holdall and also tubs of balls The new equipment is already being used at the coaching sessions The coaching has become well established at the club over the years and it has been encouraging to see so many local youngsters coming along and taking part
The budget for the MUGA is secure and our planning and preparations are well underway We are hopeful that by time that we are writing the update for the September edition of The Bridge we will be seeing our plans starting to become a reality For more information on the plans see: https://clubspark lta org uk/DunkeldandBirnamTennisClub/news
We are currently consulting with a wide range of potential user groups about what would help them get the most from the new MUGA This includes conversations with the school; netball; football; exercise classes leaders etc With luck and a fair wind we may have a very exciting Christmas present for the whole community to share and enjoy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Why not come to a meeting this month and find out what we do? Meetings take place once a fortnight on Tuesday mornings e g 5 & 19 July, from 10 30 to 12 30 in Dalguise Village Hall, and continue throughout the year We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions, and socialising over refreshments There is no charge, and we have no religious affiliation
Meditation is a way of getting in touch with ourselves It involves training the mind, through regular practice, to become aware and awake in the present moment As a result, we become more focussed, calm and compassionate Anyone can do it –it's just practice
If you would like to know more, contact faithanstey@gmail com
Following on from our research in 2020 and talking with older people, Gien a Haund has been working with Perth and Kinross Council’s Community Greenspaces team to identify possible sites for more benches around the village
We hope that conveniently located resting places along the main routes will give folk the confidence to keep active, enjoy being out of doors and maybe a chat with friends or passers-by We are pleased that we now have funds for the first two benches, to go beside the new information board at the Orchard and behind the bus stop near the shop in Birnam We will be seeking further funding toward the list of benches below
This list of possible locations focuses on the main routes to access village amenities Other sites such as along the river path, could be considered in future but would have to be in conjunction with the individual landowners If you would like to contact us about this initiative, email rosyawright@gmail com or phone 727711
Birnam Behind the bus stop in front of the Birnam Inn pub garden
Birnam On the stretch of grass between Torwood Place and Inchewan
Birnam Along St Mary's church wall where the pavement is wide
Birnam In the Jubilee park - on bend of the path before the lower exit to the river path, where it is sunny
Little Dunkeld On the grass at the Orchard beside the information board
Little Dunkeld Willowbank – on the grass outside the cemetery, opposite Servite
More sites along the grass above the river could be considered at a later date
Little Dunkeld A second bench in the school park east of existing bench by the central path (the current one is often busy)
Possible site beside the hedge not feasible due to a drain
Little Dunkeld On the walking path to Stell Park above Perth Road - about 10 metres before the uphill path when walking towards Birnam This position has a reasonable outlook, could be used to rest before going up the hill and avoids any sledging route
Little Dunkeld In the school park behind the hedge opposite the bus stop Suggested by residents of Servite
Pleasant spot to sit but could also be a resting place on the way to and from the shops etc
Little Dunkeld Stell Park road – on the grass beside the parking area, on the left when going up the road
Dunkeld On the west side of the bridge by the commemorative plaque for the bridge Subject to agreement from PKC roads department
Dunkeld A second bench on the east side of the Bridge across from The Atholl Arms, by the bike rack
Dunkeld Outside the Archive by the Duchess Anne wall
Dunkeld By the bus stop on Dunkeld high street This is still being considered by the Council as it might not be feasible due to the width of the pavement
Dunkeld On the gravel just before the entrance to the north car park
Much enjoyment was had at jubilee parties including this one in Trochry
Photos by Adrian
Blundell
A festival taking place 17th – 19th June has been held to celebrate the reopening of Caputh Village Hall
Molly Arbuthnott, Secretary of the Caputh Hall Committee says, ‘When we started this project in 2016 the hall was deemed derelict and several people said it was a lost cause What we are seeing now is a renewed appreciation of our community and people donating their time and effort to save our hall ’
The Caputh Hall Committee has raised over £120,000 from a mixture of trusts and foundations and a successful crowdfunding campaign run in 2021
All of the internal restructuring and decorating of the hall is complete with the hall curtains, including side curtains and a back curtain for dramatic effect
Caputh Hall was built in 1909 and is a listed arts and crafts building In recent years the building has been heated by a electric heaters with the Rural huddling around a gas fire in the winter
One funder was the Climate Challenge Fund which enabled the committee to secondary glaze and insulate the hall in a bid to increase energy efficiency
Our community Trishaw - “The Duchess” was officially launched on Friday 13th May The ribbon was cut by Dorothy Reader who took the “maiden voyage” The idea of having our very own community trishaw was the idea of Ken McLean and without his vision and enthusiasm we would not have “The Duchess” here in Dunkeld and Birnam He also has been busy training our “pilots”, and finding suitable routes for our passengers to enjoy
Ken, along with Graham Rees sought funding for this project and were lucky enough to receive some donations from local residents along with generous grants from The Gannochy Trust and SSE Griffin Calliachar Community Fund, and representatives of both these bodies came along to watch the launch Our grateful thanks must go to them and to Jennifer Thompson, Fundraising Co-ordinator from Cycling Without Age Scotland, for all the hard work she did in getting our funding packages together
Cycling Without Age Scotland is a movement that started in Denmark in 2012 It is a way of helping the elderly and less mobile enjoy the pleasures of cycling with the help of a trishaw and its “pilot” Cycling Without Age Scotland now generates “miles of smiles” in every part of Scotland and its reach and impact is growing every day, enriching and enhancing lives, unlocking doors, enabling people to once again be an active part of their community We are now lucky enough to have “The Duchess” here in Dunkeld and Birnam, so watch out for the trike and its passengers cycling around locally! If you would like to join us and become a “pilot”, or get involved in any other way, then please get in touch with us
We are now taking bookings for free rides on “The Duchess” so please get in touch with us on 07821 102681 if you would like to enjoy a trip!
yourself and your business this summer
Summer is a busy time for rural businesses, with increased footfall, markets and events, school holidays and more Many are also feeling anxiety over increasing costs, staffing issues and other challenges Here’s a few ways GrowBiz can help you look after yourself and your business this summer:
Support and advice: You don’t have to go it alone! Whether you’re looking for someone to help with financial questions, business strategy, marketing or digital skills, we have a team member who can help Book a Thursday afternoon drop in session or email connect@growbiz co uk
Mentoring: If you would like a trained mentor to be a sounding board for you, help boost your confidence or just be there when you need them, enroll in our awardwinning mentoring programme
SEED: If you’re a young person aged between 18-25 in Perth and Kinross then you’re eligible for SEED This tailored programme can help you explore selfemployment options and develop a business
Events: GrowBiz’s online learning sessions and networking events are a confidential space to share challenges and experiences with other business owners, be motivated by inspirational speakers and develop your skills
REDS is an online directory and interactive map for small businesses and the self-employed in rural Scotland It’s free to be listed and you can also sign up to accept the REDS Gift Card Find out more at www reds scot Find out about all of GrowBiz’s free support services at www growbiz co uk
There is an old Jewish proverb with a few variants, that goes something like this – ‘if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans ’
Totally ignoring what age-old wisdom may be in that, we in Dunkeld Parish Church have just published a ‘Future Plan’ document for our congregation (If you would like to see a copy drop me an email at RPenny@churchofscotland org uk)
There was a growing feeling with some of us that had to take a closer look at all we do and what we would like to do over the next few years The idea began before the pandemic, but Covid certainly focused the mind a bit on how we resource and sustain all we do The planning process has taken the best part of 18 months and has been quite a task for those driving it forward It has been an exciting process too in that 149 ideas were put forward by the congregation and the Kirk Session for consideration Those were narrowed down to about 90 which were then prioritised through a questionnaire The result is an impressive plan ranging from ‘easy wins’ to things which require more planning
What it is not, is a detailed blueprint of our plans because such a thing would be torn up within weeks Rather, it is about the general direction of travel we need to take in different areas of church life, based on faith, Scripture and prayer
As the proverb implies, our plans are not always God’s plans and there are many times we have to alter course Robert Burns said something similar – ‘the best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley ’ We can never guarantee to achieve the plans we set out for ourselves That is true in church life as it most certainly is in our personal lives We might have a plan of where we want to be in one year, five years, in old age etc but those plans might all have to change
The more important thing is to know our direction of travel and to know our ultimate destination in the Kingdom of God To seek to follow the way of Christ and be prepared for the Holy Spirit to lead us in ways we haven’t yet imagined!
Fraser Penny
June 26th 11 00am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
July 3rd 11 00am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
July 10th 11 00am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
July 17th 11 00am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
July 24th 11 00am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
6 30pm – Songs & Silence in the Cathedral
July 31st 11 00am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
August 7th 11 00am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
6 30pm – Songs & Silence in the Cathedral
August 14th 11 00am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
August 21st 11 00am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
2 15pm – Service at Amulree
August 28th 11 00am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
6 30pm – Songs & Silence in the Cathedral
Tea and coffee are served each week after the morning service in the Chanonry Although it is a small space, the front and back doors can be kept open and folk can go out onto the street or into the area at the back of the Chanonry
As everyone will be aware, masks are no longer a legal requirement in public places such as churches but obviously, it is up to everyone to make their own decision and quite a number of people feel more comfortable wearing one
After an enforced gap (because of Covid) we are once again running a summer series of services called ‘Songs & Silence’ - evening services of prayer and meditation
Using music in the Taize style (quiet and meditative), words and silence these services give an opportunity to enjoy a different type of worship in the peace of the Cathedral
They all start at 6 30pm and last about 45 minutes Come and enjoy the peace and quiet of prayer and reflection in the lovely setting of the Cathedral
The dates for this summer are:
July 24th
August 7th
August 28th
September 11th
September 25th
There have been some extra meetings of the Kirk Session recently to discuss our own ‘Future Plan’ and also to meet with representatives of the Presbytery to discuss plans for readjustment in the whole Presbytery area
The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session is on August 9th at 7 30pm
Keith Redwood from Blairgowrie was with us for six months last year as he considered a calling to serve the church as a Reader He has been accepted for training and is now in the middle of his first placement He started that in Pitlochry but with the retirement of the Rev Mary Haddow he is to complete it here Keith will be with us in Dunkeld for three months from June 5th onwards
Online worship continues and can be accessed on our YouTube channel ‘Dunkeld Cathedral online ’
A huge thank you is due to a fantastic team of people who put in a lot of work to produce the end results
To take this ministry forward, the Kirk Session recently employed Karen Kelman, initially until the end of this year, to be our online producer/coordinator Alongside that, a small group of elders has been appointed to find ways we can take this forward
Regular meetings have stopped for the summer but there will be a meeting on Tuesday July 26th at 7pm in the Chanonry to plan the next session – setting dates and deciding themes for the next few months
The Men’s Breakfast is also on a summer break and start back again on August 31st
If you would like more details please contact Peter Mackie at Petermackie46@gmail com
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
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
Church of Scotland, Amulree
Third Sunday of the Month 2 15pm Servite
There is a Communion Service in the lounge at Servite at 3pm on the first Sundays of March, June, September and December
Said Eucharist (communion) every Sunday Beautiful organ music instead of hymns for the duration of the virus
Brilliant sermons too!
All are welcome in this space https://www stmarysbirnam org uk/
Church of Scotland:
Congregational Office Bearers:
Minister: Rev. R.Fraser Penny,B.A. B.D., Cathedral Manse, Dunkeld, PH8 0AW Tel: 01350 727249
e-mail: r fraserpenny@gmail com
Session Clerk: Mrs C McNicoll Tel: 01350 727500
e-mail: mcnicoll431@btinternet com
Treasurer: Mr. John Gray
Highfield, Brae Stret, Dunkeld, PH8 0BA
Tel: 01350 728697
e-mail: gray john17@sky com
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 Church, Birnam
The Rector:
Reverend Lesley-Ann Craddock
Priest in Charge of St Mary’s Birnam and Dunkeld St Mary’s rectory, St Mary’s Rd, Birnam, PH8 0BJ
Tel: 07903 020509
email: lesley craddock@btinternet com
Part time = Friday, Saturday & Sunday
I can also be found dwelling nr LochNess 01456486663
Treasurer:
Penny MacGregor and Charles Cox
Vestry Secretary:
Adrian Freer
Tel: 01821 650536
email: adrianfreer@btinternet com
Organist :
John Walker B Mus, FRCO, LRAM, ARCM
Tel: 01350 727755
(www stmarysbirnam org uk)
St Columba’s
Roman Catholic Church
Catholic Church Priest:
Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP
Tel: 01796 472174
e-mail: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese org uk
Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AL
Our Lady of Mercy’s, Home Street, Aberfeldy, PH15 2AL
We celebrate the presence of the Risen Lord amongst us during these Masses:
St Columba’s Birnam, Saturday Vigil Mass at 6 00 pm
Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy, Sunday at 9 30
St Bride’s, Pitlochry at 11 30 pm
Holy Days of Obligation: Mass Times
St Columba’s Birnam, at 9 30 am
Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy at 12 30 pm
St Bride’s, Pitlochry at 6 00 pm
Weekday Masses:
Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy, Tuesdays at 9 30 pm
St Bride’s, Pitlochry, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 9 30 am
Lent and Easter
During Lent Stations of the Cross will be observed as follows:
Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy, after the Tuesday Mass
St Bride’s, Pitlochry after the Friday Mass
St Columba’s Birnam, before the 6 00 Saturday Vigil Mass
School holidays come around a lot quicker when you aren’t the one in school Every time you blink, there seems to be another break, bank holiday or inset day
No one notices the school holidays more than those with children and parental responsibilities Amidst the rising cost of living affecting us all, everything gets
more expensive when you have children to entertain for six weeks But there are things we can do to get around that
Free days out
Out in the country, time flies when you’re on some of the scenic walks or playing games with the kids Just try to keep up with their energy! And in the city, where everything gets more expensive, there are usually some free museums and exhibitions on offer No young mind is too old for the wonders all over the UK You can find what’s on offer on your local council’s website Wherever you’re based, there’s history and activity waiting
Clear out
With the kids at home during the day, you might find the space seems tighter than normal Having a clear out is a great way to teach children valuable lessons of charity and recycling, while making more room You might even find your next family project when you go to the charity shop to donate
Get the kids involved
After your clear out, when dropping off your donations at the charity shop, you might find some affordable furniture for sale that you’ve needed – just begging for a makeover Upcycling is a great project to occupy the kids and make the hours fly And by the end of the holidays, you could have a brand new chest of drawers Just don’t let them pick the colour!
Learn After weeks of cramming for exams, children of all ages will need a break Some down-time is the perfect opportunity for them to learn something they actually want to! That could be a new game, activity or skill Who knows – maybe someone you know has an old instrument for you kids to borrow? Then, check out some free online tutorials and watch them become a pro!
Play!
Kids don’t need a screen to have fun – particularly younger children These days, spending money on the latest tech isn’t an option for many families Play doesn’t have to be expensive Your child’s boredom might go just as quickly with a fun game and a little imagination, whether that’s a board game you haven’t played for a while or a game of hide and seek The sky’s the limit!
Connect with family and friends
The people we have around us are a blessing It’s easy to take them for granted – or just forget they’re there Whether it’s calling on them for inexpensive child care or just having a catch-up, school holidays are a great time to connect with those you haven’t seen for a while Give yourself an hour to meet another parent in the park while the kids run around Finding things difficult?
At Christians Against Poverty (CAP), we see the balance that people have to strike between providing for their families and keeping sustainable finances This is getting increasingly difficult, as prices rise from the tills to the pumps With CAP’s latest client report showing over 1 in 3 new CAP clients have parental responsibilities, it’s clear that managing money is getting harder for families across the UK
If you or someone you know is struggling with finances, please know you’re not alone CAP is only a phone call or click away Our services are open and free to everyone If you’re ready to take the first step, you can reach us on 0800 328 0006 or find us online at capuk org/i-want-help/our-services/cap-debt-help
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 groups and more Visit capuk org to find out more
As we start to move on from covid and our thoughts turn to a more normal summer, the committee have started to plan the return of the highland games. All the signs are that it will be as good as ever, keeping up with the times and maintaining the tradition of the games
Looking at the various highland games across Scotland who, like us are starting up again after this two-year hiatus, it is obvious that some have not fared as well, who are struggling financially and have had to cut back on what they offer The Birnam Highland Games are very fortunate and grateful that we have patrons and sponsors who help us to put on this major event in the village We could not do it without you
If any individuals, families, or businesses are interested in learning more about our patrons or sponsorship packages please get in touch with Bob Lindsay atblindsaydunkeld@btinternet.com and he will be happy to supply you with details
Like a lot of highland games, the Birnam Highland Games is run by a committee of volunteers with helpers on the day, unfortunately, we are not getting any younger, so we are always on the lookout for people who would be happy to join the committee and help with the planning/organisation and build-up of the games or even just help on the day, you would be very welcome and appreciated If you are interested, please get in touch with Bob Lindsay (email above) or Ewan Alcorn at the Perthshire Arms.
The last time the Birnam Highland Games were held we were beginning to see a large increase in athletes and dancers across all ages and were trying to encourage more junior pipers all this through the auspices of Jean Swanston, Don Campbell and Martin Bristow Although, at time of writing it is early in the season the signs so far are that this increase in interest has been maintained
For many the highlight of the day may be the athletics, for others the dancing or perhaps the piping If you can tear yourself away, we invite you to visit the various stalls around the grounds, which have a variety of crafts and treats for sale We will also again be hosting Hiscoe’s FunFair to keep the children and grown-ups entertained. Billy, Bennet and their families have been coming to Birnam Highland Games since their parents started the funfair and we are proud that we are one of the first dates that they put in their calendar each year.
The World Haggis Eating Competition will once again be held at the games, this event draws interest and competitors from around the world and is always a crowd pleaser We are also pleased to confirm that the
Last Saturday of August: 27th August 2022
commentator for the day will be our old friend, Craig Dunbar, and we will have the Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Pipe Band to lead the parade from Dunkeld to the Games Field where they will play during the day So finally, on behalf of our Chieftain Thomas Steuart Fotheringham and Chairman Duncan Sim we invite you to join us this year and enjoy a family day out at the Birnam Highland Games.
We would like to thank everyone who was involved in entertaining or attending our Jubilee Event on the 4th and 5th June It was a beautiful day and hugely successful
Our next events for 2022 –Saturday 27th August 2022
BIRNAM HIGHLAND GAMES – Come along to our stand and see old photographs, posters and memorabilia from ‘Games of the past’ Have a go at our ‘Guess the Year of the Photo’ competition and ‘Raffle’
GUIDED WALKING TOURS – Keep an eye out for our Guided Walking Tours throughout the summer Book at Dunkeld Community Archive Our next one will be ; THE HERMITAGE on Friday 1st July – TICKETS: ADULT £10, CHILDREN £5 - AVAILABLE FROM DUNKELD COMMUNITY ARCHIVE, 12 THE CROSS, DUNKELD, PH8 0AN
The Hermitage at Dunkeld, centred on the Black Linn Falls on the River Braan, has been a magnet for tourists for more than two hundred and fifty years, having become an iconic site in the 18th century for anyone in search of picturesque and sublime scenery With the help of contemporary images and descriptions this guided walk, led by local historian Christopher Dingwall, will trace the path trodden by innumerable visitors over the last two and a half centuries – telling the story of the building and its landscape, starting with its creation by the Atholl family in the 1750s , through its conversion to Ossian’s Hall in the 1780s, the arrival of the Highland Railway in 1860, its destruction by gunpowder in 1869, right up to its most recent restoration by the National Trust for Scotland
The path to be followed is mostly level, but a little rough in places, so please come with strong footwear and waterproofs if rain is threatening
Participants are asked to gather in the lower Hermitage car park beside the railway viaduct, from where the walk will begin
Meet at the Lower Hermitage Car Park
The walk will last from 1½ to 2 hours
VOLUNTEERS - We are always happy to welcome new volunteers to the Archive There are a huge range of projects to get involved in, or just chat to visitors, it’s up to you Any age or background
Local Request
We are looking for photographs and memorabilia from Birnam Highland Games of the past to display at our exhibition at this years games
Please get in touch as we would love to see what you have 01350 727786 archives@historicdunkeld org uk
After our long COVID gap, we are hoping to restart the Horti with our Annual Show – see page 15 for details
We would welcome lots of exhibitors and new members as we have a wonderful collection of trophies, donated over many years, to be won by our enthusiastic local vegetable and flower growers There is also a domestic section We hope to have a small section for children’s vegetables You don’t need to be a member to enter the show
Please come along to Birnam Arts on the 20th August and see what our community is producing!
We will have a meeting in September for members to discuss how the Horti should function in future
If you’d like to help, contact Jan at: j silburn@btinternet com
This space could be selling for you!
Contact the Advertising Manager adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk 07967 117149
Our Doctors Surgery will be open as normal with telephone consultations with the GP in the first instance
To help keep our phone lines available for the GPs use, please consider using our online prescription service via our website rather than phoning in your requests
Please consult our website for updates on our COVID vaccine clinics
See page 7 for all the latest Doctors Surgery News
The National Lottery Community Fund is hosting two “Meet the Funder” events in August.
The first will be at the Birnam Arts Centre on August 20th from 11am to 4pm and the second will be at The Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy on August 31st from 11am to 4pm.
This is an opportunity for community groups and third sector organisations to book in a 20-minute slot to speak with one of our advisors about their groups and any project ideas they may have.
If you are interested in attending, please email: rachelle.cloutier@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk to book a slot.
Everyone is welcome who would like to learn to meditate, to consolidate a meditation practice they already have, or simply to join our friendly group for a period of quiet contemplation and thoughtful discussion We are non-religious, and non-commercial (i e there is no charge –plus free tea, coffee and biscuits too!) for further information contact: faithanstey@gmail com
Opening hours: Thursday: 5pm – 7pm Friday: 12pm – 5pm Saturday: 9 30am – 12pm Birnam Library is situated in the Birnam Arts Centre, Station Road, Birnam, PH8 0DS Tel : 01738 459709
Birnam Library is run by Culture Perth and Kinrossa charitable trust bringing art, culture, books, learning, creative communities and local history and heritage to people across the whole of Perth and Kinross https://www culturepk org uk/
RBS mobile bank visits Dunkeld and Birnam. Thursdays: Dunkeld, The Cross 14.50 pm to 15.20 pm and Birnam, Post Office 15.25 pm to 15.45 pm
Sponsored by David Lindsay Self Storage
to be held at The Birnam Institute on Saturday 20th August 2022
Doors open for viewing at 2.00pm. Award Ceremony and Raffle 3.00pm. Exhibits: 50p per entry / Admission: by donation –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
SECTION 1 – CUT FLOWERS
a) Vase of Herbaceous (Not an arrangement)
b) Vase of Annual flowers (Not an arrangement)
c) Dahlias (3 blooms same variety)
d) Sweet Peas (12 spikes)
e) Floribunda Roses (1 spray)
f) Single HT Rose (in vase)
g) Lily (1 stem)
h) Pansies (6 blooms) on board provided
i) Dianthus (5 blooms)
Except for item 1-h) all entries in Section 1 are to be displayed in the green containers and vases provided
SECTION 2 – VEGETABLES & FRUIT
a) 5 Potatoes (white)
b) 5 Potatoes (coloured)
c) 4 Onions (each less than 8 oz)
d) 3 Onions (each 8oz or more)
e) Peas (9 pods)
f) 3 Carrots
g) 3 Globe beetroot
h) 4 Standard Tomatoes
i) 4 Cherry Tomatoes
j) 1 Cucumber
k) 6 French beans
l) 6 Runner beans
m) 1 Plate of soft fruit (any single kind)
n) Box of 4 kinds of vegetables
Except for item 2n all entries in Section 2 are to be displayed on the white plates provided Ideally the vegetables in each class should be the same variety and be a consistent shape and size
SECTION 3 – POT PLANTS
a) Fuchsia
b) Pelargonium (Regal, Angel etc )
c) Geranium (double or single)
d) Begonia
e) Foliage Plant
f) Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
g) Streptocarpus
h) Cactus
i) Any other flowering pot plant
SECTION 4 – FLORAL ART
Open Theme (Name your own exhibit)
a) Any type of floral art (maximum 60cm
wide x 60cm deep x any height)
b) Any type of miniature floral art not exceeding 12cm x 12cm x 15cm high
SECTION 5 – INDUSTRIAL
a) Jar of Raspberry Jan
b) Jar of Rhubarb and Ginger Jam
c) Jar of Lemon Curd
d Jar of Chutney (any kind)
e) 3 Cheese Scones
f) 1lb size Fruit Loaf
Items 5e and 5f are to be displayed on the white plates provided
SECTION 6 – CHILDREN’S
a) Largest Vegetable
b) Funniest Looking Vegetable
IMPORTANT – Exhibitors are not allowed more than one entry for any single category All entries for Sections 1 and 2 must be grown in the exhibitor’s own garden All entries for Section 3 Pot Plants must be in the exhibitor’s possession for not less than 12 weeks Where numbers or sizes are specified in the above schedule, any entries that do not conform to the specified numbers or sizes will be disqualified
To register for the Show bring your exhibits together with your completed Entry Form and total entry fee to the Birnam Institute between 9.30am and 11.30am on Saturday 20th August 2022 After registration exhibitors may not move or interfere in any way with the displayed entries except with the Show Secretary’s permission All entries are to be removed by exhibitors not later than 4.30pm on Saturday 20th August 2022.
NAME:
ADDRESS:
NUMBER IN SCHEDULE
Circle each entry
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In collaboration with the local Coop shop and other local food retailers, Climate Cafe are going to set up a Food Share project locally
The aim is to avoid food waste by making the “best before” food available free to the community for collection
We think we’ll start small by having a stall outside the Duchess Anne on a Friday morning, with the kind cooperation of the Church We also hope eventually to have donations from local gardeners who have a glut of fruit or Vegetables which they could share After the Art Exhibition we hope to have a freezer in the Duchess Anne where we can store the “use by” food and share it on certain days which will be advertised on Facebook and in the Bridge Food waste is the third biggest source of pollution so we will be making a contribution to preserving the planet for our grandchildren, as well as saving money
If anyone would like to help, by collecting the food from the Coop and shops or by helping with the Friday stall please contact Jan Silburn 07881 813835 or email j silburn@btinternet com
This year Loch of the Lowes’ pair of ospreys LM12 (male) and NC0 (female) have 3 chicks! These boisterous youngsters usually fledge (take their first flight from the nest) in early to mid July The views from our lochsde hides allow fabulous opportunities to see these majestic birds practicing take offs and landings, swooping down into the water and bravely lifting off again They are still being provided with fish by their Dad, LM12 The juveniles will stay in and around the nest between flights, making July and the first few weeks of August a prime time to enjoy their antics before they leave on migration
Wildlife is now displaying its summer glory! The warmer air is filled with scents, bees, butterflies and birds, with the added grace and voices of our summer visitors: swallows, swifts, martins and warblers, to name but a few Flowering plants and foliage show off full-blown blooms, trees rustle with shade giving leaves; ferns, bracken and dozens of different grasses wave glossy seed heads in the breeze We are fortunate to have many types of grasses in Scotland and while out walking it’s fun to spot the different ones, from smooth, silky purple plumes to delicate fronds of silvery gold
On hot sunny days the thought of swimming in a deliciously cool loch or river is very tempting but please beware Tragically, an average of 50 people die by accidental drowning in Scotland every year Cold, deep water can hold many hidden dangers for even the strongest of swimmers and the increasing presence of blue green algae in lochs must not be ignored Please be vigilant and if you see a sign on the loch or river bank, read it, it could save your life If there is no warning sign where you intend to enter water, take time to check for your personal safety (e g submerged hazards, depth) and for cloudy green or sometimes reddish blooms These can contain extremely dangerous toxins causing illness and even death to humans and animals
We are looking forward to our first summer since 2019 without the disruptions of covid restrictions We’re open 7 days a week, 10 30am-5pm, no need to book, tickets are available at the door, free entry for children under 16 and Scottish Wildlife Trust members You can keep up to date with what’s going on in the osprey nest via our webcam and also find out about any upcoming events by visiting: https://scottishwildlifetrust org uk/things-to-do or follow us on Facebook: Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve or Twitter: @Lochofthelowes
Dunkeld & Birnam Unplugged 26th September –2nd October
Due to make a return this year, the Dunkeld and Birnam Unplugged festival came out of an idea at Climate Café Unplugged brings together people from across the community who donate their time, space, skills and talents to generate climate chat and action Highlights include Summerfest up at The Field, pop up Climate Cafés around the village, speakers, workshops for all ages, Friday night Swap Shop, Big Apple Day and the Sunday Blues – and always popular are early morning coffee, cakes and muffins for our commuters at the local railway station – our much loved #CakesforCommuters!
www climate cafe
jess@climate cafe
Live Earth: https://www facebook com/LiveEarthBirnam Look out for the full programme in the September Bridge
Unplugged …
Part of Climate Fringe Week in Scotland and Big Green Week across the rest of the UK
Dunkeld and Birnam Unplugged
26th September –2nd October Look out for full programme
The local elections are a distant memory already and this is the first opportunity that I have had to thank everyone who had faith in me and re-elected me as one of your three ward councillors It was an election with mixed feelings for me While I was honoured and delighted to have been elected, I was bitterly disappointed for my dear friend, colleague and teammate Anne Jarvis who wasn’t successful this time I would like to publicly thank her not only for all that she has done for Strathtay over the last 5 years, but also for the support and help that she has given me too Nearly forty years of service to local Government is a massive achievement I am sure that she will still be busy behind the scenes but more importantly, spending some quality time on herself and her family.
I would like to extend congratulations to Grant Laing who was returned as one of the Strathtay Councillors and I wish him well in his new role as leader of the Council I also extend aa huge warm welcome to Claire McLaren who was newly elected to the ward The three of us have already had a meeting to discuss issues throughout the ward and will be working together for the benefit of all residents
Life is starting to get back to normal again after two years of pandemic restrictions and the old problems seem to be back to plague us again It sadly seems that no lessons were learnt and visitors returning to our beautiful countryside are still treating it with no respect Clunie Loch was left like a festival site after the Queens platinum Jubilee weekend Thank goodness for our Countryside Ranger teams and a dedicated group of residents who litter picked, tidied up and had the place looking its beautiful self If you see anyone leaving litter and mess, please report it
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JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, EDINBURGH EH99 1SP Tel: 0131 348 5717 e-mail: john.swinney@parliament.scot
Pete Wishart MP: Member of Parliament for Perth and North Perthshire pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk Perth Office: 63 Glasgow Road, Perth, PH2 0PE. Tel: 01738 639598 North Perthshire Office: 17-19 Leslie St, Blairgowrie, PH2 6AH Tel: 01250 876 576
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We are happy to announce the opening of our café from early July!
Lunches will include daily soup with roll, tasty platters, salads and more…
A variety of hot and cold drinks and a selection of delicious cakes and pastries (including gluten-free options).
Café opening hours: Wed – Sat 11 – 3 30 (last orders at 3)
We look forward to seeing you again!
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council
Lachlan MacEwan Community Councillor
If you would like to contact the Community Council you can do so by emailing: dbcc correspondence@gmail com
You can also contact us via the messaging system on our facebook page
Of course, if you have the opportunity, then please do chat to any member of the Community Council if you bump into them while out and about
Meetings are held monthly at 7pm on the second Monday of the month Date of next meetings:
11th July
8th August
12th September
Venue: Online zoom meeting
Please email us on the above address if you would like to attend and we will send you a zoom invitation
To read the minutes of previous meetings and to find the agenda for forthcoming meetings, see: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk/community-news/ community-council
At our monthly meeting on the 13th of June 2022, it was brought to our attention by one of our fellow community council members and resident that they had been served notice to quit their home It was agreed at the meeting that the community council would write a letter of concern to the relevant bodies to get some clarification and answers to questions (The minutes of this meeting, like all community council minutes, will be available for the community to look at )
This matter highlights wider housing concerns in the village including how holiday homes or second homes impact on the demographics of the community This is having a knock-on effect in that the Fire Service is finding it difficult to recruit local crew members and also the local school numbers are down which is resulting in composite classes in the school Many of the people that make a living in the villages are finding it more of a challenge
On a more positive note, the Community Action Plan is well in hand and the steering group have a great handle on the proposed constitution for the successor body, whatever that will be
Atholl Estates gave another presentation to the community council in relation to their proposals for Haugh End Farm This presentation is available to anyone in the community Contact the community council for more information The meeting felt that more community engagement from Atholl Estates is vital
The PH8 housing survey will soon be available for the community to view
I finish off this column with congratulations to the newly elected councillors and look forward to working with them.
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
Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom 01350 727288
Guide Dogs for the Blind 727346 / 727657
Friends of the Cathedral 01350 728697
Phone 01350+
Linda Speirs
John Gray
Probus Club 01738 787930 Sandy Love
Email: slove59@aol com
Horticultural Society 727255 Jan Silburn
Historical Society daveroberts132@btinternet com Dave Roberts
National Trust for Scotland North Perthshire Ranger Service - Office: 01350728641
The Meeting Place (Fridays DA) 727382 Jean Dickson
SWRI Email: evelyn menzies@sky com Evelyn Menziesl
SWRI Amulree 01350 723203 Jane Anderson
Chapter House Archive (Mon 10-12 & 7-9, Wed & Fri 10-12) 01350 727786
Bridge Club (Tuesday 6 45pm BI) 727294 Vilma Morison
Royal British Legion 01350 728884 W Forsyth
Tourist Association 01350 723297 Adrian Blundell
WRVS 01738 633975 Kathleen Coffey
German Shepherd Rescue, Scotland 01738 710111 Liz Bowers
Staffie Smiles Rescue 07743 180228 Shiona Cameron
The Orchard 727048 Katharine
@thefield 728926 Dave Roberts Email: dblandtrust@btinternet com
3 Churches Charity Shop 01350 727237 / 07751593421 Anne Graham
Alcoholics Anonymous 0141 226 2214
Community Learning & Development
PKC CLD Staff 01738 459701 Email: dunkeldcomlearn@pkc gov uk Cat Gordon/Kim McBain/Alison May U3A 01796 483281 Meg Ross Email: megross@btinternet com
Sport
Dunkeld & Birnam Angling Association Secretary Russ Jobson dunkeldangling@gmail com DBAA@live co uk
Bowling Club Gael Shaw 07977 911068 Gaelshaw@btinternet com
Badminton johnrmoy@googlemal com
Field Archery 07786 073686 01350 727911
Glendelvine/Spittalfield Cricket Club (all ages) Neil Wimberley
Website: www glendelvinecricketclub com Email: wimbo32@hotmail com
Golf Club (Visitors Welcome) 727524
Highland Perthshire Clay Shooting Club 07821 940252 Secretary Ted Carr Email: thecarr@waitrose com
Leisure Group (Sports Centre Project) 727361 Alasdair Wylie
Curling 01738 454700 Claire Milne
Tennis Club m: 07740 586064 or 01738 710484 Shona Smith Email: shonamh@googlemail com
Tayside Orienteers 727048 Bill Melville
Running Club adrianrdavis@hotmail com Adrian Davis
Netball 723269 Tiffy Shedden
Yoga 728773 June Mitchell
Yoga 2 728783 Sue Atkinson
Uver 35's Rugby 07738 006738 iainhg@aol com
Tai Chi 07551029076 John Connelly
Swimming and Alexander technique 07778778007 Jan Osband
Music & Arts
Cathedral Tower Bell Ringers
724218 Iona O’Connor
Film Society 727740
Handbell Ringers 01828 628109 Margaret Davidson
Birnam Arts 727674
Just Singin’ 7 30 Weds BI 07545 219529 Carole Reid www justsingin co uk
BIPS howemarilyn@hotmail com Marilyn Howe
Birnam Youth Theatre Mon 5 00-6 30pm 727207
Dunkeld Strathspey & Reel Society 07531 520476 Duncan Thomson duncanwthomson@yahoo co uk
Birnam Arts Ballet Mon-Thu age4up 727674
Scottish Country Dancing 01738 561676 / 01350 727380 Helen or Dinah
Annual Events
Highland Games (August) www birnamhighlandgames com
Christian Aid Week 727867 Jim McCafferty
Flower Festival (bi-ennial) 724255 Sheila Mannion
Art Exhibtion (June - August) 01738 710399 Margaret Scott Arts & Crafts Fair (June & Nov) 01350 727968 Na’an Meikleour
Niel Gow Festival - Weekend close to March 22nd - petethefiddler@btinternet com
For Children
Baby & Toddler Group 07546 128902 Lesley Singers
Playgroup 9 20-11 40 Tues and Thurs Playleader: dbplaygroup@gmail com
Nursery at Royal School 01738 454470 Royal School Dunkeld
Puddleduck Nursery 727117 Heather Morton
Royal School of Dunkeld 01738 454470
Kids Club - After school care 07930 462944 Supervisor
Sunday School - Church of Scotland 727249
Caputh Baby and Toddler Group Tues 10-11:30am - Lorna 07832 235 607
For Younger People Girlguiding Dunkeld Trix Stephen, District Commissioner (Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers): Tel 07770324173 Email guider@girlguidingdunkeld org uk
Youth Café 727760 Linda McDougall
Youth Club Wednesday pm DA 727259 Fraser Penny
The Black Watch Army Cadets 07429 113439 Staff Sergeant Craig Ross
Beaver Cubs Scouts 07766 071854 Martina Wolfe
Messy Church last Sunday in month 727259/727594 Fraser Penny/Deidre Gerrie
For Older People
Servite
07595 651446 Ivan Russell
Working Hours: Mon,Tues,Thurs,Fri: 09:00 – 13:30
Senior Citizens 727311 Ronalda Pattullo
Friends of Rivendell 728885 Fiona Ritchie
Hall Bookings
Duchess Anne 07808 703641 chanonrydunkeld@gmail com Jill McCrory
Chanonry 07808 703641 chanonrydunkeld@gmail com Jill McCrory
Birnam Arts 727674
Dalguise Village Hall 07746 392268
Amulree Village Hall www amulreehall org uk
Caputh Hall caputhhall@gmail com 01738 710 848
Local Organisations - Continued
Health Community & Services
Infinityblu Dental Care, Pitlochry 01796 470001
Infinityblu Dental Care, Dunkeld 01350 729198
Dentist 728826 Mr Greig, PS, BDS
Doctors 727269 Craigvinean Surgery
Chemists 727210 Davidsons
Chemist on Sunday 01738 643791 Asda, Dunkeld Rd, Perth
P&K Environmental Services 01738 476476
Library 01738 459709 Margaret Quigley
PKC Roads Dept 01738 625411
Community Council
dbcc chair@gmail com Stuart Paton
Registrar (3/5 High St Perth) 01738 475121
Police (Tayside Non-Emergency) 101
BA = Birnam Arts Centre
DA = Duchess Anne Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld
July 2022
1-28th August
nATURE with Katherine Fay Allan, Alicia Escott, Simone Kenyon, Heidi Quante and Christine Riley Ciara Gibson | Artist in Residence '22
10-4pm daily Birnam Arts
7 Climate Café 7pm Zoom / Community Coworking Space
15 Blue Rose Code £18 + Booking Fee Birnam Arts
24 Songs & Silence service Cathedral 6:30pm
August 2022
4
Climate Café 7pm Zoom / Community Coworking Space
4-1st September
Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition Duchess Anne every day 10-4pm and 12-4pm on Sundays
7 Songs & Silence service Cathedral 6:30pm
12 Hannah Fisher, Sorren Maclean & Friends 8pm £14 + Booking Fee
Birnam Arts
20 Horticultural Show 2 – 4pm Birnam Arts
23 – 27th September
Creating Expressive Ceramics Class with Anna Olson9 30am – 12pm Birnam Arts
26-28 Dunkeld & Birnam Art & Crafts Fair the Drill Hall The Cross Dunkeld 10am to 5 pm each day free entry
27 Birnam Highland Games
28 Songs & Silence service Cathedral 6:30pm
September 2022
1 Ventoux by 2Magpies Theatre £14 + Booking Fee 7:30pm Birnam Arts
26-2nd October
Unplugged Festival
November 2022
5th and 6th
Dunkeld & Birnam Autumn Art & Crafts Fair, the Drill Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld 10am to 5pm each day Free entry
For dates further ahead see: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk
If you have lost or found a dog, cat or other pet
Missing Pets, Perth and Kinross 07432 368792 info@dogfriendlyperthshire.co.uk
Elizabeth & Keith Lumsden 01350 728849
E-mail: bizzabooks@gmail.com
Contact the Advertising Manager adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk 07967 117149
0777 546 0373
Call: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Text: 7 days 8am-8pm FREE
Grass cutting, Hedge cutting, Strimming, Leaf collection, Weeding/dig over, Edging, Gravel footpaths, Aerating, General tidy-up.
All General Garden Maintenance work carried out to the highest quality on every job, everyday
Gillian Vaughan Painter Decorator Interior / Exterior Feature walls Tel: 07841 116458 Email: thegirlcalledwill@gmail.com www.facebook.com/GillianWVaughan
254520
email: sandytcarr@yahoo.co.uk
ATHOLL STREET 01350 727556
Proprietor: Alasdair Wylie
&
Dunkeld Horse Grazing & DIY Livery Call or Email Karen: 07759 701413 gapdunkeld@gmail com
Contact: 01350 727320 Kevin: 07876 744936 www
