Please join us as we review 2023/24, focus on future challenges and recognise the contribution of our long serving, outgoing Chair John Anderson.
This will also be an opportunity to provide any feedback or ask questions to the incoming Co-chairs for Birnam Arts, Sarah Yearsley and Andrew Cave.
L-R: Finlay Campbell; Rosie Mackie; Peter Mackie; Jean Peacock; Sean Hanfin; Lorna Birse-Stewart; Louise Luke; Monica Stewart; John Luke.
Roll Up Roll Up .. tickets now on sale for the Niel Gow Festival 22-24th March. See Page 3. The festival features top traditional musicians who will showcase Scottish music, old and new including: Fiddle & Guitar photo: Charlie McKerron & Marc Clement
Pipes & fiddle photo: Fin Moore & Sarah Hoy
Fiddle & Harp photo: Charlie Stewart & Rebecca Hill
The Bridge
Edited by volunteers for the people of Dunkeld, Birnam and the surrounding villages since 1974. Thank you for all your support.
Advertising rates from £7 per month. Contact the Advertising Manager for details.
Please e-mail your article to the editor at: editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk or post to: The Bridge Dunkeld & Birnam Community Co-Working Space Lagmhor, Dunkeld PH8 0AD
Facebook Page Dunkeld & Birnam, The Bridge
Download Online: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk
I was recently given the privilege of cuddling the newborn baby of friends. I held the wee tootie in my arms and marvelled again at the miracle of new life. I offered him my finger and watched how he curled his tiny fingers around mine. The happy, if sleep deprived, parents asked me how long it had felt since I was holding my own newborn. “Really not very long” was the only thing I could think to reply as I thought about the strange fact that both the boys are now at Uni with one due to graduate this summer and the other next year. How did that happen?! It is astonishing how the years pass, and I am so grateful for this wonderful community which has surrounded them as they have grown up.
Community means so many different things to different people. One of the things that really resonates with me are the four areas that underpin the UN Sustainability Goal 11 - safety; inclusion; sustainability and resilience. The idea is that if we can balance these four concepts we will create an even stronger community. I’ve found it a really helpful framework and have pondered how The Bridge does on these four areas. Here’s my starter for 10 – however we need your ideas and would be very grateful if you could complete our survey on page 4 as we try to work out what communication will support us best going forward.
Safety : ‘Where people feel themselves free from unfair bias, conflict, criticism or threatening actions. Well, I hope we score fairly high on this point as we aim to only publish items that build a sense of community rather than set out to create conflict – accepting that there will always be a difference of opinion about many things.
Inclusive: ‘Striving to offer equality of access and use to all members of our community, particularly those who otherwise could be marginalised.’ I think we could do more to reach all members of our community particularly our younger members. We are discussing our on-line presence and considering having a ‘what’s on’ webpage that is regularly updated at least once a week if not more often. People could have this as a home page or linked to their preferred social media channel.
Resilient: ‘To have the resources and strength to thrive today and provide foundations for our shared future’ We are reviewing our resilience – we are exploring the idea of trying to recruit a much wider range of volunteer editors, each responsible for a particular area of community life – eg the arts; our history or sport.
Sustainable: ‘A place that positively considers how it meets the needs of today’s community without compromising the needs of our community of tomorrow.’ The initial feedback on our survey is so far indicating that most of us, at least for the moment, still want a paper edition of The Bridge. However, we will start putting up a readable pdf so you can flip through the Bridge on your computer, tablet or phone and maybe, over time, we can reduce our demand for paper and ink. So back to that babe in my arms. What kind of community are we creating for him? What can we do more of? What can we do less of? What can we carry on doing? Please share your thoughts by filling in the survey on page 4. Thank you.
Sally Robertson
Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group
Working constructively to get the best community outcomes from the A9 dualling proposals
The next A9 Community Group meeting will be on Thursday 14th March 2024, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts. All welcome!
There will a drop in A9 DUALLING COMMUNITY EVENT on SAT 2nd MARCH at the DUCHESS ANNE - 11 am to 4 pm. You’ll be able to discuss:
- Differences between the Preferred Route and Community Preferred Route for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing
- The Transport Scotland exhibit of the Preferred Route
- TS’s “ Benefits and Disbenefits” of the Preferred Route
- How well does the Preferred Route meet the Community Objectives?
- What will the next design stage DMRB3 be about? Your ideas?
- Plans for the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig section
Thanks to all who stopped at the Community Group table outside the Transport Scotland exhibits on 29th and 30th Jan at Birnam Arts and did our questionnaire. More copies of that are available at Birnam Arts reception, with a returns box.
The full details of the Preferred Route with a virtual exhibition and a fly through of the stretch including the Station proposals can be found at:
A9 P2 Dualling Virtual Event Space
It contains some but not all of the elements of the Community Preferred Route (CPR) voted for in June 2018 in the co-creative process (see June/July 2023 Bridge for "The Story so Far"). In particular the dualled A9 will be "at grade" throughout, so no full reconnection of Station Rd with the Station. Instead, there is a proposed pedestrian subway entrance to the Station from the top of Station Road , under the A9 , and a new Station car park where the present Industrial Estate is. This is the most significant departure from the CPR.
The TS consultation on the Preferred Route runs until 17th March online and there are also brochures and feedback forms with a returns box at Birnam Arts. https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/e5de2622935649f88c5cbcbd2affd298
The full Stage 2 Route Assessment document for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing which is the basis for the Preferred Route is available to read online and there is a reference printed copy of it in Birnam Arts too if you want to browse through it over a cuppa. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/637b0abb542842269c31d0c41a901bf8
Finally Transport Scotland will have exhibits on all of the Perth to Inverness dualling plans on 28th Feb at Pitlochry Festival Theatre and 29th Feb at Dewars Perth 1pm7pm.
As always you can contact us at email: dunkeldA9workinggroup@gmail.com , and to have your details added (or removed from) our mailing list; Also at Facebook page: Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group. Please Like and Share it. or just phone me! Alasdair Wylie Coordinator 01350 727361 07927 175121
Our page on "The Bridge" website, including key documents for download is: http://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/community-council/a9-dualling
Birnam Arts:
Arts News 3
Concerts & Events ∙ Café ∙ Shop ∙ Gallery ∙ Beatrix Potter Station Road, Birnam PH8 0DS 01350 727 674
Tickets and details: www.birnamarts.com
WHAT’S ON AT BIRNAM ARTS
Hollie McNish/The Lobster Tour
Tuesday 22 October, 19:30 - 21:00
£12
After a run of sold out shows Hollie McNish is back with a brand new book, Lobster and other things I'm learning to love. Includes book signing.
Perthshire Plays presents You are the Future with Michelle Rodley
The Band from County Hell
Saturday 16th March 7.30pm
Tickets £12 (+ £1 Booking Fee)
The Band From County Hell are an original Celtic folk band with 7 critically acclaimed albums.
Thursday 28th March, 7.30pm
£12 (+ £1 Booking Fee)
A dark comedy, written and performed by Michelle Rodley with Post Show Q&A.
Friday 29th March
Free Friday Film: Fiddler on the Roof, 2pm Free entry
An adaptation of a Broadway musical. Free Soup and Sandwich Lunch at 1pm hosted by Warm Spaces, for the 15 people to arrive.
Wednesday 3rd April - Free events
Beatrix Potter Storytelling, 11am: by John Anderson, especially for the younger children.
6 Cats Storytelling, 2.30pm: A charming 45 minute show for all ages celebrating the magical words of a great poet.
Birnam Institute Players present Old Dogs by Steve Raw Thurs 4th – Sat 6th April, 7pm
Tickets: £10 Adults £5 U16s (+£1 Booking Fee)
A black sitcom - think Last of the Summer Wine meets Carry On! Another fun-packed show, hitting farce level as the desperation builds - and the misunderstandings pile up!
Autumn Voices
Friday 12th April, 7.30pm
£5 Adult/£3 over 60s (+ £1 Booking Fee)
Showcasing local writing, since summer 2022, a group of older writers has been meeting here, facilitated by Jane Archer.
Neon Waltz
Saturday 20th April, 7.30pm
Tickets £12 (+ £1 Booking Fee)
Hailing from the northern tip of mainland Scotland, Neon Waltz are an indie band with a rich, melodic sound calling to mind their '60s influenced forebears.
Help to Put the Fun into Fundraising!
We are looking to reinvigorate our fundraising efforts and need your help to run a series of fun, charity events throughout the year, all with aim of raising much needed support for Birnam Arts, your local arts charity.
From a glitzy Mid-Summer or Winter Ball to a Burns Supper or kiltwalk, to smaller events and activities such as Local Talk and music gigs, we need your help to bring the fun (and funds!) back into Birnam Arts.
Help us to keep the lights on and strengthen the bonds between the communities we serve, please connect with us and volunteer.
We need your energy, ideas and support! If you would like to know more, or to get involved please pop in and say hello at reception or contact us via email to manager@birnamarts.com
Please check the website for all our ongoing and one off workshops throughout the Winter months – birnamarts.com
Birnam Arts: Notice of Annual General Meeting
20 March, 6.30pm – 7.30pm, followed by refreshments.
Please join us as we review 2023/24, focus on future challenges and recognise the contribution of our long serving, outgoing Chair John Anderson.
This will also be an opportunity to provide any feedback or ask questions to the incoming Co-chairs for Birnam Arts, Sarah Yearsley and Andrew Cave.
Niel Gow Festival 22-24th March
The 19th Niel Gow Festival will take place 22nd - 24th March 2024, celebrating our very own local fiddle-playing legend. The festival features top traditional musicians who will showcase Scottish music, old and new.
Niel Gow, born in 1727, lived in Inver and played across Scotland throughout the 18th century, including entertaining Robert Burns. His final composition was ‘Dunkeld Bridge’. His compositions aplenty have influenced all those who have come since in Scotland and beyond, with his music celebrated and played by trad musicians across the world.
Festival events will take place across Dunkeld and Birnam including concerts, workshops, sessions and more. We are also thrilled to have the oldest surviving violin known to be made in Scotland being played by artists at our Friday evening solo concert, loaned by Tim Wright Fine Violins.
As well as the launch of our first Niel Gow Festival Tunebook we look forward to welcoming some well known names including Charlie Stewart (Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2017); Adam Sutherland (Session A9, Treacherous Orchestra, Peatbog Faeries); Charlie McKerron (Capercaillie, Session A9); Fin Moore and Hannah Fisher.
CONCERTS - 5 concerts will take place between Friday and Sunday, including on in Little Dunkeld Kirk on Saturday at 10am. The others will be in Birnam Arts.
WORKSHOPS - tuition can be booked either as a workshop block or individual fiddle and mixed instrument workshops.
STALLS - a pop up music and craft fair will be held upstairs in Birnam Arts on Saturday. SESSIONS - join in or listen to the sessions in pubs across Dunkeld, some say it’s the best part of the festival!
MORE - including a guided walk and activities for children
To keep up to date with the latest festival news and view the full weekend programme, visit the festival’s new website: www.nielgowfestival.co.uk, follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nielgowfestival or Instagram at @nielgowfestival. Tickets for concerts and workshops are available from Birnam Arts: www.birnamarts.com
Atholl Cailleachs –International Women’s Day Charity Concert
Friday 8th March
A celebration for International Women’s Day through words, song, story, music and dance presented by Fiona Ritchie.
Cailleachs are women of knowledge and skill within a community. The Dunkeld and Birnam area is bubbling over with talented professional performers, so what better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than for them to showcase their skills… The Atholl Cailleachs are: pianist Muriel Johnstone, soprano Colleen Nicoll, singer songwriter Michelle Rodley, dancer Lyndsey Douglas, piper Emma Black, fiddler Karys Watt, piano vocalist Gill Hunter, writer Jane Archer and storyteller Lindsey Gibb. Friday 8th March 8pm @ Birnam Arts
Tickets £10 + £1 booking fee.
Artists’ proceeds from the concert will be donated to RASAC Perth & Kinross
Just Singin’ Community Choir
Guitar Lessons at Birnam Arts
Tuesdays, during school term for all ages with local tutor, Malcolm Devenny. Small groups, or individual lessons can be arranged. Email to register arts@birnamarts.com
Birnam Arts Café open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 - 16:00. Gallery, Gift Shop and Beatrix Potter Exhibition. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 - 15:30.
We are so delighted to welcome back Hannah Rarity to lead the final four sessions of our Spring term at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th March at Birnam Arts.
Hannah, a gifted young Scottish singer/songwriter, returns to us having just performed with her band at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall as part of the Celtic Connections festival.
If you fancy an uplifting, fun evening, learning a few new songs by ear with a friendly and welcoming bunch of folk, don’t hesitate, come along!
Sports, Health and Wellbeing
AIMS:
1: To transform the lives of people in the villages and surrounding areas through sport and leisure.
2: To promote the various sports and leisure activities in the Dunkeld & Birnam area.
3: To support the building and maintenance of sports facilities including a sports hall.
All sports and leisure clubs are invited to join 'The Sports Hub.' Membership is free.
Please send details of your club's activities and events to editor@dunkeldandbirnmamnews.co.uk for inclusion in the hub page of 'The Bridge.' For more details see: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/sport
Dalguise Meditation Group
Meditation has all sorts of benefits – increased focus and calmness, the opportunity to see things from a different perspective, a greater feeling of 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?
Meetings take place every other Tuesday in Dalguise Village Hall from 10.30 to 12.30. In March, the meetings are on 12th and 26th. We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments. There is no charge and we have no religious affiliations.
If you aren't able to attend in person, you might be interested in joining our mailing list, to receive interesting and helpful articles about meditation and mindful living, on the intervening Tuesdays. If you would like to know more about our meetings or about meditation in general, please do contact faithanstey@gmail.com
The Feldenkrais method is a teaching method where you learn to reconnect to your body in a positive, light and gentle way through the exploration of movement in a class setting or in one-to-one session. In an Awareness Through Movement, you are guided through a series of movements to discover patterns of restriction and unlock them, empowering you to discover new possibilities. I teach classes locally and would be delighted to help you discover this unique and transformational approach.
To book a spot in a class or a personal session contact Anne at consciouswellness.uk@gmail.com or 07814 991048.
Classes are every Monday 18:45 – 19:45 at Clunie Village Hall, Concriagie, PH10 6RJ, or (to be confirmed) Saturday 10:45 – 11:45 at Dunkeld Guide Hall, Little Dunkeld, PH8 0QR
Arts News continued
Film Club Listings:
Sunday March 10th 2024
The Keeper – 2h UK 2018
A love story of a young Englishwoman and a German PoW who together overcome prejudice, public hostility, and personal tragedy. While visiting a PoW camp near Manchester at the end of WWII, Margaret Friar, daughter of the manager of the local football team, notices young German soldier Bert Trautmann. Bert's heroics in goal are noticed by Manchester's City Football Club. Rather than going back to Germany like nearly all the other camp inmates, Bert marries Margaret and signs for Man City. His signing causes outrage to thousands of Man City fans, many of them Jewish. Bert's path to acceptance begins and peaks at the 1956 FA Cup Final when he secures victory for Man City by playing on despite breaking his neck.
Sunday March 17th 2024
The Duellists – 1h 40m UK 1977
Set during the grand, sweeping Napoleonic age, an officer in the French army insults another officer and sets off a life-long enmity. The two officers, D'Hubert and Feraud, cross swords and pistols time and time again in an attempt to achieve justice and preserve their honour. This is a very believable film and is beautiful to watch in parts thanks to Scott's eye for design and natural beauty, especially regarding the use of light.
Dunkeld and Birnam Trad Group
We’re very excited to share the news that our junior and senior bands will be performing at The Niel Gow Festival on Saturday 23rd March at 10am in Little Dunkeld Church. Everyone has been busy learning new tunes, adding a few of Niel Gow’s pieces to our repertoire.
Our weekly tuition is free and we provide the instruments for you to use and take home - the current classes are for fiddle or piano-accordion. Once you can play a little, you can join one of our Trad bands for the opportunity to play in a group with other budding young musicians and have the chance to perform at concerts. If you can already play an instrument, we encourage you to join one of our bands. We welcome fiddle and accordion players, string, wind and brass players, guitarists, pianists and more. You don’t need to know about Scottish trad music, we’ll teach you how to play a variety of really old tunes as well as recently written ones.
½ hour group lessons - Mondays 4-6pm
Junior trad band (P5-S2) - Mondays 6:30-7:30pm
Classes and bands run weekly during term–time at Birnam Arts and open to anyone
Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com or call 07958 324 766 for more info.
Thanks go to our funders - The National Lottery community fund, SSE renewables, The Basil Death Trust, The Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, Enchanted Forest and our local community council as well as the kind donations we receive from individuals and local groups. All monies received go directly into the running of our Group for the benefit of all our young members and their musical ventures.
The Future of Community Communication – Launching Super Second Saturdays –Free cake and coffee!
In 2024 The Bridge will be 50 years old! What does the next 50 years of communications look like for our community?
Please share you thoughts and ideas via letter, email, survey monkey, FB messenger or old fashioned chat :
The downstairs area of the coworking space will be opening as community free space on the second Saturday of the month. Call in and share your thoughts about communications in the community, or any other community matter, over free coffee and cake.
Super Second Saturdays –Free coffee and cake!
Saturday 9th March, 10 – 4pm
Saturday 13th April, 10 – 4pm
Saturday 11th May, 10 – 4pm
Survey Monkey Link : .
aged P5 – S6.
Community News continued
Dunkeld
and
Birnam
First Responders
Great news as we had further volunteers undertake their training with the Scottish Ambulance Service over the end of January and beginning of February. We are launching the response team commencing Monday, 12th February 2024.
As previously stated, this means that, when the volunteers are available, they will be visible to ambulance control who can then deploy them to provide an initial first response in the case of a medical incident in our local community.
We are a Scottish Registered Charity, with Trustees, Office bearers and a wider network of volunteers. Our job is to recruit and equip our volunteers so that they
can be trained, accredited and deployed through the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), who also provide and replenish consumable items.
The incredible support from our funders, SSE Renewables, PKC Community Investment Fund, Sinclair Family Trust, Basil Death Trust and looking forward, the Co-op Local Community Fund has enabled us to fully kit out and equip our team of CFRs. With the appointment of our Team Co-ordinator, David Fraser, we have commenced regular training sessions for our trained volunteers and those awaiting formal training.
We will continue to campaign for more volunteers so that we can provide wider cover over a wider period. So, please let us know if you are interested in joining us in whatever capacity. We have a Facebook page that can be acccessed via the following link https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000943039 85508
Bill Nicoll (Chairperson)
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries - Birnam Library
Come along to a Bookbug session at Birnam Library! Join us on Thursday mornings from 10.30am-11.00am for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please get
in touch with Birnam Library to book a spot. 01738 459709 / birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk
Books on Wheels
For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, this includes books in large print and audio formats. For further information, please get in touch with the Birnam Library. 01738 459709 / birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk.
Princh Printing
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries have installed Princh, a printing solution in libraries across Perth and Kinross, including Birnam Library. With Princh, it is now possible to print from any mobile device, tablet, or laptop from home or in one of our participating libraries. Just print, pay online and pick up your items. You can send your print jobs at any time from any place, and what's more, you no longer have to wait in line at the printer.
Details can be found on our website: https://www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries/internet-andcomputers/princh-printing/
Dunkeld Community Archive 12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN. www.historicdunkeld.org.uk archives@historicdunkeld.org.uk 01350 727786
Dates For Your Diary:
20th March (10am to 3.30pm in the Duchess Anne) –Art Workshop – Tickets available on Eventbrite
23rd & 24th March – Find us at Birnam Arts for the Niel Gow Festival
27th April (from 3pm at Birnam Arts) – School Reunion of Class 1940’s, 50’ and 60’s – Tickets available at birnamarts.com
3rd May (8pm in Birnam Arts) – “Dunkeld’s Dark Deeds“ performed by Lindsey Gibb at Birnam Arts –Tickets available from birnamarts.com
4th May (8pm in Birnam Arts) – Daniel Downie: A Historical & Hysterical journey through Scottish History – Tickets available from birnamarts.com
5th May (4.30pm in Dunkeld Cathedral) - The Scots Opera Project Present Wandering Oisin ~ A Celtic Folk Opera (Soprano Colleen Nicoll, Music by Esther Swift & David Douglas, Lyrics by Tony Bonning) – Tickets available on Eventbrite.
4th & 5th May (10am to 5pm) – Dunkeld Living History Weekend in Stanley Hill Park – FREE EVENT – See our web site for more information.
Young Archaeologist Club meet fortnightly on a Thursday in the Community Archive at 4pm – next meeting Thursday 14th March.
Mid-Week Memories Club meet weekly on a Wednesday in the Community Archive at 10.30am to 12.30pm. Taxi available.
Community News continued
Community Arboretum Funded for Design Work on proposed Stanley Hill Path
Support from the Ian Finlay Path Fund, delivered by PathsforAll, is enabling Dunkeld and Birnam Community Arboretum (SCIO 049890) to work collaboratively with the community to restore the ancient track at the bottom of Stanley Hill. The track runs from the bus stop at the North Car Park, between the wall enclosing the village and the base of Stanley Hill to the Cross and Dunkeld Archive. An upgraded path will provide a more accessible route through the village for pedestrians that find Dunkeld High Street difficult to navigate. It aims to increase use of active travel routes to explore our unique local environment using local paths that connect easily to buses and trains rather than cars.
The Community Arboretum was the vision of Dr Mike Silburn, who very sadly died in January. A passionate advocate for the environment, with a particular focus on the community of Birnam & Dunkeld and the valley and hills that surround us, Mike’s heartfelt commitment was to create change for the better. Mike was a wheelchair user for the last 10 years of his life and therefore had direct experience of the attitudes, behaviours and infrastructure barriers that many people with health conditions and impairments in our community experience. Mike’s single minded leadership of the application for funding towards the creation of an accessible Stanley Hill path is the primary reason it was successful.
Graeme Anderson, Ian Findlay Path Fund Technical Officer said:
“The Ian Findlay Path Fund is delighted to be able to support the design costs associated with creating his new active travel route in Dunkeld. The ‘Stanley Hill Path Project’ showcases the dedication of local communities to develop new active travel opportunities whilst also improving shared accessibility for people of all abilities. We look forward to seeing this project progress over the coming weeks and would welcome a construction phase application when all design works have been completed and agreed.”
Michael Silburn said:
“Too often, accessible active travel is an afterthought which is both unfair and unsustainable for our local community and visitors who increasingly live and age with diverse health conditions and impairments. Our goal is that this accessible new route will prioritise their needs and enable more people to use active travel to respond to our climate crisis.”
We are delighted that Paths for All are supporting our path project. The location of the path is historically significant to our community, located below the hill in the heart of the historic Battle of Dunkeld. We look forward to enabling our community and visitors to use the path to travel actively within our town and also enable people to explore our big trees and biodiversity in the context of our community’s unique heritage. With support from Paths for All, we have appointed Ethos Consultants, to help us complete the Construction Design Study and prepare the planning application and associated documentation we need to secure funding/tender for the construction of the path. Ethos will be consulting with a wide range of people in the local community to ensure we create a path which aligns with local needs.
If you would like to get involved in this project or the wider aims of the Arboretum please see: www.communityarboretum.scot or email: dbcabigtrees@gmail.com
Paths and Nature Action Group
With (hopefully) the worst of winter weather behind us, the attention of the Paths and Nature Action Group is focussing on two initial areas of work of benefit to path users and wildlife – and calling for volunteers to help.
Last year the Group cleared the trees and shrubs blocking the Brae Street to Loch of the Lowes path –this year we aim to improve the drainage of this popular, but often ‘soggy’ path. And back in Birnam, we aim to clear more of the snowberry bushes encroaching on the paths and trees around Jubilee Park and the riverside path.
Also, we aim to prepare several larger stands of the highly invasive Japanese knotweed, essentially flattening the old stems, to make access easier for further action later in the year.
Action dates in March are – (with what3words locations) Snowberry, meet at Jubilee Park (hush.logs.jots)
Thurs 7th – 10.30 to 12.30
Weds 13th – 14.00 to 16.00
Path drainage, meet on Brae Street at Haughend track end (smiled.squirted.snaps)
Sunday 17th - 10.30 to 12.30
Tues 26th – 14.00 to 16.00
For both tasks, please bring work gloves. Contact stewartpritchard@aol.com to let us know you’re coming and for more details.
Connect …
Linking Asheville, North Carolina, USA and Dunkeld & Birnam
Since 2017, our community has been officially twinned with Asheville, North Carolina. Here’s our continuing look at some activities over the past few months:
Colleen Nicoll and Pete Clark performing on screen at Asheville’s Burns Supper
RSD artwork on display at Asheville’s Burns Supper
Our twinning inspired Raven Sinclair of Traceless Tours to bring six groups to Dunkeld and Birnam last year, with more to come in 2024. Raven consciously plans her tours to limit environmental impact and support local conservation and heritage projects. Last year we also hosted a group of 18 travelling in association with Warren Wilson College near Asheville, and several others who visited our community independently at different times. Pete Clark and Fiona Ritchie provide talks, walks and music for the tour groups along with other local performers and supporters.
Last year, Jess Pepper supported Kelly McEnany and Lin Orndorf (of Asheville-Buncombe Community College) to launch Climate Café Asheville. Now up and running, they initiate projects on the A-B Tech campus and in the wider Asheville community, in collaboration with their Sustainability Committee, academic departments, students, and community partners. (Look for an article on the impact of Climate Café’s growing global network coming up soon in The Bridge.)
In January Asheville Sister Cities held their annual Burns Supper, which raises funds for projects in Dunkeld and Birnam. The Burns Supper in Asheville is now one of the largest in the Southeastern United States and this year it featured specially recorded videos from Pete Clark (fiddle), Colleen Nicoll (soprano), Thomas Steuart Fothringham (piano), and Fraser Penny (Selkirk Grace), with Fiona Ritchie co-hosting the event live via Zoom. The Royal School of Dunkeld provided artwork from pupils which was exhibited and auctioned at the Burns Supper. Funds from this art sale will be donated to the school.
Would you like to help develop this special connection by being involved in our Friends of Asheville twinning committee?
Contact committee chair Fiona Ritchie at 07710 537969 or secretary Alasdair Wylie at 07927 175121.
Locally made pottery and pottery classes
More group classes and workshops at Birnam Arts in the Spring. Get in touch for private class information. For more information and bookings: www.thekilncreativepottery.co.uk
Rivendell provides high quality care and support for you and your elderly relative. Based in Birnam and Dunkeld, our homely environment provides a safe and fun community spirit. Our trained staff provide care and support for all your needs 24 hours a day, we are always there.
So, if you are looking for social contact, a safe and supportive environment, support with health or medical needs then contact us.
Our mission is to provide a home for life, so come and live life with us.
Please phone 01350 727413 and speak to Gina or email: rivendellcare@btconnect.com for more information.
Three Churches in the Community
Thought for the Month
It can’t have escaped your notice that there is an election due sometime soon……. and that there is one coming up in America! In fact, I heard this morning that there are elections in over 60 countries this year, which is a great thing and something to be celebrated when they are free and fair. It is something not to be taken for granted. It also means that spin doctors go into overdrive. We are well used to times when a candidate ‘miss-speaks’ or changes policy and is scrutinised. There are cohorts of people whose job it is to put a spin on that and explain how they didn’t say what everyone knows they heard. The spin doctor’s task is often to make the best of a bad job, put a gloss on things and pretend it is something different from the obvious reality.
It can be annoying when in an interview, someone obstinately refuses to ‘fess up and it has to be dragged out of them. Before we point the finger, though, it’s no bad thing to take a look inside, at ourselves.
Ever since Adam said ‘it wisnae me, it was her’ and Eve said ‘it wisnae me, it was a snake’ the story of the human race has been one of trying to cover our tracks, self-deception, trying to pretend we are something we are not. We try to justify ourselves with all sorts of mental gymnastics to make out we didn’t do what we clearly did, or to explain why we did it to make it sound better than it is. We fool no one but ourselves!
In Lent we read the story of Jesus being tempted, or tested, in the wilderness. He taught us to pray ‘lead us not into temptation’ or as it is in some translations, ‘save us from hard testing.’ Why? Because as long as we are not tested we can carry on pretending we would do better than we might. When Jesus was tested he came through with flying colours. When we are tested it reveals our true nature, that we not what we thought we were.
So we can avoid hard testing or we can face up to reality, ‘fess up and accept we are not as great as we thought we were. Admit our faults and we find a new freedom.
I can’t justify some of the things I have done, even with a spin on them, because I know I did wrong. Such things, though, needn’t define us because we are justified not by ourselves, but by Jesus Christ. The one who could have said ‘it wisnae me’ said ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing.’ He, who shared our human lot to forgive our past, leads us through hard testing to eternal glory.
Fraser Penny
Church of Scotland Services
March 3rd. 11.00am – Communion Service in Little Dunkeld
6.30pm – Prayers for Help & Healing in Little Dunkeld
March 10th. 11.00am – Morning Service in Little Dunkeld Kirk
March 17th. 11.00am – Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
2.15pm – Service at Amulree
March 24th. Palm Sunday (and therefore the last Sunday in Little Dunkeld until November.)
March 31st. Easter Sunday
9.00am. – Communion service in the Cathedral
10.30am. – Easter Egg Hunt in the Cathedral grounds
11.00am. – Morning Service in the Cathedral
April 7th. 11.00am – Morning Service in the Cathedral
6.30pm – Prayers for Help & Healing in St. Mary’s
Every Sunday there is chance to meet together over tea and coffee after the service.
Holy Week
On the Thursday of Holy Week (28th. March) there is a Communion Service in the Cathedral at 7pm. to remember the events of the night Jesus was betrayed and handed over to be crucified.
On Good Friday the Parish church and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church hold a join service. This year it is in the Cathedral at 7pm.
Kirk Session
The next meeting of the Kirk Session is on Tuesday March 12th. at 7.30pm. in the Duchess Anne.
Fellowship Group –‘Exploring faith and life together’
Two Fellowship groups meet fortnightly on Wednesday mornings and Tuesday evenings. Over this session we are going to use studies on the theme ‘Sharing Faith.’
The Wednesday group will meet on March 6th. & 20th. in the Chanonry.
The Tuesday group will be on March 5th. & 19th. at 7pm in the Chanonry.
It is possible to join both meetings by zoom too, on this link:
Meeting ID: 898 7502 8047
Passcode: 809745
All are welcome and for more information available from John Ferguson (727585), William Hogg (727053) or Fraser Penny (727249)
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 March 6th. & 20th. 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 or William Hogg.
Messy Music
Tuesdays after School, Messy music meets in Little Dunkeld Kirk. There are refreshments (usually cakes involved) fun songs, activities and even a bit of recorder playing.
We have all ages from newborn babies up to primary 3 so if you have family in that age group you will be very welcome to join us. Just come over after school. It will be on every Tuesday until 13th. February and then will have a week off at the school mid-term break.
The Meeting Place
THE MEETING PLACE is open every Friday morning from 10-12, weather permitting in the lower hall at the Duchess Anne. Everyone welcome - come and join us for a cup of tea, some delicious home baking and good company.
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
Happy Birthday to…..
The Three Churches Charity Shop which celebrates its 11th birthday on March 15th. The shop is a great success as it welcomes folk from near and far to browse and buy the quality goods we sell.
Thanks to all our customers and volunteers without whom the shop could not continue.
St Mary’s Church Birnam & Dunkeld Services for Holy Week and Easter
7th March – All Together Now Concert for people living with memory loss FREE 2pm (Every 1st Thursday of the Month)
10th March - Mothering Sunday service at 10am Holy Week and Easter
28th March - Maundy Thursday meal and fellowship 6pm please let Rev Lesley-ann know if you are coming along.
29th March - Good Friday – Walk of witness around the churches carrying the cross and singing Easter songs. It is great fun come and join in for a bit. 30th Easter Saturday we will be walking around the area giving out chocolate AGAIN
31st EASTER DAY – service at 10am as usual but with bigger smiles. Bring your Easter eggs and put on your Easter bonnets.
We are the small church with the big heart for the communities we serve; come and be welcomed.
At an early age Ian Atkinson knew that he would never follow his father and grandfather into law, a shy child he didn’t want to do a job that involved standing up in front of people. However, on the day that he walked into St Benedict’s in Manchester for the first time and listened to the priest he felt so at home that he knew there and then what he would do with his life.
His journey with the church took him across the world from England to apartheid South Africa where after several years his visa was cancelled and he was never permitted back into the country. Throughout his career as a priest Ian was a school chaplain but whenever he returned home to his beloved home, Dalbeathie House, he took services at his local Scottish Episcopal churches in Birnam, Pitlochry and Strathtay.
Throughout his life he took over 1500 sermons and kept all his handwritten sermons on little pieces of paper. During the Covid Pandemic, while living in Rivendell Care Home in Birnam, Ian worked with Lesley Wilson, writer-in-residence at the home, to pick out some of his favourite sermons and recount the story of the man behind the sermons.
Rev Ian Atkinson died in May 2022 a week after completing this book. A Life in Sermons can be purchased online through Amazon using the following link. All profits from the sale of the book will be donated to Rivendell Care Home Activities Fund.
Three Churches in the Community Church Services and
Contacts:
Weekly Services
Church of Scotland: Dunkeld Cathedral at 11am. Every Sunday from Easter Sunday to Remembrance Sunday.
Little Dunkeld Kirk at 11am. Every Sunday from the Sunday following Remembrance Sunday to Palm Sunday.
Scottish Episcopal Church: St Mary’s Birnam at 10am. Every Sunday.
Organist & Choir Leader: Mrs Hazel Murch Tel: 07867 642954
e-mail: hazel.murch@gmail.com
Parish Office: Mrs Jill McCrory
The Chanonry, 07808 703641 email: chanonrydunkeld@gmail.com www.dunkeldcathedral.org.uk
St Mary's Episcopal (Anglican) Church, Birnam
Sunday Service 10 am - Holy Communion with hymns, music and sermon, followed by refreshments.
The church is open daily for visitors, and prayers are said at 5.30pm on Fridays and 9.30am on Saturday.
The Servite service is now held monthly on the last Saturday of each month at 2pm and is led ecumenically by members of the three churches in Dunkeld and Birnam. It is not a communion service.
The Rector:
Reverend Lesley-Ann Craddock
Priest in Charge of St Mary’s Birnam and Dunkeld St Mary’s rectory, St Mary’s Rd, Birnam, PH8 0BJ
Tel: 07903 020509
email: lesley.craddock@btinternet.com
Part time = Friday, Saturday & Sunday I can also be found dwelling nr LochNess 01456486663
Treasurer:
Charles Cox
Vestry Secretary: Adrian Freer Tel: 01821 650536
email: adrianfreer@btinternet.com
Organist :
John Walker B.Mus, FRCO, LRAM, ARCM. Tel: 01350 727755 (www.stmarysbirnam.org.uk)
St Columba’s
Roman Catholic Church
Catholic Church Priest: Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP Tel: 01796 472174
e-mail: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk
Roman Catholic Churches
Dunkeld is a village with a long history of Christian worship and we are pleased to continue that worship at St Columba’s in Birnam.
Parish Priest: Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP (Missionary of St Paul) Tel: 01796 472 174
Email: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk
Serving St Columba’s RC church in Birnam/ Dunkeld, St Bride’s RC church in Pitlochry and Our Lady of Mercy RC church in Aberfeldy. Follow us on Facebook at: St Bride’s RC Church, Pitlochry
We celebrate the presence of the Risen Lord amongst us during these Masses:
Sunday Masses:-
Saturday Vigil 6pm St Columba’s Birnam
Sunday 9.30 am Our Lady of Mercy Aberfeldy
Sunday 11.30 am St Bride’s Pitlochry
Weekday Masses:-
9.30 am Tuesday – Aberfeldy
9.30 am Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – Pitlochry
Holy days of Obligation:-
9.30am Birnam
12.30pm Aberfeldy
6.00pm Pitlochry
Christmas Services:-
Christmas Eve – St Bride’s Pitlochry: 8.00 pm Carols, 8.30 pm Vigil Mass
Christmas Day – 8.30 am St Columba’s Birnam
10.00 am Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy
11.30 am St Brides, Pitlochry.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available prior to mass in St Columba’s. Please phone Father to arrange it.
If there are any parishioners who are housebound and wish the Sacrament of Holy Communion, let Father know and this will be arranged.
St Columba’s, St Mary’s Road, Birnam PH8 0BJ
St. Bride’s, Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5AL Our Lady of Mercy, Home Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2AL Father Emmanuel in.
Five ways to look after your mental health this February
Money and mental health struggles often come as a package. When finances are difficult, our mental health can take a hit, and vice versa: poor mental health can lead to difficulty managing money. As millions of us continue to face challenges when it comes to money, it’s so important that we take steps to look after ourselves and prioritise mental wellbeing.
Talk it out
When it comes to our finances, we too often feel we must face the problem alone. Many people feel too ashamed or embarrassed to seek help but find that when they finally reach out, things start to change! If you’re struggling with money, open up to someone you trust, or get free help from an organisation like Christians Against Poverty (CAP). You can find out about all the services we offer at capscotland.org/help.
Write it down
Our emotions can easily build up and become too much to bear. Putting your thoughts down on paper can help you process how you’re feeling and provide a healthy outlet for anger, frustration, grief and lots of other emotions.
Sweat it off
According to the NHS, physical exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that help to improve our mood. However, you don’t need an expensive gym membership or pricey equipment to do this – walking, running and playing games in the park are all great ways to get a bit more active (and they’re free!).
Cook it up
The food we eat affects not only our physical health, but our mental wellbeing too. Planning your meals before you head to the shop can help you choose healthier options and cut down on non-essential costs, bringing a little peace of mind. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) provides local groups in communities like yours with lots more guidance on shopping and cooking healthily on a budget. Find out more at capscotland.org/help.
Know it well
Whatever emotions you’re feeling, it’s important to know that they are valid and worth taking seriously. You can honour this by taking the time to get to know your emotions better, learning about what causes you to feel a certain way and why. This might include speaking to a trustworthy source such as Samaritans (call 116123) or SHOUT (text 85258), or asking yourself GP about counselling.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity working with over 800 affiliated churches to deliver debt help, budgeting guidance, support to find work, life skills education and more. Visit capscotland.org to find out more.
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 Little Dunkeld Kirk on March 3rd.
All welcome from any church or none.
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
Haughend Development Proposal
My key objection to the Haughend proposal, now updated for the second consultation event, is that they still seek permission to re-zone the full 40 acres from agricultural land to development land.
We have heard so many differing proposals for this land, it is hard to know what to believe. At the November consultation, I was assured that no more than 250 houses would be built. The initial 65 houses were to be on 8 acres, but now the proposal is to use 11 acres, with the retail and workspaces and allotments taking up another 2 acres. That leaves 27 acres described as being “Woodland, ponds and grazing land” and a “No Build Zone” with drainage. If that is truly the long-term intention, then surely there is no need to re-zone these areas.
Unless the developers are prepared to exclude these acres from the re-zoning application or agree, as the Community Council has suggested, to “a legal burden (being) placed on the remaining acres to prevent further development”, or alternatively “gifting the land to the community”, there is no guarantee that this land will not be further developed or sold on to others for development in the future.
If this does happen, it could lead to a doubling of both the physical and population size of Dunkeld. It seems clear to many of us that this would put unbearable pressures on our other community priorities, such as road safety and congestion, parking availability, and the capacity of some of our critical community services. At the Community Council meeting on 12th February, Mr David Littlejohn, Head of Planning at PKC, said that only small-scale windfall or brownfield sites whose impact was neutral or negative would likely be allowed as exception projects to the current Local Development Plan (LDP). He explained that major developments (> 50 houses), such as is proposed at Haughend, located in a National Scenic Area and protected by the National Planning Framework 4, are more appropriately considered during ongoing consultations for the 2027 LDP, to ensure adherence to the plan-led approach to development. I understand, notwithstanding this position, that the planning committee could still approve an application if they perceive it to have community support. Therefore, those of us not in favour of seeing such large-scale potential development at Haughend (including 89% of the January public meeting) still need to vigorously oppose this plan.
If you agree that the proper statutory planning process (LDP) outlined above should be followed, and would like to be informed of any forthcoming planning application, then please send an email to StopHaughend40acres@gmail.com Your name and email details will remain confidential.
Hugh Green, Brae Street
Local Development Plans (LDP)
LDPs form the basis for how the planning system is delivered in local planning authorities. LDPs enable local planning authorities to plan for the future whilst meeting the needs of different people, engaging across the community. They are reviewed each 10 years. Each LDP is guided by the National Planning Framework (NPF)
The latest 2019 LDP for our area does not allocate any land for residential development in the Dunkeld and Birnam settlement area.
The Royal School of Dunkeld – at the heart of our community
As the spring shoots begin to appear, the first term of the year is in full swing (with a short hiatus for half term). One amazing development to report was the silent auctioning of last year’s school calendar art at a Burns Supper in Asheville, North Carolina. We’ll report on this more later, but wanted to thank Fiona Ritchie for making this happen, and continuing our links over the Atlantic with our sister city.
As well as through our articles in The Bridge, you can keep up to date with lots of school and community activity through regular newsletters at the Royal School of Dunkeld website - https://www.royaldunkeld.pkc.sch.uk/News/Newsletters/. For the latest edition highlights include that the school has applied to be part of a Theatre in Schools Scotland project being run by Pitlochry Theatre. This will involve all P6 and P7 children taking part in 2 drama workshops in school. P6 and P7 children will then have two days at Pitlochry Festival Theatre where they will collaborate with a production team and other local schools to create a performance at the theatre. This is SO exciting – we can’t wait to see the final production! In addition, this project also allows the whole school to enjoy a Theatre experience in school.
Our school aim to offer a number of extra-curricular opportunities and in particular like to offer a variety of lunchtime clubs to the children. Some of these clubs are run by staff, others are offered by parents or other community partners such as Live Active. The school would like to be able to offer more music and drama opportunities to the children so if you have skills in these areas, would like to work with our children and are able to commit to some lunchtime sessions please get in touch with Nicola Williams, the Headteacher via the school email address royaldunkeld@pkc.gov.uk
The school is still looking for donations of LEGO, with the intention of having a box available in each of the classes. If you’d be willing to donate to the school, please pop it into the school office, or contact Steph Handa on 07875 485281.
On 8 February 2024 the parent Partnership Group of the school discussed the news that Birnam Library could be under threat, The parents on the call were very keen to highlight just what an integral part the library plays in the lives of so many across the community – and hope that the library can remain integral to our lives for many years to come.
Nicola Williams, Headteacher, Royal School of Dunkeld Graeme Cook, Chair, Parent Partnership Group
March ‘Stick on the Fridge Page’
Local Organisations - Contact Details
Listing for local voluntary organisations are free however The Bridge welcomes donations to cover the cost of these listings. Please send donations to the Advertising Manager, John. B. Gray at Highfield, Brae Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0BA. Many thanks. Please contact the editor with amendments/additions. Phone 01350+
Organsiations - General 3 Churches Charity Shop 07751 593421 Anne Graham
Alcoholics Anonymous (Helpline) 0800 917 7650
Chapter House Museum 727786 Ruth Brown (in Dunkeld Cathedral, open 7 days) archive@historicdunkeld.org.uk
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
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)
Registrar 01738 475121 3/5 High St, Perth perth-registrars@pkc.gov.uk
Tayside Police (non-emergency) 101
Dates
BA = Birnam Arts Centre, DA = Duchess Anne Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld
2 A9 Preferred Route Community Event Drop In 11am-4pm Duchess Anne 2 Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club Quiz Night 7.00 for 7.30 Teams of 4 - £20 per team
6 Dementia Café, North Halls Perth 10 – 12:30
7 All Together Now Concert for people living with memory loss FREE 2pm St May’s Church
7 Paths and Nature Action Group : Snowberry, meet at Jubilee Park (hush.logs.jots) 10.30 to 12.30 stewartpritchard@aol.com
8 Atholl Cailleachs – International Women’s Day Charity Concert Birnam Arts
10 Film Club The Keeper 2h UK 2018 Birnam Arts
12 Kirk Session Meeting 7:30pm Duchess Anne
13 Paths and Nature Action Group : Snowberry, meet at Jubilee Park (hush.logs.jots) stewartpritchard@aol.com
13 Gardening & Growing Club AGM Birnam Arts 7:30pm cox325@gmail.com
13 Pitlochry Angling Club Open Night Rewilding Dalnacardoch Estate 7;30pm Scotlands Hotel, Bonnethill Road, Pitlochry. Talk by Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Programme Director, Scotland Deirdre Stewart
14 A9 Community Grou, 7.30 pm, Birnam Arts
16 16 The Band from County Hell 7.30pm Tickets £12 (+ £1 Booking Fee) Birnam Arts
17 Paths and Nature Action Group Path drainage, meet on Brae Street at Haughend track end (smiled.squirted.snaps) 10.30 to 12.30 stewartpritchard@aol.com
17 Film Club The Duellists 1h 40m UK 1977 Birnam Arts
18 Historical Society aul McLennan on Dunkeld and Birnam Station plus Nikki Herbertson with a display about the Station Action Group. £2 cash please 7:30pm BA
20 10 - 3.30pm in the Duchess Anne – Art Workshop – Tickets available on Eventbrite
20 Birnam Arts: Notice of Annual General Meeting 6.30pm – 7.30pm, followed by refreshments.
21 Charity Trustees Training Seminar and Legal Update, 7pm, Perth by Sarah Brown WS, J & H Mitchell WS, Solicitors, The Soutar Theatre, A.K. Bell Library, Perth on Thursday 21st March 2024. info@jandhmitchell.com Free – reservation required
22-24 Niel Gow Festival 2024 with concerts workshops Sessions and recitals from some of Scotland’s finest musicians tickets www.birnamarts.com
26 Paths and Nature Action Group Path drainage, meet on Brae Street at Haughend track end (smiled.squirted.snaps)- 14.00 to 16.00 stewartpritchard@aol.com
28 – 31st Holy Week and Easter Services see centre pages for details
28 Perthshire Plays presents You are the Future with Michelle Rodley 7.30pm Birnam Arts
29 Free Friday Film: Fiddler on the Roof, 2pm Free entry Birnam Arts
April
3 Beatrix Potter Storytelling, 11am: by John Anderson, especially for the younger children 6 Cats Storytelling, 2.30pm: Birnam Arts
4-6 Birnam Institute Players present Old Dogs by Steve Raw 7pm Tickets: £10 Adults £5 U16s (+£1 Booking Fee) Birnam Arts
12 Autumn Voices 7.30pm £5 Adult/£3 over 60s (+ £1 Booking Fee) Birnam Arts
20 Neon Waltz 7.30pm Tickets £12 (+ £1 Booking Fee) Birnam Arts 27th (from 3pm at Birnam Arts) – School Reunion of Class 1940’s, 50’ and 60’s – Tickets available at birnamarts.com
23rd & 24th March – Find us at Birnam Arts for the Niel Gow Festival
For dates further ahead see: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk
Ronalda Pattullo
Servite 07595 651446 Ivan Russell (Working Hours, Mon, Wed, Friday ivan.russell@caledoniaha.co.uk
1 – 4pm; Tues, Thurs 8.30am – 12 noon)
Community Noticeboard
New! Health and Wellbeing Hub at the Guide Hall
The Community Coworking Space in partnership with Growbiz is trialling running a new ‘Health and Wellbeing Hub’ at the Guide Hall between April and June. For more information contact us at: coworkingdunkeld@gmail.com Community Coworking Space working in partnership with Growbiz and The Guides.
The Meeting Place
THE MEETING PLACE is open every Friday morning from 10-12, weather permitting in the lower hall at the Duchess Anne. Everyone welcome - come and join us for a cup of tea, some delicious home baking and good company.
Repair Café –First Monday of the Month
The Next Repair Cafe is on Monday 4th March, 3.00pm to 6.00pm Birnam Arts.
If one of your New Year resolutions is to get down to mending those things that need fixing then why not bring them along to see if we can help. Or maybe just pop in, have a cuppa and see what we do. You'll be very welcome.
Have you got a banking question?
Following the closure of our branch of the Bank of Scotland in The Cross in person banking support is now being offered Chloe from the Bank of Scotland on Thursdays in the downstairs meeting room at the Community Coworking Space (Old Doctors Surgery) between 9:30am and 3pm.
Santa Day Toy Fair
This year the Toy Fair raised just under £1300 thanks to the amazing kindness of everyone who took the trouble to donate toys. The community support for this wee annual community event over the past 12 years is hugely appreciated and is a really worthwhile recycling effort. Thanks as always to Birnam Arts for being a key drop off point and to the team of helpers. It is always a really fun day seeing so many lovely children (and parents!) enjoying the event. The money raised this year was split equally between the Children’s Hospice at Kinross and local food banks. We’ll be back next year so do put those unwanted toys aside. If you are clearing out earlier in the year feel free to call and we’ll arrange to collect them. John and Mara Ferguson 07730 400382.
Three Churches Charity Shop
High Street Dunkeld
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm
If you are interested in volunteering, please enquire in the shop for more info. Find us on Facebook at 3 Churches Charity Shop
SAVE THE DATE!
We are in the process of organising A School Reunion
For former pupils of The Royal School of Dunkeld who attended school during the 1940s, 1950s & 1960s
On Saturday 27th April 2024 at Birnam Arts
There will be 2 events: An Afternoon Tea and a Social Evening with music and a finger buffet Tickets will soon be available from Birnam Arts
Birnam Library under Threat? - Please use it!
Dear Editor
Thank you for printing my letter about the threat to the Birnam Library. I've had quite a number of concerned reactions.
For those readers who missed my first letter, Here it is https://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/32communitynews/1239-dear-editor
In summary, the Council's policy, approved in December 2023, is now to have rural libraries " colocated" where possible in other Council or public buildings. The Birnam Library is already "co-located" in Birnam Arts. Please write to your Councillors, the Community Council and Perth and Kinross Council/Culture Perth and Kinross (who run the libraries) to point this out and to ask for assurance that the library's future is safe.
Of course, the other key reality is that , "co-located" or not, if a library is not used well enough it will always be under threat of closure. So please use the Birnam Library (opening hours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday shown on page......), and, books apart, drop in to find out what other services it has or activities which can happen there.
And spread the word!!
Alasdair Wylie, Birnam, 07927 175121
Charity Trustees Training Seminar and Legal Update
Thursday 21st March 2024, 7pm, Perth J & H Mitchell WS, Solicitors, will be hosting a seminar for Charity Trustees at The Soutar Theatre, A.K. Bell Library, Perth on Thursday 21st March 2024.
The session will be delivered by Sarah Brown WS, who heads up the J & H Mitchell WS Charities and Communities Team and is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Scottish Charity Law.
The 90-minute seminar will provide Charity Trustees with practical guidance and an insight into various hands-on aspects of their role, actions and legal responsibilities.
The session will also highlight the changes to Scottish Charity law which will be introduced by the Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Act 2023, following Royal Assent in August 2023.
It is a case of ‘the more the merrier’ at our Charity Seminars, where we recommend that as many Trustees of a charity try to attend the Seminar together, so that they can speak about it together afterwards. Attendance is free and places must be reserved in advance.
If you would like to attend, please either contact our office on 01796 472 606 to book a place or by email to info@jandhmitchell.com, providing your name and the name of your organisation.
For more information about J & H Mitchell WS and the other services that we provide, please visit us at www.jandhmitchell.com.
Birnam Library is situated in the Birnam Arts Centre, Station Road, Birnam, PH8 0DS Tel : 01738 459709
Birnam Library is run by Culture Perth and Kinrossa charitable trust bringing art, culture, books, learning, creative communities and local history and heritage to people across the whole of Perth and Kinross. https://www.culturepk.org.uk/
RBS mobile bank visits Dunkeld and Birnam. Thursdays: Dunkeld, The Cross 14.50 pm to 15.20 pm and Birnam, Post Office 15.05 pm to 15.25 pm
LADY DRIVER TAXI
Notes from a Councillor 17
The budget setting process is dominating the workload situation at 2 High Street at this time. We along with other Local Authorities are facing a very difficult financial situation. Unfortunately, we are going to have to change and adapt the way we, as the Council, deliver our services. In some areas we will have to stop delivering certain services altogether. This is not something that any elected member would wish to do but it is necessary to protect the majority of services provided for future years.
The Capital and Revenue Budgets will be set on 28 February 2024 but may be revised if further monies are forthcoming from Government. Dunkeld has unfortunately, like other areas of Perth and Kinross, been badly hit by flooding. The rainfall figures are indeed unprecedented, but will I think occur more often in the future. I hope to be able to give some positive news regarding tackling this issue for the Dunkeld area specifically through the budget setting process.
Many areas are now setting up weather event resilience groups. The Administration made available £175,000 towards setting up and providing equipment etc for such groups and I am hopeful that residents of Birnam and Dunkeld will successfully progress with setting up a local group.
After my Administration decided to tackle fly-tipping across Perth and Kinross head on by putting £90k towards funding a dedicated member of staff and equipment to monitor fly-tipping hot spots. The first results of this initiative have been published. From August 31until December 31 last year, 74 reports of fly-tipping were received. 51 cases were accepted for formal investigation by the Fly-tipping Co-ordinator, the others were looked into but could not be classified as fly-tipping after initial enquiries. The council’s response includes:
• 15 fixed penalty tickets and four warning letters.
• Two people reported to Police Scotland for a total of nine incidents of fly-tipping.
• Two people reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
Fly-tipping costs Perth and Kinross Council taxpayers dear. It is hoped mobile CCTV cameras will further deter fly-tippers or catch criminals in the act. A fly-tipping prevention communications campaign has also been launched and a single point of contact has been established, making it easier for residents to report concerns. On a brighter note the daylight hours are increasing, the snowdrops are out, the birds are getting noisier, Spring is definitely in the air and we all live in a beautiful part of a beautiful country. Have a good Spring and Summer everyone.
News from our Community Council
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council Community Council Matters
Community Council MemberLaura Graham
If you would like to contact the Community Council you can do so by emailing: dbcc.correspondence@gmail.com
You can also contact us via the messaging system on our facebook page.
Of course, if you have the opportunity, then please do chat to any member of the Community Council if you bump into them while out and about.
Please look on www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk for information about future dates and times.
To read the minutes of previous meetings and to find the agenda for forthcoming meetings, see: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/community-news/ community-council
JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576
It's was great to see so many members of our community at our last community council meeting and quite rightly so. The potential development at Haughend is a hot topic within our community. Please keep an eye out for updates on social media and The Bridge.
As ever the community council has been busy with a mixed bag of issues which effect our community. In working together with various different organisations/community groups this ensures we reach a high percentage of our community to achieve the best possible outcomes. Planning takes up alot of our time and we have managed to secure David Littlejohn, head of planning at PKC to come along to our February meeting and answer some questions.
I'm sure we can all agree that the arrival of spring is a welcomed sight. I like most certainly won't be missing the rain or sandbags! I personally prefer sand to be in between my toes while walking along the beach.
Laura Graham
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
COUNCILLOR GRANT LAING (SNP) 01738 475000 or 07881 500501 Email: GLaing@pkc.gov.uk
COUNCILLOR IAN JAMES (Conservative) 01738 475000
Email: IJames@pkc.gov.uk
COUNCILLOR CLAIRE MCLAREN (Scottish Liberal Democrats) 01738 475000 Email: ClaireMcLaren@pkc.gov.uk
Councillor Grant Laing
A World Community
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Orchard
We are an informal group that looks after the community orchard by the bridge. The orchard, now 16 years old, has produced a vast amount of apples and other fruit for the community over the years, as well as proving a popular green space where the blossom, fruit and other habitats support a wide range of wildlife. On land belonging to Atholl Estates, it was once used as a market garden by the Bruce family. Now it is home to around 180 trees – with over 30 varieties of apple, plum, pear, cherry and gage, as well as a soft fruit garden. At this time of year our focus is on winter pruning the apple trees – taking out damaged, diseased and dead wood and ensuring the centres don’t get too congested nor the trees so big that we can’t reach the fruit! Around New Year a number of trees were damaged by rabbits so work is ongoing to reinforce and replace worn tree guards.
The Orchard Group is open to everyone and includes younger and older members of our community. We have a WhatsApp 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.
At our recent AGM (with thanks to the Perth Arms for hosting us) we set a provisional date for this year’s “Big Apple Day” community event - Saturday 28 September.
For more information please contact: Katharine Melville, Joint Co-ordinator on 01350 727048 or dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com
Spring Into March with GrowBiz Events
Enterprise support organisation GrowBiz has a number of helpful online events lined up this month, designed to support rural business, social enterprises and the self employed:
On Wednesday 6 March, learning session attendees will discuss cashflow management and how it can help you manage your projected income and expenditure over a given period of time.
Another learning session on Thursday 14 March is a 'Marketing Mastery’ event, looking at features and benefits to attract your ideal customer. You’ll feel clearer about who your customers are, how to reach them and what channels to use to talk to them.
Tuesday 19 March will see the second in a series of four learning sessions about being more sustainable, setting practical net zero goals and creating a climate action plan for your business, as part of a project funded by SSE Renewables.
Our online learning sessions are free, informal, interactive and open to anyone thinking about starting or growing a business or enterprise in rural Perth and Kinross.
You can also book an online drop-in surgery slot on Thursday lunchtimes throughout the month if you’d like to speak with an Enterprise Facilitator. This is especially helpful if you have a specific question in mind, need some accountability to complete a task, or you’d like some feedback on an idea, new project or application. If you would like to discuss one of the above topics but can’t attend the relevant event, a member of the GrowBiz team will be happy to provide 1-1 support at a time that suits you. Email connect@growbiz.co.uk to request a chat.
To see all of our services or book an event go to www.growbiz.co.uk
Dementia Café
North Church Halls, Perth
As the Dementia cafe enters its 16th year with ever increasing attendance , we look forward to an extended event on Wed 6th March in the North Church halls from 10am until 1230 pm.
The Cafe will be serving free refreshments including gluten free cakes and biscuits provided by Langs Foods in the small hall. The Main hall will be full of stallholders who will be ready to answer questions , give advice or point carers in the right direction. There will be 13 stalls, many of which are directly concerned with dementia , but others which , it has been found , are very helpful
along the dementia journey. These include Telecare services, CAB, Vision PK, and MacNab Solicitors. The modern way of communication by telephone or by email does not always suit anxious carers . They deserve to have face to face discussions and in this way, this separate hall enables carers to spend quality time with professionals.
If you cannot come next month , make a note in your diary for the next Dementia Cafe which always takes place on the 1st Wed of the month . A warm welcome awaits you!
Thank you, Susette Walker, Ex- carer and volunteer
Pitlochry Angling Club Open Night
Rewilding, Dalnacardoch Estate. Wednesday 13 March (19:30) Scotlands Hotel, Bonnethill Road, Pitlochry. Presentation by Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Programme Director, Scotland Deirdre Stewart followed by a QA session.
The Trust’s long-term vision for this project is to breathe life back into this land by restoring habitats and ecological processes, recovering iconic missing species and rebuilding a strong, emotional connection between people and the environment. Break for free refreshments followed by: Fly tying talk and demonstration by Ross Macdonald from Aberdeen. This is sure to be a very informative evening. Please invite anyone you think might be interested in attending as the event is open to all.
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.
Next Meeting Wednesday 13th March –Talk followed by AGM. 7pm.
PLEASE NOTE TIME - IT IS EARLIER THAN USUAL. Talk by Jim Williams from the National Vegetable Society talking about pests and diseases.
Following AGM - Birnam Arts.
Everyone welcome – first meeting FREE. Please come along and ‘try out’ being a member
