This edition showcases just some of the fantastic work going on across our community — from the long-awaited: Station platform upgrades [see p.7], to the energy and creativity of the Dunkeld & Birnam Men’s Shed [see p.15], and the progress on our Local Place Plan [see p.7]. With volunteers, pupils, planners and contractors all playing a part, these stories highlight the hands-on e orts making our area more accessible, more vibrant, and more connected.
Local Place Plan
Cara Dillon with Sam LakemanA guaranteed night of stunning music - p3
Meet the Team
EDITOR
Sally Robertson
Please e-mail your article to Sally at: editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk or post to:The Bridge Dunkeld & Birnam Community Co-Working Space Lagmhor, Dunkeld PH8 0AD
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Kirsty Gowans
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The Bridge, edited by volunteers for the people of Dunkeld, Birnam and the surrounding villages since 1974. Thank you for all your support.
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Editorial
It’s always struck me as one of life’s great mysteries: we can send people to the moon, yet somehow still struggle to build a station platform at the right height for safely ge ing on and o a train.
But at last, the mystery is being solved—thanks in no small part to the dedication and determination of our Station Action Group, who have been lobbying tirelessly on behalf of us all. A huge thank you to everyone who’s been involved in this long-running campaign—it’s fantastic to see the work now underway (see page 7).
Platform safety is just one of several improvements happening locally, many of which connect directly to our new Local Place Plan. Last month’s edition of The Bridge introduced some of the headline proposals, and this month (see article on page 7) you’ll find more detail. The dra plan has now been submi ed for review by our local Community Councils and Councillors as part of the statutory notice period, before going on to Perth and Kinross Council. You can view it on the Development Trust website or pick up a hard copy at Birnam Library.
Which brings us to the future of our library—and closely linked to that, the future of Birnam Arts. A much-loved hub in the heart of our community, Birnam Arts is facing real challenges: rising costs, reduced funding, and di cult choices ahead. There’s an important message inside this edition on page 4 that outlines the current situation, and I urge you to read it. A public meeting is planned for Saturday, May 17th at 10:30am—please try and get along to hear an update and share your ideas and support. This iconic building was created by the community, for the community. Like the station, let’s hope there’s
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 and our AGM will be on Thursday 22nd May, Birnam Arts, 7.30pm.
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible while we review the past year and present status and elect o ce bearers for the coming year.
In case you have not yet read them, in particular if you made comments a er the respective Transport Scotland community engagement exhibits on the A9 dualling of Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing are available at:
https://www.transport.gov. scot/publication/consultationreport-august-2024-communityengagement-events-pass-of-birnamto-tay-crossing-a9-dualling/ And for January 2024
There are hard copies at Birnam Arts for ease of reference.
As always you can contact us at email: dunkeldA9workinggroup@gmail.com, and to have your details added (or removed from) our mailing list; or just phone me! Alasdair Wylie - Coordinator 07927 175121 awylie2002@yahoo.co.uk
For our reports on “The Bridge” website: h ps://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/
a bright future on the horizon—but it will take collective e ort to get us there.
And now, something fresh and hopeful! Evergreen Gardening is a new project encouraging everyone to keep enjoying gardening—whatever the state of our knees, backs, eyesight or memory. There’s something truly therapeutic about connecting with the soil and all that grows in it. Join the first session at the Guide Hall on May 6th—there’s no charge, other than being ready to participate. I hope you enjoy all the planting and nature-based activities that Mel has designed to be—like our new platform—accessible for everyone.
Sal Robertson
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For more information on the role of the Community Council see page 17
Arts News
Concerts & Events • Café • Shop • Gallery • Beatrix Po er Station Road, Birnam PH8 0DS 01350 727 674
Tickets and details: www.birnamarts.com
Exhibition: The Land Remembers What The Waters Tell Us: Eve Mcgovern Miller
Until Sun 8th June: Gallery
Eve’s exhibition will include a series of cyanotype photography made from swimming within the River Tay and in Loch Faskally, through a collaboration with the Pitlochry-based outdoor swimming group The Dell Dippers.
You Choose
Sat 3rd May: 2pm-3pm: £10-£16*
Based on the brilliant book by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharra Nonsense Room Productions (Shark in the Park and Hairy Maclary Shows)
Through a series of games and challenges, each show will be unique with di erent characters, locations, costumes and much more every time!
Float: Starcatchers
Sold Out - Wed 7 May: 10:30am – 1pm Float is a beautiful and immersive world for babies from birth to 12 months old to experience, and for their accompanying grown-ups.
Cara Dillon with Sam Lakeman
Sat 12th May : 8pm: £20*
Cara Dillon has one of those rare talents you only come across a handful times in your whole life. Her staggeringly beautiful voice has the ability to reach inside the soul of a song with not only profound sweetness, but also poignancy and depth. Together, with Sam Lakeman, her husband and musical collaborator, you’re guaranteed a night of stunning music.
Cyanotype Workshop with Eve Mcgovern Miller
Sat 17th May: 11am-1pm: £35*
Workshop based on Eve’s current Birnam Arts’ exhibition of cyanotype photography, The Land Remembers What The Waters Tell Them.
Life
Sat 17th May: 7.30pm: £16*
A captivating new work by Maria MacDonell, directed by Ben Harrison. LIFE is set in a drawing class. There is a gentle invitation for audience to draw or doodle during the show, or simply watch the story emerge. Drawing materials are provided.
Four on-stage tickets are available seated at easels.
Birnam Arts Unknown Legends Show
Fri 30th May: 8pm: £8*/£10*/£12*/£16*
With Shaun Lowrey, Tathajam, Petrichor, Abigail Anna (DJ set) Come and join us for an evening of music and dance from some locally sourced musical talent!
Dunkeld
& Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group
The 17th of April marked our anniversary and we are now two years old. We’re delighted with how well DB Trad Group has developed and evolved in that time. Our bands have played at several local events and concerts, with more on the way, showing just how far our young musicians have come.
Volunteering at Birnam Arts
Interested in the cultural heartbeat of the area? If you’d like to volunteer at Birnam Arts, we’d love to meet you!
Contact Elspeth on: Volunteer@birnamarts.com, or ask at Reception! See website for workshops and more: Birnamarts.com / 01350 727674
* Denotes Booking Fee
We now have guitar and whistle classes up and running alongside our fiddle and accordion classes. All are well-a ended but we do still have some spaces available, so if you’d like take up playing an instrument, send us a message.
All classes are in small groups lasting half an hour each week. They are completely free and we provide instruments, without cost, for our members to take home and use as their own.
Our junior and senior bands are for those who can already play at least a li le, and are suitable for most instruments. We welcome accordion, string, wind and brass players, guitarists, pianists and more to join in with our musical adventures and concerts throughout the year.
½ hour group lessons - Mondays 4-6pm
Junior trad band (P5-S2) - Mondays 6:30-7:30pm
Senior trad band (S3-S6) - Mondays 7:30-8:30pm
All classes and bands run weekly during term time based at Birnam Arts. Although we are based in Dunkeld & Birnam, we’re open to anyone living in surrounding areas such as Aberfeldy and Pitlochry, Blairgowrie and Coupar Angus, Stanley and Luncarty and everywhere in between. We rely entirely on funding and donations to keep our group accessible to all and as always, our thanks go to SSE Renewables, National Lo ery, Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, Basil Death Trust, Scops Arts Trust, The Lang Foundation, Hugh Fraser Foundation, Crescendo and Enchanted Forest for their funding, and all of the local residents and groups who have generously donated money and instruments.
If you do have any small guitars, fiddles or piano-accordions hanging around your home and would like them to be brought back to life, we’ll happily put them to good use.
Find us at www.facebook.com/dbtradgroup
Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com or call 07958 324 766 for more info.
Read more about the Dunkeld Cathedral Music Festival on page 11
Birnam Arts Open 7 Days: Café: 10.00-16.00 | Shop: 10.30-15.30
Booking Fees apply to all events. Birnamarts.com / 01350 727674
Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition
Registration will be open online for the 55th annual Art Exhibition from the 1st May. Artists may enter up to 3 pieces of work, nothing bigger than 80 x 80cm. Work must be brought to the hall on Sunday 20th or Monday 21st July and the Exhibition will open on Tuesday 29th July. We will be open every day from 10-4 and 12-4 on Sundays. We do need to recruit more stewards to enable us to keep the Exhibition going. Each day is broken into two 3 hour shi s and if you would like to help, we would be delighted to hear from you.
More information is available on our website www.dunkeldart.com and on FacebookDunkeldCathedralArtExhibition. Email dunkeldart@aol.com
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Arts News
BIRNAM ARTS An Honest Update
Birnam Arts is a much-loved part of our community — a space for creativity, learning, connection and inspiration. That’s why we want to be candid with you about the challenges we’re currently facing.
Like many arts and community venues across the country, Birnam Arts has been a ected by rising costs, reduced funding, and the ongoing financial a ershocks of COVID-19. While the building is as busy as ever, the income it generates through events, room hire, the café and shop is no longer covering our core costs.
The board is now engaged in an active review of our financial and organisational model to ensure Birnam Arts has a sustainable future. This should take around 3 months. This includes reducing costs, strengthening partnerships, and finding new ways to generate income. We’re also seeking expert advice, speaking with funders, and learning from others who have successfully navigated similar challenges.
No decisions have been made yet, and we want to reassure our community that our priority is to protect the core mission of Birnam Arts — as a place for people to come together and celebrate creativity. We are commi ed to improving our communication and involving everyone: our hard-working sta , valued volunteers, local residents and loyal and vital audiences and active participants in our classes and workshops for all ages.
We know that uncertainty can lead to rumour, and we want to avoid that. So, over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more information as things develop via the Birnam Arts website, social media, and notices in the building. We’re also planning an initial public community meeting at Birnam Arts on Saturday 17th May at 10.30am to share updates and invite your input.
In the meantime, if you have ideas, energy or experience to share, we’d love to hear from you — please get in touch via chair@birnamarts.com.
Birnam Arts was built by the community, for the community. That spirit is still alive today. With your support, we’re confident that we can create a thriving future for this much-loved space.
Birnam Library Community Meeting – Friday 9 May, 6–7pm
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries invite all interested community members to a meeting at Birnam Library on Friday 9 May from 6–7pm. This is the first in a series of local meetings to shape the future of rural libraries.
Thanks to recent funding from Perth & Kinross Council, all library services will continue for the next two years. We now want to work with local communities to ensure libraries remain well-used and supported.
The meeting will o er an opportunity to discuss how the community can collaborate with library sta to develop a local library plan. Whether you’re part of a group or just passionate about your local library, your input is welcome.
Please let library sta know if you plan to a end. For queries, contact Elaine Wallace at enwallace@culturepk.org.uk.
AIMS:
Sports, Health and Wellbeing
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.’
Sports and Leisure Hub
The Sports Hub has overall responsibility for the clubhouse, tennis courts and bowling green and the Covered MUGA. We are a membership organisation and although people can pay per play, we are very keen to encourage locals to join as members at the very reasonable annual fee- you can decide to join just the MUGA or any combination of the clubs. The membership year runs from April but people can join any time during the year. The fees for the new membership year are £20 for Hub membership, £25 for MUGA membership and £20 for tennis club membership (bowling club membership will be notified separately). Under 16s and students are free. This means an adult member joining the MUGA and tennis club will pay £65 per year for unlimited use of the facilities which is incredibly good value- the fee can be paid in instalments. You can join online at h ps://clubspark. lta.org.uk/DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub/ Membership/Join
Contact: dbsportsleisurehub@gmail.com at any time for further information. Booking for the tennis courts and MUGA can be done online at: h ps://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub
The AGM of the Dunkeld and Birnam Leisure Group (the Sports Hall project) will be held on Tues 6th May at the Community Co-Working Space at 730pm. All welcome
Dalguise Meditation Group
Meditation has all sorts of benefits – increased focus and calmness, the opportunity to see things from a di erent perspective, a greater feeling of freedom and harmony, among many others. Whether you have never tried meditation before, or whether you have an established practice, why not come to one of our meetings and find out what we do?
Live meetings take place every other Tuesday in Dalguise Village Hall from 10.30 to 12.30. In May these meetings will be on 6th and 20th. We enjoy si ing and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments. There are no charges, no formalities, and we have no religious a liations – what we do is decided among our members.
We also have virtual meetings on zoom on the first Tuesday evening of every month, from 6.30 to 8.30pm. (Thus they sometimes coincide with the days of live meetings and sometimes not.) In April the zoom meeting is on 1 April (really!). These meetings usually include a guided meditation at the beginning and a silent meditation at the end, with a discussion on the latest topic (mailed to all members, see below) in between. People a ending can join in or remain incognito as they wish. If you would like to take part in a zoom meeting, please contact Maragaret margaret.q.lear@gmail.com who will send you the link.
If you aren’t able to a end in person, and are not wanting to join a Zoom session, you might nevertheless be interested in going on our mailing list. Members receive thought-provoking and helpful compilations about meditation and mindful living, on the Tuesdays between live meetings. If you would like to know more about our meetings or about meditation in general, please do contact faithanstey@gmail.com
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Live or work in a stressful environment?
Feel overwhelmed, exhausted or unsatisfied with life?
Want to be proactive in supporting your wellbeing?
WRAP ® Wellbeing Training
Join us for a two day free WRAP® workshop to self-reflect, learn skills and build an action plan for early intervention and prevention, to support your wellbeing.
To find out more contact Beth dbdcdt@gmail.com
17th & 24th Sept 2024 9-3pm both days
Book a free place here:
Open to all PH8 residents 18 years +
Three Churches Charity Shop
High Street Dunkeld
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm
PAINTING & DECORATING
Interior / Exterior Work
Paper Hanging • Taping
If you are interested in volunteering, please enquire in the shop for more info
Health and Wellbeing Hub, Dunkeld & Birnam Guidehall, Little Dunkeld
Community Developments
Dunkeld & Birnam Station Community Group
Update There’s lots of progress up at the Station, improving accessibility to make the train services from the Station easier to use for everyone, and to restore the building and bring it into community use. The Community Group continue to meet every fortnight and with key organisations including Network Rail, ScotRail, Historic Environment Scotland and Perth & Kinross Council every month. John Swinney, our constituency MSP, who brought these stakeholders together to work with the community, continues to meet with us every few months and gets regular updates on progress.
We’re delighted to report there has been good progress on all three work streams.
1. Improving accessibility within the Station: New car park lighting was installed at the end of 2024, and now the front of the Station is well lit. The long awaited improvements to raise the platform are well underway, and are on track to be fully completed by the end of May. Arrangements for accessing the southbound trains will change temporarily at the end of April, to allow the works to be completed. The entrance to Platform 1 will be further south and Platform 2 will still be accessed over the Bridge as usual. Thank you to Story, the contractors working up on the site installing the new raised platforms and to Network Rail, for hosting an exciting visit for P7 pupils from the Royal School of Dunkeld in March. The children had an amazing opportunity to meet the team, find out more about the works and the di erent roles across the team, to meet in the site o ce and hear a presentation all about the works as well as safety on the railways. All the children received a certificate and have been given an opportunity to take part in a special competition, more on that soon! This will be the headline when everything is definitely completed by the end of May.. so for next Bridge with pictures..but deserves a mention for end April.
2. Improving accessibility between the Station and the village: There has now been a work shop with the community, access experts and key organisations in 2023; returning to the community in January 2024 with designs from those workshops and site visits. This March, the detailed designs for step free paths to Platform 1 and Platform 2, via Birnam Glen were completed by the Network Rail team. The Community Group arranged for these designs to be shared with the children at the Royal School of Dunkeld and the wider community for
The Community Trust Care Group Update
As noted in the last edition of The Bridge, PH8 Caring Support is due to enter its next stage of development later this year when it merges with a similar project in Kinloch Rannoch to become a not for profit Social Enterprise delivering Care at Home, Personal Assistance and Befriending support. We are optimistic that applications to secure the necessary bridge funding from the relevant statutory bodies will prove successfully, while Governance arrangements are now at an advanced stage. We will shortly be advertising for Trustees of the new Board and noting those particular skill sets which will be needed. In addition to the Board, however, a local management team will be retained in each area, ensuring that the new body remains as responsive to local need as its predecessor. Our hope is that by rooting the enterprise in rural communities and not seeking to derive profit from its activities, we can assure more consistent, dependable care provision for those who need it most .
Meanwhile, the outings group continues to o er trips out to our senior citizens. The next date is Tuesday 13th May and anyone who would like to come along should contact Beth Beazley, the Trust’s Development O cer on dbdcdt@gmail.com
any final input. On 21st March, as well as the P5/6 and P6/7 classes in the Primary School, the Network Rail team were able to meet with representatives from Dunkeld & Birnam In Bloom and the Paths and Nature group, to discuss how to protect and enhance the biodiversity with the new path designs. The Network Rail team were also present to share and answer questions from the wider community at the Guide Hut, and Community Station Group volunteers kept the space open for more people to view the designs between 11 am and 4 pm on the Saturday 22nd March too. Thank you to everyone who participated in these sessions, and huge thanks to the Network Rail team who took time to explain details and answer questions about the plans and materials. It was fantastic to return to the School and share an update with pupils, for them to see how their input had informed the plans and wonderfully, to be joined by Dr Jan Silburn as a special guest. These paths will bring step free access to the Station, as championed by Dr Mike Silburn for many years, including with his practical input in the community group and workshops.
3. Restoring the Station Building and bringing it into community use: While there has been an urgent focus on safety and access to rail services for all, there is work underway to take care of and restore the Station building too. The community engagement continues to inform a vision for the Station and Network Rail completed a detailed audit of all the work that needs done on the building at the start of the year. There are big challenges ahead: a lot of work needs to be done, the costs to do it have gone up, whilst access to funding has got more di cult. There are ongoing conversations about potential funding with supporters and advisers and it is hoped that a community update on this can be shared in June. Watch this space for details! If you would like to view maps for the new paths to Platform 1 and 2, let us know and they can be available to browse at the Coworking Space in the Old Doctor’s Surgery, Lagmhor.
Thanks continue to go to volunteers across the community, including on the Community Station Group - Garth Ponsonby, Liz Rutherford, John Shelley and Neil Graham - for giving their time, expertise, experience to ensure progress and that the community informs these developments. Dunkeld & Birnam Community Station Group, Co-Coordinators Jess Pepper & Lachlan MacEwan dunkeldbirnamstation@gmail.com
Local Place Plan
As covered in last month’s edition of The Bridge, the dra Local Place Plan has now been completed, a er extensive community engagement and many hours of hard work from the LPP group. The dra Plan has now been submi ed for review by local Community Councils and local Councillors as part of the statutory notice period. Once all comments have been received, we will formally submit our LPP to Perth and Kinross Council. The Council’s Evidence Report for the next Council-wide Local
Development Plan is currently being reviewed by the Sco ish Government . Our Local Place Plan (LPP) will be used to shape and develop the Local Development Plan once the Sco ish Government’s review of the Evidence Report is complete. A PDF copy of the PH8 Local Place Plan and Appendix are available to view via the Trust’s website - www.dbdtrust.org - or you can access a hard copy of the LPP at Birnam Library. If you have any questions, please email us at dbdcdt@gmail.com
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Three Churches in the Community
Thought for the month
If you have been in Li le Dunkeld Churchyard recently you will have noticed a big di erence. There are smart new gates at the Willowbank entrance and the road in has been re-surfaced. Huge thanks are due to the Council for such a great improvement!
Although the tar has only been down for a few months already, along the edge where it is thinnest, you can see some weeds beginning to push through. It never ceases to amaze me how something as fragile as a tender shoot, which you could crush between your fingers, can break through tar or concrete. No wonder Jesus used seeds as an illustration of his Kingdom. There is such power in new growth and while sometimes the wrong in the world looks as hard and as impenetrable as concrete, seeds of justice and truth are stronger in their gentle, persistent way. Individual new shoots can be easily crushed, but they eventually break through.
During May Christian Aid week is used to highlight their work and raise money. We might be inclined to think what we can do is a drop in the ocean against a tidal wave of poverty and hardship. But think seeds, and growth. The Kingdom’s growth looks so fragile in the face of strong-arm tactics and massive issues yet it is strong and sure and can crack concrete. To pray against powerful forces seems a forlorn hope to many, but the seeds grow thanks to a strength we cannot fathom.
For 80 years now Christian Aid has been campaigning, praying and fundraising to fight poverty and injustice. Christian Aid doesn’t do the relief work itself; rather, they identify projects on the ground and support them with finance and advice as they work in their own community. The contribution of each of these groups may seem tiny in comparison to the problems they face, but the shoots of justice and peace can grow and break through the structures that oppress. In apparent weakness is great strength and when Jesus taught about his kingdom he used the examples of light, yeast, salt, seeds – tiny, fragile things in comparison to the di erence they can make. He used those illustrations to encourage us to persist in seeking good against the forces of wrong in the world and not lose hope that his kingdom will grow.
Jesus said ‘the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, smaller than any other seed but once sown it springs up and grows taller than any other plant.’
Fraser Penny
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 pa ern 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 Li le Dunkeld Kirk on May 4th, then June 1st. in St. Mary’s. All welcome from any church or none.
Church of Scotland Services
April 27th11amMorning Service in the Cathedral
May 4th11amMorning Service in the Cathedral
6.30pmPrayers for Help & Healing in Li le Dunkeld Kirk
May 11th11amMorning Service for Christian Aid week in the Cathedral
May 18th11amMorning Service in the Cathedral
2.15pmService at Amulree 6.30pmSongs & Silence in the Cathedral.
May 25th11amMorning Service in the Cathedral.
June 1st11amCommunion Service in the Cathedral
6.30pmPrayers for Help & Healing in St. Mary’s
June 8th11amMorning Service in the Cathedral
6.30pmSongs & Silence in the Cathedral.
Tea and co ee are served a er the morning service each week in the Chanonry.
Songs & Silence
Once again there will be a series of summer evening services called ‘Songs & Silence’ – time for prayer and reflection. Using music in the Taize style (quiet and meditative), words and silence these services give an opportunity to enjoy a di erent 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 in the lovely se ing of the Cathedral. The dates for this summer are:
May 18th.
June 8th.
June 29th.
August 10th.
August 24th.
September 14th.
September 21st.
Youth Group
A group for all P.7s and upwards meets during term time in the Duchess Anne on Thursday evenings.
Each night we start at 7pm. and finish at 8.30pm. More information from Fraser Penny.
Messy Events
Messy Music meets a er school on Tuesdays in Li le Dunkeld Kirk. A er a break over Easter Messy Music will restart on May 6th. - more details from Hazel Murch (music@ dunkeldcathedral.org)
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
Kirk Session
The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session next on April 29th. and then June 17th. at 7.30pm. in the Duchess Anne.
The Meeting Place
The Meeting Place is in the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings from 10 – 12noon. All welcome.
Fellowship Group
‘Exploring faith and life together’
Two groups meet fortnightly, on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings. The meetings over the next few weeks will be: Tuesdays –May 6th & 20th. at 7pm in the Chanonry.
Wednesdays –April 30th., May 14th & May 28th. at 10.30am in the Chanonry.
Both groups can also be joined by zoom with this link:
Meeting ID: 898 7502 8047
Passcode: 809745
All are welcome and it would be good to see the groups grow and perhaps then be able to form more smaller groups in this way. More information available from John Ferguson (727585), William Hogg (727053) or Fraser Penny (727249)
Men’s Breakfast
Every second Wednesday a group of men meets in the Chanonry to start the day with a cooked breakfast together, discuss events, both local and international, and enjoy each other’s company. The up-coming dates are the April 30th, May 14th & May 28th. at 9am. 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
Christian Aid Week this year is the 11th - 17th May
Every year our local Christian Aid commi ee organises various events to raise money for Christian Aid.
Second Hand Bookstall at the Duchess Anne on Friday 9th
Saturday 10th
Friday 16th
Saturday 17th from 10am onwards.
Donations of books always needed. These can be brought to the Meeting Place at the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings or le in the wooden hut in front of the Duchess Anne.
The proceeds from The Meeting Place on Friday 9th. & 16th. will be going to Christian Aid.
The Youth Group are going to run a Co ee morning on Saturday 10th. in the Duchess Anne while the book sale is on outside.
Collecting Cans will be do ed around various shops over the week too so please put in any loose change!
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.
Li le Dunkeld Kirk at 11am. Every Sunday from the Sunday following Remembrance Sunday to Palm Sunday. Sco ish Episcopal Church: St Mary’s Birnam at 10am. Every Sunday. Roman Catholic: St Columba’s, Mass 6pm. Every Saturday Monthly and Occasional Services
Church of Scotland, Amulree Third Sunday of the Month 2.15pm
The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld PH8 0AW Tel: 07736 423198
e-mail: sessionclerk@dunkeldcathedral.org
Treasurer: Mrs Louise Luke
The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld Tel: 07773 604372
e-mail: treasurer@dunkeldcathedral.org
Covenant O cer: Mrs. Ann Bryce Tomnagrew House, Dunkeld PH80BX Tel: 01350 723228
e-mail: annbryce228@gmail.com
Organist & Choir Leader: Mrs Hazel Murch Tel: 07867 642954
e-mail: music@dunkeldcathedral.org
Parish O ce: Mrs Jill McCrory
The Chanonry, 07808 703641 email: o ce@dunkeldcathedral.org www.dunkeldcathedral.org
St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Birnam
Sunday Service 10 am - Holy Communion with hymns, music and sermon, followed by refreshments.
The church is open daily for visitors, and prayers are said at 5.30pm on Fridays and 9.30am on Saturday.
The Servite service is now held monthly on the last Saturday of each month at 2pm and is led ecumenically by members of the three churches in Dunkeld and Birnam. It is not a communion service.
The Rector: Reverend Lesley-Ann Craddock Priest in Charge of St Mary’s Birnam and Dunkeld St Mary’s rectory, St Mary’s Rd, Birnam, PH8 0BJ. Tel: 07903 020509
email: lesley.craddock@btinternet.com
Part time = Friday, Saturday & Sunday I can also be found dwelling nr Loch Ness 01456486663
Treasurer: Charles Cox
Vestry Secretary: Adrian Freer
Tel: 01821 650536
email: adrianfreer@btinternet.com
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 Vigil6pm St Columba’s Birnam
Sunday9.30 am Our Lady of Mercy Aberfeldy
Sunday11.30 am St Bride’s Pitlochry Weekday Masses:-
9.30 amTue - Aberfeldy
9.30 amWed, Thur, Fri - Pitlochry
Holy days of Obligation:-
9.30amBirnam
12.30pmAberfeldy
6.00pmPitlochry
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.
Christians Against Poverty
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity delivering debt counselling and budgeting courses locally. Visit capuk.org to find out more or call 0800 328 0006 if you’d like a Debt Coach to visit you.
THE DUNKELD CATHEDRAL SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Dunkeld Cathedral Summer Music Festival returns for 2025 hosting a concert every Wednesday lunchtime at 12:00 starting on May 7th when we welcome back young musicians from Morrison’s Academy. Festival concerts remain free with donations welcome; any surplus raised going towards much needed maintenance of the Cathedral. Pete Clark and Muriel Johnstone open the professional festival on May 14th as we welcome old and new friends to perform in our packed programme. Dunkeld & District Strathspey & Reel Society will set our feet tapping on May 21st before we explore a theme of 2025 which is to include young professional musicians.
We are delighted to welcome the Purcillians from Aberdeen University, a new group comprising sopranos Susannah Thomasson and Iris Lam with Reuben Thomasson on piano. From the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland we welcome soprano Alla Kolganova and pianist Anna Mitchell on June 4th, before we have Teresa Barros Pereira Romão & Inês Alves, a fabulous harp & violin duo on June 11th. With more musicians wanting to join than there are summer Wednesdays, we are hosting a number of Saturday and weekday evening concerts. All the details can be found on dunkeldcathedral. org and on the Facebook group dunkeldcathedralmusicfestival.
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
Is a Heat Pump Right for Your Home?
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Weekend Workshops:
Events hall and kitchen facilities for Birthday parties, Indoor sports, Dances, Gatherings, Quiz Nights and more.
Home Repairs and Improvements Carpentry : Plumbing : Tiling Glazing and Decorating SERVING PERTHSHIRE FOR 30 YEARS NO JOB TOO SMALL
Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd September
6 Week Block: 18th September to 23rd October
Private group classes available to book
As we enjoy the longer and warmer days of spring, it’s a good time to set achievable business goals and intentions for the upcoming summer season. Here are a few ways GrowBiz can help:
Feast Catering
Relaxed catering with a real difference! hello@feast-catering.com 07593 619464 / 07540 054323 ... Dunkeld & Perthshire ...
Chris Wylie 2 Millhole Road, Spittal eld, Perthshire. PH1 4JR Phone: 01738 710671 / 07925 844491 This space could be selling for you!
Fraser Mills - NICEIC registered All domestic and commercial work undertaken Tel: 07545 078968
Email: fm.electrical143@gmail.com FM-Electrical.co.uk Locally based
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.
Contact the Advertising Manager adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk 07967 117149 THE PLANT NURSERY KINDALLACHAN West Countlich Farm, Kindallachan, Near Ballinliug, PH9 0NW
April - October | Monday - Saturday 9am - 4:30pm November - March | Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm
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.
How to find us: turn off theA9 at Kindallachan and follow the signs to the nursery. 07554 008058
Please phone 01350 727413 and speak to Gina or email: manager@rivendellcarehome.co.uk.com for more information.
nursery@alexbutter.co.uk www.alexbutter.co.uk
of
updated with upcoming events, opportunities and positive client stories, so you can stay up to date with what’s happening in the rural business community.
One-to-one advice: The GrowBiz team are all selfemployed, so understand the ups and downs of running a business. They are able to provide support and advice, as well as the reassurance that comes from having an experienced person by your side.
Downloadable resources: GrowBiz is here to support you to achieve your goals. We have free resources available on our website to help you create a business plan, marketing content plan, bookkeeping template and more, and we can talk you through how to use them.
Three Churches Charity Shop
Mentoring: If you would like to gain confidence, develop your skills and resilience, and make meaningful connections in a flexible and open environment, the GrowBiz mentoring programme is for you. You can become a mentee or volunteer as a mentor.
High Street Dunkeld
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm
If you are interested in volunteering, please enquire in the shop for more info.
Regular updates: The GrowBiz newsle er, website and social media pages are regularly
Networking opportunities: GrowBiz hosts regular events and meet ups where you can chat with fellow self-employed business owners, learn from their experiences and share your own, and form meaningful connections. Learn more about support available from GrowBiz at www.growbiz.co.uk
Clothing and shoe sale continues for one week, 3rd - 8th September. Last chance to grab a bargain.
Find us on Facebook at 3 Churches Charity Shop
Nature and Climate
EvergreenGardening for everyone
Our new “gardening for everyone” group kicks o at the Guide Hall on Tuesday 6 May and we are excited to get going. If you are interested in coming along, or in supporting the project in some other way, please let us know and we can send out more information.
We would also be pleased to hear from anyone who has any surplus hand tools or equipment (or possibly even plants!) which we may be able to use or incorporate into our sessions. This includes copies of old gardening magazines or even very old books with colour pictures of plants which we can cut up to use in various projects.
We’ll be gardening in ways to make it easier to learn, keep or regain that connection with seeds and soil – working from a seated position at tables and/or planting and caring for planters which avoid the need to bend down or stand for long periods. We may be indoors or outside, depending on the weather and activity. From planting seeds and bulbs, pricking out seedlings, dividing and propagating houseplants, making terrariums, growing herbs and micro-greens and more – growing and caring for plants and nature is a feel-good activity. We also look forward to sharing our gardening stories and reminiscences and learning from each other’s experiences whilst we gently work on the week’s project.
We are running eight sessions over the coming months - on Tuesday mornings, from 10301200 (see calendar for dates).
For more information and to let us know you are coming please contact Mel Nicoll 07876 118625 mel@cavecrag.com
With grateful thanks to the Guide Hall for use of the venue, to Dunkeld, Birnam and District Community Development Trust, Dunkeld & Birnam Co-Working Space and Perth & Kinross Council’s Community Investment Fund, also to members of the community who have donated or are loaning tools and equipment.
Evergreen - Gardening for Everyone: 2025 Dates
1030-1200. Guide Hall, School Lane, Li le Dunkeld Contact Mel Nicoll 07876 118625 mel@cavecrag.com
Tues 6 May 1030-1200
Tues 3 June 1030-1200
Tues 24 June 1030-1200
Tues 15 July 1030-1200
Tues 5 August 1030-1200
Tues 26 August1030-1200
Tues 16 Sept 1030-1200
Tues 7 October1030-1200
Gardening & Growing Club – Join Us!
Love plants? Whether you’re a windowsill po erer or a plottaming pro, our Gardening & Growing Club is for you!
We’re a friendly bunch who enjoy learning, sharing tips, and meeting fellow garden enthusiasts. Our year is packed with inspiring talks, garden visits, social events, and our big annual show in August.
First meeting FREE - come along and give it a try!
Annual membership: Just £20 for a year of green-fingered fun.
Everyone’s welcome! Drop by, meet like-minded folks, and grow something wonderful with us. For more info dbggclub@gmail.com
Programme of Events
Wed 14 May Fiona Stewart, Scotland’s Garden Scheme Birnam Arts
Wed 11 June 7pm Kate White, Head Gardener, Branklyn Gardens Birnam Arts
Sun 29 June 2pm Wild Orchids Garden Visit, The Steading at Newmill, Nr Clunie, PH10 6SG Sat 23 Aug Annual Show Birnam Arts
Drama of Care in the conflict zone at The Field Brae Street
Dunkeld
our soil for us. The ground now needs grooming to receive tender small seeds and when seedlings are ready we will plant them out , many of them through light excluding membrane so we don’t have to weed and others under bird/insect proof ne ing.
Our resident Slug Patrol Oystercatchers have chosen a nesting site around which we have created an exclusion zone, unfortunately the Piratical Corvids do not seem to recognise territorial boundaries so the Field becomes a conflict zone until the young can fend for themselves.
If you want to participate in this Seasonal Drama we can find you a role to suit your talents and inclinations, be it caring or nurturing for tender shoots or slash and burn control of pernicious weeds and pests, suitable costumes in the form of personal protective clothing are provided. The conversations of the Idle Cha erers are now turning toward holidays and it appears that some are even thinking of abandoning the Field for weeks on end! Our need for reinforcements at this busy time is crucial. If you feel that you can step into their boots (or wellies) I’m sure we have a pair which are just your size, come up and find out!
The standard of catering at co ee time is also growing as seasonal fruits and vegetable appear which can be incorporated in to cakes and tray bakes what could be more tempting?
If you love fresh organic vegetables and enjoy caring for anything that grows (except couch grass, creeping bu ercup, ne les and docks, slugs, and rabbits) do come up to the Field at the top of Brae St any Thursday or Saturday morning. We would be very glad to see you in Mad May when there is so much to do and so li le time to do it. Plants and weeds are exploding from the soil. Hi dependence seedlings need nurturing, watering, protection from heat, cold and other creatures which enjoy eating them.
Even Massive Fergie who turns the soil for us has needed a lot of TLC this year including a major transplant before he could turn over
Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom trees and undergrowth which has transformed this part of the village.
The Hostel Walk in Birnam, which was originally Torwood school is looking very good just now, a er the snowdrops have gone. The fritillary’s are now starting to spread and even a white one has appeared which we don’t know where that came from as nobody is owning up to planting it. The Erythroniums have also spread and of course the da odils and primula’s are there. The team have been working really hard to clear weeds and allow the plants to grow. They started in 2014 to restore the area, with selective removal of
Also the picnic bench has now been completed with gravel at the base, edging and a plaque telling it’s story. Bench was constructed from timber from the Hermitage 200 Douglas fir that got blown down in the storm in 2007. Made by Sco Perry. So I hope everyone enjoys a wee seat in Torwood Park if walking past.
Our AGM is on Monday 19th May at 10am in the Birnam Arts, Birnam, which everyone is welcome to a end.
Tha Orraman
Paths and Nature Group
With the arrival of spring, both residents and visitors will be enjoying our local path network. This is a timely reminder to everyone that in Scotland we enjoy “responsible access rights” rather than “rights of way”. So as well as dusting o your boots, bicycles or reins, refresh yourself on your responsibilities at h ps://www. outdooraccessscotland.scot
Recent work by the Paths and Nature group to clear invasive species along the riverside path near the Birnam Oak has allowed native species to thrive. Flowering through April are forgetme-nots, wood anemones, cuckoo flower and lesser celandine followed by bluebells through into May. Enjoy!
We meet on a Monday morning at 10am. Groups can be found in St Ninian’s Garden, Dunkeld and Torwood Park, Birnam.
Anyone who would like to come and join us, please do.
Thank you, Moira (07931 758 456)
Nature and Climate
Community Orchard Update
Have you walked through the orchard recently? It’s so lovely to see the apple blossom and da odils! The birds are busy gathering material for their nests and all sorts of insects are busy exploring pollen sources. Everything is growing fast now – including the grass, which it will soon be time to cut. There is not too much work to be done for now but we’ll be keeping an eye on things and tidying up any loose tree stakes and ne ing etc. Working in the orchard during the winter on the pruning it was great to see how many people enjoy walking through and around the orchard and stopping to look at the roadside information board. We’re full of anticipation as to what the weather will bring over the coming weeks and months, and how that will a ect pollination and this year’s harvest.
The orchard occupies a prominent site by the bridge, joining the communities of Dunkeld and Birnam. On land belonging to Atholl Estates, it was once used as a market garden. We welcome members of the community as volunteers – age and lack of previous experience is no barrier. Many of us began with no understanding of fruit tree care and have been learning “on the job” with the support of more experienced members. Rest assured that we build in tea breaks to our work sessions, o en with homemade cakes! And there may be other ways you can support the orchard if you are unable to volunteer “on the ground.” Otherwise, please just enjoy this special place.
For further information contact Katharine 01350 727048 or email dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com
Dùn Coillich events programme goes live!
Meet the badgers….
Spring has well and truly sprung and we’re already planning well into the new season at Dùn Coillich Community Land with a new schedule of special events.
May is chance to ‘meet the badgers’ in the company of our Assistant Project O cer Fred Cochrane. Two evening walks are planned on Thursday 15th May and Friday 30th May to hopefully catch a rare glimpse of our resident badgers emerging to forage.
Booking is essential via Eventbrite and places are very limited to avoid disturbing the animals. Visit the What’s On page of our website www. duncoillich.org to find out more and for links to the Eventbrite booking page. All of our events are free for members of Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust, the suggested donation for non members is £5.
Get to know us!
Dùn Coillich – managed by the Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust – has been transformed from the remnants of a deer farm into a mosaic of sensitively-managed habitats with over 12km of marked walking trails.
The site, between Aberfeldy and Tummel Bridge, now o ers a haven for nature along with fantastic views and wildlife-watching opportunities – as well as a hub for rural skills training and volunteering.
Our programme of guided walks, talks and workshops in spring, summer and autumn give visitors chance to delve even deeper into
the sights and sounds of this regenerating landscape and find out more about our core aims: to restore biodiversity, support rural skills development, and encourage people of all ages to embrace the outdoors.
If you fancy ge ing even more involved, why not consider volunteering every Tuesday or the last Sunday of the month? You can get handson with all aspects of site management, from improving footpaths to maintaining deer fences, building benches to tree pruning, ecological surveys to habitat creation.
Visit www.duncoillich.org or join our Facebook Group to discover more about us and the training, volunteering and walking options on o er.
The Dunkeld & Birnam Men’s Shed
Remain active within the community
Repair Cafe Bin it? No Way!!
April Repair Cafe was a busy and exciting session for us. Dave Doogan, our local Westminster M.P. came to see what we do. We were very pleased that he was so interested in repair and to show him what goes on. It looks like he enjoyed the cake too.
We’ve also been very lucky to get a further donation fro the Lang Trust so we will be able to continue our fixing workshops in the Autumn – watch out for the dates.
Our next session is on the May Monday holiday 5th May at Birnan Arts. Do come along with anything you think we could mend – anything from lamps to small chairs to electronic gadgets to ceramics or anything else. We do try to NEVER give up.
Do you have time to help us? We need all sorts of skills. Visible mending? Phones and computers? Help with advertising and social media? These are all gaps but we also really value any new helpers. Do come and see what we do.
Future Dates are Monday 2nd June, Monday August 4th, Monday 1st September, 6th October, 3rd November, 1st December. NO CAFE IN JULY
dbrepaircafe@googlemail.com if you have any queries
On Thursday 27th February, members applied the first coat of paint to the wooden shu ering of the sca olding at the Cathedral entrance.
This was followed by some work in the Community Archive where a large shelving unit was detached from the entrance area, cut down in size and relocated further within the premises. The cut o portion was refashioned to serve as a table for the till in the Shop area.
On Monday 17th March, several members joined the volunteer team at Birnam Arts to spruce up the outside area.
Photo le shows:
(L to R) John Fok, Roddy Wilkins and Davie Atkin applying protective stain to the benches a er sanding.
Dave Doogan helps Bill Muntus with a broken co ee maker
See our “What’s on page” on our web site for further details.
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm
10th & 11th May – Vikings will raid our streets with guided walks and an evening performance of Sagas at The Taybank.
14th & 15th June – It’s the Roman’s turn this month. Guided walks, storytelling and rollicking Roman fun at The Taybank.
July will see weekly re-enactment guided walks throughout, every Thursday.
22nd, 23rd & 24th August – It’s “Jacobite Festival” time. Guided ba le walks, encampment & entertainment at The Taybank.
Mid-Week Memories Club
Mondays, 3pm to 4.30pm
Reminisce over tea/co ee & biscuits. If you need transport please get in touch. History Talks
Duchess Anne Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets (£5) are available via Eventbrite or on the door.
Tea/co ee & biscuits will be served a erwards.
12/09/25 – Dr Allan Kennedy: Serious Crime in Late 17th Century Tayside
10/10/25 – Dr Andrew Tibbs: Romans
Moorhouse School, Bu erstone
As Perthshire basks in unseasonably warm weather, we at Dunkeld Campus are enjoying the start of our Easter break.
Looking back on the last term has reminded us of some great times. Back in mid-March, to mark the transition from winter to spring, our children and young people took part in a lively celebration of Holi, which although traditionally celebrated in India and Nepal, is now enjoyed worldwide. The festival is known for its vibrant display of colours, music, dance, and laughter. It’s a time when social boundaries are set aside, and people come together to celebrate joy, regardless of age or background. Our students recreated this joyful event, wearing old clothes and throwing multi coloured powders, while learning about this beautiful Spring festival from another culture. It was a colourful and fun-filled experience that everyone enjoyed.
In the lead-up to Easter, one of our teachers took on a remarkable challenge – cu ing o 18 inches of her hair to create a wig for young cancer patients. Not only did she contribute to this worthy cause, but she also raised nearly £950 in sponsorship and donations for the Li le Princess Trust. To celebrate her achievement, we held a Crazy Hair Day at the school, where sta and students showcased some truly creative hairstyles. One particularly memorable creation involved a child sporting a hair-covered wire coat hanger, protruding from either side of their head – it had to be seen to be believed! As the weather warms up, our students are also enjoying more outdoor activities. Mountain biking, ramp building, and fly fishing are just a few of the exciting activities our young people are currently taking part in. They’ve also just completed a four-week curling course in Perth – who knows, perhaps we’ll see an Olympian in the making!
Young Archaeologist Club (Age 8 To 16)
Fortnightly during school term in the Community Archive at 4pm. Newsle er
To keep up with all our news and what’s on in Historic Dunkeld, sign up for our free monthly newsle er.
Sign up at: www.historicdunkeld.org.uk
Our Primary pupils recently visited the Pitlochry Salmon Hatchery, and with the help of Tay Fishery, they’ve successfully raised alevins, which have now been released into the wild.
Our new chess club is proving to be a hit, and on sunny days, it’s been fantastic to see small groups of students sca ered across the lawn, enjoying games in the sunshine.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce our first local conference on neurodiversity and education, set for November 14th. We’ll be sharing insights and experiences, so mark your calendars if you’re interested. More details will be coming soon. In the meantime, be sure to follow the Jane Moore Trust on Facebook or Instagram for updates!
Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter break!
BirnamLibrary
Openinghours:
Thursday:5pm–7pm
Friday:12pm–5pm
Saturday:9.30am–12pm
BirnamLibraryissituatedinthe
BirnamArtsCentre, StationRoad,Birnam,PH80DS
Tel:01738459709
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/
Notes from a Councillor
I really don’t know where the time goes these days, it only seems like 5 minutes ago that we were scraping the frost o our windscreens in the morning. As I write this, the sun is shining and newborn lambs and calves are thriving in this beautiful weather.
By the time you read this, the closing date for the opportunity to be nominated for election as a community councillor will be fast approaching. If more than 5 nominations are received by 8th May, a postal vote ballot will be called of all eligible residents. I would urge everyone to get involved.
I was disappointed that di erences could not be resolved and another by election could not be avoided however, this is a great opportunity for a fresh start and for all groups dealing with the many issues and causes within Dunkeld and Birnam and the wider community to unite. Now is not the time for arguments or holding grudges, it is a time for moving forward. With a positive outlook and a willingness to engage with the whole community including the three PKC ward councillors, it is an opportunity to work together to make a di erence. I am really looking forward to what lies ahead and working with the Community Council. I wish them well.
The beautiful weather also signifies the start of “Silly season”. Visitors are already making the most of their ability to gain reasonable access to land, particularly around our Lochs, where they are camping, se ing fires, damaging trees and obstructing access by parking irresponsibly. Despite rumours on social media and in the local press a PKC visitor management service is still in operation but as I understand, the way that it operates is di erent to previous years. If you have any concerns about the behaviour of visitors or damage to property or wildlife, please do not hesitate to call 101 or if it is an emergency 999.
I was recently criticised for not holding local surgeries and accused of not being active within the community. Just for the record, I have never held surgeries, I prefer to react to anyone who contacts me and deal with their issue directly at their convenience. My email is ijames@pkc.gov. uk or if you prefer to call me on my mobile: 07761988308.
News from our Community Council
The Role and Responsibilities of Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council
Community councils are a formal part of Scotland’s local governance, o ering a structured way for communities to engage with local authorities. Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council (DBCC) operates within this framework, representing the community on local ma ers.
Statutory Purpose and Core Functions
DBCC is constituted under the Sco ish Government’s provisions and follows the Community Council Scheme of Perth & Kinross Council. Its key roles are to represent local views, promote well-being, and ensure meaningful engagement with public bodies.
Key objectives include:
• Representing community views on local issues.
• Enabling public input on the environment, infrastructure, and services.
• Collaborating with public bodies and local organisations.
• Encouraging inclusive civic participation.
Governance, Consultation, and Communication
DBCC is run by elected volunteers and commi ed to transparency, accountability, and open communication. This includes:
• Publishing agendas and approved minutes on noticeboards and online.
• Sending dra minutes to Perth & Kinross Council and elected members within 14 days.
• Holding open meetings for public a endance and input.
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As a statutory consultee, DBCC contributes to planning and licensing decisions that impact the area’s development and quality of life.
Ethical Standards and Principles
DBCC follows ethical standards from national guidance. Members are expected to uphold:
• Service to the Community: Acting in the interests of all residents.
• Integrity and Objectivity: Declaring conflicts and basing decisions on evidence.
• Accountability and Stewardship: Managing resources responsibly and following governance rules.
• Openness and Transparency: Clearly communicating and justifying decisions.
• Respect and Leadership: Acting with fairness, promoting equality and inclusion.
Strategic Importance
DBCC plays a vital role in ensuring local democracy. It provides a recognised platform for community voices to be heard by public authorities.
Get Involved
A Community Council By-Election will be held on Thursday 19 June 2025. See the notice from PKC on page 2 for more information
To raise an issue, receive updates, or find out more about standing for election, email: dbcc.correspondence@gmail.com
See page 2 for more information on the elections
CO UNCILL ORG RANTLAIN G (S NP) 01 73847 50 00 or 07 8 81 5 00 501
E ma il : GLai ng @ pk c.gov.uk
CO UNCILL OR IAN JAME S (C o nser vat ive) 01 7 38 4 750 00
E ma il :IJam es@ pk c.gov. uk
CO UNCILL OR CLAIREMCLARE N (ScottishLiberalDemocrats) 01 73 8 47 5 00 0
E ma il : Cl a ireMcL a re n@ pk c.g ov.uk
JOHNSWINNEY,MSPforPERTHSHIRE NORTH canbecontactedat: 17-19LESLIESTREET,BLAIRGOWRIE Tel:01250876576
Book-keeper required for The Bridge and other community groups. Approximately 20 hours per month. Apply to David Gray at gray.david@ btinternet.com.
The Meeting Place
The Co ee Mornings on 9th and 16th May will be for Christian Aid. We will have a cake stall. We meet every Friday in the Duchess Anne in Dunkeld from 10-12 and all are welcome.
There is a lovely selection of home baking to go with the tea and co ee. Donations welcome.
Three Churches Charity Shop
The shop has been very busy this month helped by the start of the school holidays.
O en we have visitors who enquire what exactly we are raising funds for. We explain that all money raised is shared equally between the three local churches, they are the Cathedral, St. Mary’s and St Columba’s.
So many people are really generous and o en refuse to accept any change when buying goods.
Occasionally we are given donations that may be of a high value in which case we have people who are able to find out the true value and may even sell on-line. If we have clothing that we cannot sell we take them to Cash-for-Clothes so that no donations are wasted.
Birnam Games: A Glorious Tradition Needs Fresh Energy
As most readers will know Birnam Highland Games have taken place on the last Saturday in August for over 150 years. Last year saw the most successful games in living memory thanks mainly to the glorious weather bringing in a record crowd from all over the world.
Although this is very pleasing it has had a detrimental e ect on our ageing commi ee of volunteers many of whom are now in their 70’s and are struggling with the physical demands of their roles. We were very much stretched to the limit last year and most of the volunteers worked from 8am to around 7pm in the evening. This is arguably the busiest day of the year in Dunkeld & Birnam and brings benefits to the whole community including hotels, cafes, shops and charitable organisations etc and we will shortly be reaching out to garner support from our local supporters.
Members of the community who are not involved in the Games probably don’t appreciate the huge amount of work needed to bring this annual event to fruition. Amongst the roles needing filled is Competition Secretary which is a hugely important function and training will be given to the successful applicant. We would encourage a more diverse make up of the commi ee and are also looking for bar sta and gate sta to ease the pressure at peak times. Members are also needed to help set up the Games Park during the week and to help carry the heavies equipment during the games itself. If you feel you have the time and skills to join the commi ee and contribute to of our heritage please email the secretary at birnamhighland@ aol.com and we will be in touch with you.
Special Notice for WSWG Members & Supporters: SUPPORT NEEDED for new WSWG Commi ee
As WSWG moves towards a new phase and a prospective gear change in the depth and scale of our operations we need to prepare for change in the way we work. And for that we are asking for your help. Up to now, our volunteer board of trustees has been running all aspects of project development and delivery together with the wonderful and vital but ad hoc involvement of a wide array of lovely volunteers along the way. But that approach is not su ciently sustainable going forward, nor in keeping with our aims for our governance and operational structure as presented in our CATS Proposal in the graphic below.
In anticipation of becoming a sta ed organisation within the next year, by that stage it is our intention to have the board of trustees function at an overall governance level supported by a WSWG Commi ee of 6-8 people as a working group on engagement activities such as events, membership communications and marketing and as a sounding board for ongoing programming and delivery of day-to-day operations.
Comprising a minimum of 1 representative trustee from the board, other non-trustee volunteers and eventually our sta , it is
envisaged the WSWG Commi ee would meet monthly, with interim activity as needed.
We would hope to have enough people to form this new Commi ee to be able to announces its creation at the WSWG AGM at Stanley Village Hall on 7 June 2025.
It is vital that we build our governance and operations capacity in this respect, so if you would like to be part of this exciting and essential new stage to ensure a strong community-led future for the WSWG Project, we would love to have a chat with you.
Please email Murray Gauld at: chair@weststormontwoodlandgroup.scot in the first instance.
Dear Editor,
On my Birnam Oak Walk circuit this morning, on the pathway next to the trees before and a er the 30mph road signs pre Birnam Motors, I spo ed 4 reddish “Doggy Poo Bags” strategically placed at the foot of the trees. Another couple said they had counted seven in total on their trek, these are a sample of what I spo ed - bags plus one Vape.
Not wishing to poke inside, and presuming they were Doggy presents, I wondered if someone was making a point or two for some unknown reason? I suppose there could be an innocent explanation?
Be that as it may, there don’t appear to be many Dog Poo Collection boxes on this quite well used circuit between the Inver Underpass and the Fishing Hut next to the Sco ish Water Plant for those owners who wish to dispose of their Doggy Poo in a responsible manner. The Squirrel Wood o Oak Road box is usually overflowing, and its near to the children’s playpark.
Other stretches of this popular walk have also been blessed, if that’s the right word, with tied and dropped Poo bags, with no o cial waste bins nearby.
Perhaps its time to install more collection boxes in these locations?
Regards, Douglas Martin
WSWG Board of Trustees
May ‘Stick on the Fridge’
Local Organisations - Contact Details
Listing for local voluntary organisations are free however The Bridge welcomes donations to cover the cost of these listings. Please send donations to the Advertising Manager, John. B. Gray at Highfield, Brae Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0BA. Many thanks. Please contact the editor with amendments/additions.
Phone 01350+
Organisations - General 3 Churches Charity Shop 07751 593421Anne 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 Community Orchard 727048 Katharine Melville dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Historical Society07584 434253Dave Roberts daveroberts132@btinternet.com
Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom 07931 758456Moira Forbes Forbes50@hotmail.co.uk
Birnam Arts 727674 Manager admin@birnamarts.com arts@birnamarts.com
Birnam Arts Ballet (Mon – Thurs, Emma Gray age 4 upwards & adults) ballet@birnamarts.com Cathedral Tower Bell Ringers 742218 Iona Connor lowesfarm@hotmail.com
Dunkeld and District Strathspey & Reel Society 07740 664052Theresa MacVarish Clark secretary@dunkeldstrathspeyandreel.org Film Society 727740 Tom Barnard tom_barnard@btinternet.com
Just Singin’, 7.30pm Weds (BA) 07765 405203Katie Dalgliesh www.justsingin.co.uk
Traditional Youth Music Group 07958 324 766Karys and Gill dbtradgroup@gmail.com and Facebook Annual Events
Art Exhibition dunkeldart@aol.com Margaret Scott Arts & Crafts Fair (Apr, Aug & Nov) 727968 / 07743 400938 Na’an Meikleour poppyseednaan@yahoo.com
Christian Aid Week 727867 Jim McCafferty
Highland Games (August) 07880 588433Duncan Sim duncan_sim@hotmail.com Niel Gow Festival 07766 406313Liam Manion (weekend closest to 22 March) LManion41@gmail.com
