The Bridge November 2024

Bridge The

www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk

Edition 411 November 2024

Local News, Events and Information for the Dunkeld & Birnam Area

Disaster strikes Asheville

This Issue: Editorial

2

Birnam Arts

3

St Andrew’s Night Ceilidh Birnam Arts Fundraiser See page 3

Disaster strikes our twin town of Asheville in North Carolina after this second most impactful storm in US history leaving the community without power, running water and reliable mobile phone service for almost two weeks. See page 12

Classified

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Sports Hub

6-7

Work & Business Support

7

Community News

7

Classified

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Community Development

9

3 Churches in the Community 10-11 Community History & Learning

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Amy and Michelle’s Skydive raises an amazing £4,150 for two great causes. See page 18

Classified

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Environment

14

Stick on the Fridge

15

Classified

16-17

Notice Board

18

Notes from a Councillor

19

News from our Community Council 19 St Ninians Gardens has developed a distinctly spooky feel! See page 14

Congratulation to the Repair Café on their Second Anniversary.

Please join them for tea cakes and more things to repair on 4th November at Birnam Arts. See page 14

www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk

Classified

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Copy Dates for the Next Issue: Joint Dec/Jan Christmas edition Friday 15th November for publication Friday 29th November

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Editorial The Bridge

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

Thank you for all your support.

The Bridge Contacts Editor: Sally Robertson E-mail:

editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk

Advertising Manager: Kirsty Gowans Tel: 07967 117149 E-mail: adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk Advertising rates from £7.32 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

Before heading back to Uni in September, Cals announced, “I am getting excited for Christmas,” and went on to share a list of things he’s looking forward to—making Christmas biscuits, snow angels, walking in the woods, and goodness knows what else. We looked at him, amazed that he could be thinking of Christmas in the summer sunshine. However, the weeks have slipped past, and suddenly I’m starting my own lists.

Is anyone else having a quandary about whether to send Christmas cards this year? I absolutely love getting cards, but the cost of mailing a pile of them is starting to need its own budget line. “What’s the price of a secondclass stamp?” is one of those questions they used to ask politicians to see if they were in touch with us mere mortals. Given the exponential rate of increase in postage over the past few years, you need to be a stock market analyst to get anywhere close. I just looked it up, and it’s… 85p! Ten points if you got that right! One of my cousins was staying with us in the summer, and I tried out the “We’re thinking of not sending Christmas cards this year” line with him and his wife. They looked at us quite shocked and said, “Oh, but you have to send your card—we really look forward to getting it!” Ho hum, what to do? However, it’s getting to decision-making time as we start pulling Secret Santa names out of a hat and wonder where we might get the turkey from this year.

One thing we can do, however, is continue to support our local businesses and charities wherever possible.

Why not start with a trip to Trochry to visit Corbenic’s Advent Market on 30th November? We’re sure to find some fantastic gift ideas as well as some tasty food produced in their kitchen (see page 16). Then there’s the opportunity to join the Magical Christmas Candlelit Trail in the village on 6th December from 4-8pm, where

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 28th November 2024, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts. All welcome! If there are important developments before that we shall of course be in touch.

A REMINDER! IF YOU SUBMITTED WRITTEN COMMENTS TO TS ABOUT THE PREFERRED ROUTE AFTER THEIR JANUARY EXHIBIT AND WANT TO KNOW WHAT THEIR RESPONSE TO YOU IS, AND HAVE NOT YET LOOKED AT THEIR CONSULTATION REPORT , PLEASE DO! https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/consultation-report-preferred-routeexhibition-pass-of-birnam-to-tay-crossing-a9-dualling There is also a hard copy of this at Birnam Arts for ease of reference. It contains a summary analysis of responses to them (page 16 onwards) and an Appendix J (page 50 onwards) with 85 verbatim written comments to them (anonymised) on aspects of their Preferred Route announced in December 2023 and for each one a response from TS. We’ll have discussed this at the 31st October CG meeting and will do so again in November.

ALTHOUGH NO NAMES ARE SHOWN IN APPENDIX J, ITS VERY LIKELY THAT YOU WILL RECOGNISE YOUR OWN COMMENTS. (IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE NOT SENDING INDIVIDUAL RESPONSES).

WE’D BE VERY INTERESTED TO KNOW IF YOU DO THIS AND IF SO WHAT YOU THINK OF THE TS RESPONSE TO YOU, OR IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER COMMENTS ON THE REPORT. PLEASE EMAIL ALASDAIR, SEE BELOW. THIS WILL BE A GREAT HELP IN OUR FURTHER ENGAGEMENT WITH TS ABOUT THEIR PREFERRED ROUTE DESIGN. Analysis of the results of the the A9 Community Group’s own survey of responses to the TS Preferred Route is still under way. If you still want to respond to that please see the QR code here or get a hard copy at Birnam Arts reception.

(Still only around 100 received, compared with over 700 who voted at the end of the CoCreative process in June 2018) For all Transport Scotland contact details/links including their DMRB Stage 2 assessment and Preferred Route, see the June Bridge, also available on our A9 dualling page in the online Bridge, link below.

As always you can contact us at email: dunkeldA9workinggroup@gmail.com, and to have your details added (or removed from) our mailing list; Also at Facebook page: Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group.

Please Like and Share it. or just phone me! Alasdair Wylie Coordinator 01350 727361 07927 175121 awylie2002@yahoo.co.uk Our page on “The Bridge” website, including key documents for download is: http://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/community-council/a9-dualling

our local shops will be offering a warm welcome during their late-night opening. This will surely get us perfectly prepared for Santa Day on the next day—7th December.

So please get those dates in your diary ASAP! However, before we build ourselves into a total festive frenzy, there’s the matter of tidying up the year that’s starting to draw to a close. What better way to do that than to get a few things mended at our wonderful repair café, which is celebrating its second birthday? Why not pop along to Birnam Arts on 4th November between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm and see if they can help you out? (see page 14) I know that many of us take this time of year to send whatever money can be spared to the many good causes out there. Many of us have causes particularly close to our hearts that we support for various reasons, and of course, we can’t support everything. However, if you can, please consider sending something to support our friends in Asheville as they start to rebuild their community following the devastation of Storm Helene (see front page and also page 12). At the bottom of that article, you’ll see that the Friends of Asheville committee has opened a relief fund to respond to the needs of our sister community, which has been so generous in supporting projects here in Dunkeld and Birnam over the years. One thing we can all do is hold them in our thoughts and prayers as they begin the huge effort of rebuilding.

Sally Robertson

Response to Community Council Facebook Post and Bridge Article

We are writing as an informal group in response to the Community Council Facebook post and Bridge article. We fully understand the wish to explore options for affordable housing in the local area. However, we also think all sides of the discussion need to be presented.

The most important issue is that the proposed Haughend development, even at the currently proposed scale, is very significant for our community. Development of the whole Haughend site, which may take place in the longer term, will radically change the scale of our community. We know that there are a wide range of views in relation to the current proposal. The Community Council has a clear obligation to ‘ascertain, co-ordinate and express to the local authorities for its area the views of the community which it represents’ and committed earlier this year to undertake community consultation with regards to the development. While recognising there are uncertainties in relation to the potential development, we would encourage the Community Council to undertake this consultation in an open and transparent manner as soon as possible.

The Community Council article refers to Arran but this is not a good comparison.

The scale of the proposed Haughend development as a proportion of the current size of our community is significantly greater than each of the Arran developments.

All the properties being developed by the Arran Development Trust are affordable.

Unlike on Arran, the serviced plots at Haughend are part of a much larger scheme of likely more expensive, privately owned houses. Most importantly, the Arran schemes are community led- unlike the proposed Haughend development.

We need to be realistic about the value of the 23 serviced plots notionally being offered by Atholl estate and the cost of developing these serviced plots. Even having being given the land and serviced plots for free, build costs are likely to be substantial. Perhaps some of that cost can be grant funded (although the government grant scheme is under extreme financial pressure) but we need to be realistic about how much money is required to build and maintain 23 plots and whether, given these costs, this would actually deliver affordable housing.

We need to understand these costs and present them openly for debate and discussion.

The Community Council article makes reference to other local housing initiatives including the transfer of properties from the National Trust for Scotland to Perth and Kinross Council. We should be focussing efforts on influencing PKC to amend their letting rules to focus on local people renting the former NTS properties on an ongoing basis. These are actual houses which exist today which can provide affordable housing for local people in the long term. Secondly, buying low-cost existing properties in the area and refurbishing them will be much lower cost than new build houses (even with VAT being charged on refurbishment costs).

Community led, small scale developments in appropriate sites round the area are also possible. As a community, we need to look at a broad range of solutions to our local housing needs rather than focussing on a single large scale development.

The signatories to this article are writing in a personal capacity and not on behalf of any organisation of which they are a member.

Maggie Green, Alex Kettles, Stuart Paton, Mike Wolf

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Arts News Birnam Arts: 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 Experimental Art-Publishing Exhibition Dr Louisa Preston Until Sun 24th November

Understand how small-press and self-publishing practices create a sense of place and identity for individuals and communities in rural and remote Scotland.

The Firelight Trio

Friday 8th November 7.30pm - Tickets: £18*

A Warning to the Curious Friday 22nd November 7pm Tickets: £12*

Nunkie Theatre Company presents A Warning to the Curious – Two Ghost Stories by M R James, performed by Robert Lloyd Parry.

M R James first wrote his ghost stories to perform to friends in Kings College Cambridge. Now, 120 years after their first publication, Nunkie Theatre Company have bought two of the eeriest and most entertaining back to life in this gripping, candlelit one-man show.

The Nutcracker – Birnam Ballet School Wed 27th/Thurs 28th November 5.30pm Tickets: Various-see website

Step into a wondrous world of enchantment and magic this holiday season with Birnam Arts Ballet School’s spellbinding production of The Nutcracker that’s sure to captivate audiences of all ages.

Birnam Brew + Blether Birnam Arts Centre - Dance and Drama Studio Wednesdays 1.45pm-3.15pm

Commencing Wednesday 6th November Connect with your community in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, hosted by Alzheimer Scotland. Join us for tea, coffee, cake and chat.

This is an opportunity to learn more about dementia and the support and services available within North Perthshire and hear from invited guests with North Perthshire specific knowledge.

There will be a suggested donation of £2 to cover refreshments.

Contact Emilia Parr with any questions on 07584 408392 or at eparr@alzscot.org

TASTER DAY The Firelight Trio play European music that is evocative, inventive, and endlessly exciting. Ruth’s resonant Nyckelharpa is matched by Gavin’s powerhouse Fiddle, all backed up by Phil’s groovily inventive Accordion and Piano, in a rich tapestry of lively Swedish polskas and Scottish reels, lilting French waltzes, toe-tapping Klezmer, dazzling original tunes and more!

Robin Adams Friday 15th November 7.30pm Tickets: £12*

Hailing from a rich Scottish musical heritage, singer-songwriter and guitarist Robin Adams, carries the torch passed on by his parents, Chris and Pauline Adams, the driving forces behind 1970s folk rock ensemble String Driven Thing. Since 2009, Adams has released seven full-length albums, ranging from his evocative debut Down to Reverie to his 2021 foray into American Country and Blues, Wrong Road Home.

Dunkeld & Strathspey Reel Society Concert and Ceilidh Saturday 16th November 7.30pm Tickets: Various - see website

The concert and ceilidh promises an evening filled with the vibrant tunes of Highland Perthshire, played by talented musicians who are dedicated to preserving and sharing this rich heritage. This family-friendly event will also feature the Dunkeld and Birnam Traditional Youth Group as guest performers.

Saturday 30th November 11:30am - 1:30pm at Birnam Arts Come and try guitar, whistle and fiddle at our taster day. We’ll have short workshops for each different instrument for complete beginners aged P5 – S6 and you can try out as many of these as you like.

Guitar workshops will be lead by Liam Mannion, Whistle workshops by Munro Gauld and fiddle workshops by Karys Watt. Booking is essential so if you’d like to come along you can get in touch with us via the contact details below.

Plans for expanding tuition for other instruments are underway so watch this space for news about extra classes. This does mean that we’re on the look out for guitars of all sizes, so if you have any hanging around your home and would like them to be put to good use, we’ll happily take them.

Our current classes for fiddle and piano-accordion and band sessions run weekly during term–time at Birnam Arts for anyone aged P5 – S6. It’s completely free and we provide the instruments at no cost.

Our junior and senior bands are for those who can already play at least a little, and we welcome accordion, fiddle, viola, cello, wind and brass players, guitarists, pianists and more to join in with our musical adventures.

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

St Andrew’s Night Fundraiser Ceilidh

Saturday 30th November 8pm Tickets £10* Get ready for a fun-filled evening of lively Scottish ceilidh dancing and vibrant music at Birnam Arts with Rohallion and supporti your local arts charity - Birnam Arts!

See website for workshops and more: Birnamarts.com / 01350 727674 * Denotes Booking Fee

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group

We rely entirely on funding and donations to keep our group accessible to all and as always, our thanks go to SSE Renewables, National Lottery, Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, Basil Death Trust, Scops Arts Trust, The Lang Foundation, Hugh Fraser Foundation, Enchanted Forest for their funding, and all of the local residents and groups who have generously donated money and instruments.

Our local community has already given tremendous support and encouragement through donating instruments, time and money, attending concerts and involving us in local events. We couldn’t ask for more.

Find us at www.facebook.com/dbtradgroup Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com or call 07958 324 766 for more info.

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

4The Kiln Creative

Murthly Village Hall Hire From £10 per hour Events hall and kitchen facilities for Birthday parties, Indoor sports, Dances, Gatherings, Quiz Nights and more.

Late Autumn Fair Weekend Workshops: 17th November - 10am-4pm Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd Unit 5, Cally September Industrial Estate, Dunkeld Pottery, Flea and Prints from Week Block: The6Kiln Creative Pottery, 18th September to 23rd October Cara Guthrie Ceramics, Rachael Cocker & Erica Taylor Low

Private group classes book Christmas available pottery classtodates coming soon For more information and bookings: www.thekilncreativepottery.co.uk www.thekilncreativepottery.co.uk

Raise your level of wellness, reduce pain, stress/anxiety & re-align where you are in life.

Health & Wellbeing Hub pennybaird5@icloud.com Little Dunkeld • 07342 979393 Zerobalancinguk.org

Contact: murthlyvillagehall@outlook.com Tel: 01738 710408

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.

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

Fraser Mills - NICEIC registered All domestic and commercial work undertaken Tel: 07545 078968 Email: fm.electrical143@gmail.com FM-Electrical.co.uk Locally based

Over 500 creative, original and distinctive gifts, artworks, homewares and accessories from 36 Artisans in the heart of Scotland. Exclusively showcasing at Perthshire Artisans Winter Exhibition at Birnam Arts

www.perthshire-artisans.scot

Rivendell provides high quality care and support for you and your elderly relative.

Based in Birnam and Dunkeld our homely environment provides a safe and fun community spirit. Our trained staff provide care and support for all your needs 24 hours a day, we are always there.

So, if you are looking for social contact, a safe and supportive environment, support with health or medical needs then contact us. Our mission is to provide a home for life, so come and live life with us.

Please phone 01350 727413 and speak to Gina or email: manager@rivendellcarehome.co.uk.com for more information.

OrnaichJewelleryAdvert_Layout 1 20/10/2023 10:00 Page 1

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THE PLANT NURSERY KINDALLACHAN West Countlich Farm, Kindallachan, Near Ballinliug, PH9 0NW SEPTEMBER SALE Saturday 21st September 9.00am - 4.30pm Lyndsey Douglas HUGE REDUCTIONS Local Jewellery Designer and Maker How to find us: turn off the A9 at Kindallachan ornaichjewellery.com and follow the signs to the nursery. ornaich.jewellery@gmail.com

07554 008058

Òrnaich.Jewellery nursery@alexbutter.co.uk ornaich_jewellery www.alexbutter.co.uk

G & A Paddocks Dunkeld Horse Grazing & DIY Livery Call or Email Karen: 07759 701413 gapdunkeld@gmail.com

Posts, Rails and slats Ranch Boards, Garden Dog-Various Chaperone Sleepers sizesfor Weddings Hoc / One Off Dog Walks LooseAd Bark and Woodchip for8.00am One Household Mon-Fri to 5.00pm at a time or uptoto 1 Night Dog Sitting Sat Day 10.00am 11.00am

Cat and Hen Visits 07774 294610 Hello@solopaws.co.uk On Facebook and Instagram

Elaine Burns Podiatry

HCPC Registered CHIROPODY

For home visits,& Fully vaccinated full PPE compliant. contact me on: 07986 092581 For home visits, contact me on: 07986 092581 01796 474291

Local food & drink Live music sessions Riverside beer garden Rooms & apartments End of summer party Seasonal events Open 7 days. Please check website for daily hours. thetaybank.co.uk

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

Feast Catering

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Three Churches Charity Shop

Dunbraantay Laundry

High Street Dunkeld

NOW OPEN!

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

Our Services: • Service Wash • Ironing • Duvets and Large Items • Same Day Wash (Please ask for further details) • Self Serve • Horse Rugs & Pet Beds • Laundry Products

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

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

Opening times: Monday - Friday 9am to 4pm (closed weekends) Contact: Kelly - 07871 695461 email: dunbraantaylaundry@yahoo.com Facebook: @dunbraantaylaundry Perth Road, Birnam PH8 0BH (behind Birnam Post Office)

Sports, Health and Wellbeing

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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 November, the meetings are on 5th and 19th. We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments.

There are no charges, no formalities and we have no religious affiliations.

If you aren’t able to attend in person, you might be interested in going on 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

Blind Skiing Achievements.

Neil Graham from Birnam and Mark Abel from Aboyne are both Army veterans and skiing partners. Neil served for 40 years with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as an Aircraft Engineer and Mark for 12 years in the Royal Corps of Transport/Royal Logistic Corps. They ski with the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST) and the Visually Impaired Veterans Ski Club (VIVSC). In January 2011 Mark’s life changed forever in a matter of hours following a catastrophic attack of optic neuritis in both eyes leaving him severely visually impaired/ blind.

AFPST and VIVSC are all-volunteer, independent service charities who use para-snowsports as a means to support and accelerate the recovery of wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans.

To help these two amazing charities: The Visually Impaired Veterans Ski Club Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team they both have their own specific Just Giving accounts where donations would be gratefully received.

Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled (SCO47991)

Mark is registered blind and Neil is his ski guide. Mark states: “Skiing with VIVSC in 2012 Neil saw something in my skiing and in 2015 he introduced me to racing with AFPST. This was the start of a great journey, training in the UK and the Austrian Alps. In January 2017 following a medical I was granted a paralympic alpine race licence in time for the first races that week. However, the joy soon turned to immense grief and sadness following the tragic death of my son Sam aged 14 having taken his own life.

The day before his funeral my wife Anita was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

My ski Racing career had finished before it started.

Neil got me back on skis in 2019 but I still wasn’t in the game, he hadn’t given up and got me skiing again in 2021. I was now getting my mojo back. More skiing followed in 2022 ending the season competing in Winter Park, Colorado.

Big thanks to AFPST, VIVSC and my trusted guide Neil who has made all this possible.”

In Winter Park, Colorado in March they won a silver medal, then 2x golds and a silver in the Parallel Lines competition, run by Snowsport Scotland held throughout the summer at indoor centres in England (Glasgow is now closed). They have now been selected to represent UK at the forthcoming Invictus Games in Whistler, Canada.

Riding ended for the year with the autumn half-term break. Unfortunately the last day was a very soggy cold day so no riding was possible but a treasure hunt for grooming equipment around the large barn provided much entertainment with riders being reminded of the their uses etc.

Petra (our regional coach) paid us a second visit to test Sinead for becoming a coach. Sinead was marked as being ‘outstanding’ and the group as a whole received high praise. A satisfactory end to the riding year. We now have 4 superb coaches which gives excellent cover for illness or holidays but we would dearly like to grow our pool of volunteers to give flexibility. It is such a rewarding experience helping the riders discover totally new horizons and no experience with horses is necessary with informal training sessions being given. We operate on Monday mornings during the summer and early autumn school terms. If you could offer us some time please do get in touch with Vicky on 07786 262329 or email breadalbanerda@gmail.com.

Our AGM is going to be held on Monday 18th November in the Farragon room of the Church of Scotland hall, Aberfeldy.

The meeting will be from 10-11.30 and will then be followed by a social get together from 12 – 2pm with light refreshments being served. We look forward to welcoming anyone who would like to join us. To help the catering please could you contact Vicky as above if you intend to come.

Despite no more riding until April next year, we are still very much on the look out for another pony along side the three we are already lent.

The work that the ponies are asked to do is not at all onerous but it can be very useful exercise in keeping a retired pony going. One of our ponies is over 30 and still very much enjoying life . If anyone has (or knows of) a suitable pony of 13hh or more please do contact Vicky.

Dunkeld and Birnam District Leisure Group AGM

The 2024 AGM of the Leisure Group (The Sports Hall Project) will be held on Monday 11th November at the Community Co Working Space at 730pm. All welcome!

If you are interested in discussing future indoor provision for sports and leisure activities for the community but cannot attend, please contact the Secretary, Alasdair Wylie on awylie2002@yahoo.co.uk or 07927 175121

Sports, Health and Wellbeing

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Work and Business Support Gifting JOY with Perthshire Artisans

Whatever reason you have to choose a gift or something special for yourself or your home, it should be a JOYful process. Choosing a gift can be fraught, however we’d encourage you to add a bit of JOY into the process by exploring the many fabulous gift ideas found on Perthshire Artisans website, www. perthshire-artisans.scot There are original artworks, everyday and showpiece ceramics for the home, decorative glass art and mosaics, an amazing selection of prints in all styles, cosy knitwear, leather goods, naturally scented candles, card selections, unusual Harris Tweed® clothing items, willow woven accessories, handturned bowls and beautiful unique jewellery.

Perthshire Artisans is a collective of 36 artists and makers all creating original and beautifully crafted artworks and gifts. Set up and supported by GrowBiz Scotland, the platform showcases and promotes the Artisans work and skills, whilst also supporting them in running their small business and facilitating peer support, a really valuable benefit when you’re busy working on your own.

There’s additional seasonal JOY when you know you’re buying and supporting a small local business, finding a sustainably produced piece and discovering an unusual gift idea which is well made, often one of a kind, and comes with it’s own story.

Perthshire Artisans is also exclusively showcasing at the Perthshire Artisans Winter Exhibition at Birnam Arts from 30 November. EnJOY buying better, buying from a small local business and finding something distinctive to gift, for any reason.

Community News

LADY DRIVER TAXI

Advanced Booking recommended Michael Robertson Plasterer

Flute and Piano Lessons Available

Plaster & Cement work All types of Cornice work and Ceramic Tiling

20 Stell Park, Birnam PH8 0QA

01350 727694 • 07742 091269 miketheplasterer@hotmail.co.uk

DUNKELD BUILDERS LTD

New Builds, Extensions, Renovations and Restorations, Stonework, Drainage, Groundworks and jobbing.

Contact: 01350 727320 Email: info@dunkeldbuilders.com www.dunkeldbuilders.co.uk

Struan, Coulterenny, Cairneyhill, Bankfoot, Perth. PH1 4AQ Email: admin@potterplumbing.co.uk

I am Emilia Parr and I am a musician who has recently relocated to the area. I am a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and am an experienced music educator, with extensive experience teaching all ages and abilities. I offer personalised, one-on-one music tuition tailored to each student’s needs and goals. I am happy to teach at my home just outside Dunkeld or come to you. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to advance, I’d love to support you on your musical journey!

Contact Emilia on 07786693526 or emilia.parr@gmail.com

WRAP® Wellbeing

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WRAP® workshop to self-reflect,

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9

Community Developments Day of Older People celebrations. Over 12 groups were represented and over 30 people attended, there was a positive buzz in the room throughout the event.

Thanks very much to Birnam Arts for being such great hosts and looking after us so well.

Artisan Village Update

Development Trust

As usual, the Development Trust work continues on a range of fronts.

We had a meeting with the Community Council in September- this was a useful forum to clarify the

roles and responsibilities of each group, to make sure we don’t duplicate efforts and to agree allocation of specific actions. It was also a good opportunity to get

Please share your views on the Artisan Village via our online survey https://forms.gle/x35ES4gSSqy5Z2kGA or scan the QR Code: Paper versions available on request – please email dunkeldmakers@gmail. com We are holding a community consultation event on Saturday 2nd November as part of the Community Land Festival. Come along and speak to us in St Ninian’s Garden between 2.00 and 4.00pm and find out all about our Community Asset Transfer journey so far! https://www.communitylandscotland.org.uk/event/ THE PLANT NURSERY dunkeld-birnam-district-community-developmentKINDALLACHAN trust-artisan-village-open-afternoon/ West Countlich Farm, Kindallachan, Local Place Plan Progress Near Ballinliug, PH9 0NW We have had extensive feedback and comments from SEPTEMBER SALE people at Birnam and the recent Community Saturday 21stGames September 9.00am - 4.30pm Fayre which have beenREDUCTIONS added to the maps.

HUGE We are refining the questionnaire and How finduse us: the turnattached off the A9 at code Kindallachan hope youtowill QR follow the community signs to thewhich nursery. to identifyand areas in the you feel need to 07554 be improved, protected 008058 or developed. nursery@alexbutter.co.uk We also hope to meet some of you at group activities www.alexbutter.co.uk to discuss the issues which concern you.

The main topics emerging so far are safe and active travel and parking round the villages, affordable housing, use of green spaces, environmental awareness and protection, energy, use and protection of buildings- you are encourage add your own ideas about how we could improve our local area.

Please look the questionnaire and complete any DogatChaperone for Weddings areas of interest Ad Hocto /you.

One Off Dog Walks This is your to tell Perth and forchance One Household at aKinross time Council what you would like to happen in your community!

Trust AGM

The 2025 Trust AGM will take place on Monday 25th November 2024 at the Birnam Arts. A formal notification will be sent to all members.

If you have any Trust related questions or suggestions please contact Beth via dbdcdt@gmail.com

Dementia Café

In October we welcomed many more people than ever before to our Awareness Day. This photograph shows the many caring people representing organisations who help carers and those they support in our community, whether with financial knowledge, legal matters, housing, or general advice about living with someone with dementia .

In addition to our regulars, we welcomed a group of students to witness how we have created a safe environment in our monthly cafe. Inviting them on an awareness day enabled them to appreciate how much help is available in Perth and Kinross. They were encouraged to talk to everyone , in order to learn from both the professionals and volunteers.

There is always a happy buzz at the monthly cafe, perhaps increased by the provision of delicious sausages or bacon rolls provided by Langs Foods….

(Unfortunately, it is usually only a welcome cuppa plus biscuits or cake!) The proof is in the pudding .

By inviting all these caring organisations D o y o u : to engage directly with the very folk they are L i vtrying e o rtowhelp, o r k ithe n a str regular cafe numbers continue to grow .

W

environment?

Our next monthly cafe will be open on WEDNESDAY, Feel overwhelmed, e NOVEMBER 6TH with the December cafe being held or unsatisfied with on WEDNESDAY, 4th, from 10-12pm.

a n t taking t o b ecentre proactiv You may have noticed the weeWdog p pappear o r t i n gaty othe ur wel stage in the photo. Not only dids uhe Dementia Cafe to provide opportunities for stroking and admiration, he was also going to the Health and Well-being Cafe, which is open every Wednesday afternoon in the Salvation Army Cafe in St Edwards

Day or up to 1 Night Dog Sitting

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F e e l o v e r w h e l m e d welcoming , e x h a u s tenvironment ed with their family, caregivers 22nd & 23rd November 2024 or unsatisfied with l i ffriends. e? and 9-3pm both days W a n t t o b e p r o a c t i v eFollow in us on

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to know each other better.

At the meeting, we agreed that the Community Council would progress any issues it deems appropriate in relation to Haughend. The Trust has been clear that it is not taking a position regarding Haughend until the view of the whole community has been more clearly established. The current Trust board believe that this is a planning issue which should be considered in the next development plan - LDP 3 - for our area.

The recent Community Council Facebook posting and article in this issue of the Bridge represent the views of the Community Council and not those of the Development Trust.

The Trust in the process of setting up the new Community Led Housing Group. This group will explore a number of ideas including purchasing existing properties and small housing projects. We are looking for more people to join the group, particularly people with direct knowledge or experience in relation to the issues around affordable housing. If you want to find out more please contact Beth via dbdcdt@ gmail.com We will provide updates on the work of the group over the coming months.

Care Group

The Care Group is very pleased to announce that they easily beat their fundraising target of £1,500. Well done to Eilidh and John (and their co-adventurers) and thank you to everyone who supported this effort.

Community Fayre on 5th October

Many thanks to all the community groups who joined us for our Community Fayre as part of International

At the: Health and Wellbeing Hub, Dunkeld & Birnam Guidehall, Little Dunkeld

For home visits, contact me on: supporting your wellbeing?

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10

Editorial

Thought for the Month

Recently I have been reflecting about life’s comings and goings; I laugh at myself often as I say ‘I never know where I am as I stay in two homes’. Pilgrimage comes to my mind , journeying just to experience the journey and perhaps to learn a little more about one’s self in the process of returning from that journey.

Returning is a journey in time not a destination. The return is not an ending, it is part of life’s cycle I was, I am, and I shall always be returning and departing.

Through the ebbs and flows of time, I find my way back. Each step I take, each breath I breathe Leads me closer to where I once was A familiar place, a distant memory A part of me that I can’t erase I walk through the streets I used to know The faces I once loved, now strangers But still, there is a connection A bond that can’t be broken by time, I see the trees that once whispered secrets to me The river that carried my dreams away I hear the echoes of laughter and tears The voices of the past calling out to me Returning is not just a physical journey It is a journey of the soul A rediscovery of all that I am All that I have been, and all that I will be; I find pieces of myself scattered along the way Memories tucked away in hidden corners Emotions buried deep within my heart Longing to be unearthed and felt once more I am the sum of all my returns.

Each journey shaping me, molding me Into the person I am today And the person I will become tomorrow. I embrace each return with open arms Ready to rediscover, to relearn To grow and evolve with each step I take For returning is not an end, but a beginning Pilgrimage; a continuation of the endless cycle of life A journey that never truly ends For I am always returning and departing Forever moving forward, forever coming back.

Psalm 84: Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

Lesley-Ann Priest in charge of St Mary’s Birnam

Church of Scotland Services November 3rd.

11am. - Morning Service in the Cathedral.

6.30pm – Prayers for Help & Healing in Little Dunkeld

November 10th. 10.45am – Remembrance Service in the Cathedral.

Please not the earlier start time.

This will be the last Sunday service in the Cathedral for the year.

12.30pm

Act of remembrance at the War Memorial.

The main ceremony will be down at the roadside so that those who aren’t able to climb up to the memorial can attend.

November 17th. 11.00am – Morning Worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk 2.15pm – Communion Service at Amulree November 24th. 11.00am – Morning Worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk December 1st.

11.00am – Communion Service in Little Dunkeld Kirk 1st. Sunday in Advent

Tea and coffee are served after the morning service each week – after services in the cathedral that is in the Chanonry and in Little Dunkeld, it is in the church.

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 on November 3rd, in Little Dunkeld Kirk then on December 1st. in St. Mary’s All welcome from any church or none.

Alpha

Interested in exploring openly the basics of Christianity? The Wednesday Worship group is running Alpha over the next couple of months.

Themes are introduced by a video then through friendly, open conversations different aspects of belief and faith will be explored. There will be a chance to share your thoughts and hear what others think. You can say anything you like, or nothing at all. Everyone is welcome no matter your background or beliefs.

Meetings are in the Chanonry on Wednesdays and start with a light meal at 7pm with the video and discussion session starting at 7.30pm.

For more information contact Fraser Penny on 01350 727249, or Calum & Kirsty Leese on 07925 550412 or 07854 211892

Kirk Session

The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session is on November 12th. at 7.30pm. in the Duchess Anne.

Fellowship Group

Fellowship Group – ‘Exploring faith and life together’ Two Fellowship Groups meet, fortnightly, one on a Tuesday evening at 7pm and the other on Wednesday mornings at 10.30am, both in the Chanonry. This

session we will be studying Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The dates for the next few weeks are: Tuesday group – November 12th & 26th.

Wednesday group – November 13th & 27th.

If you find it difficult to come in person, it is possible to join by this zoom link: Meeting ID: 898 7502 Passcode: 809745

Men’s Breakfast

The smell of bacon and sausages will once again be wafting out of the Chanonry as the Men’s Breakfast gets started again. It starts at 9am and meets fortnightly. Upcoming dates are November 13th & 27th. There is no need to book; just turn up and enjoy and all are welcome

Harvest Appeal

Every year the Kirk Session asks members to support a particular charity as part of our Harvest Thanksgiving celebrations. This year we have chosen a local group which has been developed over recent years to provide extra support at home for people who need it – whether that is simply a befriending service or more in-depth personal care. John Gilruth, who heads up this group, writes: The current model of providing care to older and disabled people is simply unable to keep up with the level of demand as we live longer lives, nor is funding able to keep up. PH8 Caring Support is coming up with local solutions where local people are encouraged to become professional carers or Personal Assistants (PA) or to become volunteers to visit people in their own homes.

PH8 Caring Support exists to promote the role of PA and volunteer Befriender, to find out who in the community needs support around the home and to put them in touch with each other. There are some Personal Assistants out there, but very often the people who need them don’t know how to get support.

The local Coordinator, Eilidh Wild, is making it her business to find out who is out there already and who needs support. But we know there aren’t enough of them yet to ensure that folk who want to stay in their own homes can get the support they need, hence the need to keep promoting and supporting the role of the PA. Our harvest offering will go to raise funds to develop this worthwhile project further. Any support, large or small, will be very much appreciated.

You can make a donation to the Appeal by bank transfer to the Church Account with the reference ‘Harvest’ Sort code 80-06-57 Account number 00723183

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

in the Commun s e h c r u h C e e r it y h Editorial T n the Commun iServices s e h Church c r u h C e e r it y and Contacts: h T Kirk Session Church Services Church Services Romanand Catholic: Contacts: Scottish Episcopal Church:

The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session is on August 13th. at 7.30pm. The venue is still to be decided.

____________________________

The Meeting Place The Meeting PlaceKirk is in the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings Session from 10 – 12noon and will run up until the Art Exhibition starts.

The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session is on August 13th.

All welcome. at 7.30pm. The venue is still to be decided.

____________________________ ____________________________

Fellowship Group The Meeting Place–

‘Exploring and life The Meeting Place is infaith the Duchess Annetogether’ on Friday mornings The Groups ended thethe current sessions starts. with a fromtwo 10 –Fellowship 12noon and will run up until Art Exhibition meal together on June 19th. They will both start up again in the All welcome.

Autumn.

____________________________ ____________________________

Fellowship Group – Youth Group Messy Music ‘Exploring faith /and life together’

Both of these have stopped over summer and willwith start The two Fellowship Groups now ended thethe current sessions a again in the Autumn. meal together on June 19th. They will both start up again in the

____________________________ Autumn. ____________________________ Booking Halls

Youth Group / Messy Music

Anyone who would like to book either the Duchess Anne or the Chanonry for meetings and events should contact Jill McCrory Both of these have stopped now over the summer and will start on chanonrydunkeld@gmail.com again in the Autumn.

____________________________ ____________________________

Local Pilgrim Walks Booking Halls

Two local reflective walks haveeither been the set Duchess up by theAnne Cathedral Anyone who would like to book or the Pilgrimage team.

Chanonry for meetings and events should contact Jill McCrory These walks are gentle reflective walks which allow for times on chanonrydunkeld@gmail.com of silence, of prayer and gentle conversations. Walkers have commented that ‘It was peaceful, interesting and thought provoking’ , ‘wonderful, spiritual, leisurely paced’. The walks are Two local reflective walks have been up by the Cathedral gently guided by one of the team.

Weset hope to have material Pilgrimage team. ready for self guided walks in the near future.

There twoare walks - reflective walks which allow for times These are walks gentle of silence, prayer andisgentle conversations.

St Colme’sofWalk which the longer of the twoWalkers and willhave last commented was peaceful, interesting and so thought around three that hrs. It‘Itincludes one short steepish path good provoking’is, ‘wonderful, spiritual, leisurely TheRiver walksTay, are footwear advised! The walk takes youpaced’. along the gently one of the hope then upguided throughbythe woods to team.

PolneyWe Loch andto onhave to St material Colme’s readyItfor self and guided walksininthe theCathedral near future.

Well. starts finishes grounds.

There two walks - is the short walk and will take just under Birnamare Oak Walk: This

____________________________

Local Pilgrim Walks

St Colme’s Walk you which is the thebridge longertoof two and will last two hrs and takes over thethe orchard, then follow around hrs.famous It includes steepish pathStsoMary’s good the riverthree to the Oakone andshort comes back via footwear is advised! takesreflection. you along the River Tay, church where there isThe timewalk for quiet then up through the be woods to Polney Loch and on to St Colme’s The next walks will Well. It starts and finishes in the Cathedral grounds.

Saturday 14th September 10am 3 hrs to St Colm’s Well starting Birnam Oak Walk: This is the short walk and will take just under in the Cathedral Grounds two hrs and takes you over the bridge to the orchard, then follow Friday 27th to the Birnam Oak the river to September the famous10am Oak1.5 andhrs comes back via St starting Mary’s in the Cathedral Grounds church where there is time for quiet reflection.

For further information contact Rosie at The next walks will be The Local Pilgrim Walksplease will take a break over Mackie the winter rosiemackie2@gmail.com months.

Look out here for the new dates in the Spring.

Saturday 14th September 10am 3 hrs to St Colm’s Well starting in the Cathedral Grounds

____________________________

Charity Shop Friday 3 27thChurches September 10am 1.5 hrs to the Birnam Oak starting

in the3 Cathedral Grounds The Churches Charity is doing very well indeed, both in sales and valuable donations. please A huge thank youRosie to those who buy, For infurther information contact Mackie at those who donate and those who volunteer. rosiemackie2@gmail.com

____________________________

Sometimes we may receive a lot of clothes donations all at once, and when this happens, because of limited storage space, we may need to ask for your understanding if we cannot The 3 Churches Charity is doing well indeed, both in thank sales accept your clothes donations forvery a couple of weeks.

So, and for in valuable donations. A huge thank you to those who buy, you your patience. those who donate and those volunteer.

Our customers continue to tellwho us how much they love our shop

3 Churches Charity Shop

Sometimes may a lot clothes at and recentlywe they addreceive that they likeofthe way itdonations is laid outalltoo. once,is and when happens, of limited storage This useful to us.this Thank you forbecause your feedback. space, we may need to ask for your we cannotWe would really appreciate one understanding new type of ifvolunteer accept your clothes donations foron a couple weeks.

So, thank someone who is used to selling Ebay...ofthis would only be you for your needed a fewpatience. times a year. If you can help, please contact our Chairman Annecontinue Grahamtoontell 07751593421.

Our customers us how much they love our shop and recently they add that they like the way it is laid out too.

This is useful to us. Thank you for your feedback.

We would really appreciate one new type of volunteer someone who is used to selling on Ebay... this would only be Church of Scotland: needed a few times a year. If you can help, please contact our Dunkeld Cathedral at 11am.

Chairman Anne Graham on 07751593421.

Every Sunday from Easter Sunday to Remembrance Sunday.

____________________________

Weekly Services

____________________________

Weekly Services

Little Dunkeld Kirk at 11am.

Every Sunday from the Sunday following Remembrance Sunday to Palm Sunday 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.

St Mary’s Birnam at 10am. Every Sunday.

St Columba’s, Mass 6pm. Every Saturday

Scottish Episcopal Church:

Monthly and Occasional Services

St Mary’s Birnam at 10am. Every Sunday.

Church Scotland, Amulree Roman of Catholic: Third Sunday ofMass the Month 2.15pm St Columba’s, 6pm. Every Saturday

____________________________

Monthly and Occasional Services Contact Details: Church Church of of Scotland, Scotland: Amulree Third Sunday of the Month 2.15pm

Congregational Office Bearers: ____________________________ Minister: Rev. R.Fraser Penny,B.A. B.D.,

Contact Details:

Cathedral Manse, Dunkeld, PH8 0AW Tel: 01350 727249 e-mail: r.fraserpenny@gmail.com

Church of Scotland: Session Clerk: Alison Gillies Congregational OfficeStreet, Bearers: The Chanonry, Cathedral Dunkeld PH8 0AW Minister: Rev. R.Fraser Penny,B.A. B.D., Tel: 07736 423198 e-mail: sessionclerk@dunkeldcathedral.org Cathedral Manse, Dunkeld, PH8 0AW Treasurer: Mrs Louise Luke Tel: 01350 727249 e-mail: r.fraserpenny@gmail.com The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld Tel: 07773 Clerk: 604372Alison e-mail:Gillies treasurer@dunkeldcathedral.org Session The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld Covenant Officer: Mrs. Ann BrycePH8 0AW

Tel: 07736 423198 Tomnagrew House, e-mail: Dunkeldsessionclerk@dunkeldcathedral.org PH80BX Tel: 01350 723228 e-mail: Luke annbryce228@gmail.com Treasurer: Mrs Louise

Organist & Choir Leader: Hazel Murch The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Mrs Dunkeld

07773 642954 604372 e-mail: music@dunkeldcathedral.org treasurer@dunkeldcathedral.org Tel: 07867

Parish Office: Mrs Jill Covenant Officer: Mrs.McCrory Ann Bryce The Chanonry, 07808 703641PH80BX Tomnagrew House, Dunkeld email: office@dunkeldcathedral.org Tel: 01350 723228 e-mail: annbryce228@gmail.com www.dunkeldcathedral.org Organist & Choir Leader: Mrs Hazel Murch

____________________________ Tel: 07867 642954 e-mail: music@dunkeldcathedral.org

St Mary's Church, Birnam Parish Office: Episcopal Mrs Jill McCrory The Chanonry, Sunday Service07808 10 am 703641 - Holy Communion with hymns, music and email: office@dunkeldcathedral.org sermon, followed by refreshments. www.dunkeldcathedral.org 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 lastBirnam Saturday of St Mary's Episcopal Church, each month at 2pm and is led ecumenically by members of the Sunday Service 10 am - Holy Communion with hymns, music and three churches in Dunkeld and Birnam. It is not a communion service. sermon, followed by refreshments.

The Rector: Lesley-Ann The church is Reverend open daily for visitors, andCraddock prayers are said at

Priest Charge of and St Mary’s Birnam and Dunkeld 5.30pminon Fridays 9.30am on Saturday.

St rectory, StisMary’s Rd, Birnam, 0BJ TheMary’s Servite service now held monthly PH8 on the last Saturday of Tel: email: lesley.craddock@btinternet.com each07903 month020509 at 2pm and is led ecumenically by members of the threetime churches in Dunkeld and Birnam.

It is not a communion service.

Part = Friday, Saturday & Sunday I can also be found dwelling nr Loch Ness 01456486663

The Rector: Reverend Lesley-Ann Craddock Priest in Charge of St Mary’s Treasurer: Charles Cox Birnam and Dunkeld

St Mary’s rectory, St Mary’s Rd, Birnam, PH8 0BJ Vestry Secretary: Adrian Freer Tel: 07903 020509 email: lesley.craddock@btinternet.com Tel: 01821 email: adrianfreer@btinternet.com Part time =650536 Friday, Saturday & Sunday Tel: 727755 (www.stmarysbirnam.org.uk) I can01350 also be found dwelling nr Loch Ness 01456486663

____________________________

Treasurer: Charles Cox

St Columba’s Roman Catholic Church

Vestry Secretary: Adrian Freer Catholic Church Priest: Tel: 01821 650536 email: adrianfreer@btinternet.com Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP Tel: 01350 727755 (www.stmarysbirnam.org.uk) Tel: 01796 472174 e-mail: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk

____________________________ St____________________________ Columba’s Roman Catholic Church CatholicRoman Church Priest: Catholic Churches

Fr Emmanuel Adindu Dunkeld is a village with MSP a long history of Christian worship Tel: 01796 and we are472174 pleased to continue that worship at St Columba’s e-mail: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk in Birnam.

____________________________ Parish Priest:

Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP Roman Catholic Churches (Missionary of St Paul)

Dunkeld is a village with a long history of Christian worship Tel: 01796 472 174 and we are pleased to continue that worship at St Columba’s Email: in Birnam. stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk Parish ServingPriest: St Columba’s RC church in Birnam/ Fr Emmanuel MSPand Our Lady of Dunkeld, St Bride’s RC church Adindu in Pitlochry (Missionary of St Paul) Mercy RC church in Aberfeldy.

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.

11

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 OurBride’s Lady of Aberfeldy Follow us on Facebook at: St RCMercy Church, Pitlochry Sunday 11.30 am St Bride’s Pitlochry We celebrate the presence of the Risen Lord amongst us Weekday during theseMasses:Masses: 9.30 am Tuesday - Aberfeldy Sunday Masses:9.30 am Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - Pitlochry Saturday Vigil 6pm St Columba’s Birnam Holy days of Obligation:Sunday 9.30 am Our Lady of Mercy Aberfeldy 9.30am Birnam Sunday 11.30 am St Bride’s Pitlochry 12.30pm Aberfeldy Weekday Masses:6.00pm Pitlochry 9.30 am Tuesday - Aberfeldy 9.30 Sacrament am Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - Pitlochry The of Reconciliation is available prior to mass in St Columba’s.

Please phone Father to arrange it.

Holy days of Obligation:9.30am Birnam If there are any parishioners who are housebound and wish 12.30pm Aberfeldy the Sacrament of Holy Communion, let Father know and this 6.00pm will be arranged. Pitlochry St Road, Birnam PH8 0BJ TheColumba’s, SacramentStofMary’s Reconciliation is available prior to mass in St. Bride’s, Rie-Achan Road, Father Pitlochry, PH16 5AL St Columba’s.

Please phone to arrange it.

Our Lady of Mercy, Home Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2AL If there are any parishioners who are housebound and wish Father Emmanuel in. 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.

Squash those money worries this September

____________________________

September is often a month of change. Whether you’re sending your kids back to school, heading off to university, or preparing for higher energy bills over the winter, change usually comes with cost. Here are some tips on saving money this September.

Christmas is

Squash thosecreeping money worries up Starting university? this September on usaway and starting The freedom that comes with moving

September often a but month of change.

Whether university isisexciting, finances can soon spiralyou’re out ofsending control.

your kids It’s backa tobitschool, off to university, orso preparing IVisit know! early heading to help be thinking capuk.org/budgeting for creating aabout budget,Christmas, that you for is higher bills over the winter, change usually or it? energy can make sure there’s money allocated for fun and comes social with cost.as Here tips on saving money thisrent.

September. activities wellare assome important costs fooddate and Despite Christmas being on thelike same every year, university? itStarting always seems to creep up on us earlier and earlier?

Back to school?

The freedom comes withthan away and starting No sooner is that summer the uniform, stores start filling If you’re struggling with theover cost ofmoving school get in touch university is exciting, butto finances can soon spiral out of control. their seasonal aisles with Christmas chocolates.

The with your child’s school find out what support they can offer.

Visit capuk.org/budgeting for help creating a budget, so that you shops are well prepared but are we?

Here are some Schools are legally required by the Department for Education tips can make sure there’s money allocated for fun and social (DfE)to tohelp. make sure their uniforms are affordable for all students. activities as well as important costs like food and rent.

This includes supermarket own-brand options and Making a listallowing saves money making second-hand uniforms available. Buying from any store Back to school?

No matter to how stunningly beautiful the shop displays asyou’re opposed a designated shopoforschool schooluniform, could save parents If with the the cost in touch look or struggling how effective TV adverts are,getdon’t let around £50 on average, says the what DfE. There is they also can preloved with your child’s school to find out support offer. yourself get sucked in by Christmas advertising.

You uniform for free in the Locus Center.

Schools are legally required by the Department for Education may need to be strict with yourself. Think about making (DfE) to make sure their uniforms are affordable for all students. a budget.

Planning for Christmas?

This includeslike allowing supermarket own-brand optionsnever and Celebrations Christmas great, but they’re First, consider how muchcan youbereally need toany spend. making second-hand uniforms available.

Buying from store worth getting into unmanageable debt for.

16th September Make a listto aand stick toshop it. Ifor you haven’t got much as opposed designated school could save parents marks 100 daysfeel until Christmas and there’s wrong money don’t obliged toDay spend it justis nothing because it’s around £50 on average, says the DfE. There alsothe preloved with planning ahead.

The closer we get to December; Christmas. Sticking to the list helps you stick tohigher your uniform for free in the Locus Center. prices will creep for festive ‘must-haves’ like toys and the latest budget. tech. something you want to buy, it’s worth Planning forknow Christmas?

In theIf you run up tothere’s Christmas could you buy one or two starting to a shop now, advantage before up.

Make a list Celebrations likearound Christmas can be prices great, but they’re never presents week to take ofgo special offers? and tick things off as you go, helping youfor. avoid buys worth getting into unmanageable debt 16thimpulse September But remember to stick to your list! that you don’t really marks 100 days untilneed.

Christmas Day and there’s nothing wrong Consider how much you can realistically save with planning ahead. The closer we get to December; the higher Feeling thenow cold? between and Christmas. Saving can be tough, prices will creep for festive ‘must-haves’ with like toys and of theenergy latest As the colder weather approaches, the cost but remember, a little is better and than nothing especially tech.high, If you knowallthere’s something you wantAccording to buy, it’s to worth still we’re looking for ways to save. the when your income is low and money is tight already. £1 starting to shop Trust, around now, prices go up.

Make a list Energy Saving limiting showers to four minutes could a day between now (1 Nov)before and Christmas week would and tick things off as you go, helping you avoid impulse buys save households up£50. to £70 a year, and avoiding using the amount to around that youdryer don’tcould reallyreduce need. costs by up to £75 a year, depending tumble

Managing thethe cost Christmas on where in UKof you live. For more advice, visit Feeling the cold?

It be worthwhile considering what really energysavingtrust.org.uk.

Asmay the colder weather approaches, and withChristmas the cost of energy needs cost all you.

Perhaps have conversations still high,tolonger we’re looking for ways to some save. According to the Thinking term? with family members about how to you will approach Energy Saving Trust, limiting showers four minutes could Make future Septembers a little bit easier by getting into the Christmas this year.

Are ayou a large family save of households up to Even £70 year,having and avoiding using the habit saving regularly. a small amount addsto up and can gathering?

You could encourage everyone bring a tumble dryer couldnet reduce costs by up to £75 ahappens, year, depending provide a safety in case thedinner unexpected or just dish towards the Christmas to more reduceadvice, the cost. on where in the UK you live.

For visit help you reach your goals. It’s UK Savings Week from 9th to Do need towith buya presents Perhaps energysavingtrust.org.uk.

15thyou September, mission to for helpeveryone? make saving simple, you couldrewarding, consider whatever doing a family secret Santa so easy andlonger your circumstances. Visit Thinking term? each of you buys one gift within a set budget.

This uksavingsweek.co.uk for tips.

Make future a little bit easier by getting intowell the reduces theSeptembers cost for each member of the family as habit of saving regularly.

Even a small amount adds up and can as perhaps cheap gifts purchased just because of with the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity working provide safety in case the unexpected or just pressure to buynet something everyone. over 800a affiliated churches tofordeliver debt happens, help, budgeting

help you reach your goals.

It’s life UKskills Savings Week to guidance, support to find work, groups andfrom more.9th Visit

Budgeting is for life,mission not just for Christmas 15th September, capscotland.org towith findaout more. to help make saving simple, easy and rewarding, whatever your circumstances.

Visit Being prepared for any big expenses such as Christmas uksavingsweek.co.uk tips. takes time, thought for and planning but it also pays to be prepared with regular spending Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is too. a UK charity working with There areaffiliated some great toolstoavailable for budgeting and over 800 churches deliver debt help, budgeting saving.

CAP Moneycoaching of people guidance, support to find work, lifehelps skills thousands groups and more.

Visit every year to budget their money, save and spend well. capscotland.org to find out more.

Courses are run across the UK, giving people the skills to take control of their finances and stay out of debt.

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Community History & Learning Dunkeld Campus Butterstone Fire Walk Charity Fundraiser

Connect with Asheville Hurricane Helene and It’s Impact on Asheville Dunkeld & Biram’s Twinning City

Greetings and gratitudes to all of our Dunkeld & Birnam friends from your Twinning community of Asheville. You have lifted our spirits in this unforeseen, challenging time. So I want to provide a bit of an update for the Bridge.

Darcy and I and all of our friends are safe after this second most impactful storm in US history, although like most of western North Carolina, we have been without power, running water and reliable cellular service for almost two weeks. Power and cell service now have largely returned, but running water is much more difficult due to the complete destruction of water lines from Hurricane Helene.

Yet our own problems are simply inconveniences compared to the considerable loss of life, utter decimation of small villages located along streams and rivers, destruction of homes and businesses , 400 roads closed and many bridges caved in.

The intensity and duration of the storm in our mountains, 500 miles from the coast, was unexpected, although there have been others, such as an epoch storm in 1918. But several forces coalesced to create this powerful “perfect storm of destruction”: a previous two days of drenching rains; the unusually prolonged nature of the storm over Asheville with sheets of rain falling horizontally; the many villages located on rivers and streams; sustained high winds; and the numerous winding and hilly (though scenic) roads susceptible to fallen trees and power lines.

Amidst the destruction there have been hopeful elements. Downtown Asheville, not close to a river, was largely spared (including the Dunkeld & Birnam directive mileage sign on the city green!). Likewise our nearby town of Black Mountain. The federal emergency aid agency FEMA has been everywhere in the delivery of food, water, medical supplies and clothing (and now must also contend with Hurricane Milton in Florida). Numerous other assistance programs are at work such as World Central Kitchen and Beloved Asheville. Most of all there have been countless examples of acts of generosity and kindness, people to people, much welcome in these divisive political times. And repeatedly we have witnessed the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.

On the 19th September we hosted a Charity Fire Walk Event at our Dunkeld Campus in Butterstone. In total, 23 brave people ranging from our CEO, teachers, support staff, head office staff, parents and supporters of our school, all chose to literally walk over hot coals to raise sponsorship money for The Jane Moore Trust.

In the lead up to our event our children and young people were busy crafting fire themed decorations and bunting, inventing and making their own carnival games, and baking delicious sweet treats. We had fire-shaped biscuits, scones, cakes, fudge and wonderful cheesecakes, all for sale. From our polytunnel the children selected the best courgettes and tomatoes we had grown and made their very own Dunkeld Campus chutney. They also picked courgettes and carrots to make an amazing sponge Head Of Moore House Group - Dunkeld cake. A number of young people also decorated empty jars with Campus: Tracey Ford-McNicol walks flame inspired designs which were later filled with homemade over hot coals scented candles.

We had some external stall holders join us to sell their handcrafted goods, jewellery and sweets, and the school pupils filled 7 ‘guess the number of sweet jars’, organised a tombola, and a silent auction with a variety of impressive prizes. Our amazing ‘date with a book’ stall was a great success; books were individually wrapped in paper with only the first sentence written on the front. It was great fun deciding what book to buy with only this hint!

During the event itself, our staff, volunteers, children and young people manned the stalls and encouraged people to spend, spend, spend.

Although our Deputy Head Craig Martin declined to walk over fire, after supplying hot dogs and coffee all night, he very sportingly placed his head and hands in a pillory and stayed there whilst a very long queue of pupils and staff paid to throw wet sponges at him!

We are delighted to announce that we successfully raised £12,923.10 which will directly support our services for children and young people. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to this wonderful event.

We look forward to keeping you updated on our upcoming events, and hope to see some of you attend our future fundraisers.

If you would like to learn more about the Jane Moore Trust or Moore House Group Dunkeld campus, please visit our websites: www.janemooretrust.org.uk and www.moorehousegroup.org.uk

OPENING HOURS

Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm 12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN. www.historicdunkeld.org.uk

archives@historicdunkeld.org.uk

01350 727786 Please welcome our newest member of staff. Funded by SSE/Griffin Community Windfarm.

Liz Sutton of Ruby Tiger (a specialist heritage consultancy) joined us on October 1st.

Liz will be helping us to develop the Trust and our activities, including bringing in new funding.

Talks

We are pleased to announce the following historical talks for 2024/25.

Tickets (£5) are available via Eventbrite or from the Community Archive.

All talks will be held in the Duchess Anne Hall monthly on a Friday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Tea/coffee & biscuits will be served afterwards, giving people a chance to mingle and chat with the speaker.

08/11/24 – Mike Taylor: Bristling with Guns ~ “Oi mate, you can’t put that cannon there” 06/12/24 – Euphemia Ramsay: A Gothic Ghost Story for Solstice 14/02/25 – Dr Andrew Paterson: Christian Icons ~ Making & Meaning 14/03/25 – Paul MacLennan: Dundonnachie ~ The Man Behind the Bridge Toll Riots 11/04/25 – Lesley Wilson: Local Stories from Local People

The road to recovery will be long and challenging.

We are reminded that Mother Nature always has the last word and that global warming is only too real and accelerating. But we also are reminded of the significant value of International Twinning/Sister City programs such ours, that bridge the miles and the seas. And we remain grateful for our Dunkeld & Birnam partners, by the Bridge across the Tay. Doug Orr, Committee Co-Chair, Asheville- Dunkeld & Birnam Sister Cities Our D&B Friends of Asheville committee has opened a relief fund for Asheville, whose community has been so generous in supporting projects here through the years.

If you’d like to contribute, please contact Alasdair Wylie (07927 175121) or Fiona Ritchie (07710 537969). Thank you.

EXHIBITION We are gathering stories of those who served in any of the British Armed Forces who were from Dunkeld, Birnam and surrounding areas, to be displayed in the Community Archive during November. Please pop along to see the stories, or to bring along photographs or items relating to your own or family members service.

BIRNAM BOOK FESTIVAL Legends, Lore, Stories and Song 26th & 27th October 2024 – Come and find us at the Birnam Book Festival Mid-Week Memories Club Is now back on a Wednesday from 3.30pm to 5pm.

A lovely group of folk, reminiscing over tea/coffee & biscuits.

We do have a taxi funded, so if you need transport please get in touch.

Young Archaeologist Club (age 8 to 16) We meet fortnightly on a Thursday during school term in the Community Archive at 4pm. The next meeting is Thursday 7th November.

If you have an interest in history and archaeology, come along !

A huge thank you to The Crannog staff who entertained and educated our young people during our trip to see their new museum and Iron Age village.

Newsletter To keep up with all our news and what’s on in Historic Dunkeld, sign up for our free monthly newsletter.

Sign up at www.historicdunkeld.org.uk

Editorial

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

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Environmental At the Field

Dunkeld and Birnam community growing @the Field Brae Street will continue to have work days on Thursday and Saturday mornings through the winter months.

Many people may be surprised to learn that we harvest much of our crops over the colder months of the year, carrots,parsnips,leeks and a variety of brassica remain in the ground (unless it freezes hard) and feed us till March and we have tatties , onions and squash in store. We share this with the community by stocking a stall at the gate to the Field on Thursdays and Saturdays.

There is also plenty work to be done putting plots to bed for the winter and spreading dung to be ploughed in in the Spring. We also need to clean tidy and repair tools and buildings and plan seed purchase for next year after reflecting on successes and failures this year..

We have planted cover crops on any bare soil and scythed seeding weeds on others in order to seal the ground and prevent erosion and leaching of nutrients over the winter and also reduce the spread of weeds onto our plots in Autumn winds.

We look forward to birds enjoying the seeds ,berries and shelter around our hedges and margins which we deliberately leave uncultivated to encourage biodiversity.

Coffee breaks tend to take place in the warmth of a poly- tunnel which afford a congenial venue in inclement weather.

Members are invited to the Field’s Annual General Meeting at 7pm in the Duchess Anne, Dunkeld on Friday 1st November. This will be followed by the popular Harvest Supper.

This year will follow the model we have developed in the last two years where some members volunteer to make and bring a main course or desert where possible made from field produce, though this is not essential.

As usual some members help to set up before the AGM and some volunteer to clear up after the meal .

Numbers are limited for the Harvest Supper(48) due to the size of the venue and as ever it is first come first served!

We welcome new members and volunteers for information and application forms see our website https://www. dunkeldfield.co.uk/ Raymond Simpson on behalf of the trustees DB Community Growing.

Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom

October Mondays have been wet, so we have not been out in the gardens as normal, but bedding plants are still hanging in, so it seems a shame to pull them out and replace with the Spring bulbs. That will be one of our tasks for November plus cutting back bushes and of course sweeping up the leaves in St Ninian’s.

We have been collecting the dried Allium seeds and with a bit of friendly banter attempting to pot up to hopefully get extra plants in the years to come. We will see who among us succeeds in producing flowering plants.

Halloween is the time to put a couple of pumpkins in the garden and our extra helper flies in for a few days where she can be found lurking about in St Ninian’s! (see picture) Anybody who would like to come and join us in the gardens, please do. Groups can be found on a Monday morning at 10am in St Ninian’s Garden, Dunkeld and Torwood Park, Birnam.

Thank you

Moira (07931 758 456)

Big Apple and Juicing Day at the Community Orchard

Our largest crowd of adults and children eagerly gathered at the opening of Big Apple Day. They were particularly fascinated by the juicing process.

We thought readers might be interested in the various stages: 1. The apples are tipped into the mill and come out as pulp.

2. The pulp is put in the hydro press. This ingenious method uses a mains water supply to inflate a bladder that exerts pressure on your fruit and presses it from the inside outward.

Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, Crocosmia, pink purslane, Italian arum etc), diseases and pathogens (like ash dieback) are spreading; beavers are back after 400 years, and making use of, particularly, the riverside beech trees.

The Group, and The National Trust for Scotland, has made a small start to ensure the amenity of this area is maintained by removing some of the invasive snowberry and replanting with native trees like rowan and holly. We plan to continue this as well as the balsam control, protect selected trees from beaver gnawing, and consider options for improving the path surfaces.

Gardening and Growing Club

Whether you potter with a few pots or garden an acre you are very welcome at our friendly Gardening and Growing club. £20 annual membership acox325@gmail.com Everyone welcome – first meeting FREE. Please come along and ‘try out’ being a member.

The Gardening and Growing Club is a group for anyone interested in learning more about a wide range of matters to do with gardening and growing in a relaxed environment where you can also chat and meet other people in the village interested in gardening and growing. During the year there is a mix of talks, visits to gardens, socials as well as the annual show in August. Whether you tend a few pots on your windowsill or garden a massive plot it really doesn’t matter – you are very welcome to join us.

Programme of Events 2024-25

13 November Wreath Making Birnam Arts 7pm Free to members - donations to Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom 11 December Christmas Meal, Duchess Anne 12 February 12 March 14 May

Alan Horgan, Soft Fruit Growing Birnam Arts

History of Dunkeld & Birnam Orchard and AGM Birnam Arts Branklyn Gardens Talk Birnam Arts

The juice is strained into a large container.

3. The juice is funnelled into a large canister which has a tap.

4. The finished product. Some people brought their own containers. But many more took a drink from our clean wash-and-use-again jam jars, and some took a closed jam jar away with them. Just a warning - our apple juice is not pasteurised, so needs to be drunk right away. To pasteurise your own, heat up to 70 degrees for at least 2 minutes.

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Take a fresh look at Dùn Coillich!

Our Repair cafe is 2 years old this Month

In the two years you have brought in 291 of your treasured possessions of all shapes and sizes – from toys to wheelbarrows to broken ornaments to holey jumpers to shuggly chairs and little table without legs and electrical goods too (especially lamps in these dark nights).

Our dedicated fixers have succeeded with 262 of them and we hope their owners are

New website showcases transformation

If you haven’t been up to Dùn Coillich for a while – and maybe you’ve never had chance to visit – now’s the time to take a look around!

Thanks to a brand new website you can now see the transformation of the hillside outside Aberfeldy at the touch of a button (www.duncoillich.org), and explore the walking, training and volunteering opportunities on offer.

Dùn Coillich – managed by the Highland Perthshire Community Land Trust – is home to a community-owned landscape regeneration and rural skills training project, and has become one of the jewels in the crown of Highland Perthshire.

Once a deer farm on the eastern shoulder of Schiehallion, the site by Glengoulandie has welcomed hundreds of volunteers, visitors and trainees since a community buyout in 2002 – the first of its kind in the region.

Years of tree planting, habitat creation, path maintenance and natural regeneration – combined with a dedicated education and volunteering programme – has transformed the site into a haven for wildlife and visitors alike.

The new website makes it even easier to get directions, access information about the many species which now call Dùn Coillich home, find out about walks and talks, and sign up for training courses and volunteering opportunities.

“Anyone who has had any involvement in Dùn Coillich and the Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust over the years can be rightly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” says Heather Hamilton, Project Officer. “This new website gives us chance to share our history and look forward to our future – the before and after pictures in the timeline show just what’s possible!”

Tempted to find out more? Join us at our Autumn Gathering on Saturday 2nd November from 2pm to 5pm.

Everyone welcome for a bite to eat, whatever the weather!

Visit www.duncoillich.org/whats-on for information or email Heather at projectofficer@hpclt.org

The Kiln Creative

Weekend Workshops: Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd September

*If you are interested in hiring the equipment please contact dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com

Following the excitement of the juicing and tasting, the youngest visitors migrated to the well equipped activities table, while others were equally impressed with the array of home baking.

There were also some serious harvesting groups who picked a good quantity of Bramley cookers and used the picking pole to bring down some of the eaters such as the curiously named Bloody Ploughman.

It was a busy day for both orchardeers and visitors, but there were quiet moments too when people were able to sit and chat and listen to the quiet strains of the small pipes. We were so lucky with the weather and we are incredibly grateful to the generosity of our visitors whose donations helped to refill our depleted coffers.

Paths and Nature Action Group Murthly

As the balsam control season came to a close our attention turned to planning some path maintenance tasks. We need your help to achieve this – on £10 flexible days/ times.

From per hour Please get in touch if you’d like to support your local paths network. Currently we are planning works on the Polney Loch path and a hall returnand to thekitchen Inver-Hermitage link.for Events facilities We held two evening walks in Unplugged week looking Birthday parties, Indoor sports, Dances, at some local issues, what the Group did this year, and Gatherings, Quiz Nights and more. contemplating some future options.

There are various interests in doing ‘something’ with theContact: riverside strip from about the Braan mouth to the murthlyvillagehall@outlook.com fishermens hut. There have been great changes here Tel: 01738 710408 (over the last Century or so) and it’s clear that there will now be more - climate change is altering the pattern of flooding; new species of animal, plant (including introduced

Village Hall Hire

happy with the results.

Come and join us for cake and a chat and see what we do.

Monday 4th November Birnam Arts 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Bring along anything that needs fixing even if you no longer want it. We might be able to find it a new home.

If you think you could help us mend things then please come and see if it would suit Raise your level of wellness, you. We are a very informal group who really reduce pain, stress/anxiety & enjoy the once a month session. The cakes re-align where you are in life. ok too!!!

Health & Wellbeing Hub dbrepaircafe@gmail.com pennybaird5@icloud.com if you want to get in touch.

Little Dunkeld • 07342 979393 Zerobalancinguk.org

Three Churches

May ‘Stick on on thethe Fridge Page’ November ‘Stick 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 Dunkeld & Birnam Men’s Shed 07777 696953 Jackie MacLean dbmensshed@outlook.com Dunkeld Masonic Lodge 724232 Tom Gordon secyonefour@gmail.com Dunkeld Community Archive 727786 Ruth Brown (Mon – Fri, 10am – 3pm) archive@historicdunkeld.org.uk Friends of the Cathedral 728697 John Gray friends@dunkkeldcathedral.org Gardening and Growing Club (Horti) 07740 982465 Andrea Cox acox325@gmail.com National Trust for Scotland 07548 757060 Karen Clark kclark@nts.org.uk Royal British Legion 728811 Kevin Forsyth Kevforsyth@hotmail.com RVS 01738 633975 Geoff Bird (Supporting You At Home and perthsupportingyou@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk Home Library Service) SWRI 723203 / 07881 531565 Evelyn Menzies Evelynhmenzies@gmail.com SWRI Amulree 723203 Jane Anderson The Field 07584 434253 Dave Roberts dblandtrust@btinternet.com The Orchard 727048 Katharine Melville kmelville@ogoroad.com The Meeting Place (Fri, DA) 07474 183042 Margaret Scott Tourist Association 723297 Adrian Blundell Community Learning & Development PKC CLD Staff 01738 459701 Cat Gordon/Alison May/ Robin Crawford dunkeldcomlearn@pkc.gov.uk U3A 07714 103309 Sandra Cairncross smcairnx@hotmail.com Sport Butterstone Hill & Trail Group 07761 673231 Adrian Davis wildoutdoorscotland@gmail.com Clan Bowmen (Field Archery) 727911 / 07786 073686 Arthur Robert Hewines bobhewines@hotmail.com Dunkeld & Birnam Angling Association secretary@dbaa.co.uk Billy Davidson Dunkeld & Birnam Bowling Club 07977 911068 Gael Shaw Gaelshaw@btinternet.com Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club 727524 Jackie MacLean (Visitors Welcome) dunkeld@outlook.com Dunkeld & Birnam Sports 07970 778525 Sally Robertson Leisure Hub dbsportsleisurehub@gmail.com Dunkeld & Birnam Tennis Club 07731 631563 Morna Mitchell mornaamitchell59@gmail.com Glendelvine/Spittalfield Cricket Club 07816 982140 Andrew Ross (all ages) Grass Track & Field Group 07736 724113 James Jarvis Highland Perthshire Clay Shooting Club 07821940252 Ted Carr tedcarr@waitrose.com Leisure Group (Sports Hall Project) 727361 Alasdair Wylie awylie2002@yahoo.co.uk Over 35’s Rugby 07738 006738 Iain Gordon iainhg@aol.com Running Club (8 – 12 year old,) 07761 673231 Adrian Davis (Mondays at 3.30pm) wildoutdoorscotland@gmail.com Swimming & Alexander Technique 07778 778007 Jan Osband jmosband@gmail.com Tai Chi 07551 029076 John Connelly dachutaichi@gmail.com Tayside Orienteers 727048 Bill Melville billmelville@ogoroad.com Yoga 728783 Sue Atkinson atkinsue93@yahoo.co.uk Music & Arts BIPS 07872 505516 Melanie Brockway mbroc02@hotmail.com Birnam Arts 727674 Manager admin@birnamarts.com arts@birnamarts.com Birnam Arts Ballet (Mon – Thurs, Emma Gray age 4 upwards & adults) ballet@birnamarts.com Cathedral Tower Bell Ringers 742218 Iona Connor lowesfarm@hotmail.com Dunkeld Strathspey & Reel Society 07531 520476 Duncan Thomson duncanwthomson@yahoo.co.uk Film Society 727740 Tom Barnard tom_barnard@btinternet.com Just Singin’, 7.30pm Weds (BA) 07765 405203 Katie Dalgliesh www.justsingin.co.uk Traditional Youth Music Group 07958 324 766 Karys and Gill dbtradgroup@gmail.com and Facebook Annual Events Art Exhibition dunkeldart@aol.com Margaret Scott Arts & Crafts Fair (Apr, Aug & Nov) 727968 / 07743 400938 Na’an Meikleour poppyseednaan@yahoo.com Christian Aid Week 727867 Jim McCafferty Highland Games (August) 07880 588433 Duncan Sim duncan_sim@hotmail.com Niel Gow Festival 07766 406313 Liam Manion (weekend closest to 22 March) LManion41@gmail.com For Children Baby & Toddler Group 07546 128902 Lesley Singers Caputh Baby & Toddler Group 07722 183546 Catherine Thomson (Tues, 9.30 – 11.30am) Nursery at Royal School of Dunkeld 01738 454470 Royal School of Dunkeld Sunday School – Church of Scotland 727249 Fraser Penny For Younger People Girlguiding Dunkeld (Rainbows, 07770 324173 Trix Stephen Brownies, Guides, Rangers) (District Commissioner) The Black Watch Army Cadets 07429 113439 2nd Lt Craig Ross 1989ros@armymail.mod.uk Youth Group (for P7s & 1st years, 727249 Fraser Penny Thurs 7 – 8.30pm) For Older People Senior Citizens 727311 Ronalda Pattullo Servite 07595 651446 Ivan Russell (Working Hours, Mon, Wed, Friday ivan.russell@caledoniaha.co.uk 1 – 4pm; Tues, Thurs 8.30am – 12 noon)

Local Organisations - Continued

Hall Bookings Amulree Village Hall Birnam Arts Caputh Hall Chanonry

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

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07749 914906 Isabel Brady northamulree@btinternet.com 727674 Manager 07832 235607 Lorna Lyle 07808 703641 Jill McCrory chanonrydunkeld@gmail.com 07746 392268 Anne Cameron annedunkeld@gmail.com 07808 703641 Jill McCrory office@dunkeldcathedral.org 01738 459709 Margaret Quigley birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk 727210 Davidsons 01738 494610 Asda, Dunkeld Rd, Perth 727269 Craigvinean Surgery Lachlan MacEwan dbcc.chair@gmail.com 729198 / 01796 470001 01738 476476 01738 475000 01738 475121 3/5 High St, Perth perth-registrars@pkc.gov.uk 101

Dates for your Diary Dates yourAnne Diary BA = Birnam Arts Centre, DA for = Duchess Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld May

BA Birnam Arts Centre, = Duchess Anne Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld May=exhibition at Birnam ArtsDA Conglomerates Jessica Ramm

1 Aging Creatively Workshop with Alison Price 60+, Free, but please book November 10-12pm 2 Climate Café Community Coworking Space All month Art Exhibition Louisa Preston Experimental Artist FREE Birnam Arts 4-5 10am to 5pm – Dunkeld Living History Weekend in Stanley Hill Park – Prayers Free Eventfor Help and Healing Little Dunkeld Kirk 6:30pm 3 8pm in Birnam Artsand – “Dunkeld’s Dark Deeds“ performed

by Lindsey Gibb 1 The Field AGM Harvest Supper Duchess Anne 7-9pm at Birnam Arts – Tickets available from birnamarts.com 4 Repair Café 3- 6pm Artsworkshop led by Actor Joe Arkley & 4 “Macbeth: Death, BaneBirnam & Birnam Shakespearean specialist Tracey Irish 2pm – Duchess Anne Hall 6 Perth & Kinross Dementia Cafe Awareness Day 4 8pm in Birnam Arts – Daniel Downie: A Historical & Hysterical journey Wed Oct 2nd 2024 10am-12:30pm North from Church Hall , through Scottish History – Tickets available birnamarts.com High Street Perth 5 Service Help and Healing Little Dunkeld Kirk 6:30pm 5 Dundonnachie: Fraud & Trio Riot7:30pm In Dunkeld workshop 8 Concert The Firelight Birnam Arts led by Actor Joe Arkley & Shakespearean specialist Tracey Irish 10.30am – Duchess Anne Hall ~ 5 4.30pm in Dunkeld - The Scots Opera Project 8 Historical SocietyCathedral Talk Mike Taylor: Bristling with Guns Present – “Oi mate, you Wandering ~ A Celtic FolkDuchess Opera (Soprano Nicoll, Music can’t put Oisin that cannon there” Anne HallColleen 7:30 – 9:30pm £5 by Esther Swift & David Douglas, Lyrics by Tony Bonning) – Tickets available 9 onChristmas Eventbrite.Craft Fair, The Drill Hall 10-5pm 8 Sho and the Demons ofThe the Deep

by Zoë Bullock Independent Arts 10 Christmas Craft Fair, Drill Hall 10-5pm Projects in association with National Theatre of Scotland 10 Day Service 10:45am £5Remembrance Children £12 Adults 1.30pmCathedral Dunkeld School: Free 10 Orchard walkaround 2pm Katharine 01350 727048 10 Act of Remembrance War Memorial Little Dunkeld 12:30pm dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com 10 Gardeners and Growers Club Falkland Gardens acox325@gmail.com 11 Leisure Group AGM 7:30pm Coworking SpaceVisit Little Dunkeld 10 Bookstall in aid of Christian Aid 10am onwards outside Duchess Anne 13 Gardeners and Growers Christmas Wreath 7pm Making Birnam Arts 10 3 Churches Charity Shop Table Top Sale Hobby/Craft Materials 11 3 Churches Charity Shop Table Top Sale Hobby/Craft Materials 15 Concert Robert Adams 7:30pm Birnam Arts 11 Bookstall in aid of Christian Aid 10am onwards outside Duchess Anne 16 Concert and Ceilidh Dunkeld Strathspey Reel Society 7:30pm 11 Print Workshop with Jessica Ramm Free,but please book.

10am-12pm Birnam Arts Birnam Arts 11 Viking Optics day 10.30am to 3.00pm. Loch of the Lowes 18 AGM Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled lochofthelowes@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Time and venue tbc 11 West Stormont Woodland Group, woodland picnic 12.00, followed by a guided walk Meet at the entrance to Taymount Wood 22 Ghost Stories A Warning to the Curious 7pm Birnam Arts contact@weststormontwoodlandgroup.scot 11 Scotland's GardenBirnam Scheme Birnam Bank5:30pm WalledBirnam GardenArts PH8 0BW 27 The Nutcracker Ballet School 10-4pm £5 admission - Children free 28 The Nutcracker Birnam Ballet School 5:30pm Birnam Arts 12 Paths and Nature Actions Action Group 2 - 3.30pm stewartpritchard@aol.com 12 Songs and SilenceGroup Service at the Cathedral 28 A9 Community AGM 7:30pm Birnam Arts 13 Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom, AGM 10.30 at Dunaird House, Birnam.

30 Taster Day Guitar Whistle and Fiddle P5-S6-11:30-1:30 Birnam 17-18 James V: Katherine £12 + Booking Fee 19:30 21:30 Birnam ArtsArts 17 Bookstall in aid of Christian Aid 10am onwards outside Duchess Anne 30 St Andrews Night Ceilidh Birnam Arts Fundraiser 8pm Birnam Arts 18 Orchard Group 10:30am Katharine 01350 727048 dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com 22 Bridge Day at Birnam Arts £20 per player December http://www.bridgewebs.com/bridgedays Miriam Drysdale 07747777601 2 Repair Café 6pm Birnam 24 Budapest Café 3Orchestra £18 Arts + Booking Fee 7:30pm 25-27 The Dunkeld & Birnam Spring Art & Crafts Fair The Royal Dunkeld Hotel 6 Historical Society Talk Euphemia Ramsay: 10-5pm daily Entry is free A Gothic GhostActions Story for Solstice Duchess Annstewartpritchard@aol.com Hall 7:30 – 9:30pm £5 26 Paths and Nature Action Group 10 – 11:30 30 A9 Community Group meeting and AGM Birnam 6 Dunkeld & Birnam - Magical Christmas CandlelitArts Trail730pm Late Night Christmas Shopping 4.00pm-8.00pm June 2 Garden Sunday 12 - 5 Pm Torwood House St Marys Road 7 SantaOpening Day 11:30am onwards Birnam. Proceeds to local charities.

11 Gardeners and Healing GrowersStMeeting Christmas Event, Duchess Anne 2 Service Help and Mary’s –Church 6:30pm 7 Beaver – 7am.Orchard Loch ofand theAGM LowesBirnam - LochArts of the Lowes, story Breakfast of Dunkeld5.00 & Birnam Dunkeld, PH8 0HH (Visitor centre open 10.30am till 5.00pm daily) Tel:listing 01350of727 337seeEmail: lochofthelowes@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk For a Full Event Dunkeld Community Google Calendar 12 Gardeners and Growers Club Bradystone, Murthly. Propagation Follow this link or also from our Facebook page Workshop, Garden tour. acox325@gmail.com https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/3?cid=ZHVua2VsZGFuZGJpcm5hbWNv 16 Songs and Silence Service at the Cathedral bW11bml0eUBnbWFpbC5jb20 18 Kirk Session Meeting, Duchess Anne, 7:30pm 26 Beaver Watch 7 - 9.30pm.

30 Songs and Silence Service at the Cathedral

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

OLD FASKALLY CHRISTMAS TREES Christmas is coming - Order NOw! Christmas trees direct from the grower in Pitlochry!

Premium Nordmann Fir & Fraser Fir 5ft £40 • 6ft £48 • 7ft £56 8ft £64 • 9ft £90 • 10ft £100 Standard Nordmann Fir 5 £32 • 6ft £40 • 7ft £48 • 8ft £56 ft

Christmas Tree Stands £30 Larger trees available upon request. All subject to availability.

Phone, WhatsApp, text: 07483 176791 www.oldfaskallychristmastrees.co.uk FREE delivery available within 2 miles of Balnadrum Farm. £8.00 delivery to PH8 and PH9 postcodes.

Pick up your own at Old Faskally Christmas Trees 9.30am to 5pm, 7 days per week from Monday 25th November until Friday 20th December 2024.

Balnadrum Farm, East Moulin Road Pitlochry PH16 5ER @OldFaskallyChristmasTrees @old_faskally_contracting

Old Faskally Christmas Trees The Bridge 2024.indd 1

16/10/2024 20:20:08

:

WRAP® Wellbeing Training

Do you:

Live or work in a stressful environment?

Feel overwhelmed, exhausted or unsatisfied with life?

Want to be proactive in supporting your wellbeing?

The Kiln Creative

Join us for a two day free WRAP® workshop to self-reflect, Raise your of wellness, learn skills and build anlevel action reduce pain, stress/anxiety & Murthly re-align where you are in life. plan for early intervention and Health & Wellbeing Hub Village Hall Hire From £10 per hour pennybaird5@icloud.com prevention, toLittle support your Dunkeld • 07342 979393 Zerobalancinguk.org Events hall and kitchen facilities for wellbeing.

Birthday parties, Indoor sports, Dances, Gatherings, Quiz Nights and more.

Weekend Workshops: Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd September

Contact: murthlyvillagehall@outlook.com Tel: 01738 710408

Book Three a freeChurches place here: Charity Shop

6 Week Block: 18th September to 23rd October Private group classes available to book For more information and bookings: www.thekilncreativepottery.co.uk

22nd and 23rd Nov 2024 9-3pm both days

High Street Dunkeld

To find out more contact Beth dbdcdt@gmail.com

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm If you are interested in volunteering, please enquire in the shop for more info.

Health and Wellbeing Hub,

Clothing and shoe sale continues for oneGuidehall, week, 3rd - 8th Dunkeld & Birnam September. Last chance to grab a bargain.

Open to all PH8 residents 18 years +

Little Dunkeld

Find us on Facebook at 3 Churches Charity Shop

Murthly Village Hall Hire From £10 per hour

Fraser Mills - NICEIC registered kitchen work facilities for AllEvents domestichall andand commercial undertaken Birthday parties, Indoor sports, Dances, Tel: 07545 078968 Gatherings, Quiz Nights and more.

Email: fm.electrical143@gmail.com Contact: murthlyvillagehall@outlook.com FM-Electrical.co.uk Tel:Locally 01738based 710408

Raise your level of wellness, reduce pain, stress/anxiety & re-align where you are in life.

Health & Wellbeing Hub pennybaird5@icloud.com Little Dunkeld • 07342 979393 Zerobalancinguk.org

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.

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

18

Community Noticeboard Santa Day Fundraiser

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who turned up on Saturday night for our Quiz. It was a great turnout and everyone had a great time. We would also like to thank everyone for donating to our raffle. We had a huge amount of prizes and this helped raise the amount of money we did. We raised a whopping £686.93!! Thank you!

This was our 4th year running the quiz and it has always been well supported. This will be the last time Lachlan and myself will organise the quiz and we are very grateful for all the support we have received over the last 4 years.

The Dunkeld & Birnam Christmas Art and Crafts Fair

The Dunkeld & Birnam Christmas Art and Crafts Fair takes place in The Drill Hall The Cross on 9th and 10th November from 10am to 5pm each day.

Crafts include woodturning, leather (handmade shoes made to measure), silks, felt, harris tweed, Art, glass, knitwear, embroidery, slatework, soaps and skincare, homemade tablet, sheepskins, leather belts and silver jewellery. Demonstrations and free entry

The Meeting Place

The Meeting Place is on a Friday morning in the Duchess Anne from 10-12. Come and join us for some good company, tea/coffee and delicious home bakes.

Change of date: On Friday 15th November we will be supporting the Scottish Air Ambulance and Wendy, one of their paramedics will join us. She will be able to answer any questions and hopefully have some cards and other goodies for sale. We will have a cake stall. All welcome.

Finally Took to the Skies

Hello Everyone,

We have some wonderful news.

We finally managed to take to the sky and jump out of a very small plane.

After a few rescheduled dates we had an experience of a life time. The free fall was out of this world and definitely something that we recommend. The views at 10,000 feet were breathtaking.

A big shout out to St Andrews Skydive in Glenrothes.

All the staff were amazing.

Amy aka Miss Robb was attached to the calm and collected Connor, who videoed Amy’s jump. Michelle was attached to Cammy who was a jokester.

A huge thank you to Iain and Leslie at St Andrews Skydive for all their help in getting our jump rescheduled so quickly and enabling us to meet our deadline.

We have raised an unbelievable amount of money.

We shared our GoFundMe page on social media networks and posters around Dunkeld & Birnam.

We also asked some local businesses in the area to place donations buckets in their shops, which they all happily agreed to do. A massive thank you to them all, they collectively raised £540!!!

The businesses were: The Atholl Arms Hotel; Chattan Tea Room; Corbenic Shop & Café; Dunkeld Butchers; Dunkeld Co-op; Dunkeld Fish Bar; Kat n Kat; Livvies Little Lunchbox; Royal British Legion Dunkeld Our fundraising Grand Total is £4,150!!!!!! £2,075 will go to The Royal School of Dunkeld for The Secret Garden Project.

The other £2,075 will go to the Young Lives Vs Cancer charity.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported, donated and rooted for us. It’s been amazing!

Lastly, but by no means least…

Thank you to the previous PPG members Graeme, Jennifer, Julie & Katie who helped Michelle’s crazy fundraising idea come into reality with no second thoughts.

Julie Brady, thank you & the helpers for organising The Bingo Tea to fund Amy’s (Miss Robb) jump and for sharing our posts at every ask.

Sonia Wallace, thank you for dressing up as a Dino with Michelle who was dressed up as a Unicorn on

Birnam Games Day, to promote what we were raising money for and also sharing posts at every ask. We have been renamed by Archie in P4, as Sonia-saurus & Michelacorn. Claire Wallace and Katie Mills who also shared our posts at every ask. And Julie Telford for checking Michelle’s grammar for all the updates and posts!

A final thank you goes to our family and friends that came to watch us jump, took pictures & videos for proof we did it! Haha!

Thank you Much love always Amy & Michelle

The 3 Churches Charity Shop

The 3 Churches Charity Shop remains a hive of activity as our new autumn/winter stock is now on sale. Every day, clothing is flying from our shelves as satisfied customers leave armed with warm clothing.

A big thank you to the gentleman who pointed out that one of our musical records selling for £1 was in fact a collector’s item and worth at least £15 - £20.

Please pop in and see if we have anything that would suit you or at least come in for a friendly chat, you will be very welcome.

A pair of gold cufflinks has been found in a donation to the 3 Churches Charity Shop. They may have been donated in error. If you think these may be yours please come into the shop and describe what they look like so we can return them.

Puddleduck Nursery New Mud Kitchen

Puddleduck Nursery is excited to announce the arrival of a brand-new mud kitchen, generously created and donated by the talented pupils of Moore House Group, Dunkeld Campus, Butterstone, part of The Jane Moore Trust . This wonderful addition to our outdoor play area promises to provide endless hours of fun, creativity, and hands-on learning for our little ones.

The mud kitchen, carefully crafted by the pupils at MHG Dunkeld Campus, is a fantastic resource that will allow the children to explore the natural world, engage in imaginative play, and develop essential skills such as problem-solving and collaboration.

From making mud pies to pretend cooking, this new feature will inspire children to get messy, experiment, and discover in a safe and stimulating environment.

At Puddleduck Nursery, we believe that outdoor play is a vital part of early childhood development, helping children to build confidence, enhance their physical abilities, and nurture their creativity. The donation from MHG Dunkeld Campus aligns perfectly with our ethos, and we are incredibly grateful to the pupils for their hard work and thoughtfulness in creating this amazing mud kitchen.

We can’t wait to see the joy and excitement this new addition brings to our nursery community, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Moore House Group for their generous support!

Pictured here is Derwyn from MHG and Jill, Puddleduck Nursery Manager.

Birnam Library Opening hours: Thursday: 5pm – 7pm Friday: 12pm – 5pm Saturday: 9.30am – 12pm Birnam Library is situated in the Birnam Arts Centre, Station Road, Birnam, PH8 0DS Tel : 01738 459709

Birnam Library is run by Culture Perth and Kinross a charitable trust bringing art, culture, books, learning, creative communities and local history and heritage to people across the whole of Perth and Kinross. https://www.culturepk.org.uk/

HEADing towards Everest Quiz Night

I would like to thank everyone who came along to support the above quiz night. It was a good turnout and everyone had a fantastic night. The sum raised from the quiz night and the raffle was £360. This money will be put towards helping people with acquired brain injury (ABI) get to Base Camp Everest.

They are all members of groups and branches of Headway throughout Scotland but they are doing this as individuals. This is something most of them never thought they would ever achieve. They are also raising funds for the documentary which will be filmed over there to highlight the problems people with ABI face. It is hoped this will be shown throughout the world.

A big thanks to John Attwell who was the quiz master and set the questions. Thanks to the British Legion for allowing us to use their premises and a big thanks to all who donated raffle prizes.

Evelyn Menzies (Chairperson, Headway Perth & Kinross)

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

19

Notes from Editorial a Councillor

Last Friday I, along with Bailie Claire McLaren and Councillor Tom McEwan, Convener of Housing and Communities, was delighted to meet Stuart Maxwell of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) to cement the deal that Perth and Kinross Council will purchase 20 residential properties from NTS. This is the conclusion of months of work involving Perth and Kinross Council, the Scottish Government and of course NTS. I am sure this venture will improve the situation of the sitting tenants and those who will be able to acquire a Council tenancy in the future. These houses will be covered by the Local Lettings Initiative which will benefit the local community.

Work has now started on the upgrade to the Stewart Tower road which links Bankfoot and Murthly. This work will be welcomed by many and I am happy to see it finally being progressed.

Being someone who is not that keen on heights I have to say I still enjoyed the climb up to the deck of Destiny Bridge and a walk across it. It is a fantastic piece of engineering which will open on time early next year.

Residents in Dunkeld are working with Council Officers and others to set up a North Dunkeld Resilience Group to work together to mitigate the severe localised weather events which are becoming more prevalent.

In this year’s 2024-25 budget, funding was allocated to progress a Dunkeld Flood Scheme. There had been no funding available for this until the budget decision was taken. Previous to this it would have been 2034 before any flood prevention measures would even have been looked at.

Capital projects such as these have a timescale over several years covering design and construction phases then onto procurement and construction. Whilst the timelines may be disappointing for residents, we have put the funding in place so that this project can move forward and be a benefit to Dunkeld residents.

A decision at Committee to cease selling Perth and Kinross Council minibuses at auction but rather to gift them to community groups will start this Autumn.

We are moving into yet another testing budget setting phase. It is difficult at Council level as we are the last to know how much of a budget we will have and in which areas we will have control of the spend. Unfortunately more difficult decisions will have to be made to balance the books.

Grant Laing

News from our Community Council Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council Community Council Matters

Community Council Member John McMillan Wigzell

Following the great news that NTS have agreed to sell around 20 properties to PKC at the Cross and Cathedral Street, the topic of affordable housing remains very much at the top of local discussions and particularly amongst the young.

Indeed, against this backdrop, at a well attended recent joint meeting between the Community Council and the DBDCD Trustees, it was agreed that the Community Council will meet with Atholl

Estates and Ristol Consulting to investigate and understand both the pros and cons of this new proposed development.

Atholl Estates proposed model is premised on free serviced plots which is very similar to the hugely successful affordable housing projects delivered by Arran Development Trust (ADT).

Arran have already delivered 18 affordable homes (2 x 1 bedroom homes, 10 x 2 bedroom homes and 6 x 3 bedroom homes) which were snapped up inside 24 hours by key workers and a further 23 self build serviced plots. They are targeting 200 affordable homes.

The Atholl offer represents a significant advantage to young people in Dunkeld as other Trusts have had to buy the plots which are typically around the £200k mark. It is worth noting that the alternative route of buying properties to refurbish attracts VAT while self builds do not.

Moving now to some distressing news from The Riverbank. Hammy Hamster’s best friend Roddy

Rat appears to have moved his relatives into Dunkeld and in particular the area around the North Car Park and adjacent wood. There have been extensive complaints to the Community Council and PKC’s environmental health team are now investigating and will provide remedies.

One of the main attractions for the rats is said to be waste food wrappers from tourists and campervans.

Finally, we are delighted to announce that PKC have formally approved both Sonia Wallace and Kim Forsyth as new community councillors which will be formalised on Monday 14th.October at the Community Council’s AGM. This will of course reduce the average age of councillors to the lowest in Scotland and bring better insight into how younger people view life in Dunkeld and environs.

John McMillan Wigzell, Treasurer-Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council.Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council

COUNCILLOR GRANT LAING

JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576 SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, EDINBURGH EH99 1SP Tel: 0131 348 5717 e-mail: john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot

MURDO FRASER MSP

Member of the Scottish Parliament for Mid Scotland & Fife Region FOR HELP & ADVICE Details of regular surgeries in the local Press You can contact Murdo on 01738 553676 or write to him at The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP Email: murdo.fraser.msp@parliament.scot The cost of this publication has been met from parliamentary resources

(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

20

Editorial

Coworking desk with use of sound proof pods for calls - £1.80 per hour - 24/7