The local Junctions Action Group (BADJAG) have a day of action to hand out car stickers They also request that their six requests for action to improve safety at the local A9 junctions be implemented as soon as possible as there is no date for completion of dualling the A9 (for more information see page 6) We would to thank everyone for supporting us Photo credit Lyn Massey
Prayers for Peace
In the light of the terrible events in Israel and Gaza (and the continuing war in Ukraine) members of the local churches will be gathering at 6pm on Sunday 29th October outside the Duchess Anne to pray for peace and reconciliation in the world People of all faiths and none are welcome to join us in solidarity with all who are suffering
Christmas Shopping
Candlelit Late Night Christmas Shopping is back for a fourth year!
Please hold the date - Friday 8th December, the night before Santa Day, when over 30 of our community's independent businesses in both Dunkeld and Birnam will again be open from 4pm to 8pm There'll be lots of special offers on the night plus a return of the wonderful Hamper prize draw
As a community we are proud to have such a great range of independent businesses right on our doorstep, so come and shop, get your "Trail Card" stamps for the Hamper draw, enjoy a bite to eat or a drink at one of our many friendly pubs or cafes - not forgetting that Birnam will be open too - have a blether with friends and shop staff and get in the spirit for Santa Day!
See advert on page 7
Editorial 2
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 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
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Dunkeld & Birnam, The Bridge
Download Online: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk
On the Thursday night of Storm Babet, I went to bed about midnight As I went to turn off my light it turned itself off I thought “wow that’s amazing I have superpowers” before realising the electric had gone off Andrew was away and I had been left in charge of the fish so I donned the trusty dressing gown and scampered down the stairs in my PJ’s by the light of my phone to seek out the standby oxygenation kit Once the water was happily bubbling and the fish were waving back at me, I returned to my bed In the morning I lay waiting, like our ancestors of old, for the sun to rise so I could see my way to getting dressed
Once fully garbed there was the opportunity to take on the next challenge of getting water as we are on a bore hole that requires power to pump the water Fortunately, Scott was home on reading week from Uni, so I dug him out of bed and off we went to try and start the generator using his superpower of pulling starter cables However, sadly, the electric battery needed to start the generator was out of charge so off we went to the village to seek some mains charge for that
Standing in the middle of the deluge looking at the A9 traffic jam caused the landslips we met Adam from Progression Bikes walking his somewhat soggy dog He informed us that the A9 pedestrian underpass along with the bridge over the Braan had been washed away and Inver was now cut off from the rest of the village for anyone without a car Bang goes my e-bike trips to the village – no battery or superpower will fly me across the Braan or the A9 No power, no bridges, no underpass –end of days stuff The ever-reliable Coop was shut and
the Best One, while managing to open, had no papers or extra batteries for the fish As they had no Wi-Fi it was cash only for the milk – Cash? What is that in these post diluvian days? I had none of the old folding stuff but Marion took pity and let me have the milk on tick (which reminds me I must go and pay my debts) Then back up the strath to start building the ark and encouraging the fish to pair up two by two
Across the country many people have lost their homes and possessions and, most tragically of all, their lives Against the power of the storm, we are metaphorically and literally powerless Sending all the best to everyone who has been affected
Sally Robertson
Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group
Working constructively to get the best community outcomes from the A9 dualling proposals
The next A9 Community Group meeting will be on Thursday 30th November, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts/ Zoom unless otherwise notified. All welcome!
We now expect that we and JAG will meet Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop on 8th November, and we await an update from Transport Scotland about the expected timing of a Preferred Route announcement (and related community engagement) for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing
As always you can contact us at email: dunkeldA9workinggroup@gmail com, and to have your details added (or removed from) our mailing list; Also at Facebook page: Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group. Please Like and Share it.
Or just phone me!
Alasdair
Wylie, Coordinator 01350 727361
Our page on "The Bridge" website, including key documents for download is: http://www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk/community-council/a9-dualling
The latest Information from Transport Scotland (May 2019 for PoB to TC!) is at:
https://www transport gov scot/news/significant-milestone-as-four-more-a9-dualling-schemes-given-approval https://www transport gov scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/a9-pass-of-birnam-
Books from Local Authors 3
Molly Arbuthnott
Oscar the Ferry Cat
Oscar is an ordinary cat until, one day, his life is turned upside down When he finds himself alone on a ferry, he begins to search for a new friend How will he cope being on his own and will he ever find somewhere he can call home? An inspirational story about friendship and coming to terms with loss
Target Audience- 6 to 11 year olds
People can buy the book through my websitewww mollyarbuthnott co uk or from the Birnam Reader
Ann Lindsay and featuring flower arrangements by Eric Bremner
Forever Flowers
Learn how to grow and dry flowers, plants and herbs to create dried floral arrangements that will breathe fresh life and style into your home without breaking the
This excellent source of practical advice is explored through an encyclopaedic list of flowers and foliage with specific information on how to grow, cut and dry them to best effect From coffee table posies and large arrangements to hand tied-gift bunches and wedding bouquets, beautiful photography accompanies guidance to creating arrangements with your newly dried flowers Suitable for both experienced professionals and hopeful newcomers to the art of drying flowers Anyone can create everlasting arrangements for friends, home or occasions that can be cherished for years to come
Linda Cracknell
Writing Landscape
RRP: £8 99 (also an ebook & audiobook)
This pocket-sized collection of essays opens in Birnam, where readers are invited to refresh steps along the riverside path Reading on will take you to islands, up mountains and to solitary bothies, opening your eyes to the world, and suggesting ways to inspire your own attentive looking or journaling
“wonderfully intense a small book, but a mighty one ” Scotsman
Available from Aberfeldy Watermill, all good bookshops, and https://saraband net/sb-title/writing-landscape/
Fiona Ritchie
Wayfaring Strangers
(a New York Times Best Seller)
Paperback second edition with new Afterword by the authors and additions to book resource pages
Foreword by Dolly Parton
From the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries, a steady stream of Scots migrated to Ulster and eventually onward across the Atlantic to resettle in the United States Many of these Scots-Irish immigrants made their way into the mountains of the southern Appalachian region They brought with them a wealth of traditional ballads and tunes from the British Isles and Ireland, a carrying stream
Birnam Library
Come along to a Bookbug session at Birnam Library! Join us on Thursday mornings from 10 30am -11 00am for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s Prebooking for each session is essential Please get in touch with Birnam Library to book a spot 01738 459709 / birnamlibrary@culturepk org uk
Books on Wheels
For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, this includes books in large print and audio formats For further information, please get in touch with the Birnam Library 01738 459709 / birnamlibrary@culturepk org uk
that merged with sounds and songs of English, German, Welsh, African American, French, and Cherokee origin Their enduring legacy of music flows today from Appalachia back to Ireland and Scotland and around the globe In Wayfaring Strangers, Fiona Ritchie and Doug Orr (one of our contacts with the Asheville, NC twinning group) guide readers on a musical voyage across oceans, linking people and songs through centuries of adaptation and change
A Spotify playlist (23 songs) was curated by Fiona Ritchie to accompany this second edition (Search: Wayfaring Strangers: the Musical Voyage from Scotland and Ulster to Appalachia)
James Jauncey
Don Roberto
It would be impossible to invent Don Roberto today – a fantastic combination of Don Quixote and Sir Gawain, Indiana Jones and the Lone Ranger He was so multi-faceted, so complex, that every chapter in his story reveals some new and contradictory aspect of his personality He is best known as the co-founder, with Keir Hardie, of the Scottish Labour Party, and later as the founding president of the Scottish National Party But in a long and extraordinary life he was many other things besides "A wonderful biography ” Sunday Times
Fiona Valpy
The Cypress Maze
A story about love, loss and hope in the hardest of times, set in a forgotten corner of Tuscany
The gardens of the Villa delle Colombe have offered a refuge to many But they also hold dark secrets at their heart, which unfurl as two women – generations apart – navigate the tortuous paths of grief
Mark Bridgeman
Perthshire’s Pound of Flesh
Sometimes the most beautiful of places can hide the darkest past Discover some tragic tales of revenge and retribution in this collection of true stories from Aberfeldy, Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Blairgowrie, Crieff, and Perth Read about the notorious serial killers that left their grim calling cards in the county, infamous unsolved murders, tragic killings, and sad tales of man’s cruelty to man, in this Waterstones' Book of The Year Available from all good bookshops
Princh Printing
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries have installed Princh, a new printing solution in libraries across Perth and Kinross, including Birnam Library With Princh, it is now possible to print from any mobile device, tablet, or laptop from home or in one of our participating libraries Just print, pay online and pick up your items You can send your print jobs at any time from any place, and what's more, you no longer have to wait in line at the printer
Details can be found on our website https://www culturepk org uk/libraries/internetand-computers/princh-printing/
Birnam Library, Station Road, Birnam, DUNKELD PH8 0DS 01738 459709 / birnamlibrary@culturepk org uk
Arts News
WHAT’S ON AT BIRNAM ARTS
Up Town Comedy
Friday 3rd November 8 30pm
Up Town Comedy returns with a rave review lineup Featuring Raymon Mearns, Stuart Mitchell and Krystal Evan, an American comedian based in the UK and gifted with a resting sarcasm voice, Krystal’s 2023 Fringe debut ‘The Hottest Girl at Burn Camp’ garnered her fistfuls of top reviews and acclaim Krystal has recently signed to a top agent so make sure you get your tickets now and you can cooly proclaim you saw her first Paper Moon Shaper Caper
Friday 10th November 2pm
A show for under 5s
Poppy wakes up to discover that the MoonMoo (the cow that jumped over the moon) has got stuck on the Moon! Poppy’s mission is clear! And she really needs your help to rescue MoonMoo! Will you be Poppy’s friend at Space School and help her build paper rockets to get to space? 5-4-3-2-1-BLAST OFF! Join Poppy and her dog Peppy on this wonderful adventure as she launches across the canvas sky, at the speed of light, towards the Paper Moon
Free Friday Film
Friday 24th November 2pm
Complimentary Soup / Sandwich Tea & Coffee served on the mezzanine from 1pm – All welcome
Boo Hewerdine and Heidi Talbot
Saturday 25th November 7.30pm
BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Nominees Heidi Talbot & Boo Hewerdine along with Ivor Novello have recorded and toured together extensively, going all the way back to Heidi’s first solo tour of the UK in 2005 This tour with Boo, one of England's most revered singer-songwriters, celebrates the magic of their long-standing musical relationship
Jack and the Beanstalk: Panto at Birnam Arts
BIPS Birnam Institute Players
Thursday 30th November 1st 2nd December Various times
Ticket for 4 – just £20!
What can you do with a handful of beans? Have a fun-packed adventure of course!
A Hero in heels, a tartan-toting Fairy, a whip-cracking Baddie, a Princess, a King, and a silly old cow and that’s not even the Dame Everything you could want in your community panto!
From the silly billies who brought you Beauty and the Beast at Birnam Arts last Christmas
Join us in Pantoland as Jack, Susie and their mother hopelessly try to persuade Daisy the cow to produce milk, preferably not in cans! There are tricky times ahead for Jack once he discovers he’s sold poor old Daisy for less than he bargained for And even more tricky, as Rancid, the Giant's henchman tries a ‘fast getaway’ with a surly princess and stubborn cow up to the Giant’s castle in cloudland!
Can Jack save Daisy and the Princess from the Giant’s desires – and a pie?! Will the King ever let go of his teddy? Can Jack climb a beanstalk in heels?
All these vital questions will be answered in a show with sillness guaranteed, a fabulous live band, a cast of quite a few, and fantastic song favourites to singalong with: Take A Chance on Me, YMCA, Daisy, Daisy (of course!), even a bit of (really bad) Rapping, and lots more
It’s got to be the best start to the festive period EVER! Go on – you know you want to Oh yes you do! 30 November and 1 December 7pm 2 December 2pm AND 7pm
Book your fun-filled Christmas trip today! (Last year we sold shows out weeks before)
Tickets at Birnam Arts - 01350 727674 | birnamarts com
Just £20 for 4: 2 Adults + 2 u16 | Adult £10 | U16 £5
Please check the website for all our ongoing and one off workshops throughout the Autumn and Winter months –birnamarts.com
A Return To The Nepal Himalaya
Following on from the phenomenal success of last year's
The evening last year highlighted the immense sense of community we enjoy which was enhanced by helping a similar community half a world away
The evening will include contributions from award winning writer and television presenter, Cameron McNeish, BAFTA award winning adventure film maker, Richard Else, acclaimed best-selling author, Fiona Valpy, and James Lamb of the Little Sherpa Foundation Adventure filmmaker Richard Else talks about the visits he’s made over 8 years to the Sherpa village of Phortse Travelling with Birnam’s James Lamb, Richard & his wife Meg have made a documentary highlighting the work of The Little Sherpa Foundation
This documentary will have its premier at this event
Cameron McNeish, an award-winning writer and television presenter, is patron of The Little Sherpa Foundation & has visited Nepal many times He will give his keen insight into the country & it’s wonderful people
Fiona Valpy is an acclaimed bestselling author, with over two million readers worldwide Fiona’s next book is set in Nepal & she joined James Lamb, Richard & Meg Else for a 4-week research trip earlier this year Fiona will talk about this trip & will be showing a video & discussing her upcoming book
The event starts at 19 30 but doors open at 18 30 as there will be lots of items from Nepal & more to buy
There will also be a raffle with amazing prizes as well as an auction
If you would like to contribute raffle or auction prizes then please drop them off at Bridge House, Perth Road, Little Dunkeld or contact littlesherpascotland@gmail com
Details on how to purchase tickets for this event are available from Birnam Arts
Just Singin' winter term about to begin!
After all the dreary weather of the past weeks, why not come along to local Community choir, Just Singin' for an uplifting boost? Our 8 week winter term starts at 7 30pm at Birnam Arts on Wednesday 25th October, and continues weekly until 13th December
Everyone is welcome to come along at any point This term we are delighted to welcome Hannah Rarity, graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and winner of the prestigious BBC Radio Scotland Traditional Music Award, as our tutor for the first four weeks The joyful Adelaide Carlow, graduate of the Royal College of Music London, accomplished musician and tutor, will make a welcome return to lead us into December We'd love to welcome you to our friendly group - everything is provided, just come along and join in!
Dunkeld and Birnam Trad
We’re back in full swing for winter term with November bringing us an exciting guest appearance at Dunkeld and District Strathspey and Reel Society’s family ceilidh, where some of our members will be performing the tunes we’ve been working on Watch this space for a winter concert featuring our budding young musicians
We’re grateful to have so much local support and give thanks to those who have donated instruments to our group, this helps us to continue providing free tuition and musical experiences to our growing classes and bands - if you have any unwanted fiddles or piano-accordions hiding around your home, we’ll happily put them to good use
Continued thanks go to our funders at SSE renewables, The National Lottery community fund, The Basil Death Trust, The Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust and our local community council The Enchanted Forest also treated us with a trip to their opening night experience, which we thoroughly enjoyed
We run small group classes to learn how to play fiddle and piano-accordion, delivered by local tutors Karys Watt and Gill Hunter, and trad bands for those who can already play at least a little A wide variety of instruments are welcome in our bands and we encourage fiddle and accordion players, violinists, cellists, flautists, brass players, guitarists and players of any other instruments suitable for trad music to join 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
Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group runs weekly during term–time at Birnam Arts and open to anyone aged P5 – S6
If you’d like to benefit from our free tuition or to join one of bands, get in touch Email dbtradgroup@gmail com or call 07958 324 766
Sports, Health and Wellbeing 5
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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Amulree & Trochry Community AssociationAnnual Clay Pigeon Shoot
The Annual Clay Pigeon Shoot was held on Sunday 10th September at Clashcat in Amulree
The good weather attracted keen participants from near and far with 113 entries and over 60 re-entries made it a very successful day
The total amount raised was £4,130 which was a great result
The money raised is put back into our community, supporting our village hall ( which anyone can hire ), providing the ‘older and wiser ’ members of the local community a Christmas Hamper each year, funding the local children to go see the Christmas Pantomime in Perth, welcoming new local residents with a welcome gift as well as a gift for those who leave the community to wish them well We also acknowledge anyone’s ‘Joys or Sorrows’ with an appropriate gift
We would like to thank all those who sponsored the shoot including Bushwear, Bryan Contractors, Willie Dey Builder, Gatehouse Mechanical Services, Strathmore Foods, Tayside & Central Scotland Moorland Group and a new sponsor this year The Tay House, plus over 30 local Dunkeld and Birnam businesses who generously contributed raffle prizes
We also say thank you for the on going support to our community from our local land owners, Sir Ian Lowson, Lord Cadogan, Sir Jack Whittaker, and Sir John Kemp-Welch
Again thank you
Amulree and Trochry Community Association
Results as follows
Open 1st - Tom Young 2nd - Rhys Harrison 3rd= - S Cochrane & Kyle Bryson
Ladies 1st - Sophie Banks 2nd - Edith Barnes 3rd - Becky King
Local 1st - Richard Malseed 2nd - Colin McGregor 3rd = - Lee McMannamon / Becky King / Colin Dey
Under 18 1st - Benji Coull 2nd - Colby Brett-Pit 3rd - Andy Cochrane
Continuation Winner - Rhys Harrison
Congratulations to all of the above a very well done
Breadalbane and District Riding for the Disabled Riding came to an end for 2023 with the start of the autumn half-term This year has seen the group take many strides forward with the new team of coaches making their impact Also the contribution that our five new volunteers have made has been immense They all very quickly picked up ‘the reins’ and have been a huge support to the riders and coaches alike
We were blest with mostly good weather throughout the late summer term with the exception of one very wet Monday What a blessing in disguise it turned out to be as the alternative plan for Horse Care and Grooming under cover was a great success with the riders Everyone really enjoyed bonding face to face with their pony and a lot of TLC was given!! How rewarding it is to see the growth in confidence amongst our riders They have all made huge progress since April and were rewarded with rosettes on the last day Sad moments too as we said good-bye to one of our prize riders who has ‘outgrown’ us but a recognition of what has been achieved
Our final event for this year is the AGM on Monday 13th November at 11 15 am in the Farragon Room of Aberfeldy Parish Church We welcome anyone to this and in particular any potential new volunteers Come and hear how rewarding it is to be able to facilitate our riders to achieve more than they ever dreamt of
Alternatively anyone interested can find out more on our web-site: www breadalbanerda org uk or contact us by email at breadalbanerda@gmail com Or you can ring Helen on 01796 470414 or Vicky on 07786262329
Community News continued 6
A9 Junctions Action Group
Some work has been done on the junctions but these are our six demands which must be done now irrespective of whenever the A9 is eventually dialled
• Improved signing at the end the dual carriageway heading north before Pass Of Birnam
• Upgrade road markings and hatching, consideration of double white line areas (no overtaking) on the single carriageway section especially between the end of the dual carriageway going north and the Birnam junction and up to the Jubilee Bridge
• Improved lighting at junctions
• Speed restrictions between the end of the carriageway going north and south to the Jubilee Bridge
• Cameras to assess the junction activity, ahead of dualling
• Serious consideration of a roundabout as an interim and potential long-term option at the Dunkeld Junction
For more information including to order your car sticker or donate funds to the group contact Pam Green pammgreen@btinternet com
CHAPTER HOUSE MUSEUM
Dunkeld Community Archive
12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN www.historicdunkeld.org.uk archives@historicdunkeld.org.uk 01350 727786
Fundraising for our Redevelopment – WE NEED YOUR HELP
We are receiving some fabulous bottles for our Whisky Auction, so a huge thank you to those who have donated We would be very grateful for a few more, so if anyone has something lurking in the back of their cupboard, please let us know
The auction will be online from the 24th November till 4th December at whiskyauctioneer com
Come and find us at Birnam Arts
Young Archaeologist Club
We are gathering a fabulous bunch of young people Our next meeting is Thursday 2nd November Ages 8 to 16, please get in touch if you fancy coming Mid-Week Memories Club
Wednesdays 10 30am to 12 30pm A social gathering of folk interested in history, with free tea/coffee and cake, a free weekly raffle, and free transport if required Please get in touch if you would like to join us
Online Exhibitions
Check out our latest exhibition at: www historicdunkeld org uk Online Newsletter
Sign up for our free online newsletter –
Dunkeld and Birnam Historical Society
Winter Programme 2023/2024
We would like to invite you to the next four meetings of the Historical Society
The meetings all take place at 7:30pm in Birnam Arts in the Main Hall and we have the hearing loop in operation We have decided for this year that we will have a meetings charge of £2 for any member or visitors attending This replaces the membership fee and if you could bring cash that would be appreciated October 23rd 7:30pm Complementing the Birnam Book Festival we have Lara Hagerty on Holinshed Chronicles from 1577 which contains the original Macbeth story
The book is from the Innerpeffray Library and there is a fascinating story behind the Chronicles and Shakespeare use of them November 20th Warren Bailey from Guard Archaeology
on the Bertha Roman Fort dig (you will have seen this underway when the Tay Crossing Bridge was being built)
Monday 19th February 2024 AGM February Professor Boardman Edinburgh on the Wolf of Badenoch March 18th 2024 Paul McLennan on Dunkeld and Birnam Station plus Nikki Herbertson with a display about the Station Action Group and possibly a film of the signal box
We look forward to seeing you at our winter meetings Dave Roberts on behalf of the Historical Society Committee
Food Share
The daily collections from the Coop are producing a variety of food, often in quite large quantities
Unfortunately we can’t take much to the table at St Mary’s in Birnam until we can organise another fridge, but it’s still worth checking There have been lots of yummy donations from Livvy and Aran bakery in the afternoons, which are very popular
The field left lovely vegetables too We’ll miss them! Some of the local gardeners are sharing their surplus produce too - many thanks!
If you have any food left over from social events, we’d be delighted if you’d like to share it, by leaving it on the tables
Thank you to all our volunteers who check the tables, and collect the food
We have four teams, so it only comes round every four weeks If you could spare half an hour in an evening to collect from the coop your help would be much appreciated and you will know you are preventing lots of good food from going to waste in landfill email j silburn@btinternet com
Food Bank
Everyone is welcome to share the food tables, but if you need extra help with regular or one-off donations of food please contact the confidential number 01350 700018, or email PH8foodbank@gmail com
On Saturday 11th November the National Trust for Scotland will be holding a small event for children in Stanley Hill park - Welly Wanders and Cosy Stories With support from the Scottish Storytelling Forum we have invited Aberfeldy Storyteller Claire Hewitt to join us once more - this year in our nature garden within Stanley Hill This small free event will start at 11:15am where one of our nts rangers will take the group on a trail around the park, looking at the trees, who might call them home and what do they eat, exploring the wonderful nature on our doorstep After this the children will join Claire who will be seated under the old Yew tree in the nature garden for some traditional tales We will also have our very popular craft table We will only be holding two of these hour long sessions – the second one starting at 12:45pm – and with 10 places available on each session so booking your children’s place is highly recommended Booking is available on Eventbrite https://www eventbrite co uk/e/welly-wanderand-cosy-stories-tickets-736752164557?utm-campaign =social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utmmedium=discovery&utm-term=listing&aff=ebdsshcopyu rl Parents and responsible adults accompanying children don’t need to book to join Please note this is an outdoor event so warm clothing and rainproof jacket is recommended We will have a donations bucket available on the day, with any money raised being used to buy more nature themed equipment for this lovely well used area of the park We hope to see you there !
Karen Clark Visitor Services Manager - North Perthshire Dunkeld, The Hermitage and Killiecrankie Mob: 07548757060 | Email: kclark@nts org uk
Thank you to everyone who supported our summer stall, where the £200 that was raised, has been put to good use purchasing Spring Bulbs Over the next few weeks you will see us out planting them Hopefully both villages will look nice and colourful in the Spring We also hope you enjoy walking through St Ninian’s and spotting the pumpkins
Anyone who would like to come and join us, especially in November when we will be cutting back higher bushes and trees, we would greatly appreciate the extra help
We have two groups working on a Monday morning meeting at 10am - one in St Ninian’s Gardens in Dunkeld and a second in Torwood Park in Birnam Choose which is handier for you
Thank you, Moira (07931 758456)
Winter Resilience Events
Wednesday 1st November, 11 30am – 2 30pm, Tayside Hotel, Stanley FREE soup lunch included
Tuesday 7th November, 1-3pm, Lesser Town Hall, Aberfeldy FREE tea and biscuits £1 Bingo at 1 30pm with cash prizes
**FREE entry into a prize draw for a HAMPER full of local goodies for everyone who attends**
Come along to find out information from local support organisations to help you through the winter months, we can offer:
Health & wellbeing
Hearing aid and walking stick ferrule repairs
Home safety
Home energy & money advice
Registration to the vulnerable persons list
For more information and advice on travel to the venues please contact either Lindsay McManamon on lmcmanamon@pkc gov uk or Audra Webster on audra webster@nhs scot
WW W SAVE THE DATE WWW
Butterstone Art Group
Christmas Art and Craft Fayre
Saturday, 2nd till Monday, 4th December 10 am till 4 p m
Paintings, Toys, Christmas Crafts, home baking, preserves
Teas and coffee
WW W SAVE THE DATE WWW
Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom
Dunbraantay Laundry
NOW OPEN!
Our Services:
• Service Wash/Drying/Ironing
• Self-Service Machines
• Laundry Products
• Equine Rug Wash & Pet Beds
• Holiday Cover Cleaning Service
• Self Catering, Holiday Homes, Private Homes & Small Businesses
Any questions or to discuss individual or business requirements, please contact: Kelly or Rosanagh on mob: 07871 695461 email: dunbraantaylaundry@yahoo com Facebook: @dunbraantaylaundry
Opening times: Tuesday - Friday 9am to 1pm Perth Road, Birnam PH8 0BH (behind the post office)
Rivendell provides high quality care and support for you and your elderly relative Based in Birnam and Dunkeld, our homely environment provides a safe and fun community spirit Our trained staff provide care and support for all your needs 24 hours a day, we are always there
So, if you are looking for social contact, a safe and supportive environment, support with health or medical needs then contact us
Our mission is to provide a home for life, so come and live life with us
Please phone 01350 727413 and speak to Gina or email: rivendellcare@btconnect.com for more information
Lyndsey Douglas
Local Jewellery Designer and Maker ornaichjewellery com ornaich jewellery@gmail com
Òrnaich Jewellery ornaich jewellery
Fraser Mills - NICEIC registered
All domestic and commercial work undertaken
Tel: 07545 078968
Email: fm electrical143@gmail com
FM-Electrical co uk
Locally based
Three Churches in the Community
Thought for the Month
Where ever I am in the world on the sabbath I experience the beauty of creation more intensely than on any other day, even if there is no building to enter creation becomes my church
I am on Orkney in a bad storm at present, I am blessed to be safe and cozy in the cottage
The news has come on my radio about yet another war and my heart cried for the world ; my eyes produced rivers of tears too I looked out of my window and this thought expressed itself :
Howling wind and white horses atop the bay of Ireland’s waters rise and herald God’s presence Hoy’s hills are cloaked and Spirit like, The lights on the tall towers blink to tell the seekers to keep a watchful reverence
The Orkney sabbath has a natural altar and I am enveloped in prayer so powerful it takes my breath and along with it my innermost desires for peace in this world
Peace be with you where ever you may be
Rev Lesley-Ann Craddock St Mary's Birnam 07903020509
Church of Scotland Services
October 29th 11 00am – Morning worship in the Cathedral
6 30pm – ‘Prayers for Help and Healing’ in the Chanonry (See below)
November 5th 11am – Morning Worship in the Cathedral
November 12th 10 45am – Remembrance Service in the Cathedral
Please note 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 19th 11 00am – Morning Worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk
2 15pm – Communion Service at Amulree
November 26th 11 00am – Morning Worship in Little Dunkeld Kirk
December 3rd 11 00am – Communion Service in Little Dunkeld Kirk
1st Sunday in Advent Tea and coffee are served after the morning service each week in the Chanonry
‘Prayers for Help and Healing’ will be held on the last Sunday of the month starting this month in the Chanonry and in November in St Mary’s Church, Birnam An order of service from the Iona Community will be used It will last about 45 minutes and give a chance to pray together about the concerns we have All are welcome
Kirk Session
The next meeting of the Kirk Session is in the Duchess Anne on November 14th at 7 30pm
The Meeting Place
The Meeting Place is in the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings from 10 – 12 All welcome
Men’s Breakfast
The smell of bacon rolls and sizzling sausages will be wafting out of the Chanonry every second Wednesday when the Men’s Breakfast meets at 9am There is no need to book; just turn up and enjoy food, company and conversation - all are welcome
The dates coming up are the 1st , 15th & 29th of November
Fellowship Groups
‘Exploring faith and life together ’
Two groups meet fortnightly, on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings for Bible study, discussion and prayer
The meetings over the next few weeks will be: Tuesdays – November 7th & 21st at 7pm in the Chanonry Wednesdays – November 1st , 15th & 29th at 10 30am in the Chanonry
Both groups can be joined by zoom using this link: Meeting ID: 898 7502 8047 Passcode: 809745
From now up to Advent both groups will be doing sessions on Mark’s Gospel If you haven’t been before, Mark is always a good place to start with Bible study so please join in
Harvest Appeal
Back in September our congregation had a great Harvest Supper in the Duchess Anne As well as being a social event it was a chance to hear from husband and wife team the Revs Joseph and Nutan Suray, who are both Methodist ministers and who started a school for Dalit (‘untouchables’) children in Joseph’s home village Our harvest appeal this year is in support of the charity ‘Cross Roads for Human Development ’ (Charity number in England 1116524) which runs the school
The total costs are about £35,000 a year which, in this country, seems a small amount of money for such a project but it is a lot for them to raise
You can still 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
Wednesday Worship
A more informal, relaxed type of worship has started on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in Little Dunkeld Kirk In November we meet on the 15th at 7 30pm There is no set format but the evening includes some worship songs, an open discussion around tables about a Bible passage, and ends with prayer (and a cup of tea/coffee at some point!)
While the aim is to be suitable for younger adults everyone anyone is welcome If you think this is something you might be interested in please come along and give it a try
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
Prayers for Peace
In the light of the terrible events in Israel and Gaza (and the continuing war in Ukraine) members of the local churches will be gathering at 6pm on Sunday 29th October outside the Duchess Anne to pray for peace and reconciliation in the world People of all faiths and none are welcome to join us in solidarity with all who are suffering
Three Churches Charity Shop
High Street Dunkeld
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10-4
Donations welcome during opening hours
If you are interested in volunteering, please enquire in the shop for more info
Find us on Facebook at 3 Churches Charity Shop
Three Churches in the Community Church Services and Contacts:
Weekly Services
Church of Scotland:
Dunkeld Cathedral at 11am
Every Sunday from Easter Sunday to Remembrance Sunday
Little Dunkeld Kirk at 11am
Every Sunday from the Sunday following Remembrance Sunday to Palm Sunday
Scottish Episcopal Church:
St Mary’s Birnam at 10am Every Sunday
Roman Catholic:
St Columba’s, Mass 6pm Every Saturday
Monthly and Occasional Services
Church of Scotland, Amulree
Third Sunday of the Month 2 15pm
Contact Details:
Church of Scotland:
Congregational Office Bearers:
Minister: Rev R Fraser Penny,B A B D , Cathedral Manse, Dunkeld, PH8 0AW
Tel: 01350 727249
e-mail: r fraserpenny@gmail com
Session Clerk: Alison Gillies
The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld PH8 0AW Tel: 07736 423198
e-mail: sessionclerk@dunkeldcathedral org
Treasurer: Mrs Louise Luke
The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld Tel: 07773 604372
Organist & Choir Leader: Mrs Hazel Murch Tel: 07867 642954
e-mail: hazel murch@gmail com
Parish Office: Mrs Jill McCrory The Chanonry, 07808 703641 email: chanonrydunkeld@gmail com www dunkeldcathedral org uk
St Mary's Episcopal (Anglican) Church, Birnam
Sunday Service 10 am - Holy Communion with hymns, music and sermon, followed by refreshments
The church is open daily for visitors, and prayers are said at 5 30pm on Fridays and 9 30am on Saturday
The Servite service is now held monthly on the last Saturday of each month at 2pm and is led ecumenically by members of the three churches in Dunkeld and Birnam It is not a communion service
The Rector:
Reverend Lesley-Ann Craddock
Priest in Charge of St Mary’s Birnam and Dunkeld St Mary’s rectory, St Mary’s Rd, Birnam, PH8 0BJ Tel: 07903 020509
email: lesley craddock@btinternet com
Part time = Friday, Saturday & Sunday I can also be found dwelling nr LochNess 01456486663
Treasurer:
Charles Cox
Vestry Secretary: Adrian Freer
Tel: 01821 650536
email: adrianfreer@btinternet com
Organist :
John Walker B Mus, FRCO, LRAM, ARCM
Tel: 01350 727755
(www stmarysbirnam org uk)
St Columba’s
Roman Catholic Church
Catholic Church Priest:
Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP
Tel: 01796 472174
e-mail: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese org uk
Roman Catholic Churches
Dunkeld is a village with a long history of Christian worship and we are pleased to continue that worship at St Columba’s in Birnam
Parish Priest: Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP (Missionary of St Paul) Tel: 01796 472 174
Email: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese org uk
Serving St Columba’s RC church in Birnam/ Dunkeld, St Bride’s RC church in Pitlochry and Our Lady of Mercy RC church in Aberfeldy
Follow us on Facebook at: St Bride’s RC Church, Pitlochry
We celebrate the presence of the Risen Lord amongst us during these Masses:
Sunday Masses:-
Saturday Vigil 6pm St Columba’s Birnam
Sunday 9 30 am Our Lady of Mercy Aberfeldy
Sunday 11 30 am St Bride’s Pitlochry
Weekday Masses:-
9 30 am Tuesday – Aberfeldy
9 30 am Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – Pitlochry
Holy days of Obligation:-
9 30am Birnam
12 30pm Aberfeldy
6 00pm Pitlochry
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available prior to mass in St Columba’s Please phone Father to arrange it
If there are any parishioners who are housebound and wish the Sacrament of Holy Communion, let Father know and this will be arranged
St Columba’s, St Mary’s Road, Birnam PH8 0BJ
St Bride’s, Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5AL
Our Lady of Mercy, Home Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2AL Father Emmanuel in
Five reasons to talk about money Talk Money Week: 6-10 November 2023
From generational values to feeling embarrassed to just being British, there are all sorts of reasons why we don’t like talking about money But being open about our finances can make a difference to a whole range of areas in our lives
The Money and Pensions Service’s annual Talk Money Week is taking place in November To mark the occasion, we want to share five reasons why it’s worth taking the plunge to talk about money with your partner, children, friends and wider family
It lowers stress levels
Speaking about a problem can help to lift a weight off your mind because you’re no longer carrying the burden all by yourself This certainly applies when it comes to money troubles What may appear to be a huge obstacle often feels more achievable once you’ve shared your concerns with a trusted friend or family member and received their encouragement
It strengthens relationships
Keeping money troubles secret from your other half or someone you share financial responsibilities with can be damaging to your relationship On the other hand, sharing openly as soon as things become a problem helps to build trust and unity as you can tackle it together
It helps you access support
Discussing money worries can help you find out where there is free help available in your local community, as others share what they know If you’re struggling in debt or need support with managing your money, visit moneyhelper org uk or see capuk org to find out more about the face-to-face services Christians Against Poverty (CAP) offers
It makes you more financially resilient
Having regular conversations about money can help you stay focused on your financial goals and gain useful skills from others This can help you to increase your savings, reduce debt and bounce back more easily after any financial knocks
It can impact future generations
There’s so much power in speaking with your children or other young people in your family about money
Share your experiences and empower them to feel confident in managing their money Apps like GoHenry are a useful tool to teach kids practical money management skills that they will inevitably use when they’re older
Talk Money Week is an initiative set up by the Money and Pensions Service and this year is happening from 6-10 November Find out more at maps org uk/talk-money-week
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity working with over 800 affiliated churches to deliver debt help, budgeting guidance, support to find work, life skills education and more Visit capscotland org to find out more
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
Kilr y: 01575 560411
Blairgowrie: 01 250 798403
Mobile: 07834 258491
Major Gas Project - update
Since the project to replace the existing High Pressure gas pipeline connecting Birnam and Logierait began back in July, progress has been good Helped by some initial good weather, the contractors and specialist engineering teams are halfway to completing Phase 1 of the project
This phase involved some initial works on the B898 which were completed with the road re-opened nearly three weeks ahead of schedule The second part of Phase 1 was to install a new gas main along Perth Road from the Niel Gow statue and along towards Torlee Road So far three quarters of a mile of new gas pipe has been successfully laid from the green and through Birnam village
While the traffic lights and road restrictions are essential for all our engineers to work safely, we do recognise these lights have been disruptive to local life We’ve done our best to minimise this disruption and would like to thank all the residents and business owners for their patience and, in many cases, support, while we continue the completion of this section of our works
Back in August we were pleased to support the Birnam Highland Games and took a visitor stand where people could come and speak to us Our thanks to everyone who took the time to stop by and have a chat
Phase 1 - This comes to an end in December as we complete the pipe laying under the River Braan and under the A9, using the latest and most modern directional drilling techniques
Phase 2 - The work to lay our new pipe down the A9 towards its junction with the B898 began on 23 October and this section of the works, in conjunction with BEAR Scotland and Transport Scotland, is being done safely by closing one lane as we go Again, our apologies for any disruption this may cause you This section is currently scheduled to be completed by March 2024, however, the road will be fully open and works suspended through two of the weeks of the Christmas and Hogmanay holidays
We will keep you informed on the progress of our project and any adjustments needed to the programme For anyone interested, the full project and details of each phase can be seen by visiting the website connected to the QR code below. Here you can see the bespoke project leaflet posted to all homes in July, detailing the works
Once again our thanks to all residents and business owners for your patience and support during this important gas infrastructure project
The Kiln Creative
Locally made pottery and pottery classes
6 week block of classes Wednesday evening from 10th Jan to 14th Feb
Weekend workshop 20th - 21st January
Taster classes on 27th January
Private group bookings available, ideal for staff parties and family gatherings For more information and bookings: www.thekilncreativepottery.co.uk
November ‘Stick on the Fridge Page’
Local Organisations - Contact Details
Listing for local voluntary organisations are free however The Bridge welcomes donations to cover the cost of these listings Please send donations to the Advertising Manager, John B Gray at Highfield, Brae Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0BA Many thanks
Please contact the editor with amendments/additions Phone 01350+
Organsiations - General
3 Churches Charity Shop 07751 593421 Anne Graham
Alcoholics Anonymous (Helpline) 0800 917 7650
Chapter House Museum 727786 Ruth Brown (in Dunkeld Cathedral, open 7 days) archive@historicdunkeld org uk
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 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
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)
Hall Bookings
Local Organisations - Continued
Amulree Village Hall
07749 914906 Isabel Brady northamulree@btinternet com
Birnam Arts 727674 Manager
Caputh Hall 07832 235607 Lorna Lyle Chanonry 07808 703641 Jill McCrory chanonrydunkeld@gmail com
Dalguise Village Hall 07746 392268 Anne Cameron annedunkeld@gmail com
Duchess Anne 07808 703641 Jill McCrory chanonrydunkeld@gmail com
Health Community & Services
Birnam Library (Thu 5 – 7pm, Fri 01738 459709 Margaret Quigley 12 – 5pm, Sat 9 30am – 12 noon) birnamlibrary@culturepk org uk
Chemist (Dunkeld) 727210 Davidsons
Chemist (on Sunday) 01738 494610 Asda, Dunkeld Rd, Perth
Doctors 727269 Craigvinean Surgery
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Lachlan MacEwan Council dbcc chair@gmail com
Registrar 01738 475121 3/5 High St, Perth perth-registrars@pkc gov uk
Tayside Police (non-emergency) 101
BA = Birnam Arts Centre, DA = Duchess Anne Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld
November
2
Heart of Scotland Forest Partnership ‘Day of Action’ 10am to 2 30pm
Participate in a day of practical conservation work at Garth Wood perthshireranger@scottishwildlifetrust org uk for essential information and to book your (free) place
3 The Field AGM & Harvest Supper 7pm Duchess Anne 01350 728926
3 Up Town Comedy Club 8 30pm Tickets £16* Birnam Arts
4 Fungi Foray with Tony Wilson at Loch of the Lowes Booking essential Fungi Foray with Tony Wilson | Scottish Wildlife Trust or call 01350 727337
10 Paper Moon Shaper Caper A show for under 5s 2pm BA
11 A Return To The Nepal Himalayas hosted by Little Sherpa Charity Doors open 18:30 for 19 30 littlesherpascotland@gmail com
Tickets from Birnam Arts
11 National Trust for Scotland Childrens Event ‘Welly Wanders and Cosy Stories’ Stanley Hill park - donations towards nature themed equipment for Stanley Park
12 Remembrance Service in the Cathedral 10 45am –Act of remembrance at the War Memorial 12 30pm
13 AGM Riding for the Disabled Church of Scotland Room Aberfeldy breadalbanerda@gmail com
20 Historical Society Talk by Warren Bailey from Guard Archaeology on the Bertha Roman Fort dig £2 cash please 7:30pm BA
24 – 4th Dec
On-line whisky auction whiskyauctioneer com in aid of the Archives Redevelopment
24 Free Friday Film 2pm Complimentary Soup / Sandwich Tea & Coffee from 1pm – All welcome
25 Boo Hewerdine and Heidi Talbot 7 30pm BA
29 Gardening & Growing Club Wreath Workshop by Bridget from Gatehouse Nursery 7:30pm, Birnam Arts acox325@gmail com
30 A9 Community Group Meeting 730 pm/zoom Birnam Arts
30 Jack and the Beanstalk: Panto 7pm Adults + 2 u16 £20; Adult £10 U16 £5 BA
December
Dunkeld and Birnam Santa Day, Saturday 9th December from
and the Beanstalk: Panto 7pm
Jack and the Beanstalk: Panto 2pm & 7pm Adults + 2 u16
Society 2024 AGM February Professor Boardman Edinburgh on the Wolf of Badenoch £2 cash please 7:30pm BA
Community Noticeboard
Dunkeld Guide Hall
Looking for a venue for a regular or one-off meeting or class? Dunkeld Guide Hall is available to hire
Our lovely bright hall has capacity for meetings of around 40 people (as we have around 40 chairs!!) We have a large well-equipped kitchen and disabled access and a disabled toilet Due to the closure of the Playgroup in Dunkeld we have most mornings free, plus there are some afternoons and evenings available too If a regular user requires storage space this can be arranged Letting rates start at £15 for up to 1 5 hours The hall is centrally located in Little Dunkeld, behind the Royal School of Dunkeld Please contact Helen Taylor on: helen@glenfender org uk to discuss your requirements
THANK YOU
I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you for all the good wishes, many cards, beautiful flowers, and lovely gifts received for my 80th birthday Also, many thanks to my family, friends, the Birnam Arts staff, my grandson Cameron and his talented buddies for providing the music, and all the fun-loving guests who attended my ‘ABBA themed’ party for making it such a memorable occasion
The total raised from the charity box for the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance made available at the party in place of gifts raised the staggering sum of £740 00 Once again, my sincere thanks to you all
Joan Cameron
The Bridge” deliveries – thanks for your help ... and patience!
October saw the launch of a trial of a new way of distributing “The Bridge ” Thank you so much to our wonderful and growing team of volunteers, especially for your patience when the copies were unexpectedly delayed in transit and not ready for you to distribute! We hope that this month will have gone more smoothly
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Fire Station are
looking
for new firefighters!
On Call Firefighters in Dunkeld & Birnam operate on a flexible basis and when available respond to emergency calls via a pager from their home and/or place of work at any time of the day or night
They provide essential fire and rescue cover in the community, protecting local people and businesses in the area from fire and other emergencies
If you join the Fire Station not only will you be performing a highly valuable role in the local area, but you will be taught vital life-saving skills that will be of real benefit to you, your community and your employer
It’s a challenging role within a team spirited environment where all have pride in working for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and supporting their local community
There is a salary attached to being an On Call Firefighter If you are interested, please come along to the station (just opposite the Birnam Hotel) on a Wednesday evening between 6 30pm and 9 30pm and have a chat with your On Call Firefighters about the role or contact Station Commander Joe Fitzpatrick on 07764 662903 or joe fitzpatrick@firescotland gov uk
More information is also available at the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service website: https://www firescotland gov uk/careers/on-callfirefighter/
The Dementia
Cafe, North Church Hall, High Street, Perth
Every 1st Wed of the month from 10am - 1230 pm
The bad news is that someone has taken to stealing whole crates of apples from our display at the fence The first time this happened two full crates of Bramleys were lifted, obviously by someone with a vehicle Then a further two crates were taken, and a smaller basket This is unimaginably disheartening for the small team of pickers who keep the bench supplied with fruit for passers-by to help themselves An appeal to that person if you are reading this - at least can we get our crates back?
Our funds are limited and we can’t afford to lose our equipment at this rate
And to everyone else - there are still likely to be late apples at the Orchard
Late apples keep well and can be wrapped and stored in a cool, dry place Enjoy the bounty!
Katharine Melville
Mon-Fri 8 00am to 5 00pm Sat 10 00am to 11 00am
This cafe does what it says “ on the tin” It welcomes anyone who has a problem with their memory and those who have a diagnosis of dementia If you want a quiet word with one of our professionals eg a psychiatric nurse, a social worker , a link worker , our cafe is the place to come Some of our volunteers are ex carers of someone with dementia which can be of comfort for regulars and newcomers alike
We have had a fantastic response to our call for volunteers but we are a bit thin on volunteers for the Dunkeld side of the river so please get in touch if you could help with delivering copies (you could deliver to your street, a part of it or to your block of flats) This is a once-a-month commitment (no deliveries in January or August) Copies are usually ready for collection from the Co-Working Space at 9am on the last Friday of the month and you can do your deliveries on the Friday or over the rest of that weekend
If you live within Dunkeld & Birnam you should generally receive a copy of “Bridge” through your door at the end of each month (other than in August and January when there is no edition) If you have not been receiving a copy and live within the “city limits” as it were (ie you are not an isolated property beyond reasonable walking distance of Dunkeld and Birnam) please let us know – it may be that we have not spotted every front door – or have not been able to find your letterbox! Existing arrangements are still in operation for outlying areas such as Butterstone, Amulree etc
For more information please get in touch with Beth/Mel at deliveries@dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk or Beth on 07729 327729
The Meeting Place
The Meeting Place is on a Friday morning in the Duchess Anne (church hall) in Dunkeld from 10-12 We have tea, coffee and tasty home baking and the opportunity to meet up with friends and make new friends
Our ‘Coffee Morning’ on Friday 10th November will be in aid of the Scottish Air Ambulance Local paramedic, Wendy will be there to chat about their work and there will be a selection of Christmas cards and merchandise on sale Also a cake stall
In September the McMillan morning raised £325 For further information please contact Margaret Scott 01738 710399
There is always a warm welcome and a cup of coffee or tea with special biscuits which cater for gluten free folk The atmosphere is always upbeat and positive
Our next cafe will be held on Wed 1st November If you cannot come that month, save Wed 6th December in your diary and we’ll look forward to seeing you then We will be here on those dates, come rain, storms or snow!
Craft Fairs
Dunkeld & Birnam Christmas Art & Crafts Fair takes place in The Drill Hall, The Cross Dunkeld on 4th and 5th November from 10am to 5pm each day Old favourites and new crafters with glass, slate, art and celtic knitting Come and meet the makers Entry is free
Dunkeld and Birnam Community Orchard - good news and bad
The good news is that once more we had a really enjoyable time at Big Apple Day on 23 September The first focus of activity was around the apple juicer and press and at the picnic table where people could sample the juice and take away a jar for home consumption We also had some very active picking teams, the main apples being the Bramley cookers and the curiously named Bloody Ploughman eaters The home-made cakes at the tea stall were even more excellent this year - thank you to all those who gave us donations, in return for the refreshments, which help with our running expenses A thankyou also to Dunkeld Coop who presented us with useful loppers and pruning saws The activities tent for small folk was also especially well equipped this year Those children who went on the bug hunt were rewarded with Red Admiral butterflies enjoying the rotting fruit On a more serious note the team from Dunkeld Station were canvassing for ideas And the icing on the cake was gentle music on the small pipes from an itinerant Stuart Letford There is such a lovely atmosphere at this event
RBS mobile bank visits Dunkeld and Birnam Thursdays: Dunkeld, The Cross 14.50 pm to 15.20 pm and Birnam, Post Office 15.05 pm to 15.25 pm
LADY DRIVER TAXI
New Driver Coming Soon
Message from Councillor Grant Laing
Notes from a Councillor 17
Councillor Laing has sent apologies to the community of Dunkeld and Birnam for being unable to update us with a councillors column this month He is dealing with flood related issues stretching from Glen Lyon to Invergowrie, with many specific problems from all over the local authority including several around the Dunkeld area
Unfortunately, this has involved many hours over the last two weeks on top of normal Council business and he is focusing on repairing the infrastructure and ensuring that resource planning to mitigate any future weather events is put in place and reviewed In response the community would like to thank Grant for all the work he puts in on behalf of the community and look forward to an update once the current crisis is over
Community News continued
Macmillan Cancer Support News
The official Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning was on Friday 29th September & the Highland Perthshire Fundraising Group was once more very pleased that the Green Park Hotel hosted their coffee morning which raised a fantastic £2668 70 This event would not happen without the huge generosity of the Green Park Hotel owners, Diane & Alistair McMenemie, who have raised over an astonishing £44k for Macmillan since 1997, so a huge thank you to them & all their amazing, hardworking staff, who make sure the event goes off without a hitch Thank you to all the wonderful local businesses who also donated prizes to our raffle The raffle alone raised almost £700 & it makes such a huge difference to the overall amount raised We were so glad to see so many of you there on the day Thank you for coming & we hope you enjoyed the wonderful spread & Alistair’s banter too!
At the time of writing the local area is just recovering from the terrible flooding We still managed to go ahead with our Ceilidh on Saturday 7th October, despite the torrential rain & closed roads The wet weather didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and we had a fun evening of music & dancing A huge thank you to our excellent musicians Peter Stewart & Joan Blue, brilliant piper Mark Inglis, the Committee of the Mid Atholl Hall at Ballinluig, all of the wonderful donors of our raffle prizes & to all of you who braved the awful weather to attend The Ceilidh raised £777 31 which was just superb, given the night it was outside! Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the date of the next one!
Our next event is our annual Christmas Tea Party on Saturday 25th November at 2pm at the Grandtully Village Hall Please come and join us for some cakes, a cuppa, & a bit of festive cheer We hope to see you there on the day
The money our group raises supports Macmillan’s vital work, helping fund the amazing Macmillan nurses, answer Support Line calls, give financial support, and more For any of you out there living with cancer, Macmillan’s comprehensive cancer information and support is available on www macmillan org uk and the online community continues to provide invaluable emotional and peer support The Macmillan Support Line is also open 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 Finally, the Highland Perthshire Fundraising Group is keen to boost numbers & recruit some more local volunteers Can you help us? You can give as little or as much of your time as you like, there is no pressure We run a few fundraising events a year in Highland Perthshire - they are always a lot of fun - and we would just love to have you on board If you think you can spare a few hours, please call Liz on 07866556360, or email Fiona at malarkey99@gmail com to find out more
News from our Community Council
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council Community Council Matters
Community Council MemberLaura Graham
If you would like to contact the Community Council you can do so by emailing: dbcc correspondence@gmail com
You can also contact us via the messaging system on our facebook page
Of course, if you have the opportunity, then please do chat to any member of the Community Council if you bump into them while out and about
Please look on www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk for information about future dates and times
To read the minutes of previous meetings and to find the agenda for forthcoming meetings, see: www dunkeldandbirnamnews co uk/community-news/ community-council –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH
can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576
I'd like to start by thanking each and every one of you in our community for the help and support given to fellow members of our community whilst our villages and outwith area's experienced heavy rain fall which sparked widespread flooding It's heart warming to hear the stories of support given to each other
We had three members from the fire brigade join us at our last meeting to give us information about their recruitment drive to attract new members to join The Dunkeld and Birnam retained firefighters As we are all aware this is a vital service for our community and outwith area's If you think this is something you would be interested in then please pop along to the station on a Wednesday evening between 7pm and 9pm More information is also available at the Scottish Fire and Rescue website
As has been said countless times on this page before, we have vacancies available for anyone in our community to join the Community Council You can put as much time and effort in as you'd like Yes the emails can be overwhelming and meetings can get heated however, when we have major planning applications to discuss to protect our villages the input we receive from members of the community is overwhelming and for that we are truly grateful Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us on our
Pete Wishart MP: Member of Parliament for Perth and North Perthshire pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk Perth Office: 63 Glasgow Road, Perth, PH2 0PE Tel: 01738 639598
As we go into the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, work continues at the field with harvesting, selling at the stalls and preparing for the coming winter Until recently we have had stalls on Tuesday at Birnam Arts from 10 am to Midday and on a Saturday at the Duchess Anne at the cross in Dunkeld from 10 am to Midday We had a full range of seasonal vegetables all freshly picked with a minimum of food miles
We would like to thank everybody for your support in coming to the stalls during the summer, buying our produce and talking to us with feedback on what you have been buying We have enjoyed meeting you and selling our produce
We would also like to thank all our volunteers who have been involved in growing, weeding, harvesting, preparing produce for sale, transporting produce to and from the stalls and last but not means least our regular stall holders, it really does make a difference
Now the stalls have finished, we will stock the field stall in Brae Street on Thursday at midday and Saturday at midday We will do our best to achieve this but it is weather dependent and the produce will depend on what is available We should have potatoes, onions, leeks, kale, other root crops and brassicas depending on the time of year,
The produce will be £1 a bag or bunch unless otherwise
specified and you can leave cash in the honesty box or pay us using bank transfer (BACS), details at the gate
This has been a challenging year for us particularly in terms of the climate and the extremes of weather, hot and dry, cold and wet and a very short spring We have therefore been examining how we manage our resources including our volunteers In addition how to deal with climate change, and thinking about which crops and how many of each type we grow We must constantly review how we work and what we grow in these challenging times for us all
Our AGM will be on Friday November 3rd at 7:00 pm at the Duchess Anne followed with our Harvest Supper for members upstairs also at the Duchess Anne If you want any more information, our contact details are below
Whether you potter with a few pots or garden an acre you are very welcome at our friendly Gardening and Growing club
Next Meeting - Wed 29 Nov 7:30pm
Christmas Wreath Workshop with Bridget from Gatehouse Nursery Birnam Arts
Everyone welcome – first meeting FREE Please come along and ‘try out’ being a member
Annual membership £20
Loch of the Lowes
As autumn makes way for winter, many creatures are tucked up into leaves and moss in order to hibernate Our native hedgehog (Erinaceus Europaeus) builds its overwintering bed, or hibernaculum, by piling leaves against logs or brambles They pack the leaves very tightly such that in the middle, its nest is protected from the weather and maintains a temperature of about 1°C to 5°C Hedgehogs love ‘messy gardens’ with some leaves
left for them You may see autumn juvenile hedgehogs, which are small and out in daylight; if the weather is warm enough hedgehogs continue to produce hoglets in September or October but those hoglets still need to gain weight to survive the winter hibernation
In the woodland, deciduous trees have lost their leaves and are now dormant, which means they can retain moisture that would otherwise be lost They will rely on minerals and nutrition from the soil which includes the breakdown of the leaves This is also when bare root trees can be planted and so you can create more of a future habitat for insects, birds, mammals and the hoglets for example Connecting the woodlands or hedges also helps provide wildlife with a safe route to look for food or look for mates
The Perthshire ranger is inviting volunteers to join her at Garth Wood to plant trees as a form of “rewilding” This word has many connotations and so rewilding describes the aim of bringing back the balance of trees, plants, wildlife and humans This is only possible with inclusion of those who work the land, people who live in a city or in the countryside We can bring back the natural landscape together If you want to find out more you are welcome to volunteer at this rewilding regeneration event or on another future conservation day
Heart of Scotland Forest Partnership ‘Day of Action’ Thursday 2nd November 10am to 2.30pm. Participate in a day of practical conservation work Tree tube maintenance and planting of saplings High on the slopes of the regenerative ‘rewilding’ project at Garth Wood
Email perthshireranger@scottishwildlifetrust org uk for essential information and to book your (free) place
Join an expert, Tony Wilson on a Fungi Foray on Saturday 4th November 10am to 4 00pm A great opportunity to forage and identify fungi species at Loch of the Lowes Nature Reserve
To book a place on the Fungi Foray event go to https://scottishwildlifetrust org uk/things-to-do/wildlifeevents/ which will take to you Eventbrite, or call 01350 727337
Finally, with the darker days, Loch of the Lowes reverts to its winter opening hours from 1st November, which are Friday to Sunday 10 30am – 4 00pm
Open Evening a Great Success!
Thanks very much to everyone who was able to join us for our first ever open evening last month We welcomed over 70 local people who came along to share their thoughts, issues and concerns with our Trustees and Beth Taylor (our Community Connector) The Arboretum Group, Care Group, Craft Collective, D&B Repair Café, Food Share, Housing Action Group and Paths Group were all in attendance to provide updates on the projects they are involved with There was also information about the Station and the group which is canvassing opinions about access, the platform and how to use the building in future Look out for suggestion boxes around the village The many activities of our Community Connector, Beth, were also illustrated, highlighting her role in supporting many voluntary groups which make such a valuable contribution to our local life If you’d like to hear more or get involved with any of these great initiatives then please contact us via email: dbdcdt@gmail com or pop into the Community Office at the Co Working Space to have a chat with Beth
First AGM on Tuesday 21st November 2023
We will be holding our first AGM on Tuesday 21st November at 7 00pm in the Meeting Room at Birnam Arts If you’d like to become a Member then please contact us via dbdcdt@gmail com or call in to collect a Membership form from the Co Working Space You can also apply online using this link - https://docs google com/document/d/1QvzXswoFFYwdV0nr7bn 6p94ciKwoqWSxDAbITDbJrI/edit?usp=sharing
Become a Trustee of DBDCDT
We’re also looking to recruit more Trustees To become a Trustee you must be a member of the Trust, and be nominated by two Trust members Your nomination must be submitted by 14th November, and if there are more the 12 applicants an election will be held at the AGM If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Member or a Trustee then please have a chat with Beth or any of our current Trustees (Jane Bremner, Kathy Burns, Norman Grieve, Lachlan MacEwan, Craig Ross or Jan Silburn) Dunkeld, Birnam & District Community Development Trust, Dunkeld & Birnam Community Co-Working Space, Lagmhor, Dunkeld, PH8 0AD OR email: dbdcdt@gmail com
Dunkeld, Birnam & District Community Development Trust is SCIO registered No: SC052156
PAINTING & DECORATING
Interior / Exterior Work
bizzabooks@gmail.com
Pet Cremation
individual cremation services for your beloved pets 07522 174883
perthshirepetcremation co uk
Dunkeld Horse Grazing & DIY Livery
or Email Karen: 07759 701413 gapdunkeld@gmail com
Call: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Text: 7 days 8am-8pm FREE ESTIMATES HONEST, RELIABLE SERVICE
Grass cutting, Hedge cutting, Strimming, Leaf collection, Weeding/dig over, Edging, Gravel footpaths, Aerating, General tidy-up. All General Garden Maintenance work carried out to the highest quality on every job, everyday
