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Dunkeld & Birnam, The Bridge
The Bridge Newsletter is produced and distributed by Dunkeld and Birnam News CICa Community Interest Company Registered in Scotland SC813544
Editorial
I was walking in the hills of Strathbraan recently and looking over to the trees surrounding the Corbenic Community. In the sea of green was a firework – a single tree ahead of the rest, its leaves already turned to gold and russet – a glimpse of the spectacle to come in the month ahead. I expect some of the photographers exhibiting at the annual exhibition opening at Birnam Arts on 21st October will be capturing that same magic. There’s plenty in this issue to tempt you out of the house as well as to admire the turning trees. From picking apples to store for the winter in the orchard, to the tattie harvest with The Field, from concerts at Birnam Arts to the buzz of LocalFest25, there are so many opportunities to join in, catch up with neighbours, and try something new. Evergreen – gardening for all – are planting bulbs for spring, the Climate Café continues its weekly conversations, and the Repair Café is back with its practical magic. Our young musicians are tuning up, our library is challenging us to double our borrowers, and our archive is brimming with history talks and workshops.
What strikes me most is the sheer range of activities—music, art, sport, history, food, and nature—that connect us. Some are long-standing traditions, others brand new, but all share the same spirit: people giving their time, skills, and enthusiasm to make village life richer.
So whether you find yourself baking apple cake, planting bulbs, attending a concert, or simply enjoying a walk among the falling leaves, I hope
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 23rd October, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts. All welcome! If there are significant developments sooner we’ll be in touch.
(if you’re not yet on our email list, let us know, see below)
Dualling of Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing: The Transport Scotland Major Projects Team is drafting responses to all representations received, including objections, during the statutory consultation period which ended in July (see also below). These will be issued in the coming months. They also advise that they have contacted a few individuals to set up meetings to ensure they properly understand points raised, in order that their response addresses those points correctly. Apart from this, meetings will be set up after a response has been issued.
Once responses start to come in it would be a great help if you can share these with the A9CG. And please do let me know if you have still not received a reply to any questions/requests for info that you put earlier to TS/Jacobs.
A reminder that although the request by the A9 Community Group, the Community Council and the Community Development Trust for an extension of the statutory consultation period till after the end of the school holidays was turned down, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport did write to John Swinney MSP, to say that if anyone who previously made a submission/objection wished to write with further evidence this would be treated as part of the Transport Scotland statutory consultation.
These can go in writing by mail to : Director of Major Projects, Transport Scotland, 177 Bothwell St, Glasgow G2 7EQ or by email to: A9dualling@ transport.gov.scot.
Dualling of Tay Crossing to Ballinluig: A “ preferred bidder” for the dualling of this section ,which starts just north of the Jubilee Bridge , Wills Bros Civil Engineering, was announced in August and a contract award is expected soon. Transport Scotland’s projected completion date for this section is by end 2028. The A9 Community Group will seek to engage both with the TS Project Manager for this section and with the contractor on behalf of residents as well as all who use this section of the A9 during the construction period.
For our reports on “The Bridge” website: https://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/
you feel that same sense of belonging. Our community thrives because of the countless contributions—large and small—of volunteers, organisers, and participants alike. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who plays their part.
Here’s to a colourful, companionable October— full of music, stories, and the simple joys of the season.
Sal Robertson
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BIRNAM
ARTS:
Thank You & Looking Ahead Together
As many of you will know, Birnam Arts is currently in a time of transition. We want to begin this update with a heartfelt thank you – to our community for your ongoing support, and to SSE Griffin and Calliacher Windfarm Fund, whose very generous grant is enabling us to continue our work while we reshape for the future. Their backing gives us the breathing space to plan properly and ensure that Birnam Arts can thrive for the next 25 years and beyond.
From 11 October to 10 November, we will be running a month of community engagement. This is your opportunity to come into Birnam Arts and share your views on what the organisation should do more of, less of, and start doing. We know that Birnam Arts holds a special place in the heart of our community –as home to Birnam Library, as a café, as a gallery and performance space, as a meeting place, and as a welcoming hub for locals and visitors alike. Now is the time for us all to imagine together what its next chapter should look like.
We will host a range of drop-in sessions, conversations, and opportunities to leave comments, as well as providing an online route to share your thoughts. If you can’t make it in person, please feel free to email your comments to birnamartsreview@gmail.com.
It is helpful to remind ourselves of the formal objects of Birnam Arts, as registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (15 July 1996):
• To provide community and recreational facilities with the object of improving the life of the members of the community in the Parish of Dunkeld and the public generally.
• To encourage and promote the arts, science, heritage and culture.
• To provide training and education in the arts, science, heritage and culture and for social and personal development.
These remain our guiding principles. But our context has changed enormously. When the “new” extension was built 25 years ago, only 25% of homes had access to the internet. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok hadn’t been invented. Today, digital technology is part of everyday life, and expectations of public buildings are evolving. Our building too is showing its age and needs investment in modernisation and upgrades.
So, how should we look ahead for the next 25 years? How can Birnam Arts be safe, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable – a place that continues to serve the whole community while adapting to new challenges and opportunities?
We warmly invite you to join the conversation.
Arts News
Volunteering at Birnam Arts
Interested in the cultural heartbeat of the area? If you’d like to volunteer at Birnam Arts, we’d love to meet you!
Sat 27th Sept to Sun 16th Nov: Opening Sat 21st 11.30am-1.30pm
PPS annual exhibition of their members’ photography.
Hercules The Bear:
Presented by Tenterhooks
Thurs 2nd Oct: 7pm-8pm: £6/£12/£30*
Hercules The Bear is inspired by the incredible true story of a 10-foot grizzly bear raised in Scotland by human parents. Hercules, swims in the swimming pool and even tours in a wrestling show!
For children aged 6+ and their adults.
Drawing Techniques for Beginners
Sat 4th Oct: 10am-4pm: £40*
With Caroline Foote, this is an opportunity for beginners to try out a drawing techniques workshop. Bring your own lunch and refreshments.
Hand Building Clay Day Course
Sun 5th Oct: 10am-4pm: £80/£100/£115*
Artist Nicky May Bolland leads this workshop exploring hand-building techniques to build clay vessels.
Fungi: The Web of Life: Film Screening
Thurs 9th Oct: 6.30-9pm: £8*
Fungi: Exploring nature’s hidden web of life, followed by a post-film talk with ecologist Adrian Davis on Scotland’s mycelial networks and native mushrooms.
Localfest with Karine Polwart
Wed 15th Oct: 7.30–9.30pm: £25*
Join award-winning Karine Polwart for an evening of stories, reflection and song.
Art For All: Fearless Painting
Sat 18th Oct: 10.30am-3.30pm: £65*
Join Alison Price for a day of playful exploration into the world of paint and colour, using imagination and memory.
Virgin: Hollie Mcnish
Tues 21st Oct: 7.30–9.30pm: £16/£30/£33*
Hollie makes a welcome return to Birnam Arts with her new book Virgin. With Support from the sublime Michael Pedersen.
Art Club for Adults: Michael Fullerton
Tue 28th Oct: 1.30-3.30pm: £25*
Fulfilling sessions aimed at art enthusiasts of all levels.
Opera Highlights: Scottish Opera
Sat 1st Nov: 7-9pm:
£20 Adult/£6 U26*
Four singers, a pianist and a selection of operatic extracts from many eras and styles.
Contact Elspeth on: Volunteer@birnamarts.com, or ask at Reception! See website for workshops and more: Birnamarts.com / 01350 727674
* Denotes Booking Fee
Traditional Music Weekend in Dunkeld
14–16 November
The Lowland & Border Pipers’ Society is bringing a weekend of traditional music to Dunkeld from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 November. The programme includes three concerts, workshops, and informal pub sessions, with some of Scotland’s leading musicians taking part, including Finlay MacDonald, Kyle Howie, Ian Kinnear, Fin Moore, Liam Manion, Allan MacDonald, Fionnlagh Mac A’ Phiocair and Gary West.
Concerts will be held at the Royal Dunkeld Hotel (Friday and Saturday evenings) and Dunkeld Cathedral (Saturday morning). Highlights include the Scottish debut of Hessians & Highlanders 1746, recalling a little-known chapter of Dunkeld’s history, and a Saturday night tribute concert to Pitlochry’s legendary piper Gordon Duncan, marking 20 years since his passing.
Workshops will feature rare repertoire, including the first performance in centuries of the 1633 Sword Dance, originally danced for King Charles I in Perth.
Friday 17th and Saturday 18th October
I’ll be the photographer in residence at Birnam Arts as part of Perthshire Photographic Society’s autumn exhibition. Repeating the successes at earlier exhibitions in Perth, I’ll be creating studio quality photo portraits and headshots of visitors to the exhibition, photos of you!
It’s free, only takes five or ten minutes, and you’ll get some photos which you can use for your social media, LinkedIn, etc., and I can do mounted & framed prints for a modest charge. This was a great success at exhibitions in Perth, so come on in and join the fun; you’ll be part of the exhibition!
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
Photo Exhibition: Photo Portraits by Graham Robb!
Scottish Landscaping
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Arts News
Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group
Free music lessons and bands for P5 – S6.
With the new school year ahead of us we have some exciting concerts lined up, plenty of tunes to learn and lots of new people to meet. DB Trad Group is completely free to join and suitable for everyone from age P5 – S6. If you think you’d like to be involved in our musical experiences, you can find our contact details below.
We have a few spaces left to learn an instrument. If you would like to learn how to play whistle, guitar, fiddle or piano-accordion, we run small group classes. Each class lasts half an hour and is lead by one of our experienced and professional trad musicians. They are free and we provide instruments, without cost, for our members to take home and use as their own.
We have plenty of space in our junior and senior bands. These are for those who can already play at least a little and are suitable for most instruments. We welcome accordion, string, wind and brass players, guitarists, pianists, percussionists and more to come along and join in with our musical ventures.
½ hour group lessons - Mondays 4-6pm
Junior trad band (P5-S2) - Mondays 6:30-7:30pm
Senior trad band (S3-S6) - Mondays 7:30-8:30pm
All classes and bands run weekly during term time based at Birnam Arts.
Although we are based in Dunkeld & Birnam, we’re open to anyone living in surrounding areas such as Aberfeldy and Pitlochry, Blairgowrie and Coupar Angus, Stanley and Luncarty and everywhere in between.
To keep up with our up coming concerts and other activities follow us at facebook.com/dbtradgroup.
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, Crescendo and Enchanted Forest for their funding, and all of the local residents and groups who have generously donated money and instruments.
Find us at www.facebook.com/dbtradgroup
Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com or call 07958 324 766 for more info.
Willowbank,Birnam Amulree Village Hall
Caputh Village Hall
Dalguise Village Hall
BASC office Trochry
Auchnacloich Farm, Amulree
Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club
Office Wall, Erigmore Holiday Park Davidson’s Chemist Dunkeld
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.
Three Churches
Charity Shop
High Street Dunkeld
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm
If you are interested in volunteering, please enquire in the shop for more info
Find us on Facebook at 3 Churches Charity Shop
Posts, Rails and slats Ranch Boards, Garden Sleepers -Various sizes Loose Bark and Woodchip
Mon-Fri 8.00am to 5.00pm Sat 10.00am to 11.00am
at Kindallachan and follow the signs to the nursery. 07554 008058 nursery@alexbutter.co.uk www.alexbutter.co.uk Glack Dog
Kennels
Heated Kennels
& Long Term Stays Elizabeth & Keith Lumsden 01350 728849
Birnam Library is situated in the Birnam Arts Centre, Station Road, Birnam, PH8 0DS Tel : 01738 459709
Birnam Library is run by Culture Perth and Kinrossa charitable trust bringing art, culture, books, learning, creative communities and local history and heritage to people across the whole of Perth and Kinross. https://www.culturepk.org.uk/
Sports, Health and Wellbeing
AIMS: 1: To transform the lives of people in the villages and surrounding areas through sport and leisure.
2: To promote the various sports and leisure activities in the Dunkeld & Birnam area.
3: To support the building and maintenance of sports facilities including a sports hall.
All sports and leisure clubs are invited to join ‘The Sports Hub.’ Membership is free.
Please send details of your club’s activities and events to editor@dunkeldandbirnmamnews.co.uk for inclusion in the hub page of ‘The Bridge.’
Dunkeld and Birnam Sports and Leisure Hub
The Sports Hub (formerly the Rec Club) has overall responsibility for the clubhouse, tennis courts and bowling green and the Covered MUGA. We are a membership organisation and although people can pay per play, we are very keen to encourage locals to join as members at the very reasonable annual fee- you can decide to join just the MUGA or any combination of the clubs. The membership year runs from April but people can join any time during the year. Visithttps://clubspark. lta.org.uk/DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub/ Membership/Join or Contact dbsportsleisurehub@gmail. com at any time for further information.
Booking for the tennis courts and MUGA can be done online at: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub
Foodshare
Unfortunately the fridge problem persists, because the shed is now subject to a complaint to Planning. This is being handled by the Kirk Session, to whom we are very grateful for allowing us to use the shed. Until we are confident that we can continue to use this site we don’t think we should invest in a new fridge. The food which needs cold storage is taken to the fridge at St Mary’s. However, we are very grateful to all the people who have been leaving fruit and vegetables on the stalls for sharing at both locations and of course to the local shops who donate.
If you can help with collections from the Coop please contact Jan Silburn - email j.silburn@ btinternet.com.
Foodbank
If you need confidential help with food please contact 01350 700018, or email PH8foodbank@gmail.com
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?
We are continuing our trial of one virtual and one live session per month. So in October the live meeting, in Dalguise Village Hall from 10.30 to 12.30 , will be on Tuesday 21 October. We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments. There are no charges, no formalities, and we have no religious affiliations – what we do is decided among our members.
The virtual meeting is online on the first Tuesday evening of every month, from 6.30 to 8pm. In October this meeting is on 7 October. These meetings usually include a guided meditation at the beginning and a silent meditation at the end, with a discussion on the latest topic (mailed to all members, see below) in between. People attending can join in or remain incognito as they wish. If you would like to take part in a zoom meeting, please contact Maragaret margaret.q.lear@gmail.com who will send you the link. If you aren’t able to attend in person, and are not wanting to join an online session, you might nevertheless be interested in going on our mailing list. Members receive thoughtprovoking and helpful compilations about meditation and mindful living, on the Tuesdays in between the meetings. If you would like to know more about our meetings or about meditation in general, please do contact faithanstey@ gmail.com
Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled (SCO47991)
Riding came to an end for this year with the start of the autumn mid-term break. Overall it has been a very successful year with both riders and volunteers thoroughly enjoying the weekly sessions. Great progress has been made by the riders with Certificates being worked for and received at the end of June and more rosettes given at the beginning of October. Two of our coaches were due their annual assessment and we were delighted to welcome back Petra Humphreys (our regional coach) to carry out this task. Petra’s visits always give the group a big confidence boost with her enthusiastic encouragement.
Thank you to all who came and supported
us at the Pitlochry Games where we had more home made produce in abundance for sale. Our final big fund raising effort for the year will be the week starting Sunday October 5th at the Thrift Shop in Aberfeldy which we are sharing with Highland Perthshire Plus. This is our main source of income so we look forward to seeing lots of friends and supporters during that week!
We have had quite a number of new volunteers joining the group this summer all of whom have made a wonderful contribution to the running of the classes BUT we are always looking for more volunteers. If you think you might be interested please do get in touch by contacting us through our email address breadalbanerda@gmail.com or ring Duncan on 07725044061 – email Duncan. tannahill@gmail.com.
Our final event for the year will be the AGM to be held on 17th November. More details in next month’s newsletter.
Nature and Climate
Paths and Nature Action Group
In the lull following the flurry of activity in August and early September, we pressed on with plans to resurface the Cathedral Path. We still need to secure some permissions and funds but remain hopeful of completing the work before the winter weather turns the path back to a mudbath.
Invasive non-native species (INNS) are a major threat to biodiversity and healthy nature. Some are harmful to people and pets, many grow densely and exclude our native plants and all the life they support. Yes, some have attractive flowers, and some are used by bumblebees – but their ecological impacts are complex and, where possible, they are best reduced or eliminated. We have a lengthy list of such plants in our area, many originating as escapes from gardens or amenity plantings. A plea to all gardeners –please dispose of your garden waste properly.
INNS are a major focus of the Group’s efforts. Members have been controlling Himalayan balsam along our riversides for many years, keeping core areas largely free. Balsam and North American monkeyflower, another typically waterside INNS, are now spreading out from watercourses in to woodlands and field margins where their impacts are as yet uncertain.
One member joined with Scotland’s Invasive Species Initiative to treat the major stands of Japanese knotweed in Strathbraan with herbicide – by highly targeted direct injection of individual stems. If the weather in mid September allowed, the scattered small plants along the lower reaches of the River Braan and up the Tay will also have been treated. The work in 2024 to prevent (N American/ Asian) pearly everlasting becoming established seems to have been successful with just one of six known colonies showing shoots this year. Meanwhile, we understand, Forestry and Land Scotland has been tackling the Argentinian pirri-pirri along tracksides in Craigvinean. This low-growing plant produces balls of hooked seeds that catch in shoes, clothing and in dogs’ fur where it can be a serious irritant.
To get more involved in your countryside –helping encourage nature and our network of paths, come and join one of our tasks. stewartpritchard@aol.com
As we fully move into Autumn we will start cutting back, emptying tubs and replanting them with Spring bulbs. If the weather lasts then maybe the tubs and troughs throughout both villages will hang in for another month. A big thank you must go to our watering team. Gordon Calvert who has kept the tubs at the Birnam Bus Stop and the corner of the BA looking fantastic, Dave Amos for doing the same in Water Wynd and Kevin Brown at the North Car Park toilets.
Lachlan, from Dunkeld Nurseries again this year has the contract to do all the other tubs and borders keeping them looking great for us all to enjoy. We must also thank the Mens Shed for repairing our notice board on the Bridge. We enjoyed meeting the delegates from Asheville who were over during the Birnam Games. We were at the unveiling of the plaque for their donations to the village. As a thank you for our donation we are going to plant some shrubs that grow in both our countries in the Spring. Maybe we can now call this planter the Asheville planter rather than “the one opposite Lagmhor”.
The Field
October at the Field is all about harvesting and preparing for the winter. We prefer not to plough in winter as this can result in carbon and nutrient loss We try to plant green manure to seal the soil. Wherever possible, if we cannot do this the weeds cover the ground for us! We have enjoyed very good crops this year and have enough roots, brassica and leeks in the ground to last us till next spring. We also have onions, squash and tatties in store which we will enjoy over the winter. Main crop tatties will be harvested in October and small hands and keen eyes can have fun following the tattie harvester and collecting the tatties. Child labour was historically the reason Scottish schools have such a long October break and we will welcome families at this time to help, Of course you are welcome at the Field any Thursday or Saturday morning ,We harvest on a Thursday to stock the stall at Birnam Arts and on Saturday to stock the Field gate stall all volunteers are entitled to take home produce according to their need on these days. We hope to continue the Birnam stall until mid October thereafter the Field gate stall will be stocked over the winter. Notifiable events recently have been incursions of deer who seem to like French beans and spinach and apple rustlers who seem to have taken our cooking apples ??? On a happier note we now have a bee hive thanks to Martin and volunteers enjoyed the first Field honey last week. The young archaeologists found flints from around 10,000 years ago when they did a dig at the Field, It’s fascinating to think that folk were living on or passing through this land then ,what landscape did they see and what were their lives like?
If you are interested in growing your own food organically and sharing the harvest come up to the field any Thursday or Saturday morning, tea and coffee are always provided and you might even enjoy some home baking!
The Birnam team have been busy spreading bark for access paths into the Torwood Park border and edging very effectively with willow.
We have had a few wet Monday mornings in September so we had a trip to Perth for sweeping brush shopping! As the leaves start to fall we are kept busy ensuring the gardens still look nice and it does help with the right tools or at least ones that have some bristles!
We meet on Monday mornings at 10am. Groups can be found in St Ninian’s Garden, Dunkeld and Torwood Park, Birnam. Anyone who would like to come and join us, please do.
Thank you Moira (07931 758 456)
Gardening & Growing Club –
Join Us!
Love plants? Whether you’re a windowsill potterer or a plottaming pro, our Gardening & Growing Club is for you!
We’re a friendly bunch who enjoy learning, sharing tips, and meeting fellow garden enthusiasts. Our year is packed with inspiring talks, garden visits, social events, and our big annual show in August.
First meeting FREE – come along and give it a try!
Annual membership: Just £20 for a year of green-fingered. (Just £10 if joining from now onwards!)
Everyone’s welcome! Drop by, meet like-minded folks, and grow something wonderful with us. For more info dbggclub@gmail.com
Forthcoming Events
Wed 8 Oct 7pm David Hynd, Perth Bonsai Group: Talk and demonstration of growing bonsai. Birnam Arts
19 Nov 7pm Wreath making. The Guide Hall 10 December Christmas Night Out at the Birnam Oak
January talk ‘All things herbs’ with Iain Broadhead / Kirstin Lamotte of Little Trochry Farm
22nd February Snowdrop Walk, with tea and cake at Cambo Estate, near St Andrews.
DRINK, CHAT, ACT
Part of the growing Climate Café® movement that began in this village over ten years ago, the Climate Café® Dunkeld & Birnam offers a welcoming space to share ideas, news, concerns, practical actions and find out more about local initiatives to tackle the climate emergency – all over a friendly cuppa. The café connects our community with the wider network of Climate Cafés springing up across Scotland and beyond, making it easy to learn, connect, and take action together.
Join us in the Coworking Space in Little Dunkeld, every Thursday from 7pm - 9pm. There’s no formal agenda, the chat is led by those who come along, it is a place to keep up with events, get support with your ideas and find inspiration at www.climate.cafe or follow the conversation on facebook #ClimateCafe #DrinkChatAct
This month watch out for the Scottish Climate Change Plan being considered in the Scottish Parliament and published in draft by the Scottish Government.
Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom
In Bloom volunteers that were present at the Asheville sign unveiling during the Birnam Games (in the photo). Moira Forbes; Liz Ibbetson; Betty Common; Joan Cameron; Linda Wolfe; Christine Jansen and James Jarvis.
Nature and Climate
Evergreen gardening group – next steps/this winter
Hyacinth, Narcissi ... beautiful bulbs. I’m imagining their glorious scent and cheerful colour right now!
The last of the sessions in our current programme of our “gardening for everyone” group will be on Tuesday 7 October, 1000 at the Guide Hall in Little Dunkeld. We’ll be planting bulbs in a pot for a colourful display this Christmas. You will be able to take your pot home for indoor display or to give to a family member or friend as a present. The session will be free of charge.
Over the summer we’ve been gardening in ways to try to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits and joy of gardening, working from a seated position if necessary. We’ve also had indoor activities so that if rain stops play it doesn’t stop us! We’ve had a lot of fun growing annual flowers from seed, re-potting/dividing and caring for houseplants, as well as filling the outdoor planter and window boxes with herbs and other plants to give a beautiful display all summer long, as well as attract pollinating insects.
These gardening sessions have been a trial project, funded by Perth & Kinross Council’s Community Investment Fund and they have been free to attend. This funding is coming to an end after our October session but we may have the opportunity to continue the project over the winter. We’d like to find out how much interest there is and would
be grateful if you could take a few minutes to send us your thoughts. Would you be interested in meeting over the winter? This could be once a month from November through to April. We can do garden and nature-related indoor activities such as making seed tags, terrariums, windowsill herbs and crops, bird baths and feeders, and perhaps some garden and nature-inspired games.
Please give me a call or email me if you are interested. It would really help to know if you might come along if this goes ahead. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Mel Nicoll, Evergreen Gardening Group Co-ordinator mel@cavecrag.com or 07876 118625
Evergreen - Gardening for Everyone: 2025 Dates 1030-1200. Guide Hall, School Lane, Little Dunkeld
Contact Mel Nicoll 07876 118625
mel@cavecrag.com
Tues 7 October Planting bulbs for your 1030 - 1200 winter windowsill
Community Orchard: bringing in the harvest
We’re not quite sure if Big Apple Day will have already happened by the time this edition of the Bridge comes out or whether some of you will receive it in time to be reminded that our annual community get-together at the orchard takes place this year on Saturday 27 September (11301430). So we may or may not see you – or have seen you – there. Either way, hopefully it will be/have been a day of fine weather!
As we bring in another bountiful harvest it’s time to dig out our recipe books, returning to that tried and tested and family-favourite apple cake or crumble recipe, or perhaps a spiced apple chutney. If you are after something savoury try a little chopped raw apple in a coleslaw or salad. Apples that have fallen from the tree, for example after a windy spell, are known as “windfalls” and due to slight bruising won’t store well but are ideal for cooking, either into a puree which can then be frozen for future use or for a cake or pudding there and then. The “Bramley” variety is the classic cooking apple, turning into a lovely fluffy puree once sliced and gently simmered in just a little bit of water.
We are now into the maincrop apple season. Along with the Bramleys, ripening now are some top eaters such as “Herefordshire Russet” and “Laxton’s Superb”. Please help yourselves. Remember that unblemished apples store well ‘til after Christmas, and all the later apples taste much
Where there is rock there are lichens!
Walk and talk at Dùn Coillich Saturday 4th October
better when you ripen them in the fruit bowl for a few days. Remember to look out for the “Pick Me” tags that we hang on the trees as they become ready for picking. You can also look out for apples in the crates by the roadside. Extra pairs of hands at this busy picking time would be very welcome so please get in touch if you can spare an hour or two over the coming weeks.
To store apples choose a cool, dark place such as a garage or shed which won’t get too cold during the winter. Ideally you want a slightly humid environment but you must ensure good ventilation – and no mice! The apples should be laid in crates or in shallow wooden trays, making sure they aren’t touching one another and that there is good air movement around and over them. Only store fruit that hasn’t been bruised/damaged and lay it in a single layer. Make sure there are no strong-smelling items such as paint (or onions!) nearby to avoid them picking these up. Check the fruit regularly and use or discard anything that has signs of rot to avoid it spreading. Happy harvesting and eating – let us know if you have an apple recipe you’d like to share!
To see what’s happening in the orchard over the year please look for and follow us on social media.
You can also email us dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com
You may have walked the trails at Dùn Coillich Community Land before – but why not delve even deeper into the landscape with Petra Vergunst, moss and lichen enthusiast, as she takes us on a tour of the miniature world of lichens!
The rocks of Dùn Coillich Community Land are fascinating, with outcrops of the famous Schiehallion boulder bed and ancient Dalradian limestone throughout the landscape. The varied geology supports a mosaic of habitats, but look even closer and you’ll see they are hosts to even tinier life forms than ones that meet the eye: lichens!
Join us at 10.00am on Saturday 4th October for ‘where there is rock there are lichens’, an exploration of the rock-dwelling lichens that have made the rock outcrops, drystone dykes and boulders in water courses of Dùn Coillich their home.
Booking is essential via Eventbrite and places are limited. All of our events are free for members of Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust, the suggested donation for non members is £5.
Visit the What’s On page of our website www.duncoillich.org to find out where we are, what we do and how to book, and follow our Facebook Group for regular updates!
Dunkeld Mobile Service
Thursdays 9.00am – 10.00am
Dunkeld North End Car Park, Atholl Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0AR
Services
• Royal Mail & Parcelforce Worldwide
• Cash withdrawls
• Cash Deposits
Alternative Branches:
• Everyday Personal & Business Banking
• Cheque Deposits
• Driving: vehicle tax
Please check opening times and that these branches have the services you require.
Revd William Hogg (Acting pastor at St Mary’s Birnam)
Earlier this year I bought some Emmer seeds in the health food shop in Perth. Emmer is an ancient variety of grain, similar to Barley. We cooked some of it into stews and soups and it was quite tasty.
I also planted a few grains in the garden, just to see what would happen, and have now harvested the crop and, like barley, there are ears of grains with a spiky beard hanging down. And between 40 and 50 grains on each ear!
It reminds me of Jesus’ parable of the sower where the seeds are scattered on various types of soil (Gospel of Matthew -chapter 13). Some get eaten by birds, some fall on shallow stony ground and wither away in the heat, some are choked by weeds. But others, on good soil, produce an abundant harvest.
Churches have had or are about to celebrate harvest festivals with displays of flowers, vegetables and fruit, with cans and packets of tins and dried food that can be more easily distributed to foodbanks and the like while the fresh produce can be used locally and more immediately. At the Orchard and Field here in our community there has been a good harvest, and people’s gardens have been laden with almost more fruit than can be used by the gardeners, but maybe shared with neighbours or friends. Many farmers have done well, but others are struggling to make ends meet, and sometimes good farmland is being sold off for building development when there remain vacant and derelict sites in towns and villages which could be built on without losing productive acres in a country which imports around 40% of its food.
So sharing is what we need to do, especially in a world and even in this country, where so many go without. Sharing, and thinking of the future when with global warming and political or economic problems things may be more difficult.
But Jesus reminds us too that human beings do not live by bread (food and all we consume) alone, but also by the word of God, by faith, by love in action, spiritually and physically. We live in a wealthy country, though wealth is too often not shared fairly, but spiritually we are not so well off with two or more generations who have grown with little or no awareness of what God has to offer, where OMG has become an expression of shock or surprise with no concept of the reality of who you might be talking to when you use His name. So active believers have a lot of planting to do, planting seeds of love and hope and faith. And us ministers have a lot of training to do, encouraging and training our congregations to be people who pay a full and active part in worship and in the ministry of the church to our brothers and sisters in faith and to others around us. The days of one man band ministry are over, and churches that are thriving and growing are those where priests and ministers are team players calling, encouraging and training people of faith to share in leading worship, share in reaching out to a sometimes sceptical population, sharing in the pastoral and spiritual care of neighbours and those in need or distress. Unlike in agriculture these things cannot be mechanised or computerised but need well versed, committed and cheerful men and women, young and old, to share in the work of sharing. We must both work and pray, pray and work for a good harvest.
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 October 5th in St. Mary’s and then November 2nd. in Little Dunkeld Kirk. All welcome from any church or none.
Fellowship Group
‘Exploring faith and life together’ Two Groups meet, fortnightly, one on a Tuesday evening at 7pm and the other on Wednesday mornings at 10.15am - both in the Chanonry. The dates for the Wednesday group are October 8th. 22nd & November 5th.
Church of Scotland Services
Oct 5th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral.
6.30pm Prayers for Help & Healing in St. Mary’s, Birnam
Oct 12th 11am Harvest Thanksgiving in the Cathedral.
Oct 19th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral.
2.15 Service in Amulree Kirk
Oct 26th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral with a baptism as part of the service
Nov 2nd 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral. (which will include two confirmations.)
6.30pm Prayers for Help & Healing in Little Dunkeld
Nov 9th 10.45am Remembrance Service in the Cathedral. Please not the earlier star t time. This will be the last Sunday ser vice 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.
Nov 15th 11am Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
The Tuesday group is taking a new direction with ‘Coffee & Questions.’ Everyone has questions about life, belief or ethical issues which bother them – whether it be assisted dying or world peace. At the next meeting on the 30th. you are invited to come along and write down a question or two. They will be put in a box and drawn out, one each night, to provoke discussion on that theme. So, if there is an issue about faith or life you would like to discuss with others then come along. No special knowledge is required, just a willingness to be stretched and challenged. The group will meet on September 30th., October 14th & 28th.
If you find it difficult to come in person, it is possible to join by this zoom link:
Meeting ID: 898 7502
Passcode: 809745
Kirk Session
The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session is on October 14th. at 7.30pm. in the Duchess Anne.
THE 3 CHURCHES CHARITY SHOP
2.15 Communion Service in Amulree
When we are in the Cathedral tea and coffee are served after the morning service each week in the Chanonry. In Little Dunkeld teas and coffees are in the Church.
Harvest Thanksgivings & Harvest Supper
The Harvest thanksgiving service in Amulree was on September 21st. and in the Cathedral it will be on October 12th.
We usually have a special harvest appeal for a Charity and this year we are supporting Scottish Love in Action - an Edinburgh based Charity which partners with grassroots Indian organisations that care for, educate and empower vulnerable children and young people. They work with partners who provide the highest quality of care and education. For over two decades they have enabled generational change for the most vulnerable,
We are an independent local charity raising money for our 3 local churches. All money raised is divided by three equally and presented to each Church. New Volunteers always welcome – just pop in and let us know if you are interested in joining our friendly team. SC043359
Three Churches in the Community
giving them the tools to break free from poverty and transform their lives, families and communities for years to come.
We are also holding a Harvest Supper on Friday October 10th. at 7.30pm in the Duchess Anne. There will be a guest speaker from Scottish Love in Action and all proceeds from the evening will go to the Harvest Appeal. To buy tickets, please email Susan Penny on susiecpenny@gmail.com
Men’s Breakfast
The smell of bacon and sausages will once again be wafting out of the Chanonry on Wednesday mornings as the Men’s Breakfast gets meets. It starts at 9am and upcoming dates are October 8th. 22nd. & November 5th.There is no need to book; just turn up and enjoy and all are welcome.
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
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
The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld PH8 0AW Tel: 07736 423198
e-mail: sessionclerk@dunkeldcathedral.org
Treasurer: Mrs Louise Luke
The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld Tel: 07773 604372
e-mail: treasurer@dunkeldcathedral.org
Covenant Officer: Mrs. Ann Bryce
Tomnagrew House, Dunkeld PH80BX Tel: 01350 723228
e-mail: annbryce228@gmail.com
Organist & Choir Leader: Mrs Hazel Murch Tel: 07867 642954
e-mail: music@dunkeldcathedral.org
SHOEBOX APPEAL 2025
It’s that time of year again!
I am once again collecting filled shoeboxes for the Blythswood Shoebox Appeal. This year they will once again be going to Ukraine.
Empty, wrapped boxes, together with all instructions on how to fill them are now available at the back of the Cathedral, in the Duchess Anne and in the Chanonry.
They need to be filled and returned by October 31st at the latest, and can be dropped off at the Cathedral, the Duchess Anne, the Chanonry or the 3 churches Charity Shop at any time before then.
If you would like to give me a donation to fill a shoe box for you rather than take one to do yourself then I would be more than happy to do that.
If you require any further information then please contact Ann Rees on: 01350724300 or 07512137025
St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Birnam Sunday Service 10am - Communion with hymns, music and sermon, followed by refreshments. 3rd Sunday ALL AGE.
The church is open daily for visitors in summer months, and at 6pm on Fridays there is SILENT PRAYER in the Servite Lounge, Willowbank, followed by a light supper.
The monthly Servite worship service is at 2pm on the last Saturday of each month, led ecumenically by folk from the three churches in Dunkeld and Birnam
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
Come and see our range of lovely summer dresses. A huge thank you to those who donate to our show. To our customers... and to our Volunteers. Enjoy summer in Dunkeld!!!
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 Tue - Aberfeldy
9.30 am Wed, Thur, Fri - 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.
Parish Office: Mrs Jill McCrory
Nature and Climate
Repair Cafe - Bin it? No Way
Next Cafe – Monday 6th October Venue –Birnam Arts in the Arts Studio
We had a good session in September with an icemaker, lamps, shuggly chairs and stools, 2 dysons, more ceramics and trousers to list some of what turned up.
Do bring along anything you think we can fix or advise about.
This service by volunteers is free. Only cost might be for spare parts. Donations also welcome.
Come along and have a tea or a coffee and we’ll see if we can help.
See separate notice about our exciting REPAIRFEST at Birnam Arts on Saturday 8th November. There will be no Repair Cafe on November 3rd but see you on the 8th.
Contact for queries dbrepaircafe@gmail.com
Beavers: Nature’s Engineer
Scottish Wildlife Trust talk Monday 20th October
We’re kicking off this season of talks for the Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust with a topic which always generates healthy debate – beavers.
Jean Oudney is a passionate and enthusiastic speaker who is a beaver tour guide for Perthshire Wildlife as well as a trustee of the Scottish Wild Beaver Group, a role she’s had since 2013.
She was responsible for organising the first beaver conference in the UK, “The Necessary Beaver” held in Dunkeld back in 2015 and now gives talks across eastern Scotland.
Jean will take us through beaver ecology, history and reintroductions, shine a spotlight on the benefits of beavers and offer management tools for living with beavers when their land management strategies clash with human land management aims.
Date: Monday 20th October 2025
Time: 7.30pm - 9.00pm
Place: The Tryst, Church of Scotland, Church Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5EB.
Suggested donation: £3 for non-members, £2 for members (cash on the day).
Contact markandrosie@btinternet.com for more information. Sign up to hear about events and activities on reserves in our area and beyond. https://scottishwildlifetrust. org.uk/sign-up-to-our-mailing-list/.
If you are already a member and want to hear direct from the Trust, sign up to the mailing list and click the ‘Events and information from my local group’ option.
To celebrate 25 years of our Visitor Centre, we’re offering a special 10% off in our on-site Café and Shop
Murthly Village Hall Hire
From £10 per hour
Events hall and kitchen facilities for Birthday parties, Indoor sports, Dances, Gatherings, Quiz Nights and more.
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.
DEVOTIONAL BOOKS TO TAKE YOU THROUGH 2026, EDITED AND COMPILED BY
Scripture verses, prayers, and gentle re ections. (A Christmas present idea?)
With Dickens at Christmas A Pleasant Year with Father Brown At the Master’s Side (365 re ections for dog lovers) Through the Year with William Booth Through the Year with Catherine Booth Through the Year with John Wesley Through the Year with Charles Wesley Through the Year with the Pilgrim Fathers Through the Year with John Newton A Year with Michael Green
Please refer to Eden.co.uk then simply enter ‘Stephen Poxon’ into the ‘Search’ option. (Tel. 0345 222 3336) Available, upon request, in bookshops.
PERTHSHIRE PIPER
Find us on Facebook at 3 Churches Charity Shop
STRIVE. SUCCEED. EXCEL.
With the best Higher results in Perthshire, academic excellence is just the beginning. We nurture curiosity, inspire ambition and equip every pupil to reach their fullest potential.
TRUST AGM
26th NOVEMBER
2025
Community Developments
This is advance notice of the AGM when new trustees will be elected. Formal notice will be sent to all members with the time and date of the meeting. Trustees who have served 3 years must step down, but the remaining trustees are eligible for re-election, including those who were coopted during the year. The current Chair and Secretary are both required to stand down but would be eligible to stand again in one year. We would really encourage as many people as possible to stand as a Trustee- please consider standing, especially if you have skills or experience (and some spare time!). We would like to have a broad range of Trustees representing all aspects of the population. There are several exciting prospects on the horizon for projects to enhance our community, but it does require commitment from the Trustees to work with the varied local and national authorities to take these forward. Training and support for Trustees is provided by various bodies.
You must be a member of the Trust to become a Trustee- you can join anytime before the AGM. If you are interested, please email Beth dbdcdt@ gmail.com by 5pm on the 19th November. The process for an election, if there are more than 12 candidates, will be set out in advance of the AGM.
For further information about the Trust’s activities please contact Beth Taylor, Jan Silburn or any of the Trustees and we will happily assist.
In addition to the ordinary business, the AGM will consider and vote on a resolution to amend the Trust’s constitution. At present the Trustees are limited to appointing a maximum of three ad hoc Trustees between each Annual
General Meeting. The proposed amendment would allow the Trustees to fill vacancies when a Trustee resigns but still limits the maximum number of Trustees to 12 and the number of ad hoc appointments to 3. The amendment of the constitution requires a vote in favour by two thirds of the members present at the meeting.
Care Group
As noted in last month’s edition of The Bridge, PH8 Caring Support has now joined with colleagues from Kinloch Rannoch to create a not for profit social enterprise, focused on extending our existing role to include delivery of homecare to rural areas. The new social enterprise, Heartland Cares Collective Ltd, is a registered charity and company with two directors from the PH8 area- Lesley Singers and Stuart Paton- two from Kinloch Rannoch and one from outwith the area.
Our existing work in recruiting and mentoring Personal Assistants and Befrienders will continue as we look to recruit a manager for the overall service, supported by Coordinators at local level. Meanwhile, we are looking to start training people in the delivery of personal care as the first step to delivering Homecare ourselves. So, if you are interested in becoming a Homecarer, a Personal Assistant or a Befriender please contact Eilidh Wild on eilidhwild84@ outlook.com or call/leave a message on 07432569447
The next minibus outing, coordinated by Dr Graham Wright, takes place on Tuesday 21st October. Graham and Diane Wright have run this service for 2 years now and its popularity with our older citizens continues. Anyone interested should contact Beth Taylor on the Trust’s e mail - dbdcdt@gmail.com
Meanwhile, progress is being made on the benches’ front with the prospect of new sites being agreed by the Council, in addition to the benches already in place at the Birnam Hotel bus stop and the Orchard.
70s Reunion 70s Reunion
at 7.30 – 11pm on 11th October 2025 at Birnam Arts
The Dunkeld and Birnam Reunion Group and Dunkeld Community Archives are again working in partnership to organise a School Reunion for those who attended the Royal School of Dunkeld during the 1970s.
This follows the success of the Afternoon Teas and Social Evening which were held for those who attended during the 40s 50s and 60s and requests from some former pupils from the 70s, that we organise a similar event for their group.
The previous events provided an opportunity for old friends to reconnect to share memories and reminisce. This has not only promoted a sense of community within the group but supported the Community Archives in building a picture of life in the village during these decades.
We hope to reach out to as many former pupils within this 70s group and welcome them to an enjoyable evening amid friends with common experiences and memories.
Please help us broadcast this via social media etc.
Tickets (£10) available at Birnam Arts and from the Community Archives
Energy Group
The first meeting of the expanded energy group took place on August 25 when Mr Rob MacDonald presented a helpful paper on community Green Energy solutions pursued elsewhere in Scotland. The next meeting is on Monday 13 October at 7.00pm in the Co Working Space. To date, 7 people have expressed interest in attending. If you would like to come along, please e mail dbdcdt@gmail. com to assist with catering arrangements. Our intention is to arrive at a funding bid for a development officer over the next few months - the role of that officer will include setting out possible local options for consultation with the community.
Housing Group
Meetings continue between the Housing Group and other organisations involved with affordable community led housing.
Artisan Village
No further news. Awaiting the outcome of the preapplication from PKC.
Funding
We are delighted that the funding application to Griffin for Birnam Arts was successful with an award of £40,000. Unfortunately, the applications for funding for the new Post Office and for the Localfest conference were unsuccessful.
Press Pause with SCOTO
Thanks very much to everyone who was able to join us for this workshop on 16th September. A broad range of community and business representatives had a very productive conversation about the impacts of tourism and how we can work together collaboratively to ensure more positive benefits in the future. A detailed report with ideas and recommendations will be shared in the next edition of the Bridge.
SAVE THE DATE
Dunkeld and Birnam’s Annual Santa Day - 6th Dec 2025
We are in the process of recruiting this year’s Elves (volunteers). If anyone wishes to be involved on day there are a variety of roles from setting up or manning the Santa Day stall for a stint; to marshalling the parade and events throughout the day. As the saying goes, the more the merrier. Without help it is difficult to run the event safely so please get in touch if you want to get involved and can spare even a small amount of time of the day.
Email dunkeldsantaday@gmail.com or drop us a message on Facebook @Dunkeld and Birnam Santa Day. We will also be releasing sneak peaks of what to expect in the coming months via Facebook and instagram (#dunkeldandbirnamsanta), so be sure to give us a follow if you don’t already.
Learning and Community History
Funding
12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN. www.historicdunkeld.org.uk manager@historicdunkeld.org.uk 01350 727786
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm
The whole heritage sector is being hit hard by the cuts in funding available with us all after the same smaller pots of money. With this in mind, we must start looking at other ways to financially support our museum and archive. We have launched a Membership to enable people to regularly support us, with the following benefits;
Monthly newsletter.
• Free access to the Archaeology & History Club which includes training events, workshops, talks and priority for upcoming digs.
• Half-price tickets to all Dunkeld Museum & Archive events. Yearly members social get together.
• The knowledge that you are supporting a fabulous local collection and helping keep it in Dunkeld. Please look at the members page on our web site for further information.
You may also have noticed the cute little “Pictish Piggy” money banks that have appeared in the archive window. Please consider sponsoring a Pictish Piggy by taking one home, asking friends and family to fill them up, then returning them to the archive. A fun way to help raise funds for the museum and archive.
YAC
Our Young Archaeologists meet fortnightly on a Thursday from 3.30pm to 5pm in the Archive. Our next meeting is “Pottery Identification” with Derek Hall (pottery expert) on Thursday 18th September. The children will be looking at (and identifying) the pottery they found during their excavation this year, along with many other examples in Dereks collection.
YAC joined the Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust Rockart project excavation near Aberfeldy in September and had a great time excavating and drawing. Thanks to Tertia and her team for organising the day.
Adult Archaeology/History Club - Dates For Your Diary
We had a great “Drop-In” day on Saturday 13th September, when we launched our new adult archaeology/history club. Dr Gavin Lindsay demonstrated Topographical Survey in Stanley Hill park.
Did you know, if you become a ‘Member’ of Historic Dunkeld, you instantly gain free access to our Archaeology Club. Check our Members page on our web site.
All talks and skills workshops for the club will be held in the rooms above the Perth Arms at 7.30pm.Please feel free to grab a drink on your way up!
Friday 10th October: Talk with Paul McLennan, Archivist of Murthly Castle & Estate.
Thursday 30th October: Skills workshop with James Jarvis - Map regression.
Friday 14th November: Talk with Irene Hallyburton – The Church in the 18th Century.
Thursday 27th November: Skills workshop with Dr Lucinda Dean – Historical desk-based research.
Friday 12th December: Christmas “MEMBERS” get-together and “Dark Xmas” storytelling with Lindsey Gibb.
Thursday 29th January: Skills workshop with Bob Carchrie - Aerial photography and LiDAR.
Friday 13th February: Talk with Lindsay Gibb - Murder, Monks, Mittens and a Maid, courtesy of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
Thursday 26th February: Skills workshop with Dr Gavin Lindsay – Putting what we have learned so far into practice.
Friday 13th March: Talk with Professor Kate Britton - Late Pleistocene (Ice Age) Archaeology and Archaeological Science.
Thursday 26th March: Skills workshop with Dr Gavin Lindsay – Excavation skills part 1
Thursday 30th April: Skills workshop - Excavation skills part 2
Thursday 28th May: Skills workshop - Excavation skills part 3
Thursday 25th June: Skills workshop - Excavation skills part 4
Other Dates for Your Diary
Saturday 11th October at Birnam Arts: 1970’s Royal School of Dunkeld Reunion. Tickets are now on sale from the Archive and Birnam Arts.
Wednesday 15th to Friday 17th October: LocalFest25 at Birnam Arts, of which The Archive are proud partners. This amazing regenerative tourism event is a must. Take a look at their website for further details - https://www.belocal.scot/localfest25/
New Acquisitions
A huge thank you to the Cox family for allowing the Archive to purchase a large number of books from the late Eileen Cox’s collection. These books will be an invaluable resource for our volunteers and visitors. This purchase would not have been possible without the extremely generous donation from one of our volunteers, Garth Ponsonby, so a huge thanks to him also.
Exhibition
Our new exhibition has been designed and built by our local ski-maker (Lonely Mountain Skis), Jamie Kunka. In Jamie’s spare time he likes to go diving and digging for old bottles which he then researches. There are some fascinating stories, so please come along and take a look. This exhibition will remain until the New Year.
Monday Memories Club
Monday in the Archive from 3.00pm to 4.30pm in the Archive. Reminisce over tea/coffee & biscuits.
If you need transport please get in touch as we have a taxi available.
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
Learning and Community History
BIRNAM LIBRARY
It’s Free to Join and library fines have ended! Hooray!
Library Community Challenge! Friends of Birnam Library are setting the community a challenge to double the number of active borrowers in our community from 220 – 440 by September 2026 and show to everyone how much we value Birnam Library! It’s free to join the library – just pop along to the library to join or renew your membership if you have lost your card – and you don’t even need to be able to read to join .. you can join as soon as you are born! Please check that your membership is with Birnam Library so your membership counts towards our target! Did you know.. our library also has jigsaws for borrowing and space for book groups to meet? You can also order books online using the Spydus app which is free to download. If you would like to join the community group contact us at friendsofbirnamlibrary@gmail.com
Friends of Birnam Library: A Community Group committed to a bright and sustainable future for Birnam Library
GRAHAM ROBB PHOTOS
Portraits | Headshots | Passports at my studio in Birnam or at the location of your choice
Autumn in the Air: A Day of Apple Picking and Pressing
As the first hints of autumn appear with leaves turning colour and crisp, cooler air, the season of change is gently settling over MHG Dunkeld Campus. While our gardens still offer up the late fruits of summer with plump tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and a grapevine heavily laden with grapes waiting to be picked , we are beginning to turn our thoughts toward falling leaves, log fires, and Halloween preparations.
Before embracing the shorter days of autumn, we were lucky to enjoy a delightful seasonal tradition: a day of apple picking and juicing at the orchard of one of our young people’s grandparents.
It was a perfect sunny morning as most of our children and young people set off on this special outing. The day began with a short, engaging lesson on the history and naming of the three apple varieties grown in the orchard: Thorle Pippin, Lady Sudeley’s Red, and Oslin. With that knowledge fresh in our minds, we learned about the traditional process of apple juicing, a fast disappearing craft.
The first task was picking the apples straight from the trees, followed by a quick rinse and a rough chop. The fruit was then fed into a handcranked apple crusher, which broke it down into a juicy pulp. A job that turned out to be both hot and hard work! Thankfully, a shady picnic under the trees offered a well-earned break, with lunch, laughter, and conversation flowing freely.
Refreshed, it was time returned to the juicing process. The crushed apples were transferred into a fruit press lined with a straining bag. A large pan sat beneath the spout, ready to catch the fresh juice. With the crossbeam secured in place and the handle slowly turned, the sweet liquid began to flow. Steady pressure helped extract every last drop, leaving behind a dense, cake-like mass of apple fibre, which was sent off to the compost heap ; zero waste, full flavour. Finally, the juice was heated to boiling point and cooled before being poured into sterilised bottles . The result was a deliciously fresh, organic apple juice, rich with the taste of the season and tasting even better with the satisfaction of having made it ourselves.
Everyone took a bottle home, and we made sure to leave a few with our kind and generous hosts as a small thank you for a big-hearted day.
Repairs and Improvements Carpentry : Plumbing : Tiling Glazing and Decorating SERVING PERTHSHIRE FOR 30 YEARS NO JOB TOO SMALL
ADVERTISING COPY DEADLINES TO REACH OUR COMMUNITY IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS
NOVEMBER EDITION
Copy Deadline
17th October
DECEMBER EDITION
Copy Deadline
14th November
LOCALfest25 – Curated Conversations 16 & 17 October 2025
LOCALfest 25, the inaugural festival of community led tourism in Scotland has pivoted!
Mid-September a major funding gap emerged. However, this coincided with SCOTO undertaking a Press Pause ® workshop in Dunkeld and Birnam which explored many topics and highlighted just how valuable LOCALfest would be in helping this vibrant community share in the experiences of other communities, and to address issues around tourism outlined in the PH8 Local Place Plan.
To cancel would be wrong. Birnam Arts, the festival venue needs this booking, so with the valuable support which is in place from HES, SCOTO and others, LOCALfest is pivoting and will focus on a series of Curated Conversations. These conversations are open to everyone to join in and will both support Dunkeld and Birnam but will also be relevant to many if not all communities across Scotland.
With the funding shortfall, LOCALfest25 will now reduce to 2 days – Thursday and Friday - and one concert to launch these conversations with Karine Polwart on Wednesday evening. Participation on both days will be open to all on a pay what you can basis and also will be live streamed to widen the audience. John Swinney will join us on Friday as planned.
Raven Sinclaire of Traceless Tours who kickstarted this initiative said “I’ve had visions of LOCALfest as both a celebration and evolution of community led tourism, for a few years. It’s a privilege to work with SCOTO, Historic Environment Scotland and Dunkeld and Birnam communitypartners to bring it to life. Challenges have come about at the last planning stages and a reframe and scaling back is actually an opportunity. We now know that ‘Curated Conversations’ is a critical part of the process. I’m looking forward to exploring issues, opportunities and solutions around the visitor economy, funding gaps and how communities can best navigate it all.”
Carron Tobin from SCOTO added “The ‘pay what you can’ contributions will allow us to provide bursaries for other communities from elsewhere to attend and share their experiences.”
“So far we have Loch Ness Hub and Travel, Trimontium Museum, Abernethy Museum, Gairloch Museum and Glen Esk Folk Museum joining us. We have partners supporting conversations on collective stewardship and community use of redundant buildings. We’ll share experiences of addressing traffic management and other infrastructure challenges and we’ll explore how to develop local supply chains and encourage Dunkeld and Birnam’s visitors to ‘Buy Local’.”
Catriona Waddington who has just concluded her SCOTO Adventures with a Bus Pass will join us to share her first-hand experience of 66 bus journeys and being a temporary local in 11 different local authorities.
Carron added, “A major funding knock back coinciding with the SCOTO Press Pause ® workshop has enabled the LOCALfest team to home in on what really matters. A community led approach which secures revenue and benefits for a host community is ever more critical in the face of diminished funding. At its heart LOCALfest is now laser-focused on developing a new narrative for tourism in Scotland through our LOCALfest Curated Conversations.”
The LOCALfest Curated Conversations programme and links for ‘pay what you can’ daytime tickets are on https://www.belocal.scot/localfest25/. Tickets for the launch of LOCALfest by Scottish singer, songwriter and composer Karine Polwart are also available here or direct from Birnam Arts.
Notes from a Councillor
PKC Councillor Updates:
We look forward to sharing contributions from our elected councillors in future editions of The Bridge.
One of the key issue PKC is consulting communities on at the moment is on their Circular Economy Strategy (2026-31) . The council is asking for our suggestions on how to reduce waste, improve reuse and recycling, and make our local economy more sustainable. Residents, businesses and community groups are invited to share ideas. For example things we could offer ideas around might include:
• Reducing single-use waste – What more could PKC and local businesses do to cut single-use plastics and packaging, and make recycling simpler for households?
• Supporting repair and reuse – Should the Council invest more in community facilities such as tool libraries, repair cafés, or materials reuse hubs to keep items in circulation for longer?
• Encouraging local food and growing – How might PKC better support local food production, community gardens, or food-waste reduction to cut carbon and strengthen local resilience?
Ideas and comments can be submitted by email to ClimateChange@pkc.gov.uk. PKC CLD Enquiries cld@pkc.gov.uk https://www.pkc.gov.uk/cld
News from our Community Council
Community
Council Update – Mike Wolfe
We introduced your new Community Council in the last edition of Bridge. Since then, we have been busy working on wide range of topics to help and support our thriving community. Most of these topics were covered at our most recent, well-attended public meeting (25th August at the Guide Hall). We thought it might be useful to provide an update on latest progress, and for those who couldn’t attend.
LocalFest 25 – We heard from Bea Nicol and Beth Taylor who, in partnership with a range of organisations, are co-ordinating a threeday festival (15th - 17th October) focused on sustainable, community-led tourism. A topic which is clearly very important to local residents, businesses and visitors to the area. This will include a ‘Press Pause’ event to gather community feedback on tourism impacts.
Scottish Government’s Visitor Levy - Consultation closes 30th September which we publicised at the meeting, on our Facebook page and website. We encourage residents to comment on this important subject.
Proposed Windfarms – At the time of writing, we are working to arrange a public meeting (17th September) to discuss and hear the views and
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Me m ber of the Sco ttish Parl iament for Mid Sco t la nd & Fi fe Reg io n FOR H EL P & ADVIC E
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opinions in relation to two proposed windfarm developments in the area: Meall Dearg and North Logiealmond. We strongly encourage local residents to attend to understand what is being planned in our area and how it may affect our community.
Planning Issues – We asked for community views in relation to a long-running planning application at Newtyle Quarry. There was unanimous opposition to the proposals for further quarrying based on health, noise, volume of lorry traffic and environmental impacts. We re-affirmed the Community Council’s position to continue to oppose the plans which are likely to surface for another round of public consultation soon.
Flooding – Following recent torrential rain (14th August), we have supported residents with representations to PKC to provide mitigation measures and to investigate the root cause of some recurring problem areas. Investigation and design work is ongoing for the Dunkeld Flood Prevention Scheme with construction likely to start early in 2027.
Street Lighting – PKC’s LED replacement programme has introduced low energy street lighting to most areas of Dunkeld and Birnam. We
were notified by residents that the brightness of the replacement lighting was a cause for concern in and around The Cross. With excellent support from Tayside Contracts, we believe these issues can be mitigated to avoid excessive light entering people’s homes at night, and to achieve the energy efficiency measures PKC are required to meet.
Community Council Elections – All PKC Community Councils are required to elect members every 3 years. The current 3-year period ends in November 2025, so a public election will be held Thursday 6th November. Nominations close Thursday 25th September and we hope that those interested will put themselves forward to serve on Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council.
There is a lot going on in our community, so please do attend our public meetings and keep in touch through our usual channels:
Website: https://dunkeldandbirnamcc.co.uk
Email: dbcc.correspondence@gmail.com
Facebook: Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council
CO UNCILL OR G RANT LAIN G ( Independent ) 01 738 47 50 00 or 07 8 81 5 00 501 E ma il : GLai ng @ pk c.gov.uk
CO UNCILL OR IAN JAME S (C o nser vat ive) 01 7 38 4 750 00 E ma il : IJam es@ pk c.gov. uk
CO UNCILL OR CLAIRE MCLARE N (Scottish Liberal Democrats) 01 73 8 47 5 00 0 E ma il : Cl a ireMcL a re n@ pk c.g ov.uk
JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576
The Dunkeld and Birnam Christmas Art and Crafts Fair takes place on 8th and 9th November in The Drill Hall The Cross Dunkeld from 10am to 5pm each day. Crafts include woodturning, macrame, quirky felt, genuine Harris Tweed, unique knitwear, silver jewellery, leather hats and bags and shoes made to measure, amazing designer hats, glass, artwork, dreamcatchers, sheepskins, leather belts, soaps and lotions and collectible bears and friends.
DEMONSTRATIONS FREE ENTRY
Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition
Sales were steady but down a bit from last year. We were able to give a cheque for £3,500 to church funds. We had a number of new artists as well as many well known names. Some artists sold all their work. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of our 55th annual Exhibition.
The Meeting Place
We are back at the Duchess Anne every Friday from 10-12.
Thank you to the members at St Mary’s in Birnam who took over the Coffee Mornings while the Art Exhibition was on in the Duchess Anne.
Come and join us for delicious home baking and tea/coffee.
Any queries to mascott47@aol.com
Against Newtyle Hill Quarrying
We are fighting against planning application 22/ 01654/FLL to protect the neighbourhood and wider community from serious risk of harm and the destruction of our environment.
These proposals will excavate, crush, screen and transport large volumes of slate, releasing vast quantities of dangerous silica dust particulates into our precious atmosphere with a significant risk of deadly silicosis and exacerbation of COPD, Asthma and other respiratory conditions. This is a national and international concern as more and more deaths and illness are attributed to the effects of inhalation of silica dust. A Tayside Consultant in Public Health Medicine has already stated concerns about the significant risk to public health and safety through air and noise pollution associated with these proposals.
The destruction of the hillside over our community will damage the ecological system, including rare and endangered species of wildlife and vegetation.
There will be 90 lorries per day carrying this hazardous material along the boat road, past the hotels and hospitality gardens, through the difficult Main Street junction, across the narrow historical Telford Bridge, past the school and nurseries and houses, out onto the A9.
Sound good? We didn’t think so! So, how can you help?
After almost three years of fighting this and countless delays, there is to be one final phase of consultation coming soon. We need to demonstrate our opposition by a further raft of objections to add to those already lodged (including from our community council) and a successful petition.
We will let you know when the consultation is re-opened and will help you to lodge your objection. We will campaign vigorously both locally and through the media to raise awareness and concerns and will aim to hold a public meeting to explain the dangers we face. Please support us in any way you can. William Nicoll, 5 Deans Park, Dunkeld, PH7 0JH 07802 538618 billnicoll@btinternet.com
Work & Business Support
GrowBiz Launches New Programme for Older Entrepreneurs
Do you have the skills to work for yourself, an idea to start your own business, or are you in the early stages of a new enterprise?
If you’re aged 55 or over, you can benefit from a new GrowBiz programme specifically designed for older entrepreneurs. Funded by the Scottish Government Ecosystem Pathways Fund, its aim is to give you the confidence, skills and support to build something that works for you, whatever that looks like.
The programme will include one-to-one advice and guidance, business mentoring, online and in-person workshops and a peer support network. It’s flexible, providing support at the pace and frequency that fits your needs and schedule.
GrowBiz has almost 20 years of experience in helping entrepreneurs like you in rural Scotland, and our experienced and friendly team all run
Saturday 15th November
Sunday 16th November
their own businesses too. A network of fellow older entrepreneurs will create a space to share challenges and successes and to be inspired. Whether you’re in need of some technical advice and support, skills development, confidence building, or are simply interested in being part of a vibrant business community that all helps each other, the programme has something for you.
If you’re ready to feel encouraged, empowered and energised to take your business forward, visit www.growbiz.co.uk/olderpreneurprogramme and fill in the confidential online form to register your interest.
October ‘Stick on the Fridge’
Local Organisations - Contact Details
Listing for local voluntary organisations are free however The Bridge welcomes donations to cover the cost of these listings. Please send donations to the Advertising Manager, John. B. Gray at Highfield, Brae Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0BA. Many thanks. Please contact the editor with amendments/additions.
Organisations - General
Phone 01350+
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 Community Orchard 727048 Katharine Melville dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Historical Society 07584 434253 Dave Roberts daveroberts132@btinternet.com
Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom 07931 758456 Moira Forbes Forbes50@hotmail.co.uk
Birnam Arts 727674 Manager admin@birnamarts.com arts@birnamarts.com
Birnam Arts Ballet (Mon – Thurs, Emma Gray age 4 upwards & adults) ballet@birnamarts.com
Cathedral Tower Bell Ringers 742218 Iona Connor lowesfarm@hotmail.com
Dunkeld and District Strathspey & Reel Society 07740 664052 Theresa MacVarish Clark secretary@dunkeldstrathspeyandreel.org 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
Local Organisations - Continued
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
Caledonia HA and Willowbank House 07595 651446 Joanne Lawrie joanne.lawrie@caledoniaha.co.uk
4 Walk and Talk - Where there is rock there are lichens! Dùn Coillich 10am Booking essential via Eventbrite suggested donation non-member £5 www.duncoillich.org
5 Hand Building Clay Day Course 10am-4pm: £80/£100/£115* Birnamarts.com / 01350 727674
6 Repair Café 3-6pm Birnam Arts dbrepaircafe@googlemail.com
7 Evergreen – gardening for everyone: 10am -midday Planting winter bulbs Free Guide Hall Little Dunkeld. Mel Nicoll 07876 118625 mel@cavecrag.com
7 Virtual Meditation organised by Dalguise Meditation Group 6:30 -8pm contact Maragaret margaret.q.lear@gmail.com
8 Gardeners and Growers David Hynd, Perth Bonsai Group: Talk and demonstration of growing bonsai. 7pm Birnam Arts
9 Fungi: The Web of Life: Film Screening 6.30-9pm: £8* Birnamarts.com / 01350 727674
10 Archives : Talk with Paul McLennan, Archivist of Murthly Castle & Estate. Upstairs at the Perth Arms 7:30pm www.historicdunkeld.org.uk
11 1970’s Royal School of Dunkeld Reunion. Tickets are now on sale from the Archive and Birnam Arts. https://www.belocal.scot/localfest25/
15-17 LOCALfest25 Birnam Arts www.belocal.scot/local-fest 20
