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
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If you stand in the Cathedral grounds and look over the river you’ll see the confluence of the River Braan with the Tay. Since the dawn of time, people have held the place where two rivers join to be a site of spiritual significance. Before our cathedral was built, there is evidence of earlier signs the place had special significance for the community who lived there. I don’t know about you, but sometimes when I need some quiet space to think I head down and wander the grounds or sit inside in the quiet, cool space. This summer there are other opportunities to enjoy this space. There are weekly lunchtime concerts (see p16) and also guided pilgrimage walks that set off and finish in the Cathedral Grounds (see page 6). I’m looking forward to joining these walks at some point in the summer and taking the additional opportunity to learn more about the history of the place we live in.
The cathedral is also a good place to say the prayers which will be needed ahead of the Gardeners and Growers Annual Show –particularly the one asking that the Good Lord doesn’t send a deluge the night before the
show which will ruin all the flowers. The Annual Show is a lovely event and an opportunity to enjoy sharing our gardening triumphs and - let's face it – as long-time readers of this column will know – near triumphs. There are also categories specifically aimed at our young people – this year their challenges include funniest looking vegetable; a bug hotel and a decorated biscuit to look like a flower. It’s time to get creative and have lots of fun. See page 17 for the full schedule.
After the incredibly damp start to the summer it is great to have a bit of sunshine and warmth. Let’s hope it lasts and we can all enjoy some time out and about. The Bridge takes its summer break too and this edition, as usual, covers both July and August. Looking forward to catching up again as the wild raspberries sit ripe in the woodlands and there is a hint of autumn in the air.
Sally Robertson
Working constructively to get the best community outcomes from the A9 dualling proposals
The next A9 Community Group meeting will be on Thursday 29th August 2024, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts. All welcome! If there are important developments before that we shall of course be in touch.
The 2024 AGM took place on 30th May, with 11 present. After approval of the 2023 AGM minutes Alasdair Wylie summarized the activity in the previous 12 months. This included changes in Transport ministers (Kevin Stewart and Fiona Hyslop). Members of the Group and JAG met with both Ministers, most recently Fiona Hyslop 8th November 2023. We provided various background documents including “The Story So Far” in advance of the meeting. The Group pushed the Transport Minister for a view on when a preferred route decision would be made for the Tay Crossing to Pass of Birnam section. An announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary Mairi McAllan about the A9 dualling plans in the Scottish Parliament on 20th December . Representatives from the Community Group met with Transport Scotland (TS) representatives on the same day and we heard about their Preferred Route plans for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing which had been presented to the Transport Minister. Elements of the Community Preferred Route (CPR); the route resulting from the Co-Creative process in 2017/18, were included in the design but crucially some elements had substantially changed. The main deviation from the CPR was that the A9 passing the Station was not lowered and was running “at grade” (i.e. at the current level). The Birnam junction design had also been substantially altered. On 29/30th January 2024 TS held public exhibitions at Birnam Arts as part of their official consultation exercise to conclude DMRB Stage 2. for the Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing section. The A9 Community Group created a survey to collect feedback from the community on Transport Scotland’s Preferred Route selection and also whether the A9 Community Group should continue. We ran an event on 2nd March at the Duchess Anne to build familiarity with the designs TS were showing, and to highlight the benefits and disbenefits of their design. We also used the event to remind the community of the documented Community Objectives and differences between the CPR and Transport Scotland’s Preferred Route. Approximately 70 people from the local community and visitors attended. We currently have around 110 responses to the community survey. Transport Scotland report over 100 responses to their own consultation survey. The A9 Community Group have highlighted to TS some cost discrepancies in relation to the relative costs of the different options reviewed during DMRB Stage 2. We have also raised the lack of engagement from TS on their recent NMU (Non Motorised Users) event to which neither DBCC nor A9 Community Group were invited. Alasdair concluded his report by thanking all those involved in Community Group who have attended meetings, developed the new survey and setup and facilitated the community drop-in event in March.
Treasurer's Report : Garth Ponsonby presented as follows: During this financial year, the A9 Community Group (A9CG) incurred expenditure totalling £735.96 on its own account, partly on provision of meeting rooms for regular meetings, and partly for the event held in the Duchess Anne consequent on the announcement of the A9 Preferred Route. There was an amount of £2,142.31 remaining to the credit of the A9CG as at 31-3-24, and there has been subsequent expenditure to the amount of £446.90, including the purchase of a Zoom licence for online meetings, with a current balance of £1,695.41 as of today.
Junctions Action Group sub-account: During the 2023-24 year, a total of £482.18 of JAG invoices has been paid out, and a deposit of £500 has been made, leaving a credit balance of £232.82 for the JAG as at 31-3-24, which is still the same today.
Election of Office Bearers: Alasdair Wylie and Garth Ponsonby were re elected as Coordinator and Treasurer respectively. Mike Wolfe has decided to stand down as Depute Coordinator and there were no nominations for the position at the AGM. Alasdair thanked Mike for the very considerable contribution he has made to the A9 CG over the years. In Sophie Cade’s absence, hopes were expressed that she might be able to continue as Secretary. Other business: It was agreed that we will continue to attempt to raise visibility and increase completion rate of the A9 Community Group questionnaire as the response rate is much lower than our previous surveys on this topic (~110 now compared with ~450 in May 2016). The next AGM will be held Thursday 29th May 2025.
For all Transport Scotland contact details/links including their DMRB Stage 2 assessment and Preferred Route, see the June Bridge, also available on our A9 dualling page in the online Bridge, link below
As always you can contact us at email: dunkeldA9workinggroup@gmail.com, and to have your details added (or removed from) our mailing list; Also at Facebook page: Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group. Please Like and Share it. or just phone me! Alasdair Wylie Coordinator 01350 727361 07927 175121
Our page on "The Bridge" website, including key documents for download is: http://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/community-council/a9-dualling
Birnam Arts:
Concerts & Events ∙ Café ∙ Shop ∙ Gallery ∙ Beatrix Potter Station Road, Birnam PH8 0DS 01350 727 674
Tickets and details: www.birnamarts.com
Friday 12th July at 19.30
Good Guy Hank with Cahalen Morrison
Join Good Guy Hank for an incredibly special night of music, launching their debut album at their home venue.
Wednesday 17th July at 14.00
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck
Quantum Theatre
A delightful new adaption, with songs, action and drama, a meet and greet with Peter Rabbit and free entry to the Beatrix Potter Exhibition!
Saturday 20th July at 19.30
My Darling Clementine
A welcome return for Michael Weston King and Lou Dalglesh with re-worked Elvis Costello songs in their own inimitable style.
Friday 9th August at 20.00
Rohallion Summer Ceilidh
Join us for a thrilling and fun ceilidh event, showcasing the brilliant local band, Rohallion.
Saturday 10th August at 12.00 and 15.00
Unicorn Dance Party
A dance party with easy to follow moves, visual spectacle and ‘unicorn sparkles’!
Exhibitions 10.00 to 16.00 daily
Until 21 July- Free Entry
Finding Home: Louise McLaren
Louise explores her physical and ancestral relationship to Perthshire.
Sat 27 July – 8 September: Opening 26 July 18.00-20.00
Beyond Expectations: Jo Foo
Photographer Jo Foo documents breastfeeding/chestfeeding mothers.
Workshops / Events
Saturday 13th July 10.00-12.00
Introduction to Paper Cutting: Louise McLaren
£5*/ £8* / Pay what you can* - 12+ to Adult
Sat 20 July 10.00-12.00
Create your own Paper Cut Artwork: Louise McLaren
£30* (Materials provided) - 12+ to Adult
Saturday 27th July 11.00-13.00
Meet The Artist: Jo Foo
Drop-in / Free
Sunday 4th August 13.30-15.00
Nature Clicks: Jo Foo
£5*/£8*/Pay what you can* - 6-12 with Adult
Tuesday 6th August 10.30-11.30
Snapshots to Great Shots: Jo Foo
£23* - Parents/Guardians with Children
Wednesday 7th Aug 18.30-20.32
Breastfeeding: Why it matters in the quest for Gender Equality: Jo Foo & Helen Reid
A fantastic opportunity to support Birnam Arts and dedicate a space to loved ones or shine a light on your business.
Taking inspiration from the naming of the John Kinnaird Hall, we are now pleased to offer individuals and businesses the chance to acquire the name of one of our other public spaces.
This is a unique opportunity to support Birnam Arts (a registered charity) and its broad range of artistic and community programmes, while profiling your business to a wide range of audiences and visitors.
INTERESTED? Take the next step...
Please contact manager@birnamarts.com
Birnam Arts open 7 days:
Café: 10.00-16.00
Shop: 10.30-15.30
Booking Fees apply
Please check the website for all our ongoing and one off workshops throughout the Winter months – birnamarts.com
Thank you to everyone who attended our summer concert at Birnam Arts in June, we’re very lucky to have such a supportive community. As always, our young members made us very proud by putting on a fabulous show.
We’re now taking a break for summer and will return to classes and band groups on 19th August when we hope to welcome new members to join in on our musical adventures.
Our weekly tuition, currently for fiddle and piano-accordion, is free and we provide the instruments. Classes and bands run weekly during term–time at Birnam Arts and open to anyone aged P5 – S6.
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
If you can already play an instrument, even just a little, you can join one of our bands. We welcome a wide variety of instrument players to be involved in our junior and senior bands, and encourage fiddle and accordion players, string, wind and brass players, guitarists, pianists and more to come along and be a part of our ever growing ensemble. Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com or call 07958 324 766 for more info
Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition
Our Preview Evening is on Monday 29th July from 6 - 7.30pm. All welcome, if you are in the area please call in and see our Exhibition. The Exhibition opens on Tuesday 30th July and will run until Thursday 29th August in the Duchess Anne, The Cross, Dunkeld. We are open every day from 10-4pm and 12-4 on Sundays. We have a good selection of art work, wooden items, stained glass and cards. All work is for sale and can be seen online at www.dunkeldartexhibition.com. Facebook Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition. Our invited artist is Claire Williamson from Pitlochry and we are featuring work by other local artists, Jane Gray, Marilyn Hale, Sheila Mannion and Alan Wright as well as many others who have supported our Exhibition over the years. All enquiries to Dunkeldart@aol.com.
Bookbug session - every Thursday 10.30am - 11am Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please get in touch with the library to book a spot.
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 library.
Recycling All libraries accept used stamps and batteries for recycling. Details can be found on our website: https://www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries/internet-and-computers/princh-printing/
Opening hours: Thursday: 5pm – 7pm Friday: 12pm – 5pm Saturday: 9.30am – 12pm Birnam Library is situated in the Birnam Arts Centre, Station Road, Birnam, PH8 0DS Tel : 01738 459709
Birnam Library is run by Culture Perth and Kinross - a charitable trust bringing art, culture, books, learning, creative communities and local history and heritage to people across the whole of Perth and Kinross. https://www.culturepk.org.uk/
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
Family and Individual Memberships at Dunkeld and Sports and Leisure Hub
Join on-line at Dunkeld and Birnam Sports and Leisure Hub / Membership / Packages (lta.org.uk)
There are a number of membership packages available. Note all these membership costs are for the year!
The basis of the packages are that each includes the Sports Hub membership fee which is £15 this year. This pays for the maintenance of the overall facilities at the Sports Hub, including the clubhouse.
The Tennis Club adult fee is £20, plus the Sports Hub membership fee, which gives membership of the Tennis Club and free access to book the tennis courts and use of the tennis club facilities such as the ball machine, and participation in Tennis Club events such as twice weekly club nights etc.
The MUGA adult fee is £20, plus the Sports Hub membership fee, which gives free access to book the MUGA and use of any of the MUGA equipment.
The combined Tennis and MUGA adult fee includes £20 for each facility (MUGA and Tennis) and the Sports Hub membership fee and gives free access to book both the outdoor tennis courts and the MUGA plus all the benefits of the Tennis Club. Family memberships are available for Tennis and combined Tennis and MUGA memberships, the fees
We had a total of 77 respondents to the survey that the Housing Action Group conducted earlier this year. The data collected echoes the findings of both the 2022-27 Community Action Plan and Housing Needs Assessment and provides further evidence of the need for additional affordable housing. 22% of respondents have had to leave Dunkeld and Birnam to find somewhere suitable to live and 25% stated that their current home does not meet the need of all household members. 18% require low cost rents and 26% require lower cost home ownership in order to suitably housed. For a full summary of the findings and details on potential housing sites, please see the Trust Partnership Page on our new websitehttps://www.dbdtrust.org/housing-action-group
are based on either one Adult plus children or two adults plus children, with all the children in the family being able to join for just £5.
The 200th Birnam Highland Games will be held on Saturday the 31st August 2024 Events start at 11am
Admission Adult. £8
Concession. £5
Child. £4
Family. £20
Car Park. £5 www.birnamhighlandgames.org
This has been an excellent term with the riders making good progress with several of them getting used to a new pony. The last two or three sessions involved the riders practising their games skills in readiness for the end of term games competitions. With fierce competition amongst the helpers as well, the riders all received rosettes to mark their achievements!!
Our ‘Coach in training’ has made excellent progress and has been building up her experience. She will be assessed by our regional coach early in the autumn term.
The Housing Action Group has been working with representatives from Perth & Kinross (PKC) to identify appropriate sites for affordable housing. There are many constraints that limit the suitability of sites around Dunkeld and Birnam with SEPA’s 200 year flood risk zone causing considerable issue. However, with the support of PKC a small shortlist of sites has been created and was shared as part of DBDCDT’s Open Afternoon in April (if you missed this, please find details of the sites on the Trust Partnership Page on our new website - https://www.dbdtrust.org/housing-actiongroup DBDCDT are now hoping to progress to feasibility stage with the most suitable of these sites.
PH8 Caring Support continues to make good progress with a number of families across the area now receiving support from Personal Assistants. Policies to support delivery of a Befriending Service have recently been approved by the Trust and we hope to make our first link soon. Perth and Kinross Council continue to provide help and support to the management team in framing funding applications and providing key information. Over the next few months we plan to run various local fundraising efforts and hope that these will be well supported by the PH8 Community.
Local Place Plans (LPP) offer communities the opportunity to develop proposals for their local area, expressing their aspirations and ambitions for future
We are working on a training schedule for all volunteers to ensure that everyone is kept up to date with training including First Aid and Safe Guarding. Our volunteers are looking very smart in their new polo shirts in our ‘group green’ with the RDA motif. These will be in evidence during our summer fund raising efforts when we will have a stall at the Aberfeldy Show and Pitlochry games.
It has been a disappointment this term not to have been able to have our usual full quota of riders because we do not have the use of a suitable fourth pony. We would be very grateful for any information regarding possible ponies which we could then follow up. Please contact Vicky on 07786 262329 or email breadalbanerda@gmail.com
Meditation has all sorts of benefits – increased focus and calmness, the opportunity to see things from a different perspective, a greater feeling of freedom and harmony, among many others. Whether you have never tried meditation before, or whether you have an established practice, why not come to one of our meetings and find out what we do?
Meetings take place every other Tuesday in Dalguise Village Hall from 10.30 to 12.30. In July, the meetings are on 2nd, 16th and 30th. We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments. There is no charge and we have no religious affiliations.
If you aren't able to attend in person, you might be interested in going on our mailing list, to receive interesting and helpful articles about meditation and mindful living, on the intervening Tuesdays. If you would like to know more about our meetings or about meditation in general, please do contact faithanstey@gmail.com
change. In June, a group of local community members met with representatives from PKC to discuss the possibility of creating a LPP for Dunkeld, Birnam and District. A steering group has since been formed to progress this proposal to the next stage. If you would like to be involved, please email dbdcdt@gmail.com
The Artisan Village proposal is to create affordable workshop facilities for creative businesses and enterprises based in Dunkeld & Birnam, including a community workshop space. We want to promote and highlight the amazing skills of our local artisans and makers by offering dedicated creative business workshop facilities in the heart of the community. Please fill in this short questionnaire if you are in need of a workshop and access to facilities and equipment, including use of a community workshop space. https://me-qr.com/YEpZnyAi
Please get in touch with Beth Taylor, our Development Officer, if you have any questions or suggestions regarding any of the projects we’re enabling via this email – dbdcdt@gmail.com Or visit our website –www.dbdtrust.org
Day & Long Term Stays
Elizabeth & Keith Lumsden 01350 728849
E-mail: bizzabooks@gmail.com
Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm
12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN. www.historicdunkeld.org.uk archives@historicdunkeld.org.uk 01350 727786
Living History
A huge thank you to everyone who made our 2024 Living History Weekend so amazing! The “fabulous” Dunkeld & Birnam Youth Traditional Music Group opened our event.
Mid-Week Memories Club
Slight change of plan – we are now meeting in The Archive on a Monday from 3.30pm to 5pm, until we return to our usual Wednesday spot on 1st Nov. We do have a taxi funded, so if you need transport please get in touch.
Young Archaeologist Club (age 8 to 16)
We had a great time on our first Archaeological Excavation at Keir Hill of Dasher Fortification at Kippen, near Stirling. We meet fortnightly on a Thursday during
school term in the Community Archive at 4pm. The next meeting is Thursday 15th August, but we are organising summer trips, so please get in touch for details.
We Would Love To Hear Your Stories & Memories Of The Oak.
Join us in The Duchess Anne Hall On Wednesday 10th July 10am -midday.
Birnam’s Oak//Scotland’s Shakespeare is a communityled project working to reimagine Shakespeare’s heritage legacy in Scotland through the Birnam Oak (the oldest surviving tree of the ‘Birnam Wood’ that features in Macbeth). The project is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and directed by Dr Toria Johnson, Associate Professor of Early Modern Literature at the University of Birmingham. Beyond its literary resonance and its significance as an ancient tree, the Oak has a rich history in Dunkeld and Birnam. Together with local partners we are bringing together the Oak’s local, regional, and national stakeholders to gather stories about the Oak’s literary, historical, community and environmental importance. By reinvigorating the site’s heritage narrative – telling a fuller and more complete story about this tree, which
combines global literary significance with local and regional history – this project is modelling a way of extending Shakespeare’s heritage reach meaningfully beyond the places where the poet lived and worked. Dame Judi Dench has recently endorsed the project, calling it ‘an exciting new chapter for Shakespeare heritage’ which will ‘redefine Shakespeare’s legacy in, by, and for Scotland’.
Earlier in the year our local historical society handed the reigns over to us.
We are pleased to announce 8 historical talks for 2024/25.
Tickets (£5) are available via Eventbrite or from the Community Archive.
All talks will be held in the Duchess Anne Hall monthly on a Friday (unless specified) from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Tea/coffee & biscuits will be served afterwards, giving people a chance to mingle and chat with the speaker. 23/08/24 – (THE GUIDE HUT, BIRNAM) James Jarvis: Mapping Local History - A Puzzle Through Space and Time
If you have a passion for Roads, Railways and Buildings, we would love for you to come along to this talk as we really need your help to validate the project. Please refer to the “Whats On” page for all other talks.
We’re pleased to introduce Harris who is going to produce monthly Podcasts for us. These can be accessed via our monthly online newsletter, starting with Harris’s interviews of the re-enactors at our Living History event – sign up at www.historicdunkeld.org.uk
“Harris O’Brien is a teenage student of Breadalbane Academy, Perthshire. Through the encouragement of his English Teacher he started audio blogs about the beauty of the surrounding area, and found his inner journalist. Interested in drama, history and Japanese manga art, he regularly cycles to local events with a notepad, microphone and enthusiasm. His inspirations are natural beauty, authentic voices and his family”. Tom O’Brien, Harris’s dad.
Have you got a banking question? Are you a Bank of Scotland Customer? Following the closure of our branch of the Bank of Scotland in The Cross, in person banking support is now being offered Chloe from the Bank of Scotland on Thursdays in the downstairs meeting room at the Community Coworking Space (Old Doctors Surgery) between 9:30am and 3pm.
Local Pilgrim Walks
Two local reflective walks have been set up by the Cathedral Pilgrimage team. These walks are gentle reflective walks which allow for times of silence, of prayer and gentle conversations. Walkers have commented that ‘It was peaceful, interesting and thought provoking’ , ‘wonderful, spiritual, leisurely paced’. The walks are gently guided by one of the team. We hope to have material ready for self guided walks in the near future. There are two walksSt Colme’s Walk which is the longer of the two and will last around three hrs. It includes one short steepish path so good footwear is advised! The walk takes you along the River Tay, then up through the woods to Polney Loch and on to St Colme’s Well. It starts and finishes in the Cathedral grounds.
Birnam Oak Walk: This is the short walk and will take just under two hrs and takes you over the bridge to the orchard, then follow the river to the famous Oak and comes back via St Mary’s church where there is time for quiet reflection.
The next walks will be the following Fridays Birnam Oak Walk : 5th July; 2nd August; 30th August starting in the Cathedral grounds at 10am The St Colme’s walk 19th July; 16th August starting in the Cathedral grounds at 10am For further information please contact Rosie Mackie at rosiemackie2@gmail.com
Community Orchard
There was high drama recently in the orchard when we discovered wasps had made a home for themselves in the shed. Cue much debate about the best and most wildlife/nature-friendly way of dispersing (or working around) them. Thanks to the creative use of a homemade lemon balm, vinegar and peppermint oil spray (along with a brave volunteer!) the wasps seem to have vacated the shed and we can once again have access. The soft fruit is coming along nicely and in a few more weeks, given sun and (sufficient) rain there will be gooseberries, white, red and blackcurrants and blueberries to pick. Keep an eye out for notices on the fence to see what is ready and when.
Please save punnets from any shop-bought fruit to use when it is time to harvest. Amongst the “top fruit” the ‘Opal’ and ‘Herman’ variety of plums will be the first to ripen. Again, look out for updates on the notice board over the coming weeks. The apples come later – the first to ripen are usually the ‘George Cave’ and ‘Discovery’ but that will be a while yet! We will put ‘Pick Me’ signs on the trees when they are ready to harvest. We have used some perennial wild flower seed “bombs” on a bare patch of earth and time will tell if they will establish themselves.
Big Apple Day – our annual harvest celebration with picking, juicing, activities and refreshments will take place this year on Saturday 28 September. We welcome members of our community as well as visitors to the area to enjoy the orchard. If you would like to find out more about helping us with occasional jobs (from small/light to larger/heavier) please contact Katharine 01350 727048 or email dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com As ever, thank you to all our regular volunteers and supporters.
base camp
A group of people from Scotland have decided to challenge themselves by attempting to trek to Everest Base Camp, sitting at 17,598 feet (or 5364 metres) in the Nepal Himalaya in November 2024. This has become a must on some people's “bucket lists” and is a very serious undertaking. This particular group, however, has additional challenges as it is made up of people who have very serious acquired brain injuries. Some were told by medical experts they would never again walk, talk or have a “normal” life. The possibility of trekking to Everest Base Camp was viewed as simply impossible.
To give the group a fighting chance of success it will be vital to meet, bond and prepare prior to the trek. James Lamb has accepted that responsibility. James is the cofounder of a charity, The Little Sherpa Foundation (www.littlesherpafoundation.com) which is based in Dunkeld, Scotland & Phortse, Nepal Himalaya. The charity has a trekking agency which will be responsible for all the logistics involved in Nepal.
Cameron McNeish & Fiona Valpy are patrons of the charity. Cameron is an award-winning writer and television presenter. Fiona is an acclaimed bestselling author, with over three million readers world-wide. Fiona’s next book is set in Kathmandu & the Nepal Himalaya and she spent three weeks with James in Nepal last year to carry out the research for this book. James has also been involved with Richard Else, BBC film producer and double BAFTA winner, by participating in, and making various documentaries in Nepal. This included the award-winning “Sherpas Speak” with the soundtrack by Dougie MacLean & his son Jamie. It is anticipated that a documentary film of this expedition would be hugely popular. At present the group is composed of eight people linked to various Headway groups in Scotland, who support people with brain injuries, plus four guides.This includes Birnam resident Evelyn Menzies & her son Niall Menzies. Most have never met before this venture materialised.
This undertaking will involve massive personal challenges outwith the brain injury, plus requiring the group to bond together as an extraordinary team. We hope this will put a spotlight on individuals dealing with life changing difficulties and hidden disabilities, as well as their families. Our aim is to inspire people all over the world that there is life and support after brain injury. If you are interested in becoming a donor or sponsor or would like more information, please contact James Lamb at littlesherpascotland@gmail.com
Many thanks to locals who have organised fund raisers for this challenge including Jan Silburn and Heather Akers.
Thank you.
Registered charity # SC047634 (Little Sherpa Scotland)
Major Gas Pipeline Project – Update
Phase 1 - Birnam, Little Dunkeld and Inver
We're pleased to say our work laying the gas pipeline through Birnam, Little Dunkeld, under the River Braan and through Inver is now complete. We're currently doing some final checks and a clean-up operation, to ensure we haven't left any debris or materials in the areas where we've been working these past weeks and months. We'd like to thank all local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding now we've completed this initial phase of our project.
Phase 2 - A9
The majority of the construction works associated with phase two, taking the gas pipeline along the A9, is now complete. We still have some testing to carry out alongside some reinstatement so you may still see us in the area.
While closed as a through road to traffic, the B898 remains open to cyclists, pedestrians.... and now sheep
Phase 3 - B898
This final phase of our project has been going well, with favourable weather and much-appreciated understanding from the residents living and working along the road. We're around three to four weeks ahead of schedule and, at the start of June, we moved to the far northerly end of the project near the Logierait Bridge road (see map). From here we'll be working southerly along to section 24. Because of the particularly narrow road width along the majority of the remaining sections of the B898, it is necessary for the road to continue to be closed to all traffic between sections 19 - 24, apart from pedestrians and cyclists. We will continue to keep you informed with the progress we are making on the project with updates on our website. You can either scan the QR code below or visit sgn/our-gasworks/major-planned-projects/birnam-logierait-project.
Our thanks again for everyone's patience.
Thank you from Jan Silburn
I just want to thank all the people who attended our garden opening at Torwood House, helping us to raise nearly £1400 for local charities, Birnam in Bloom, The Guides, Little Sherpa Foundation, Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group and Scottish Air Ambulance Service. Very special thanks to all my friends and family who helped with the preparation, baking and serving teas, selling books and plants on the day. We were also blessed with a beautiful day. Jan Silburn
Dunkeld & Birnam Art and Crafts Fair
Due to ongoing works in The Drill Hall the Spring Fair was held in th e Royal Dunkeld Hotel. I would like to thank the manager and staff of the hotel who did everything to help us with the fair and always with a smile. Unfortunately the fair was poorly attended which was a shame as we had five new excellent exhibitors. Dunkeld appeared to be very quiet. The Summer Fair will be held in The Duchess Anne on the 7th and 8th September from 10am to 5pm.
New exhibitors - demonstrations - Free entry. Railway enthusiasts! The Friends of Blair Atholl Station are staging an exhibition on the Past, Present and Future of the station. It will be in the village hall on Friday 16th August (19:00-20:30), Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th (10:00-16:00) and will include posters, photographs, artefacts, expert talks, videos and childrens’ activities. Admission, with refreshments, is free – paid for by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. See www.blairathollstation.co.uk for more details.
Weekend Workshops: Watch this space for Autumn dates
Private group classes available to book
For more information and bookings: www.thekilncreativepottery.co.uk
Fraser Mills - NICEIC registered
All domestic and commercial work undertaken Tel: 07545 078968
Email: fm.electrical143@gmail.com
FM-Electrical.co.uk
Locally based
Rivendell provides high quality care and support for you and your elderly relative. Based in Birnam and Dunkeld our homely environment provides a safe and fun community spirit. Our trained staff provide care and support for all your needs 24 hours a day, we are always there.
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.
Mon-Fri 8.00am to 5.00pm Sat 10.00am to 11.00am Posts, Rails and slats Ranch Boards, Garden Sleepers -Various sizes Loose Bark and Woodchip
NOW OPEN!
Our Services:
• Service Wash
• Ironing
• Duvets and Large Items
• Same Day Wash
(Please ask for further details)
• Self Serve
• Horse Rugs & Pet Beds
• Laundry Products
Opening times: Monday - Friday 9am to 4pm (closed weekends)
Contact: Kelly - 07871 695461 email: dunbraantaylaundry@yahoo.com Facebook: @dunbraantaylaundry Perth Road, Birnam PH8 0BH (behind Birnam Post Office)
*Post Office Amended Opening Hours* Commencing Monday 8th April
Monday / Wed / Fri 9 - 12 & 2 - 5 Tues / Thurs 2 - 5 Saturday / Sunday CLOSED
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Summer Opening Hours, April to October Monday to Saturday, 9am – 4:30pm Sunday, 11am – 4pm
How to find us: turn off the A9 at Kindallachan and follow the signs to the nursery. 07554 008058
nursery@alexbutter.co.uk www.alexbutter.co.uk
St Mary’s D Day Talk – Sunday 9 June 2024
I suppose, rather unsurprisingly, following Andrew’s excellent talk last Sunday and when, over coffee, it was mentioned we ought to ‘do something’ for D Day’s 80th Anniversary I could hardly sit there mute!
Why is it the country is celebrating or commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D Day and the many other 80th anniversaries this year? Rather like Remembrance Sunday and at its most straightforward it is, I suggest, simply to pay our respects to those servicemen & women who are no longer with us. You will have your own thoughts.
It might help if I said very briefly where I have served as it might put into context what I have to say. I was commissioned in the Parachute Regiment in 1972 at the height of the counter insurgency campaign in Northern Ireland. 1969, when the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland ‘took-off’, seems a long time ago. The year before, 1968, had been the only year since WW2 that the British Armed Forces had not lost a serviceman killed in action.
Indeed, many of you sitting here this morning will not necessarily remember that over 100 soldiers were killed in a single year in Northern Ireland in 1973.
Thereafter, operational service followed with 3 PARA in the Falklands War and later in Sierra Leone and Kosovo during the initial NATO ‘invasion’ and subsequently ‘overseeing’ a liberation army or terrorists depending on your viewpoint.
In today’s context, you will probably be more aware of those British servicemen & women lost in Afghanistan & Iraq: Afghanistan & Iraq: 636 over roughly 20 years.
Falklands War: 255 over a couple of months.
On D Day alone the German losses are estimated at circa 6K, the USA 2.5K, UK 1.5K & the Canadians 400.
In terms of military and civilian fatalities in WW2 the following numbers are apposite:
Russia military & civilian – 24M; China – 20M; Germany military & civilian between 6.8 to 8.8M Japanese military & civilian – 2.5M; UK – 450.7K; USA – 418.5K; France – 217.6K military & 350K – the battle for Normandy? Italy – 457K military & civilian.
These are figures which, today, we find both incomprehensible and, in many cases, reprehensible. I refer, of course to ongoing Israeli Defence Force operations in Gaza and the international communities’ reaction. Yet it is little different to what took place in Normandy in 1944; in order to defeat the Germans, many French civilians paid with their lives.
It also, of course, highlights what has been taking place in Ukraine since Feb 22. And the price being paid by their population. It explains too the high numbers of civilian casualties elsewhere in WW2, principally through bombing, indirect fire as well as famine and malnutrition.
We have enjoyed global peace for 80 years albeit there have been significant wars & conflicts throughout the world since 1945. To name but two:
Vietnam: USA 58K killed; some 2M civilians from both North & South Vietnam plus a further 1.1M North Vietnamese and Viet Cong fighters.
Ukraine: in late Feb this year Zelensky said Ukraine had lost 31K in two years. Ukraine’s estimate of Russian losses are estimated at circa 500K.
Up until the Falklands War those British & Commonwealth servicemen killed were not repatriated – hence the Commonwealth War Graves Commission – and the many cemeteries in northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands, let alone around all parts of the globe.
In the Falklands War and in round terms, the two Parachute battalions lost 50 officers and men and well over 100 were wounded in three separate actions at Goose Green, Mount Longdon and Wireless Ridge.
John Donne wrote about life and relationships that ‘Man is not an island’. What we learned in the Falkland’s Campaign was that our endeavour was indeed a team effort. In terms of equipment, how we got there and landed in San Carlos Water, the Falklands Campaign had significant similarities with June 1944.
Yet, and as experienced in Normandy 80 years ago, victory rarely comes without a price. However, this was not a subject we were overly concerned with then. We were on a grand adventure and nobody was about to give up their place! That attitude is not ours alone. It exists every bit as much today as it did then and those on active service experience every emotion from sheer exhilaration to abject terror.
The lure is the sense of adventure, the buzz is the expected excitement and the glue is the comradeship and mutual respect that adversity generates and which is axiomatic for success. Wars, battles and engagements are fought by small groups
of men whether as part of a ship’s company, infantry fire teams, gun crews, logisticians and aircrew. They fight, as they have always done, for their mates, their regiment or service and the crown in that order.
The larger the fight the more small groups you need. Yet without the cohesion that is bred through mutual respect, trust and comradeship, within the small team, no military endeavour can or will be successful.
But it is small groups of determined men who win battles. And it is fear and more explicitly fear of failure in the eyes of his fellow men that drives men forward to engage the enemy.
The message is not very subtle but it is as true today as it has always been – war is an adventure for the young soldier – it always has been and always will be. And where there is adventure you will find young men – and old too given half a chance – wanting to take part.
As someone said after the Falklands War, there is no better man at closing with the enemy than the British soldier whether he be a jock, paddy, taff, geordie, scouser, brummie, a cockney or any other man or women from the urban and rural heartlands of the UK. As long as they are led by men who are honest, fair & consistent, we will keep this country safe for years to come.
But it is the non-commissioned officers and private soldiers who are always at the sharp end. Without them we are nothing and with them we are unbeatable. Their selfless commitment, bravery, black humour and sheer indomitable spirit has been the difference in many a tight corner. It was ever thus and it will not change – and nor would we want it to change.
All of which is underpinned by the Christian faith. The majority of soldiers are wobbly Christians at best.
I recall a picture that hung in my grand-parents farm house in Lincolnshire. It shows a hunting scene with a man falling off his horse into the dyke. The huntsman says to the Master of Fox Hounds – ‘the parson has fallen into the dyke’. The Master replies ‘it is no matter, we do not need him until next Sunday’.
At war every day is Sunday. And the padre is a vital cog in sustaining morale and delivering comfort when a fighting unit is on operations.
In the Falklands, the parachute battalions were served brilliantly by two padres, one a plain- speaking Yorkshire man and the other an altogether more pious individual. Both, in their own way were outstanding, and as we sailed ever further south in the Spring of 1982, so the numbers in the congregation rose. And this Sunday we remember all those men and women and members of countless small teams from all corners of the then Empire, who 80 years ago, did their duty and many of whom did not return.
We give thanks before God for their collective memory, their courage and their fortitude that those who chose to follow may match those qualities – man is indeed, not an island.
Major General (Retd) Adrian Freer, Vestry Secretary, St Mary’s Episcopal Church
July 7th. 11am - Morning Service in the Cathedral Conducted by the Revd. Gordon Strang 6.30pm - Prayers for Help & Healing in Little Dunkeld Kirk
July 14th. 11am - Morning Service in the Cathedral Conducted by the Revd. Annie Hogg
July 21st. 11am - Morning Service in the Cathedral
2.15pm - Service at Amulree
Both conducted by the Revd. Annie Hogg
July 28th. 11am - Morning Service in the Cathedral
6.30pm - Songs & Silence in the Cathedral
August 4th. 11am - Morning Service in the Cathedral
6.30pm - Prayers for Help & Healing in St. Mary’s Birnam.
August 11th. 11am - Morning Service in the Cathedral
August 18th. 11am - Morning Service in the Cathedral
2.15pm - Service at Amulree
6.30pm - Songs & Silence in the Cathedral
August 25th. 11am - Morning Service in the Cathedral
September 1st. 11am - Communion Service in the Cathedral
6.30pm - Prayers for Help & Healing in Little Dunkeld Kirk
September 8th. 11am - Communion Service in the Cathedral
6.30pm - Songs & Silence in the Cathedral
Tea and coffee are served after the morning service each week in the Chanonry.
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 July 7th. in Little Dunkeld Kirk and then August 4th. in St. Mary’s. All welcome from any church or none.
Once again this summer there is a series of evening services in the Cathedral called ‘Songs & Silence’ – time for prayer and meditation. Using music in the Taize style (quiet and meditative), words and silence these services give an opportunity to enjoy a different type of worship in the peace of the Cathedral. They all start at 6.30pm. and last about 45 minutes. Come and enjoy the peace and quiet of prayer and reflection in the lovely setting of the Cathedral. The remaining dates for this summer are: July 28th, August 18th, September 8th & September 22nd.
Two of our members marked the 65th. anniversary of their ordinations to the ministry this year. The Revds. Robin Stewart and John Russell were ordained in 1959. Both have had distinguished ministries. Robin was ordained in March 1959 and was Assistant Minister at St Ninian's Church, Greenock from 1958-60. He was a member of the Iona Community and had spent the summer of 1957 on Iona working on the Abbey buildings. As a young minister in the Iona Community he was encouraged to go into Church Extension, a post-war endeavour to build churches in new housing schemes. So, in 1960 he was inducted to Wishaw St Mark's. Robin described this as an 'inspiring beginning for a young minister' as people flocked to the new church; new buildings went up and new ways were found of communicating the faith. It was in Wishaw that he met his wife Jan. In 1967 he moved to Comrie and Strowan where their daughter and son, Monica and Michael were born. In 1977 the family moved to Bothwell and his final parish was Orwell and Portmoak where he was minister from 1989-95. In retirement he and Jan moved to Murthly. Robin was a committed pastor, regularly visiting people but also a dedicated preacher who read widely which enriched his preaching. Aa a young man, after graduation, John worked in Germany in 1958 then moved to Ontario, Canada where he was Ordained on the 31st. of May 1959. Returning to the Church of Scotland, his first charge was the Scots Kirk in Rotterdam where their sons Andrew and Graham were born. He and Sheila returned to Scotland and the Parish of Southend in Argyll before moving to Tillicoultry where he had his longest ministry.
John also served the church on national committees and boards. He was Convener of the Board of National Mission and then the Unions & Readjustments Committee of the General Assembly where he gained an extensive knowledge of the Church in Scotland and its ministers. He and Sheila retired to Dunkeld in 2000 and he was appointed Clerk to the Presbytery of Dunkeld & Meigle in 2001, a post which came to an end with the formation of the new Presbytery of Perth in January 2023. His enthusiasm for the Kirk and parish ministry has never waned and up until the pandemic provided pulpit supply for congregations within the Presbytery. Many ministers and parishes have appreciated his unstinting support and wise guidance over the years. Between them, Robin and John represent 130 years of faithful, dedicated ministry touching many lives in many parts of the country!
A more informal, relaxed type of worship started last year, monthly on a Wednesday evening. We have decided to move to the last Wednesday of each month and to meet in the Chanonry. 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 and those exploring faith, everyone is welcome. If you think this is something you might be interested in please come along and give it a try. In June we will meet on the 26th. at 7.30 in the Chanonry.
The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session is on August 13th. at 7.30pm. The venue is still to be decided.
The Meeting Place is in the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings from 10 – 12noon and will run up until the Art Exhibition starts. All welcome.
‘Exploring faith and life together’
The two Fellowship Groups ended the current sessions with a meal together on June 19th. They will both start up again in the Autumn.
Both of these have stopped now over the summer and will start again in the Autumn.
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
Two local reflective walks have been set up by the Cathedral Pilgrimage team.
These walks are gentle reflective walks which allow for times of silence, of prayer and gentle conversations. Walkers have commented that ‘It was peaceful, interesting and thought provoking’ , ‘wonderful, spiritual, leisurely paced’. The walks are gently guided by one of the team. We hope to have material ready for self guided walks in the near future. There are two walks -
St Colme’s Walk which is the longer of the two and will last around three hrs. It includes one short steepish path so good footwear is advised! The walk takes you along the River Tay, then up through the woods to Polney Loch and on to St Colme’s Well. It starts and finishes in the Cathedral grounds.
Birnam Oak Walk: This is the short walk and will take just under two hrs and takes you over the bridge to the orchard, then follow the river to the famous Oak and comes back via St Mary’s church where there is time for quiet reflection.
The next walks will be the following Fridays Birnam Oak Walk : 5th July; 2nd August; 30th August starting in the Cathedral grounds at 10am
The St Colme’s walk 19th July; 16th August starting in the Cathedral grounds at 10am
For further information please contact Rosie Mackie at rosiemackie2@gmail.com
The 3 Churches Charity is doing very well indeed, both in sales and in valuable donations. A huge thank you to those who buy, those who donate and those who volunteer.
Sometimes we may receive a lot of clothes donations all at once, and when this happens, because of limited storage space, we may need to ask for your understanding if we cannot accept your clothes donations for a couple of weeks. So, thank you for your patience.
Our customers continue to tell us how much they love our shop and recently they add that they like the way it is laid out too. This is useful to us. Thank you for your feedback. We would really appreciate one new type of volunteersomeone who is used to selling on Ebay... this would only be needed a few times a year. If you can help, please contact our Chairman Anne Graham on 07751593421.
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
Church of Scotland, Amulree
Third Sunday of the Month 2.15pm
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 e-mail: treasurer@dunkeldcathedral.org
Covenant Officer: Mrs. Ann Bryce Tomnagrew House, Dunkeld PH80BX Tel: 01350 723228 e-mail: j.bryce@farmline.com
Organist & Choir Leader: Mrs Hazel Murch Tel: 07867 642954 e-mail: music@dunkeldcathedral.org
Parish Office: Mrs Jill McCrory
The Chanonry, 07808 703641 email: office@dunkeldcathedral.org www.dunkeldcathedral.org
St Mary's Episcopal Church, Birnam
Sunday Service 10 am - Holy Communion with hymns, music and sermon, followed by refreshments.
The church is open daily for visitors, and prayers are said at 5.30pm on Fridays and 9.30am on Saturday.
The Servite service is now held monthly on the last Saturday of each month at 2pm and is led ecumenically by members of the three churches in Dunkeld and Birnam. It is not a communion service. The Rector: Reverend Lesley-Ann Craddock Priest in Charge of St Mary’s Birnam and Dunkeld St Mary’s rectory, St Mary’s Rd, Birnam, PH8 0BJ Tel: 07903 020509 email: lesley.craddock@btinternet.com
Part time = Friday, Saturday & Sunday
I can also be found dwelling nr Loch Ness 01456486663
Treasurer: Charles Cox
Vestry Secretary: Adrian Freer
Tel: 01821 650536 email: adrianfreer@btinternet.com Tel: 01350 727755 (www.stmarysbirnam.org.uk)
St Columba’s Roman Catholic Church
Catholic Church Priest:
Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP
Tel: 01796 472174
e-mail: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk
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 cheap and cheerful ways to make the most of the school holidays
The school holidays are fast approaching again and with them comes the same yearly question: how am I going to keep the children entertained without it costing the earth? Don’t fear, here are five helpful tips from Christians Against Poverty (CAP). Make a plan
As early as you can before the school holidays start, create a budget to help you avoid spending more than you’d like. Make a list of fun and cost effective activities and write down the days and times you plan to do them. This will give your children something to look forward to, and put your mind at rest. For help putting together a budget, visit capuk.org/budgeting. Check out free church and community activities.
Many local churches and community groups offer free and cost effective activities for families during the summer holidays. It’s well worth doing a quick search online to find out what’s happening on your doorstep.
Have a clear out
With the children at home during the day, you might find the space seems tighter than usual. Having a clear out is a great way to fill an afternoon without spending a penny, while also teaching the children valuable lessons about reusing and recycling. You might even uncover items you forgot you had – why not sell these to earn a little extra cash for the holidays? Community marketplaces like Vinted and Facebook are a good place to start.
Make the most of the outdoors
Whether it’s at the top of a mountain or in your back garden, the great outdoors is the most cost effective playground! This summer, why not encourage the children to make their way through National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’? The list offers lots of ways to keep the little ones entertained, from going cloud watching to befriending a bug. Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/50-things.
Use what you’ve got around the house
Whether it’s building a den with cushions and duvets or putting on a living room fashion show, there’s bound to be stuff around your house that you can use to create some fun and joy for the children. Especially useful on a rainy day! Finding things difficult?
At CAP, we see the balance that many people have to strike between providing for their family and avoiding falling into unmanageable debt, and we know that this is getting increasingly difficult. If you’re worried about debt and money, visit capuk.org/help to explore the free services we offer in your area. Plus, there’s a wide range of information and support services to be found online at money helper.org.uk. 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 groups and more. Visit capuk.org to find out more.
Friendly reliable service guaranteed
Grass Cutting, Hedge Cutting, Strimming, Gravel laid, Fencing, Turfing, Slabbing, Tree Work and all General Maintenance
Kilry: 01575 560411
Blairgowrie: 01250 798403
Mobile: 07834 258491
Just a reminder that donations to the food share tables at the Duchess Anne and St Marys are very much appreciated! Everyone is welcome to take things from the tables - it stops food going landfill. Many thanks to donors who leave baking after coffee mornings and events and to the local shops and cafes who donate their surplus food.
Remember there is a confidential contact if you need help with food. Please phone 01350 700018 or email PH8foodbank@gmail.com.
The Friends of Blair Atholl Station are staging an exhibition on the Past, Present and Future of the station. It will be in the village hall on Friday 16th August (19:0020:30), Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th (10:00-16:00) and will include posters, photographs, artefacts, expert talks, videos and childrens’ activities. Admission, with refreshments, is free – paid for by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. See www.blairathollstation.co.uk for more details.
Maths Tutor for all levels school maths including Nat 5; Higher and Advanced Higher Maths : £20 per hour. Former Breadalbane and final year St Andrews Maths student Scott Robertson offers friendly on-line support with all levels of school maths. Contact scottrobertson424@gmail.com 07809 294280 for more information or to book an on-line session.
Currently ranked in the top 1% of the worlds chess players on www.chess.com Scott Robertson offers friendly on-line chess lessons. Improve your tactics and strategy through game analysis. £20 per hour. Contact scottrobertson424@gmail.com - 07809 294280 for more information or to book an on-line session.
Blairgowrie and Rattray arts showcase returns. Artists and creatives in Blairgowrie and Rattray are hosting a series of events including workshops, performances and music sessions throughout August as part of the It’s BRAW (Blairgowrie and Rattray Arts for Wellbeing) Festival.
It’s BRAW runs throughout the year and aims to highlight the wealth of creative talent in the area and support the wellbeing of people in the local community and beyond by providing opportunities to participate in arts, crafts, music and drama activities.
Now in its seventh year, it culminates in a month-long programme of activities, encouraging people to try out new skills and hobbies while at the same time giving professional artists the opportunity to showcase their skills.
There are lots of health and wellbeing activities at the Guide Hall. Here a just a sample of things going on or planned to start soon.
Monday: Zin Yoga; Zero Balancing; Pattern Making for People who Sew
Tuesday: Massage; Mental Wellness Training Training (WRAP)
Wednesday: Positive Breathing Outlook; Therapeutic Gardening
Thursday: Yoga with Jen & Blanche and Yoga with Sue
Friday: Yoga with Sue
Saturday: Swap and Shop
Sunday: A Day of Rest
New! Positive Breathing Outlook
A group for people who want to live positively with breathing difficulties eg COPD; Asthma; Anxiety. Come and have a chat with others facing similar situation and share ideas on how nutrition; limited exercise and having fun can help us live positively.
Coordinated by Lorna Walker lornawalker@gmail.com
First Session July 17th 2-3pm in the Guide Hall. It’s free to attend and hot drinks are available.
New! Monthly Swap and Sell
A fun opportunity to take a table and see what you can swap or sell with members of the community. Tea Coffee Cake and Chat available. £5 per table.
• Yoga and Zin Yoga contact Blanche and Jenna on zenjenyoga.co.uk 07715282238
• Yoga with Sue contact Sue Atkinson on atkinsue93@yahoo.co.uk 07858817915
• Positive Breathing Outlook contact Lorna Walker lornawalker@gmail.com
• Zero Balancing contact Penny Baird on 07342 979393
• Remedial and Sports Massage contact Hayley Gardiner lunan.massaage@gmail.com
• Mental Wellness Training contact Beth at our Community Development Trust dbdcdt@gmail.com or Hayley at Growbiz hayleygardiner@growbiz.co.uk
• Pattern Making for People who Sew contact Eric on bremner1958@btinternet.com
• Therapeutic Gardening contact Beth or Mel dbdcdt@gmail.com
For general information and to make a booking contact coworkingdunkeld@gmail.com
Organised by Dunkeld and Birnam Community Interest Company
The popular Rattray Arts Festival – which celebrates the talent and skills of local creative artists and features hundreds of original paintings - will take place in Blairgowrie Town Hall from Saturday, August 24th to Sunday, September 1st from 10am to 4.30pm each day.
The team at Nest Creative Spaces will be leading a number of crafts-based workshops where participants can try their hand at various different skills such as lino printing, tile printing, and jewellery making.
There will also be a number of musical performances featuring local performers such as Austin Wilkie and local groups such as the popular Blair Ukes, as well as taster sessions for anyone keen to try their hand at playing the ukulele.
And there will be a chance to enjoy the latest production from award-winning local amateur dramatic group, the Blairgowrie Players, who will be performing The Vicar of Dibley at Blairgowrie Town Hall from Friday, August 10th to Sunday, August 11th.
For further details and to book a place at any of the events, please visit the website at www.itsbraw.scot
This edition of The Bridge gives us an opportunity to reflect on the year past, and to look forward. It also gives an opportunity to thank Sally, Kirsty and the team at The Bridge for the chance to share our updates, and for sharing information on school related events online. By the time you read this the children (and weary staff!) will be off on summer break, well-earned all round – having just completed topics on community, the human body, and earlier in the year, on inventors and inventions. The term just past has been immensely busy, with teachers working extremely hard to keep the amazing learning going in classrooms whilst juggling all the other demands of the time of year - sports day, school trips, discos for the children, entry into the football Tullybelton Shield (massive thanks to staff members Mrs Jenkins and Mrs Willoughby for sorting strips, and everything else they do) and class school trips, of which there have been many.
One high profile example of community engagement is our annual calendar – this takes an enormous amount of work, not least by the children producing artwork, but is now part of the school fabric. A huge thanks to all the local businesses and organisations who have supported the calendar, and lots of other activities this year – with all activities the Parent Partnership Group (PPG) has raised a whopping £5,800 to support the school. Thanks to everyone who has played a part - children, parents, grandparents, carers, school staff - baking, making, staffing stalls, coming up with ideas, hosting, cooking, banking, poster creating, poster sharing, tidying up, sharing emails, buying at events - and all the rest.
This year we also deliberately over-ordered calendars, to allow the PPG to gift one to each resident in Servite and Rivendell. Servite residents also loved the PPG gift of jam jar flowers following the Bingo Tea. This year we also saw the previous year’s calendar artwork auctioned off at a raffle run by the Asheville Sister Cities at their 2024 Burns Supper – this raised a whopping £300 direct to the school. We also want to put a special shout out to our friends at Santa Day who have supported us in having a school stand there these past two years, and to thank Fiona Ritchie for her work bringing Shakespeare activities into school.
We have also been delivering a Community Connections Programme. Supported by PKC community investment funding of £8,200 awarded pre covid, and led by Jess Pepper and Katie Mlles, this has seen each class group leading on a theme which the children have then created individualised learning and activity plans - with a thread of stories through intergenerational connections, woodland discovery, reuse, growing and making.
We now have a new PPG committee - a lot of the work of the PPG goes unnoticed, but If you have - enjoyed the school stall at the Birnam Games; had fun at the Duchess Anne Bingo Tea; tested the grey matter at the British legion pub quiz; attended the 80s/90s adult disco in the Royal Hotel; chewed down on cakes and BBQ at school sports day; perused the school Christmas Fayre; enjoyed browsing at the Santa Day stall; or you’ve taken books out the shiny phone box in Dunkeld Square – then it is worth being aware of the power of work done by volunteers and school staff behind the scenes – mostly women - to support. A special thanks to Jen, Julie and Katie. The PPG has also had an ongoing theme this year of supporting and amplifying conversation around Additional Support Needs (ASN) – a hugely important area.
For some of the children, their time at the Royal School of Dunkeld is drawing to a close – but it will always be in them, and we know that those who have taught and nurtured them along the way, in and out of school, have all played a huge part. The idea that a community brings up a child is one we hear from time to time, and this is certainly true across this school and wider community. We know how exceptional the school staff base is – teaching staff, management, support workers, classroom and nursery assistants, office staff, cleaners, cooks and of course our amazing janitor. Beyond that, to everyone in our community who looks out for, and creates opportunities for, our children and young people – thank you. Here’s to a great summer for everyone - as well as through our articles in The Bridge, you can keep up to date with lots of school and community activity through regular newsletters at the Royal School of Dunkeld website - https://www.royaldunkeld.pkc.sch.uk/News/Newsletters/.
Nicola Williams, Headteacher, Royal School of Dunkeld Graeme Cook, Chair, Parent Partnership Group
Local Organisations - Continued
Listing for local voluntary organisations are free however The Bridge welcomes donations to cover the cost of these listings. Please send donations to the Advertising Manager, John. B. Gray at Highfield, Brae Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0BA. Many thanks. Please contact the editor with amendments/additions. Phone 01350+
Organsiations - General
3 Churches Charity Shop 07751 593421 Anne Graham
Alcoholics Anonymous (Helpline) 0800 917 7650
Chapter House Museum 727786 Ruth Brown (in Dunkeld Cathedral, open 7 days) archive@historicdunkeld.org.uk
D&B Paths and Nature Action Group stewartpritchard@aol.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Historical Society 07584 434253 Dave Roberts daveroberts132@btinternet.c.om
Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom 07931 758456 Moira Forbes Forbes50@hotmail.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
Repair Café 07788746127 Liz Duguid dbrepaircafe@gmail.com
Royal British Legion 728811 Kevin Forsyth Kevforsyth@hotmail.com
RVS 01738 633975 Geoff Bird
(Supporting You At Home and perthsupportingyou@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk Home Library Service)
SWRI 723203 / 07881 531565 Evelyn Menzies Evelynhmenzies@gmail.com
SWRI Amulree 723203 Jane Anderson
The Field 07584 434253 Dave Roberts dblandtrust@btinternet.com
The Orchard 727048 Katharine Melville kmelville@ogoroad.com
The Meeting Place (Fri, DA) 07474 183042 Margaret Scott Tourist Association 723297 Adrian Blundell
Community Learning & Development
PKC CLD Staff 01738 459701 Cat Gordon/Alison May/ Robin Crawford dunkeldcomlearn@pkc.gov.uk
U3A 07714 103309 Sandra Cairncross smcairnx@hotmail.com
Sport Butterstone Hill & Trail Group 07761 673231 Adrian Davis wildoutdoorscotland@gmail.com
Clan Bowmen (Field Archery) 727911 / 07786 073686 Arthur Robert Hewines bobhewines@hotmail.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Angling Association secretary@dbaa.co.uk Billy Davidson
Dunkeld & Birnam Bowling Club 07977 911068 Gael Shaw Gaelshaw@btinternet.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club 727524 Jackie MacLean (Visitors Welcome) dunkeld@outlook.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Sports 07970 778525 Sally Robertson
Leisure Hub dbsportsleisurehub@gmail.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Tennis Club 07731 631563 Morna Mitchell mornaamitchell59@gmail.com
Glendelvine/Spittalfield Cricket Club 07816 982140 Andrew Ross (all ages)
Grass Track & Field Group 07736 724113 James Jarvis
Highland Perthshire Clay Shooting Club 07821940252 Ted Carr tedcarr@waitrose.com
Leisure Group (Sports Hall Project) 727361 Alasdair Wylie awylie2002@yahoo.co.uk
Over 35’s Rugby 07738 006738 Iain Gordon
Pilates classes at the Duchess Anne on 07595 436272 Gillian Reeves a Tuesday evening, 5.30pm and 6.30pm ikigaiwellbeing@hotmail.com iainhg@aol.com
Running Club (8 – 12 year old,) 07761 673231 Adrian Davis (Mondays at 3.30pm) wildoutdoorscotland@gmail.com
Swimming & Alexander Technique 07778 778007 Jan Osband jmosband@gmail.com Tai Chi 07551 029076 John Connelly dachutaichi@gmail.com Tayside Orienteers 727048 Bill Melville billmelville@ogoroad.com Yoga 728783 Sue Atkinson atkinsue93@yahoo.co.uk
Music & Arts
BIPS 07872 505516 Melanie Brockway mbroc02@hotmail.com Birnam Arts 727674 Manager admin@birnamarts.com arts@birnamarts.com Birnam Arts Ballet (Mon – Thurs, Emma Gray age 4 upwards & adults) ballet@birnamarts.com Cathedral Tower Bell Ringers 742218 Iona Connor lowesfarm@hotmail.com Dunkeld Strathspey & Reel Society 07531 520476 Duncan Thomson duncanwthomson@yahoo.co.uk Film Society 727740 Tom Barnard tom_barnard@btinternet.com Just Singin’, 7.30pm Weds (BA) 07765 405203 Katie Dalgliesh www.justsingin.co.uk Traditional Youth Music Group 07958 324 766 Karys and Gill dbtradgroup@gmail.com and Facebook Annual Events Art Exhibition dunkeldart@aol.com Margaret Scott Arts & Crafts Fair (Apr, Aug & Nov) 727968 / 07743 400938 Na’an Meikleour poppyseednaan@yahoo.com Christian Aid Week 727867 Jim McCafferty Highland Games (August) 07880 588433 Duncan Sim duncan_sim@hotmail.com Niel Gow Festival 07766 406313 Liam Manion (weekend closest to 22 March) LManion41@gmail.com For Children
Baby & Toddler Group 07546 128902 Lesley Singers Caputh Baby & Toddler Group 07722 183546 Catherine Thomson (Tues, 9.30 – 11.30am) Nursery at Royal School of Dunkeld 01738 454470 Royal School of Dunkeld Sunday School – Church of Scotland 727249 Fraser Penny For Younger People Girlguiding Dunkeld (Rainbows, 07770 324173 Trix Stephen Brownies, Guides, Rangers) (District Commissioner) The Black Watch Army Cadets 07429 113439 2nd Lt Craig Ross 1989ros@armymail.mod.uk
Youth Group (for P7s & 1st years, 727249 Fraser Penny Thurs 7 – 8.30pm)
For Older People
Senior Citizens 727311 Ronalda Pattullo Servite 07595 651446 Joanne Lawrie (Working Hours, Tues & Thurs 9-3:30pm; joannelawrie@caledoniaha.co.uk Wednesday 1-3:30pm
Hall Bookings
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 office@dunkeldcathedral.org
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
Infinity Blu Dental Care(Birnam & Pitlochry) 729198 / 01796 470001
PKC Environmental Services 01738 476476
PKC Roads Dept 01738 475000
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
Continuing until 21st Exhibition Finding Home: Louise McLaren Free Entry Birnam Arts
Summer Concert in the Cathedral Ulrike Wutscher Mezzo Soprano midday – 1pm Dunkeld Cathedral Free Donations welcome
Dementia Café, North Church Hall Perth 10-12pm
Pilgrimage Walk – Birnam Oak starts Cathedral Grounds 10am rosiemackie2@gmail.com
Service Help and Healing Little Dunkeld Kirk 6:30pm
Memories Of The Birnam Oak Duchess Anne Hall 10am -midday
Good Guy Hank with Cahalen Morrison 19:30 Birnam Arts
Introduction to Paper Cutting: Louise McLaren £5*/£8*/Pay what you can* 12+ to Adult10.00-12.00 Birnam Arts
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck Quantum Theatre 14:00 Birnam Arts
Summer Concert in the Cathedral The Ferntower Ensemble midday – 1pm Dunkeld Cathedral Free Donations welcome
Pilgrimage Walk –St Colmes starts Cathedral Grounds 10- 12 rosiemackie2@gmail.com 20 My Darling Clementine 19:30 Birnam Arts
Create your own Paper Cut Artwork: Louise McLaren £30* (Materials provided) 12+ to Adult 10.00-12.00 Birnam Arts 24 Summer Concert in the Cathedral Marta Totten and Hazel Murch midday –1pm Dunkeld Cathedral Free Donations welcome 27 Meet The Artist: Jo Foo Drop-in / Free 11.00-13.00
27 July – 8 September: Exhibition Beyond Expectations: Jo Foo Photographer Birnam Arts
28 Gardeners and Growers Club Montrave, Fife Visit - acox325@gmail.com
28 Songs and Silence Service 6:30pm at the Cathedral
30 - end August Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition www.dunkeldartexhibition.com 31 Summer Concert in the Cathedral Catherine Evison and Michael Brogan Sax and Electronics midday – 1pm Dunkeld Cathedral Free Donations welcome 31 Birnam Highland Games 11am onwards www.birnamhighlandgames.org August 2 Pilgrimage Walk – Birnam Oak starts Cathedral Grounds 10-12 rosiemackie2@gmail.com
4 Nature Clicks: Jo Foo 13.30-15.00 £5*/£8*/Pay what you can* 6-12 with Adult Birnam Arts
4 Service Help and Healing St Mary’s Church 6:30pm
Snapshots to Great Shots: Jo Foo £23* 10.30-11.30 Birnam Arts
Breastfeeding: Why it matters in the quest for Gender Equality: 18.30-20.30 Jo Foo & Helen Reid £3* Birnam Arts
Summer Concert in the Cathedral Pete Clark & Muriel Johnstone Fiddle and Piano 12:00-13:00 Free Entry Donations Invited
Rohallion Summer Ceilidh 20.00 Birnam Arts
Unicorn Dance Party 12.00 and 15.00 Birnam Arts
Kirk Session Meeting 7:30pm Amulree
Concert in the Cathedral Andrew Mann & Gordon Murch Clarinet and Piano 12:00-
–St Colmes starts Cathedral Grounds 10- 12 rosiemackie2@gmail.com
Exhibition Blair Atholl Station Free entry www.blairathollstation.co.uk
Gardeners and Growers Club Annual Show, Birnam Arts acox325@gmail.com
Songs and Silence Service 6:30pm at the Cathedral
Summer Concert in the Cathedral Stewart McMurdo, Viola 12:00-13:00 Free Entry Donations Invited
Just Singin’ restarts
Historical Society talk James Jarvis:Mapping Local History - A Puzzle Through Space and Time £5 7:30 – 9:30pm The Guide Hall, Birnam
Summer Concert in the Cathedral Aylth String Trio 12:00-13:00 Free Entry. Donations Invited
Pilgrimage Walk – Birnam Oak starts Cathedral Grounds 10-12 rosiemackie2@gmail.com
4 Summer Concert in the Cathedral Colleen Nicoll, Soprano & Andrew Johnstone 12:00-13:00 Free Entry Donations Invited 7-8 Art and Crafts Fair Duchess Anne 10am – 5pm Free Entry
8 Songs and Silence Service 6:30pm at the Cathedral 13 Historic Dunkeld Talk, Lindsey Gibb: Shackleton 22 Songs and Silence Service 6:30pm at the Cathedral 28 Dunkeld & Birnam Community Orchard “Big Apple Day” dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com October
Gardeners and Growers Local Garden Visit, Eric Robb, Birnam Glen 11 Historic Dunkeld Talk Lara Haggerty (Innerpeffrey Library): Holinshed Chronicles ~ Macbeth
November 8 Historic Dunkeld Talk Mike Taylor: Bristling with Guns: Perthshire between the wars ~ 'Oi mate, you can't put that cannon there!'
December 6 Historic Dunkeld Talk Lindsey Gibb: Gothic Ghost Stories
Feb
March
Dunkeld Talk Andrew Paterson: Christian Icons ~ making and meaning
Dunkeld Talk Alexander “Dundonnachie” Robertson ~ The man behind the Bridge Toll Riots April
Dunkeld Talk Lesley Wilson: Local Stories from
For some self employed and rural business owners, summer brings increased footfall and longer working hours, for others, work takes a back seat while handling childcare and other commitments, and some are juggling both scenarios. Whatever summer looks like for you, GrowBiz is here to support you in a way that works around your needs and schedule: 1-1 support: When you contact GrowBiz for support, an Enterprise Facilitator will get back in touch to arrange a time to chat that suits you. Whether you’re looking for help making a funding application, creating a climate action plan, or improving business skills, simply email connect@growbiz.co.uk.
Thursday drop-in sessions: Our Drop-In Enterprise Support Surgeries run online on Thursday afternoons between 1pm and 2pm. You can book a half hour session and get instant answers to questions you may have, or feedback on a new project or idea.
Care and wellbeing support: As a self-employed person or business owner, your most important asset is you! GrowBiz can support you to learn to take care of and maintain your wellbeing through accredited WRAP® (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) training or 11 advice with an Enterprise Facilitator with experience on the topic.
Mentoring: If you would like someone who’s ‘been there and done that’ to be a sounding board, boost your confidence, and be there for you, consider enrolling in our award-winning mentoring programme. You and your mentor can work together within both your schedules, even for just 1 hour a month.
Thursday drop-in sessions can be booked via the Events page on our website, and more information about WRAP® and Mentoring can be found under the Support Services menu tab: www.growbiz.co.uk
Scouting going again – but we need a Chair…. In November 2023 we relaunched a Scout Troop for children aged between 101/2 and 14. Scouts and leaders have got to know each other over the winter and spring, and we are now getting out and about more in the longer sunlit evenings. So far, we’ve been cooking with Trangia stoves, using outdoor ‘rockets’, carrying out spaghetti/ marshmallow construction, stargazing, and honing skills on tents and other outdoor kit. We’ve had two outdoor navigation skills sessions, with outdoor cooking and mountain biking also scheduled. We are a registered charity – while we have some committed leaders and a couple of volunteers, we can’t run the charity without office bearers. We’ve got an excellent Treasurer in place but we are looking for a Chair and a Secretary. These aren’t overly onerous roles – if you think you can support scouting in Dunkeld and Birnam – for all children, do please get in touch through this route: https://www.scouts.org.uk/groups/
Scotland’s Gardens Scheme 2025
If anyone is interested in opening their garden in 2025 under the Scotland Garden Scheme n 2025 please contact Fiona Stewart District Organiser on Fiona Stewart munro283@btinternet.com
There is plenty of support available and the garden owner can choose the charity they want to support.
ATHOLL STREET 01350 727556
Proprietor: Alasdair Wylie
Telephone & Fax: 01796 472494 Mobile: 07800 577259
Michael Robertson Plasterer Plaster & Cement work All types of Cornice work and Ceramic Tiling 20 Stell Park, Birnam PH8 0QA 01350 727694 • 07742 091269 miketheplasterer@hotmail.co.uk
Lyndsey Douglas
Local Jewellery Designer and Maker ornaichjewellery.com ornaich.jewellery@gmail.com Òrnaich.Jewellery ornaich_jewellery
Grass Cutting
General Garden Maintenance
Locally Based
Tel: 01350 727769 Mob: 07783 612399
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
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
New Builds, Extensions, Renovations and Restorations, Stonework, Drainage, Groundworks and jobbing. Contact: 01350 727320
Email: info@dunkeldbuilders.com www.dunkeldbuilders.co.uk
Dunkeld & Birnam Gardening & Growing Club
Sponsored by David Lindsay Self Storage & The Taybank to be held at Birnam Arts on Saturday 17th August 2024 COMPETITION OPEN TO ALL
Doors open for viewing at 2.00pm. Award Ceremony and Raffle 3.00pm. Exhibits: 50p per entry / Admission: £2; under 16’s free (cash only please)
SCHEDULE OF SECTIONS/CLASSES
SECTION 1 – CUT FLOWERS
a)Vase of Herbaceous
b)Vase of Annual flowers
c)Dahlias (3 blooms same variety)
d)Sweet Peas (12 spikes)
e)Floribunda Roses (1 spray)
f)Single HT Rose
g)Lily (1 stem)
h)Pansies (6 blooms) on board provided
Except for item h) all entries in Section 1 are to be displayed in the green containers and vases provided.
SECTION 2 – VEGETABLES & FRUIT
a)5 Potatoes (white)
b)5 Potatoes (coloured)
c)4 Onions (each less than 8 oz/225g)
d)6 French beans
e)3 Globe beetroot
f)4 Standard tomatoes
g)6 Runner beans
h)1 Cucumber
i)3 Chilli peppers
j)Most unusual vegetable
k)Box of any vegetables (roughly 30cm/40cm, 12” / 16”)
l)1 Plate of soft fruit (any single variety)
m)3 Chilli peppers
n)3 Carrots (tastiest)
o)4 Cherry tomatoes (tastiest)
p)Peas (9 pods) (tastiest)
Except for item k) all entries in Section 2 are to be displayed on the white plates provided. Ideally the vegetables in each class should be the same variety and be a consistent shape and size.
SECTION 3 – POT PLANTS
a)Fuchsia
b)Pelargonium (Regal, Angel etc.)
c)Geranium (double or single)
d)Begonia
e)Any house plant
f)Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
g)Streptocarpus
h)Cactus
i)Any other flowering pot plant
SECTION 4 – FLORAL ART
Open Theme (Name your own exhibit)
a)All foliage arrangement (roughly 60cm wide 60cm deep, any height)
b)Sustainable table arrangement (ie no oasis, locally grown flowers)
c)Hand tied bouquet (20 stems max)
d) Display of fruit, vegetables, flowers (any combination) to represent a flag of any country (A4 size)
SECTION 5 – HOME BAKING AND PRESERVES
a)Jar of Blackcurrant Jam
b)Jar of Rhubarb and Ginger Jam
c)Jar of Lemon Curd or any other citrus fruit
dJar of Chutney (any kind)
e)3 Cheese Scones
f)Vegetable Cake (must contain only one variety of vegetable)
Items 5e and 5f are to be displayed on the white plates provided.
SECTION 6 – CHILDREN’S
a)Vegetable animal
b)Funniest looking vegetable
c)Miniature wildlife garden
d)Bug hotel
e)Decorated biscuit to look like a flower
There will be three age categories – under 5 years, 5-8 years, 9-12 years. Each category winner in this Section will win a book token/prize.
IMPORTANT – Exhibitors are not allowed more than one entry for any single category. All entries in Sections 1 and 2 must be grown in the exhibitor’s own garden. All entries for Section 3 (Pot Plants) must be in the exhibitor’s possession for not less than 12 weeks. Where numbers or sizes are specified in the above schedule, any entries that do not conform to the specified numbers or sizes will be disqualified.
To register for the Show bring your exhibits together with your completed entry form and total entry fee to Birnam Arts between 9.30am and 11.30am on Saturday 17th August 2024. After registration exhibitors may not move or interfere in any way with the displayed entries except with the Show Secretary’s permission.
All entries are to be removed by exhibitors not later than 4.30pm on Saturday 17th August 2024.
NAME:
ADDRESS:
NUMBER IN SCHEDULE – Circle each entry
TELEPHONE NO:
As is our tradition in the month of an election we suspend our councillors column. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our councillors for all their hard work on behalf of our community.
Information relating to the General Election which is to be held on Thursday 4th July can be found at https://www.pkc.gov.uk/ukpge2024
Polling takes place between 7.00 am and 10.00 pm and the results are expected to be announced at approximately 2.30 am.
Voting is by way of the first past the post system ie the candidate with the most votes is elected.
To vote you simply place a cross (X) against the candidate of your choice.
Statistical information on the electorate and postal voting will follow can be found on the Perth and Kinross Council website following the election.
This election is run on UK Parliamentary constituency boundaries. Dunkeld and Birnam is part of the new Angus and Perthshire Glens Constituency. Kathryn Lindsay, Chief Executive of Angus Council is the returning officer for this constitutency.
Don’t forget to Vote on Thursday 4th July and remember you need to take a form of ID with you to the polling station.
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
I have been extremely impressed with what our friends in Dunkeld and Birnam have accomplished with the Climate Café movement, which seeks to create open, inclusive spaces for citizens to gather locally and share their thoughts and concerns regarding climate change. So when Jess Pepper, who founded the movement back in 2015, invited me to participate last month as part of their Scotland-wide Networking Event, I worked in a four day stop on my way home from a sustainability focused conference in Amsterdam. Sitting down with Jess and Fiona Ritchie to hear about their successes of their network and then share what I had learned on my trip made me appreciate our Sister City even more. The U.S. at times seems an inscrutable puzzle of contradictions when it comes to the climate, but from my perspective I do see real progress taking place. Diverse groups of stakeholders from across our country as well
JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, EDINBURGH EH99 1SP Tel: 0131 348 5717 e-mail: john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot
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
I am personally disappointed at the poor turn out the Community Council have when we hold our meetings. We are a small group of four Community Councillors that volunteer our time to represent the community of Dunkeld and Birnam. If it wasn’t for the Community Council, along with help from the community we would
as from around the globe are talking and working with each other more for the common good rather than solely in their own interest. The future will depend on integrating many sustainable efforts into a cohesive system, so these discussions make me optimistic. Just as the Climate Café movement makes me hopeful for engaging and educating our local communities on the challenges and opportunities we face in confronting our changing climate.
Member of the Scottish Parliament for Mid Scotland & Fife Region FOR HELP & ADVICE
Details of regular surgeries in the local Press You can contact Murdo on 01738 553676 or write to him at
The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP Email: murdo.fraser.msp@parliament.scot
The cost of this publication has been met from parliamentary resources
not be able to put in such detailed reports in regards to breaches of planning at Newtyle and objections to the Erigmore development. As some of the community may be aware the Erigmore planning decision is being appealed. Keep an eye out on PKC website under planning. We will update our Facebook page with any information we receive. At our last Community Council meeting we had representation from Atholl Estates with an update on Haughend. Again we will post any update on our Facebook page. On a more positive note Dunkeld and Birnam Railway Station has had an increase of 17,000 passengers from last year which is great news for our small challenging station and even better news for carparking. I’m off to hopefully find summer...........Wish me luck!
Laura Graham
I also enjoyed the warm hospitality of our Scottish friends, meeting and engaging with many of our contacts over a wonderful dinner at the Atholl Arms Hotel, as well as through one-on-one meetings over the course of my stay. The highlight for me was attending church service at the Dunkeld Cathedral; during the welcome Rev. Fraser Penny introduced me to the congregation, and after the service I enjoyed chatting with a number of them over coffee and cakes.
Our two communities share much through our common cultural heritage, a thriving tourism industry, our many local musicians, artists and craftspeople, and of course our passionate commitment to the outdoors and the environment. We also face many common challenges (such as housing for those local musicians, artists and craftspeople!), and the Asheville Climate Café being hosted at A-B Tech shows how our two cities can work together for a common purpose!
COUNCILLOR GRANT LAING (SNP) 01738 475000 or 07881 500501 Email: GLaing@pkc.gov.uk
COUNCILLOR IAN JAMES (Conservative) 01738 475000 Email: IJames@pkc.gov.uk
COUNCILLOR CLAIRE MCLAREN (Scottish Liberal Democrats) 01738 475000 Email: ClaireMcLaren@pkc.gov.uk
Whether you potter with a few pots or garden an acre you are very welcome at our friendly Gardening and Growing club. £20 annual membership. Everyone welcome –first meeting FREE. Please come along and ‘try out’ being a member. Annual membership £20. The Gardening and Growing Club is a group for anyone interested in learning more about a wide range of matters to do with gardening and growing in a relaxed environment where you can also chat and meet other people in the village interested in gardening and growing. During the year there is a mix of talks, visits to gardens, socials as well as the annual show in August. Whether you tend a few pots on your windowsill or garden a massive plot it really doesn’t matter – you are very welcome to join us.
Programme of Events 2024-25
July 28th Montrave, Fife Visit -
Growing giant vegetables for show and walled garden. August 17th - Annual Show, Birnam Arts
October 6th - Local Garden Visit, Eric Robb, Birnam Glen November - Wreath Making, Birnam Arts
We are making good progress at the Field transferring plants from the poly tunnels to the outdoor plots thanks to our Thursday and Saturday morning volunteers. The weather has been blowing hot and cold but the plants are thriving, as are the weeds, We now need to keep our plants hoed and weeded and protected from pigeons, slugs, cabbage white and carrot fly over the next month so if you would like to join us we would be delighted to see you. There are still several thousand leeks to plant out and plenty broccoli squash and Kailete plants to replace casualties.
We have already harvested some early produce, salads, spinach, asparagus and rhubarb which are providing volunteers with the ingredients for delicious menus.It wont be long before we have broad beans spring greens,courgettes soft fruit and beautiful cut flowers.
Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom
We held the coffee morning, in the Duchess Anne on Friday the 26 April. With generous donations, cake and plant stalls we raised £448.11. Thank you to all who supported us. This money will be put to good use buying compost and plants to refill the planters with summer colour within both villages. We have also had donations of primula’s and lilies which have added colour just now and will in the years to come, if we look after them and keep the slugs at bay. With the daffodils starting to go over, we will now get into the beds and continue the good fight against the weeds and sycamore seedlings. As we have our well deserved cup of coffee we can sit and appreciate the new growth on the Pieris shrubs, which are striking red at the moment in St Ninian’s where they are standing proud among the Rhododendrons. They can also be found in other beds around the villages. By the time you read this, we will have had our AGM (May 13th). Decisions taken then will be included in my next report. Anybody who would like to come and join us in the gardens, please do. Groups can be found on a Monday morning at 10am in St Ninian's Garden, Dunkeld and Torwood Park, Birnam. Also the Birnam Institute Players are performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream in St Ninian’s gardens from the 20-22 June. We will have a sales table there, so do come and say hello to some of the team. We are always happy to listen to any suggestions to improve what we do.
Thank you, Moira (07931 758 456)
Spikkit Scots? Ah am leukin fer ithers that ken the leid and wuld like tae hae a blether.
Gies a shout Lindseystoryteller@gmail.com
We have enjoyed meeting new volunteers over the last few weeks and also had a visit from members of a community garden scheme in Thurso. Coffee times have been the opportunity for interesting and amusing conversations.
You can join us between 10am and 1pm any Thursday or Saturday to learn new skills, share in the harvest and enjoy the company of our wonderful team of volunteers.
Himalayan Balsam season is here again!
Balsam is an invasive species, a foreign, garden escape that is crowding out native plants and destroying established eco-systems. The high-water levels during the winter rains spread balsam with seeds being carried downstream and dropped in the flooded areas. Now there is lots of Balsam growing in places where we haven’t seen it for many years.
Members of the Paths and Nature Action Group are pulling it up in the Birnam Oak Wood, upriver as far as the Jubilee Bridge and down to the Fishermen’s Hut. The
Ranger Guides have helped recently removing large patches in Birnam. It’s easy to pull up to stop it seeding and spreading, now is the time to get involved. Come along on Mondays from 10 -11.30am and enjoy a well-earned coffee afterwards. Or adopt your own area and keep it Balsam free, even 10 minutes while out walking can make a big difference.
Other Group activities included continuing to improve the drainage on the Fungarth Path. By diverting water off the path and building up eroded pinch points a big improvement was achieved within a short, very muddy, time. Having placed our home-made swift boxes around Birnam and Strathbraan we are now enjoying watching swifts, some of which are making use of our boxes. Watch high above you to spot these fastest of fliers and marvel at their speed and agility. Please let us know if you see any swifts using roof spaces or boxes. Our focus during July and August will be on removing invasive species, particularly Balsam. To find out more and get involved please contact Katharine Melville at 01350 727048 (Balsam) or stewartpritchard@aol.com
A special cafe with a surprise in July! We are looking forward to welcoming our regulars as well as newcomers to the cafe. Ours is a very friendly place where you can obtain information directly from our professional staff or just enjoy a cuppa and a chat.
Volunteers ,some of whom have been carers, will be on hand to serve and to make you feel at home.
If by chance you cannot come in July , pop in in August. The cafe is always held on the 1st Wed of the month, which means the 7th August.
As the school holidays will have started, perhaps you would like to bring a teenager or student from your family. We often welcome students who are studying mental health or nursing in the community. They all seem to enjoy and learn from this experience
