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I was at a conference recently being held at the Town House in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire. It was one of those lovely sunny days and at lunchtime I went for a wander in a small park close by through which the Cadzow Burn runs. It was a pretty spot with some interesting sculptures and managed by what appeared to be minimal amount of municipal maintenance. This is not meant as a criticism as I know how thinly spread council resources are spread. However, I wondered what Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom and our Paths and Nature groups would do with the park if given half the chance. Tubs of flowers? Interesting borders? Some swift boxes under the bridge? We are so incredibly lucky to live in a community where there are so many voluntary groups full of people with knowledge and enthusiasm for the area they are involved with and willing to take initiatives that we all benefit from. It’s also great when the groups come together to share expertise and energy - Liz Duguid’s story on the front page is a great example of this. Thanks to her for sharing this.
It's also inspirational when groups can benefit from each other’s work. BIPS are planning to perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream in St Ninians Gardens which will provide a wonderful backdrop to that timeless summer romance. (see pages 13 & 18) However it really doesn’t seem so many years ago that St Ninians was a less inviting place than it is today. However, through the hard work of volunteers it is now a lovely space to sit and pass the time. I hope the weather is also kind and lovely on the evenings of the performances!
Its not that surprising that many others would like to join or rejoin our community. Some of those brought up in the village would like to leave their parents home and have a place to call their own. I expect I am not alone in being asked on a regular basis whether I know of any houses coming up for sale or rent. So housing is a hot topic. Thank you to everyone who completed the Development Trust’s ‘Housing Survey’ we look forward to hearing headlines from that soon. It would be wonderful if there were easy answers to our own housing crisis – however like so many communities across the country we are struggling for answers and every idea has both pros and cons.
Many of you will be aware that the Bank of Scotland has closed its branch on the Cross. What you may not have picked up on is that they are keeping a presence in the village through the presence of a community banker at the coworking space on a Thursday. If you are a Bank of Scotland customer and would like any help and advice please pop in to see Chloe between 9:30 – 3pm. (see page 16). It would be great to report back to the Bank of Scotland that we value their presence in our community.
Sally Robertson
Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group
Working constructively to get the best community outcomes from the A9 dualling proposals
The next A9 Community Group meeting will be on Thursday 27th June 2024, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts. All welcome!
Thanks to all the further folk who completed the Community Group survey questionnaire with views on the Transport Scotland proposed “Preferred Route” for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing, in particular the proposals for the Dunkeld and Birnam Station area.
We hope to have provided an overview of the results at our 30th May meeting and AGM, and at the time of writing are waiting to hear from Transport Scotland about the results of their consultation on the Preferred Route which finished in March . If you still want to give them feedback or ask a question you can write to them at A9dualling@jacobs.com
The full details of the Transport Scotland Preferred Route with a virtual exhibition and a fly through of the stretch including the Station proposals – which do not meet the Community Objectives developed for the co creative process in 2017/18 - can be found at: A9 P2 Dualling Virtual Event Space
The full Stage 2 Route Assessment document for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing which is the basis for the Preferred Route remains available to read online:
Our page on "The Bridge" website, including key documents for download is: http://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/community-council/a9-dualling
Birnam Arts:
Arts News
Concerts & Events ∙ Café ∙ Shop ∙ Gallery ∙ Beatrix Potter Station Road, Birnam PH8 0DS 01350 727 674
Tickets and details: www.birnamarts.com
WHAT’S ON AT BIRNAM ARTS
Sat 8th June: Exhibition opening 11am-1pm
Finding Home
Louise McLaren
Entry free
Louise McLaren is a designer and maker of intricate paper cut images. She seeks to capture and celebrate the human inner voice in her work, the inherent thread of emotions and dreams that run through each of us.
Louise uses fragments of text capturing these thoughts as the starting point of each design.
Fri 14th June 8pm
John Bramwell
£18 plus Booking Fee
As the singer in I Am Kloot from 1999 to 2014, John Bramwell achieved a Mercury Prize nomination for 2010’s The Sky At Night, a Top 10 chart position for 2013’s Let It All In, numerous UK and European tours and a triumphant farewell at the Queen Elizabeth Hall with an orchestra in 2014.
Now, as a solo artist, he’s travelling a very different path, his stunning new album The Light Fantastic is almost a complete U-turn from his Kloot-days. As John puts it, “It’s been great to find the joy of making music once again. These are the most uplifting songs of my career.”
Thurs 20th – Sat 22nd June
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Birnam Institute Players
Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group
Our junior and senior bands performed for the opening of Dunkeld’s Living History Weekend on 4th May and played brilliantly, they just keep sounding better all the time. Next up will be our end of term concert at 7-8pm on Monday 17th June at Birnam Arts, where you can come along for a listen. This is a free event, but we’ll have a donations box at the door. This will be our final week before we’re off for summer break.
We rely entirely on funding and donations to keep our group accessible to all and thank SSE Renewables, National Lottery, Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, Basil Death Trust, Hugh Fraser Foundation, Enchanted Forest for their funding, and all of the local residents and groups who have generously donated money and instruments – we happily take a variety of instruments.
Our local community has given tremendous support and encouragement through donating instruments, time and money, attending concerts and involving us in local events. We couldn’t ask for more.
Our weekly tuition, currently for fiddle and piano-accordion, is free and we provide the instruments - we provide these on long-term loan to our students for as long as they are part of our group. The tuition is delivered in small group classes by local tutors Karys Watt (fiddle) and Gill Hunter (accordion).
We welcome a wide variety of instrument players to be involved in our junior and senior bands. Bands are for those who can already play, at least a little, regardless of the style of music already learned and we encourage fiddle and accordion players, string, wind and brass players, guitarists, pianists and other instruments suitable for trad music to join. We have plenty of spaces available for anyone who would like to join.
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
Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com or call 07958 324 766 for more info.
Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition
Registration is now complete for our 2024 exhibition and the artists' work can be seen on our website http://www.dunkeldartexhibition.com
All work is for sale and will be on show at the Duchess Anne in Dunkeld from Tuesday 30th July until Thursday 29th August. We will be open every day from 10 - 4pm and Sundays 12 - 4pm.
Four young lovers, fighting for each other’s attention, a bickering Fairy King and Queen, a group of slapstick craftsmen dreaming of performing for the Duke. And one supernatural night in the forest!!
Refer to the website listing for full details and for important information. Please note this takes place in St Ninian’s Garden.
Sat 22nd June 7.30pm
Kris Drever
£15 plus Booking Fee
The award winning musician and harmonic alchemist returns to Birnam Arts! As well as creating award-winning original songs and instrumental pieces with the trio Lau, Kris Drever has a fruitful solo career exploring the cracks between classic and modern songwriting, and the traditional music of the Orkney Islands he hails from. Drever’s sound is rooted in the earthy and hypnotic rhythms of much older music, but there’s a sophistication to both the lyricism and the instrumentalism which places him skillfully in the present.
He has an extensive collection of BBC R2 Folk awards, plus a fistful of Scottish NaTrads awards for everything from best album, best singer and best live act, to best original song.
Sat 29th June 10am-12pm
Workshop: For ages P1-P7
Exploring Collage and Image Making through Paper
With Louise McLaren
£5/£8
Learn the art of putting together a collage and creating an image.
Birnam Arts Café open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 - 16:00. Gallery, Gift Shop and Beatrix Potter Exhibition. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 - 15:30.
Please check the website for all our ongoing and one off workshops throughout the Winter months – birnamarts.com
This picture is by Claire Williamson from Pitlochry, one of our invited artists. It is 30cm x 30cm and Claire's work is showing on the website.
For further information please contact DunkeldArt@aol.com
End of term for Just Singin'
Your local community choir, Just Singin', ends its current term on 5th June. What a great term it has been - the first four weeks led by Hazel Murch finishing with a great sing through songs from the musicals, a fantastic full day singing workshop with Alice Marra in Perth and the final four weeks featuring songs from around the world with Irene Railley. We wish all of our singers a wonderful summer break and look forward to welcoming everyone with an interest in singing to join us at the start of our new term at 7.30pm in the upstairs room at Birnam Arts on 21st August. Please check our website for more details and contact information.
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries Birnam Library
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
FFor 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/ Birnam Library
Birnam Library opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 5pm - 7pm
Friday: 12pm - 5pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 12pm
Sunday: Closed
Birnam Library, Station Road, Birnam DUNKELD PH8 0DS
01738 459709
birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk
Sports, Health and Wellbeing
AIMS:
1: To transform the lives of people in the villages and surrounding areas through sport and leisure.
2: To promote the various sports and leisure activities in the Dunkeld & Birnam area.
3: To support the building and maintenance of sports facilities including a sports hall.
All sports and leisure clubs are invited to join 'The Sports Hub.' Membership is free.
Please send details of your club's activities and events to editor@dunkeldandbirnmamnews.co.uk for inclusion in the hub page of 'The Bridge.'
For more details see: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/sport
Dalguise Meditation Group
Meditation has all sorts of benefits – increased focus and calmness, the opportunity to see things from a different perspective, a greater feeling of freedom and harmony, among many others. Whether you have never tried meditation before, or whether you have an established practice, why not come to one of our meetings and find out what we do?
Meetings take place every other Tuesday in Dalguise Village Hall from 10.30 to 12.30. In June, the meetings are on 4th and 18yh. 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
Community News continued
Community Archive
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm 12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN. www.historicdunkeld.org.uk archives@historicdunkeld.org.uk 01350 727786
Royal School of Dunkeld School Reunion
We all had an amazing time, with around 100 attendees, reminiscing and looking at old photo’s.
It was such a success, we have others planned for the future for 1970’s and beyond.
Living History
A huge thank you to everyone who made our 2024 Living History Weekend so amazing!
“fabulous”
our event.
Mid-Week Memories Club
Our Mid-Week Memories club was so popular we have been asked to continue it throughout the summer and autumn.
The “Meeting Place” which is held in the Duchess Anne on a Friday between 10am and 12pm has very kindly given us permission to take over a table to run our Mid (End) – Week Memories Club there until we return to the Archive building on the 1st November. We will however be taking a break from running the club during the Art Exhibition (27th July, returning on the 6th September).
We need your help to date and identify people in photographs recently given to us by the Royal School of Dunkeld.
Dating from the 1940’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. We do have a taxi funded, so if you need a lift to and from the Duchess Anne please get in touch.
Young Archaeologist Club (age 8 to 16)
We meet fortnightly on a Thursday in the Community Archive at 4pm – next meeting Thursday 6th June.
The
Dunkeld & Birnam Youth Traditional Music Group opened
Community News continued 5
Dunkeld, Birnam & District Community Development Trust
DBD Trust Website is Launched
We are delighted to announce that our new website is now live – www.dbdtrust.org This is a great vehicle for us to be able to communicate our aims and projects with our members and the wider community. Please take a look to see what we have been up to and get in touch with any ideas or suggestions you may have.
Open Afternoon Success
Many thanks to all our members and the wider community who came along to our Open Afternoon on 18th April. Over 70 people attended and shared their thoughts and ideas on the various projects we’re enabling this year.
Housing Survey
We hope to share the findings of the Dunkeld & Birnam Housing Group Survey soon once all respondents have returned their forms. This data will help to inform any potential housing developments. For further information, please see the Trust Partnership Page on our new website - https://www.dbdtrust.org/housingaction-group
Local Place Plan
A group of local community members are meeting with representatives from PKC to discuss the possibility of creating a Local Place Plan for Dunkeld, Birnam and District. If you would like to be involved, please email dbdcdt@gmail.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Artisan Village Proposal Update
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.
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
Our Community Really Pulls Together
This feel good story starts with the very sad picnic bench in the orchard. It had spent the last 10 years or so sitting in wet grass and mud and it's legs had rotted away. What to do? Buy a new bench? Maybe the Men's Shed could help?
Of course they came up trumps so carted it up the steep slope (it's very heavy) to dry out in a garage. They went to Iain Gordon in our local sawmill for timber to replace the rotten bits and to make a new base for a new gravel stand so the wood wouldn't rot so easily.
Timber for a Community project? – No charge said Iain. Thank you Iain. So the picnic bench was lovingly repaired, oiled and is now sitting on it's new base and has already been well used.
Whilst the Men's Shed were organsing the timber, Iain mentioned his mum had a log basket that needed fixing. Could the Men's Shed team help with that? No but they knew someone who could – enter our local Repair Café.
The Repair Café fixers weren't very familiar with this type of repair but maybe there was someone locally who did willow work? Thank you Becks who also came up trumps. Using willow from a neighbours garden she did a fantastic job.
It was obviously a skill that the Repair Café fixers need to add to their extensive list of knowledge so she has agreed to run a workshop for us in the autumn when there will be willow in abundance to practice on. What a lovely example of our community working together, achieving great things and - best of all –having fun.
Paths and Nature Action Group
It was all go in May. In and around Jubilee Park and the riverside we were planting rowans and geans, sowing wildflower seed and putting up nest boxes. Later in the month we were in the workshop building swift nest boxes and putting them up in Strathbraan, Birnam and Little Dunkeld. Thanks to all who gifted or built, helped put up and offered to host the boxes.
The planned early May task on the Fungarth path near the golf course car park was postponed but hopefully we’ll get back to tackle the first one or two wet wallows on this popular route – joining up with last month’s work on the Brae Street to Loch of the Lowes path.
Looking ahead – if you have a few hours to spare to help maintain your local paths and nature - please contact us via stewartpritchard@aol.com for more information.
In June we’ll be restarting Monday Himalayan balsampulling sessions to maintain the progress made in recent years and, if you’d like to try it, building swift nest boxes and making house martin or swallow nest cups from woodcrete (cement and sawdust mix).
Community News continued 6
Benefit from GrowBiz Support this Summer
Are you self-employed or a small business owner in a rural area, or are you thinking of setting up your own business or social enterprise? Support is available from GrowBiz. Here’s some ways we can help:
1-1
Advice: Whether you’re looking for someone to help you make a funding application, create a climate action plan, or improve your budgeting, marketing or other business skills, we have a team member who can help. Email connect@growbiz.co.uk to request an informal chat.
Mentoring: Our award-winning business mentoring programme trains volunteer mentors to support those who need a confidence boost, a listening ear, or some help with personal development. If you’re interested in giving back by becoming a mentor, or receiving support by becoming a mentee, visit: www.growbiz.co.uk/mentoring
Events: GrowBiz’s online learning sessions are based around the subjects our clients need support with, such as social media, boosting productivity and sustainability. Our networking events are a confidential space to share challenges and experiences with other business owners and be motivated by inspirational speakers.
Specialised support: GrowBiz also offers specialised support to various sectors, including creatives with the Perthshire Artisans initiative, young people with our SEED programme, and all rural small businesses at www.reds.scot
Find out about GrowBiz’s services at: www.growbiz.co.uk
2nd Perthshire Scout Group (Dunkeld and Birnam)
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.
This space could be selling for you!
Contact the Advertising Manager adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk 07967 117149
Lyndsey Douglas
Local Jewellery Designer and Maker ornaichjewellery.com ornaich.jewellery@gmail.com
Òrnaich.Jewellery ornaich_jewellery
LADY DRIVER TAXI
The Kiln Creative BRADYSTONE HOUSE GARDEN
Summer classes available to book: Taster Class: Saturday 15th June
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.
MURTHLY PH1 4EW
Special Plant Sale & Open Day Saturday June 15th, 11am - 4pm
Good selection of interesting and unusual plants
Entry £5 children free Teas available
Under Scotland's Garden Scheme and in aid of the Scottish Air Ambulance
Community News continued
Keep Living FabulouslyReiki Energy Healing
Everything in the world is energy, indeed Albert Einstein said "everything is energy and that's all there is to it" Reiki energy is cosmic universal energy, this energy is channelled through the practitioner and then on to the client relieving stress and gives a deep sense of peace and relaxation.
We not only have a physical body but we also have a mental body, an emotional body and also a spiritual body, they influence and blend into each other, blockages can build up in the mental, emotional and spiritual bodies if not regularly cleared, if these bodies
remain free from blockages then the physical body remains healthy, Reiki helps to heal clear and release these blockages, leaving the client with a deep sense of peace.
See advert below.
Karen
Lynn Fairweather
KLF Keep Living Fabulously
Dunbraantay Laundry
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
The Living History weekend organised by the local Archives has become a fixture in the calendar of local events. Over the first weekend in May locals and visitors enjoyed a wander around tents and stalls in Stanley hill with reenactors of different periods in Dunkeld’s story and there were concerts in the Cathedral and other venues. Living in a community like Dunkeld history is everywhere and it is one of the reasons visitors are drawn he by the thousand.
Even though I have been here 23 years now I still get a thrill looking at the framed list inside the Cathedral of Abbotts, Bishops and ministers who have held office there. The foundation of is all goes back to the late 6th Century but the earliest name we have for an Abbott is a man called Tuathal sometime in the 9th. Century. Then it goes through the known Abbotts, then the Bishops and from 1560 the list of ministers (once we Presbyterians got our hands on it!) After all that, there at the bottom is my name and that, I find, quite incredible. Thankfully there is still space below my name for those who will follow which I’m pleased about because we are only a small part of the story. It goes back a long way before us and will continue long after us. We’re no done yet!
Living history indeed! That is a good title for the event, reminding us that it carries on and we are the next chapter in the story of this place.
On May 19th. the churches celebrate Pentecost – the day the church came alive in the power of the Holy Spirit. Frightened, timid disciples were transformed into world changers. They went out to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Their activities are recorded in the Book of Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament and in one sense that is a book that has never ended because 2,000 years later the church continues to do just that. We seek to live for his Kingdom and spread the good news of God’s love in Jesus. We have a long heritage here but we are living history. There is a long history of the church here in this place. We are very different from the way it would have been in former times, but we continue the story as we pass on the message of God’s love for all of us. That gap below my name is a sign of optimism, that God has more to do yet in the church and community of Dunkeld.
Fraser Penny
Church of Scotland Services
June 2nd. 11am. – Communion Service in the Cathedral.
6.30pm – Prayers for Help & Healing in St. Mary’s Birnam.
June 9th 11am. – Morning Service in the Cathedral.
June 16th 11am. – Morning Service in the Cathedral.
2.15 – Communion service at Amulree
6.30 - Songs & Silence in the Cathedral
June 23rd 11.00am – Morning Service in the Cathedral
June 30th. 11.00am – Morning Service in the Cathedral
July 7th. 11am. – Morning Service in the Cathedral. Conducted by the Revd. Gordon Strang
6.30pm – Prayers for Help & Healing in Little Dunkeld Kirk Tea and coffee are served after the morning service each week in the Chanonry.
Prayers for Help & Healing
On the first Sunday of the month there is a short service held jointly between the Parish Church and St.Mary’s Episcopal Church at 6.30. This follows the pattern of the weekly service of healing in Iona Abbey and lasts about 45 minutes.
It is a very gentle, quiet time of worship and prayer for specific things people may mention if they want to, or you can simply join in the service and have your own time of prayer.
The next one will be on June 2nd in St. Mary’s and in Little Dunkeld on July 7th.
All welcome from any church or none.
Songs & Silence
Once again there will be a series of summer evening services 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 dates for this summer are:
June 16th / June 30th / July 28th
August 18th / September 8th / September 22nd
Faith Explored
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.
Kirk Session
The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session is on June 18th. at 7.30pm. downstairs in the Duchess Anne.
The Meeting Place
The Meeting Place is in the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings from 10 – 12noon. All welcome. Fellowship Group – ‘Exploring faith and life together’ Two groups meet fortnightly, on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings.
The meetings over the next few weeks will be: Tuesdays –11th & 25th. June at 7pm in the Chanonry. Wednesdays –12th. & 26th. June at 10.15am in the Chanonry.
Both groups can also be joined by zoom with this link: Meeting ID: 898 7502 8047 Passcode: 809745
All are welcome and it would be good to see the groups grow and perhaps then be able to form more smaller groups in this way. More information available from John Ferguson (727585), William Hogg (727053) or Fraser Penny (727249)
Men’s Breakfast
Every second Wednesday a group of men meets in the Chanonry to start the day with a cooked breakfast together, discuss events, both local and international, and enjoy each other's company. The up-coming dates are the 12th. & 26th. June. There is no need to book; just turn up and enjoy and all are welcome. If you would like more details please contact Peter Mackie at Petermackie46@gmail.com
Youth Group
A group for P.7 and Secondary age meets during term time in the Duchess Anne on Thursday evenings Each night we start at 7pm. and finish at 8.30pm. More information from Fraser Penny or William Hogg. The last remaining dates before the summer break are the 6th 13th & 20th of June.
Messy Events
Messy Music meets after school on Tuesdays in Little Dunkeld Kirk – more details from Hazel Murch (music@dunkeldcathedral.org)
Booking Halls
Anyone who would like to book either the Duchess Anne or the Chanonry for meetings and events should contact Jill McCrory on chanonrydunkeld@gmail.com
A huge thank you is due to all who helped with the various events during Christian Aid week. The bookstall at the Duchess Anne went like a fair, helped by the weather - and many thanks for all the donations of books. The final total raised will be announced in due course but whatever we raise goes to help valuable projects in many parts of the world.
This year the focus was on Burundi and in particular a woman called Aline. Aline had hit rock bottom when she was forced out of her home by an abusive husband and she became separated from her children. However, with help from a Village Savings and Loans Association supported by Christian Aid she was able to get some money to begin trading in the avocados and peanuts she grew. She was also able to buy a bike and could transport produce to markets.
She did so well she was able to rent a house, then could afford to make bricks to build one for herself. She could now get her children back and her life was on a new track altogether. Aline says ‘We pray together as we are still alive, thanks to God’s grace…… we have been through difficult times but now we make plans for the future.’
Aline is now chair of a Village Savings and Loans Association which she has founded in her own village to help other people get out of the poverty trap. Thanks to the donations from communities like ours, more people like Aline can be helped and their lives transformed.
3 Churches Charity Shop
Spring has sprung in the 3 Churches Charity Shop. The spring weather has brought many customers both local and foreign into the shop in search of light weight colourful clothing. We have a good selection of this kind of wear. Why not pop in and treat yourself to something new in anticipation of hotter days?
We have a couple of new volunteers which is lovely and if you have a couple of hours to spare now and again please come and join our happy crew.
Three Churches in the Community
Church Services and Contacts:
Weekly Services
Church of Scotland: Dunkeld Cathedral at 11am. Every Sunday from Easter Sunday to Remembrance Sunday.
Little Dunkeld Kirk at 11am. Every Sunday from the Sunday following Remembrance Sunday to Palm Sunday.
Scottish Episcopal Church: St Mary’s Birnam at 10am. Every Sunday.
Roman Catholic:
St Columba’s, Mass 6pm Every Saturday
Monthly and Occasional Services
Church of Scotland, Amulree Third Sunday of the Month 2.15pm
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 LochNess 01456486663
Treasurer:
Charles Cox
Vestry Secretary: Adrian Freer Tel: 01821 650536
email: adrianfreer@btinternet.com
Organist :
John Walker B.Mus, FRCO, LRAM, ARCM. Tel: 01350 727755 (www.stmarysbirnam.org.uk)
St Columba’s
Roman Catholic Church
Catholic Church Priest: Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP Tel: 01796 472174
e-mail: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk
Roman Catholic Churches
Dunkeld is a village with a long history of Christian worship and we are pleased to continue that worship at St Columba’s in Birnam.
Parish Priest: Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP (Missionary of St Paul) Tel: 01796 472 174
Email: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk
Serving St Columba’s RC church in Birnam/ Dunkeld, St Bride’s RC church in Pitlochry and Our Lady of Mercy RC church in Aberfeldy. Follow us on Facebook at:
St Bride’s RC Church, Pitlochry
We celebrate the presence of the Risen Lord amongst us during these Masses:
Sunday Masses:-
Saturday Vigil 6pm St Columba’s Birnam
Sunday 9.30 am Our Lady of Mercy Aberfeldy
Sunday 11.30 am St Bride’s Pitlochry
Weekday Masses:-
9.30 am Tuesday – Aberfeldy
9.30 am Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – Pitlochry
Holy days of Obligation:-
9.30am Birnam
12.30pm Aberfeldy
6.00pm Pitlochry
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available prior to mass in St Columba’s. Please phone Father to arrange it.
If there are any parishioners who are housebound and wish the Sacrament of Holy Communion, let Father know and this will be arranged.
St Columba’s, St Mary’s Road, Birnam PH8 0BJ St. Bride’s, Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5AL
Our Lady of Mercy, Home Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2AL Father Emmanuel in.
Christians Against Poverty
Five ways to save on your weekly food shop
It’s almost hard to believe how much all of our shopping bills have gone up in the last couple of years. As food prices remain high, now is a great time to look at ways to try and keep costs down where we can.
Create a food shop budget
With food costs constantly changing, it’s easy to spend a lot more than you’d like on your weekly shop. Set a budget limit and do your best to stick within it. Try cheaper alternatives to reduce your costs and avoid putting extra items into your shopping trolley just because they’re on offer.
Be aware of yellow labels
Big yellow labels in supermarkets can make us think we’re getting a real bargain, but are they really good deals or just colourful stickers to tempt us to buy stuff we don’t really need?
Yellow label items can be a bargain, but sometimes you can still get the same product cheaper elsewhere or buy a different size of the same product for less. It’s worth taking a minute or two to double check.
Check the cost per amount
Which sized product is the best to buy? If you look at the less obvious black and white labels, you’ll often see a price per weight breakdown. This is super helpful to check as buying in bulk might mean you get more for your money.
Check the best before date
There’s no point buying food that you won’t have time to eat before it goes out of date. Check the best before dates, plan your meals in advance, and don’t buy things that you regularly waste in order to save money and reduce food waste.
Try budget recipes
There are plenty of free resources online to help you learn new meals that you can cook on a budget. To find tasty budget recipes and sign up to a free local life skills course run by a church near you, visit capuk.org/lifeskills and take your money saving knowledge to the next level.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity working with over 800 affiliated churches to deliver debt help, budgeting guidance, support to find work, life skills education and more. Visit capscotland.org to find out more.
Scottish Landscaping
Friendly reliable service guaranteed
Grass Cutting, Hedge Cutting, Strimming, Gravel laid, Fencing, Turfing, Slabbing, Tree Work and all General Maintenance
Free Quotes Given
Kilry: 01575 560411
Blairgowrie: 01250 798403
Mobile: 07834 258491
Health and Wellbeing Hub
Taster Day at the new Health and Wellbeing Hub at the Guide Hall : Wednesday 19th June – 10am - 2pm
Come and chat to the wellbeing practitioners based at our new Health and Wellbeing Hub. Find out more about what they are offering and if this might help your health and wellbeing.
Therapeutic Gardening Zero Balancing Yoga
Pattern Making and Dress Making Massage .. and more
Tea Coffee and Chat all in abundance.
Also ..Thursday is Yoga Day at the Guide Hall! From morning to night there is a class for everyone.
Raise your level of wellness, reduce pain, stress/anxiety & re-align where you are in life. Health & Wellbeing Hub
pennybaird5@icloud.com Little Dunkeld • 07342 979393 Zerobalancinguk.org
Fully vaccinated & full PPE compliant. For home visits, contact me on: 07986 092581 01796 474291
The Royal School of Dunkeld – at the heart of our community
Summer Term at the school is as busy as ever with sports day, school trips, discos for the children and more. It will also see the AGM for the Parent Partnership Group (PPG) with the election of new committee members for 2024/2025. The PPG is a charity in its own right, and plays an important part in supporting the school, and dialogue between parents, the school and, where appropriate, Perth and Kinross Council. The PPG also acts as a mechanism for fundraising for vital supplies and equipment for the school, as well as co-funding class school trips every year.
We are delighted to report that the Royal School of Dunkeld has achieved the Digital Schools Award. We have been working towards this over the past 18 months. The award required the school to demonstrate a strong commitment to and progress with the use of technology in school to enrich learning and to support professional teaching activities. Pupils and staff alike contributed on how they can and could use digital technology in our learning environment. The school was complimented on its progress to date, the evidence submitted and the willingness of staff to embrace technology in a positive way.
The headline for our monthly piece in The Bridge is ‘The Royal School of Dunkeld – at the heart of our community’. Part of this is delivering a Community Connections Programme through which we are strengthening links between our school pupils and those living and working in Dunkeld, Birnam and surrounding settlements. Through this work we are creating opportunities for children to connect with the people and places in our community – to build awareness and understanding of what people get up to, and to learn and understand more about their local environment. We are very grateful to all those who are supporting this work. Watch out for activity across the community, and on The Bridge online!
A recent practical example of community action has seen the removal of bark from the nursery garden, replaced by turf. Many people were involved in the removal of the bark, sourcing of (free) topsoil and installation of the PPG-funded turf. Those involved included staff of the school, pupils, parents of children at the school, and huge contributions from some people who no longer have children at the school – but remain connected and keen to support. Huge thanks all – amazing effort.
We would also like to take the opportunity to celebrate the recent Wandering Ossian Celtic Folk Opera – part of the Dunkeld Living History Weekend, this featured professional singers Colleen Nicoll and David Douglas, singing alongside pupils from the school – in the fabulous setting of Dunkeld Cathedral. Inspirational stuff!
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
June ‘Stick on the Fridge Page’
Local Organisations - Contact Details
Listing for local voluntary organisations are free however The Bridge welcomes donations to cover the cost of these listings. Please send donations to the Advertising Manager, John. B. Gray at Highfield, Brae Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0BA. Many thanks. Please contact the editor with amendments/additions. Phone 01350+
Organsiations - General 3 Churches Charity Shop 07751 593421 Anne Graham
Alcoholics Anonymous (Helpline) 0800 917 7650
Chapter House Museum 727786 Ruth Brown (in Dunkeld Cathedral, open 7 days) archive@historicdunkeld.org.uk
D&B Paths and Nature Action Group stewartpritchard@aol.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Historical Society 07584 434253 Dave Roberts daveroberts132@btinternet.c.om
Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom 727288 Linda Speirs lindaladyhill@yahoo.co.uk
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
Nursery at Royal School of Dunkeld 01738 454470 Royal School of Dunkeld Sunday School – Church of Scotland 727249 Fraser Penny For Younger People Girlguiding Dunkeld (Rainbows, 07770 324173 Trix Stephen Brownies, Guides, Rangers) (District Commissioner) The Black Watch Army Cadets 07429 113439 2nd Lt Craig Ross 1989ros@armymail.mod.uk Youth Group (for P7s & 1st years, 727249 Fraser Penny Thurs 7 – 8.30pm)
For Older People
Senior Citizens 727311 Ronalda Pattullo
Servite 07595 651446 Ivan Russell (Working Hours, Mon, Wed, Friday ivan.russell@caledoniaha.co.uk
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 June 2 Garden Opening Sunday 12 - 5 Pm Torwood House St Marys Road Birnam. Proceeds to local charities. 2 Service Help and Healing St Mary’s Church 6:30pm 5 James Lind Classical Guitarist midday – 1pm Dunkeld Cathedral Free Donations welcome
7 Beaver Breakfast 5.00 – 7am. Loch of the Lowes Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld, PH8 0HH (Visitor centre open 10.30am till 5.00pm daily) Tel: 01350 727 337 Email: lochofthelowes@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk
8 Finding Home Exhibition opening 11am-1pm Louise McLaren Entry free
Gardeners and Growers Club Bradystone, Murthly. Propagation Workshop, Garden tour. acox325@gmail.com
John Bramwell 8pm £18 plus Booking Fee Birnam Arts
Songs and Silence Service at the Cathedral
D&B Trad Youth Music Group end of term concert 7-8pm
Kirk Session Meeting, Duchess Anne, 7:30pm
Farragon Scottish Folk Duo midday – 1pm Dunkeld Cathedral Free Donations welcome 20-22 BIPS A Midsummer Night’s Dream Birnam Institute Players
Service Help and Healing Little Dunkeld Kirk 6:30pm 17 The Ferntower Ensemble midday – 1pm Dunkeld Cathedral Free Donations welcome
Marta Totten and Hazel Murch midday – 1pm Dunkeld Cathedral Free Donations welcome 28 Gardeners and Growers Club Montrave, Fife Visit – acox325@gmail.com
28 Songs and Silence Service 6:30pm at the Cathedral
31 Catherine Evison and Michael Brogan Sax and Electronics midday – 1pm Dunkeld Cathedral Free Donations welcome
July
30 - end August Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition www.dunkeldartexhibition.com
August 17 Gardeners and Growers Club Annual Show, Birnam Arts acox325@gmail.com
Songs and Silence Service 6:30pm at the Cathedral
Just Singin’ restarts September
Songs and Silence Service 6:30pm at the Cathedral
Songs and Silence Service 6:30pm at
Community Noticeboard
Three Churches Charity Shop –another Satisfied Customer
One day, a few years ago, a young man just having been given his wages came into the shop. “I am going to a party, please can you kit me out?” My colleague and I set to and found a shirt, tie , jacket and trousers. Then rather to our surprise he stripped off in front of us to don his new outfit. “Don’t worry” he said “I have my boxers on!” Thoroughly happy with his party gear, he turned to me and sizing me up and down said to my colleague “please can you find a party dress that would fit this lady as my girlfriend is about her size”. Duly we set to and found something he thought his girlfriend would like. £20 later he left the shop very happy with his purchases. This also left us feeling happy that we had done a great service that day.
The Meeting Place
We are at the Duchess Anne in Dunkeld every Friday morning from 10 - 12 for a cup of tea and some delicious homebaking - come and join us for a chat.
Repair Café –First Monday of the Month
The Next Repair Cafe is on Monday 6th May, 3.00pm to 6.00pm Birnam Arts.
If one of your New Year resolutions is to get down to mending those things that need fixing then why not bring them along to see if we can help. Or maybe just pop in, have a cuppa and see what we do. You'll be very welcome.
Food Share
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.
Food Bank
Remember there is a confidential contact if you need help with food. Please phone 01350 700018 or email PH8foodbank@gmail.com.
Dear Editor
Proposed Major Building Development at Haughend Through the Bridge I would like to draw people’s attention to proposals for a major housing project on the fields at Haughend Farm looking towards the woods, Newtyle Hill and the path to Loch of the Lowes. This designated “National Scenic Area”, it seems to many, will be much less scenic if sixty-five (65) houses are built there along with infrastructure of access roads, sewage /drainage treatment systems etc. Draft plans have been on view at recent open meetings, and a full planning application to Perth and Kinross is likely in the near future. At that point all the details will be available online at the P+K website and comments in favour and objections will be invited.
The proposals include provision of 23 serviced plots for “affordable housing”, but NOT for the actual building of those houses which would have to be funded by grant money from the Scottish Government or other bodies. The other 42 houses would be for private sale and at current prices would likely be anything but “affordable”. Nor is there any guarantee against them being used as second homes or holiday lets. The local Community Development Trust and Housing Action Group have been working on the idea of affordable housing which, it is generally agreed, is much needed in the community, but their thinking so far has been for up to 10 or 12 such dwellings over several smaller sites identified within the existing community. So there are questions about - e.g. How funding could be found for 23 affordable houses all on the one site? Who would manage it? What types of accommodation would be offered? And who would be eligible to apply to rent it?
Under the current P+K local development plan (LDP) the Haughend site is designated as agricultural land and is indeed used to graze sheep and produce hay. All over the country agricultural land is gradually being lost to housing development, in spite of concerns about our being overdependent on imported food in times of climate change . Yet there are existing brown field and
other smaller, currently unused, sites that could provide a number of smaller housing developments. In addition to the above there are concerns over suddenly increasing the population of Dunkeld and Birnam by so many (nearly10%, and Dunkeld itself by far more), in a community where much existing infrastructure (roads, parking, sewage and storm water) are already at capacity or overstretched. There have been open public meetings to consider these plans, but only a small proportion of local people have attended these or responded to the invitation to comment for or against, so the developers cannot claim widespread community support for the proposal. Most of the comments received were in fact against the very idea of rezoning this site as an exception to the current LDP. The Community Council has said little about Haughend in its communications to the community, including not mentioning in its reports to the Bridge a meeting at which P+K’s chief planning officer was present and commented that he was unlikely to recommend this project under the current LDP.
I urge readers to take the time to inform themselves of the details of these plans and be active in making comments through the appropriate channels.
Sincerely - William and Ann Hogg
Maths Tutoring
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.
Want to improve your Chess game?
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.
Bank of Scotland
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.
TO LET
Cosy, traditional stone-built one-bedroom cottage to let near Clunie.
Quietly situated on a farm surrounded by woods and a large garden.
Log burners in bedroom and sitting room with firewood included in the rent of £560 pcm. One month's rent as deposit. Available end of May. Email: James copeblackloch@gmail.com
Birnam Library is situated in the Birnam Arts Centre, Station Road, Birnam, PH8 0DS Tel : 01738 459709
Birnam Library is run by Culture Perth and Kinrossa charitable trust bringing art, culture, books, learning, creative communities and local history and heritage to people across the whole of Perth and Kinross. https://www.culturepk.org.uk/
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
Notes from a Councillor 17
As I write this in mid-May we are enjoying a nice spell of warm weather, I hope it has continued until you are reading this. Life at Perth and Kinross Council continues to be busy but there are some good news stories to be told at the moment.
I attended the celebration of the foundation stones being laid at the multi-million pound facility being built at the Binn Eco Park site near Glenfarg. This collaboration between the Binn Group and the French firm Paprec will see a £90m waste to energy facility completed in Perth and Kinross. Alongside this, a £15m investment by GAP Group to create a world-leading recycling centre for refrigerators and freezers, shows considerable investment on a site within our local authority area. The new Perth Museum, which is quite stunning, has attracted over 40,000 visitors within 4 weeks of opening.
On Wednesday, Council voted to proceed with 3 proposals to use the £5m Perth and Kinross Council received through the levelling up fund. The criteria for the funding crucially was that it had to be spent in Perth City and had to be for culture and regeneration projects.
Yesterday, I travelled to Glenfarg (on their community bus) to chat to members of the Glenfarg Community Bus Group about their operations. The staggering statistic is the increase in passenger numbers. The route when operated by a bus company had around 200 passengers weekly. Since the community buses started operating more frequently and at more suitable times, the weekly passenger numbers have grown to over 900. Related to this Perth and Kinross Council received funding of £199,000 from the Scottish Government to improve transport and public transport infrastructure. We have used this money to order four 8-seater vehicles which will be given to community groups in rural areas across Perth and Kinross to use. This will assist public transport in difficult to reach rural areas. One of these vehicles will be earmarked for the Dunkeld / Blairgowrie area.
I attended a Climate Café meeting at Birnam Arts where various Climate Cafes from across Scotland were represented. The discussion was informative and information sharing of different approaches to tackling climate change were thought provoking. The message being whatever changes individuals, organisations, companies and governmental bodies make, no matter how large or small, to their behaviours can help in this global emergency.
I am sure everyone present on that day and in our communities will be glad that at Council it was decided that our initiative to have a Climate Change and Sustainability Committee was not reversed and that it was to remain as a Committee of the Council. When walking through Dunkeld after the meeting, I was pleased to see the upgraded pedestrian crossing had been completed and I am sure that this will help road safety and the confidence of pedestrians.
I am happy to give an update on the remedial and investigative works carried out in Dunkeld in regard to the serious flooding issues that happened over the Winter period. During the CCTV survey of Spoutwells Burn the camera became lodged in a damaged section of pipework located on private land. Immediate remedial works were carried out to repair the damaged section of pipework and retrieve the camera. The repair works were completed on 13 April.
The CCTV also identified accumulations of roots within the culverted section of the Sawmill Burn at Atholl Gardens and this was cleared during the survey. Debris and material were removed from a manhole chamber located at the junction of Atholl Street (A923) and Spoutwell. This is where the culverted sections of the Sawmill Burn and Spoutwells Burns converge.
We have also now received a copy of the CCTV report from the specialist contractor. PKC have reviewed this report and identified further non-emergency remedial works which are required near the culvert outfall into the River Tay. The Council are in the process of identifying and advising the responsible riparian landowner. If we are unable to identify the landowner or they are unable to act in sufficient time, we will arrange for repairs to be added to a programme of works for later this financial year.
I hope the sun is still shining. Happy for you to contact me in the usual ways. Have a good and safe Summer.
News from our Community Council
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council Community Council Matters
Community Council MemberJohn McMillan Wigzell
If you would like to contact the Community Council you can do so by emailing: dbcc.correspondence@gmail.com
You can also contact us via the messaging system on our facebook page.
Of course, if you have the opportunity, then please do chat to any member of the Community Council if you bump into them while out and about.
Please look on www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk for information about future dates and times.
To read the minutes of previous meetings and to find the agenda for forthcoming meetings, see: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/community-news/ community-council
Following the recent severe flooding in Dunkeld, it has been interesting to note all the retrospective activity and costs incurred to try to negate repeats of the
JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576
flooding. This has included camera surveys of culverts and drains, many of which had collapsed or were blocked. Some areas had never flooded so badly before in Dunkeld, such as the town centre, Tullymilly and Ardnagag. However, this is happening all over the world, worryingly even in the desert at Dubai Airport and now Brasil, whatever next. On a more local level the Environment Agency carries out risk assessments for flooding within a local development plan area and the data is used to negate additional flooding when
Pete Wishart MP: Member of Parliament for Perth and North Perthshire pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk
determining planning applications. Indeed, there appears to be a strategic shift in attitude by SEPA towards more onerous conditions around areas of flood risk, a point which David Littlejohn (Head of Planning at PKC) highlighted at the recent Q & A session at the Community Council. These risk assessments are used during local development plan (LDP) preparation to inform choices about appropriate locations for development. The plans are prepared by the planning authority in consultation with SEPA who also consult with the Community Council, so it is important that people in the community raise particular flood risk issues with Community Councillors. On a happier note, the severe flooding brings some unexpected benefits for the local wildlife. Around 2030 Fallow Deer (as introduced by the Normans in the 11th.century) regularly enjoy a drink from the new "river and loch" appearing after heavy rain at Tullymilly, a regular occurance. Herons and buzzards also visit the new "loch" in the hope of dining on toads or frogs. Coupled with this, Mallard are seen regularly at Tullymilly together with an occasional over-wintering Goldeneye.
Finally, hoping now that we will have a dry summer, fingers crossed, before the next deluge which will arrive but we don't know when.
John McMillan Wigzell
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
Councillor Grant Laing
A World Community 18
Gardening and Growing Club
Whether you potter with a few pots or garden an acre you are very welcome at our friendly Gardening and Growing club. £20 annual membership.
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
June 12th - Bradystone, Murthly.
Propagation Workshop, Garden tour 5:30pm
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
Annual Show Schedule of Sections and Classes : see www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk plus entry from in the July/August edition of The Bridge
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)
Welcome to the Field Brae Street
Over the cold wet Spring months we have been busy at the field planting seeds under cover in the polly tunnel. We now have thousands of leek, cabbage, Brussel sprout, beans and squash plants ready to go in the ground as soon as the weather warms up.
Our wonderful Vintage tractor drivers George Ness and Dave Muirhead have ploughed and harrowed the plots ready to receive onions and tatties. Planting out all these crops is easy and satisfying work after all the careful preparation, it just takes time and many hands!
If you would like to help us at this busy time no prior knowledge or skill is required and its a lovely place to spend time, your reward will be as much fresh organic produce as you require every time you volunteer for 10 months of the year.
We are there from 10 am till 1 pm every Thursday and Saturday, tea coffee, biscuits and often cake are provided and the discussions around coffee time can be hilarious just turn up and and enjoy the location , company and produce!
Blackhaugh Community Farm, Spittalfield
The new 'Craft Shack' has opened its doors at Blackhaugh Community Farm.
Every day, customers and visitors of the farm can now browse a selection of locally hand-made crafts including woodwork, baskets, jewellery and more! Treat yourself to something special, or find a unique present for a loved one - and support your local crafters at the same time! You can now book outdoor birthday parties at Blackhaugh farm! Out to Play offers fun and engaging events that let your kids experience and explore the farm through a mix of scavenger hunts and team challenges, creative building and exploring, activities for all the senses, cooking and foraging, and free play. All parties are equally fun and suitable for girls and boys. Check out and follow blackhaughbirthdays on Facebook for updates, more information, and bookings. Early booking discounts are still available!
The Dementia Cafe, North Church Hall, High St Perth. Every First Wednesday Of The Month 10am-12.30pm
This cafe welcomes anyone who has a memory problem and those who have a diagnosis of dementia. If you want a quiet word with one of our professionals e.g. a psychiatric nurse, a social worker or a link worker, our cafe is the place to come. Some of our volunteers and regulars are ex-carers of someone with dementia which can be of comfort to newcomers.
Our next monthly cafe is a special one ,as we have invited some of the caring organisations to attend in the adjacent hall . These will include VisionPK, Telecare services, Live Active Leisure, Safer Community Wardens, Trading Standards(Scams), Community Mental Health Team, CAB, PKAVS Carers Support, PKC Welfare Rights, Macnabs Solicitors , and NHS Podiatry. If you prefer to stay in the smaller hall , and just enjoy a blether, that is fine!
There is always a warm welcome and a cup of tea or coffee with biscuits and cakes. Gluten-free food is available, and the catering will be done by Langs Foods at our next cafe which will be on Wednesday, June 5th.
If you cannot attend in June , there is always July 3rd. We look forward to welcoming you all.
Community Orchard
It’s been fantastic going past the orchard and seeing the blossom this past month – and even better to wander amongst the trees and see the gorgeous colours up close. Even though it happens every year I never cease to be amazed at the rate of growth in all the wild and cultivated plants and trees around us at this time.
A messy but satisfying job in May was moving the bags of manure (which we use to feed the trees and fruit annually) from the pile near the road to a less prominent position. Thankfully this wasn’t a smelly exercise as it is now very well-rotted! We have also had a “work party” checking that all the tree guards are securely pegged down – even though the trees are now very well-established their bark can still be a target for hungry rabbits during the frozen days of winter.
The first of the local, commercially-grown strawberries are in the shops and hopefully it won’t be too long before the orchard’s soft fruit is ready – realistically this is likely to be July so we’ve a bit to go yet though! Whilst we don’t grow strawberries we do have lots of gooseberries, white, red and blackcurrants and blueberries. (We also have brambles but these ripen later in the summer). Keep an eye out for notices on the fence to see what is ready and when. Meantime you could save a few 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.
Liz has reported elsewhere in ‘Bridge’ about our picnic tables. We welcome members of our community as well as visitors to the area to use these for picnics or just a rest whilst you are out for a walk.
If you would like to find out more about getting involved at the orchard please contact Katharine 01350 727048 or email dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com
GARDEN OPENING TORWOOD HOUSE, BIRNAM
Sunday 2nd June from 12-5pm
Woodland and herbaceous garden, created over the last 40 years. Come and have a cup of tea and a wander round.
Some stalls . Proceeds to local charities.
Parking very limited but the less able may be dropped off at the entrance or up at the house.
Please leave cars in Birnam ( 2 minute walk ).
G & A Paddocks
Dunkeld
Horse Grazing & DIY Livery
Call or Email Karen: 07759 701413
gapdunkeld@gmail.com
Glack Dog Kennels
Heated Kennels
Day & Long Term Stays
Elizabeth & Keith Lumsden 01350 728849
E-mail: bizzabooks@gmail.com
ATHOLL STREET 01350 727556
Proprietor: Alasdair Wylie
This space could be selling for you!
Contact the Advertising Manager adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk 07967 117149
PETS
Lost and Found
If you have lost or found a dog, cat or other pet
FACEBOOK: Missing Pets, Perth and Kinross 07432 368792
info@dogfriendlyperthshire.co.uk
DUNKELD BUILDERS LTD
New Builds, Extensions, Renovations and Restorations, Stonework, Drainage, Groundworks and jobbing.
