Dunkeld Living History Weekend – Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th May, Stanley Hill Park, Dunkeld (Free entry). Come and join us for a time travelling adventure. The event will open at 10am on Saturday with the Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group. See page 5 for more information.
Usual enthusiastic litter picking volunteers out collecting along the A822 all the way over to Newton Bridge, up Glen Quaich and over on the road from Kinloch to Aberfeldyish. Big effort and new from this year is that Helen Taylorthank you!_ managed to get signs alerting traffic to litter pickers, as last year were a few near misses.
This year’s haul included a hefty amount of car parts, as one volunteer reported almost enough to build a car, albeit an odd looking one. A box of bones, although mercifully not human ones. And last year’s haul of neatly assembled Processo bottles (empty) was not replicated, ‘austerity biting hard?’ but loads of cans, estimated at 50% Red Bull ones. Is this an interesting commentary on social habits? Or not? Its appalling. And maybe begs the question, when drivers see litter pickers do they then think its OK to assume others will pick up their litter? One for the pondering!
Please fill in housing survey on page 8
A milestone is reached in improving road safety around our community with the lights and new crossing in place on the approach to Telford Traffic Bridge – see page 2
Editorial 2
The Bridge
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Download Online: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk
My wellies have given up on trying to keep out the relentless rain and sprung a leak. In fairness to my trustee wellies, they have been put to good use over many years and particularly through this very soggy spring. However, as I write this a strange golden orb has appeared in the sky and there is the outside possibility that the grey clouds may pass over and we might, just might, be able to mow the grass without sinking into a quagmire.
Given the wet conditions we offer a very well done to the Paths and Actions Group for their work draining the path up at Fungarth. This gives us a much dryer path to walk from the village to Loch of the Lowes as we go to welcome our wonderful Ospreys back home for the summer as well as to watch the many other waterloving birds and animals that live in and around the loch. The paths and action work party will be out and about again on both 12th and 26th May - please join them if you can. (see p18 ) Some climate scientists have predicted warmer, wetter winters and springs as the impact of global warming takes effect and this year would fit in with those predicted trends. If you are interested in discussing this and what we can do to try and reduce our impact on the climate then head down to the Climate Café on the 2nd May (see page 8).
Despite the rain it’s lovely to see the leaves coming through on the trees and the blackthorn full of blossom. Let’s hope it stays dry for us to enjoy a couple of gardens opening for charity. Wander up Birnam Glen on 12th May between 10 and 4pm to visit the Binnie’s Garden at Birnam Bank Walled Garden and then on
Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group
Working constructively to get the best community outcomes from the A9 dualling proposals
The next A9 Community Group meeting will be on Thursday 30th May 2024, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts. This will also be our AGM. All welcome!
Our survey questionnaire to get your 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, is still open. If you’ve not yet done so and would like to share your views, we’d really like to hear from as many of you as possible. More copies of the questionnaire are available at Birnam Arts reception, with a returns box, or in the March “Bridge” (about 900 went to households) or online at the QR code here. Please also share on to members of any other community groups with which you may be involved.
From the responses that we’ve received so far, one thing in particular has been clear: as more folk engage again, there are growing levels of dissatisfaction with the Preferred Route “At Grade” proposals at the Station, i.e.no underpass or tunnel – the clearest departure from the “Community Preferred Route” as we have pointed out in our earlier Bridge entries. This is at significant variance with this aspect of the Community Objectives developed to input to the Co-Creative process, which is to make a direct connection between the village and the railway station.
The complete Community Objectives, adopted in December 2017, are here: http://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/images/Final_Objectives_December_2017.pdf
The Transport Scotland consultation on the Preferred Route proposals officially finished on 17th March but 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 above Community Objective - 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 https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/637b0abb542842269c31d0c41a901bf8 Tay Crossing to Ballinluig section: A contract notice for the construction of this section has been issued by Transport Scotland, with a view to awarding a contract in summer 2025.
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
2nd June to Jan Silburn’s at Torwood House on St Mary’s Road between 12 and 5pm. (see page 18) If seeing these lovely gardens inspires you to get gardening then please consider helping out at the Orchard (p4) or with the team at Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom as they work to keep the village looking so lovely. (p8)
Come rain or shine we can always take solace in a good book and it’s great to see that the Christian Aid book stall will once again be taking place outside the Duchess Ann on both the 11th and 17th May. Please rake through your shelves and see what books you can give away for a good cause. The spaces created can then be filled with the books you will buy at the stall! (see p11)
So, it’s off to the welly shop for me unless I can transmogrify myself into an otter. Hopefully my new leak free purchase won’t be needed for a bit, and I can instead hunt around at the back of my wardrobe for my sandals and flip flops.
Whatever the weather ... wishing you all a very Merry May.
Sally Robertson
Community News continued
Specialised Support from GrowBiz this May
In addition to our rural enterprise support services, GrowBiz offers specialised support for various sectors. Creatives, rural small businesses, food and drink providers, care and wellbeing practitioners, social enterprises and young people can benefit from the following:
Perthshire Artisans: This is a supportive platform and curated online shop for local creatives to connect with other artisans, share ideas and skills, and collaborate. Two membership options are available and applications open regularly. More at www.perthshire-artisans.scot
REDS: Rural Enterprise Directory Scotland (REDS) is an online directory and interactive map, which promotes and connects Scotland’s rural small business community—and helps us support and advocate for them. Find out more at www.reds.scot
Great Perthshire: The regional food and drink group for Perth & Kinross, Great Perthshire offers networking, peer support, learning opportunities and mentoring to anyone in the food and drink sector. Become a member at www.greatperthshire.com
Care and Wellbeing: GrowBiz Care and Wellbeing supports community-based care and wellbeing services across rural Scotland. Included is a peer support group, online directory of practitioners, and delivering accredited WRAP® mental health and wellbeing workshops.
PKSEG: The Perth & Kinross Social Enterprise Group works collaboratively to create opportunities for the social enterprise community in Perth and Kinross to develop and thrive, recognising its positive impact on society, local communities and the economy. Take a look at www.growbiz.co.uk/pkseg
SEED: Young people aged between 18-30 in Perth and Kinross can get help to explore their ideas, develop their plans, and make their self-employed business dreams happen. Small grants are available.
Find out about all GrowBiz support services, including 1-1 advice, business mentoring, net zero support, and learning and networking events at www.growbiz.co.uk
Third Annual Walking
Meeting – 24 February 2024increasing road safety and improving how we move around in our communities
The report from the walking meeting on 24 February will be available soon – in the meantime it is great to report that the lights and new crossing are in place on the approach to Telford traffic Bridge – this is a milestone in improving road safety around our community – but lots more to do. We still have a long stretch of urban road through Birnam with no pedestrian crossing (including routes to school, and bus stops for school pickups), and we await progress on 20mph limits through our communities. More to follow in future editions of The Bridge.
Birnam Arts:
Arts News 3
Concerts & Events ∙ Café ∙ Shop ∙ Gallery ∙ Beatrix Potter Station Road, Birnam PH8 0DS 01350 727 674
Tickets and details: www.birnamarts.com
Thank You!
Our AGM on 20th March marked the end of an era for Birnam Arts with the retiral of our longstanding Chair of the Board of Trustees, John Anderson. John has been an incredible advocate and supporter of Birnam Arts over many years and the rest of the Board, and the staff want to thank him for his dedication and hard work in keeping our brilliant community asset running. We wish John well and hope that he has more time now to enjoy walking in the hills. We would also like to thank two other long-standing trustees who stepped down on 20th March, Moira Laws and Alasdair Beveridge.
New Co-Chairs, Andrew Cave and Sarah Yearsley, are now at the helm and are looking forward to the next chapter at Birnam Arts. New board members are very welcome, and you don’t need to have previous board experience to get involved. Please get in touch at chair@birnamarts.com if you’re interested.
WHAT’S ON AT BIRNAM ARTS
May Exhibition: Conglomerates Jessica Ramm
Featuring Print, Collage and a Sound Installation by Jessica Ramm, our Artist-inResidence of 2023.
Wed 1st May 10am-12pm Aging Creatively Workshop With Alison Price 60+, Free, but please book.
You can be a complete beginner for this! Transform your memories of well kent places into a work of art, using print and drawing techniques.
Wednesday 8th May 1.30pm
Sho and the Demons of the Deep by Zoë Bullock Independent Arts Projects in association with National Theatre of Scotland £5 Children £12 Adults
Dunkeld School: Free
A visual-adventure story, especially for young audiences - Sho’s city has been plagued by nightmares for as long as she can remember, but hers are the worst of all. One day, Sho has had enough. She throws her nightmares away into the Clyde, where they wash out to sea…
Developed with support from Imaginate, Playwrights Studio Scotland, Federation of Scottish Theatre, and National Theatre of Scotland.
Saturday 11th May 10am-12pm Print Workshop with Jessica Ramm Free, but please book.
Taking inspiration from her current Birnam Arts exhibition, Conglomerates, Jess will guide you through the basics of printing techniques – this workshop is suitable for all levels of ability.
Friday 17th/Saturday 18th May 7.30pm
James V Katherine by Rona Munro
£12 + Booking Fee
A Raw Material & Capital Theatres Coproduction
Katherine Hamilton is a nineteen-year-old woman facing arrest and trial in the King’s court, with only her quick wit as defence against execution.
James V: Katherine is a dramatic interpretation of key events during a turbulent time in Scotland’s history, events that did happen and did change Scotland forever. But this is also a play filled with hidden histories, deft comedy and a secret love story between two young women.
Rona Munro’s renowned James Plays - the theatrical series set during the reigns of Scotland’s generations of Stewart kings - have entertained audiences on main stages since 2014.
Friday 24th May 7.30pm
Budapest Café Orchestra
£18 + Booking Fee
The Budapest Café Orchestra is a musicdriven phenomenon, a specialist performance-entertainment outfit, enthralling packed audiences with their infectious gypsy jazz energy and everything in between, led by the celebrated jazz violin superstar, Christian Garrick and a string of exemplary musicians – Eddie Hession on accordion, Adrian Zolotuhin.on sultan and veteran double bass man Kelly Canton laying down the bass notes.
Brilliant entertainment - not to be missed!
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.
Help to Put the Fun into Fundraising!
We are looking to reinvigorate our fundraising efforts and need your help to run a series of fun, charity events throughout the year, all with aim of raising much needed support for Birnam Arts, your local arts charity.
From a glitzy Mid-Summer or Winter Ball to a Burns Supper or kiltwalk, to smaller events and activities such as Local Talk and music gigs, we need your help to bring the fun (and funds!) back into Birnam Arts.
Help us to keep the lights on and strengthen the bonds between the communities we serve, please connect with us and volunteer.
We need your energy, ideas and support! If you would like to know more, or to get involved please pop in and say hello at reception or contact us via email to manager@birnamarts.com
Please check the website for all our ongoing and one off workshops throughout the Winter months – birnamarts.com
The Himalaya come to Pitlochry
The Little Sherpa Foundation, a charity based in Dunkeld and the Nepal Himalaya, is delighted to have been asked to facilitate an exhibition of Sherpa people, their culture & landscape in the Pavilion of the Pitlochry Explorers Garden from mid-May for a month. The Himalayan section of the garden will have it’s glorious meconopsis in full bloom at this time.
One of the highlights will be on Everest Day, May 29th, when we will take a closer look at Sherpa culture by showing the award-winning film, "Sherpas Speak", produced by BAFTA winners Richard Else & Meg Wicks, with music by Dougie and Jamie McLean.
At the same event in the Festival Theatre, there will be an opportunity to hear writer and broadcaster, Cameron McNeish, author, Fiona Valpy, and James Lamb from the Little Sherpa Foundation, talk about their connections to the area and the people.
The inaugral Dunkeld Cathedral Summer Music Festival opens on Wednesday May 1st with a lunchtime recital by pupils from Morrison's Academy. Concerts will run on most Wednesday lunchtimes from 12:00 - 13:00 throughout the summer months, ending with a recital entitled 'Fairytales and Folksongs' by Colleen Nicoll and Andrew Johnston on September 4th. A total of 15 concerts will take place with Breadalbane Academy, the second school taking part, with a concert on May 29th. The majority of performers are professional with concerts covering all genres from traditional Scottish Folk and Fiddle music, Jazz, modern Saxophone and keyboards, to a range of classical concerts with solo instruments, clarinet and piano, a string trio and the Ferntower Ensemble. Concerts are free and the audience will be encouraged to leave a donation. You the reader can help by letting friends and particularly visitors know about the concerts. The cathedral offers a wonderful acoustic and we look forward to filling it with music throughout the summer. Go to www.dunkeldcathedral.org for concert details.
Arts News continued 4
Just Singin' welcomes new singers in May!
Your local Community Choir is part way through its Spring term, but the beauty of learning by ear, is that you can come along any week and join in. If you enjoy it, we'd love you to become a member and sing with us regularly. We do all sorts of styles of music and ring the changes by having a new tutor every four weeks. Just Singin' are so lucky to have a pool of talented musicians to lead us and are always keen to give an opportunity to talented musicians to lead our group - just get in touch! This term began with the group being led by Hazel Murch who challenged us at the end of last year with the song 'Baba Yetu', the Swahili theme song for the video game Civilization IV, and led us magnificently on Santa Day. We are delighted to welcome Hazel back, leading our sessions on 1st and 8th May. For the last four weeks of our term, a firm favourite with her world music and dry humour, Irene Railley returns for the sessions on 15th, 22nd and 29th May, and finishes the term on 5th June. Do come along if you just enjoy singing and would like to join a friendly, bunch of welcoming, like minded people with mixed voices and mixed ages. We strive to make everyone feel welcome. All of our sessions are held from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the upstairs studio at the Birnam Institute in Birnam. We would love to see you there!
Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group
We’re happy to say that DB Trad Group is now 1 year old! It’s been a successful first year with our young members developing their skills in playing trad music and learning to play and perform together. 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 next gig is 10am Saturday 4th May at The Chapter House Museum Trust and Dunkeld Community Archive for their Dunkeld Living History Weekend.
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 – If you have any of instruments hanging around your home and would like for them to be put to good use, we happily take a variety of them. Our weekly tuition, currently for fiddle and pianoaccordion, 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.
Classical Guitarist moves to Dunkeld and offers music lesson
Dunkeld welcomes Ross Morris, a classical guitarist and educator, from Cornwall. Ross is currently teaching at the University of St Andrews as
associate instrumental teacher, and as a Musicianship Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Junior Conservatoire Armadale Centre. Ross will be delivering private lessons just outside Dunkeld and can also travel to pupils homes within the local area, offering a comfortable and supportive learning environment. Additionally, for those unable to attend in person, Ross offers online lessons. Tuition is tailored to the individual’s needs and interests, and open to all ages and levels. A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Chethams School of Music, Ross has performed internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. As a member of Quartet Malamatina, Ross has toured the UK and North America including performances at St George’s Bristol, Perth Concert Hall, The Banff Centre (CA), YellowBarn (US), Toronto Guitar Society and for BBC Radio. As half of the MorrisBegg Duo, Ross is also a Live Music Now Scotland Artist, delivering outreach projects across Scotland as well as recitals including at Kings Place and the National Gallery of Scotland. Other touring engagements have included Scottish Opera and Glyndebourne Opera. Contact Ross today to enquire and arrange a lesson. MA, BMus (Hons), LRSM, DipABRSM Teaching. https://www.rossmorrisguitar.com rosslemorris15@gmail.com
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries Birnam Library
Come along to a Bookbug session at Birnam Library! Join us on Thursday mornings from 10.30am-11.00am for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please get in touch with Birnam Library to book a spot. 01738 459709 / birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk Books on Wheels
For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, this includes books in large print and audio formats. For further information, please get in touch with the Birnam Library. 01738 459709 / birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk.
Princh Printing
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries have installed Princh, a printing solution in libraries across Perth and Kinross, including Birnam Library. With Princh, it is now possible to print from any mobile device, tablet, or laptop from home or in one of our participating libraries. Just print, pay online and pick up your items. You can send your print jobs at any time from any place, and what's more, you no longer have to wait in line at the printer.
Details can be found on our website: https://www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries/internet-andcomputers/princh-printing/
Colour creatives is the result of a couple of pals who got to know each other at the school gate, ended up working together and realised we both had a love of old wooden furniture and visions of giving it a new, fresh, and colourful appearance! So, that’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re re-purposing wooden furniture and breathing life back into a once beautiful piece that could do with a bit of TLC! We’ll also transform furniture you may have that you’d like us to bring back to life. It’s amazing what a lick of paint & some creative brush strokes can do to turn an old relic into the centre piece of a room. We are both local to Dunkeld and we hope you’ll support our wee business.
See our advert on page 9.
Community Orchard
April and May are a great time to take a walk around the orchard and enjoy the daffodils and cowslips, as well as the blossom. UK Orchard Blossom Day took place on 29 April. As blossom comes out at different times depending on where you live it’s more like “Blossom Time.” Why not go down to the orchard to see the various different beautiful blossoms as they emerge?
Soon it will be time to mow the grass for the first time (something Atholl Estates do for us – thank you).The Men’s Shed have been giving our picnic table some tender loving care, with some materials kindly donated by the Polney Sawmill, and it is now back in situ –please use this to enjoy the orchard this spring! Better still get in touch and come and join us on one of our “work days” – contact Katharine 01350 727048 or email dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com
We’ll be down at the orchard on Friday 10 May about 2pm to have a walk round and check up on things, as well as a cup of tea. We’re also getting together on Saturday 18 May at 1030 to continue work on ensuring the tree guards are pegged down securely. Bring your own hammer if you want to join in!
The Future of Community Communication – Launching Super Second Saturdays
–Free cake and coffee!
In 2024 The Bridge will be 50 years old! What does the next 50 years of communications look like for our community?
Please share you thoughts and ideas via letter, email, survey monkey, FB messenger or old fashioned chat :
The downstairs area of the coworking space will be opening as community free space on the second Saturday of the month. Call in and share your thoughts about communications in the community, or any other community matter, over free coffee and cake.
Super Second Saturdays –Free coffee and cake!
Saturday 11th May, 10 – 4pm
Survey Monkey Link :
Jane & Vicki
Community News continued 5
Men’s Shed
Wot, no shed?”
After a very active ‘23 and a flying start to ‘24, Dunkeld and Birnam Men’s shed has been reflecting on the successful community projects achieved since they registered as a charity in ‘22 as part of the Scottish Men’s Shed Association.
To date, Dunkeld and Birnam’s Men’s shed has carried out multiple projects in the local community, some of which you may have already stumbled across. These community projects vary in size and length from a few hours to a couple of weeks! Their first major project was
for The Archive. This involved travelling to Dorset by van, dismantling a moving filing cabinet system, returning to Dunkeld, and then customising and reinstalling it.
“A fabulous, hardworking, and talented group who went above and beyond all expectations to help us renovate our Archival storage. A real asset to the community” –Ruth at The Archive.
The next project involved the construction of multiple planters for The Bloomers which now line the Water Wynd down to the Tay. Next, to the Orchard, and the erection of a wooden storage shed.
“The Men's Shed has really helped out at the Community Orchard. Firstly, erecting our Shed and now they're in the process of restoring our picnic table. They're also creating a much better base for the new picnic table which we'll be setting up later this Spring. We're very grateful for all their hard work and for their practical problem solving. Thank you.” – Liz at The Orchards.
The project list goes on and on…e.g. for the second year running, helping Birnam Arts with the Christmas panto scenery construction.
Neil Graham, Chair of The Dunkeld & Birnam Men’s shed said “We have achieved all these successful projects without the essential missing piece - a place to call home - A Shed’. We desperately need somewhere
we can meet, store our kit and a base from where we can carry out community projects and activities.” After nearly three years of looking, Blairgowrie’s Young Anglers group has kindly offered their portacabin as a temporary solution. The D&BMS now need a local site for this so are appealing to anyone who could offer a small piece of land on a temporary or permanent basis. So, if you know of a potential site or have an idea where a cabin could be placed, or even know of a building as a more permanent solution please contact Neil on dbmensshed@outlook.com
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
Dunkeld Living History Weekend
Sat 4th & Sun 5th May
Stanley Hill Park, Dunkeld (Free entry) Come and join us for a time travelling adventure. Parking will be available next to the park (£5 per car). The event will open at 10am on Saturday with the Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group. Visit the many re-enactment camps, and do a spot of shopping at the heritage Traders stands. Our main arena has a fabulous program of events throughout the day.
Catering available in the Duchess Anne Hall and in the park.
We also have fabulous ticketed performances for you; Friday 3rd May – 8pm – Birnam Arts ~ An Evening with Lindsey Gibb (Storyteller) - “Dunkeld ‘s Dark Deeds” Murder & Intrigue. Crime and Punishment. Dunkeld & Birnam’s criminal past uncovered.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday 4th May – 2pm – Duchess Anne Hall ~ “Macbeth: DEATH, BANE & BIRNAM”
A two hour workshop led by Actor Joe Arkley & Shakespearean specialist Tracey Irish
Saturday 4th May – 8pm – Birnam Arts ~ Daniel Downie live:
Hysterical & Historical Scottish comedy
Sunday 5th May – 10.30am – Duchess Anne Hall ~ “Dundonnachie: FRAUD & RIOT IN DUNKELD“
A two hour workshop led by Actor Joe Arkley & Shakespearean specialist Tracey Irish
Sunday 5th May – 4:30pm – Dunkeld Cathedral ~ The Scots Opera Project & The Royal School of Dunkeld present “Wandering Ossian ~ A Celtic Folk Opera” Soprano Colleen Nicoll, Music by Esther Swift & David Douglas, Lyrics by Tony Bonning.
See our website for all the information on the event and links to purchase tickets for the performances.
A huge thank you to our local sponsors: The Scottish Deli; W & K Gerrie; The United Lodge of Dunkeld No.14; Invermill Farm Caravan Park; Chattan Tea Room; The Craft Diner; Davidsons Farm & Country; JB Corrie Fencing; Fiona Ritchie; John Gray. Young Archaeologist Club meet fortnightly on a Thursday in the Community Archive at 4pm – next meeting Thursday 9th May.
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
Football, Netball, Tennis, Basketball, Badminton…… The list is endless and the choice is yours! And now is the chance to maximise your sporting opportunities as the new membership year for Dunkeld and Birnam Sports and Leisure Hub has begun. Memberships of either the Tennis Club or the MUGA or both are available from our website: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub or just google ‘dunkeld and birnam sports and leisure hub’ to find the website. An adult membership for either the Tennis Club or the MUGA is £35 for the whole year. This gives you free access to the Tennis Courts or the MUGA – which is a bargain! If it is a MUGA membership you want you can even pay in 5 monthly payments of £7. Under 16s can get a free membership of the MUGA, and can join the Tennis Club for a mere £5!
There are also a number of combined Tennis and MUGA membership packages available for adults and families.
All adult memberships automatically include membership of the Sports Hub, which gives you a say in how our fantastic sports facilities are run. We welcome new ideas for use of the MUGA and we can be contacted through the website.
We do hope that everyone will take advantage of the bargain prices and enjoy a great value summer of sports!
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 May, the meetings are on 7th and 21st. We enjoy sitting and walking
PH8 Care and Support
Last August’s edition of the Bridge carried a piece on the recently formed ‘PH8 Care Group’, formed in response to the PH8 Community Development Plan and acting under the auspices of the Dunkeld and Birnam District Community Development Trust. At the end of the article, mention was made of a new Care Project, for which we were seeking funding. Well, funding was duly secured and we now have a Project Worker, Eilidh Wild, in place. Eilidh is based in the Co Working space, Dunkeld, where other groups with similar aims are also based , including Growbiz and Support Choices. Our focus, however, is on the PH8 area - hence the cunning working title, ‘PH8 Caring Support’.
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 joining 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
Dunkeld, PH8 0QR
Aberfeldy Women's Watersports Project
My Name is Sam West and I am the Recreation Officer of the Breadalbane Canoe Club and I have recently received funding to run a Women's watersports Project on a monthly basis. No experience is necessary and beginners are more than welcome. We will teach all skills necessary and will be a great way to meet others, experience and try different watersports between April and November, trying and learning how to Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboarding.
It would be on gentle rivers and lochs in Perthshire, the Canoe Club is based out of Aberfeldy so would be close to there. We would have most of the equipment needed for the participants including wetsuits. This would be a small group of women (16+) 1 coach and up to 6 participants on the river and 8 if we went to the loch.
Sam West, Recreation Officer, https://www.breadalbanecanoeclub.org.uk
Dunkeld, PH8 0QR
Bridge Days at BirnamArts
Over the last three years, a group of bridge players known as Spoons have organised popular days of bridge playing at BirnamArts. The profit has gone to charity. Last year £2,100 went to Alzheimer Scotland. (Image) Thanks to everyone who helped.
In 2024, the chosen Spoons charity is Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) saves and improves lives across Scotland every day.
SCAA currently operates two helicopters, both EC135-T2is, and two rapid response vehicles. SCAA makes a difference - a patient’s chance of survival and full recovery are greatly increased if they receive the right medical care within the first hour of injury or illness. The fast response of SCAA and its ability to reach Scotland’s most remote and rural areas saves vital minutes when every second really does count. It’s a good cause to enjoy the wonderful sport of bridge for, in a lovely spacious venue.
The first 2024 BridgeDay at BirnamArts was early March successfully run with 60 players. The top pair NS were Paula Fuge and David Deards from Perth(image). With Sheena Dunn and Margaret Telford from Inverness tops EW.
The next tournament is on Wednesday 22nd May .
The now established format is a friendly but competitive pairs, open to all, with a tournament director, starting at 10.30 with coffee and cream scones. Play starts at 11am. 28 hands of bridge with a lunch break. Soup and sandwiches. Teas and coffees available all day.
Finishing with prizes by 4pm.£20 per player is an excellent deal!
There will of course be a raffle for SCAA.
The boards are predealt and all results and hands, analysis etc available immediately online. Spoons players use BriAnbridge smart phone scoring. All welcome!
Please go to the BridgeDays website to book places: http://www.bridgewebs.com/bridgedays
Or contact Miriam Drysdale 07747777601
The aim of the project is to increase the overall amount of Care and Support available within the PH8 area by encouraging and mentoring people into roles as paid Personal Assistants and volunteer Befrienders. It also aims to offer people more flexibility over the type of support they can receive. People may be eligible for payments from the Council for their support, or they may choose to pay for it yourself.
So what does a Personal Assistant (or PA) do ? That rather depends on what the person seeking care or support needs and what the PA is able to provide - but it can vary considerably. For some it may be help around the house, shopping, and other house work . For others it could be help with transport to attend regular appointments or engaging in community events. Respite Care to provide a break from caring can also be offered, while some people need full personal care. In the few weeks that the scheme has been running, Eilidh’s already found several Assistants ready and able to start. So if you need the sort of help noted above, give her a call on 07432569447 or email her on
eilidhwild84@outlook.com
The Befriending side of the project is just starting, but this will be underway soon. We are currently establishing links to the Scottish Befriending Network and ensuring we have the correct guidance and safeguarding arrangements in place. Contact arrangements for this aspect of the project are as above.
You should see leaflets about the scheme in and around Birnam and Dunkeld and shortly on the village notice boards in Dalguise, Butterstone and Amulree, but Eilidh is already out and about, promoting the scheme. So you may bump into her at a meeting near you ! Do say hello, if you do. It’s really through word of mouth that people will become aware of the help and support available to them.
And just so’s you know who Eilidh is, she’s the young one in the photograph. Mary, Rosy and John are just the project management team from within the Care Group.
The Kiln Creative
Summer classes available to book: Weekend workshop: 18th & 19th May
Taster class: 15th June
6 week block - Thursday mornings 23rd May - 27th June
Private group classes available to book.
For more information and bookings: www.thekilncreativepottery.co.uk
Dog Chaperone for Weddings
Ad Hoc / One Off Dog Walks for One Household at a time
Day or Night Dog Sitting Cat and Hen Visits 07774 294610
Hello@solopaws.co.uk On Facebook and Instagram
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.
BRADYSTONE HOUSE GARDEN MURTHLY
Open every Thursday for the summer season from 6th June to 26th September
Well stocked plant stall Entry £5.00 for Scotland’s Gardens Scheme
Community News continued
Dunkeld
and Birnam in Bloom
Another Spring has arrived and the Team are once again out in the gardens in Dunkeld and Birnam. I should say we never really stopped this year, as we continued to sweep leaves and keep the gardens tidy. At the beginning of March we got delivered 6 tonnes of gravel for St Ninian’s garden. The Barhaul driver was
pictured below, soon had it all spread. We probably could do with a few more bags, but that is for another year. Luckily the weather was kind to us so the morning was enjoyable. The garden is now showing the signs of Spring with the bulbs appearing.
The Hostel walk, in Birnam is also looking good with all the Spring flowers: Primroses, Snakes head -Fritillary, Erythronium and Wild Garlic that have started to bloom.
This month some of us have been busy potting up the begonia tubers so hopefully we get some warm weather to bring them on in time for planting out at the end of May.
Our AGM is to take place on Monday 13 May 24 at 10.30 at Dunaird House in Birnam. If anyone needs directions just give me a call.
Anybody who would like to come and join us in the gardens, please do. Groups can be found on a Monday morning at 10am in St Ninian's Garden, Dunkeld and Torwood Park, Birnam.
Thank you, Moira (07931 758 456)
Climate Café ®
Next Climate Café® Dunkeld & Birnam in the Coworking Space on Thursday 2nd May. Climate Café® Network Hub Update
new materials, stories and new updates to our website www.climate.cafe
This will share more and more of the new Climate Cafés who have joined the global network, with a restructure to accommodate them all. It’s great to see Climate Café® Auchterarder and Aberuthven get started, and more Climate Cafés emerging with our support in Perth & Kinross, but also with sessions to share our experience from Moray to East Lothian, Fife to Argyll and Bute, to Shetland and Orkney.
Thousands of climate chats are now underway and leading to action across Scotland and internationally, as Climate Cafés continue to emerge in almost every continent in the world and connect with the Network.
Climate Café® Network Gathering:
Thanks to the Scottish Government funding, this month we welcome Climate Café® Coordinators and friends to Birnam Arts for the largest Network Gathering yet, with a live stream to include international Cafés
Good local news!
In other great news - we have had confirmation of funding support for three local events from the Green Living Fund from Perth & Kinross Council in the Strathtay Ward - a community led and collaborative event on Transport, one on Reuse and Repair with partners including Climate Café® Crieff and also funding for Dunkeld & Birnam Unplugged in September!! Dates will be confirmed at the next Climate Café® Dunkeld & Birnam in the Coworking Space on Thursday 2nd May.
**Please watch out for a session to plan ahead for Unplugged 2024 - let us know if you would like to be involved.**
Sister cities
As shared by Ruby in The Bridge there was a Girl Guiding connect up across Climate Café Asheville and Dunkeld & Birnam for World Thinking Day and International Women’s Day in March; involving 50-60 girl guides from age 5-18. Thanks so much to Lin, Coordinator of Climate Café Asheville for organising this!
We’re also delighted to be joined by another friend from Asheville, Ken Nelson, an expert in climate data, tech and finance, to share an insight from Amsterdam to NYC at our Network Gathering next Friday.
Save our Birnam Buses SOBBS
A few years ago the Save our Birnam Buses successfully got an intercity bus to stop at Birnam again after they were all cut .We could then connect with Edinburgh ,Inverness and the Broxden bus hub for onward travel to other cities.
We have noticed by chance that the bus times from Birnam to Edinburgh have changed again with the introduction of the new summer Timetable.
We have had no official notification of this change and as of April 9th there was incorrect information on the bus shelter timetable.
The new times from the 29th of March to the 20th of October are Birnam Hotel 9:45 am – Edinburgh 11:29 am Birnam Hotel 19.02 am – Edinburgh 20.52 pm Edinburgh bus station 9:10 am – Birnam 11:01 am Edinburgh bus station 18.10 pm – Birnam 19.53 pm . If you have any views about these changes please get in touch pammgreen@btinternet.com
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
What now seems like many years ago whilst I was still in practice as an architect, I was fortunate to be given a project making some alterations to a building on the Isle of Iona. I had visited Iona before but now had sufficient time to absorb its atmosphere. Iona is where St Columba first brought the Christian story to Scotland, bringing a message and way of life that had a distinctly Celtic flavour. Much has been written about this ‘Celtic’ flavour since and many now see Celtic Christianity as a byword for a softer type of spirituality that can be quietly experienced rather than the endless debates that elsewhere dog our faith. Whilst on Iona I purchased The Quest for Celtic Christianity by Donald E Meek which I somehow didn’t get round to reading until some fifteen years later, by which time I was a student of theology. After moving past the attractive Celtic knotwork patterns on the book cover, the contents contained a surprise. I learned that Donald Meek was the son of a Baptist minister from the Island of Tiree and had since become the professor of Celtic Studies at Edinburgh University. I should perhaps not have been surprised that he took a firm line with some of the more romantic present day interpretations of Celtic Christianity. Having myself become a sort of Ecclesiastical Historian some of Professor Meek’s stern critiques are quite difficult to set aside, so this has left me wondering why, despite all this, is Celtic Christianity so attractive for us?
I am going to venture that the answer lies in simplicity. Much of what we know about the Celtic Church is based on sparse documentation and legend as indeed is the early Church and its Desert Tradition. Some have argued that these were the origins of the spirituality that spread to the Celtic lands rather than the more institutional model favoured by Rome. Matters came to a head in 664 AD at the Synod of Whitby, which debated who was to set the rules for the conduct of Christian life in Britain. Rome won this particular debate and of course history is written by the victors, in this case the Venerable Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English People which is now rightly seen as a classic document. However in many respects the Celtic Church didn’t just disappear, with it still being silently witnessed by place names throughout Scotland. So Cill (= a hermit’s cell) gives us Kilmacolm, Kilmarnock, Kilbride and Kilpatrick, whereas around Dunkeld we see references to St Colme and Amulree marks the ford (Ath) over the River Braan that was named for Saint Maolrubha. We might say that a map and a Gaelic dictionary can provide the raw data for a fascinating journey into our past.
So what might be the message for us today? Well I’m probably not alone in thinking that both our Churches and our way of life are facing challenging times. Amidst the emerging beauty of springtime I am left pondering whether the simple message of our early Church is asking us to think again about what is really important. So, with the summer months ahead inviting us to reflect on this, may peace be with us all!
Roderick Campbell Guion OCDS
Church of Scotland Services
May 5th. 11.00am – Morning Service in the Cathedral
May 12th. 11am. – Morning Service in the Cathedral for Christian Aid Week
Followed by a bread and cheese lunch in St. Mary’s, Birnam, starting as soon after 12 as possible, once folk from the Cathedral get over.
May 19th. 11am. – Morning Service in the Cathedral.
2.15 – Service at Amulree May 26th. 11.00am – Morning Worship in the Cathedral
June 2nd. 11am. – Communion Service in the Cathedral.
Tea and coffee are served after the morning service each week in the Chanonry.
Prayers for Help & Healing
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 in Little Dunkeld Kirk on May 5th, then June 2nd in St. Mary’s. All welcome from any church or none. Check church notices for details.
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:
May 12th / 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 April we will meet on the 24th. and in May on the 29th. – both at 7.30 in the Chanonry
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 –30th. April, and in May, the 14th. & 28th. at 7pm in the Chanonry. Wednesdays –1st., 15th & 29th. May at 10.30am 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)
Kirk Session
The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session next on June 18th. at 7.30pm. in the Duchess Anne.
The Meeting Place
The Meeting Place is in the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings from 10 – 12noon. All welcome.
Youth Group
A group for all P.7s and 1st. years 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.
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 1st., 15th & 29th. May. 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
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
Christian Aid
Christian Aid Week this year is the 12th. – 18th. May. Every year our local Christian Aid committee, drawn from the three churches, organises various events to raise money for Christian Aid.
Second Hand Bookstall at the Duchess Anne on Friday 10th.
Saturday 11th.
Friday 17th.
Saturday 18th. from 10am onwards
Donations of books always needed. These can be brought to the Meeting Place at the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings or left in the wooden hut in front of the Duchess Anne
The proceeds from The Meeting Place on Friday 10th. & 17th. will be going to Christian Aid.
Soup and Bread Lunch in St. Mary’s Birnam on Sunday 12th. May (starting as soon after 12 as possible, once folk from the Cathedral get over.)
Adults £5, Primary School Children, £2.
Collecting Cans will be dotted around various shops over the week too, so please put in any loose change!
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.
Table Top Sale at 3 Churches Charity Shop
Hobby/Craft Materials
10th And 11th May
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
Christmas Services:-
Christmas Eve – St Bride’s Pitlochry: 8.00 pm Carols, 8.30 pm Vigil Mass
Christmas Day – 8.30 am St Columba’s Birnam
10.00 am Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy
11.30 am St Brides, 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.
Holy Week and Easter with the St Mary’s church family
WOW! what a joy this season has been, and exhausting too. But, we at St Mary’s do not want to gently stroll into God’s kingdom without breaking a sweat (ok some of us do) I would hope however that we arrive having had a truly inspiring and surprising journey along the way. This is a glimpse into our Holy Week: Monday: the community said fare well and paid respects at the memorial of The Late Mr John Walker, our long serving extraordinary organist and generally amazing loving and loved man. He is missed by so many.
Tuesday of Holy week saw a Dog and God short walk along the river, anyone with a dog or not can join us, the dogs have their walk and the humans have chats about doing daily life with faith. Refreshments were provided afterwards at the rectory, the dogs got some too. Wednesday evening was spent listening to Dr Andrew Paterson give a slide talk about Icons; it was well attended and very much appreciated.
Maundy Thursday all SEC diocesan priests gathered with all lay ministers at the Perth Cathedral for the Chrism Mass to renew our commitment to our incarnational vocations, we also get to top up our Holy Oils used for healing and christenings. In the evening the church family sat down together for our Maundy meal of vegetable soup, and croft raised lamb with salad, the deserts were rather calorific but hey it was almost Easter!! Traditional washing of a few folk’s feet took place at the end of the meal as the passion gospel was read aloud; someone was brave enough to wash mine!!!!
Good Friday we had the walk of witness around Birnam and Dunkeld with the cross. There were so many cars waiting to get onto the A9 that day and as we walked across the bridge we were videoed, photographed, spoken to and had many waves; what a lovely witness it was. At the charity shop we stopped and sang ‘As I surveyed the wondrous cross’; again many people were interested and looked on. The quiet hour from 2-3pm was beautiful and reflective. We joined in with Dunkeld cathedral for the Good Friday Service in the evening. Easter Sunday was FABULOUS, we had many visitors from across the world, there was an Easter egg hunt, a tomb to explore, and many uplifting joyous shouts of Hallelujah. We decided that the children could not find Jesus in the tomb when they looked because Jesus is risen and now lives in each and every one of us. We ate Simnal cake and more chocolate after the service. A large family visiting from Columbia had been trying to get to us to celebrate Easter with us all but got caught up in traffic on the A9 and arrived after the service had ended. But!!! The sun was shining, they stayed and we had a very lively and then very prayerful second service setting off the confetti canons and giving our thanks to God. What an explosion of colour and languages, a real and heartfelt celebration of life.
My heartfelt thanks goes to all of the volunteers who baked, cooked, cleaned, set tables, walked, arranged flowers, drove people to and from services, and joined in living the gospel of Good News. Church isn’t only about being together in the building on Sunday, church happens in all places at all times when we love one another enough to give our time to serve and not to count the cost.
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
Dunkeld and Birnam Community Interest Company, Growbiz and Friends of Guiding have come together to form a new ‘Health and Wellbeing Hub’ at the Guide Hall at times when the hall is free.
We hope that offering this cost effective space to our health and wellbeing practitioners will provide some wonderful new opportunities for the community to have wellbeing activities and treatments closer to home.
If you are interested in renting the space please get in contact at coworkingdunkeld@gmail.com
A massage bed, portable screens and a massage chair are all available for use free of charge.
Yoga with Sue Atkinson
9.00 - 10.30am Thursdays
Sue combines classic yoga poses and breathwork with modern understanding of human anatomy and movement. Classes are relaxed and informal and suitable for most people.
For more information, or to book, contact: atkinsue93@yahoo.co.uk or 07858 817915
THE PLANT NURSERY KINDALLACHAN
West Countlich Farm, Kindallachan, Near Ballinliug, PH9 0NW
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
The Royal School of Dunkeld – at the heart of our community
First up, an enormous thank you to everyone who supported and turned out for the 80s/90s Parent Partnership Group (PPG) fundraising disco on 13 April. We raised over £550 which will be used to support our children and the school. Huge gratitude to the Royal Dunkeld Hotel for looking after us so well, to the PPG team for organising posters, decorations, amazing raffle and cleanup, to our amazing DJ from Bruce Entertainment and to all those in our community who turned up for a laugh, didn’t take themselves too seriously, and admirably supported the school.
As school returns for the summer term we look forward to more activities connecting the school with our community - there’s some PKC funding in place for engagement of this type, more info in the next edition of The Bridge. Other eagerly anticipated events include Sports Day on 24 May, and the school competing in the local football competition, the Tullybelton Cup.
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
STAFF MEMBER REQUIRED
Enthusiastic sales person for weekend post, can be flexible as to which day, both or possible week day too. Enquire at gallery or call Marc on 07767 495745 Email marc@athollgallery.co.uk
Atholl Gallery
6 Atholl Street, Dunkeld PH8 0AR 01350 728855
Fraser Mills - NICEIC registered
All domestic and commercial work undertaken Tel: 07545 078968
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
Dates for your Diary
BA = Birnam Arts Centre, DA = Duchess Anne Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld
May
May exhibition at Birnam Arts Conglomerates Jessica Ramm
1 Aging Creatively Workshop with Alison Price 60+, Free, but please book 10-12pm
2 Climate Café Community Coworking Space
4-5 10am to 5pm – Dunkeld Living History Weekend in Stanley Hill Park –Free Event
3 8pm in Birnam Arts – “Dunkeld’s Dark Deeds“ performed by Lindsey Gibb at Birnam Arts – Tickets available from birnamarts.com
4 “Macbeth: Death, Bane & Birnam workshop led by Actor Joe Arkley & Shakespearean specialist Tracey Irish 2pm – Duchess Anne Hall
4 8pm in Birnam Arts – Daniel Downie: A Historical & Hysterical journey through Scottish History – Tickets available from birnamarts.com
5 Service Help and Healing Little Dunkeld Kirk 6:30pm
5
Dundonnachie: Fraud & Riot In Dunkeld workshop led by Actor Joe Arkley & Shakespearean specialist Tracey Irish 10.30am – Duchess Anne Hall ~
5 4.30pm in Dunkeld Cathedral - The Scots Opera Project Present Wandering Oisin ~ A Celtic Folk Opera (Soprano Colleen Nicoll, Music by Esther Swift & David Douglas, Lyrics by Tony Bonning) – Tickets available on Eventbrite.
8 Sho and the Demons of the Deep by Zoë Bullock Independent Arts Projects in association with National Theatre of Scotland £5 Children £12 Adults 1.30pm Dunkeld School: Free
10 Gardeners and Growers Club Falkland Gardens Visit acox325@gmail.com
10 Bookstall in aid of Christian Aid 10am onwards outside Duchess Anne
10 3 Churches Charity Shop Table Top Sale Hobby/Craft Materials 11 3 Churches Charity Shop Table Top Sale Hobby/Craft Materials 11 Bookstall in aid of Christian Aid 10am onwards outside Duchess Anne
11 Print Workshop with Jessica Ramm Free,but please book. 10am-12pm Birnam Arts
11 Viking Optics day 10.30am to 3.00pm. Loch of the Lowes lochofthelowes@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk
11 West Stormont Woodland Group, woodland picnic 12.00, followed by a guided walk Meet at the entrance to Taymount Wood contact@weststormontwoodlandgroup.scot
11 Scotland's Garden Scheme Birnam Bank Walled Garden PH8 0BW 10-4pm £5 admission - Children free
12 Paths and Nature Actions Action Group 2 - 3.30pm stewartpritchard@aol.com
12 Songs and Silence Service at the Cathedral
13 Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom, AGM 10.30 at Dunaird House, Birnam. 17-18 James V: Katherine £12 + Booking Fee 19:30 - 21:30 Birnam Arts
17 Bookstall in aid of Christian Aid 10am onwards outside Duchess Anne 18 Orchard Group 10:30am Katharine 01350 727048 dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com
22 Bridge Day at Birnam Arts £20 per player http://www.bridgewebs.com/bridgedays Miriam Drysdale 07747777601
24 Budapest Café Orchestra £18 + Booking Fee 7:30pm
25-27 The Dunkeld & Birnam Spring Art & Crafts Fair The Royal Dunkeld Hotel 10-5pm daily Entry is free
26 Paths and Nature Actions Action Group 10 – 11:30 stewartpritchard@aol.com 30 A9 Community Group meeting and AGM Birnam Arts 730pm
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
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 12 Gardeners and Growers Club Bradystone, Murthly. Propagation Workshop, Garden tour. acox325@gmail.com 16 Songs and Silence Service at the Cathedral
Kirk Session Meeting, Duchess Anne, 7:30pm
Beaver Watch 7 - 9.30pm. 30 Songs and Silence Service at the Cathedral
For dates further ahead see: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk
Community Noticeboard
The Meeting Place
THE MEETING PLACE is open every Friday in the Duchess Anne from 10-12.
Come and join us for a welcome cup of tea/coffee, delicious home baking and good company.
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.
Santa Day – Thank You!
To give everyone enough time to possibly consider taking over the running of Santa Day, I am letting you all know that this will be my last year.
I have been a part of Santa Day for a few years now but feel that it is now time for someone else to take over. Please get in touch, if you or a group of you, would be interested in taking over.
I have lots of information about what is required for running the event.
Email: dunkeldsantaday@gmail.com
Gillian MacEwan
The Dunkeld & Birnam Spring Art & Crafts Fair
Ongoing works at the Drill Hall means the Craft Fair cannot take place there. The Royal Dunkeld Hotel has kindly agreed to allow the Craft Fair to take place in the hotel. The Fair is from 25th to 27th May from 10am to 5pm each day with interesting and unique crafts. New exhibitors and demonstrations. Entry is free.
3 Churches Charity Shop Table Top Sale
Hobby/Craft Materials 10th And 11th May 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.
Amulree Hall Renovation Update
The Amulree Hall Committee wanted to update you on the progress of the hall renovation project, including the unfortunate news that we have this week made the difficult decision to part company with our building contractor, and formally terminate his contract. This decision was taken, in full consideration of the interests of all stakeholders, including those individuals and organisations who have generously donated to the project, and those community members and visitors who will benefit from the renovated hall.
We also wanted to provide firm assurances that we have the matter in hand and that we remain committed to successful project completion, at the earliest opportunity. We really appreciate your patience and ongoing support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Hall Committee via our email address info@amulreehall.org.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 we are looking forward to 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’re moving onto navigation skills next, 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/
Dunkeld and Birnam First Responders (DABFR) Update
The community first responder team was live during March with six first responders now fully trained and accredited by Scottish Ambulance Service. We hope to have two further CFRs trained and accredited by the end of May this year, bringing the total number up to eight. This is an incredible achievement from a standing start but there is still so much more to do to increase our numbers further so that we can provide a more targeted resource and to provide strengthened community resilience to make our community even safer to live in and to visit.
It is early days, but already the team has clocked up more than 200 operational hours in March alone and have had two call outs. We expect this to steadily increase as the awareness, confidence and capacity develops further. Remember that these interventions are in addition to the emergency response and every call out has the potential to save or preserve a life or at the very least to provide support and reassurance.
We are planning an open event shortly to broaden our engagement and to enhance our recruitment and fundraising so please look out for details and support us in any way you can.
We are also looking to recruit trustees and ordinary members to support our work so please call Bill Nicoll, Chairman on 07802 538618 if you would be interested in joining us.
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.
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
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
Lyndsey Douglas
Local Jewellery Designer and Maker ornaichjewellery.com ornaich.jewellery@gmail.com Òrnaich.Jewellery ornaich_jewellery
LADY DRIVER TAXI
Notes from a Councillor 17
It’s very British to talk about the weather, but I’m assuming that Mother Nature didn’t get the memo regarding the start of spring and nicer weather. I’m trying to convince myself that we are only getting all of these storms because we are in for a spectacular summer!
You will no doubt have seen in the local press and National news that our brand new museum has opened in the former City Hall in the centre of Perth, with the Stone of Destiny as its focal point. I was lucky enough to be invited to the Grand opening and I have to say that it is really impressive. It is everything that we were told it would be and more. I would highly recommend that if you haven’t been already, then I would urge you to make an effort to go.
You may have recently been affected by the announcement by Stagecoach that they were having to make drastic cuts and changes to services, citing increased operating costs and falling passenger numbers as the cause for such changes.
Following some intense negotiations with our officers a suitable compromise has been achieved, which retains vital links in some areas and some with minor changes to the routes and services. It is up to us as a community to keep the bus services that some people really rely on.
At the end of the day, the bus company is a business which not only provides a service but it also provides jobs and the means for those of us without our own transport to be able to get to work. If we don’t use it, we will lose it. I don’t normally run dedicated surgeries for Council business. I much prefer to react individually to residents requests. I can be contacted either by email: ijames@pkc.gov.uk or by phone 07761988308.
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
News from our Community Council
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council Community Council Matters
Community Council MemberAlan Wylie
If you would like to contact the Community Council you can do so by emailing: dbcc.correspondence@gmail.com
You can also contact us via the messaging system on our facebook page.
Of course, if you have the opportunity, then please do chat to any member of the Community Council if you bump into them while out and about.
Please look on www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk for information about future dates and times.
To read the minutes of previous meetings and to find the agenda for forthcoming meetings, see: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/community-news/ community-council
JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576
With the daffodils out in Amulree it’s encouraging to think we’re over the worse that winter throws at us although with the snow at the beginning of April, there's always a sting in the tail. I’m not sure the newborn lambs appreciate their entry into the world with all this rain. A reminder for people to keep their dogs on a leash when out working in the country.
The Community Council has been busy as always. We’ve engaged with a number of bodies on a variety of subjects. Most noticeably, the impending loss of the ATM in Dunkeld. We’re still puzzled by the decision of PKC Planning Department to refuse planning permission to install a replacement machine in the centre of Dunkeld, but we’re engaging with PKC and other interested parties to ensure what many of us believe is an essential service, is made available to locals and tourists. We’ve been supported by our elected representatives on the council and the Scottish Parliament. We hope that common sense will prevail and we’ll be successful in our endeavours once we get everyone together and meet up at the council offices.
Another topic in which has seen us devote a significant amount of time on is the Newtyle Quarry application. Of all subjects we’ve been focusing on this has taken most of our time. We object to the continuation of work on the quarry for a number of reasons. No more so than the potentially negative affect it has on public health. For the past 14 years the workings have seen silica dust coming from the
Pete Wishart MP: Member of Parliament for Perth and North Perthshire pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk
site and drifting throughout our community. Despite numerous occasions residents have alerted PKC of issues and subsequent visits by Enforcement Officers, little or no corrective action has occurred. Our investigations have discovered that it appears no critical safety regulation checks by planning officers have been performed. Despite our best efforts the councillors voted to approve the planning application. It would appear they are more concerned with the likely cost of the applicant appealing a refusal than they are with the health of our community.
We plan to contact the Director of Public Health NHS Tayside for guidance and will continue to hold PKC to account.
We see this as a lost battle, but we aim to fight more battles and eventually see common sense prevail.
A piece of positive news is that we can now award micro grants of up to £1,000 per project this year so if you have something in mind for your organisation which will benefit the local community please let us know. If necessary we can provide guidance on how to complete the form.
Contact dbcc.correspondence@gmail.com.
And finally, we’re still on the lookout for other members of the community to join us. So if you have some spare time-as much or as little as you likeplease make contact with us again at dbcc.correspondence@gmail.com
Alan Wylie, Secretary & Deputy Chair Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council
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
Ian James
A World Community
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
May 19th - Falkland Gardens Visit - 2pm - £10
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
Scotland's Garden Scheme (Open for Charity) 2024
Saturday 11 May - 10am to 4pm - £5 admission - Children free
Kirsty Binnie
Birnam Bank Walled Garden
Birnam Glen
Dunkeld
PH8 0BW
Directions: Limited parking at the house, please park at Birnam Village or at Dunkeld & Birnam Train Station and walk 5 mins up Birnam Glen footpath.
Charities: Tayside Health Fund; Cornhill Macmillan Centre
Loch of the Lowes
After a long journey “our” ospreys have returned to Loch of the Lowes and they continue to provide us with surprises and entertainment. NC0, the female osprey, arrived earlier than we have ever visually recorded a returning osprey, arriving on 8th March. Just as we wondered if NC0 might start looking for another mate, the male (LM12) arrived on the 27th of March. They got down to business quickly and so hopefully as you read this there are eggs laid and we can expect hatching towards the end of May.
Visitors told us of their amazing experiences of watching the beavers. At dusk a beaver was observed swimming and being out on the bank, which they watched till the light dimmed and its form disappeared to the human eye. At dawn a very lucky person viewed a number of beavers closer to the hide, and as if that wasn’t enough, they then saw an otter. The otters and beavers seem to get on with each other. As beavers only eat vegetable matter, they are not a competitor for the otter’s diet. In
fact, beavers will provide a habitat for fish, amphibians and small water birds which are part of the otter’s diet. The otter numbers declined dramatically in Britain in the 1960s and 70s due to agricultural pesticides which ran off the land into the waterways and they were hunted. Now they are a legally protected species under the Conservation Regulations 1994. They are still vulnerable due to microplastics, sewage and other chemicals in the water. It is wonderful to see them even if it is when you have bleary eyes at dawn, dusk or night time.
Viking Optics day on 11th May 10.30am to 3.00pm. See binoculars, monoculars and telescopes. Contact Loch of the Lowes as soon as possible if you would like a demonstration of a specific Viking product.
Beaver Breakfast 7th June 05.00am to 07.00am. Join the Ranger at Sunrise at Loch of the Lowes for a morning of watching beavers and other wildlife. Hot drinks and Croissants provided.
Beaver Watch 26th June 7.00pm to 9.30pm. Join the Ranger team for a talk about beavers and the chance to spot them from our hides!
Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld, PH8 0HH (Visitor centre open 10.30am till 5.00pm daily)
After an energetic clearance of alien snowberry from either side of the Jubilee Park to riverside steps, we planted the area with gean and holly trees and ground vegetation including foxgloves and woodrush. Plenty of natural ground cover is also now getting away including celandine, wood anemone and dogs mercury. In May there are rowans to plant and bird boxes to place around the same area.
A good morning’s work on the path from Brae Street to Loch of the Lowes vastly improved the drainage making it easier to use. Some further work on the branch path towards Fungarth will be planned for May.
Dates for tasks in May are: Sunday 12th 2 - 3.30pm Sunday 26th 10 - 11.30am
Please let us know if you want to be involved, contact us via stewartpritchard@aol.com for more information.
For any events of the Scottish Wildlife Trust see and book if required: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/ things-to-do/wildlife-events/
West Stormont Woodland Group
West Stormont Woodland Group, in conjunction with Tayside Woodland Partnerships is holding a woodland picnic on Saturday May 11th at 12.00, followed by a guided walk at 13.00. Come and join us for a social get-together and to hear about WSWG’s plans and what TWP are up to. Bring your own food and drink, and some to share if you can, plus a chair or mat to sit on. Parking is limited so please share where possible. Meet at the entrance to Taymount Wood, about a mile north east of Stanley, Google maps coordinates 56.500212, -3.431229. What3words: tributes.batches.laminate
Dress suitably for the weather, children under 16 must be accompanied by guardian.
For more information find us on facebook, email contact@weststormontwoodlandgroup.scot or visit www.weststormontwoodlandgroup.scot or www.taysidewoodlandpartnerships.org
GARDEN OPENING
SUNDAY 2nd June 2024, 12 till 5 pm
TORWOOD HOUSE ST MARYS ROAD BIRNAM
Please come for a cup of tea and a wander round the woodland and herbaceous garden, created mainly by Mike, over the last 40 odd years.
Some stalls with plants, books and tools. Proceeds to local charities.
