Editorial 2
The
Bridge
Edited by volunteers for the people of Dunkeld, Birnam and the surrounding villages since 1974. Thank you for all your support.
The Bridge Contacts
Editor: Sally Robertson
E-mail: editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk
Advertising Manager: Kirsty Gowans Tel: 07967 117149
E-mail: adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk
Advertising rates from £7.32 per month. Contact the Advertising Manager for details.
Please e-mail your article to the editor at: editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk or post to: The Bridge Dunkeld & Birnam Community Co-Working Space Lagmhor, Dunkeld PH8 0AD
Facebook Page
Dunkeld & Birnam, The Bridge
Download Online: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk
It was back in March that a group of people gathered together to campaign to ‘Save Birnam Library’. In response to pressure from those people and others our library was given a year’s reprieve. It was time offered in order to work out what a future library service could look like and how it could be funded. Culture Perth and Kinross – the arm’s length organisation that runs our council’s libraries - has put out a survey to ask for our views. Please fill it in - see the article at the bottom of this page. My own view is that all communities need safe, quiet, warm spaces where we can go to read and think. Exactly what that looks like may not be quite the same as it is today – however I am convinced that communities will be poorer without libraries and that we should do whatever we can to ensure our library makes it to its 150th Birthday in 2033.
Libraries are also places we can go to meet others in our community. It is a well-known fact that not being able to spend time with others and living in isolation is not good for our health. Having the opportunity to spend some time with others is hugely beneficial. However, for some of us it is not an option to leave our houses – in which case visitors can be a real blessing and source of support. Our local care group has set up a befriending service to do just that – in essence, instead of people coming out to meet us in the community, we take the community into peoples’ houses to meet our neighbours there. John and Eilidh are fundraising to help support this project – John is walking 14 miles from Strathardle back to Dunkeld and Eilidh is flinging herself off the Garry Bridge on a bungee rope. Please support their amazing endeavours if you can. See page 7.
Finally, an unusual invitation – to a Fire Walk Event. The Jane Moore Trust which has taken over the running of the Butterstone school is having an event on 19th September that they are inviting us to join. There’s lots going on, as well as the fire walk, including carnival games and music with all proceeds going to support the children and young people they care for. It also offers us an opportunity to look around their ‘Dunkeld Campus’ and meet some of the staff and students who live and work there. See page 17.
Once you’re done with the form filling and fundraising requests why not pop down to the Orchard on 28th September to enjoy Big Apple Day. I’ll be interested to find out how the crop is going at the community orchard as we don’t seem to have many apples on our trees at all. What with that and the lack of birds and insects and all this endless rain it’s been a very strange summer. It’s a reminder, if one were needed, that our climate is changing in response to human activity – and what that future looks like is very uncertain. The Unplugged Festival taking place between the 23rd and 29th September offers us a week-long festival of climate and nature action across the community from live music to workshops. This is a great opportunity to think about how we can respond to the Climate Crisis as a community. See page 19 for more information. Wishing you all a lovely September full of mists and mellow fruitfulness and maybe even the odd spot of sunshine.
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 26th September 2024, 7.30pm at Birnam Arts. All welcome! If there are important developments before that we shall of course be in touch.
Transport Scotland held a two day exhibition on the latest A9 dualling plans for Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing at Birnam Arts on 21st/22nd August. We had advised them that this would be too early to allow advertising in this edition of Bridge (other than online) and that it would be better to it in early September.
Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop's 7th August statement about the exhibition is here: https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/a9-dualling-exhibitions/
The link to the exhibition materials is shown below and the TS consultation period for comments is open until 6th October. There will be an opportunity to discuss at the 26th September Community Group meeting.
https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/exhibition-materials-community-engagement-events-august-2024-pass-of-birnam-to-tay-crossing-a9-dualling/ On 21st August TS also issued a report on their consultation on the Preferred Route exhibition they held at the end of January. https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/consultation-report-preferred-route-exhibition-pass-of-birnam-to-tay-crossing-a9-dualling
At the time of writing we've not yet been able to review the report but will discuss it at the 29th August A9 Community Group meeting.
For all Transport Scotland contact details/links including their DMRB Stage 2 assessment and Preferred Route, see the June Bridge, also available on our A9 dualling page in the online Bridge, link below
As always you can contact us at email: dunkeldA9workinggroup@gmail.com , and to have your details added (or removed from) our mailing list; Also at Facebook page: Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group. Please Like and Share it or just phone me! Alasdair Wylie Coordinator 01350 727361 07927 175121 Our page on "The Bridge" website, including key documents for download is: http://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/community-council/a9-dualling
Birnam Library – founded in 1883. What is it’s future? Have your say.
Please take the following two actions:
1: Complete the Library Services Review survey from Culture PKC using the link below by 25th September 2024
If you would prefer a printed paper copy of the questionnaire please call in at the Community Coworking Space (Old Doctors Surgery) and pick up a copy or phone or message 07970 778525 coworkingdunkeld@gmail.com and we will deliver or post you a copy for free.
https://cdn.culturepk.org.uk/2024/08/letter-to-library-customers-august-2024.pdf
https://cdn.culturepk.org.uk/2024/08/future-library-models-library-members-questionnaire.pdf
(*link to a paper copy of questionnaire that can be downloaded, printed, completed and returned if preferred)
https://cdn.culturepk.org.uk/2024/08/birnam-library.pdf
Direct link to online questionnaire: https://forms.office.com/e/G6bSbT2Zju
* Please note - the deadline for submitting/returning questionnaires is 25 September 2024
2: Consider adding your name to the petition created by local library supporters www.change.org/savebirnamlibrary
Thank you, Dunkeld and Birnam Local Library Support Group
Arts News 3
Birnam Arts Update from the new Co-Chairs of the Board of Trustees
It’s been a busy few months at Birnam Arts and here’s an update on how things are going and the organisation’s achievements and challenges as we look forward to the autumn.
Due to our extensive community engagement, marketing and programming efforts, audience and participation figures have returned to pre-pandemic levels. We estimate that 85,000 people - audiences, participants and visitors, came through the doors between April 2023 – March 2024. 11,900 visitors came from outside Perthshire, adding a potential spend of nearly £500,000 into the local economy. 38 members of the local community volunteered with us, which amongst other individual and societal benefits, helps to build a more resilient local community. 5 full time and 13 part time staff were employed, drawn from local residents as well as throughout Highland Perthshire, including 4 young people from 4 different schools!
5152 audience members attended events and performances and 828 members of the community took part in workshops and classes – with all the attendant benefits to their health and wellbeing from participating in arts and other community activities 19% of audience members and participants were under 18, and research shows that there is a demonstrable correlation between schoolchildren’s grades in maths and literacy, and their involvement with drama or music activities – the ‘Mozart effect’ The gift shop and café sourced products from 20 local suppliers and makers to a value of £28,200
Since the beginning of July, we’ve been delighted to be able to open the café 7 days a week again, and to see so many of our workshops, events and performances selling out. Huge thanks are due to our staff and volunteers, and of course to our local community for their support. Highlights have included Louise McLaren’s paper cutting workshops, a summer ceilidh with brilliant local band, Rohallion, a super sparkly unicorn dance party and the triumphant launch of local band, Good Guy Hank’s, debut album.
Alongside these events we continue with our ongoing programme of workshops, meetings and community hires so please do come into Birnam Arts to find out more – or of course you can find all the information you need on our website. Birnam Arts is a registered charity and an important community hub and resource. We continue to face an extremely challenging financial environment, particularly with increasing energy and overheads costs. This means that we have had to make some changes to how we operate, including how much we charge for community room hire for example. These are tough decisions for the Board and staff team to have to make, but they are essential to ensure that Birnam Arts is financially sustainable. Alongside making savings internally and seeking additional funding through grant applications, we will still need to fundraise for significant sums of money to keep the lights on at Birnam Arts.
And this is where we need the help of the local community, and there are plenty of ways that people can help. Examples of the very specific and practical support we need include:
Volunteering to staff reception/box office/shop – just a few hours a week would be great, and you will receive comprehensive training. This would help us to respond to booking requests more quickly and meet our income targets. Excitingly we have just been awarded a grant by Awards for All to recruit a Volunteer Manager to develop our volunteering programme. We’ll be able to tell you more about this over the next few months.
• Joining our new Friends of Birnam Arts, (FOBA), – this newly created group exists to raise additional funds for Birnam Arts. We are planning a Community Gala and Dinner event for St Andrews Day on Saturday 30th November and need more local people to come on board to help with organisation.
• Upgrading our building systems, heating and lighting – our lovely building is over 20 years old and to be sustainable and greener into the future we need to scope out the best solutions and seek grant funding to make that happen. There are some good funding opportunities available right now and we need to move relatively quickly. This is a big piece of work, and we need project management support. If this is something you could help with, please get in touch.
• Donating to Birnam Arts – we wish that we didn’t have to ask the community for financial support, but we do! We are developing a range of sponsorship and naming rights opportunities, or you could simply make a donation. Every penny will go towards keeping the show on the road.
• Be an advocate for Birnam Arts – and finally, we are incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful resource in our community. Please give us a shout out whenever you can.
• If you are able to help in any way, please get in touch with us at Birnam Arts. Your contacts are:
Volunteering in the shop: rachael@birnamarts.com
Volunteering at reception– Cat Waldron, via chair@birnamarts.com FOBA – Andrew Cave chair@birnamarts.com
Upgrade to buildings – Sarah Yearsley chair@birnamarts.com Patronage Support for Artist Development/Arts Programmes as well as Open Donations/Sponsorship/Naming Rights – Giles Conisbee, General Manager manager@birnamarts.com
Sarah Yearsley & Andrew Cave, Co-chairs of the Board of Trustees at Birnam Arts Birnam Arts Thurs 5 – Sat 7 Sept / 19.00
Table Manners by Alan Ayckbourn: Birnam Institute Players. Anna is off for an illicit weekend, until sister-in-law, Sarah, finds out that their mutual brother-in-law – Norman - is Annie’s partner, whereupon wildly comic disaster ensues. One of the widely acclaimed Norman Conquest trilogy of plays from the maestro of sitcom. Thurs 12 Sept / 19.30
Sian Quartet
Sian comprises three of today’s most exquisitely guided young Gaelic singersCeitlin Lilidh, Eilidh Cormack and Ellen MacDonald – accompanied by in-demand multi-instrumentalist (and fellow Gaelic speaker) Innes White. Featuring stunning and imaginative harmonies. Fri 27 Sept / 19.30
The Paul McKenna Band
Paul and his band – comprising Robbie Greig (fiddle), Conal McDonagh (pipes/whistles), Conor Markey (banjo/bouzouki/guitars) and Ewan Baird (percussion) – draw on both Scottish and Irish roots, in a dynamic, full-bodied array of original and traditional material, along with songs by like-minded authors. Sat 28 Sept / 19.30 & Sun 29 Sept / 14.00
The Macintosh Fiddlers of Inver
Join us in celebrating the lives of the Macintosh family, their work and music, through a new, one-act play by Lesley Wilson, and performances of their music by local musicians. An exhibition of music manuscripts, documents, photographs and artefacts will be on display on the Birnam Arts mezzanine during Sept-Oct. Also featuring is a book containing family biographies and their tunes. Fri 11 Oct / 19.30
Batsükh
Dorj
A rare opportunity to experience a powerfully emotive and skilled musical practice and unique voice. Accompanied by Johanni Curtet, a specialist in throat-singing who arranged and produced his first album, Batsükh perfectly masters his native Mongolian vocal culture.
EXHIBITIONS 10.00 to 16.00 daily / Free Entry
Until Sun 8 Sept: Beyond Expectations: Jo Foo Photographer Jo Foo documents breastfeeding/chestfeeding mothers.
Fri 13 Sept – Sun 13 Oct (Opening Thurs 12 Sept / 18.00 – 20.00)
The Macintosh Fiddlers of Inver Featuring manuscripts, documents, photographs and artefacts of the Macintosh family, and particularly, James Macintosh.
WORKSHOPS/EVENTS/CLASSES:
Wed 4 Sept / 10.00 – 11.30: Wild Wanders: With photographer Jo Foo Connecting with nature in a mindful photography walk.
Sat 7 Sept / 11.00 – 13.00: Beyond Expectations Meet & Share: Closing Celebration With Jo Foo Classes: There are many weekly classes for all ages available at Birnam Arts –please visit Birnamarts.com for further information
Birnam Arts open 7 days: Café: 10.00-16.00 Shop: 10.30-15.30 Booking Fees apply
Film Society - ‘One Life’
Sunday 22nd September 7:30pm Birnam Arts.
The true story of Sir Nicholas Winton, a young London broker who, in the months leading up to World War II, rescued 669 predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis. Nicky visited Prague in December 1938 and found families who had fled the rise of the Nazis in Germany and Austria, living in desperate conditions with little or no shelter and food, and under threat of Nazi invasion. With difficulty, he manages to rescue over 600 Jewish children. Fifty years later, it's 1988 and Nicky lives haunted by the fate of the children he wasn't able to bring to safety in England; always blaming himself for not doing more. It's not until a live BBC television show, 'That's Life', surprises him by introducing him to some surviving children - now adults - that he finally begins to come to terms with the guilt and grief he had carried for five decades.
Film Society - ‘The Florida Project
Sunday13th October 7:30pm Birnam Arts.
Halley lives with her six year old daughter Moonee in a budget motel along one of the commercial strips catering to the Walt Disney World tourist clientele outside Orlando, Florida. Set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother, all while living in the shadows of Walt Disney World. Halley systematically begins to alienate one by one the people who are her unofficial support by responding with disrespect to anything she feels is against her. As such, Halley begins to take more and more extreme measures to maintain the life she leads with Moonee.
The Macintosh Fiddlers of Inver
Join us in celebrating the lives of the Macintosh family, their work and music, through a new, one-act play by Lesley Wilson, and performances of their music by local musicians. An exhibition of music manuscripts, documents, photographs and artefacts will be on display on the Birnam Arts mezzanine during Sept-Oct. Also featuring is a book containing family biographies and their tunes. Fri 11 Oct / 19.30 See page 4 for full programme.
Community News
The MacIntosh Fiddlers of Inver - A Celebration In 1783 Charles MacIntosh arrived in Inver after fleeing to escape the East India Company press-gang from his Atholl glen. He became a weaver and Niel Gow’s next-door neighbour, and for the next 200 years the family held a central place in the cultural, musical and community life of the Dunkeld area. They entertained local people and esteemed visitors, playing at dances and balls throughout Perthshire and beyond. They taught singing, composed music, were precentors at Little Dunkeld Church, and were involved in almost every aspect of the local community. This September at Birnam Arts the lives of the MacIntosh family, their work, music and legacy will be celebrated with a new one-act play, concerts, and an exhibition of material connected to the family.
Play: “A Place fu o Fiddlers”
Saturday 28th September at 7.30pm, Sunday 29th September at 2pm.
A one-act play written and directed by award-winning Perthshire-based playwright, Lesley Wilson tells the story of the lives and work of the Macintosh family. “A Place fu o Fiddlers” is a mixed-media performance using actors, live music and projected images.
Concerts: The MacIntosh Fiddlers of Inver
Saturday 28th September at 7.30pm and Sunday 29th September at 2pm.
Two concerts will celebrate the music of the MacIntosh family, showcasing their legacy of tunes and songs and will immediately follow the MacIntosh play after a short intermission. This will include the first public performance of music from the newly discovered James Macintosh manuscripts. The concerts will involve local professional and amateur musicians, Dunkeld & District Strathspey and Reel Society, Dunkeld’s “Just Singin’” Community Choir and Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group. James Macintosh’s own fiddle, currently in the care of a local family, will take a central role in the concert, being played by each of the performers.
Exhibition – “The MacIntosh Fiddlers of Inver”
From Friday 13th September to Monday 14th October.
An exhibition celebrating the lives and work of the MacIntosh family will be held at Birnam Arts in their first-floor exhibition area over a month-long period from 13thSeptember 2024. The exhibition material, sourced from the Dunkeld Community Archive, Dunkeld and District Strathspey and Reel Society and private individuals, includes artifacts, photographs and manuscripts connected with the Macintosh family and their legacy. For tickets and more information seehttps://birnamarts.com/festival-The-MacIntosh-Fiddlers-of-Inver-id449
Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition
We have had a busy couple of weeks to the half way point in the Exhibition at the time of writing this report, with a number of artists selling all of their work and being asked to bring in more.
With paintings, prints, linocut pictures as well as various styles of woodwork, cards and stained glass there has been a wide selection of work on show. We would like to thank everyone who has supported this 54th annual exhibition, helping to raise funds for our Cathedral.
Open Studios 31st August – 8th September
Weekly tuition for fiddle and accordion is free, and we provide the instruments. We welcome a wide variety of instrument players to be involved in our junior and senior bands, and encourage fiddle and accordion players, string, wind and brass, guitarists, pianists and more to join. You do need to be able to play at least a little to join the bands, but you don’t need experience in trad music.
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
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, Scops Arts Trust, The Lang Foundation, 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, but are currently looking for guitars of all sizes and small piano-accordions with 8-48 bass buttons, so if you have any of these hanging around your home and would like for them to be put to good use, we will happily take them.
Our local community has already 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.
Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com or call 07958 324 766 for more info
LADY DRIVER TAXI
Advanced Booking recommended
Linda Farquharson
Linocut Workshops & Open Studio
Linocut Workshops
Karin Borland is one of the many artists taking part in this Years Perthshire Open Studios. This year she will be exhibiting in The Boat House, Tay House,, 3 Tay Terrace, Dunkeld. Her work can be seen year round at the Community Coworking Space (Old Doctors Surgery) Perthshire Open Studios (POS) has been supporting creatives across Perthshire for almost two decades, organising a nine day open studio event the first week in September each year alongside a showcase exhibition open to all artists taking part in the open studios. See https://perthshireopenstudios.com for more information including which artists in the Dunkeld area have their studios open.
Birnam Book Festival
Birnam Book Festival is back in the Birnam Arts Centre on the 26th & 27th of October 2024!
Join us near fabled Birnam Wood, where Macbeth’s characters dwelt, for a weekend of legends and lore with authors, storytellers, music and creativity. We’ll explore themes around the Scottish witch trials to see how these still resonate today, and we’ll uncover the real stories of Macbeth’s Tayside locations, from Birnam Oak to Dunsinane.
With Chris Brookmyre, Margaret Bennett, Heal and Harrow, Ambrose Parry, the Witches of Scotland podcast, Philip Paris, Fiona Valpy, Kate Leiper, Morag Anderson, a mysterious art installation and much more, this year’s festival is a feast for the imagination. Find out more and view the full programme at: www.birnambookfestival.co.uk
Book your tickets online at: birnamarts.com or in person at the Birnam Arts Box Office.
Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group
After a busy start to the new school year, Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group has been welcoming new members, and with some exciting concerts coming up soon, we’ve been busy working on new tunes. Keep an eye on our socials for more news.
Saturday 28th September, Sunday 29th September
Saturday 5th October, Sunday 6th October
Saturday 2nd November, Sunday 3rd November
Contact Linda or book on-line: www.linocut.co.uk
Festive Open Studio
Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December
Linocut prints, seasonal cards & gifts for sale 11am - 4pm. All Welcome.
Email: linda@linocut.co.uk
Call 01350 723330 to arrange a date & time.
Borelick Farmhouse Studio 5 miles from Dunkeld on A822 (Crieff)
Birnam Library
Opening hours: Thursday: 5pm – 7pm Friday: 12pm – 5pm Saturday: 9.30am – 12pm
Birnam Library is situated in the Birnam Arts Centre, Station Road, Birnam, PH8 0DS
Tel : 01738 459709
Birnam Library is run by Culture Perth and Kinross - a charitable trust bringing art, culture, books, learning, creative communities and local history and heritage to people across the whole of Perth and Kinross. https://www.culturepk.org.uk/
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/DunkeldandBirnamSportsandL eisureHub 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.
Update on Haughend and Housing Group
DBDCDT held an open meeting for members on 19th August to update them on the potential development that Atholl Estates are planning for Haughend and to give a progress report on the Housing Group. The Trust board issued a statement to make clear that they have not entered into an agreement on Haughend with Atholl Estates and Ristol. Trustees believe that this proposed development is a planning issue which should be considered in the next development plan using existing planning mechanisms. The Trust intend to focus their attention on identifying small scale sites for community led affordable housing. Please get in touch if there are any sites you feel would be appropriate for this type of development. The Trust are keen to re-establish the Housing Group, if anyone would like to share their knowledge and expertise in housing development, we would encourage them to get involved. Please email us at dbdcdt@gmail.com
Massage in Birnam -
Do you have tension in your back, neck and shoulders? Maybe you have aches and pains due to poor posture, or muscle tightness due to your sport. My name is Zoë McNeill-Wilkie and I’m offering both relaxing and deep tissue massage right here in Birnam to help relieve your symptoms! I’m also a qualified personal trainer, so along with your treatment I can suggest daily mobility exercises that will help keep your aches and pains at bay.
I recently moved back to the village after 10 years in Glasgow where I gained qualifications and experience in Swedish Massage, Sports Massage and Personal Training. I went to Royal School of Dunkeld, and came to Guides right here at the Guide Hall, where I’ll be based and giving your treatments. Massage Therapy can:
• Relieve muscle tension
• Promote relaxation
• Improve blood circulation
• Decrease pain
• Increase range of movement
• Relieve stress and anxiety
• Improve sleep
• Stimulate lymphatic system
If you are interested in coming along or have any questions, please contact me over WhatsApp on 07535530551
Community Fayre on Saturday 5th October 2024
Following on from the success of last year’s Community Fayre we are holding another next month to coincide with the United Nations International Day of Older People. This year the focus is on celebrating older people and the vital part they play in making our community a better place to be. The Fayre will take place at Birnam Arts on Saturday 5th October from 11am to 2pm. And there will be plenty of games and activities on offer! Stalls are available to all community groups and organisations. Please get in touch with Beth to book your table – Tel 077292327729 or email dbdcdt@gmail.com
Local Place Plan
We Will Need Your Help to Submit a Local Place Plan.
Local Place Plans were introduced by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. They place a legal requirement on planners to consider a local place plan, if there is one.
Dunkeld and Birnam Development Trust has identified that commissioning a Local Place Plan will bolster existing Community Action Plan initiatives and help identify new areas of concern. This will involve community consultation through October and November.
How can you help? Firstly, by reading this you are already ahead! Thank-you!
In advance of the formal consultations, have a think:
What local places and infrastructure are
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 September, the meetings are on 10th and 24th. We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments. There are no charges, no formalities 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
important to you. This is your list of “specific” items with a defined “where”.
Example - “The gradient is too steep on the Telford Bridge”.
Then think about how the how that might be rephrased as a sentiment.
Example, “I would like to be able to walk and cycle, easily and safely, between Dunkeld and Birnam”.
Keep a list of both specifics and sentiments. Compare your list with friends.
Remember you do not have to wait for a consultation to make a service request to Perth and Kinross Council - just go to https://my.pkc.gov.uk/MyServices or use the QR code:
If you would like to get involved or would like more information please email dbdcdt@gmail.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
Living History
A huge thank you to everyone who made our 2024 Living History Weekend so amazing! The “fabulous” Dunkeld & Birnam Youth Traditional Music Group opened our event.
Mid-Week Memories Club
Slight change of plan – we are now meeting in The Archive on a Monday from 3.30pm to 5pm, until we return to our usual Wednesday spot on 1st Nov. We do have a taxi funded, so if you need transport please get in touch.
Young Archaeologist Club (age 8 to 16)
We meet fortnightly on a Thursday during school term in the Community Archive at 4pm. The next meeting is Thursday 12th September.
Community News
If you have an interest in history and archaeology, come along ! A huge thank you to The Crannog staff who entertained and educated our young
people during our trip to see their new museum and Iron Age village.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm. 12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN. www.historicdunkeld.org.uk archives@historicdunkeld.org.uk
01350 727786
We are pleased to announce the following historical talks for 2024/25. Tickets (£5) are available via
Eventbrite or from the Community Archive. All talks will be held in the Duchess Anne Hall monthly on a Friday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Tea/coffee & biscuits will be served afterwards, giving people a chance to mingle and chat with the speaker.
13/09/24 – Lindsey Gibb: Shackleton Beyond the Ice 11/10/24 – Lara Haggarty: Holinshed Chronicles ~ Macbeth
08/11/24 – Mike Taylor: Bristling with Guns – “Oi mate, you can’t put that cannon there” 06/12/24 – Euphemia Ramsay: A Gothic Ghost Story for Solstice
14/02/25 – Dr Andrew Paterson: Christian Icons ~ Making & Meaning
14/03/25 – Paul MacLennan: Dundonnachie ~ The Man Behind the Bridge Toll Riots
11/04/25 – Lesley Wilson: Local Stories from Local People
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.
Michael Robertson Plasterer Plaster & Cement work
All types of Cornice work and Ceramic Tiling
20 Stell Park, Birnam PH8 0QA 01350 727694 • 07742 091269 miketheplasterer@hotmail.co.uk
DUNKELD BUILDERS LTD
New Builds, Extensions, Renovations and Restorations, Stonework, Drainage, Groundworks and jobbing.
Contact: 01350 727320
Email: info@dunkeldbuilders.com www.dunkeldbuilders.co.uk
Community News continued 7
Church Organ 150th Anniversary Concert
St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Birnam Friday 13th September 2024, 7.30pm - 9.00pm
An evening of music to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the installation of the organ at St Mary’s, and to celebrate the life of organist John Walker, who passed away earlier this year.
Tickets at the door or in advance from: davidwalkerperthshire@outlook.com Mobile 07967 155105
Thank You
I have now given up Puddleduck Nursery after 12 wonderful years. My thanks goes to all parents that used my business and to the community for being so welcoming and supportive.
I wish Jill Rogers who has taken the nursery over all the best. I hope she will enjoy it as much as I have. Good luck to you all. I will miss you. Heather Morton = HEADing towards Everest Quiz Night
I would like to thank everyone who came along to support the above quiz night. It was a great turnout and everyone had a fantastic night. The sum raised from the quiz night and the raffle was £693. This money will be put towards helping people with acquired brain injury (ABI) get to Base Camp Everest. They are all members of groups and branches of Headway throughout Scotland but they are doing this as individuals. This is something most of them never thought they would ever achieve.
Thanks to all with donated raffle prizes and a very big thank you to Livvy/May’s of Dunkeld who supplied a wonderful buffet.
Evelyn Menzies (Chairperson, Headway Perth & Kinross)
The Meeting Place
We are now back in the Duchess Anne for our weekly Friday coffee mornings from 10-12. We would like to thank the members at St Mary’s, Birnam for hosting the coffee mornings while the Art Exhibition was running. We enjoyed lovely home baking with our teas and coffees and good company.
Dunkeld & Birnam Art and Crafts Fair
The Dunkeld & Birnam Art and Crafts Fair takes place in The Duchess Anne Hall on 7th and 8th Sept from 10am to 5pm each day. New exhibitors and old friends, demonstrations, free entry.
Dear Editor,
have regularly been congratulated by local people who I have met on the street, on my stance. Most do not wish to go into print but say that “something should be done ". I am surprised that local politicians, at whatever level, have not picked up on this as the "something to be done" is more effective being pursued by a statutory body, be that Local Council, P.K.C. or whoever. In relation to the latter, I understand that the Hermitage path is a Core Path and as such should not be arbitrarily closed by anyone.
To conclude, it is one thing to place a sign on a highland hill track to say 'take care, especially when wet, and quite another to say ' DANGER - Risk of Death'' and advise people not to use the track at all.
David MacDougall, 40 Willowbank, Little Dunkeld, PH8 0JW.
Spikking Scots
Ahm daeing a wee project aboot the Scots leid roond aboot and ah'd be fair chuffed tae hear frae ye. Did ye spikkit at schuil or were ye telt no tae? Whit aboot at hame or when yer oot and aboot, dae ye spikkit even a puckle? The bloo plaque at Inchewan Bridge has it that Birnam spikkit Scots and Dunkeld & Ickle Dunkeld spikkit Gaelic, but whit aboot the ither villages? Ah'd like tae hear whit ye huv tae say aboot it's use ither in the past or the noo. Gies us a shout on lindseystoryteller@gmail.com or hae a blether wi me if you see me oot and aboot or the community archive ken how tae get hauld of me.
I'll be daeing a blether aboot whit I find oot roond aboot St Andra's Day. Yours aye Lindsey Community Station Group
In my last letter to you, dated 15. 6. 23 I advised you that the broken path at the Hermitage had been made usable, and using due care, safe to cross, and that I objected strongly to the advisory sign placed by Land and Forestry Scotland (LFS ) which started " DANGER Risk of Death" in large red letters - see photograph. I see this as completely over the top as one with wording similar to the sign at the Birks of Aberfeldy ( see photo) would well suffice, as was agreed with LFS at my meeting with them on 29. 7.22. The signs are contrary to use by tourists in this, our heavily dependent tourist area, who never the less continue to use it, although some no doubt are put off. I visit the site regularly and yesterday 6.8.24, on my approach to the site from the southcar park I met several small groups who had obviously crossed the site. I took the opportunity to question them. Most were in my own age - ie 70 to 80 - and without exception stated that a simple warning sign would be more than sufficient.
One man - an Inver resident - uses the round route very regularly and enjoys it immensely, as do I.
Since writing to the Bridge on this subject I
There has been a great deal of progress from collective efforts in relation to Birnam and Dunkeld Station and we can confirm that the platform at the Station is to be raised! Network Rail have completed design, confirmed funding is in place and consents completed this year. It is anticipated that platform work will start in January, and could be completed by May 2025. This is a huge development, with access on and off trains to be improved for everyone. Progress has also been made on access to the Station - to and from the village - to make the building and rail services accessible to all. Following an access workshop held locally with Network Rail, Sustrans, Paths for All, Perth & Kinross Council, Historic Environment Scotland and representatives from the Community Station Group and more, Network Rail commissioned designs to realise the community vision. Initial drawings were shared in a community exhibition and at the School, with the Network Rail team available to hear feedback and answer questions in January and then developed further. Network Rail and their engineering experts are leading the work with Sustrans, visiting again to walk through options with locals, to review designs and ensure they meet community needs e.g access is Disability Discrimination Act compliant, mindful of natural setting and existing utilities. This is a complicated job, with focus on Birnam Glen being progressed now, while major options to reconnect Station Road to the Station are considered within the A9 proposals. The access designs are now completed and ready to go, next steps will be securing required consents and funding from Transport Scotland to go ahead. The third work stream has been a focus on bringing the Station building into community use. Network Rail have scoped improvements required, and secured funding to complete this scoping work in more detail to bring the building into use for community purpose. Outcomes from community engagement in late 2023 have been analysed and a vision emerging for preferred community use will be shared for input
over the next couple of months, so the Community Station Group can develop proposals and a feasibility study. Watch out for opportunities to engage on emerging proposals including at Birnam Highland Games - where you can visit our stand to view plans for improvements to the platform; access to and from village; as well as emerging vision on community purpose for the Station. The Community Station Group meets fortnightly; complemented with interim meetings with key stakeholders for the Station (the Collaborative Working Group) and on site visits; and every 2-3 months with John Swinney MSP, as our constituency Member of the Scottish Parliament. We would like to thank Mr Swinney MSP, for convening the meetings that have brought all key stakeholders together to collaborate on a regular basis, it is this that has enabled significant progress to be made for Dunkeld & Birnam Station and access to services. A positive active approach, to keep momentum going, especially from the Network Rail team and organisations like Historic Environment Scotland, has been warmly welcomed. Thanks to our Station Adopters, Dunkeld Nurseries, for keeping our Station bright with new pots and baskets of flowers donated and cared for at the new entrance this summer!
Care Group
It’s been a busy summer for the Care Group, even with transport to the Lunchclub suspended until the Autumn. PH8 Caring Support continues its work through our Coordinator , Eildh Wild, and her promotion of the role of Personal Assistant as a career choice for local people. She now has five people available to provide domestic support around the PH8 area and a number of local families are now benefiting. Her focus recently though has been on Befriending and we are pleased to announce that we are now ready to start a Befriending service. Volunteer Befrienders visit local people who would otherwise be socially isolated and offer supportive, reliable relationships in an individual way for each person. This can make a real difference to someone’s quality of life.
Working in partnership with the Development Trust, we have our first volunteer ready to start, but are looking for more. If you have a couple of hours to spare each week or fortnight, please get in touch with Eilidh on eilidhwild84@outlook.com or mobile 07432569447. Once we have Befrienders in place, we’ll let people needing such support know through The Bridge and other local Socal Media outlets.
But it’s important that we keep checking out how best we can enable local people to live good lives in their own homes for as long as possible. So we’re working with friends and colleagues in Kinloch Rannoch to conduct a local survey of people’s views on this. The first step is a survey which only takes a few minutes to complete. We’d be really grateful if you could visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DBcare and spend a little time completing the survey on line. If you’ve got problems completing it, please contact Eilidh and we’ll try and help you out.
And meantime, we need to ensure we have sufficient funds to train and support the people providing the service. That’s why, on Saturday 14 September, Eilidh will be dropped off the big Bridge over the River Garry (Highland Fling Bungee), just beyond Pitlochry - and John will set off from Strathardle, hoping to walk the 14 miles back to Dunkeld supported by a pal (Dennis), his son in law (Tim) and quite possibly a helicopter. This is a two headed sponsored event and we would really appreciate your support. You can find us on Go Fund Me at PH8 Caring Support and we’d really appreciate any and all donations.
The Kiln Creative
Weekend Workshops: Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd September
6 Week Block: 18th September to 23rd October
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 Village Hall Hire
From £10 per hour
Events hall and kitchen facilities for Birthday parties, Indoor sports, Dances, Gatherings, Quiz Nights and more.
Contact: murthlyvillagehall@outlook.com Tel: 01738 710408
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
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.
Clothing and shoe sale continues for one week, 3rd - 8th September. Last chance to grab a bargain.
Find us on Facebook at 3 Churches Charity Shop
West Countlich Farm, Kindallachan, Near Ballinliug, PH9 0NW SEPTEMBER SALE
Saturday 21st September 9.00am - 4.30pm
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
Dog Chaperone for Weddings
Ad Hoc / One Off Dog Walks for One Household at a time Day or up to 1 Night Dog Sitting Cat and Hen Visits 07774 294610 Hello@solopaws.co.uk On Facebook and Instagram
Glack Dog Kennels
Heated Kennels Day & Long Term Stays Elizabeth & Keith Lumsden 01350 728849
E-mail: bizzabooks@gmail.com
Horse Grazing & DIY Livery Call or Email Karen: 07759 701413 gapdunkeld@gmail.com
hello@feast-catering.com 07593 619464 / 07540 054323 ... Dunkeld & Perthshire ...
Laundry Products Opening times: Monday - Friday 9am to 4pm (closed weekends) Contact: Kelly - 07871 695461 email: dunbraantaylaundry@yahoo.com
@dunbraantaylaundry
Road, Birnam PH8 0BH (behind Birnam Post Office)
Three Churches in the Community
Thought for the Month
The Practice of the Presence of God. I often wonder about the best way to find peace in a troubled world. Recently a circular arrived from our local minister where under the heading ‘Abide in me as I abide in you’ (Jn 15: 4) he listed ten suggestions drawn from an ecumenical range of sources. One of them particularly caught my eye, a simple heading that said: ‘As you do the dishes (or other chores)’. Probably not the first place most of us would think of seeking calm, but beneath this there was a quote saying: ‘In the noise and clatter of my kitchen…I possess God in as great tranquillity as if I were upon my knees before the Blessed sacrament’. Some may already have recognised here the style of Brother Lawrence, a 17th Century lay Carmelite whose thoughts were later collected and published as The Practice of the Presence of God a text that still remains popular to the present day.
Brother Lawrence was born of a poor family in Lorraine in 1611. Poorly educated he went to the army to fight in the Thirty Years War where after being seriously wounded he was left to face an uncertain future. One midwinter day he was gazing at a lone tree completely stripped of leaves when he had a sudden vision of how that same tree would look with the arrival of spring. He was later to describe this moment as being like an experience of the presence of God. Some years later he entered a Carmelite monastery where because he lacked education, he became a lay brother and spent the rest of his life working in the monastery kitchen. This might have been the last we heard of him except that he came to know a priest called Joseph de Beaufort with whom he shared many conversations. When Brother Lawrence died this priest was clearing his room when he found a collection of hand written spiritual maxims, which so amazed him that he gathered them together and had them published. The result was the book that we still have with us today.
Brother Lawrence’s message was quite simple, indeed he was no great theologian. During his fifty years in the monastery kitchen he had worked to recapture and maintain the state of mind that he had experienced with the lone tree on that midwinter day. He worked to bring his full attention onto the tasks in front of him, so that even the simplest task might replicate that precious moment. He called this ‘the practice of the presence of God’ which later became the title of his now classic book of reflections. One day, with typical understatement, he notes that:
This practice of the presence of God is somewhat difficult at the beginning. Yet if pursued faithfully, it works imperceptibly within the soul to produce marvellous results.
It strikes me that this could provide the perfect answer to the thought I raised above. With the seasons again about to change there is surely never a better time than the present to make a start on Bother Lawrence’s journey. May those marvellous results come to be with us all!
Roderick Campbell Guion OCDS
The Reverend Fraser Penny
At the June meeting of the Presbytery of Perth the Moderator congratulated the Reverend Fraser Penny on the 40th Anniversary of his ordination as a Minister. Fraser Penny is a native of Perthshire, was educated at Perth Academy and the University of Edinburgh. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Perth and was Assistant Minister at Perth Letham St Marks. He was ordained by the Presbytery of Orkney and inducted to the charge of Harray with Sandwick on 13th June 1984.This was followed by a ministry at Airdrie New Wellwynd before being inducted to Dunkeld on the 10th of January 2001.
In Dunkeld Fraser has been an excellent parish minister both as preacher and pastor and this ability was evident during Lockdown. Only 21% of the congregations of the Church of Scotland are self supporting and Dunkeld belongs to this group. The Kirk nationally is in a mess and congregations like Dunkeld are beams of light in a dark scene. As one colleague remarked “If the Kirk had more ministers like Fraser Penny we would not be in such a mess!”
Fraser has taken his share of work both in Presbytery, where he was Depute Presbytery Clerk and at the level of the General Assembly’s Committees and Councils. He has accepted more responsibility in taking on the congregation of
Amulree and further additions to his work are anticipated. Well done Fraser!
The Reverend John Russell
Church of Scotland Services
Sept. 1st 11.00am – Communion Service in the Cathedral.
6.30pm – Prayers for Help & Healing in Little Dunkeld Kirk
Sept. 8th 11.00am – Morning Service in the Cathedral.
6.30pm - Songs & Silence in the Cathedral.
Sept.15th 11.00am – Morning Service in the Cathedral.
2.15pm – Harvest Thanksgiving Service at Amulree
Sept. 22nd 11.00am – Morning Service in the Cathedral.
6.30pm - Songs & Silence in the Cathedral.
Sept.29th 11.00am – Harvest Thanksgiving Service in the Cathedral.
October 6th 11.00am – Morning Service in the Cathedral.
6.30pm – Prayers for Help & Healing in St. Mary’s, Birnam
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 September 1st. in Little Dunkeld Kirk and then October 6th. in St. Mary’s All welcome from any church or none.
Songs & Silence
Once again this summer there is a series of evening services in the Cathedral called ‘Songs & Silence’ – time for prayer and meditation. Using music in the Taize style (quiet and meditative), words and silence these services give an opportunity to enjoy a different type of worship in the peace of the Cathedral. They all start at 6.30pm. and last about 45 minutes. Come and enjoy the peace and quiet of prayer and reflection in the lovely setting of the Cathedral.
The remaining dates for this summer are: September 8th. September 22nd.
Alpha
Interested in exploring openly the basics of Christianity? The Wednesday Worship group is running Alpha over the next couple of months. Themes are introduced by a video then through friendly, open conversations different aspects of belief and faith will be explored. There will be a chance to share your thoughts and hear what others think. You can say anything you like, or nothing at all. Everyone is welcome no matter your background or beliefs.
Starts in the Chanonry on September 25th. The first evening will start with a light meal at 7pm with the session starting at 7.30pm.
For more information contact Fraser Penny on 01350 727249, or Calum & Kirsty Leese on 07925 550412 or 07854 211892 Kirk Session
The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session is on September 24th. at 7.30pm. in Little Dunkeld Kirk.
Fellowship Group
Two Fellowship Groups meet, fortnightly, one on a Tuesday evening at 7pm and the other on Wednesday mornings at 10.30am, both in the Chanonry. This session we will be studying Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The dates for the next few weeks are:
Tuesday group – September 3rd. & 17th. and October 1st & 15th.
Wednesday group - September 4th & 18th. and October 2nd. & 16th.
If you find it difficult to come in person, it is possible to join by this zoom link:
Meeting ID: 898 7502
Passcode: 809745
Starts in the Chanonry on September 25th. The first evening will start with a light meal at 7pm with the session starting at 7.30pm.
For more information contact Fraser Penny on 01350 727249, or Calum & Kirsty Leese on 07925 550412 or 07854 211892 Kirk Session
The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session is on September 24th. at 7.30pm. in Little Dunkeld Kirk.
Mens Breakfast
The smell of bacon and sausages will once again be wafting out of the Chanonry as the Men’s Breakfast gets started again. It starts at 9am and meets fortnightly. Upcoming dates will be on September 4th, 18th. & October 2nd. There is no need to book; just turn up and enjoy and all are welcome.
Booking Halls
Anyone who would like to book either the Duchess Anne or the Chanonry for meetings and events should contact Jill McCrory on chanonrydunkeld@gmail.com
Dunkeld Cathedral Flower Festival
14 - 16th September 10.00am - 5.00pm
Theme ‘Kings and Queens’ Musical Interludes throughout the day Entrance Free
Donations to Cathedral Restoration Funds
Three Churches in the Community Church Services and Contacts:
Kirk Session
The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session is on August 13th. at 7.30pm. The venue is still to be decided.
The Meeting Place
The Meeting Place is in the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings from 10 – 12noon and will run up until the Art Exhibition starts. All welcome.
Fellowship Group –
‘Exploring faith and life together’
The two Fellowship Groups ended the current sessions with a meal together on June 19th. They will both start up again in the Autumn.
Youth Group / Messy Music
Both of these have stopped now over the summer and will start again in the Autumn.
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
Local Pilgrim Walks
Two local reflective walks have been set up by the Cathedral Pilgrimage team.
These walks are gentle reflective walks which allow for times of silence, of prayer and gentle conversations. Walkers have commented that ‘It was peaceful, interesting and thought provoking’ , ‘wonderful, spiritual, leisurely paced’. The walks are gently guided by one of the team. We hope to have material ready for self guided walks in the near future. There are two walks -
St Colme’s Walk which is the longer of the two and will last around three hrs. It includes one short steepish path so good footwear is advised! The walk takes you along the River Tay, then up through the woods to Polney Loch and on to St Colme’s Well. It starts and finishes in the Cathedral grounds.
Birnam Oak Walk: This is the short walk and will take just under two hrs and takes you over the bridge to the orchard, then follow the river to the famous Oak and comes back via St Mary’s church where there is time for quiet reflection.
The next walks will be
Saturday 14th September 10am 3 hrs to St Colm’s Well starting in the Cathedral Grounds
Friday 27th September 10am 1.5 hrs to the Birnam Oak starting in the Cathedral Grounds
For further information please contact Rosie Mackie at rosiemackie2@gmail.com
3 Churches Charity Shop
The 3 Churches Charity is doing very well indeed, both in sales and in valuable donations. A huge thank you to those who buy, those who donate and those who volunteer.
Sometimes we may receive a lot of clothes donations all at once, and when this happens, because of limited storage space, we may need to ask for your understanding if we cannot accept your clothes donations for a couple of weeks. So, thank you for your patience.
Our customers continue to tell us how much they love our shop and recently they add that they like the way it is laid out too. This is useful to us. Thank you for your feedback. We would really appreciate one new type of volunteersomeone who is used to selling on Ebay... this would only be needed a few times a year. If you can help, please contact our Chairman Anne Graham on 07751593421.
Weekly Services
Church of Scotland: Dunkeld Cathedral at 11am.
Every Sunday from Easter Sunday to Remembrance Sunday. Little Dunkeld Kirk at 11am.
Every Sunday from the Sunday following Remembrance Sunday to Palm Sunday
Scottish Episcopal Church:
St Mary’s Birnam at 10am. Every Sunday.
Roman Catholic:
St Columba’s, Mass 6pm. Every Saturday
Monthly and Occasional Services
Church of Scotland, Amulree
Third Sunday of the Month 2.15pm
Contact Details:
Church of Scotland:
Congregational Office Bearers:
Minister: Rev. R.Fraser Penny,B.A. B.D., Cathedral Manse, Dunkeld, PH8 0AW Tel: 01350 727249 e-mail: r.fraserpenny@gmail.com
Session Clerk: Alison Gillies
The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld PH8 0AW Tel: 07736 423198 e-mail: sessionclerk@dunkeldcathedral.org
Treasurer: Mrs Louise Luke
The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld Tel: 07773 604372 e-mail: treasurer@dunkeldcathedral.org
Covenant Officer: Mrs. Ann Bryce Tomnagrew House, Dunkeld PH80BX
Tel: 01350 723228 e-mail: annbryce228@gmail.com
Organist & Choir Leader: Mrs Hazel Murch
Tel: 07867 642954 e-mail: music@dunkeldcathedral.org
Parish Office: Mrs Jill McCrory
The Chanonry, 07808 703641 email: office@dunkeldcathedral.org www.dunkeldcathedral.org
St Mary's Episcopal Church, Birnam
Sunday Service 10 am - Holy Communion with hymns, music and sermon, followed by refreshments.
The church is open daily for visitors, and prayers are said at 5.30pm on Fridays and 9.30am on Saturday.
The Servite service is now held monthly on the last Saturday of each month at 2pm and is led ecumenically by members of the three churches in Dunkeld and Birnam. It is not a communion service.
The Rector: Reverend Lesley-Ann Craddock Priest in Charge of St Mary’s Birnam and Dunkeld
St Mary’s rectory, St Mary’s Rd, Birnam, PH8 0BJ Tel: 07903 020509 email: lesley.craddock@btinternet.com
Part time = Friday, Saturday & Sunday
I can also be found dwelling nr Loch Ness 01456486663
Treasurer: Charles Cox
Vestry Secretary: Adrian Freer
Tel: 01821 650536 email: adrianfreer@btinternet.com Tel: 01350 727755 (www.stmarysbirnam.org.uk)
St Columba’s Roman Catholic Church
Catholic Church Priest:
Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP
Tel: 01796 472174 e-mail: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk
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.
Squash those money worries this September
September is often a month of change. Whether you’re sending your kids back to school, heading off to university, or preparing for higher energy bills over the winter, change usually comes with cost. Here are some tips on saving money this September. Starting university?
The freedom that comes with moving away and starting university is exciting, but finances can soon spiral out of control. Visit capuk.org/budgeting for help creating a budget, so that you can make sure there’s money allocated for fun and social activities as well as important costs like food and rent. Back to school?
If you’re struggling with the cost of school uniform, get in touch with your child’s school to find out what support they can offer. Schools are legally required by the Department for Education (DfE) to make sure their uniforms are affordable for all students. This includes allowing supermarket own-brand options and making second-hand uniforms available. Buying from any store as opposed to a designated shop or school could save parents around £50 on average, says the DfE. There is also preloved uniform for free in the Locus Center.
Planning for Christmas?
Celebrations like Christmas can be great, but they’re never worth getting into unmanageable debt for. 16th September marks 100 days until Christmas Day and there’s nothing wrong with planning ahead. The closer we get to December; the higher prices will creep for festive ‘must-haves’ like toys and the latest tech. If you know there’s something you want to buy, it’s worth starting to shop around now, before prices go up. Make a list and tick things off as you go, helping you avoid impulse buys that you don’t really need.
Feeling the cold?
As the colder weather approaches, and with the cost of energy still high, we’re all looking for ways to save. According to the Energy Saving Trust, limiting showers to four minutes could save households up to £70 a year, and avoiding using the tumble dryer could reduce costs by up to £75 a year, depending on where in the UK you live. For more advice, visit energysavingtrust.org.uk.
Thinking longer term?
Make future Septembers a little bit easier by getting into the habit of saving regularly. Even a small amount adds up and can provide a safety net in case the unexpected happens, or just help you reach your goals. It’s UK Savings Week from 9th to 15th September, with a mission to help make saving simple, easy and rewarding, whatever your circumstances. Visit uksavingsweek.co.uk for tips.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity working with over 800 affiliated churches to deliver debt help, budgeting guidance, support to find work, life skills groups and more. Visit capscotland.org to find out more.
Wellbeing Hub, Dunkeld & Birnam Guidehall, Little Dunkeld
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
September ‘Stick on the Fridge Page’
Local Organisations - Continued
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 07931 758456 Moira Forbes Forbes50@hotmail.co.uk
Dunkeld & Birnam Men’s Shed 07777 696953 Jackie MacLean dbmensshed@outlook.com
Dunkeld Masonic Lodge 724232 Tom Gordon secyonefour@gmail.com
Dunkeld Community Archive 727786 Ruth Brown (Mon – Fri, 10am – 3pm) archive@historicdunkeld.org.uk
Friends of the Cathedral 728697 John Gray friends@dunkkeldcathedral.org
Gardening and Growing Club (Horti) 07740 982465 Andrea Cox acox325@gmail.com
National Trust for Scotland 07548 757060 Karen Clark kclark@nts.org.uk Repair Café 07788746127 Liz Duguid dbrepaircafe@gmail.com
Royal British Legion 728811 Kevin Forsyth Kevforsyth@hotmail.com
RVS 01738 633975 Geoff Bird
(Supporting You At Home and perthsupportingyou@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk Home Library Service)
SWRI 723203 / 07881 531565 Evelyn Menzies Evelynhmenzies@gmail.com
SWRI Amulree 723203 Jane Anderson
The Field 07584 434253 Dave Roberts dblandtrust@btinternet.com
The Orchard 727048 Katharine Melville kmelville@ogoroad.com
The Meeting Place (Fri, DA) 07474 183042 Margaret Scott Tourist Association 723297 Adrian Blundell
Community Learning & Development
PKC CLD Staff 01738 459701 Cat Gordon/Alison May/ Robin Crawford dunkeldcomlearn@pkc.gov.uk U3A 07714 103309 Sandra Cairncross smcairnx@hotmail.com
Sport Butterstone Hill & Trail Group 07761 673231 Adrian Davis wildoutdoorscotland@gmail.com
Clan Bowmen (Field Archery) 727911 / 07786 073686 Arthur Robert Hewines bobhewines@hotmail.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Angling Association secretary@dbaa.co.uk Billy Davidson
Dunkeld & Birnam Bowling Club 07977 911068 Gael Shaw Gaelshaw@btinternet.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club 727524 Jackie MacLean (Visitors Welcome) dunkeld@outlook.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Sports 07970 778525 Sally Robertson
Leisure Hub dbsportsleisurehub@gmail.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Tennis Club 07731 631563 Morna Mitchell mornaamitchell59@gmail.com
Glendelvine/Spittalfield Cricket Club 07816 982140 Andrew Ross (all ages)
Grass Track & Field Group 07736 724113 James Jarvis Highland Perthshire Clay Shooting Club 07821940252 Ted Carr tedcarr@waitrose.com
Leisure Group (Sports Hall Project) 727361 Alasdair Wylie awylie2002@yahoo.co.uk Over 35’s Rugby 07738 006738 Iain Gordon
Pilates classes at the Duchess Anne on 07595 436272 Gillian Reeves a Tuesday evening, 5.30pm and 6.30pm ikigaiwellbeing@hotmail.com iainhg@aol.com
Running Club (8 – 12 year old,) 07761 673231 Adrian Davis (Mondays at 3.30pm) wildoutdoorscotland@gmail.com
Swimming & Alexander Technique 07778 778007 Jan Osband jmosband@gmail.com Tai Chi 07551 029076 John Connelly dachutaichi@gmail.com Tayside Orienteers 727048 Bill Melville billmelville@ogoroad.com Yoga 728783 Sue Atkinson atkinsue93@yahoo.co.uk Music & Arts
BIPS 07872 505516 Melanie Brockway mbroc02@hotmail.com Birnam Arts 727674 Manager admin@birnamarts.com arts@birnamarts.com Birnam Arts Ballet (Mon – Thurs, Emma Gray age 4 upwards & adults) ballet@birnamarts.com Cathedral Tower Bell Ringers 742218 Iona Connor lowesfarm@hotmail.com Dunkeld Strathspey & Reel Society 07531 520476 Duncan Thomson duncanwthomson@yahoo.co.uk Film Society 727740 Tom Barnard tom_barnard@btinternet.com
Just Singin’, 7.30pm Weds (BA) 07765 405203 Katie Dalgliesh www.justsingin.co.uk Traditional Youth Music Group 07958 324 766 Karys and Gill dbtradgroup@gmail.com and Facebook Annual Events
Art Exhibition dunkeldart@aol.com Margaret Scott Arts & Crafts Fair (Apr, Aug & Nov) 727968 / 07743 400938 Na’an Meikleour poppyseednaan@yahoo.com Christian Aid Week 727867 Jim McCafferty Highland Games (August) 07880 588433 Duncan Sim duncan_sim@hotmail.com Niel Gow Festival 07766 406313 Liam Manion (weekend closest to 22 March) LManion41@gmail.com For Children Baby & Toddler Group 07546 128902 Lesley Singers
Caputh Baby & Toddler Group 07722 183546 Catherine Thomson (Tues, 9.30 – 11.30am)
Nursery at Royal School of Dunkeld 01738 454470 Royal School of Dunkeld Sunday School – Church of Scotland 727249 Fraser Penny For Younger People Girlguiding Dunkeld (Rainbows, 07770 324173 Trix Stephen Brownies, Guides, Rangers) (District Commissioner) The Black Watch Army Cadets 07429 113439 2nd Lt Craig Ross 1989ros@armymail.mod.uk
Youth Group (for P7s & 1st years, 727249 Fraser Penny Thurs 7 – 8.30pm)
For Older People Senior Citizens 727311 Ronalda Pattullo Servite 07595 651446 Joanne Lawrie (Working Hours, Tues & Thurs 9-3:30pm; joannelawrie@caledoniaha.co.uk Wednesday 1-3:30pm
Hall Bookings
Amulree Village Hall
07749 914906 Isabel Brady northamulree@btinternet.com
Birnam Arts 727674 Manager Caputh Hall 07832 235607 Lorna Lyle Chanonry 07808 703641 Jill McCrory chanonrydunkeld@gmail.com
Dalguise Village Hall 07746 392268 Anne Cameron annedunkeld@gmail.com
Duchess Anne 07808 703641 Jill McCrory office@dunkeldcathedral.org
Health Community & Services
Birnam Library (Thu 5 – 7pm, Fri 01738 459709 Margaret Quigley 12 – 5pm, Sat 9.30am – 12 noon) birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk
Chemist (Dunkeld) 727210 Davidsons
Chemist (on Sunday) 01738 494610 Asda, Dunkeld Rd, Perth
Doctors 727269 Craigvinean Surgery
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Lachlan MacEwan Council dbcc.chair@gmail.com
Infinity Blu Dental Care(Birnam & Pitlochry) 729198 / 01796 470001
PKC Environmental Services 01738 476476
PKC Roads Dept 01738 475000
Registrar 01738 475121 3/5 High St, Perth perth-registrars@pkc.gov.uk
Tayside Police (non-emergency) 101
Dates for your Diary
BA = Birnam Arts Centre, DA = Duchess Anne Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld September 1 Prayers for Help and Healing Little Dunkeld Kirk 6:30pm 4 Wild Wanders: Connecting with nature in a mindful photography walk with photographer Jo Foo 10.00 – 11.30 Birnam Arts
4 Summer Concert in the Cathedral Colleen Nicoll, Soprano & Andrew Johnstone 12:0013:00 Free Entry Donations Invited 5-7 Table Manners Alan Ayckbourn BIPS 19:00pm Birnam Arts 7 Beyond Expectations Meet & Share: Closing Celebration 11.00 – 13.00. Birnam Arts 7-8 Art and Crafts Fair Duchess Anne 10am – 5pm Free Entry
7 Making sauerkraut & tomato sauce FREE 10-12pm Blackhaugh Community Farm, Spittalfield 07375923198 8 Clay Pigeon Shoot, Clashcat, Amulree, 10am 8 Songs and Silence Service 6:30pm at the Cathedral 8 Clothes mending/repair/upcycling FREE 2-4pm Blackhaugh Community Farm, Spittalfield 07375923198 12 Sian Quartet Gaelic Singes 19:30pm Birnam Arts 13-13Oct Exhibition The Macintosh Fiddlers of Inver open daily 13 Organ Concert, St Mary’s Episcopal Church 7:30pm davidwalkerperthshire@outlook.com 07967 155105
13 Historical Society Talk Lindsey Gibb: Shackleton Beyond the Ice Duchess Ann Hall 7:30 –9:30pm £5
14-16 Flower Festival Dunkeld Cathedral. Free Entry 17 WRAP training day 1 of 2 9-3pm Guide Hall
21 Workshops, cultures exchange & food – Sourdough, kefir, kombucha, ferments & more; for beginners and enthusiasts FREE 2-5pm Blackhaugh Community Farm, Spittalfield 07375923198
22 Film Society ‘One Life’ 7:30pm Birnam Arts
22 Songs and Silence Service 6:30pm at the Cathedral
23-30 Dunkeld & Birnam Unplugged Festival – see Climate Café for more info
24 WRAP training day 2 of 2 9-3pm Guide Hall
26 A9 Community Group 7:30 pm Birnam Arts
27 The Paul McKenna Bank 19:30pm Birnam Arts
28-29 The Macintosh Fiddlers of Inver various events see page 4 Birnam Arts
28 Fungi Foray with Tony Wilson 10.30-4.00pm Loch of the Lowes
28 Dunkeld & Birnam Community Orchard “Big Apple Day” dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com
28 Making stock & hot sauce FREE 10-12pm Blackhaugh Community Farm, Spittalfield 07375923198
October
2 Heart of Scotland, Practical Conservation Day 10:00am-3:00pm - East Schiehallion – see Loch of the Lowes for more information
5 Community Fair, Birnam Arts 11-2pm
5 Simple gardening tools & healthy posture FREE 2-4pm Blackhaugh Community Farm, Spittalfield 07375923198
6 Gardeners and Growers Local Garden Visit, Eric Robb, Birnam Glen
6 Prayers for Help and Healing Little Dunkeld Kirk 6:30pm
6 Making pumkin/Squash & orange jam (bring clean jars if possible) FREE 2-4pm Blackhaugh Community Farm, Spittalfield 07375923198
8 Heart of Scotland, Practical Conservation Day 10:00am-2:30pm at Garth Wood – see Loch of the Lowes for more information
11 Historical Society Talk Lara Haggarty: Holinshed Chronicles ~ Macbeth Duchess Ann Hall 7:30 – 9:30pm £5 11 Batsükh Dorj Mongolian Throat Singing 7:30pm 13 Film Society - ‘The Florida Project 7:30pm Birnam Arts. 26-27 Birnam Book Festival at Birnam Arts and other venues
November 8 Historical Society Talk Mike Taylor: Bristling with Guns – “Oi mate, you can’t put that cannon there” Duchess Ann Hall 7:30 – 9:30pm £5
December 6 Historical Society Talk Euphemia Ramsay: A Gothic Ghost Story for Solstice Duchess Ann Hall 7:30 – 9:30pm £5
Feb 2 Historical Society Talk Dr Andrew Paterson: Christian Icons ~ Making & Meaning Duchess Ann Hall 7:30 – 9:30pm £5 March
3 Historical Society Talk Paul MacLennan: Dundonnachie ~ The Man Behind the Bridge Toll Riots Duchess Ann Hall 7:30 – 9:30pm £5
April
5 Historical Society Talk Lesley Wilson: Local Stories from Local People Duchess Ann Hall 7:30 – 9:30pm £5
For dates further ahead see: www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk
Support to Suit You this Summer
Are you self employed or running a rural business or enterprise? A new season is a good time to review your plans, goals and ideas for the next few months. What would you like to achieve? What specific steps can you take to get there? GrowBiz can support you with the following:
1-1 Advice
A GrowBiz Enterprise Facilitator can arrange to chat with you in person, by phone, or online, about any business topic you need support with. Whether it’s improving your marketing, creating a climate action plan, or helping you make a cashflow forecast, we have a team member who can help.
Learning and Networking Events
Our free online learning sessions are based around topics that can help you run your business more effectively, such as improving your social media, choosing a web platform, or looking after your wellbeing. Our networking events are inspiring opportunities to hear from fellow business owners, share experiences and make connections.
Mentoring
If you would like someone who’s ‘been there and done that’ to provide a listening ear, and be a sounding board, consider enrolling in our mentoring programme as a mentee. Or, perhaps you could consider volunteering as a mentor? Many have found the training to be extremely high value, and they have also increased their confidence to follow new opportunities. Visit our website at www.growbiz.co.uk to discover more and see all of the support services we have available.
September at the Field is all about harvesting the full range of produce for sale , mainly on Tuesday am for the stall at Birnam Arts and Saturday am for the stall at the Field entrance Brae Street. Do come along and see what we grow for your culinary requirements at this time of year. All volunteers are entitled to enough vegetables in season to meet their family needs .We will continue to harvest onions, brassica of various kinds, broad runner and French beans, courgettes spinach, salad crops,beetroot and perhaps carrots.Cucumber.basil and tomatoes Early potatoes were lifted in August and are in store and apples and Autumn raspberries should be ready this month.
We are already enjoying making summer meals and preserves from the produce. Soft fruit and vegetables are being made into jams and chutneys or frozen for the winter. Fruit and veg based cakes appear at coffee time and are enjoyed by all.
Work days are Thursday and Saturday am where you can learn a variety of skills,picking and harvesting different kinds of beans, squash, brassica ,spinnach and salad crops without damaging the plants. Learning how to hoe and scythe efficiently can make these activities easy and satisfying. You will also learn how to build crop support and protective structures. and plant a variety of green manures after crops are harvested . Recipes are shared and discussed and you might be surprised at the variety of ways you can enjoy our produce. If this sounds like something you might enjoy participating in come along to the field on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning and meet the folk who grow the tastiest organic vegetables, Raymond Simpson
Community News 17
Blackhaugh Community Farm in Spittalfield is organising a series of free workshops and events this next couple of months. Come and enjoy a local market, join the live foods event or learn how to do weed-free gardening! Free transport to the farm availablereservation required. To sign up for workshops write/call Anne at 07375923198.
September
7 Making sauerkraut & tomato sauce 10-12pm
8 Clothes mending/repair/upcycling 2-4pm
21 Workshops, cultures exchange & food –Sourdough, kefir, kombucha, ferments & more; for beginners and enthusiasts 2-5pm
28 Making stock & hot sauce 10-12pm
October
5 Simple gardening tools & healthy posture 2-4pm
6 Making pumkin/Squash & orange jam (bring clean jars if possible) 2-4pm
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
For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, this includes books in large print and audio formats. For further information, please get in touch with the library.
Recycling
All libraries accept used stamps and batteries for recycling. 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 Contact: 01738 459709/ birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk the library.
Moore House Academy Dunkeld (formerly Butterstone School)
The Jane Moore Trust, founded in 1991, provides essential services for children and young people, including education, employability, social enterprise, housing, and psychological support. Located in Butterstone, the Moore House Academy Dunkeld Campus offers specialised education and care for neurodiverse children aged 5 to 18, with small class sizes and tailored curriculum pathways. The campus also provides residential care, virtual learning, outreach education, and therapeutic support, extending guidance to young adults up to the age of 26.
How You Can Get Involved The Jane Moore Trust is committed to strengthening ties within the local community and welcomes partnerships with local businesses. Interested parties are encouraged to contact us at 01506 652312. We also seek volunteers to provide mentorship and personalised support to our students. Those interested in volunteering can apply online or reach out via the same contact number. Invitation to Our Fundraising Event
We are excited to invite the community to our Jane Moore Trust Charity Fire Walk Event on Thursday, 19 September 2024, at our Dunkeld Campus. The event will feature a fire walk, carnival games, stalls, entertainment, and music that the whole family can attend. All proceeds will support our ongoing efforts to provide vital services to children and young people. For more information or to register, please visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to seeing you there and appreciate you taking the time to learn about what we do.
Food Share News
We’ve had a busy summer, mainly with donations from the Coop but also from Livvy. There was an overwhelming number of dozens of loaves one evening when the Coop order had gone wrong but it’s usually quite manageable! We welcome all your surplus eggs, fruit and vegetables and donations from tea parties/lunches. Thanks to all who make these donations. But we can’t accept opened packets of food or non food items, such as clothes. We hope to have our fridge installed at St Mary’s very soon. Thanks to our teams of flexible volunteers who all support each other.
Food Bank
Remember there is a confidential contact if you need help with food. Please phone 01350 700018 or email PH8foodbank@gmail.com.
Donations for the food bank can be left at the Coop counter.
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.
Bridge - It’s a Big Deal!
During the week beginning September 9th 2024, Bridge players throughout the UK will come together to celebrate the game of bridge; to spread the word that bridge is a wonderful game and to raise money for Cancer Research UK. (SC041666). The idea is to have fun as well as playing a part in helping to beat cancer. One of the final happenings in this festival week will be an open Tournament afternoon at BirnamArts on Sunday 15th September organised by Spoons, the Blairgowrie group of bridge players.(who meet every Monday in Wetherspoons). Spoons have already held 3 successful charity bridge days at BirnamArts this year, the third one was on Wednesday 28th August. Raising funds for Scottish Charity Air Ambulance. This extra event will be a different format. it will be a SWISS TEAMS TOURNAMENT http://www.bridgewebs.com/bridgedays
What? Why COWS?
Spoons are mega grateful to the local Hairy Coo company for generous support! Thank you Sheila and Emma at hairycoo.uk for sponsorship. The top team of four, the runners up and the best dressed herd will be awarded Hairy Coo prizes. "Come as you are or come as the bull or the bandit you truly are!” says Miriam Drysdale, the enthusiastic host for the fundraising afternoon. 'You’ll still get 30 hands to play and yummy cream scones, in the most spacious venue beside the Tay, the auditorium at BirnamArts, in any style of dress."
Spoons invite all Perthshire bridgers to please herd up their bridge mates and join them for a good bridge day out to raise a tidy sum for CRUK. Thank you for your support.
Notes from a Councillor
Gosh, the year is flying in. I hope everyone has enjoyed summer, catching up with friends, family and relaxing time outdoors. Speaking of outdoors, Perth & Kinross Council’s bid to form a new National Park, Tay Forest was unsuccessful, despite a robust consultation process and bid submission. Dumfries and Galloway came out top in the process. Another beautiful area of Scotland. Through our consultation process valuable information has been gathered, particularly from the rural sector. Driving into Perth you will have watched the progress of the new Cross Tay Road Link Road over the last 18 months. A huge milestone has recently been reached as the Destiny Bridge is now connected across the river, expected to be finished in September. The project remains on course and expectation for opening is still set for Spring 2025. This represents a huge capital investment by Perth & Kinross Council and when opened will ease traffic flow within Perth and cut journey times. Over the winter months the Stewart Tower Road will be refurbished, this is expected to take a few months with works due to commence in October, post the main rural harvest activity. This will be following the upgrading of the Benchil Road, Stanley which is from Active Kids to the Five Mile Wood. Am sure many will be relieved to hear this project has finally come to the top of the list. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns. ClaireMcLaren@pkc.gov.uk
News from our Community Council
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council
Community Council Matters
Community Council Member -
Lachlan MacEwan
Sitting at the station most mornings to see the 7.33 train come in and out it is a great result for the community
Posts, Rails and slats Ranch Boards, Garden Sleepers -Various sizes Loose Bark and Woodchip
Mon-Fri 8.00am to 5.00pm Sat 10.00am to 11.00am
AB Garden Services
Grass Cutting General Garden Maintenance Locally Based Tel: 01350 727769 Mob: 07783 612399
RBS mobile bank visits Dunkeld and Birnam. Thursdays: Dunkeld, The Cross 14.50 pm to 15.20 pm and Birnam, Post Office 15.05 pm to 15.25 pm
JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, EDINBURGH EH99 1SP Tel: 0131 348 5717 e-mail: john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot
getting the 2 platforms raised at our station a big big thank you to everyone who have worked on this its been a very long time coming. Our last community council meeting unfortunately was not quorate as one of our four members is unwell and another had work commitments therefor we couldn't make any decisions. The meeting went ahead and a few of our community attended we had an update on the Walking Meeting the station and the A9.There was no planning applications to talk about however it highlights the fact that we only have 4 community council members and if there had been a
ATHOLL STREET 01350 727556
Proprietor: Alasdair Wylie
MURDO FRASER MSP
Member of the Scottish Parliament for Mid Scotland & Fife Region FOR HELP & ADVICE
Details of regular surgeries in the local Press You can contact Murdo on 01738 553676 or write to him at The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP Email: murdo.fraser.msp@parliament.scot
The cost of this publication has been met from parliamentary resources
major application in to PKC we would not have been able to make any comments (objection or support).There are 8 places on our community council if you can help our community it easy to apply you need to be over 16 and live in the Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council area you can get a form on line speak to the team at PKC who look after community councils we find them very helpful and full of knowledge or talk to any of your 4 community councillors.
Lachlan MacEwan
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
A World Community 19
Dunkeld & Birnam Unplugged
Dunkeld & Birnam Unplugged
Monday, 23 September 2024Sunday, 29 September 2024 Back for 2024, watch out for another week-long festival of climate and nature action across the community with live music sprinkled throughout! From pop up Climate Café® spaces across the village, to Big Community Chats to share insights, action and ideas plus old community favourites, and new, on nature, fashion up to Big Apple Day! Thanks to Perth & Kinross Council’s Green Living Fund this year will support events, including a series of workshops being offered free too. Spaces will be limited so do sign up in advance! View the whole programme online at www.climate.cafe/events/unplugged
Climate Reality Training, Rome
it and came away with hope! We will certainly be putting our Climate Reality Training to good use! We are also delighted to tell you that Dougie at aged just 12, may now the youngest Climate Reality Leader in the world, with Ruby not far behind either. What a great achievement!
Repair Cafe - Bin it? No Way!!
Have you still got things stored away waiting to be mended? Jumper with a hole in? Broken ornament? Lamp with a loose wire? Broken zip?
Anything portable - bring them to our next café OR Do you have something that's broken but you've already replaced it. Maybe it could be repaired and a new home found for it. If so why not bring it to Repair Cafe and we'll see if we can do just that.
Monday 2nd September
Monday 7th October
Monday 4th November
Monday 2nd December
All 3.00pm to 6.00pm Arts Studio Birnam Arts Service by volunteers is free. Only cost might be for spare parts. Donations welcome to help with running costs. Come along and have a tea or a coffee and we'll see if we can help. We'll also pass on repair skills if you want to learn to fix things. Could you volunteer? We welcome new volunteers too. Come and see what we do. Contact for queries dbrepaircafe@gmail.com
Loch of the Lowes
the school, Birnam bus stop and the fountain at the South end of the village. We have replaced the 4 barrels that are at the corner to Birnam Arts, which are looking great. Again, thank you to those who have agreed to water tubs and baskets outside their homes, it is greatly appreciated. We have also spent a couple of Mondays at the Lagmhor beds (junction from Dunkeld onto the A9). Planting dahlias, deadheading rhododendrons, cutting back and tidying edges to allow Council to cut grass neatly up to the border. We have also been given funds from SGN to replace the crocus bulbs that were dug up while they were working in the area. We had our AGM on the 13 May which was very well attended. I am delighted to say that Liz Ibbetson will continue as treasurer and Betty Common as secretary.
On 27th June, a Climate Cafe® team Jess Pepper, Lindsey Reid, Fiona Ritchie, Ruby and Dougie, headed to Rome to do 3 days of Climate Reality Leadership Corps Training with former Us Vice President, Al Gore. After waving goodbye to a dreich Edinburgh, we arrived to an evening temperature of 25 degrees, this gave us an indication of what kind of heat levels to expect during the duration of our stay!
It was an early breakfast and start for the team each morning. A leisurely 15 walk from our hotel to the Convention Centre, with high temperatures, and a slight breeze, we had the enjoyment of admiring the ancient buildings, ecological landscapes, urban green spaces, blossom trees, roadside poppies and other native flowers along the way. Inside the new Nuvola Convention Centre, this central showpieces, bold cloud-shaped structure that ‘floats’ within the main building is visually stunning. This was our training ground for the next 3 days!
Al Gore, (former US Vice President) and now Founder and Chairman of the Climate Reality Project welcomed everyone and spoke about what the project does and how his organisation helps address the climate crisis. His presentations were customised to highlight the science, impacts and solutions relevant to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. We heard inspiring lectures, and exclusive interviews from the Climate Reality President & CEO, The Mayor of Athens and Bologna, Researchers, Climate Scientists, Ambassadors & Activists, Government Experts and many more inspirational people, who are all doing amazing work in leading us towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Climate Café® was given the opportunity to host 4 different pop-up sessions throughout the training for people who were interested in finding out more about what a Climate Café is? The sessions were hosted by Jess and the team and were well attended with many people noting an interest in joining the growing Global Climate Café® Network. On completion of the training, I can honestly say that we were all very much inspired by
With the weather being ‘properly Scottish’, there has never been a better place to spot wildlife than from the warmth of our hides. Out on the loch, our great crested grebe chicks have done incredibly well this year. Our male grebe has arguably been one of the most dedicated and hard-working fathers on the loch this summer. Visitors have enjoyed watching this handsome aquatic bird dive deep beneath the surface of the water, returning to his family with a beak full of fish for his ever-hungry young. As the young grebes, known as ‘humbugs’, grow in both size and confidence, they begin to venture further afield from their diligent and watchful mother. From a young age the humbugs will begin to practice their mesmerising courtship dance on one another, a dance they will need to perfect in order to attract a future mate. With the osprey having flown south on their incredible journey, our amazing Ranger Team have been out and about, managing and surveying conservation projects across Perthshire. If you are interested in taking some active action for nature, come join our Ranger Team on one of our Practical Conservation Days. There are so many ways to get involved and into nature at Loch of the Lowes. We are currently looking for volunteers to join us at our Nature Reserve/Visitor Centre. If you’re passionate about wildlife and enjoy engaging with the public, we would love to hear from you.
Fungi Foray with Tony Wilson - 28 September 10.304.00pm. Come and join us on our fantastical fungi foray this September. Spend the day at Loch of the Lowes with fungi expert Tony Wilson. Where you will learn how to identify the many different species of fungi found in the woodland areas around the loch.
Heart of Scotland, Practical Conservation Day – 8th November 10:00am-2:30pm. Get stuck into some tree tube maintenance and planting young saplings, high on the slopes of the regenerative ‘rewilding’ project at Garth Wood. Enjoy the spectacular views whilst learning how to help native species regenerate on the land.
Heart of Scotland, Practical Conservation Day – 2 October 10:00am-3:00pm. Join the Ranger Team for a day of practical woodland management, working with our 'Heart of Scotland' colleagues at the ‘John Muir Trust' near the slopes of East Schiehallion.
Tickets to all our events can be found on our website: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlifeevents/ Visitor centre open 10.30am-5.00pm daily. Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld, PH8 0HH. 01350 727 337.
Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom
We have been busy over the Summer, looking after the troughs and tubs at the North Car Park, Cathedral, Water Wynd, St Ninian’s, both sides of the bridge, postbox at
As to the chairperson as you know Linda Speirs stood down last year and we shared out her workload, but this year I have agreed to take over the role. I am sure Linda will keep me right and continues to volunteer in the gardens. Linda certainly deserves an enormous thank you for all the work she has done over the years as chair. The grant that we get from the council has been cut by 80% so we are looking at means to raise this shortfall. We are very pleased to say that Kat ’n’ Kat in St Ninian’s Wynd, opposite the gardens, have agreed to have a donations box in their shop.
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. As you can see from picture below we even do birthday cakes with our coffee! Thank you. Moira (07931 758 456)
