Blairgowrie & Rattray Hub Magazine - Christmas 2018

Winter 2018

Sponsored by Stagecoach

Blairgowrie & Rattray

Hub Magazine

In this edition

Cover Image credit - David Gow

Remembrance With Memories in Mind Hamish Henderson Blairgowrie High School Literacy Festival Professor James Hutchison PLUS ALL THE USUAL INFO ON EVENTS AND COMMUNITY MAGAZINE PRODUCED BY THE

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In this Issue...

Page

Page Welcome Calendar

3 4

Community Groups Blairgowrie & Rattray Development Trust Blairgowire & Rattray Community Council Rotary Club of Blairgowrie Festival Fever at Blairgowrie High School Blair in Bloom Booklore Blairgowrie & Rattray Illuminations Committee Blairgowrie & Rattray Access Network (BRAN) SCYD One Voice & Booklore Volunteer Group 2018 Growbiz The Heat Project Update

6 8 9 10 12 12 14 15 16 16 18 19

Events Hamish Matters Blairgowrie Lyric Choir Christmas Concert Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games

20 21 22

Festive Features

24

Sports & Activities 44 44 45

Blairgowrie Badminton Club Strathmore Cycle Network (SCN) Blairgowrie & District Hillwalking Club

Interviews & Contributers Articles Cllr Caroline Shiers Cllr Tom McEwan Cllr Bob Brawn Pete Wishart MP John Swinney MSP Murdo Fraser

46 47 47 48 49 50

Business & Contacts 51

Business Adverts Useful Phone Numbers Local Business Contacts

57 58

History Snippets from the Blairgowrie Advertiser Blairgowrie and Rattray Genealogy Centre With Memories in Mind Blairgowrie & Rattray - Our Heritage World War 1 - Commemoration

26 27 29 30 31

Advertise With Us

News and Articles Berry Pickers Ceilidh - To Continue or Not? Vision PK Blairgowrie Scottish Country Dance Club Blairgowire Riding for the Disabled Association Bookmark Strathmore Screen The Ericht Scottish Country Dance Group Granny Pat Christmas Recipe The Late Professor James Hutchison Resilience Team Photo Shoot With SSEN Apples Galore Again!

Friendship Cafe Minister Retires Leslie Street Art Trail Blairgowrie Players, Making a Drama out of a Crisis Blairgowrie Library Page 2

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32 32 33 33 34 35 35 36 37 38 38 39 39 40 41 42

Please send any adverts or any questions about advertising with us to this address.

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BRDT Magazine - Winter 2018

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Welcome to the Winter 2018 Magazine Welcome to the Christmas Edition of the Hub mag.

Barbara Lynch – contributes snippets of the past and interviews interesting groups and individuals.

You will see a different layout for this magazine – that is because we welcome a new compositor John Siwek. John is a graphic designer and we are delighted he is working with us to put this magazine together.

Eleanor Rutherford, principal teacher of English, Blairgowrie High School – brings news of BHS activities Andrew Morse – sports articles.

John has suggested guidelines for presenting Thank you to The Angus Hotel articles, which were sent out with the email asking for content. If you can comply it will help We would like to thank The Angus Hotel for to set out and index the articles in a logical way. supporting the community by providing the meeting at no cost in return for a free website We are grateful to Steve Johnson who started listing and message in the magazine. The Town up this magazine with One Voice Volunteers. It has many amazing volunteers who contribute has been going for 5 years and he has always and it is great to see businesses doing the produced it unfailingly every quarter since then. same!

Steve wished to move on and concentrate on Magazine articles are the responsibility of the his business of website design and support article owner, The Hub Magazine accepts no but he still manages the Discover Blairgowrie responsibility for the content. website.

We are still looking for an Editor, but at the moment we have a team of dedicated volunteers – Jessie Shaw, co-ordinates the team and manages the throughflow traffic of articles and adverts for the magazine at mag@brdt.org.uk Phil Seymour – manages the huge email lists for advertisers and community groups Pat Richards – secretary to the group – makes and keeps all minutes (Granny Pat too) Pat McCarthy – organises and keeps note of huge band of volunteers who distribute 5000 copies of the magazine to local households and businesses free of charge, Margaret Drummond – seeks our articles and writes and contributes to children’s corner.

Margaret also is our Proof Reader.

MAGAZINE DELIVERY Distribution and delivery of the magazine – we are indebted to the many willing volunteers who deliver 5000 copies to every household and some businesses in the town.

Without this help the magazine would not be as successful as it has been.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED to deliver the magazine particularly in the streets around the town centre – Allan Street, Perth Street and Wellmeadow – contact mag@brdt.org.uk or phone 01250 871120 Above photo courtesy of David Gow Page 3

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What’s On? Calendar for Blairgowrie & Rattray

November 2018 1st 3rd 6th

Vintage Jewellery Recycling Beginners Workshop - Create at Nest at 10.30 - 1pm Decorative Decoupage - Create at Nest at 10.30 - 1pm Multiple Sclerosis Society - Buddies @ Blair November Milton Royal Hotel at 10.30am - 12 noon

7th

Blairgowrie and District Trefoil Guild - St Catharine’s Community Centre at 7.30pm

7th

Blethers Group November - The Royal Hotel at 10am - 12pm

7th

Business Association November Meeting

7th

Citizens Advice Bureau - Learning Centre, at the Recreation Centre - 10am - 12pm

7th

Hamish Matters - With his friend & mentor, Author Fred Freeman Blairgowrie Library - 7.30 - 9.30 p.m.

7th

Hamish Matters Festival - Schools Celebrate Hamish Henderson St Catherine’s Community Centre - 1.30 - 2.30 p.m.

8th

Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council November Meeting Rattray Church Hall - 7p.m.

8th

Hamish Matters Festival - Gigs & Dreels - The Gig - 7.30 p.m. - 10.00 p.m.

9th

Energy Fair - Blairgowrie Town Hall at 4pm to 8pm

9th

Blair & Rattray Time Bank Nov - SCYD, Wellmeadow House at 10am - 11.30am

9th

Hamish Matters Festival - Storytelling Evening - 6.30 p.m. - 7.30 p.m.

10th

Hamish Matters Festival - A People’s Cèilidh - Blairgowrie Town Hall 7.30 p.m. - 10.00 p.m.

10th

Hamish Matters Festival - Gaelic & Scots Bookbug - Blairgowrie Library 10.30 a.m. - 11.15 a.m.

10th

Hamish Matters Festival - Let’s Talk about Hamish Henderson - Blairgowrie Library 1.30 p.m .- 3.00 p.m.

10th

Hamish Matters Festival - The Tale o The Wee Mowdie - Blairgowrie Library 11.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

13th

Citizens Advice Bureau - Community Connect - 10am - 12pm

14th

Lampshade Making - Create at Nest at 10.30 - 1pm

14th

Whist Club Nov - YWCA Hall - 2pm - 4pm

15th

Crafty Folk - SCYD Cafe - 2pm - 3.30pm

16th

Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club Night - Golf Club at 7.30pm

16th

Guide Hut Fund Raising Beetle Drive - Blairgowrie Town Hall - 7 pm start

16th

Growbiz - The Big Fat Review of the Year - Online Discussion - Online at 2.00 - 3.00 p.m.

17 -19th WW1 Commemoration Pop up Event - Blairgowrie Library - 12pm - 6pm 18th

Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club November Walk - Sidlaws at 8.30am

19th

Rattray SWI Nov Mtg - Rattray Hall - 7/7.15pm

21st

Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Climate Cafe - BRDT Office - 7pm- 9pm

21st

Citizens Advice Bureau - Learning Centre, at the Recreation Centre - 10am - 12pm

24th

Crochet Christmas Trees - Create at Nest at 10.30 - 1pm

25th

Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club Meal - Little’s Restaurant at 2pm

25th

Strathmore Screen - Blairgowrie Town Hall at 4pm and 7pm

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27th 27th 28th 30th

BOOKMARK Extra Special Event - Blairgowrie Community Campus at TBC Citizens Advice Bureau - Rattray Connect at 10am - 12pm Craft n Craic - St Catharines Hall at 7pm - 9pm Blair & Rattray Time Bank - Rattray Connect at 10am - 11.30am

December 2018 1st -13th Nest Festive Fayre - 30 Reform Street at 10am - 4pm 4th Multiple Sclerosis Society - Buddies @ Blair November Milton Royal Hotel at 10.30am - 12 noon 5th Blethers Group Christmas Lunch - The Royal Hotel at 12pm - 12:30pm 5th Citizens Advice Bureau - 10am - 12pm 9th Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club Dec Walk - Blairgowrie circular, Ericht - 9am 11th Citizens Advice Bureau - Rattray Connect at 10am - 12pm 12th 14th 16th 19th 19th 20th 20th

Whist Club - YWCA Hall - 2pm - 4pm Blair & Rattray Time Bank - SCYD, Wellmeadow House at 10am - 11.30am Strathmore Screen - Blairgowrie Town Hall at 4pm and 7pm Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Climate Cafe - BRDT Office at 7pm - 9pm Citizens Advice Bureau - Contact for details Crafty Folk - SCYD Cafe - 2pm- 3.30pm The GrowBiz Virtual Christmas Party - Online at 4.00 - 5.30 p.m.

January 2019 8th 9th 9th 9th 10th 11th 16th 17th 17th 17th 21st

Citizens Advice Bureau - Rattray Connect Blairgowrie Scottish Country Dance Club - 7.30 in the Town Hall (New Term) Blethers Group - The Royal Hotel at 10am - 12pm Whist Club - YWCA Hall - 2pm - 4pm Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council Meeting - ARC, Jessie Street, Blairgowrie at 7pm Blair & Rattray Time Bank - SCYD, Wellmeadow House at 10am - 11.30am Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Climate Cafe - BRDT Office at 7pm - 9pm Blairgowrie & Rattray Forum Mtg - The Angus Hotel at 5.30pm Citizens Advice Bureau - Learning Centre, at the Recreation Centre Crafty Folk - SCYD Cafe Wellmeadow House Blairgowrie at 2:00 - 4:00pm Rattray SWI Jan Mtg - Rattray Hall, Balmoral Road at 7/7.15pm

22nd

Citizens Advice Bureau - Rattray Connect

25th

Blair & Rattray Time Bank - Community Connect, Rattray at 10am - 11.30am

30th

Craft n Craic - St Catharines Hall at 7pm - 9pm

This is taken directly from Discover Blairgowrie website www.discoverblairgowrie.co.uk For more information and future events take a look a look at the Discover Blairgowrie website.

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Communtity Groups

BLAIRGOWRIE & RATTRAY DEVELOPMENT TRUST NEWS Since our latest update for the Autumn 2018 edition, trustees, staff and volunteers have been busy on a number of current and new projects.

Trustee Pat Richards and Lorna McCurrach Development Officer attended the annual Development Trust Association Scotland (DTAS) Conference held in Aberdeen on 3rd September.

The Trust is a member of DTAS - an independent, member-led organisation established in 2003, which promotes, supports and represents over 250 development trusts across Scotland.

Our community projects benefit hugely from the Trust being a part of this network, and from the support of our own DTAS advisor Wendy Reid, Development Manager. DTAS also manage the funding to employ our small staff team through the Scottish Government - Strengthening Communities Programme.

The conference was an informative and useful learning event. Pat and Lorna made a number of valuable contacts, attended seminars and advice sessions on subjects relevant to local priorities set out in our Community Action Plan. The Trust was also offered specialist support and advice to assist with progressing a number of projects in our Community Action Plan, such as identifying suitable premises for a local heritage museum and undertaking an audit of unused buildings in the town.

In terms of how the Trust plans to support community regeneration, we are currently consulting on the development of the BRDT Programme: Supporting Community Groups and Initiatives.

In broad terms the ‘Programme’ aims to offer: • Business and support services for community groups and individuals, who through their activities and projects, improve outcomes and impact on community regeneration and development in the town • Opportunities to widen partnership working and collaboration on achieving the outcomes of the Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Action Plan, and other similar initiatives which enhance the town • Support to build capacity, resilience and sustainability within the ever-widening network of community groups and organisations who work to make our town a better place in which to live, work and visit.

Groups or individuals who can access the Programme will: • Operate in the same geographical area as BRDT • Support the aims of BRDT; operating in similar ways to achieve related outcome for the town; i.e. as set out in the Community Action Plan and Strengthening Communities Programme • Demonstrate capacity for sound financial management, risk management and operational competency Programme benefits will include: • • • • • • •

Operational and strategic management advice Project/programme management, planning a development Advice on governance and performance management Building a business case Financial management and fundraising advice, assistance with funding applications Support with publicity, promotion and communications Branding and use of BRDT Logo

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Consultation on this Programme will run until mid-November. However, we are accepting requests to join now. The Trust is committed to further developing and refining the Programme on an ongoing basis.

With the Festive Season upon us, it’s a good time to reflect on the many accomplishments of 2018. We are fortunate to have so many committed community groups and volunteers working together to improve our town. The One Voice Volunteer Group, an integral part of the Trust have beavered away tirelessly on a number of projects as well as running the Booklore Shop; a magnet for not only bookworms but visitors to our town looking for information on things to do and see.

We want to congratulate the Strathmore Cycle Network on recently reaching a key milestone in their project with the opening of the first phase of the network between Rattray and Alyth. This is a superb example of effective partnership working between a number of organisations, including the three development trusts of Alyth, Coupar Angus and Blairgowrie and Rattray.

In terms of other developments, we are delighted to be working with our new Trustee Tracie Dick. Many of you will know Tracie who runs NEST in partnership with Rachel Bower – a local, non-profit social enterprise providing affordable space for creative people to work, teach and learn together. Tracie has already brought some great ideas to the table and will strengthen our working links to the many groups and individuals comprising the extensive and diverse arts and crafts sector in our town.

Finally, everyone here at the Trust would like to wish you all a very happy and peaceful festive season.

If you wish to know more about BRDT, the Community Action Plan and the work we do, please visit our website https://www.brdt.org.uk/ email admin@brdt.org.uk or call 01250 876000

Hope Horizons

Care Home, Day care & Respite Specialised care & support for people living with Dementia Telephone 01250 872 349 www.hopeparkhouse.com

Do you know anyone who cares for an adult living with Dementia in the community?

Would they benefit from some free time?

Hope Park House has secured funding to offer drop in style respite for a few hours per day for adults living with Dementia to allow their Carers some free time.

For further information please contact Pam Wilkie or Una Tennant on 01250 872 349 Page 7

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BLAIRGOWRIE & RATTRAY COMMUNITY COUNCIL (BRCC) Looking out of the window as I write the BRCC piece for the Winter/Christmas edition of the magazine, the view is of wall to wall blue sky and the local trees in full autumnal colours. It seems far too early to be contemplating Christmas!

Having said that we would like to wish the community all the very best for Christmas and for the New Year to follow. Thank you all for your support, we look forward to serving and representing Blairgowrie and Rattray in 2019.

In terms of representation, the recent public consultation on the revised reccy plan is still fresh in our memory. This was hosted by the Community Council and was a very well attended and lively event, as had been expected.

The level of public disquiet about the scaled down plan has been tremendous and the BRCC members were pleased to add their objection to the plans being put forward by PKC. The LDP2 plans for the next period taking us up to 2032 have proposed a huge increase in the number of houses for our town that will put enormous pressure on our infrastructure. Despite a significant amount of public consultation our community has never received any meaningful explanation as to why we have been singled out to suffer such a large housing ‘dump’. The only proposed improvement to our infrastructure, and an important one, the provision of a new recreation facility, is now threatened with being downgraded. The town deserves the originally proposed specification, including an all important six lane swimming pool.

There has been the anticipated huge response to the public petition for the PKC proposals to be re-considered. We hope and expect that the overwhelming outcry expressed through the various organisations concerned, and of course the local press, will not only be heard but persuade the authority to think again and agree to re-instate the original specification.

On a more positive note it is heartening to learn of a new initiative by ScotMid. This will trial a ‘reverse vending’ Norway style facility in a store near Edinburgh that will provide a 10p voucher against future purchases for each drink can and plastic bottle, purchased from the company and returned via the collection bank. This will both increase recycling and help the war on plastic and reduce the littering problem so prevalent in modern society. This initiative supports the Scottish Government’s promised returns plans and has been introduced in conjunction with the Keep Scotland Beautiful organisation. We wish it every success and hope that it becomes rolled out nationally and is also taken up by the bigger retailers. The following link provides more information:- https://www.scottishgrocer.co.uk/2018/10/scotmid-launches-deposit-return/

Ian Richards - BRCC Chair

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Communtity Groups

ROTARY CLUB OF BLAIRGOWRIE Who we are and what we do?

Although we come under the name of Blairgowrie, our membership covers a far wider area. Our 25 and rising membership come from all over East Perthshire and Dundee. We have members in Blairgowrie, Alyth, Coupar Angus and Ardler all of whom contribute to the many projects that we are involved in and we also work with a number of local groups.

We are very happy to be working with all of those green fingered volunteers of our Bloom groups. We have just purchased 25,000 purple crocus bulbs, which we will distribute to the local Bloom groups as well as primary schools. This is to aid Rotary’s efforts in eradicating polio worldwide. The significance of the purple crocus is that when a person is immunised, their pinkie is dipped in purple ink for identification purposes.

We are also distributing Rotary shoebox scheme boxes, which will be filled with items by local primary schools, youth groups, businesses and Rotarians. The boxes will then be transported by Rotary to underprivileged children across Eastern Europe, to ensure the gifts go to those most in need.

This year we have assisted at Blairgowrie Highland Games by organising the Children’s Highland Games and giving out prizes to every competitor. This event was enjoyed by the children and their parents.

We sponsored two trips for the Blairgowrie and District Senior outings, which were enjoyed.

We also sponsored three young people who attended a Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Camp. This was very successful and is a worthwhile opportunity for 16 – 18 year olds. We will be selecting another two candidates for next year’s camp.

We have contacted the local care homes with a view to going in to chat, play games and help with activities for both the clients and staff.

Earlier this year we held the Perthshire Classic Car Festival Weekend. The events were very successful and raised thousands of pounds, which went to various charities. It was a lot of hard work but well worth it. Next April, we will be holding a one day Classic Car event but it will be a massive event again with the proceeds going to charities.

Again this year we held our annual Charity Golf Day at Blairgowrie Golf Club, where teams of four battled it out, raising hundreds of pounds for charities. The teams were made up from Rotarians, friends and businesses, who enjoyed a very warm day on a challenging course. For an entry in next year’s event on the 7th June, contact Robin Duncan by email on rjhduncan@outlook.com Blairgowrie Rotary hold many social events as well. These include games evenings, BBQ’s, Car Treasure Hunts, Quiz Nights, Wine Tasting and much more. We meet every Wednesday evening at 6pm for a 6.30pm start in the Royal Hotel and enjoy listening to guest speakers before our meal.

If you are interested in knowing more about what we do or you are thinking about joining us, then please contact our Secretary, Jennifer Sommerville on 01828 627131 and Jennifer will be only too happy to assist you.

Finally, President Robin Duncan and fellow Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Blairgowrie would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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FESTIVAL FEVER AT BLAIRGOWRIE HIGH SCHOOL Blairgowrie High School was the venue for an action-packed week of literacy events during the first week of October.

Organised by the school’s English Department, the week started with a Spelling Bee and poetry competition for junior classes. Steven Bright, cartoonist and illustrator for The Sun, who has worked extensively for The Dandy and The Beano, gave a talk to senior Modern Studies students about political satire. The whole school then took part in the Communication Trust Initiative ‘No Pens Day Wednesday’ which as the name indicates, aims to improve pupil and staff understanding of the importance of speaking and listening skills.

The main event then came on Friday afternoon when the school was transformed into a Festival Venue. The line up of speakers was impressive: Ash Dickinson, slam poet champion took on the S1 pupils; S2 pupils had four different presentations: Hidden Giants a creative writing workshop, David Macphail, children’s author; Paul Foy a media and film expert and Paul Smith sports writer. S3 pupils worked with writer and illustrator Nick Hesketh while Jamie Andrew, mountaineer and quadruple amputee gave an inspirational talk to S4 pupils about the challenges he faces as a disabled mountaineer. Jules Horne, a playwright whose play Handfast was performed at the Edinburgh Festival this year worked with senior pupils as did journalist Ray Bakonyi and an editorial team from D C Thomson.

Emily and Kerry – event organisers Every department in the school was involved in the festival.

The Art department under the supervision of Principal Teacher, Sam Kennedy, worked with a group of pupils throughout the week to transform drab mustard coloured doors into canvases for literature themed illustrations.

The Great Gatsby, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings all featured as inspiration for the new artworks.

Eleanor Rutherford, Principal teacher of English, said the fringe festival was a great chance to be part of the main Blairgowrie Bookmark Festival which ran from 5-7th October.

Ash Dickinson, Performance poet.

Entertained and inspired S1 pupils to write some poetry of their own.

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Nick Hesketh author and illustrator

“The school has had great support from the main book festival organisers who are very keen to help promote community responsibility in improving literacy skills for our young people. We were also lucky enough to receive financial support from the Perth and Kinross participatory budget process and Tesco Bags for Life. This funding allowed us the scope to invite a really varied group of speakers who we hope will inspire our young people to see the importance of reading and good communication skills.”

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Communtity Groups Suzanne Graham, English teacher and co-organiser believes that this fringe festival could develop arms and legs.

“We are hoping to get some of our pupils running events specifically for young people at the main Bookmark Festival next year. Giving pupils the freedom to choose and organise their own speakers is ultimately what we are aiming for. This year we are showing them how to do it – next year it should be over to them.”

S2/3 pupils with their literature inspired painted doors Page 11

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Communtity Groups Goodness, I cannot believe this article is being written for the Christmas edition of the Hub Magazine! This year has turned out to be so much better than we could have hoped for. From our wonderful 40th anniversary party in June, to a double gold winning celebration in September from Beautiful Scotland and Take a Pride in Perthshire. Thanks are due to our hard working volunteers and dedicated committee members who always go the extra mile without being asked. This group really is team working at its very best.

We are now starting to think ahead for 2019 and look forward to our two main projects getting off the ground. We have now received planning permission for the new structure to be erected at the corner of Golf Course Road/Perth Road, so we are hopeful this will be in place in the early spring. Our plans for Coronation Corner have now been drawn up by the landscape architect and we have held preliminary discussions with a contractor, but we have more fund raising to do before work can start. We are conscious of the fact that people are wondering what is happening, but it is our aim to start work as soon as enough funding is in place.

(Photo courtesy of David Gow)

Finally, we would like to thank everyone in the town for their ongoing support and encouragement, which means a great deal to us. We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and all the very best for the New Year.

BOOKLORE

Charity Bookshop 13 Upper Mill Street Blairgowrie

BOOK OFFERS all year round: NOVEMBER: 50% off all COOKERY books plus buy one get one free on all annuals.

DECEMBER: Half-price children’s books. A wide selection of good quality second-hand books for Christmas gifts.

JANUARY AND FEBRUARY: Collectors’ books and all Sports books 50% off.

MARCH: Gardening and Children’s books half-price.

Old Photographs of Blairgowrie and Rattray available to purchase plus a range of art work by our volunteers.

We also provide information on local events, groups and what to find in the area.

We house an exhibition of the Berry Picking history of this area.

We have a small library of reference books on the local area available for use in the office.

We are always looking for volunteers; for Hub magazine delivery quarterly and to help in the shop.

Whatever your interests or expertise we look forward to welcoming you.

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For more information visit www.infinitybludental.co.uk Page 13

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Communtity Groups

BLAIRGOWRIE AND RATTRAY ILLUMINATIONS COMMITTEE Christmas? Just around the corner again!

Christmas has been just around the corner for our volunteers since February! Regular committee meetings and our programme of testing, replacement, refurbishment and purchasing have kept us busy on a pretty-near monthly basis.

Apart from the routine bulb replacement, we have finished restringing the blue lights on the Bridge shooting stars and re-garlanded half of the circular wall shapes. Electrical junction boxes, blue plugs and sockets take a pounding, so several have been ‘refreshed.’ The Rattray boys have convinced us that the lamppost brackets that they use will save us time erecting those shapes in the future, so a little extra this year, but easier for 2019. And painstaking work on the new Rattray lights store beside the Blair containers means it will be ready for the lights coming down on January 13th.

Another development is that we have paid PKC to install plugs on 4 Perth Street lampposts so that the illuminations will stretch as far as the Coop this year. We hope to have ‘Blairgowrie and Rattray Illuminations SUPPORTER’ window stickers ready for shops and firms to publicise the fact they’re doing their bit for the town. New also which we didn’t have time for last year will be icicle lights on the big Allan Street display.

But newest of all will be the Rattray lights bought with the Tesco Bags of Help grant, thanks to all your votes! These have arrived and we’re really looking forward to them adding some special winter cheer east of the Ericht.

The Switch-On event with stalls and entertainment in the Wellmeadow starts at 4pm on the 24th. Rattray lights will be lit at 4 at the church and Santa piped in procession to his Grotto to meet the children. Blair will be lit up at 5 and the event will end at 6. Watch out for some strange characters to cuddle this year!

Finally, as ever, we are short of volunteers, especially with Santa’s sleigh door-to-door collection week on the evenings of 10th-14th December and at Tesco on the Saturday (where we also have a raffle on Nov 17th).

If you’d like to help in any way, phone Keith 874776 or Margaret 870372.

And have a Happy Christmas one and all!

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BLAIRGOWRIE & RATTRAY ACCESS NETWORK (BRAN)

It’s hard to believe but our group of volunteers has now been maintaining the local footpath network and beyond for almost four years, Bob Ellis having called the inaugural meeting at the Royal Hotel in January 2015. That’s an awful lot of grass cutting, trimming back, path repair and more recently project work in the form of extending the steps up alongside the Cuttle Burn.

The work might be quite demanding sometimes but regardless of the task the volunteers always enjoy the work. There’s never a dull moment with plenty of craic along the way!

BRAN’s next project work will be to improve the old pathway from the top of the Knockie and to create a shelter from which folk will be able to enjoy the extensive views out of any wind.

The photograph was taken on a recent work party when a lot of bushy growth was cut down to open up views across the town and beyond. The shelter will be built behind where the group are sitting, the local farmer has agreed to help by moving some of the large stones into position.

If all goes well the work will be complete by the spring of next year.

On a more general note BRAN plans to buy more equipment during the closed season using some of the funding gained at the PKC Participatory Budgeting Competition back in March, this provided a welcome boost to the group’s finances alongside the proceeds of a week’s secondhand sale at Howes.

As previously described, the weekly work parties during the growing season are a mix of social gathering and physical work. BRAN always welcomes new volunteers and anyone who would like to help and has a few hours spare on either a Friday or Saturday morning, regularly or otherwise, is invited to contact the secretary, Ian Richards.

01250 871122, 07787 317022 or via e-mail on ian_richards2007@yahoo.com Page 15

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Communtity Groups

SCYD

It’s been a busy and exciting time here at #SCYD with lots of new developments! With the support of The Gannochy Trust, The Scottish Childrens Lottery and NHS Community Innovation Fund, we’ve recently appointed Roy Osborne, our Youth Work Coordinator and Charlotte Lloyd-Perry, our Education Youth Worker. We’re also pleased to announce that Georgie Kidd has been appointed as our Community Event Project Worker and are thrilled to have them all on board.

Over the last few months we have seen a fantastic amount of engagement here at SCYD. Our young people have been very busy involved in lots of local events from their continued support at the Community Markets to helping at the Bridge of Cally Summer Serenade Concert which took place in early August. A group of our young people were also involved in the “Stories from the Past” project, which involved them interviewing residents from Hope Park House and Muirton House. The interviews were recorded, edited and turned into a short film which was shown as part of a fantastic two day exhibition at Hope Park House. Seeing our young people so enthused and getting involved in the delivery of successful events is a joy and we couldn’t be more proud of them.

As Autumn has hit and the nights are well and truly drawing in, The Den has been in regular use and our drop ins every Wednesday night between 4pm-6pm are well attended. Here, young people between the ages of 11-25 are welcome to come along to play pool, relax on the sofas, play games and chat to friends and staff. We pride ourselves on being a home away from home providing a safe space for young people. With the appointment of our new team members we’re looking forward to an increase in our drop in sessions and activities on offer.

Our October holidays timetable has been a busy one. We were lucky enough to be visited by the DD8 youth organisation from Kirriemuir, who treated us to an afternoon of music and a fun pool tournament was enjoyed by all. Firm friends were made that day and we look forward to more collaborations in the future.

We’ve also had creative workshops provided in the café and our dedicated IT suite, as well as some seriously fun trips out. With so much on offer, SCYD is well and truly on the rise and we look forward to welcoming more young people.

One Voice and Booklore Volunteer Group 2018 Firstly Hello from us all, we hope you like our group photo. Some of us have been volunteers here since the One Voice office opened back in 2009, whilst others have joined us along the way.

For this issue we would like to share with you, our readers, what we like about volunteering and here is a snap shot of what our volunteer colleagues have said; We value the many skills, talents and Knowledge our volunteers bring to our Team.

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CRIGHTONS CYCLES BLAIRGOWRIE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB MEETS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 7.30pm IN BLAIRGOWRIE TOWN HALL £3.00 PER EVENING ALL WELCOME WHETHER YOU HAVE DANCED BEFORE OR WANT TO LEARN. ALL DANCES WALKED THROUGH IT TICKS ALL THE BOXES: FITNESS, MENTAL ACUITY, SOCIAL AND INEXPENSIVE NEW TERM STARTS JANUARY 9th 2018 Secretary: 01250873272

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It is good to continue enjoying the connection with the local community even after retirement - this has given “huge satisfaction”.

It is good to be part of a great team where we like to help and promote Blairgowrie and Rattray and hopefully increase the footfall to our town.

It is very satisfying to work alongside other volunteers and know in our own small way we are helping to make a difference in our Community. It is rewarding for us to meet so many friendly and interesting people both locally and from all over the world.

We like to help our customers find books that have been recommended to them by others.

It gives us great satisfaction to try and answer any queries we may have from new arrivals to our area and also people who perhaps are just passing through.

It is always good for us to learn from our customers too, when they tell us stories and anecdotes from Blairgowrie and Rattray in bygone years (often prompted by the old photos we have on display and from the small Berry Exhibition we have on behalf of the History Trust).

We enjoy working with books and knowing how generous our local community have been by donating so many. This in turn has helped us continue in our promotion of Blairgowrie and Rattray.

So, this is what our volunteers have said and we hope your support will continue as we go into our 10th year, many thanks from all of us.

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Communtity Groups

GrowBiz Enterprising Rural Perthshire It’s been another busy year for GrowBiz. We’ve worked with more businesses than ever, and with the help of LEADER* funding, have expanded our services significantly across rural Perthshire. It never fails to impress us how many amazing small businesses and social enterprises there are in Perth and Kinross – in every sector from manufacturing, food and drink, care, therapies, outdoor activities to arts and crafts, retail and many more… and we are always delighted to play a part in the business journey of each and every one.

GrowBiz support to anyone who is considering becoming self-employed, or starting (or growing) a small business or social enterprise. This is regardless of your age or experience - in fact; it works right across the community to include people from all backgrounds and sectors.

Services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL, and include 1-1 meetings, peer support, learning sessions, mentoring, training and networking opportunities.

For details of upcoming learning sessions and events, and to book your place, go to the GrowBiz website: www.growbiz.co.uk. You can also join the GrowBiz mailing list to stay up to date with news and events.

We’re already planning a programme of learning and networking events for next year - if you are thinking of setting up or expanding a business in rural Perthshire, make it your New Year’s resolution to get in touch with us!

We would like to take this opportunity to wish our clients, partners and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – we hope you are taking a well-deserved break over the festive season, and look forward to an enterprising 2019. *The Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER provides funding and support for community and enterprise projects in rural Perthshire. More information at: www.pkleader.org

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The HEAT Project Update It has taken a while, but the HEAT team is now firmly established in the BRDT Office at 1-3 Meadow Place.

I continue to provide advice on climate change and energy efficiency but am now also focused on setting up the loyalty scheme which we look to pilot in the new year.

Susan Duncan has taken on some of Noeleen Chapman’s tasks, while Noeleen is on maternity leave. She is helping to implement our new local loyalty scheme, helping me make sure that the project runs smoothly and reporting our progress to the Climate Challenge Fund. She is also helping to plan our upcoming Energy Fair, and in her spare time, she is a leading light in the Ericht Allotments Association.

In Noeleen’s absence, Elly Nicoll is also helping out by setting up our website and various other communication media channels.

Rachel Comrie is our new Energy Advisor and if you ask for one of our free home energy surveys, it is most likely that Rachel will be contacting you to carry out the survey. In our recent online newsletter HEAT Matters or on our website she explains the simple process. If you’d like a survey, please email us at admin@theheatproject.scot or pop into our office. Our core office hours are 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

Last, but by no means least, we have a new project support assistant, Rachael Livingston. She will be well known to many of you as the friendly face of the Tourist Information Centre. Rachael will be working with us part-time She will be the first point of contact when you come into the office and she is also rapidly coming up to speed on all things climate change and energy efficiency so she can help with inquiries. You can find more info about the team on our website.

Energy Fair at Blairgowrie Town Hall The HEAT Energy Fair will be held in Blairgowrie Town Hall on Friday 9th November, from 4pm to 8pm. As with last year’s very successful event, you can come along (it’s free!) and meet a range of experts who can give you advice on everything from low energy lightbulbs to fitting a wood burning stove, and everything else in between.

Saving Water in Blairgowrie, really?

Over the summer we helped Scottish Water to inform the local community about the need to use water more wisely. We helped to distribute water savings kits to local households and we also exhibited “Loo-ease”, a specially designed WC which demonstrates the energy cost of delivery water to households. Loo-ease appeared at the Community Market and at the Freshers Week at Blairgowrie High School. We were flushed with success at her warm reception.

Topical Energy Tip Our topical tip in the HEAT Matters October Edition is all about upgrading your existing but dated double glazing windows without breaking the bank. By the time you receive this HUB magazine, you can read the tip in full on our website or via posted link on our Facebook. If you’d like to receive our monthly online newsletter, which offers energy advice and updates on all our initiatives, please email us at admin@theheatproject.scot.

Martin Mathers Project Manager, martin@theheatproject.scot www.theheatproject.scot

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THE HAMISH HENDERSON FESTIVAL 2018 WEDNESDAY 7th – SATURDAY 10th NOVEMBER Hamish Henderson was a Scottish poet, songwriter, soldier and intellectual who was born in Blairgowrie, on 11th November, 1919. Through his work in the fields of folk song and poetry, he has been referred to as the founding father of Scotland’s 20th century folk renaissance.

In 2016, a documentary was produced in Scotland by film-maker Robbie Fraser about the life of Hamish Henderson – having been 14 years in the making, it was premiered at the Glasgow Film Festival. There were immediate calls from locals for the film to be screened in his birthplace. And so, from this, and spurred on by the enthusiasm and determination of a group of locals, the idea of a Hamish Henderson Festival was born.

The inaugural Hamish Matters Festival took place last year, at which the documentary ‘Hamish’ was shown and which culminated in a Cèilidh evening which celebrated many elements of Hamish’s legacy to Scottish culture.

Such was the success of the event that this year, a bigger and better Festival takes place from 7th – 10th November. Highlights of the Festival include author Fred Freeman talking on his friend and mentor Hamish in Blairgowrie Library, and an evening of Poetry and music with inestimable local poet Jim Mackintosh, accompanied by Jon Plunkett, Morag Anderson and Stuart Patterson - along with musicians including Hamish MacGregor and friends.

There are events for children in the programme, including local primary schools performing songs and poems written and collected by Hamish Henderson, and a Perthshire tales storytelling session with Lindsey Gibb, We’ll hear ‘The Tale o’ the Wee Mowdie’ and there is a Bookbug session for babies and pre-schoolers where stories will be told in Scots and in Gaelic.

Folklorist, writer, singer and broadcaster. Margaret Bennett and Scottish radio broadcaster Fiona Ritchie MBE will be in conversation about Hamish and his legacy. The programme of events will be rounded off with a People’s Cèilidh in Blairgowrie Town Hall – with songs, music, stories and poems in the spirit of Henderson’s ground-breaking 1951 Festival Cèilidh in Edinburgh, which has been cited as a catalyst for the modern Scottish Folk Revival.

Perthshire poet Jim Mackintosh, who is one of the team who have organised this year’s Festival, said “It’s important we take care of our heritage, be proud of our various cultures and celebrate them whether they stand alone or sit comfy thegither weaving words and song into joy.”

“Hamish Henderson recognised and embraced all of that but most importantly appreciated that the folks who created our culture and those who continue to do so today have a rightful place on the World stage – and oanyweys Hamish Matters is aboot haein a richt guid hooley wi yer pals and aiblins makin neu yins!”

And with 2019 marking the centenary of the birth of Hamish, it is only right that this should be marked with a further celebration of his life. The Hamish Matters Festival has already taken its place firmly on the calendar of annual Perthshire events.

For more information on events & tickets go to our Facebook page - @HamishMatters. You’ll also find details of some of the events on Eventbrite. Follow us on Facebook & Twitter too. Or email us at hamishmatters@hotmail.com Page 20

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BLAIRGOWRIE LYRIC CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT Cripes! Is it just me, or is the world spinning ever-faster? Wasn’t it just yesterday that we were all revelling in the long hot glories of summer? And now, with a whizz, a flash, and the odd bang, even Mr Fawkes has been assigned to the calendar dustbin. Which can only mean one thing! The BLAIRGOWRIE LYRIC CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT must be just around the corner.

And so it is! SATURDAY 8th DECEMBER is the date, 7.00pm is the time, and ST CATHARINE’S CHURCH in George Street, Blairgowrie is the place. Yes, Christmas will still be over two weeks away but, to get those furtive festive feelings flowing freely, our concert could be the perfect launch pad. The programme will have the usual mix of carols - old, new, familiar, unfamiliar from the choir, plus a generous helping of the most popular “standards” for everyone to sing with uninhibited gusto.

The concert will once again be followed by an informal social gathering in the adjacent St Catharine’s Church hall, where tea, coffee, and perhaps even the odd nibble will be available to round off the evening. Ticket prices have been pegged to a mere £6, with children free (that’s cost of entry; we’re not giving children away!), and will shortly be available from choir members or by phoning 01250 872682. As in previous years, tickets may be available at the door but early purchase, as they say in the best sales jargon, is recommended to avoid disappointment. Also as usual, the choir will be donating most of the proceeds to local charities.

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Events

BLAIRGOWRIE & RATTRAY HIGHLAND GAMES A fabulous crowd attended another highly successful annual Highland Games in Bogles Field.

Chieftain Laurence Blair Oliphant of Blairgowrie and Gask opened the games with an extensive range of events being held throughout a fun day, with new events being shown; Stones of Strength & Ladies Heavy Events, with Annikki Chamberlain travelling from Arizona, USA to showcase the ladies events.

Ed and Yasmin from CBBC programme, All Over The Place, made a guest appearance joining in a wide range of Highland Games events. Yasmin joined the Rattray victorious side in the community tug o’ war against Blairgowrie. The programme coverage is due to be aired early next year. Great to see our Highland Games on national tv.

Rotary Club of Blairgowrie organised the kids mini highland games. Highland Dancing had an excellent turnout, track events and cycling attracted a good turnout. The Piping competition attracted a high quality of entrants.

This is the Year of the Young so thanks to Active Schools Coordinator Caroline Lawrie for arranging the school races. SCYD, RAF 2519 Strathmore Squadron & pupils from Blairgowrie all assisted with the running of the day, so a big ‘Thank You’ to you all.

Once again, The Ardblair Stones were very popular with competitors and spectators. This was also the Scottish final of the International Highland Games Federation Stones of Strength, with the winner heading off to Norway.

Other stone events were; The Nicol Stones, Husafell Stone Carry and Stone Lift to Shoulder.

Amazing events to watch and big cheers from the crowd to encourage all competitors.

A special mention to Bob Ellis who after many years of devoted work on the committee, organising and comparing the day, has decided to step down – ‘Thank You’ Bob for all your tremendous work which has helped the games to be so successful. We look forward to welcoming you back as our guest next year. We would also like to extend our thanks to Kim Ellis, who, after many years is stepping down as Secretary of the committee. Blairgowrie & Rattray Games have flourished with their assistance.

As well as Facebook, you can now follow us on Twitter @blair_games or Instagram; blairgowriehighlandgames The committee would like to thank all who freely gave up their time to arrange the Games and thank you to all who attended to make it a great day. The committee is already arranging next years event on Sunday 8th September. Please get in touch if you wish to help with this great community event.

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Santa’s Socks It’s nearly Xmas once again and Santa’s really busy. Poor Mrs Santa is in a tizz though as she searches for his special socks.

They are extra warm ones that he likes to wear with his best clothes when he delivers all the gifts to children very early on Xmas day.

Oh! “Where are the socks poor Mrs Santa exclaims”? Santa’s helpers hear her cry and soon they are by her side. “We’ll help you find them they say”, and before long she hears a cry of joy as the socks are found. “Here they are, all tucked up inside Santa’s boots”, one of the helper calls, “Oh phew!! they are really smelly too. Oh dear, what shall we do”? “Quick, in the wash” says Mrs Santa, “and then we’ll get them dry, I’m glad we still have time”.

And so, when Santa sets off to delivers all the gifts to boys and girls throughout the land he has such a big smile on his face, has lovely warm feet, and looks very smart indeed. Mrs Santa smiles too as she waves him goodbye. Then, with his sleigh piled high and reindeers ready Santa glides off across the sky.

MERRY XMAS EVERY ONE (story by Barbara Lynch drawing by Granny Pat)

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History

SNIPPETS FROM THE BLAIRGOWRIE ADVERTISER DURING NOV/DEC 1918 researched by Barbara Lynch On Saturday November 16th the newspaper headline announced the end of the 1st World War by stating that at 5am on Monday 11th the Armistice was signed by the enemy and at 11am on that same day hostilities ceased on all the Battle Fronts. The British Prime Minister was stated to have had an enthusiastic reception in Parliament when rising to read the terms of the agreement.

The news reached Blairgowrie just before 10am and the Community were said to be, “Loth to believe it”. The official wire was posted in the window of the Post Office at 2pm and local folks were said to have received the news, “very soberly” but with an atmosphere of quiet relief. A few had displayed flags in their windows and by 6pm Churches Bells were to be heard locally.

Various comments were recorded at this time and one in particular from the Chairman (Mr W Henderson) of the East Perthshire Agricultural Committee who stated that their thoughts had turned to those who had given their lives for our protection and especially with families who had been robbed of their sons, some with an only son.

Surrender of the German Navy It was stated in the local press on Saturday 23rd November 1918 that the German Battle Fleet had been handed over for interment (according to the terms of the Armistice).They had been met in the North Sea by the British Grand Fleet and escorted to the Firth of Forth. The following day they sailed to Scapa Flo. American and French Navies were also present and it was recorded as being, “A majestic spectacle”.

Prisoners of War were now returning home. These included Lance Corporal T Morrison of St Johns Place, Rattary. He, it was stated was the 1st Rattray soldier to gain the Coveted DCM. Military Concert In early December a concert was held under the auspices of the Banks of Ericht Lodge L.O.G.T in the Public Hall. Among the large gathering were 300 soldiers who were given free tickets.

Performances were by the local Labour Corp and were voted a great success.

In other snippets:Petrol The Petrol committee were requesting that people continue to be economic with their use of fuel.

Coal and Fuel Savings The public were being praised in their diligence to save Coal and fuel during the conflict. There was to be no relaxation however of this request meantime.

Street Lighting Restriction of street lamps is to be suspended. The green shading used on lights was to be removed, but with only half of the lights to be in use as yet.

The local tobacco fund was still active and stood at £1,608 15/Winter temperatures locally on 21st November 1918. These were recorded as -17degrees, with ice on standing water more than 1 inch thick.

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BLAIRGOWRIE RATTRAY AND DISTRICT GENEALOGY CENTRE SOLVING A MYSTERY Most of our enquiries involve a visit, an email or a phone call directly to the Genealogy Centre, but sometimes an enquiry is passed to us by others like the Visit Scotland Office or the One Voice Office. Back in January 2018 the History Trust passed Pat Linley’s enquiry to us and it proved to be quite a challenge.

Pat, from Nottinghamshire, who visited us last September, had very few details about the gentleman she wanted us to research. She had a surname, his mother’s address in Dundee and the name of a Blairgowrie solicitors where he may have worked before the Second World War. Pat was able to reveal that her father, Walter Linley, had been the Navigator on a Wellington Bomber shot down in 1941. The Blairgowrie gentleman had been the Pilot and they had spent the next four years as Prisoners of War in various P.O.W. camps ending up in Stalag Luft 111. She knew that her father had held him in high regard and that she had been named after his RAF nickname.

Fortunately, both survived the war and our research found that the gentleman had returned to Blairgowrie where he married in 1951. Our research also filled in some details of the life he had led and the many local organisations he had been involved in and positions he had held in the town.

Sadly, he died in 1972 and, according to an Obituary in the Blairie, he left behind his wife and two teenage daughters. Without the family’s permission we are unable to publish the gentleman’s name, but, if the details in this article are familiar to you, please contact the Genealogy Centre.

Pat would be delighted to hear from you.

ALWAYS WANTED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY HISTORY? The Genealogy Centre Volunteers can help.

Come in and see us any Tues, Weds or Thurs from 2.00 to 4.00pm at Blairgowrie Library.

If these hours do not suit, an appointment for Friday or Saturday can easily be arranged.

CONTACT US - by email at blairgowrielibrary@culturepk.org.uk or blairgowriegenealogy@hotmail.co.uk Or by telephone on 01250 871305 If you can spare 2 hours a week, why not come and join us as a Volunteer.

Please send us your contact details, or come in and see us.

The Geneaology Centre is part of Visit Scotland’s Ancestral Welcome Scheme.

To find out more visit: www.scottishancestraltourism.scot

MEMORIES Memories can fill our minds at any time of day, A sight, a sound, a smile, a touch, can draw us back in time, and make us pause in what we’re doing to recall those things gone by.

To smile a while, to shed a tear, or just to linger there.

Treasured always in our hearts those memories most dear.

Barbara Lynch Page 27

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Two years ago the One Voice Volunteer Group received a grant from the Community Co-op Fund to develop a resource to help people with failing memories, or to help those caring for people with memory problems.

This collection of seven short films features archival photographs of Blairgowrie, its people and the surrounding area.

The With Memories in Mind films can be seen here

http://www.withmemoriesinmind.co.uk For those who have not easy access to the internet, DVDs are being made and will be available in the BRDT Community Office (One Voice) , 13 Upper Mill Street, Blairgowrie PH10 6HL Tel 01250 871120.

Blairgowrie & Rattray Development Trust Ltd One Voice for the Community

I’ve developed an interest in photography as a therapy both in the taking of photographs and also using photographs as a visual aid to stimulate memories and promote discussion. So I was delighted, after meeting with Jessie, to hear that there was funding available for the Memories in Mind Project aimed at people suffering from dementia and their carers but also as a local resource for all to enjoy.

There were so many photographs to choose from and it was quite time consuming to look through them but soon the themes became apparent from the different collections from local photographers.

I love so many but I’m particularly taken with Fred Oudney’s collection, a great documentation of real life with family and friends in his era.

I had a good laugh with some ‘well kent’ faces at the Blethers group and One Voice office when asking for music that they remembered growing up. This resulted in impromtu sing-alongs and I knew then how great this project would be.

Local musician Elsie McPherson was a fantastic resource, drawing on years of musical knowledge of popular and singalong songs. Regularly visiting care homes to entertain the residents she gave me a list of popular songs.

These images are set to popular music from over the years and include the likes of Andy Stewart, Cilla Black, Connie Francis and memorable singalong songs such as Quarter Master’s Store, Daisy Daisy and You are My Sunshine.

Each film has a theme and looks at shops, people, views of the area, pastimes and the berries.

This combination of local photographs ‘of times gone by’ coupled with popular music will hopefully soothe, stimulate and bring to mind long-forgotten memories.

Jessie Shaw

I’ve really enjoyed looking at the photographs and researching the music. Also working with my colleague Tracie Dick at ‘Nest Creative Spaces’ to make the website. It’s great to have a creative crew all in one building to collaborate on projects.

Ashleigh Mustard, Community Connections Coordinator at Strathmore Centre for Youth Development, is using the films to continue her great work with residents and carers at Muirton and Hope Park House.

I’m excited about moving the project forward. I’d like to scan in negatives from my grandad ,Allan Seggie’s, collection as a start to making personal collections. It’s not always about whether you know the people it’s about life in that time – the room décor, the type of car, the different kinds of celebrations and events and how this has evolved over time. I’ve also been entrusted with David Phillips negative collection and have a few years’ worth of local photographs to get scanned and documented. I hope it will encourage others to look back on their photograph collections and perhaps allow us to share them in future films for all generations to enjoy.

Kelly McIntyre Page 29

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Having had two successful Pop-Up events during the spring and summer months, the group is now busy preparing for its most ambitious project to date – a commemoration of the ending of the Great War.

Photo courtesy of - David Gow

Once again thanks to the generosity of Culture Perth and Kinross and our librarian Craig Dennis, the Blairgowrie library will be the venue for the event. The group also has plans for an outdoor section on the adjacent car park on the Sunday. The ‘Lest We Forget’ weekend will commence following the weekend closure of the library on the afternoon of Saturday 17th and continue through Sunday, finishing at 6pm on Monday 19th November.

Some details of the programme are being finalised as this article goes to press but the weekend promises to be full of interest, with something for all ages, locals and visitors alike.

Thanks to the generosity of many local residents, on show will be photographs and memorabilia relating to local families, together with some accounts of their involvement in the conflict. The effect on one well-known local family will be featured in both an exhibition and via a short talk that Sir William MacPherson has generously agreed to present on Monday 19th.

There will be much material on display featuring the well known archive family material collected

by Mark Duffy relating to the fallen as recorded on the Wellmeadow Memorial.

High School pupils will be present on the Monday giving live readings from the famous war poets and recordings of the same will be playing at times during the other two days. Different year groups are preparing project work relating to the conflict and another group will have a display illustrating their views of WWI and conflict in general.

On display will also be general photographic scenes taken during the four terrible years of that war to remind us of the horror of that great conflict and the scale of the losses of both men and animals.

We are working with a Scottish re-enactment group and hope to be able to have something interesting going on as a feature on the Sunday.

Some contemporary military hardware will also be on display as part of the exhibition.

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WORLD WAR 1 COMMEMORATION The Community Council plans to install a commemoration bench in the Wellmeadow in time for the Armistice day or soon after.

The photograph above is the actual design. This is wholly dependant on approval by the Infrastructure department at pkc.

A crowdfunding site has been started and the general public are encouraged to donate on this site.

The address for this is : just giving.com/crowdfunding/robin-duncan.

Robin is the BRCC Treasurer.

A collecting box is also available at the ‘One Voice’ office on Lower Mill street.

It is 100 years this year since our ancestors took part in this war which lasted from 1914 to 1918. The allies suffered 40 million casualties of which 9 to 11 million were military. There are 175 military deaths recorded on the war memorial in the wellmeadow, of young men from Blairgowrie & Rattray who made the ultimate sacrifice for King and Country. (Athough it is thought there are some names missing from this roll of honour).

As well as donating to the annual poppy appeal, it is hoped that the people of Blairgowrie & Rattray will not forget this important moment in history.

IC

REMEMBRANCE

by Margaret Drummond In Blairgowrie’s Wellmeadow a Scots soldiers stands, Not to attention, erectly and proud, But a poignantly lifelike metal-cast statue, Hands resting on rifle, eyes downcast, head bowed ‘Oor Jock’ guards the names of the many who died From local families in the ‘war to end wars’, A conflict that ended a century ago But the peacetime that followed was only a pause For some 20 years later it happened again With the next generation rallying to the call, And each year with our poppies we honour these men Who fought in the World Wars and sacrificed all With the Wellmeadow sentry our townsfolk will stand On Armistice Sunday 11th November, In commemoration of the hundred years gone Since our nation first pledged ‘we will remember’ Page 31

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BERRYPICKERS’ CEILIDHS - TO CONTINUE OR NOT ?

News & Articles

Uncertainty over the number of students and other pickers coming in 2019 has led to a change of plan. This was discussed at a meeting of the organisers on 8th October.

In 2018 the churches put on six ceilidhs, but next year only two will be held. They will be in Blairgowrie Parish Church Hall on 3rd and 17th July.

The option of discontinuing the ceilidhs for a year, until the likely number of students is known, was discarded. It was felt that once they stopped, even if temporarily, they might not re-start in 2020.

A survey of some berry farmers has revealed that one of the first questions the students ask on arrival is ‘When is the next ceilidh?’ It would be a pity to end this tradition, going back well over 15 years, of giving a flavour of Scottish culture to young friends from other countries.

The meeting spent a moment in recalling the work of Jean Napier who died in August. Jean was involved with the ceilidhs from the start.

Mary Hall 01250 883437

VisionPK We are an independent charity based in Perth. We provide specialist services and support for blind and partially sighted people and deaf or hard of hearing people of any age in Perth and Kinross. We can provide: Specialist outcome focused assessment: supporting you to identify your desired outcomes in coping with your sensory loss and then working with you to try to achieve these.

Specialist equipment assessment: supporting you to find the right aids and equipment to help you maintain your independence.

Rehabilitation services: helping you to get out and about and providing support and training with independent living skills.

Support for carers.

Advice and information.

Activities, groups and clubs.

Volunteering opportunities.

Contact us at Perth and Kinross Sensory Centre, 14 New Row, Perth, PH1 5QA. Telephone: 01738 626969 Email: info@visionpk.org.uk Website: www.visionpk.org.uk Page 32

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BLAIRGOWRIE SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB The Blairgowrie Scottish Country Dance Club restarts on the 9th January after a Christmas/New Year break.It is the oldest Scottish Country Dance Club in Blairgowrie and has been going for over 70 years.

We are a very welcoming group, meeting in the Town Hall every Wednesday at 7.30pm. We are sure that there are people who used to do Scottish country dancing but for one reason or another have “lapsed” and would like to give it a whirl again. There again, it might be something people have never done before. Well! we would love to have you join us - you will soon pick up the steps, and everybody is very helpful, It ticks most of the boxes: it provides exercise; it helps you keep fit; it provides mental stimulation as well as physical; it is inexpensive; it is very social and all ages and abilities can participate All you need to do is turn up!

If you would like any further information ring the Secreatary on 01250 873272

BLAIRGOWRIE RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION GROUP The group held successful riding sessions for local school children during September/early October. All the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and received RDA Grade 1 riding proficiency certificates and pin badges. Whilst sessions have now stopped for the winter months they will recommence after the Easter holidays.

We held a successful AGM in September at The Royal Hotel and following a draw several riders and volunteers were able to use some complimentary tickets we received from The Enchanted Forest, as one of their three charity partners.

We are holding a tombola at the Christmas Light Switch-on on 24 November and look forward to seeing you there.

We are still looking for additional volunteers to help with the ponies – previous experience is not essential, but a love of animals and the open air would be an advantage! We are also still looking for a Treasurer if you have any experience in this area. If you have a spare hour or more a week to help us we would love to hear from you. As we are a registered charity there are a few forms to fill in but once completed you can enjoy volunteering with us.

Please contact us on email blairgowrierda@outlook.com or phone 07434 816089.

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News & Articles

STAGECOACH SHORTLISTED FOR TOP INDUSTRY AWARDS Stagecoach East Scotland are finalists at the UK Bus Awards 2018 within six award categories.

The company has once again been shortlisted for a number of awards, covering categories including Marketing, Innovation, Customer Service, Operations and for employee success.

Stagecoach has reached the shortlist for Top Shire Operator once again this year, and their St Andrews depot are once again in the finals for Top National depot, an accolade won by the St Andrews team in 2016.

Within the marketing category, it was announced that the Express City Connect network is in the running for the Sustained Marketing Excellence award for the third year in a row, with the team picking up the silver trophy in the category last year.

A project entitled ‘How to catch a bus’, which was trialled in the St Andrews area in conjunction with Deloitte Digital has also been shortlisted within two award categories Putting Passengers First and New Horizons.

Lastly, two Stagecoach employees have also made the finals for the 2018 award ceremony.

Thomas McGovern, who works at the two Park and Ride sites in Fife has been nominated for his high standard of customer service and John Millar, Allocation Manager for Blairgowrie depot, has been shortlisted for going above and beyond his operational role at the local depot.

Paul Thomas, Managing Director, Stagecoach East Scotland said: “To have seven shortlisted entries at the UK Bus Awards is an exceptional achievement and I’m very proud of the team in East Scotland for their consistent service delivery and customer focus which has taken us to this position.

“Our staff are the core of the business and I’m thrilled that Thomas and John have reached the finals of the Unsung Heroes award. Both go above and beyond to help our customers and fellow colleagues and truly represent unsung heroes in our operations.

For more information about Stagecoach bus services visit www.stagecoachbus.com

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Now that BOOKMARK 2018 is over… we can start looking forward to what’s coming next.

More great writers, more fascinating talks and, most importantly, more laughter.

BOOKMARK 2018 reminded us that we have so many talented authors to invite to inspire, delight, or simply involve us in their enthusiasms. ‘I didn’t realise Book Festivals were such fun’ said some audience members who had never been to a Book Festival before; ‘This exceeded our expectations,’ said others. Alan Johnson and Olga Wojtas (who described Bookmark as ‘a totally brilliant weekend’) are off to write other books so that they can be invited back. True crime, SS in Comrie, Suffrage Art, time travelling Morningside librarians, stories of Muriel Spark, authors who would give stand-up comedians a run for their money – all that and more was at BOOKMARK. Our Chair-persons added to the enjoyment. If you weren’t there, you may get tired of hearing about it from those who were!

Two evening events in November confirm how much BOOKMARK brings to Blairgowrie. On Wednesday 21st at St Catharine’s Hall Robin Crawford will be talking about his best-selling book ‘Into the Peatlands: A Journey through the Moorland Year’. And on Tuesday 27th November at the Community Campus the much-loved Alexander McCall Smith (in conversation with Magnus Linklater) will bring laughter and light to a winter evening.

Tickets for both of these events (and they’re selling fast) are available from our Treasurer at 01250 875613.

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STRATHMORE SCREEN Blairgowrie Town Hall

Sunday 28th October 4pm The Greatest Showman sing-a-long

7pm King of Thieves

Sunday 26th November 4pm Smallfoot

7pm Bohemian Rhapsody

Sunday 16th December 4pm The Nutcracker & the Four Realms

7pm Fantastic Beasts:The Crimes of Grindelwald

More info - www.strathmorescreen.co.uk

THE ERICHT SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE GROUP The Ericht Scottish Country Dance Group are holding their Annual Dance on Friday 15th February 2019.

Venue: Blairgowrie Town Hall Band: Marian Anderson Teacher: Carol Bisset Time: 7.30pm Cost: £6.00 Tea + Supper Contact detail is available on the website: erichtdance.co.uk or Jan McHugh 01250 870975

Bella, Erin, Morven and Vienna (our ponies) wish all our riders, volunteers and supporters a Happy Christmas.

We are looking forward to the New Year.

Blairgowrie RDA Group

CLASSES Beginners Class Tuesday 7.00 - 8.30pm General Class Tuesday 7.30 - 9.30pm Term dates 2nd October to 18th December 2018 (no class 4th December) 8th January to 26th March 2019

We would like to wish all our customers and friends

A Merry Christmas & Best Wishes for 2019 J&J Howe Page 35

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News & Articles

GRANNY PAT’S CHRISTMAS RECIPE FUDGE For basic fudge you will need: 150g butter, plus extra for greasing 1 x 397g tin evaporated milk 500g granulated sugar (I use golden granulated) Optional extras: 3 balls stem ginger, drained and chopped or 50g walnuts or pecans, chopped or 50g glace cherries or 50g raisins soaked in rum for 2 hours and drained

Grease an 8cm square tin and line with baking parchment which should also be greased.

Set aside.

Put the butter, sugar and evaporated milk into a non-stick pan (I use an enamelled cast iron pan) and cook over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Stir regularly. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to the boil – be cautious because the mixture will boil furiously – it will expand so make sure that your pan is large enough to accommodate this without boiling over. Cook for 20 – 30 minutes stirring constantly as the mixture will burn on the bottom if not kept moving.

The mixture needs to reach 116 degrees on a sugar thermometer or drop a little of the mixture into a bowl of ice cold water and it should form a soft ball. Prior to the fudge being ready it will boil less furiously, but keep stirring as this is when the fudge is most likely to stick. When the fudge has reached the soft ball stage remove from the heat and beat the mix ferociously for 3 minutes before adding your chosen flavouring (or not) – just a tiny drop of vanilla bean paste or extract will make delicious fudge. With the flavourings added, continue to beat for a further 8 minutes or until the mix is thickened and grainy. Press into the tin and smooth the top. Leave to set for 3 – 4 hours then cut into squares and enjoy. This makes an ideal Christmas gift put in a pretty box or cellophane bag.

It has been a tradition in our family for me to make sweets at Christmas time. In addition to fudge I use leftovers from almond pasting the cake for making stuffed dates or nuts and wrapping round glace cherries to make cherry balls; I dip pieces of stem ginger in dark chocolate and may make chocolate truffles too.

Enjoy some Christmas sweet making! MERRY CHRISTMAS. *Apologies for an omission in the recipe for tomato soup in the last edition – should have read 2 tbsp light olive oil.*

WHO’S THIS AT CHRISTMAS?

by Margaret Drummond

Tree decorator, shopping bearer Christmas card poster, turkey roaster, Mince pie baker, pudding maker Parcel binder, dinner minder Nibblies dipper, sherry sipper Paper hat wearer, sprouts preparer Cracker puller, white wine cooler Washer upper, want a cuppa?

Armchair snorer - but all adore her!

It’s MUM !

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CHRISTMAS CRACKERS What does Santa use to fix broken toys?

SuperIgloo What do jelly babies wear to keep their feet dry in the snow?

Gumboots Why did the spider want a computer for Christmas?

To set up his own website.

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B.H.S. F.P. THE LATE PROFESSOR JAMES HUTCHISON INVENTOR OF FIRST FULL-BODY MRI MACHINE Dr Meg and Professor Jim Hutchison

Many local people were sad to hear of the death, in September, of Jim Hutchison, who was a pupil at Blairgowrie High School Secondary during the 1950s. He went on to St Andrew’s University where he obtained his PhD. Having developed an expertise in Magnetic Resonance, he was appointed to the University of Aberdeen’s Medical Physics team in the 1960s by Professor John Mallard. Whilst there he invented the first MRI machine, then with his team he built the Mark 1 in the late 1970s, however the images were not of a good quality. He and Bill Edelstein invented the spin-warp technique in 1980 which was a major breakthrough and diagnoses were now possible because of highly improved images.

In August 1980 the machine successfully scanned a Fraserburgh man. Since then the spin-warp technique has been used in hundreds of thousands of MRI machines to the present day. Jim’s science teacher at B.H.S. said that unfortunately the government, of the day, refused to invest in further development.

It was taken over by the Japanese who were given the kudos.

Jim was a humble man who did not want any glory or awards and wanted the credit put down to teamwork. His widow, Meg, was also a talented MRI scientist.

MRI Machine Fully Body Scanner Mark 1 in 1980

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News & Articles

RESILIENCE TEAM PHOTO SHOOT WITH SSEN Members of the community Resilience Team recently took part in a photo shoot organised by Scottish and Southern Energy Network. This was an obligatory condition of the funding given to the team by SSEN. Through this funding the Team have been able to have a ‘Plug-in System’ installed at Rattray Halls. The Halls has been designated as a place of community refuge in times of emergency and the Resilience Team has developed resources to operate and man the Halls to cater for these times. The ‘Plug-in System’ will allow for an electrical supply to the Halls ensuring they can be used at all times. The team would like to thank the Halls management for agreeing to this use.

Also, the Team are at present having a similar system installed at Blairgowrie Town Hall.

The picture shows three of the Team beside an SSEN mobile battery pack. This would be supplied to Rattray Halls by SSEN in the event of a prolonged power outage and allow it to remain fully functioning.

The funding has also been used to purchase equipment and a secure storage facility for use by the team in Community Emergencies.

The Resilience Team and their response systems have been organised through Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council with four of its five Team Leaders being CC members.

Should you want to contact the team for any reason please call Brian Smith on 07788712629.

APPLES GALORE AGAIN! At the October Community Market Applepressing, Andrew Lear came again with his noisy machine, so that there was lots of delicious juice for people to taste or take home.

Just before that day, some donors had offered pears and plums and even grapes, and we managed to share these around, although they don’t keep as well as apples.

Last year’s Rattray fox who gnawed into one of our apple-bags has not repeated his/her experiment, so maybe he/she has worked out that apples are not really for carnivores. But this year, a Blair fox has had a go at one of our bags! Maybe the Rattray foxes and the Blair foxes are not on speaking terms?

This autumn, local apple-sharing got off to a good start, with 30+ old and new donors asking us to collect cookers and eaters. These we have been bagging and distributing around the town, with no money changing hands. And some local schools have also asked for supplies of eaters and cookers.

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Apart from the fox, there has been a little occasional vandalism, apples being thrown around. If that happens, we just change where we put the next lot of apples, and the vandals seem to lose track. We try to label all the bags “eaters” or “cookers”, but one teenager asked anxiously, “Can we eat these?”, and then, BRDT Magazine - Winter 2018

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reassured, went away munching happily with his friends.

So, a big thank you to all the apple donors, some of them anonymous. And thanks also to those who have helped so willingly with collecting and redistributing apples, which all go out locally. We won’t know until December our final tally of apples shared this year, but it does look like being more than last year. Anyone who would like to help later this year or next autumn, please do get in touch.

Kristin Barrett, 872634 Kay Seal, 874633

FRIENDSHIP CAFE Hard to believe it’s eight years since we opened our doors at the cafe’ in the Balmoral Road Community Hall in Rattray every Thursday morning from 10am to 11.30am.

Friendship and chat is on the menu along with entertainment consisting of sing-a-longs and dancing. We have been getting good numbers attending, support coming from the various complexes, and local day care groups but we would like to see more of the community attending the cafe’. So why not drop in have a coffee/tea, a bit of home baking or biscuit. I am sure you will enjoy your morning.

One of our successes this year has been RATTRAY YOU’VE GOT TALENT where the friends entertain and we must thank all the rest of the entertainers who come along to play or sing on a Thursday morning for us. On November 29th we are having a SCOTTISH CONCERT where stovies and ice cream will be served along with entertainment from THE MID ATHOL STRING ( a mini fiddlers rally) .

Phone 01250 873602 if you wish to attend, no later than 22nd November.

We look forward in seeing you at our COMMUNITY CAFE’.

ALY MUIR (organiser) SEASONS GREETINGS TO YOU ALL

MINISTER RETIRES The Reverend Harry Mowbray, retired on 26th August, 2018, after 10 years as minister at Blairgowrie Parish Church.

Under his ministry there was a noticeable development and increased popularity in ‘other’ styles of worship such as Messy Church and Jump for Joy for toddlers. Thanks to Harry’s efforts and ability to provide alternative services, while still maintaining mainstay traditional services, the regular early morning Sunday services are well attended.

His previous career was as an accountant, a profession he entered on leaving school.

Through a lifetime of involvement in different churches, and before deciding to answer the call to the ministry, he has, in previous churches, held various positions including treasurer and session clerk.

Harry is a gifted musician with a fine tenor voice and also an accomplished guitarist.

His final service as parish minister which took place on Sunday 26th August was exactly ten years to the day since Harry was inducted to Blairgowrie Parish Church. At the close of worship Harry was presented with a suitably engraved plaque and a cheque from the congregation.

Harry and his wife Maureen involved themselves in a number of local community groups and activities. I am pleased to say they have decided to make their home in Blairgowrie.

Alisdair Drummond Session Clerk Blairgowrie Parish Church Page 39

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News & Articles

LESLIE STREET ART TRAIL The first Leslie Street Art Trail took place at the beginning of September this year.

17 business premises hosted the work of 40 artists participating in the Perthshire Open Studios art festival.

The Art Trail was the brainchild of local artist Wendy Mackey who delivered on an imaginative concept to turn a street of business premises into a temporary art gallery, showcasing the work of artists with studios near to the town.

The result was an amazing display of painting, fused glass, silverware, jewellery, ceramics, basket weaving, up cycled furniture, wood carving, wood turning, knitwear, photography, needlecraft, and weaving. All beautifully presented with coordinated backdrops and bunting.

The showcase windows were enhanced by other art themed events in Leslie Street and the surrounding area. In the library, there was an exhibition about the “Blairgowrie Boys”, a community of 19th century artists who lived and painted locally. The shop windows which were not suitable for artwork, were decorated with colourful rosettes and paintings done by local children. There were free taster weaving sessions and demonstrations by Ashleigh Slater in the Tartan Caledonia weaving studio. And an exhibition of crafts was held in Wisecraft.

Treasure trails encouraging families to look in all the windows added to the fun.

The children’s treasure trail was very popular. Plastic ducks painted as cartoon characters and super heroes were placed in each of the windows. Except for “the duck who couldn’t be bothered” who was disguised as – well – a duck!

The children had to name all the characters and identify where the duck who couldn’t be bothered was hiding.

A launch event was held in the Dome café, where the Provost of Perth and Kinross opened the Art Trail with the artists, business owners, supporters and Councillors.

The Leslie Street Art Trail was overwhelmingly well received by the local community. The business owners and artists were delighted with the results, and plans are already underway for an even bigger and better event next year.

So look out for the Leslie Street Art Trail in September 2019. There will be more artists, more business premises, more children’s and community art, and more ducks!

AW Joinery For All your Joinery Services: Home Improvements Fitted Kitchens Timber Decking Solid Wood / Laminate Floors 01250 870 693 / 07876 133 342 www.aw-joinery.com Page 40

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BLAIRGOWRIE PLAYERS, MAKING DRAMA OUT OF A CRISIS!

SCO35245

Blairgowrie Players present

A pantomime by nick moore

Beauty and the Beast Blairgowrie Town Hall

5th, 6th & 7th

December 2018 at 7pm 8th & 9th December 2018 at 2pm

Tickets £8 & £6 conc (stalls only) Available from the card gallery, Allan Street,

online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ blairgowrie players or email

blairplayers@btinternet.com

Blairgowrie Players continue to be busy. At the end of September we staged a well appreciated and very moving tribute to those, both human and animal, who suffered or lost their lives during WW1. In response to requests, we will reprise ‘The War Time’ in Blairgowrie Town Hall on Saturday, November 17th at 7pm.

Tickets, priced £8 or £5 for school children, are available from The Card Gallery, Allan Street, can be reserved by emailing blairplayers@ btinternet.com or purchased at the door. This event will take place on the weekend of the Heritage Trust WW1 pop-up museum, which takes place in the local library 17th – 19th November.

In October we performed 5 short but funny plays at the Kinloch Rural hall for groups from various Institutes. This made for an enjoyable afternoon for all present. If any other organisations would like similar entertainment to add to their diaries, please get in touch with us.

Our pantomime for 2018, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is well under way and hopefully you will ‘be our guests’ when our run starts at Blairgowrie Town Hall from Wednesday to Friday, 5th – 7th December at 7pm and Saturday and Sunday 8th - 9th December at 2pm. Tickets, priced £8 or £6 for concessions (stalls only) are available from The Card Gallery, Allan Street Tel 01250 874666, or may be reserved by emailing blairplayers@btinternet.com or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ blairgowrieplayers (with additional booking fee) During November we will be helping with the Hamish Henderson Festival and in the New Year we will be on tour again, performing a Murder Mystery in Broughty Ferry The refurbishment of The Hill Kirk continues with the majority of the major work completed and painting, small amounts of joinery work and new flooring next to achieve. This work has been achieved due to a collaboration between ourselves and Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER Programme 2014-2020: The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in Rural Areas. We have to also thank all those who come along to any of our shows as each performance adds a further amount to the coffers to pay running costs for the vast building. We especially wish to thank all who helped out with our successful week-long charity shop in Howe’s in October and to everyone who either donated goods or spent their money there, every pound goes into our fundraising account to help keep this iconic Blairgowrie building wind and watertight. In addition, although the area does not belong to Players, thanks must be expressed to BRAN, Wisecraft, local residents and P&K for their work on the kirkyard over the autumn. The improvement to the area is wonderful to see and hopefully opportunities will arise to keep this area looking better than it has for several years.

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News & Articles

Bringing the Library to those who can no longer visit RVS Books on Wheels Library Direct works in partnership with Royal Voluntary Service: An Age Positive Charity to deliver books to people who are unable to visit their local library. Throughout Perth and Kinross, RVS Books on Wheels volunteers visit more than 200 people at home. They can also link users with other RVS services like RVS Good Neighbours.

If you are unable to visit Blairgowrie library because you are housebound, recovering from illness, have mobility difficulties, visual impairment or are a carer at home, we can bring the library service to you.

When you contact us to join, library staff will discuss your interests and requirements. In addition to our regular stock, we have an extensive collection of large print and audio books available. We will select items for you and arrange for a RVS volunteer to deliver to your home.

In Blairgowrie, deliveries are made by our volunteers on the first Tuesday of the month, and once you are signed up, you will receive a regular supply of reading material.

If you, or someone you know would like to start using the RVS Books on Wheels service, then please contact the team at Blairgowrie Library.

Blairgowrie Library, 46 A Leslie Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AW • • • • •

Tuesday 1000-1900 Wednesday 1000-1900 Thursday 1000-1900 Friday 1000-1300 Saturday 0930-1230

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Telephone: 01250 871305 Email: blairgowrielibrary@culturepk.org.uk

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01 25 C TO 0 ALL 8 BO 72 O 45 K 5

Angus the

hotel

Festive Season

AT THE ANGUS HOTEL 2018

Christmas Day Lunch Make Christmas truly memorable (& easy!) for all the family and join us to enjoy the best seasonal dishes, such as our moreish starters, incredibly succulent steaks, and a choice of deliciously rich, and indulgent desserts — it’s a holiday after all, so you should treat yourself! see www.theangushotel.com for our menu ADULTS - £46

OAPs - £36

UNDER 12s - £19.50

XMA S PART Y NIG H FROM TS

Festive Party Nights Get into the festive spirit and kick start your Christmas celebrations at one of our fabulous party nights. Perfect for office parties or getting together with friends.

Festive Cocktail on arrival, Festive Menu and Coffee, Disco, Hats, Crackers and Poppers

£27.5 Per P e

rson

0

FRI 7 DEC - 70’s & 80’s FRI 14 DEC - 80’S & 90’S UT & 00’S FRI 21 DEC SOLD -O90’S

www.theangushotel.com THE ANGUS HOTEL, BLAIRGOWRIE

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Sports & Activities

BLAIRGOWRIE BADMINTON CLUB The club meets at 8pm on a Thursday evening at the Recreation Centre Beeches Rd Blairgowrie. The club welcomes players at all levels. The club is affiliated to Badminton Scotland and is also a PACE accredited club under Perth & Kinross’s sports club scheme.

Fancy playing Badminton? Played before or would like to start: why not give us a try?

Blairgowrie Badminton Club is a friendly and welcoming club which is now in its third year.

Numbers have been growing steadily over the past twelve months with us having up to 6 courts in use. The club plays throughout the year, although numbers do reduce over the summer period.

In the near future we are looking to establish a junior club working with local schools. We have recently started playing in the Perth & Kinross Badminton leagues. It is early days and we will see how this progresses. For those of a competitive nature we are introducing annual club competitions which will take place in the spring.

For more information you can contact Kevin Smith on 07711 062379 or e-mail kevinsmith668@btinternet.c

STRATHMORE CYCLE NETWORK (SCN) This is a quick update on progress with creating safe multi-user paths to link the three towns of Alyth, Blairgowrie and Coupar Angus (ABC). First, just to be clear, calling it a cycle network is the accepted shorthand for paths which are safe for walkers, runners, horseriders and others, as well as cyclists.

Having got that out of the way, there is some good news. The first section is now open. In fact, you may have noticed a bit of a media splash when it was officially opened by Harris Brown of Rattray Primary School who cut the ribbon. He seemed to enjoy it and found himself on STV News as well as in at least 3 newspapers including our very own Blairie.

The biggest thanks for this section of path have to go to the two landowners: Bob Strachan and George King who applied for planning permission, have given up some of their land and actually did the work. Chris York, the consultant working with the SCN group, gave them invaluable help, advice and expertise. A map of the route between Alyth and Rattray can be found on the websites of Alyth Development Trust and the Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust and hard copies will be printed and distributed as soon as possible. There is now a whole circular route between the two towns.

So now we turn our attention to the next stage (we envisage 5 stages in all). The plan (or hope) is that we can find a safe route from the centre of Coupar Angus to the Sewage Works that is acceptable to residents and the local community. This is a work in progress.

The other issue in the stage taking people from Coupar Angus as far as the Bendochy crossroads is how to get across the River Isla.

During October a survey is being carried out to ascertain the community’s view on placing traffic lights on the Couttie Bridge to allow for a permanent cycle/walker etc. lane. By the time Page 44

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you are reading this we will know whether there is enough support for this change to be made.

The pace at which these developments have taken place has astounded me. I know of similar trathmore projects which have taken up to ten years before even part of a route is open. The pace is largely ycle up to the fact that the three Development Trusts have worked closely together and have had etwork support from Perth and Kinross Council as well as funders, most notable Sustrans which is the charity which acts on behalf of the Scottish Government to give grants to promote active travel.

Finally; why are we doing this?

• Safe paths encourage more people to get out and be active – good for health.

• More walking/cycling etc journeys, less car journeys is good for our environment.

• The paths may entice more tourists – good for our economy.

ycle

trathmore

etwork

BLAIRGOWRIE AND DISTRICT HILLWALKING CLUB The Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club was formed in September 1978 and to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Club a dinner was held at the Blairgowrie Golf Club on Saturday (13th Oct) to which current and former members were invited. There were no fewer than 20 past presidents of the Club in attendance and at least one of the founder members who remains an active walking member was in the company. The current President, Ian Cameron, welcomed members, former members, friends and guests to the Dinner and gave a well received short recount of the first 40 years of the Club, followed by a toast to the Club.

Following the Dinner, former President Stuart Nichol introduced the after dinner speaker, Mark Beaumont, Record breaking long distance British cyclist, adventurer, broadcaster, documentary maker and author, who entertained the captive audience with an Illustrated Talk recounting his early adventures and his Record Breaking, Around the World in 80 days, 16,000mile Cycle journey. Following the lecture, Mark answered questions from the floor and said what a pleasure it had been to attend the Club Dinner. He felt he was coming home, having spent his early childhood years in the area when he had lived near Ballintuim just north of Blairgowrie.

An eloquent vote of thanks was delivered by member Martin Collins, after which The Club honoured Founder Member and twice former president of the Club, Iain Mitchell, by installing him as Honorary Life President of the Club. The formal presentation of the certificate was made

The photograph show Iain Mitchell receiving his Honorary Life President Award from Mark Beaumont by the Guest Speaker, Mark Beaumont, who congratulated Iain on his achievement.

Mr Mitchell replied accordingly saying it was still a pleasure to be able to attend walks and support the Club in every way he can.

The evening closed with a Prize draw. members and visitors were invited to attend the next walk with the Club, which will be on Sunday 28th of October and would be a retrace of the inaugural walk of the Club held in September 1978.

Details of our walks and other Club information can be found on the web site, http://www.bdhc.org.uk Page 45

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Interviews & Contributers Articles

Cllr Caroline Shiers

Scottish Conservative, Blairgowrie and Glens Ward By the time this magazine is delivered Remembrance Day will be past and we will be heading for the busy Christmas period. It was good to see the war memorial and “Jock” given some much needed repair and maintenance ahead of the annual Remembrance Service which is always a very poignant and well attended event. This will be even more so as we mark 100 years since the end of WW1. Jock always stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many and is there in the middle of all of the activities hosted in the Wellmeadow throughout the year.

will be forthcoming in 2019 and the local users group will help inform that design along with the High School. There has been much debate over the new facility and I am confident that when the designs come forward it will be clear that this is a state of the art facility which will be built to serve the needs of the High School and the local community.

I am looking forward to the switch on of the Christmas Lights and thank all those on the Illuminations Committee who work all year round to ensure the town looks so lovely. The team have invested in new lights and I hope that businesses and individuals will support the switch on event this year as the lights are all entirely funded by local financial contributions.

I have been working with Council officers in the delivery of the Scottish Government extension to Early Learning and Childcare which requires us to extend the nursery building at Rattray School. Having listened to concerns of parents with regards to the impact on the playground and wider issues surrounding the school building, the Council are working on options to minimise any negative effect, whilst also taking the opportunity to invest in improving both the building and the outdoor facilities at the school. I have always been of the opinion that there should be better use of school buildings by the wider community and hope that we can do this at Rattray as a result of this substantial financial investment. We are also introducing road safety measures around the school to address long-standing issues.

October saw another hugely successful Bookmark Festival – the team are now looking forward to year 7. I was especially impressed by the programme put together by Blairgowrie High School. Well done and thanks to all involved.

A meeting to be held at the Community Campus to look at road safety improvements will ensure that funds allocated for safety measures are spent in the best possible way.

Please get involved in the consultation and have your say.

This autumn saw the official opening of the Alyth to Blairgowrie link in the Strathmore Cycle Network which has been welcomed by cyclists and walkers and will, I am sure, become a well-used connection as people get to know about it. The Administration of Perth and Kinross Council have contributed £100k towards the cycle network project, recognising the opportunities this brings for health improvements and also for potential economic and tourism benefits across Strathmore.

Initial meetings with the Davie Park Sports Association have also taken place, to start work on the project to spend the £500k allocated in the Council budget to deliver an All Weather pitch for the growing number of people, of all ages, who play football in the area – and also as a facility for other groups in the town. This is a key part of plans to see Davie Park restored as a centre for active recreation in the town.

Finally, can I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous 2019.

Design proposals for the new recreation centre Page 46

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As always I can be contacted on 01828 640181 (h) 01738 553990 (o) Email cshiers@pkc.gov.uk or via facebook.

Blairgowrie

Cookshop

would like to wish all customers a

Merry Christmas and an outstanding 2019 BRDT Magazine - Winter 2018

30/10/2018 21:07

Cllr Tom McEwan

Scottish National Party Blairgowrie and Glens Ward Early November will see the Second Annual Hamish Matters Festival, celebrating the life and works of Hamish Henderson. With music, poetry and storytelling for all ages, this celebration is going from strength to strength and involves our whole community. The BBC Alba documentary can still be viewed on YouTube and you can practise “Freedom Come All Ye” for the People’s Ceilidh.

Our community is buzzing, but it’s the buzz of disquiet as residents respond to the budget cuts to replace our current tired recreation centre with a new state of the art, future proof facility, using money set aside in the capital budget by the then SNP administration. An online petition has now attracted over 1500 signatures supporting the reinstatement of the full budget for the most important planned infrastructure project in Blairgowrie. Even a brief look at the multitude of comments left by signatories shows this has been an amazing opportunity for the public to voice their alarm and dismay at the reduced package they are now being offered. Community engagement is so important. I urge the community and sporting groups to continue to lobby the council and support the Community Council in collecting the views of the community on these changes. If petitions are not your thing then please write to the council. Or send a letter to a newspaper and make your voice heard. Blairgowrie and the surrounding areas need a model, future proof, fit-for-purpose recreation centre to meet both current and future demand.

The introduction of a crossing at the Cottage Hospital has helped with access to this important health facility, but after speaking to several residents during our Street Surgeries; it has highlighted the need for a crossing further towards the town centre. I have spoken to council officers regarding this and have asked the roads department to look at developing a business case for a Pedestrian Crossing near to the Co-Op on Perth Road to allow all residents to cross this busy road safely.

Hope Park House does excellent work within our community supporting locals and their families at their most vulnerable time in life. This year saw them celebrate their 70th Birthday and it was a pleasure to attend their celebrations and enjoy cake and coffee with residents, their relatives and staff. The weather was not very nice that day but it did not dampen the fun and the excitement when the raffle was drawn.

Essendy Bridge was repaired this summer, causing local issues and near daily calls to the council emergency line as tampering with the traffic lights created safety issues. Complicated by the need to protect the environment under the bridge, fish were safely removed and returned when works were complete.

The finished bridge with new pointing and re-painted rails shows the excellent work undertaken and new safety posts has given this old bridge a great new look.

Contact Details: Email tmcewan@pkc.gov.uk Mobile 07557815540 Cllr Tom McEwan Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/SNPBlairCouncil17/)

understandably, that the proposed budget has been reduced by £3m to £14.7m. However, Scottish Conservative, I am confident that we can still produce a Blairgowrie and Glens Ward modern, functional centre serving both school and public and which we can be proud of. As I write, we are now awaiting sight of proposals Here I am again, writing an article in the October from Officers. sunshine to be read in the weeks leading up to Congratulations should go to the Blair in Christmas- the second to be done since being Bloom group for their awards this year, and elected. well deserved. Volunteers all who make a great The new Recreation Centre remains high effort to brighten up the town and do it so well. profile. Council Officers have met with various The Community Investment fund- £50000 per groups and held a public consultation to gather ward for two years- has now been launched views and priorities. Many are concerned, Continued on next page

Cllr Bob Brawn

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and a “Ward Panel” is now being set up to make decisions on applications received. Apart from one Ward Councillor who will chair the panel (with no vote) members will be from various community groups so it is the community that decides who benefits.

Both Gatherings- Blairgowrie and Strathardleproved very successful and were once again well supported. And Braemar Night was another success with very little disturbance thanks to the presence of Police Officers- our thanks to them once again.

I’d like to thank the members of both Blairgowrie and Rattray and Mount Blair Community Councils who volunteer their time to work for their communities being a liaison between the public and Perth and Kinross Council- and for keeping Ward Councillors on their toes!! And we shouldn’t forget the two Development Trusts which continue to work and support Blairgowrie and the Glens.

Pete Wishart MP

Scottish National Party Perth and North Perthshire During the recent Parliamentary recess, I was pleased to be able to take part in the Blairgowrie Bookmark Festival and what a weekend it was. I had the pleasure of being invited to interview former Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, about his new memoir on the opening night of the festival. Alan, whom I have known for a number of years, has set the story of his life to the music that he grew up with and, not only is it a fascinating read, but it was a real pleasure to hear the passion that he has for music.

The Bookmark Festival has really cemented Blairgowrie as a destination for cultural events such as this. We can often be forgiven for thinking that events like this only take place in the month of August in the capital city, but the reality is that smaller celebrations of arts and culture in our society take place the length and breadth of the country and all throughout the year. I would really like to extend my thanks to those who give up so much of their own time to make sure that the Bookmark Festival can go ahead and attract big names such as Alan Johnson, Isla Dewar, Allan Massie and journalist Page 48

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Interviews & Contributers Articles But before Christmas, we will have the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the War Memorial in the Wellmeadow. As I’m sure all of you will know, this is a special year as it is 100 years since the cease fire that brought the First World War to an end. In view of this, the Memorial should have had its first clean by 11 November laying the way for a special commemoration indeed.

As always there continues the ever present “work in progress” but the ward has three Councillors who want the best for all who live here. Political views aside, there is a common desire to work through those differences and find common ground. I believe there is more that unites us than divides us.

Finally may I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. And please remember- always drive safe.

As always- good luck and Godspeed.

E-mail- BBrawn@pkc.gov.uk Mobile- 07557 815541 Alan Taylor, to name a few.

An issue which is keenly felt in Blairgowrie is the decision to take £3 million of funding, which was previously allocated for plans to build a new recreation centre, and divert it to pay for the redevelopment of Perth High School. Under the new proposals, the centre will be 800 square metres smaller, lack swimming facilities suitable for competition, offer no soft play provision and no cafe area.

The decision to remove £3 million of funding is entirely unnecessary and, whilst the facility will still be refreshed, it is such a wasted opportunity. It really reminds me of the saying ‘if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well’.

Given that Blairgowrie is the largest town in Perth and Kinross and that plans for expansion of the town will see potential user numbers increase, it is unthinkable that councillors would vote to purposely make the venue smaller and less suitable for users’ needs. We should be future-proofing facilities when we build them and be significantly bolder in terms of scale and ambition.

I can be reached at 17-19 Leslie Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AH, on 01250 876576 or at pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk BRDT Magazine - Winter 2018

30/10/2018 21:07

John Swinney MSP

Deputy First Minister of Scotland Scottish National Party Local residents can’t have escaped noticing the issues surrounding the proposed new Blairgowrie recreation centre.

The project has been delayed until 2022 – two years later than originally planned. The latest setback follows a decision taken by Perth and Kinross council to cut £3m from the project’s original investment of £17.7m The previous administration had made significant money available for this important new facility – a facility that would have invested in our young people, provided state-of-the-art leisure facilities for the wider community and demonstrated Blairgowrie’s place as a modern, growing town.

The cutting of £3m from the rec centre’s budget signals a reduction in the scale and ambition of this project. I also have significant concerns regarding the dimensions of the new swimming pool- a proposed 30% cut in size.

Indeed, the swimming pool proposals do not meet Swimming Scotland’s Facilities Strategy 2017, which details the minimum standard specifications for local pools. I will be working together with local representatives to try and ensure that Blairgowrie gets the facility it deserves.

I was delighted to be able to attend a number of sessions at the recent Blairgowrie Bookmark festival. The first was the encounter between our local MP, former Runrig musician Pete Wishart, and the former Labour MP and Home Secretary Alan Johnson, who has recently written about the music that influenced his life.

It was a fascinating discussion between two politicians of different political loyalties, expressed with refreshing friendliness and respect. It was clear that music had a significant impact on both of their lives and prompted many reminiscences about the journey of music.

The second was a reading and discussion of the work of Scottish novelist, Isla Dewar.

The third session was much more personal for me. My wife, BBC journalist Elizabeth Quigley, was invited to host a discussion with author, Rosemary Goring on her recent book, “Scotland HER story”. The weekend all took

place at the Blairgowrie Community Campus and demonstrated the benefit of having such an excellent facility that can be adapted to this different purpose.

There is a colossal amount of work required to put this festival in place and I would like to thank Gail Wylie and her team for a truly outstanding series of events.

Pete Wishart and I were honoured to be able to take part in the recent Leslie Street art trail, as part of Perthshire Open Studios. Our office window was transformed into a mini-gallery for local artist, Ron Dickens. Ron specialises in wood carving of birds and pride of place was a majestic diving gannet! We were delighted to see that Ron’s display won the prize for the best window. Many congratulations go to Wendy Mackey for her vision and determination to make the project work. Pete and I look forward to taking part again next year.

If any constituent needs to contact me, I can be reached at 17-19 Leslie Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AH, telephone 01250 876 576, email john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot

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www.cochraneconsultancy.co.uk Page 49

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Interviews & Contributers Articles

Murdo Fraser MSP Scottish Conservative

I would like to wish all HUB readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hope that readers are able to enjoy some time with friends and family over the festive season.

I always feel that Blairgowrie is particularly special at this time of year, with its Festive Fair or Christmas lights switch on, there is always seems to be a real buzz in the town. Earlier in December we celebrated “Small Business Saturday” and I would encourage local residents to keep this in mind when it comes to shopping over the Christmas period. Buying local can help sustain smaller retailers and keep our high streets alive.

I was delighted to see another edition of the now annual Bookmark festival pass successfully in October. Bookmark is now in its sixth year and continues to go from strength to strength and this year was no different with the festival attracting a number of top class authors and visitors to the town. A number of events were sold out this year highlighting just how popular the festival has become.

Bookmark Blairgowrie is now a key part of the Scottish literary calendar and I would like to wish the organisers all the best for the coming year.

Loneliness and social isolation is a growing public health emergency and one that is particularly common in rural areas and amongst the elderly. The problem has got so bad that the UK Government recently created a Ministerial position with specific focus on tackling isolation and mental health issues amongst the elderly. I was therefore pleased to see the Big Lottery Fund award the Strathmore Centre for Youth Development £108,787 to tackle this emerging problem. The funding will be used to employ a co-ordinator to development a programme of activities to tackle isolation and loneliness amongst the elderly population in Blairgowrie. I would like to wish the centre all the best as it moves forward with this project and hope that elderly people in the local community make use of this service.

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Back in the autumn, I was pleased to read the results of a survey from the Office for National Statistics which showed that life satisfaction in Perth and Kinross is higher than the UK and Scottish national average.

People in the area ranked higher when it came to life satisfaction and happiness whilst also registering lower for anxiety. This placed Perth and Kinross above neighbouring Dundee, Fife and Stirling. What these statistics confirm, not that we needed it, is that Perth and Kinross is a fantastic place to live and work. However, there are challenges on the horizon. Access to services like top-quality healthcare and education will have a bearing on whether these rankings improve and it is important that admission to NHS treatment remains fast and convenient.

As ever Murdo appreciates the feedback of constituents and can be contacted at the Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL or via telephone at 01738 553 990 or via email at Murdo.Fraser.msp@parliament.scot

reat browse our g Pop in and ets. g ad g d an ts range of gif s! er ll fi ocking Great wee st ses for all purcha £5 voucher r. be em ec D ring over £50 du

www.blairgowriecookshop.co.uk BRDT Magazine - Winter 2018

30/10/2018 21:07

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Business & Contacts

CUNNINGHAM CARPETS LTD

Free Measuring Free Estimates Free Fitting 28 - 30 Leslie Street, Blairgowrie 01250 872 376 11 Kenmore Street, Aberfeldy 01887 829 636 07778 117 228 john.cunningham046@gmail.com

Page 52

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BRDT Magazine - Winter 2018

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Business & Contacts

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A friendly and efficient local firm of solicitors and estate agents Property purchases and sales Wills and executries Family law Powers of Attorney Miller Gerrard, Solicitors & Estate Agents The Studio, 13 High Street Blairgowrie PH10 6ET Telephone 01250 873468 Email mg@millergerrard.co.uk

Website www.millergerrard.com

David Scott (Blairgowrie) Ltd FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND MONUMENTAL AGENTS 65 HIGH STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE PERTHSHIRE, PH10 6DF Telephone (01250) 876400 Fax (01250) 870064 email: enquiries@dscottfunerals.co.uk Also at 7 Toutie Street, Alyth, PH11 8BP Tel: (01828) 633433 Page 55

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Business & Contacts

SCOTTISH SOLICITOR AND NOTARY PUBLIC YOUR TRUSTED ADVISERS PROPERTY LAW

ESTATE AGENCY

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COMMERCIAL LAW

GUARDIANSHIPS

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WILLS & EXECUTRIES

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USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS Blairgowrie Community Hospital Reception ...................... 01250 874 466 Strathmore Older People’s mental Health Team ................... 01250 877 843 GP Unit ....................................... 01250 877 854 District Nurses ........................... 01250 872 030 Health Visitors ........................... 01250 876 668 Blairgowrie Dental Care............. 01250 875 136 Dundee Dental Hospital ............. 01382 660 111 Ninewells Main Number ............ 01382 660 111

POST OFFICES Blairgowrie ................................... 0845 722 3344 Local Delivery Office .................. 01250 872 766

ELDERLY ACTIVITIES Health Community Collaborative Hosptial Day Room ...................... 01250 874 466 Adult Resource Centre ............... 01250 871 910 Social Services Day Care ............. 01250 877 843 Freedom Bus Adult Care Services . 0845 3011120 Care at Home ........................... 01738 476 7000

OTHER UESFUL NUMBERS

Perth Royal Infirmary ................ 01738 623 311

Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Advisor ....................... 01738 562 358

Royal Dundee Liff Hospital ....... 01382 423 000

Anti-Social Behaviour Team ...... 01738 476 173

NHS 24 ..............................................................111

Adult Care Area Office ............... 01250 871 910

CHEMISTS

Homelessness .............................. 0800 917 0708

Blairgowrie Housing Area Office 01738 476 000

Boots ............................................. 01250 872 029

Blairgowrie Library ....................... 01250 871 305

Davidsons ..................................... 01250 870 282

Blairgowrie Registration of Births, Deaths & Marriages ..................................... 01250 871 310

SURGERIES

Childcare Social Work Office ....... 01250 871 330

Ardblair Medical Practice ........... 01250 872 033

Child Protection ........................... 01738 476 768

Strathmore Surgery .................... 01250 872 552

Childcare, Family Info Service ..... 0845 601 4477

VETERINARY SURGERIES

Building Standards Warrants .... 01738 475 300 Blairgowrie Tourist

Blairgowrie Veterinary Surgery . 01250 872 061

Information Centre ..................... 01250 872 960

Thrums Veterinary Group .......... 01250 871 010

Community Connect, Rattray .... 01250 871 538

LEISURE CENTRES

Care at Home ............................... 01250 871 901 Police .................................................................101

Community Campus ................... 01250 871 967

Scottish Gas Emergencies .............. 0800 111 999

Live Active .................................... 01250 871 360

Scottish Water ........................... 0845 6 018 855

SCHOOLS St Stephen’s Primary School ...... 01250 871 950

These numbers are provided for your convenience. If you have any corrections or suggestions for additions then please let One Voice know on Upper Mill Street

Rattray Primary School .............. 01250 871 980

(01250 871 120)

Newhill Primary School .............. 01250 871 941

Blairgowrie High School ............ 01250 871 200

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Business & Contacts

Local Business Contacts

COACHING/COUNSELLING

This is a list of businesses who are members of the local Business Association. Contact admin@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk to join.

Cochrane Consultancy

07398-677745

COMPUTERS/INTERNET Microblair 01250-873014

ACCOUNTANTS/BOOKKEEPERS

DENTISTS

ACG Accounting Services

Blair Dental Care

01250-871097

Gillespies 01250-870718 Graham Edwards Accts

01250-873465

ACTIVITIES/OUTDOOR Susie Black Fitness

Infinity Blu 01350-729198

ENVIRONMENTAL/HYGIENE/FIRE Graham Environmental

07914-700988

01250-875136

01250-875555

ESTATE-AGENTS/SOLICITORS

AERIALS

Adams Law

01250-874485

JD Aerials 07736-551665

Miller Gerrard

01250-873468

ARTISTS/CRAFTS

FINANCE

Create @ NEST

07804-240861

Trevor Taylor

01250-886323

WarpWeftWeave

07846-486135

BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION A Proctor Group

01250-872261

BUSINESS SUPPORT/START UP Growbiz

07912-786864

BUS OPERATORS Stagecoach 01383-660880

CARE/CARE HOMES RESIDENTIAL Care Crew 01828-627600 Hope Park 01250-872349

CARPETS Cunningham Carpets

01250-872376

J&J Howe 01250-872361

CHOCOLATIER

Resp Life Equity Release

07711-273

FIRST AID First Aid Perthshire

07399-566533

FLORISTS Something Special Flowers 01250-873237

FUNERAL DIRECTORS David Scott Ltd

01250-876400

GARAGES Cotly Garage

01250-872591

GARDEN/LANDSCAPES Gardencare & Landscapes 01250-870343 G Croll Landscapes

07949-286026

HEALTH/COACH/COUNSELLOR Blairgowrie Physiotherapy 01250-870062 Gerti Mantler

01250-884252

Susie Black Fitness

07914-700988

Taystful 07979-791955

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HOME/CURTAINS Aurora Drapes

WEB DESIGN 07834-770458

Graphite Web Solutions

01250-873072

HOTELS/ACCOMMODATION

WEDDING CAKES

Angus Hotel

01250-872455

Taystful

Blairgowrie Holiday Park

01250-876666

Ericht Holiday Lodges

01250-874686

Invermay Self Catering

07739-478392

Thank you to everyone in the community

Rosebank House B&B

01250-872912

who were involved in the creation of this

Southlittleton Cottages

01250-870611

magazine.

PEST CONTROL/FIRE/HYGIENE/DAMP PROOF Graham Environmental

01250-875555

07979-791955

Please feel free to contact us at mag@brdt.org.uk if you have any questions or

PICTURE/PHOTO FRAMER

would like to contribute to the up and coming

Rosemount Frames

issues.

01250-870181

REMOVALS J&J Howe 01250-872361

May you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

RESTAURANTS/CAFES The Cateran Cafe

01250-870134

The Dalmore Inn

01250-871088

Wee House of Glenshee

01250-882238

SHOPS All Things Fair

01250-874238

Booklore 01250-871120 Cornerstone Deli

01250-798151

Something Special Flowers 01250-873237 WarpWeftWeave

07846-486135

WM Coupar

01250-872436

Jamie Duncan Aerial & Satellite TV Extensions All types of Satellites installed TV wall mounting Based in Blairgowrie Established 1999

TRAVEL/TOURISM Stagecoach 01383-660880

TRADESMEN Alex Robertson Painter/Dec 07597-394057 Ericht Roofing

07498-302849

Phone:

07736 551 665 jdaerials@sky.com

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15/10/2018

08:41:35

DISCOUNTED BUS TICKETS

FOR STUDENTS & UNDER 19s

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

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Get out more this festive season with updated tickets and zones across Perth & Kinross, Dundee and Angus.

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