ICA Magazine - Issue 113 - December 2011 > January 2012

dotcom

issue 113 DEC/JAN 2011/12

plus FULL 2 MONTH EDEN COURT FILM GUIDE

“Tak A Right Guid Willie Waught...”

Go Compere! CRAIG HILL hosts Inverness’ Hogmanay...

www.strathpefferpavilion.org

December Delights at The Pavilion

Gift & Craft Fair Thursday 8th Dec, 2pm-8pm Friday 9th Dec, 10am-4pm

Sunday 11th Dec, 8pm

Robert Powell & Friends in A Victorian Celebration - a programme of readings with distinguished actress Rohan McCullough and music by Clive Conway (flute) and Christine Croshaw (piano).

Tickets £16 / £15 / £6

Sat 17th Dec, 8 pm

130th Birthday Dance

celebrate 130 years of entertainment at the Pavilion with music by the Strathpeffer Dance Band and former members of the Sterling Showband.

Tickets £15, including stovies

HOGMANAY! Sat 31st Dec, 9 pm to 1 am The Pavilion’s famous family-friendly ceilidh, with music for dancing by The Cat’s Back plus a variety of entertainers, plus fizz or a dram and shortbread at the bells.

Tickets £21 (£14 for under 14s)

Tickets from Pavilion Office 01997 420124 or

24HR HOTLINE: 08444 771000

www.thebooth.co.uk www.ticketweb.co.uk

Children and young people in your area need foster homes If you have experience of caring for vulnerable young people, a spare room, and you’re up for the challenges and rewards of transforming a child’s life, we want to hear from you now. If you can offer a safe and caring home, we’ll give you excellent training, up to £30,000 per year and all the support you need.

Call 01463 717 227 or visit www.actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering

Do something life changing

Foster

Registered charity no. 1097940/company no. 4764232 A charity registered in Scotland no. SC038092 Photograph: Barry Willis. Some photographs are posed by models.

Produced by Action for Children 05/2010. 10/11 0346

a z z i P Brand New only from st irect D our new range of Platters:

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Sandwich Platters | Cold Platters | Hot Platters

delivered FREE to your workplace, meeting room or Christmas party in our new OVEN VANS keeping everything “fresh-from-the-oven”.

As you’d expect, all at our unique 1st Pizza Direct value: – from less than £2.50 a head!!

TO ORDER: email admin@1stpizzadirect.co.uk

smartphone scan the qr code

online www.1stpizzacatering.co.uk

phone us now 0330 20 20 123

and we will send you a pdf order form to complete and return,

and place an order on your phone!

or copy & fax this form to 01463 711000

and place an order on our dedicated site

Sandwich Platters :

Sandwich Platter £24.50 EACH PLATTER WILL FEED 8–10 PEOPLE ALL WILL BE PREPARED USING A VARIED SELECTION OF FRESH BREADS

tick to order:

quantity:

Sandwich Platter Fillings:

PLEASE CHOOSE A MAXIMUM OF 5 FILLINGS PER PLATTER ( or leave blank for our excellent pot-luck selection )

ers: t t a l Cold P

MATURE CHEDDAR & RED ONION ROAST HAM & MATURE CHEDDAR TUNA MAYO & RED ONION SALMON, DILL & CUCUMBER TUNA & CHEDDAR PRAWN MARI ROSE SPICY CHICKEN CORONATION CHICKEN

SWEET CHILLI CHICKEN CHICKEN & SWEETCORN HAM SALAD CHEESE SALAD EGG & CRESS EGG & TOMATO ROAST BEEF SALAD CALL ME TO DISCUSS REQUIREMENTS

Cold Platter £35.50

quantity:

tick to order:

EACH PLATTER WILL FEED 8–10 PEOPLE

TYPICAL CONTENTS WILL INCLUDE A SELECTION FROM THE LIST BELOW:

s: r e t t Hot Pla

MEAT BALL KEBABS QUICHE FINGERS SAUSAGE ROLLS SALMON ROTTILOS MINI WRAPS

ROAST DRUMSTICKS SAVOURY PASTRIES CHICKEN SATAY SKEWERS SPICY CHICKEN SKEWERS SAVOURY TARTLETS

KING PRAWN SKEWERS SMOKED SALMON BRUSCHETTA MIXED PATE with CRACKERS SCOTCH EGGS

Hot Platter £43.50

quantity:

tick to order:

EACH PLATTER WILL FEED 8–10 PEOPLE

TYPICAL CONTENTS WILL INCLUDE A SELECTION FROM THE LIST BELOW:

CHICKEN DIPPERS FILO PARCELS PIZZA SLICES MIXED PAKORAS SAVOURY TARTLETS SPICY CHICKEN WINGS MINI WRAPS VEGETABLE SPRING ROLLS SAUSAGE ROLLS SPICY CHICKEN KEBABS

CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS ROAST VEGETABLE KEBABS CHEESY BREADSTICKS MINI FILLED YORKIES

( pics are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent all actual order items overleaf.)

#23

In

All of us here at ICA towers wish you and yours a whole barrel-load of peace and good times this mid-winter. And big up Si Paul who is running a soupkitchen on Christmas Day at Miami nightclub - and all the others who’ll be giving up time on their special day to help those in need (p61). Respect.

We’ll close with some words from Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips: “If I could stop time, it would be a frozen moment, just around Christmas. When all of mankind reveals its true potential - and there is sympathy for the suffering... and the world embraces peace and love and mercy - instead of power and fear...”

Happy Whatever It Is To You. X

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ART FILM KIDS MUSIC

FEATURES: Hot Talent melts IG:LU............... p09 Top flicks for Dec/Jan................... p12 Are You Excited Kids?................... p15

from 24 SPECIALS

And. Other things too. To the right >> you’ll see some highlights, but really, you’re best off picking your way through the whole mag for maximum 2-month effect and to make sure you Don’t. Miss. A. Thing. Like the annual IG:LU Xmas Show - diverse art, fashion, design - even a copper still pushing your boundaries, my old luvs.

from 18

Familiar Faces. Live........................ p18 Meet ‘Isa’ and Craig......................... p24 Musher’s Delight.............................. p37

from 37 SPORT

whatsoninverness.com/XmasQuiz So... there’s thaaaat....

from 15

Ex-Jesus & the Rev........................... p40 from 40

Webby-num-nums.......................... p44 Ken’s Xmas Fable............................. p45 Interiors: Lighten Up.................... p46

THEATRE

wasn’t allowed to run the front page tagline “Come on a bender this Hogmanay, with Craig Hill!” - but I don’t think that’s one of the quiz questions.] Find it at

THE BACK END: SURFING .................................................. P44 KEN KELMAN ....................................... P45 QR CODES ............................................... P45 PROPERTY.............................................. P46 EATING OUT ......................................... P49 ICA BUSINESS....................................... P55 MAKING THE MOST......................... P57 EDEN COURT FILMS ....................... P29

from 12

Eating Out.....................................................p49 EDEN COURT FILM GUIDE Full December AND January film guides...........................p29–36

19 church st inverness 01463 715125 mail@icanow.com NEXT ISSUE OUT 23 JAN !! deadline for submission: FRI 06 JAN

from 46 BACK

You will NEVER find my Christmas that fact has been clearly established

by Bishop Allen (youtube it). But you WILL find lots in this issue; you can WIN a custom-made pair of G-Star jeans unique to you (p39), or you could WIN a table for 6 at Hush to see the rambunctious comedy act Reverend Obadiah Steppenwolfe III (p40). Or you could pit your very soul wits against our online Xmas Quiz.

Fifty teasers to crush your self esteem and remind you that you used to like quizzes. [Ed notes: I’m still not sure why I

WHAT’S ON: ART . ............................................................. P09 FILM ............................................................ P12 KIDS ............................................................ P15 MUSIC......................................................... P18 SPECIALS ................................................ P24 SPORT ........................................................ P37 THEATRE ................................................. P40

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As we were going to press we were sad to learn of the death of GERALD LAING, one of the most influential artists of the past fifty years and a vital part of the Pop Art scene, as well as a longtime Highlander. Friends with the likes of Warhol and Liechtenstein during his time in America in the Sixties, he returned to the UK to restore Kinkell Castle on the Black Isle, where he lived until his death, painting and sculpting everything from a memorial to the Clearances to iconic images of Amy Winehouse.

It’s to his memory that the IG:LU XMAS EXHIBITION is dedicated and hopefully you’ll find the art on offer as inspirational and imbued with the same zest as Laing’s own work.

This is the 25th event this year at a venue that’s hoping to become an essential part of the local cultural scene, putting on everything from films and gigs to photography and art shows. This exhibition promises painters, drawers (official term, honest), conceptual artists, street artists, designers, tattoo artists, clothes designers, textile jewellery & accessories, light installations - and even a beautiful copper still!

The artists range from the more widely known [MICHAEL FORBES, GEORG-INA PORTEOUS, HENRIETTA LUDGATE, CHRIS (Simpsons artist), ROSIE NEWMAN, RICHARD MADDALENA] to the less experienced and even first time exhibitors [GAVIN DOWNIE, NATHAN MELLIS, ALISA HUGHES]. It’s open 11am4pm each day and rumours abound of an opening night shindig and a closing night blow out. Sounds good.

www.theig.lu

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2011 IG:LU XMAS EXHIBITION IG:LU, Church St, Inverness, Fri 09 – Wed 21 Dec, 11am–4pm daily

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BEAULY GALLERY

ART

CHRISTMAS/ WINTER EXHIBITION, showing all new original works by local and professional Scottish artists, including Jane MacRae, Fiona Jappy, Anthony Barber, Christine O’Keeffe, Eileen Addly, Jenny Hepburn, Gwen Black and many many more.

New Jewellery exhibition, pieces from Scottish designers Barbara Macleod and Kay Callander, alongside pieces from Sheila Fleet & Tartan Twist. beaulygallery.co.uk

CASTLE GALLERY MIXED

CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION, to 24 Dec, castlegallery.co.uk

The Making of Longbird has just won the Short Grand Prix at the Warsaw International Film Festival 2011 and the artist has been nominated for a New Talent Award 2011 by BAFTA in Scotland. inverness.highland.museum

INCHMORE GALLERY WINTER

SHOW AND CD COLLECTION, to 7 Jan, an exhibition of new artists and new work along side affordable, fun, smaller pieces of artwork, just perfect for giving or receiving this Christmas. inchmoregallery.co.uk

JENNIFER WELCH GALLERY

CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION, to 7 Jan, 500 pictures on show. New works arriving weekly.The finest selection of townscapes, river scenes, west coast beaches, pheasants, deer, horses, still-lives, humour, views of Inverness. jenniferwelchgallery.com

MORAY ART CENTRE

‘60x60@60’, Sat 3 Dec to Sat 4 Feb 2012.

This exhibition celebrates the 60 years that Moray Arts Club has been running, whilst exhibiting work from 60 members, from emerging and established artists.

The exhibition is to take up both galleries in Moray Art Centre and will present work from a variety of mediums. In particular, we will show painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography.

This will showcase a flavour of the great artwork produced by Moray artists. morayartcentre.org

ROSE ST CAR PARK

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTIONS, Fri 9 Dec, 10am-6pm, Screening of Industrial Revolutions – an amazing new film which

KILMORACK GALLERY

CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION, to 23 Dec Kilmorack’s 14th Christmas exhibition will brighten dark winter days with new artists joining the gallery as well as old favourites. New artists this year include Joyce W Cairns, David Cook and Eduard Bersudsky of Sharmanka. Russian born Eduard Bersudsky is new to Kilmorack Gallery. He is best known for the mechanical theatre Sharmanka, which tells of Bersudsky’s dark and blackly comical experiences of life in communist Russia. They are tales of sex, death ‘MORAY CAMERA and corruption. At Kilmorack we have a mechanical raven and a series of carved CLUB’ to 9 Dec wooden animals.

Annual Christmas exhibition.

The well-established figurative artist, Joyce W Cairns is also new to Kilmorack.

POP UP SHOP, Dec She is a major artist with work that Kirsteen Stewart Pop up shop along draws from her experiences of the fishing with some hand picked makers from the villages of Aberdeenshire and her Father Orkney Isles. Fabulous fashion, jewellery and Grandfather’s experiences of war. and homewear from Orkney. All this in In 2006 she had a nationally significant addition to the fantastic local art and craft exhibition – ‘War Tourist.’ you’d expect to see at Hung.

This show also provides a glimpse of what is to come at Kilmorack in 2012.

David Cook is another artist to Kilmorack and he, along with Henry Fraser, will form the first exhibition of 2012. David Cook’s work follows in the painterly path set by Joan Eardley. His landscapes and flower paintings in this show are remarkable. kilmorackgallery.co.uk

ELGIN LIBRARY HUNG

IG:LU CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION, 9-21 Dec, See our main Art feature.

IMAG THE MAKING OF LONGBIRD – A RETROSPECTIVE WILL ANDERSON, to 4 Feb The Making of Longbird seems at first to be a documentary, unveiling archive footage of a Russian animated film from 1911 about a master animator, a work of art and a terrible fire.

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captures a sublime and compelling performance from the High- land’s street trials riding star Danny MacAskill.

Directed by Stu Thomson (Cut Media) for Channel 4’s documentary Concrete Circus. Plus an installation on the ground floor of Rosie Newman’s Wild Thing - a unique VW Beetle covered inside and out in moss with a woodland soundtrack.

CLOUDISHNESS, Fri 16 Dec, 10am-6pm The multi-storey is one of the tallest buildings in Inverness with fantastic panoramic views of the sky. What better place to do some heavenly cloud watching with artists Sundogs (yarnbomb- ing duo Annie Marrs and Jennifer Cantwell) as they take over the building with their Cloudishness. invernessoldtownart.co.uk

TORE ART GALLERY WINTER

EXHIBITION, to Dec 31, the gallery’s biggest Christmas Show yet – three exhibitions running simultaneously, featuring over 50 Highland artists. tore-art-gallery.co.uk

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SPECIALS SPORT THEATRE

www.morayartcentre.org

BACK

The Park, Findhorn, Forres, IV36 3TA | 01309 692426 info@morayartcentre.org | www.morayartcentre.org Facebook: morayartcentre | Twitter: MorayArtCentre

MUSIC

MORAY art CENTRE

ART

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO: from 30 Dec, Vue / Eden Court

FILM

This is the first part of Stieg Larsson’s trilogy, originally brought to the big screen by Niels Arden Oplev in 2009, remade for America, with directing duties handed to the excellent DAVID FINCHER (Fight Club, Social Network - and a forthcoming new adaptation of the House Of Cards TV series) which should ensure an intelligent (but probably non-linear) and compelling handling. Rooney Mara stars as Lisbeth Salander, with Daniel Craig as the journo she helps in his search for a missing woman.

KIDS MUSIC SPECIALS

SPORT

from FRI 02 DEC • HAPPY FEET 2 (Vue tbc) Sequel to the multi-award winning tale of penguins and their song and dance abilities. Rendered redundant by the real gobsmacking penguin stuff in Frozen Planet, but an impressive cast list includes ROBIN WILLIAMS, ELIJAH WOOD, BRAD PITT, MATT DAMON and millions more. from THU 08 DEC

THEATRE

• NEW YEAR’S EVE @ tbc • WARREN MILLER – LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW @ Eden Court

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from FRI 09 DEC • IDES OF MARCH (Eden Court) Since GEORGE CLOONEY insists he’ll never stand for election in real life, here’s our “what if?” moment as he directs and stars in a gripping look at the dirty tricks underpinning a presidential election campaign. Also featuring PHILLIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN, RYAN GOSLING, EVAN RACHEL WOOD and MARISA TOMEI, conclusively proving Clooney’s pulling power

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on every level.

• A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS @ Vue • PUSS IN BOOTS @ Vue / Moray Playhouse • JUNKHEARTS @ Eden Court • INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTIONS @ Rose St Old Town Car park • THE GREEN WAVE @ Eden Court [HUMAN RIGHTS DAY FILM]

from SAT 10 DEC

• AN AFRICAN ELECTION @ Eden Court [HUMAN RIGHTS DAY FILM]

from TUE 13 DEC

from TUE 20 DEC

• FASTEST @ Eden Court

from WED 21 DEC • MISSION IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL (Vue) Another outing for TOM CRUISE’s action franchise that sits somewhere between Bond and Bourne without ever being as good as either. This one has the gang going rogue after - get this - the IMF is accused of bombing the Kremlin.

Stranger things have happened at sea.

• IT’S A WONDERFUL A LIFE @ Eden Court

• [IFF] THE LAST OF ENGLAND @ Eden Court • WEEKEND @ Eden Court

from FRI 23 DEC

from THU 15 DEC

from MON 26 DEC

• ANONYMOUS @ Eden Court

from FRI 16 DEC

• ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS 3 @ Vue • SHERLOCK HOLMES 2 @ Vue & Moray Playhouse & Eden Court • MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET @ Nairn Community & Arts Centre

from SAT 17 DEC

• THE WIGGLES: IT’S ALWAYS CHRISTMAS WITH YOU @ Vue

• WE BOUGHT A ZOO @ Vue • THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO @ Vue & Eden Count (see above)

from FRI 30 DEC

• MY WEEK WITH MARILYN @ Eden Court

from MON 02 JAN 2012

• HOME ALONE @ Eden Court

from FRI 06 JAN • THE IRON LADY (Vue tbc) MERYL STREEP’s predictably brilliant

ART

THROUGH THE WHISKY BARREL: from 18 Jan, Eden Court

• SMELL OF SWEET SUCCESS @ Eden Court • MARGARET @ Eden Court

from FRI 13 JAN • WAR HORSE (Vue / Eden Ct) STEVEN SPIELBERG was never going to be able to resist the stirring, emotional tale of a soldier and his horse in the horror show of World War One. There’s none of the clever puppetry that made the original stage version so breathtaking, the only strings being tugged being those of your heart.

Curse this damned war.

• RUM DIARY (Eden Court) JOHNNY DEPP’s love affair with Hunter S. Thompson continues with a project he’s spent the past decade developing.

BRUCE “Withnail” ROBINSON was persuaded out of retirement to

• SHAME @ Vue • THE DARKEST HOUR @ tbcfrom FRI 20 JAN • HAYWIRE (20 Jan)

SPORT

a winning team using bold new statistical methods. It’s a tactic that’s been adopted in many sports world wide, with enough narrative oomph to make a big screen story. direct Depp as a loose cannon • JACK AND JILL @ tbc journalist abroad, based on a semiautobiographical Thompson story. from TUE 10 JAN

STEVEN SODERBERGH moves into fully fledged action territory for a story of a female black ops super soldier seeking payback. GINA CARANO, EWAN MCGREGOR, CHANNING TATUM and MICHAEL FASSBENDER will be hoping to avoid death and action clichés...

THEATRE

impression of Margaret Thatcher’s voice and manner apparently manages to give the wicked witch humanity.

Which seems greatly at odds with what we experienced in reality - is there a danger that the film will distort the historical (hysterical) view? We’ll have to go see it to judge. Oscar talk gets louder by the day...

• HUGO (Eden Ct) MARTIN SCORSESE makes a kids’ film about an orphan living in the walls of a 1930’s Paris train station. Obviously.

Strong cast includes BEN KINGSLEY, RAY WINSTONE, SACHA BARON COHEN and JUDE LAW. • MONEYBALL (Eden Ct) BRAD PITT plays Billy Beane, the baseball manager who put together

SPECIALS

MUSIC

KIDS

FILM

“Through The Whisky Barrel” is the much anticipated debut film by Allyn Harper.

An innovate creation providing an insight into the history and the culture that surrounds surfing in Scotland, it showcases an array of epic waves which are unleashed onto the undulating Scottish coastline, whilst telling the stories of Scottish surfing’s pioneers and the waves which form their coldwater playground. The film aims bring the surfing community in Scotland together and raise funds for the Scottish Surf Federation.

Soundtrack provided by the incredible 65 DAYS OF STATIC.

• CORIOLANUS @ tbc • ANOTHER EARTH @ Eden Court

from TUE 24 JAN

• DEFENCE OF THE REALM @ Eden Court

from THU 26 JAN

• THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS @ Eden Court

from FRI 27 JAN

• THE DESCENDANTS @ Vue & EC

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ART

SAVE £3000 78.5 mpg* road tax £20 *extra urban

FILM

scan code for updates...

KIDS

the Suzuki Swift DDiS 1.3 • 16” Alloys • Air-Con • Remote Locking • Radio Cd Player with USB Port • ABS • ESP • Front Side Curtain & Drivers Knee Airbags • Steering Wheel Audio Controls

was £13,355, now £10,355** **when they’re gone, they’re gone!

MUSIC SPECIALS SPORT THEATRE BACK

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DICKSONS OF INVERNESS 01463 322904 www.dicksonsofinverness.com

ART FILM

.

The Big One with tickets already selling fast. This year’s show will once again be directed by and star panto favourite Iain Lauchlan alongside a fantastic professional company and a host of local children. There are plenty of advance offers and varying times of performances so to check out all the details (and to enter a special Eden Court Cloud competition) go to http://tinyurl.com/7ygqcfj

RED RIDING HOOD: Florians Theatre, Fri 09–Sat 17 Dec 7.30pm (matinees Sats, 2.30pm. No Sun perfs.)

Tickets: £10/U16s £5 www.thebooth.co.uk

ALADDIN: Elgin Town Hall, Wed 14-Sat 17 Dec SNOW WHITE: Little Theatre, Nairn, Wed 07 Dec SOLD OUT !!

ALADDIN: Phipps Hall, Fri 09/Sat 10 Dec

Aird Branch, Highland Hospice presents a traditional family pantomime with the best of Christmas entertainment - songs, jokes, a juggling dog and an Abba reunion! Tickets from Morrisons Hardware or Robertson’s Farm Shop, Beauly or ring Liz on 01463 831422. £7/£5 concession (£6/£4 Saturday matinée).

THEATRE

CINDERELLA: Eden Court Empire, 06 Dec-08 Jan

BACK

Not many pantos?

OH YES THERE ARE!!

Here’s a roundup of what’s on offer:

SPORT

SPECIALS

MUSIC

One of our favourite occasions of the season sees the brilliant Whin Park transformed into a magical, mystical place where you and your littler citizens are as likely to find Rudolph and his Reindeer making a preXmas visit as polar bears or penguins or stilt walkers or Four Calling Birds (unnervingly disguised as seagulls!) dancing around and getting you to join in.

Lights, Music, Christmas...

?..

KIDS

WINTER WONDERLAND: Whin Park, Sat 10 / Sun 11 Dec

et

e u o xcite y e r a dy , s d i K

15

TUE 06 DEC

THU 15 DEC

Drama/Kids

Drama/Kids

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 7pm.

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

WED 07 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 7pm.

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm. SOLD OUT. Nairn Drama Club presents its 2011 pantomime.

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm. See Wed 7 Dec. ALADDIN @ Elgin Town Hall, Elgin, 7.30pm.

Theatre

THE STORY OF FATHER CHRISTMAS @ Spectrum Centre, Thu 22 Dec @ Ardross Hall, Fri 23 Dec, 7pm

A gentle tale about a little boy found in the woods, who is brought up CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, by magical creatures to become 7pm none other than Father Christmas.

THU 08 DEC CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, All courtesy of the extraordinary 7pm.

7.30pm. See Wed 7 Dec. Zenwing Puppets, whose shows SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, ALADDIN @ Elgin Town Hall, Elgin, 7.30pm. have always set something of a 7.30pm. See Wed 7 Dec. Always popular lamp-rubbing panto. benchmark. Check out a clip at: http://tinyurl.com/83tdway

FRI 16 DEC Drama/Kids

Theatre

FRI 09 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

KIDS

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm. See Wed 7 Dec.

SAT 17 DEC Special Events

JACOBITE FOR A DAY @ Urquart Castle. Find out about the life of a Jacobite Soldier. This workshop will explain what life would have been like for a Jacobite living in the 17th century.

Drama/Kids

SAT 10 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1pm, 5pm.

Special Events

WINTER WONDERLAND @ Whin Park. Come and meet Rudolph and his Reindeer friends as Whin Park is illuminated for one of the most popular Toddlers Nights Out of the Year. invernessfestivals.com.

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm. See Wed 7 Dec. Theatre

ALADDIN @ Elgin Town Hall, Elgin, 2.30pm, 7.30pm Theatre/Puppets

Drama/Kids

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1pm, 5pm.

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm. See Wed 7 Dec.

CROCODILE PREPARES FOR CHRISTMAS @ James Milne Institute, Findhorn Village, 3pm.

Treebadour Puppet Theatre, Kasperle Show.

Entry £4 per person, For all the family. For more info visit www.treebadour.co.uk or call Elisabeth Julian on 01309 691225.

Date for your Diary: INVERNESS AREA GANG SHOW

@ Eden Court, 11 - 14 April 2012

Tickets are available now at Eden Court for this special Gang Show that marks 50 years since the first Ness SUN 11 DEC SUN 18 DEC Gang Show was staged in Inverness.

INVERNESS WINTER WONDERLAND @ Whin SANTA EXPRESS @ Strathspey Railway.

Adventure Park Tel 01463 234234 and online at CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1pm, www.edencourt.co.uk SANTA EXPRESS @ Strathspey Railway.

Special Events

Special Events

Drama/Kids

Advance booking is essential. Telephone 01479 810725 Drama/Kids

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1pm, 5pm.

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 3pm. See Wed 7 Dec.

TUE 13 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

WED 14 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

5pm.

TUE 20 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

WED 21 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

THU 22 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

FRI 23 DEC Special Events

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm. See Wed 7 Dec. Theatre

ALADDIN @ Elgin Town Hall, Elgin, 7.30pm.

Always popular lamp-rubbing panto.

SANTA EXPRESS @ Strathspey Railway Drama/Kids

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 5pm.

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1pm, 5pm.

TUE 27 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 2.15pm, 7pm.

WED 28 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 2.15pm, 7pm.

THU 29 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 2.15pm, 7pm.

FRI 30 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 2.15pm, 7pm.

Theatre/Puppets

THE STORY OF FATHER CHRISTMAS @ Ardross Hall, 7pm. A gentle tale about a little boy found in the woods, who is brought up by magical creatures to become Father Christmas.

7pm start. Tickets £5 or £15 per family.

SAT 24 DEC Special Events

SANTA EXPRESS @ Strathspey Railway

16

MON 26 DEC

Drama/Kids

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1pm, 5pm.

SAT 31 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1pm, 5pm.

SAT 21 JAN Special Events

CASTLE LIFE @ Urquart Castle. Learn what life would have been like living and working at Urquhart Castle.

ART KIDS

FILM

.com

(AA Batteries not required)

The Stor y of Father Christmas Produced by Zenwing Puppets

SPECIALS

Art for Christmas

MUSIC

Holli hOLLI

THEATRE BACK

Tickets: £5 each or £15 for family of 4

SPORT

Spectrum Centre, Inverness Thursday 22 December, 6.30pm-7.30pm

ART

ilsiar FFaam ce FILM KIDS MUSIC

LOCAL LOCAL ACTS LIVE: Various venues, Dec & Jan

SPECIALS

For fans of traditional music, an essential date in your diary has to be the show by UNION HILL at Bogbain Farm on Sun 18 Dec, the trio of MARC CLEMENT, LAIN MACFARLANE and DUNCAN CHISHOLM not only being massively accomplished musicians in their own right, but possessed of a rare chemistry as a trio.

But they’re just one of the many talented local groups playing over the next couple of months across a whole spectrum of musical styles. See our listings for full details, but we’d like to point you towards a few in particular. Forres-based BE LIKE PABLO who play Mad Matters on Sat 10 Dec include in their ranks drummer BLAIR STEWART, ex of Theatre Fall, who takes pole (mic) position in TEAM KAPOWSKI (playing the same venue on Fri 02 Dec) – both acts are definitely ones keep an eye on in the months ahead.

Just beginning their steps towards their destiny are THOUSAND STARS (Fri 06 Dec, Mad Hatters) launching their debut EP – and you might see some more stars in the making at the NORTH HIGHLAND COLLEGE SHOWCASE (Wed 18 Dec, Mad Hatters). That’s also the venue for some slightly more established local acts like TOBY MICHAELS (Sun 11 Dec), JAMES MACKENZIE (Mon 26 Dec) and PARMAVIOLETS (Sat 21 Jan).

SPORT THEATRE

BACK

18

Downstairs at Hootananny provides more traditional sounds like young box player ROYA MACLEAN (Wed 28 Dec), gaelic singer/ guitarist BRIAN Ó hEADHRA (Day Date) and, preparing for their appearance at the Red Hot Highland Fling, HOODJA (Fri 23 Dec, also upstairs at Mad Hatters 27-30Dec) as well as the always excellent ABIGAIL GREY (Thu 29 Dec) and alt-country-with mariachi-flashes stalwarts GALIPAYGOS (Fri 30 Dec). Best of all could be a rare appearance from SINGLE MALT SOUNDSYSTEM at the Hootananny Hogmanay Extravaganza.

Ironworks is also putting on shows by a host of ace local acts courtesy of their Winter Showcases on Wed 28 and Thu 29 Dec. There you’ll be able to catch ICA faves IAIN MCLAUGHLIN & THE OUTSIDERS (surely über-primed and ready for their ‘moment’) plus, a mere half head behind the Outsiders, the fab HE SLEPT ON 57 (buy their new single ‘Childsmile’ on iTunes now)... Starring alongside these two across the two nights will be – deep breath – HOMEWORK, ROADWAY, SARA BILLS & THE HASBEENS, MEGAN BLYTH, RED RONSON, THE LITTLE MILL OF HAPPINESS, THE WHISKY RIVER BAND, KOBI, RED KITES, MIDNIGHT GLORY FEATURING GRAHAM BROWN, TOBY MICHAELS, THE FRUES, ASHLEY MACKAY & ABAGAIL GREY. More than enough to be getting on with, eh – and 2012 promises the local scene will go from strength to strength.

RED HOT HIGHLAND FLING: Northern Meeting Park Arena, Sat 31 Dec

FOLK

THE VIEW: Ironworks, Sun 18 Dec When The View first burst on the scene with their post-Libertines delinquent clatter, they were a breath of fresh air. But, while their debut album remains a joy, ensuing releases haven’t quite recaptured their initial energy – and such is the ubiquity of their urchin-chic look that it’s even been appropriated by X Factor naughty boy Frankie Cocozza (though you get the feeling he wouldn’t last five minutes in the company of the Dundee crew). Live, they’re always a glorious ball of energy so expect “The View are on fire!” chants to ricochet across the rooftops. www.ironworksvenue.com

FILM SPORT

In case you missed last month’s details about an event that’s already become an Inverness Hogmanay tradition, snowfall or not, here’s what’s what before, during and after the bells.

Gates open at 7.30pm and the timings of the event are scheduled to allow people to get the very best from the night, with Celtic Rock act WOLFSTONE headlining at 10.15pm. HOODJA kick things off at 8pm with their boisterous traditional ceilidh sounds, followed at 9.15pm by BAGS OF ROCK (pic) fronted by GREGOR JAMES, former lead guitar from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. If you decide to stay for the bells, they’ll be accompanied by one of the most striking traditional bands around, SKERRYVORE. Alcohol is available on site, with nips at midnight, so don’t go bringing your own. The whole night is hosted by funnyman CRAIG HILL. See our interview with him on PXX for more of what to expect and go to www.invernessfestivals.com

SPECIALS

When FAKE BLOOD’s global crossover hit ‘Mars’ got released on Hervé’s Cheap Thrills label, his real identity was still a mystery, but word soon leaked that it was the latest project of DJ Touché aka THEO KEATING who has been making inventive music since the early nineties, beginning with The Wiseguys of “Ooh La La” fame. Throughout his career, he has done everything from Underground Rap, Trip-Hop, Big Beat and Funky Breaks to Filtered Disco, Electro House, Tech-House and even Synth-Pop, with his newest incarnations, The Black Ghosts and, of course Fake Blood, showing he’s lost none of his enthusiasm, something his packed performance at RockNess confirmed. A fine night is virtually guaranteed.

MUSIC

CLUBBING

ROCK

THEATRE

FAKE BLOOD: Ironworks, Sat 28 Jan

KIDS

LIQUID ARCHITECTURE is an award-winning ensemble formed by outstanding graduates of the UK’s leading conservatoires with the aim of giving new interpretations of classic works, championing neglected repertoire and promoting new music for mixed ensembles. They first came together in 2005 to perform the Schubert Octet at the inaugural Chelsea Schubert Festival, the name inspired by a quote from Goethe, “The best form of architecture is frozen music”, with the theory that the inverse is also true: the best form of music is Liquid Architecture. They’ll be revisiting Concertini Variations, a commission from Alasdair Spratt, at this performance (presented by Inverness Chamber Music Society) along with Ferguson’s Octet op. 4 and Schubert’s Octet in F D. 803

ART

CLASSICAL

BACK

LIQUID ARCHITECTURE: Inverness Town House, Tue 10 Jan

19

C

CLASSICAL

Society signing and singing Christmas songs to raise money for the group.

WED 07 DEC

SUN 11 DEC

OPERA ALBA @ Inverness Town House, 8pm.

Quartet of highly experienced opera singers, superbly accompanied, presenting for Inverness Chamber Music a seasonal repertoire from the fields of opera, operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan, songs from the shows and well-loved music from around the world. The quartet of sopranos Jenny Wilson Best and Daisy Henderson, tenor Adam Magee and baritone Steven Faughey are regular performers at the major opera houses in the UK and their pianist, Derek Clark is Head of Music for Scottish Opera. The voices produce a wonderful blend of rich timbres, entertaining audiences with quality singing, humour and eloquent stage presence. A great starting point for anyone wanting to experience opera.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT @ St. Giles Church - Elgin, 7pm. With Elgin City Band.

Classical

‘TRAVELLING BY TUBA’ @ Invergordon Academy, 7.30pm. Invergordon Arts Society event. Chris Cranham – tuba Stewart Death – piano.

DIAMOND DIVAS @ Inverness Town House. A seasonal programme of popular excerpts from opera and operetta, laced with comedy. thediamonddivas.co.uk.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION @ Ness Bank Church, Inverness, 3pm. Includes community carol singing, local youngsters Showstopperz, soloist Julie Kean.

TUE 13 DEC

THE TRULY TERRIBLE ORCHESTRA’S CHARITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT @ The Ironworks, 7.30pm. The usual fun-packed Christmas celebration with festive music, singalongs and raffle - and it’s all in aid of charity. This year, the TTO have chosen to donate all proceeds to Highland Young Carers and Munlochy Animal Aid. Tickets are available by donation (minimum £5 suggested) thetrulyterribleorchestra.org/. 0871 789 4173

MUSIC

SAT 17 DEC

3M CAROL SINGERS @ Elgin City Centre.

The group will be once again singing a range of well - known and not so well know carols in many premises in the City Centre.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT @ St Leonard’s Church, Forres, 7pm. With Angus Hull (organ) and Too Many Kooks Tickets £5, including mince pies and mulled wine during interval.

CAROLS @ Johnstones Woollen Mill, 11.30am. With Elgin City Band.

SAT 10 DEC

WED 18 JAN

ELGIN AND DISTRICT PIPE BAND @ Elgin City Centre. 12noon.

TUE 24 JAN

SIGN AND SING CONCERT @ Eastgate Shopping Centre. Come along and support the children from the Highland Deaf Childrens

20

NEW SOUL CITY - CRAIG CHARLES FUNK AND SOUL SHOW @ Ironworks.

A great night all round,take our word for it! The last Funk & Soul show with the Lister -man was definitely a highlight of 2011.

FRI 09 DEC Clubbing

THE RETRO FRIDAY NIGHT LAUNCH PARTY @ Hush Nighlife. Someone will win an IPad 2! Free before 10pm.

SAT 10 DEC

EROL ALKAN @ The Ironworks, 10.30pm.

The king of the mash up, Alkan is becoming something of a regular visitor up here with his inventive sets and genuine enthusiasm for what he does winning over as many in the Highlands as in that London. 0871 789 4173

XMAS CAROLS @ Tesco Elgin, 1.30pm. With Elgin City Band.

‘CAROLS AT THE CATHEDRAL’ @ Elgin Cathedral, 6.30pm. Elgin Cathedral affectionately known as the ‘lantern of the North’ will be brought alive by the beautiful sounds of Moray Concert Brass as they perform their own special repertoire of classic Christmas carols. Free Entry - Charity collection.

GEOFFREY SABA @ Nairn Community Centre. (piano) Schubert, Rachmaninov musicnairn.org.uk. 01667 453476

SAT 03 DEC

SUN 18 DEC

THE ROYAL CONSERVATOIRE OF SCOTLAND @ Inverness Town House, 1pm. At One With Music presents a lunchtime concert by an international showcase trio from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Laura Margaret Smith (mezzo-soprano), Gabriella Gemesi (viola) and Theodoros Iosifidis (piano) will perform works by Bridge, Schubert and Brahms followed by some Christmas songs.

01463 710363

CULBIN SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT @ St Laurence Church Forres, 7pm.

CLUBBING

FRI 16 DEC

THU 08 DEC

FRI 09 DEC

FINZI QUARTET @ Nairn Community Centre. (string quartet) Haydn, Ravel, Brahms. musicnairn.org.uk. 01667 453476

WED 14 DEC

CHRISTMAS CONCERT @ Nairn Community Centre, 7.30pm. musicnairn.org.uk. 01667 453476

CHRISTMAS CONCERT OF EARLY MUSIC AND SONG @ Brodie Castle, Forres. A festive programme from Music for a While, an early music ensemble. It includes many beautiful and ancient carols, arranged as four-part harmonies for several voices, as well as duets and solos.

Highlights from Handel’s ‘Messiah’, traditionally performed at Christmas, are featured, as well as some of his secular compositions for solo voice.

SAT 28 JAN

XMAS CAROLS @ Asda, 6.30pm.

XMAS CAROLS @ Tesco Elgin, 6.30pm. With Elgin City Band.

SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE CANDLELIT CONCERT @ Eden Court One Touch, 8pm. Concert by Candlelight with Jonathan Morton, violin Includes works by Purcell.

THU 26 JAN

SAXECOSE @ St Christopher’s Chapel, Gordonstoun School, Nr Elgin, 7.30pm.

Young, vibrant saxophone quartet. www. thegcs.org.uk for more details. Tickets available from www.thebooth.co.uk.

WED 21 DEC

LIQUID ARCHITECTURE: FERGUSON, SPRATT, SCHUBERT @ Inverness Town House, 8pm.

A performance of works, by Howard Ferguson

ALLAN NEAVE AND ROBERT IRVINE @ Inverness Town House, 1pm. At One With Music presents a programme of works for guitar and cello performed by Allan Neave and Robert Irvine, two of the most outstanding artists in their fields in Scotland.

01463 710363.

SAT 17 DEC

HILLBILLY BLAST @ The Eagle Nightclub, Forres, 9pm. Phat Eclectic events are always pretty special and this one looks to be typically imaginative. Hillbilly style is the order of the day (or night) with “tin shacks, rusty pails, animal tails and perhaps a cow and other unexpectedness!

Maybe Granma’s under-garments on a washing line.” Now that’s what we all look for in an evening. Definitely the most inventive club promoters in the Highlands right now.

FRI 23 DEC

CHRISTMAS KARAOKE & DISCO @ Mosset Tavern, Forres.

SAT 24 DEC

CLUB M @ Mosset Tavern, Forres.

THE GLAMOUROUS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL @ Hush Nighlife. Celebrating Christmas with glamour and great music.

FRI 16 DEC

SCHIEHALLION @ Hootananny.

SAT 17 DEC

HOGMANAY CEILIDH @ Bogbain Farm.

Following the success of the 2010/11,a proper, old fashioned Highland hoolie, complete with ceilidh band and stovies! £10. 01463772800

Folk/Rock

BOXING DAY CLUB M @ Mosset Tavern, Forres.

SAT 31 DEC

THE HUSH HOGMANAY MASQUERADE BALL @ Hush Nighlife.

SAT 28 JAN

FAKE BLOOD @ The Ironworks, 10pm.

AKA DJ Touche. If this is anything like as good as his Rockness appearance we’re in for a treat. 0871 789 4173

RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS @ The Ironworks, 7.30pm. Ever popular pipe’n’rock combo. 0871 789 4173

SUN 18 DEC Folk

UNION HILL IN CONCERT @ Bogbain Farm, 8pm. Marc Clement, Iain MacFarlane and Duncan Chisholm return to Bogbain for a very rare chance to hear the three of them together.

Tickets £12/10. 01463772800

SAT 07 JAN FRI 13 JAN

CARNAGE @ MIAMI Cheese Tunes all throughout Dec. DRINKS FROM £1.18

» WED » THU

CALL THE SHOTS @ MIAMI Alottarhythm intelligent grooves pop and rnb.

FREE B4 11. £1 AFTER. DRINKS FROM £1.18

I LUV RNB @ NOVA 2 dj’s, 2 styles, new & old skool RnB from 10pm

» FRI

DMFAO ( Dance My F***in Ass Off) @ MIAMI £2 B4 11. £4 AFTER. DRINKS FROM £1.18

RETRO FRIDAY NIGHTS @ HUSH, 9PM

» SAT

MIAMI’S SOUND MACHINE @ MIAMI

£3 B4 11. £6 AFTER. GUESTLIST: miaminightclub.co.uk

CLUB ANTHEMS @ NOVA Dance floor fillers with dj tiny tim - open from 10pm.

» SUN

THE NESS FAXCTOR @ MIAMI

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £1000, 10 FINALISTS 1 WINNER, THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

FOLK TUE 06 DEC Folk

TRUE GENTS @ Hootananny.

Scottish indie folk act.

THU 08 DEC

ABIGAIL GREY @ Clachbeg Croft. Claire Campbell’s lovely folk pop combo.

FRI 09 DEC

NORTH SEA GAS @ Hootananny.

SAT 10 DEC

NORTH SEA GAS @ Hootananny.

THU 15 DEC

SCONE FAERIES @ Hootananny.

THU 05 JAN

GARY INNES AND FRIENDS @ Hootananny Madhatters.

» TUES

FREE B4 11. £1 AFTER. DRINKS FROM £1.18

Red Hot Highland Fling @ Northern Meeting Park. See Full Details P.

DAVEY COWAN @ Hootananny.

CLUBBING REGULARS

TOWIE @ MIAMI The only Wednesday is ‘ere

THE HOOTANANNY HOGMANAY EXTRAVAGANZA @ Hootananny. Single Malt Soundsystem, Mystic Shoes. A (suitably) rare chance to see the traditional combo containing members of Boxclub, Croft No 5, Peatbog Faeries and Session A9. Excellent.

MANRAN @ Hootananny. Mixing Gaelic and English tunes Manran are one of the most impressive young traditional acts around, making something genuinely dynamic.

THU 22 DEC

BRIAN O HEADHRA @ Hootananny.

FRI 23 DEC

HOODJA @ Hootananny.

TUE 27 DEC

SAOR PATROL @ Hootananny. Tribal Celtic rock from a band possessed of ENORMOUS beards. Most impressive.

HOODJA @ Hootananny Madhatters.

WED 28 DEC

HOODJA @ Hootananny.

ROYA MACLEAN @ Hootananny.

Hugely talented young box player.

THU 29 DEC

HOODJA @ Hootananny. Preparing for their appearance at the Red Hot Highland Fling.

FRI 30 DEC

FESTIVE CELIDH NIGHT @ Mosset Tavern, Forres.

HOODJA @ Hootananny Madhatters.

SAT 31 DEC

HOGMANAY CEILIDH @ Strathpeffer Pavilion. The Pavilion’s famous family-friendly Hogmanay ceilidh, with music, dancing & entertainment. . 01997 420124 TORRIDON HOGMANAY BASH @ The Ironworks, 9pm. Mixing traditional sounds with rock has proved a recipe for success, not only here but throughout Europe. A great way to see in the New Year. 0871 789 4173

COLIN MCEWAN & THE REVOLING DOORS @ Hootananny. Constantly evolving collective from Glasgow who’ve played Celtic Connections since 2008.

SAT 14 JAN

BRIAN O HEADHRA @ Hootananny.

SUN 15 JAN

MATT SCOTT @ Hootananny.

Scottish acoustic singer songwriter.

MUSIC

MON 26 DEC

TUE 17 JAN

MATT SILLERS, DOUGIE BURNS @ Glachbeg Centre, 7.30pm.

Followed by open mic session.

FRI 20 JAN

SCHILTRUM @ Hootananny.

SAT 28 JAN

SIMON KEMPSTON @ The Market Bar. One of Scotland’s best young songwriters and leading fingerstyle guitarists. 01463 233292

ROCK MON 05 DEC Rock

GERRY COOGAN @ Johnny Foxes.

ROBIN ABBOT @ The Market Bar.

TUE 06 DEC

TIM O’CONNOR @ Johnny Foxes.

WED 07 DEC

KARAOKE @ Johnny Foxes.

ANDY DUNCAN @ The Market Bar. CARLY CONNOR @ Hootananny. Young Glaswegian singer songwriter.

THU 08 DEC

DEAD GRATEFUL @ Johnny Foxes.

ROBIN AND BILLS @ The Market Bar.

21

TED CHRISTOPHER @ Hootananny. Scottish singer sonwriter who also fronts Bannockburn and is hugely popular with the Tartan Army.

FRI 09 DEC

BIRO @ The Room.

HUNKY DORY @ Johnny Foxes.

CHARLES RANCH @ Market Bar. CARNIVORES/CACTUS & CARDIGAN/FALLEN RIOT @ Hootananny Madhatters. Carnivores from Paisley claim to be influenced by both Rush and Weezer. There’ll be much rocking, particularly with local act Fallen Riot on the bill.

GRAHAM BROWN E.P. RELEASE @ The Ironworks, 7.30pm. Graham Brown grew up in a very musical environment in Strathspey in the Scottish Highlands. After leaving school in Inverness he started to pursue writing music and playing guitar for his own enjoyment. It’s led to support slots with the likes of Matt Cardle and a new EP, “Recover”, launched here. 0871 789 4173

SAT 10 DEC

MUSIC

ACHREN, FILTHPACT @ Flanagans, Elgin. Achren from Glasgow raise their Blood Soaked Banner in Elgin in a culmination of a great year for them which has seen an album and DVD release along with prestigious slots at Metal Camp in the Czech Republic, the Wacken Festival in Germany and the UK’s Premier Metalfest Bloodstock.

Support comes from Aberdeen’s Filthpact who are no strangers to these parts with their “Crust Punk” attack. Opening up are former members of Lossie’s Cryptic Hate who are so new they dont have a name yet, this being their debut gig.

HUNKY DORY @ Johnny Foxes.

STETSONHEAD @ The Market Bar. BE LIKE PABLO/SPOOK SCHOOL @ Hootananny Madhatters. Blair, ex Theatre Fall, splits his time between Be Like Pablo and Team Kapowski.

BLP celebrate a love of guitary powerpop and boy/girl vocals as surely all people must.

THU 15 DEC

attracted some pretty impressive reviews.

ROBIN AND BILLS @ The Market Bar.

THE WORKS @ Johnny Foxes.

TIM O’CONNOR @ Johnny Foxes.

FRI 16 DEC

XMAS EVE TWISTER @ The Market Bar.

SHOWSTOPPERZ PRESENTS: CHRISTMAS NUMBER 1’S @ Spectrum Centre, 7.30pm.

Some of the best young performers in the highlands present an evening of Christmas hits, combined with some festive favourites.

Tickets available at thebooth.co.uk or at the door on the night. 01463 221842

DAVY LEVON @ Johnny Foxes.

BIRO @ Johnny Foxes.

MYSTIC SHOES @ Hootananny Madhatters.

SAT 17 DEC

130TH BIRTHDAY DANCE @ Strathpeffer Pavilion, 8pm. With Strathpeffer Dance Band and former members of the Sterling Showband, who share the distinction of having been resident bands at the Pavilion. 01997 420124

SELECTIVE SERVICE/ INDIAN RED LOPEZ @ Hootananny Madhatters. Funk, reggae, blues and more from a band whose gigs always go down well up here.

SUN 18 DEC

THE VIEW @ The Ironworks. Dundee’s wee scamps have been playing up here since their earliest days so expect something triumphant. 0871 789 4173

WED 28 DEC

THE LAW @ Flanagan’s Bar, Elgin. The View aren’t the only band in Dundee you know, though they do all seem to share an admirable swagger. The Law make ace melodic songs that recall The Jam and Beach Boys, but invest it all with their own inventiveness.

Their forthcoming second album, “Trigger” should see them build on the success of their debut and this is your first chance to hear some of the new stuff live. Should be good.

ANDY MURRAY @ Johnny Foxes.

MON 19 DEC

GERRY COOGAN @ Johnny Foxes.

ROBIN ABBOT @ The Market Bar.

TUE 20 DEC

ROBIN ABBOT @ The Market Bar.

ANDY MURRAY @ Johnny Foxes.

TUE 13 DEC

ROBIN AND BILLS @ The Market Bar.

WED 14 DEC

RANT @ Johnny Foxes.

22

TUE 27 DEC

ROBIN ABBOT @ Market Bar.

KAI HENDERSON @ The Market Bar.

FERGUS AND GREG @ The Market Bar.

ECHO 20 @ Hootananny Madhatters.

Local rockers. Expect loud guitars.

ANDY MURRAY @ Johnny Foxes.

MON 12 DEC

KARAOKE @ Johnny Foxes.

JAMES MACKENZIE/ GORMAN @ Hootananny.

SHOWSTOPPERZ PRESENTS: CHRISTMAS NUMBER 1’S @ Nairn Community Centre, 7.30pm. Tickets £8/£6 available at thebooth. co.uk or at the door on the night. 01667 453476

KARAOKE @ Johnny Foxes.

KASSIDY @ The Ironworks, 7.30pm. Tipped to be one of this year’s Scottish breakthrough rock acts. Four guitars and stunning harmonies.

MON 26 DEC

GERRY COOGAN @ Johnny Foxes.

MYSTIC SHOES @ The Market Bar.

TOBY MICHAELS @ Hootananny.

DAVY COWAN @ Johnny Foxes.

SUN 25 DEC

THE COMPLETE STONE ROSES @ The Ironworks, 7.30pm. Better than the real thing? Very, very nearly.

DOC LIVINGSTON @ Johnny Foxes.

GERRY COOGAN @ Johnny Foxes.

DAVY & THE HOSEBEAST @ Hootananny Madhatters.

BIRO @ Johnny Foxes.

SUN 11 DEC

CHRIS SUCKLE @ Johnny Foxes.

SAT 24 DEC

WED 21 DEC THU 22 DEC FRI 23 DEC

NAKED RED @ The Market Bar. FESTIVUS WITH BI-POLAR BEAR/LITTLE SISTERS @ Hootananny Madhatters. The marvellously named Bipolar Bear are a five piece guitar act from Nottingham who have

IRONWORKS WINTER SHOWCASE #1 @ The Ironworks, 7pm. £5.

MAN FROM DELMONTE @ Johnny Foxes.

FERGUS AND GREG @ The Market Bar.

THU 29 DEC

IRONWORKS WINTER SHOWCASE #2 @ The Ironworks, 7pm. 0871 789 4173 MAN FROM DELMONTE @ Johnny Foxes.

ROBIN AND BILLS @ The Market Bar.

FRI 30 DEC

THE NATIVES @ Johnny Foxes.

THE WHISKEY RIVER BAND @ The Market Bar. THE GALIPAYGOES @ Hootananny.

SAT 31 DEC

FRI 20 JAN

CRASH BANJOS @ Johnny Foxes.

BOMBSKARE @ Hootananny Madhatters. A riot of ska excellence. If you’ve never seen this lot live here’s your chance to put that right.

TUE 03 JAN

STETSONHEAD @ The Market Bar.

SAT 21 JAN

ROBIN ABBOT @ The Market Bar.

MYSTIC SHOES @ The Market Bar.

WED 04 JAN

MAYDAYS/PARMAVIOLETS @ Hootananny Madhatters. Parmaviolets are a local quintet who came together as a “gypsy rabble band” and have been kicking up a storm at the Strathpeffer Coffee Shop sessions. They support Maydays, an outfit based in Edinburgh but originally from Caithness, influenced by the likes of Belle and Sebastian and Aberfeldy.

ANDY DUNCAN @ The Market Bar.

THU 05 JAN

ROBIN AND BILLS @ The Market Bar.

FRI 06 JAN

JAKE COGHILL @ Market Bar. THOUSAND STARS - EP LAUNCH @ Hootananny Madhatters. Young local act with their EP launch.

This could be the start of something special.

BREW AT THE BOG Folk/Rock

@ Bogbain Farm, 5th May 2012

WED 25 JAN

Heads up for a fine sounding

FERGUS AND GREG @ The Market Bar.

summer festival . This one is

THU 26 JAN

directed by Yvonne Murray in

ROBIN AND BILLS @ The Market Bar.

conjunction with craft beer

FRI 27 JAN

revolutionaries Brew Dog

1000 STARS @ The Market Bar. Up and coming young indie bucks with an EP on the way.

SAT 07 JAN

THE LOST @ The Market Bar. Mix of covers and original compostitions from a band influenced by Thin Lizzy, AC/DC and the like.

WED 11 JAN

great beer, but food, films

SAT 28 JAN

but among the names

FRI 13 JAN

JAZZ.WORLD.OTHER

THE HOSTILES @ Hootananny Madhatters. Ska punks from Ayr. Rock/Country

RED HOOK RAPIDS @ The Market Bar. Highland acoustic duo.

SAT 14 JAN Rock

WECAMEFROMWOLVES @ Hootananny Madhatters. Thrashy, soundscapey post-rock from Perth.

THE SIGNAL @ The Market Bar. Mighty punk rock from top local act.

WED 18 JAN Rock

ANDY DUNCAN @ The Market Bar. NORTH HIGHLAND COLLEGE SHOWCASE @ Hootananny Madhatters. Great chance to see some of the best new talent coming through North Highland College as embryonic careers in music take shape. Or just a fine night out.

THU 19 JAN

ROBIN AND BILLS @ The Market Bar.

already booked are Kitty

& The Lion, Woody Pines,

Findlay Napier & The Bar Room Mountaineers and He Slept On 57.

Tickets available from ticketsoup. com or by calling 0844 3954000.

£50 festival ticket; £20 caravan/ campervan;

MON 05 DEC

AFRICAN AND AFRO – LATIN DRUM AND PERCUSSION @ Forres Academy, 7.15pm.

at

SAT 17 DEC

HOLLY AT CHRISTMAS 2011 @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm. Featuring all of Buddy’s classics plus the greatest hits from the legends of the 50s and 60s including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard, The Beatles and much, much more!. 01463 234 234

SUN 18 DEC

HOLLY AT CHRISTMAS 2011 @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm.

camping;

£5

www.brewatthebog.com

or

www.bogbainfarm.com

MON 12 DEC

AFRICAN AND AFRO – LATIN DRUM AND PERCUSSION @ Forres Academy, 7.15pm.

£10

parking. Keep up with all the latest

Jazz/World

Misc.

Rock/Punk

up is still being finalised,

SUN 29 JAN

THU 12 JAN

ROBIN AND BILLS @ The Market Bar.

and top music. The line

MYSTIC SHOES @ Hootananny Madhatters.

WE LOOKED LIKE GIANTS! @ Hootananny Madhatters. One of several acts around the world named after the Death Cab For Cutie song.

This one is the alias of Dave Ayling from Oban, who started making music while recovering from cancer. Check out his songs at bit.ly/SC-WLLG .

FERGUS AND GREG @ The Market Bar.

and promises not just

DEAD BOY ROBOTIC/ TERRAQOMA @ Hootananny Madhatters. Impressive Edinburgh trio drawing on a love of Animal Collective, Liars and their ilk to mix synths, guitars and laptop with some panache.

MUSIC

FREDDIE MERCURY &FRIENDS @ Mosset Tavern, Forres, 9pm. THE Freddie Mercury? £15.00 includes Stovies. The Big Hogmany Party!.

next year look out for...

MON 19 DEC

HOLLY AT CHRISTMAS 2011 @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm.

WED 11 JAN Jazz/World

TIN PAN ALLEY @ Invergordon Academy, 7.30pm. Jazz band.

Invergordon Arts Society Event.

SUN 29 JAN Misc.

RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC GREATEST HITS WORLD TOUR 2012 @ Eden Court Empire, 8pm. From sixties blues to stadium rock with some fine tunes along the way. “Tusk” is our favourite. 01463 234 234

23

r e p p s u n r u B S Burns Supper ART

ARY ANNIVERS H T 5 2 E IC P HOS HIGHLAND ER & CEILIDH P nedy: P BURNS SU cCarry & Charles Ken with Jane M otel, Sat 28 Jan H Drumossie Victor’s

FILM

as Jack and n for her role ow kn t Still Game, es b RY is top comedy, in an n urray JANE MCCAR n re as Granny M ghbour Isa D ave seen her h s for busybody nei so es al rn ill ve w g up to In unger folk in yo m h co g s e’ ou th Sh al Too! & Ceilidh ies show Me urns Supper B ry sa er iv in the CBeeb n An ll be joined spice’s 25th l, where she’ te o H ie Highland Ho ss o m MORRISON n in the Dru l speaker IAN ca lo on Sat 28 Ja h it dressing w P SS LAING ad ennedy M K RO s d le an ar ’ Ch es y ss b ore e La e ‘Toast to th d out some m delivering th ith Jane to fin w p u t h g u e ca the haggis. W : er h t abou

KIDS

MUSIC

‘Still Game’ really set the heather on fire.

SPECIALS

Before that, comedy in Scotland was still pretty old fashioned, then along came this thing with a very definite West of Scotland sense of humour to it. It came out of Chewing The Fat on the radio and I knew Isa was a good part, but I didn’t think I’d still be playing her so many years later. I always think of her as 73, 74 and I suppose all the characters stay the same age for ever.

And they’re mostly played by people who are much younger, which was great for the scenes where we went back in time.

It was great when they started showing it outside Scotland.

SPORT

I don’t know how much of it an English audience understands, but it’s actually hugely popular with expats in Canada and places like that. One thing’s for sure, it’s nothing like Last of The Summer Wine.

It’s never a good time to be an actor.

THEATRE

It has to be the only thing in the world you want to do. I know people with a lot more talent than me who can’t find work, so you really have to be dedicated.

I’ve never celebrated Burns Night in the Highlands.

I’ve been up there a lot though, doing plays at Eden Court. I’m looking forward to doing the Reply From The Lasses in front of Charles Kennedy. Maybe I should do it in the spirit of Isa, although, thinking about it, that might not be a good idea after all. She couldn’t be trusted to behave.

We’ve always had a proper Burns Night at home.

Fortunately the kids love haggis and they get a glass of Irn Bru. It’s important that the memory of Burns is kept alive. Not only did he write great poems, but he also had an amazing life.

Granny Murray would be a bit concerned about Xmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night.

She’d probably say, ‘Now, remember, don’t burn the

I didn’t want to take the part of Granny Murray candle at both ends.’ at first.

I’m in panto in Kilmarnock, but I don’t know Isla St Clair was going to get the role then had to pull what the future holds for Still Game. out so they offered it to me, but my kids were still very young. I ended up doing it as a four day week, but it

BACK

24

was pretty hectic, with sixteen scripts to learn every week. The kids used to come on set and play in Granny Murray’s house. They’re in some of the episodes. They used to come on the set of Still Game too.

I’d love to do a Hogmanay Special where someone dies or something. Give it a proper ending.

Tickets for the 25th Anniversary Burns Night are priced £50 each and are available from Highland Hospice on 01463 227906 or by emailing events@highlandhospice.org.uk.

Tables are available for groups of eight or ten. Further Information: Wendy Clark on 01463 246472 or w.clark@highlandhospice.org.uk

WOLFSTONE

SKERRYVORE

BAGS OF ROCK

HOODJA

ART FILM

KIDS MUSIC SPECIALS SPORT THEATRE

So, you’re going to be hosting the Hogmanay Red Hot Highland Fling up here.

Looking forward to returning to Inverness? Of course, how could you not look forward to going anywhere that’s got a pink neon bridge! I’m so excited I can’t tell you! I get very into New Year and you never feel more Scottish than that time of year so getting to spend it up in the heart of Scotland in a place I’ve been to so many times and have great reactions from the audiences is thrilling! H Are you a big fan of the whole Hogmanay thing? What are the ingredients to ensure it goes off with a bang? I love Hogmanay, it’s always surprisingly emotional and I think we Scots celebrate it better than anyone. To make it go with a bang I reckon you get a wee bit compere: tipsy and jolly, surround yourself with the people you love, CRAIG HILL ! and sing, dance, laugh and take pride in our ability to party and our love of music. H What were you doing at the moment the bells brought in 2011? Actually last year was a total one off. We went to England (shock horror!) but it was a friend’s 40th in a big lovely Country House and all the Scots there made it as Scottish as we could by having drams of whiskey, wearing kilts, having fireworks, and I sang the song The Wild Mountainside about beckoning fellow Scots back to their homeland. At the bells we all sang every verse of Auld Lang Syne all the way through then jumped into an outdoor Jacuzzi! H What can we expect from you at the Hogmanay show? Well I think by now people know with me to expect the unexpected!

I like being off the cuff and spontaneous so every show is different but guaranteed there’ll be dancing, singing and a lot of kilt swinging!

H Any resolutions for 2012? To solve the economic crisis! I’ve got a few days off after Hogmanay so I should be able to fit that in.

BACK

CRAIG HILL is no stranger to Inverness audiences having played up here regularly in recent years. However, as host of the Red Hot Highland Fling on Hogmanay he’ll be playing to his biggest Highland audience yet. We caught up with him to find out more.

py ar!

Hap New Y e

Inverness Hogmanay RED HOT HIGHLAND FLING with compere Craig Hill and music from Wolfstone, Skerryvore, Bags Of Rock, Hoodja Northern Meeting Park Arena, Sat 31 Dec

25

MON 05 DEC

SUN 11 DEC

Academic

Annual

JOURNEY TO LADY OF THE SNOWS @ Boat Of Garten Community Hall, 7.30pm. Climbing in New Zealand’s Fiordland. With Frank Johnstone. £5

CAIRNGORM FARMERS MARKET @ Aviemore Village Hall. Cairngorms-farmers-market.com.

TUE 06 DEC

NAMING ASTRONOMICAL OBJECTS @ Culloden-smithton Free Church, 7.30pm. By Michael Marett-Crosby. Highlands Astronomical Society meeting. spacegazer.com

WED 07 DEC Misc

LIKE A LIFE @ The National Hotel Dingwall. Everyone welcome. Tea.

THU 08 DEC Annual

CHRISTMAS GIFT AND CRAFT FAIR @ Strathpeffer Pavilion, welcoming shopping experience with up to 40 stalls and a variety of goods.

FRI 09 DEC

CHRISTMAS GIFT AND CRAFT FAIR @ Strathpeffer Pavilion

TUE 13 DEC

A LAUGH, A JOKE & PLANS FOR 2012 @ The Riverside Lounge Of The Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness, 7.30pm. Pink Castle Philosophy Club meeting.

WED 14 DEC Misc

TRADITIONS, METALS AND CERAMICS @ New Millburn Academy Assembly Hall, 7.30pm. The story of non-ferrous casting in late prehistoric Scotland Bursary Lecture by Dr Daniel Sahlèn, University of Glasgow. invernessfieldclub.org.uk.

EASY FROM SEED @ Nairn Community Centre, 7.30pm. The Highland Rock Garden Club talk with practical demo of raising alpine and other plants from seed by Margaret and Henry Taylor.

FRI 16 DEC

CHRISTMAS REAL ALE FESTIVAL YOUNG CARERS CHRISTMAS MARKET @ @ Castle Tavern. Festival of Xmas Spectrum Centre. Crafts, handmade cards, beers and ciders, barbecue nights and cupcakes, jewellery, LUSH Inverness and more. traditional music. Runs until 24th Dec.

SAT 31 DEC

THE RED HOT HIGHLAND FLING INVERNESS’S HOGMANAY PARTY @ Northern Meeting Park, 8pm. Hosted by Scottish comedian Craig Hill. Top of the bill slot goes to Wolfstone at 10pm while closing the show on either side of a fireworks display welcoming in 2012 is Skerryvore from Tiree.

MINCE PIE SPECIALS @ Strathspey Railway.

Enjoy your hot mince pies and a drink from the bar as the train steams through the crisp winter Strathspey landscape.

DALMORE DAY @ The Whisky Shop, Inverness See Sat 10 Dec

SUN 01 JAN

ENEMY AT THE GATE @ Urquart Castle MINCE PIE SPECIALS @ Strathspey Railwaype.

MON 02 JAN

ENEMY AT THE GATE @ Urquart Castle MINCE PIE SPECIALS @ Strathspey Railway

Charity

SAT 10 DEC Annual

THE MORAY FARMERS MARKET @ Elgin City Centre. (with Spencers Funfair). Offering a wide and varied range of locally produced fruit and vegetables, cheeses and meats, breads and homebakes.

Charity

SPECIALS

SOUP AND CRUSTY BREAD LUNCH @ St Giles Church. In aid of Elgin Youth Cafe.

EXCLUSIVELY HIGHLANDS CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND FOOD FAIR @ Inverness Town House.

Last chance before Christmas to buy beautifully crafted gifts and delicious foods from Exclusively Highlands.

DALMORE DAY @ The Whisky Shop, Inverness A celebration of The Whisky Shop’s Single Malt of the year - The Dalmore 12yo. The launch of the Dalmore Distillery manager’s exclusive 1995 vintage - only 1800 bottles worldwide and exclusive to The Whisky Shop.

An open invitation to a tasting of the core range from this local distillery, with the people who create it. Hear about one of the oldest and rarest bottles of whisky in the world. This special release is a ‘one of one’ exclusive for The Whisky Shop. Drawn from precious stocks from 1964, 1951, and a historic Dalmore, distilled in 1926. The Dalmore Zenith will be purchased by invitation of sealed bids, with a percentage donated to charity. www.whiskyshop.com 01463 710525.

MON 12 DEC

A CAVE DIVER’S JOURNEY @ Highland Council Chamber, 7.30pm. Phil Short. Royal Scottish Geographic Society Events. 20 years of cave diving from the Mendips to the Ural Mountains. £8 for adults, RSGS members, students and under 18’s free.

26

SAT 17 DEC Charity

SOUP AND CRUSTY BREAD LUNCH @ St Giles Church. In aid of Elgin Youth Cafe.

SUN 08 JAN

NEW YEAR BIRD COUNT @ North Kessock Hotel (finish), 3.30pm.

Highland RSPB group event.

WED 11 JAN

THE WORK OF THE JOHN MUIR TRUST DALMORE DAY @ The Whisky Shop, Inverness @ Nairn Community Centre, 7.30pm.

The Highland Rock Garden Club talk See Sat 10 Dec by staff member Fran Lockhart on the work of Scotland’s major upland conservation organisation.

CHRISTMAS REAL ALE FESTIVAL @ Castle Tavern.

Mi

SAT 24 DEC

FRI 13 JAN

DALMORE DAY @ The Whisky Shop, Inverness JOHN MACGREGOR VC OF CAWDOR @ St Ninian’s Church Hall, Nairn, See Sat 10 Dec 7.30pm. A talk on Canada’s highest decorated soldier, Dave Shillabeer.

SUN 25 DEC

FREE CHRISTMAS DAY WALKING TOUR @ Tourist Information Steps Inverness, 10.30am. Walking Tour around the streets of Inverness. Look out for the “Man in the Kilt”.

WED 28 DEC

WED 18 JAN

RESTORING THE CALEDONIAN FOREST @ New Millburn Academy Hall, 7.30pm. Inverness Field Club lecture

by Alan Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life. invernessfieldclub.org.uk.

Annual

FOR INDEPENDENCE @ Urquart Castle.

The story of the true Braveheart, Andrew de Moray, an often unsung figure in the wars of Independence.

Misc

THE BRAILSFORD’S PUB QUIZ OF THE YEAR @ Mosset Tavern, Forres. Cash Prizes!

THU 29 DEC

LORDS OF THE ISLES @ Urquart Castle.

MacDonald, Lord of the Isles, has come to attack the castle. A footsoldier gives an account of life in the castle and how they hope to defend it.

FRI 30 DEC

FRI 20 JAN

THE BIRDS OF STRATHSPEY @ Grant Arms Hotel, 7.30pm. Grantown Society Talk.

Kirsty Holtby will talk and illustrate some of the birds of our gardens, woodland, riverbank, mountain and moorland.

FRI 27 JAN

THE HIGHLANDER’S MUSEUM – FORT GEORGE @ St Ninian’s Church Hall, Nairn. Mick Low, Nairn Literary Institute talk. nairnliterary.org.uk.

SAT 28 JAN Charity

ENEMY AT THE GATE @ Urquart Castle. Meet HIGHLAND HOSPICE BURNS SUPPER @ a Jacobite soldier and hear his tale of attacking Drumossie Hotel, Inverness. Still Game’s Jane McCarry and Right Honourable the castle and why it now lies in ruins.

Charles Kennedy MP are special guests.

Wolfstone

Skerryvore Bags of Rock

Hoodja

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Hosted by Craig Hill featuring Wolfstone | Skerryvore | Bags of Rock | Hoodja

a n I n b hir

www.invernessfestivals.com

8pm Saturday 31st December at The Northern Meeting Park

Highland Hospice

ART

BURNS SUPPER Drumossie Hotel • Sat 28 Jan With Guest Speakers: Still Game’s

Jane McCarry

FILM

One of Scotland’s funniest ladies, best known for her role as Jack and Victor’s busybody neighbour Isa Drennan in, Still Game, will deliver the ‘Reply from the Lasses’.

Right Hon MP

KIDS

Charles Kennedy will host the event.

Ian Morrison, Ross Laing & George Strachan will also speak.

Plus:

a Four Course Meal

MUSIC

Ceilidh & other Entertainment

Tickets: £50 Call 01463 227 913 to book www.highlandhospice.org Highland Hospice is a registered Scottish Charity No: SC011227

SPECIALS SPORT THEATRE BACK

December

cinema@ 01463 234 234 www.eden-court.co.uk

IDES OF MARCH (15)

(D&S)

Director George Clooney I Starring Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman USA I 2011 I 100 mins I www.idesofmarch-movie.com

In the frantic days leading up to a heavily contested presidential primary election, an up and coming campaign press secretary finds himself involved in a political scandal which threatens to upend his candidate’s shot at the Presidency. Directed by and starring George Clooney.

FRI 09 – THU 15 DEC

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS (12A tbc)

(AD&S) (D&S)

Director Guy Ritchie I Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris USA I 2011 I tbc mins I www.sherlockholmes2.warnerbros.com

Guy Ritchie’s second Sherlock outing sees Robert Downey Jr’s deliciously different Sherlock pit his wits against arch enemy, Professor Moriarty. Our top tip is to expect the unexpected...

Did you ever imagine you might see Sherlock Holmes in drag? Also starring no-nonsense Noomi Rapace (the original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo).

FRI 16 – THU 29 DEC

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (cert tbc) Director David Fincher I Starring Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig, Stellan Skarsgård, Robin Wright USA/Sweden/UK/Germany I 2011 I tbc mins I www.dragontattoo.net

Stieg Larsson’s bestseller, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is given the Hollywood treatment by acclaimed director, David Fincher (The Social Network) Starring Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist and Rooney Mara in the title role, this is an absolute MUST for anyone who has even been in the vicinity of a Stieg Larsson book!

MON 26 DEC – THU 12 JAN

Welcome to the Robertson Screens. At Robertson we’ve always been a keen supporter of the arts: from brass bands to theatre shows to music festivals and now cinema. We helped to redevelop Eden Court and we’re proud that we can continue to work in partnership with them by sponsoring the cinemas. We hope you enjoy your film. robertson.co.uk Robertson – Investing – Building – Caring

THE HELP (12A) (D&S) www.thehelpmovie.com Director Tate Taylor Starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard USA/India/United Arab Emirates I 2011 I 146 mins

A small town in 1960s Mississippi is turned on its head when the secrets of the rich white townsfolk are revealed by The Help... and it turns out they have quite a lot to say!

THU 01 DEC (continued from November)

SLEEPING BEAUTY (18) www.sleepingbeautyfilm.com

Director Julia Leigh Starring Emily Browning, Rachael Blake Australia I 2011 I 101 mins Rich clients pay premium prices to have their sexual fantasies fulfilled in this haunting erotic fairytale.

Lucy is given sleep-inducing drugs which render her unconscious during a series of sexual encounters but she soon begins to question exactly what is happening to her and becomes determined to find out...

THU 01 DEC (continued from November)

RED STATE

(18)

www.coopersdell.com Director Kevin Smith Starring Michael Parks, Melissa Leo USA I 2011 I 88 mins Three teenage boys respond to an older woman’s online invitation for sex, but their schoolboy fantasies soon turn sinister when Christian extremists hold them captive in a compound known as the Five Points Church. Director Kevin Smith’s intense thriller is hell-bent on leaving you feeling uncomfortable, tense, dazed and never knowing what’s going to happen next – and he certainly achieves his aims.

THU 01 – SAT 03 DEC

THE DEBT (15) (AD&S) (D&S)

MISS BALA

www.debt-themovie.com Director John Madden Starring Helen Mirren, Jessica Chastain

Director Gerardo Naranjo Starring Stephanie Sigman, Irene Azuela

USA I 2010 I 113 mins The past comes back to haunt two retired secret agents when shocking news about their former colleague is revealed. All three had been respected by their peers for decades because of a mission to track down a Nazi War Criminal they undertook in the 1960s. At great risk, and at considerable personal cost, the team's mission was accomplished... or was it? This edgy espionage thriller twists, turns and will have you guessing right till the end.

Mexico I 2011 I 112 mins (Spanish with subtitles) After witnessing a gangland massacre at a party, aspiring beauty queen Laura is thrust into a seedy world of gang violence and terror. From the director of I’m Gonna Explode this edgy, tense crime thriller is yet another top quality example of modern Mexican cinema.

FRI 02 – WED 07 DEC

Director Tinge Krishnan Starring Eddie Marsan, Candese Reid UK I 2011 I 99 mins Three people searching, in one way or another, for redemption of some kind realise that things might have to get a whole lot worse before they can get any better.

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

(15)

www.artificial-eye.com/film.php?cinema=wutheringheights

Director Andrea Arnold Starring Kaya Scodelario, James Howson USA I 2011 I 128 mins Director Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank, Red Road) brings new life to Emily Bronte’s moorland classic tale of obsessive love, illicit romance and class divisions whilst remaining utterly faithful to the text. Straight From IFF 2011

FRI 02 – THU 08 DEC

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN – THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN (PG) www.tintin.com

SERVICE ENTRANCE

LES FEMMES DU 6ÈME ÉTAGE (FFF 12+) www.frenchfilmfestival.org.uk

THE LAST OF ENGLAND (18) www.invernessfilmfans.org

Director Derek Jarman Starring Tilda Swinton, Spencer Leigh UK/West Germany I 1988 I 91 mins Derek Jarman's apocalyptic view of late20th-century England, thought by some critics to be a sequel to his postpunk Jubilee, is an intensely personal piece of cinema that masterfully combines all of the director's trademark sensibilities. Introduced by the Inverness Film Fans.

WEEKEND

SAT 03, SUN 04, SAT 10 & SUN 11 DEC

Thu 01 – Tue 06

FRI 09 – MON 12 DEC

TUE 13 DEC

UK/USA I 2011 I 112 mins

Adapted from Lionel Shriver’s bestselling novel.

Lynne Ramsey (Ratcatcher, Morvern Callar) directs Tilda Swinton in a breathtakingly fragile performance as Eva, a concerned mother who finds it near impossible to connect with her son, Kevin. When Kevin is 15, he commits an unthinkable crime and Eva searches within herself for an answer to the question of whether, as his mother, she is responsible for his actions.

Chilling, captivating and exquisitely directed.

JUNKHEARTS (15)

Starring Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig

Starring Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller

Director Lynne Ramsay

FRI 09 – MON 12 DEC

Director Steven Spielberg USA/New Zealand I 2011 I 106 mins This children’s classic is given the Spielberg treatment with Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) as Tintin, the intrepid young reporter whose relentless pursuit of a good story thrusts him into a world of high adventure.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN (15)

(15)

www.missbala.com

TYRANNOSAUR (18) Director Paddy Considine Starring Peter Mullan, Olivia Colman UK I 2011 I 92 mins Joseph is plagued by violence and a rage that is driving him to self destruction. Redemption comes calling in the form of Christian charity shop worker Hannah but their relationship develops to reveal that Hannah is hiding a secret which will have devastating consequences for them both.

Programmer’s Choice (18) www.weekend-film.com Director Andrew Haigh Starring Tom Cullen, Chris New UK I 2011 I 96 mins On a Friday night after hanging out with his straight mates, Russell heads out to a nightclub, alone and on the pull. Just before closing, he meets Glen. And so begins an unconventional love story that starts as a one night stand, develops to a weekend fling and then becomes something that will resonate throughout their lives.

TUE 13 – SAT 17 DEC

POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD (12A) www.sonyclassics.com/pomwonderful presentsthegreatestmovieeversold Director Morgan Spurlock

SUN 04 – THU 08 DEC

Starring Morgan Spurlock, JJ Abrams

Director Philippe Le Guay Starring Fabrice Luchini, Sandrine Kiberlain

WARREN MILLER –

France I 2010 I 106mins (Fr and Span with subtitles) Jean-Louis Joubert lives a peaceful yet boring bourgeois existence with his socialite wife in 1960s Paris. But when a flock of exuberant Spanish maids move into the servant’s quarters, his world is turned upside down, particularly by beautiful Maria whose irrepressible passion for life threatens to shake Jean-Louis from his staid foundation.

Continuing as part of the French Film Festival.

Every year nothing quite signals the transition from autumn to winter like the arrival of the new Warren Miller film. Every show is a celebration of winter; this is the perfect way to get in the mood for the season ahead. Tickets £8.50

USA I 2011 I 87 mins Director Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) examines the increased use of branding in every aspect of our lives while simultaneously attempting to persuade big-name brands to sponsor his irreverent exposé. Companies love to push their products, and it seems like everywhere we go, someone is trying to sell us something. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors at some of the biggest advertising agencies in the world? Maybe it’s time to find out.

FRI 02 DEC

LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW warrenmiller.co.uk/

THU 08 DEC

WED 14 & THU 15 DEC

ANONYMOUS

(12A)

TABLOID (15)

Director Roland Emmerich

www.tabloidmovie.com Director Errol Morris Starring Joyce McKinney, Jackson Shaw

Starring Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave

USA I 2010 I 87 mins

USA/Germany I 2011 I 129 mins

Tabloid follows the much stranger-than-fiction adventures of Joyce McKinney, a former beauty queen whose single-minded devotion to the man of her dreams led her directly onto the front pages of the British tabloids in the 1970s. But the headlines involving kidnap, manacled Mormons, risqué photography, magic underwear and celestial sex are completely at odds with McKinney’s version of events.

From Academy Award-winning director Errol Morris.

FRIENDS EVENING SCREENING www.anonymous-movie.com

Was Shakespeare a fraud? Conspiracy theorists and rogue academics have long argued over who really created the works credited to William Shakespeare of Stratford. A hugely entertaining and lavish historical conspiracy theory drama.

THU 15 DEC

THE DEEP BLUE SEA

TUE 20 – THU 22 DEC

(12A)

Director Terence Davies Starring Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddlestone USA/UK I 2011 I 98 mins

Hester Collyer leads a privileged life in 1950s London as the beautiful young wife of High Court judge Sir William Collyer. To the shock of those around her, she embarks on a passionate affair with a young pilot. But soon Hester finds herself stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea and having to decide what, or who she should choose? Straight From IFF 2011.

FRI 16 – SAT 24 DEC

THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (U) Director Ernst Lubitsch Starring Margaret Sullavan, James Stewart USA I 1940 I 98 mins

Classic romantic comedy starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan as acrimonious co-workers who are both corresponding and falling in love with their respective pen pals.

But they both don't realise that they’re in fact, writing to, and falling in love with, each other!

SUN 18 – TUE 20 DEC

FASTEST

(12A)

www.fastestthemovie.com Director Mark Neale Starring Valentino Rossi

LAS ACACIAS (12A) Director Pablo Giorgelli Starring Germán De Silva, Hebe Duarte Argentina/Spain I 2011 I 86 mins (Spanish + subtitles)

Winner: Camera d’Or Cannes 2011 Driving with his cargo of timber, Ruben agrees to take a woman and her baby across the border from Panama to Buenos Aires. Initially the enclosed space of the lorry cab seems claustrophobic but throughout the course of the journey a slow burning bond develops between the pair. Uplifting, enchanting and described by the British film institute as one of the most rewarding cinematic experiences of the year.

Straight From IFF 2011.

FRI 30 DEC – THU 05 JAN

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (15) www.myweekwithmarilynmovie.com Director Simon Curtis Starring Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh UK I 2011 I 98 mins

In 1956 Colin Clark landed a job as a runner on the set of The Prince and the Showgirl, starring Marilyn Monroe. When Marilyn's new husband, playwright Arthur Miller has to make a brief trip to Paris, Colin gets the chance to spend a week introducing one of the world's greatest film stars to the joys of ordinary British life. A fascinating glimpse into a week in the life of the most lingering of Hollywood Icons.

FRI 30 DEC – THU 05 JAN

Narrated by Ewan McGregor

Staff Pick

UK I 2011 I 110 mins

THE LIBERTINE (18)

From film-maker Mark Neale (maker of Faster) comes Fastest, a spectacular fast paced documentary charting the thrills spills and highlights of the 2010 Moto GP World Championship series. As the legendary Valentino Rossi runs into the toughest challenge of his life he faces the question every rider, even the greatest of all time, must face.

Narrated by bike enthusiast and Jedi Knight, Ewan McGregor.

If you liked TT3D Closer to the Edge then this is for you!

TUE 20 DEC

Director Laurence Dunmore

Christmas Classics IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) Director Frank Capra Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed USA I 1946 I 129 mins Tickets for this festive feel-good always sell out so make sure you book early.

WED 21 – SAT 24 DEC

THE POLAR EXPRESS (U) www.polarexpressmovie.warnerbros.com Director Robert Zemeckis Starring Tom Hanks, Leslie Zemeckis USA I 2004 I 99 mins Chosen by our facebook followers as the Christmas film they most wanted to see at EC Cinema.

SUN 11 & TUE 13 DEC

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (U) Director Les Mayfield Starring Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins USA I 1994 I 113 mins Pipped at the post by 1 vote in the facebook poll, this classic was in second place! ( also look out for 3rd place Home Alone in January!)

SAT 17 & SUN 18 & THU 22 DEC

International Human Rights Day Films 2011 THE GREEN WAVE (cert tbc) www.thegreenwave-film.com Director Ali Samadi Ahadi Germany/Iran I 2010 I 80 mins (Farsi and English with subtitles) A touching animation/documentary illustrating the dramatic events before and after the 2009 presidential elections in Iran.

FRI 09 & SUN 11 DEC

Starring Johnny Depp, John Malkovich

AN AFRICAN ELECTION (PG)

UK/Australia I 2004 I 114 mins

www.anafricanelection.com

Multi–coloured dynamo Dance Artist, Louise Marshall is always busy but she’ll be hanging up her tutu for the night to enjoy her staff pick, I’m a sucker for anything historical and this is set in Restoration England – John Malkovich makes an excellent Charles II and it’s a reminder that Johnny Depp is actually a great actor!

Apparently Louise has a thing for eating chickpeas straight from the can... traditionally it’s popcorn in the cinema Louise but it’s totally up to you !

Director Jarreth Merz

Tue 06 Dec

Starring Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Switzerland/USA/Ghana I 2010 I 89 mins (English and Twi with subtitles) The 2008 presidential elections in Ghana, West Africa, serve as a backdrop for this behind-the-scenes look at the complex, political machinery of a third world democracy struggling to legitimise itself to its first world contemporaries.

SAT 10 & MON 12 DEC

Eden Court, Bishops Road, Inverness IV3 5SA Box Office 01463 234 234 Administration 01463 239 841

DECEMBER Thu 01 11.00 The Help DREAM & SCREAM 14.00 We Need To Talk About Kevin 18.00 The Help 18.15 Sleeping Beauty 20.30 We Need To Talk About Kevin 20.45 Red State Fri 02 18.00 18.15 20.30 20.45

Service Entrance FRENCH FILM FEST The Debt Wuthering Heights Red State

Sat 03 11.30 The Adventures of Tin Tin 14.00 We Need To Talk About Kevin 14.15 The Adventures of Tin Tin 17.45 Wuthering Heights 18.00 Red State 20.15 The Debt 20.30 We Need To Talk About Kevin Sun 04 11.30 The Adventures of Tin Tin 13.30 The Debt 14.00 The Adventures of Tin Tin 17.00 We Need To Talk About Kevin 17.15 The Debt 19.30 Wuthering Heights 19.45 Tyrannosaur Mon 05 18.00 Wuthering Heights 18.15 Tyrannosaur 20.15 The Debt SUBTITLED 20.30 We Need To Talk About Kevin Tue 06 11.00 The Debt DREAM & SCREAM 11.30 We Need To Talk About Kevin 18.15 Tyrannosaur 19.30 Wuthering Heights 20.15 The Libertine STAFF PICK Wed 07 11.30 Wuthering Heights 18.00 The Debt 20.30 Tyrannosaur Thu 08 14.00 Wuthering Heights 17.15 Wuthering Heights 19.30 Tyrannosaur 20.00 Warren Miller film Fri 09 18.00 18.15 20.15 20.30

Miss Bala The Green Wave The Ides Of March Junkhearts

Sat 10 11.30 The Adventures of Tin Tin 14.00 The Adventures of Tin Tin 17.30 The Ides Of March 18.00 Junkhearts 20.00 An African Election 20.30 Miss Bala Sun 11 11.30 The Adventures of Tin Tin 14.00 Miss Bala 14.15 The Adventures of Tin Tin 16.45 The Polar Express 17.15 The Ides Of March 19.30 Junkhearts 19.45 The Green Wave Mon 12 11.30 The Ides Of March

FRIENDS COFFEE MORNING

18.00 18.15 20.15 20.30

Junkhearts An African Election The Ides Of March Miss Bala

Tue 13 11.30 The Ides Of March DREAM & SCREAM 18.00 The Polar Express 19.30 The Last Of England 20.00 Weekend Wed 14 18.00 Pom Wonderful Presents The Greatest Movie Ever Sold 19.15 The Ides Of March 20.00 Weekend Thu 15 11.30 The Ides Of March 18.00 Weekend 18.15 The Ides Of March 20.15 Anonymous

FRIENDS EVENING SCREENING

20.30 Pom Wonderful Presents The Greatest Movie Ever Sold Fri 16 18.00 18.15 20.15 20.45

Weekend Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows

The Deep Blue Sea

Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows

Sat 17 11.30 Miracle On 34th Street 13.30 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 14.00 Miracle On 34th Street 17.30 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 18.00 The Deep Blue Sea 20.00 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 20.15 Weekend

Mon 19 17.45 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 18.00 The Deep Blue Sea 20.15 Shop Around The Corner 20.30 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows Tue 20 11.30 The Deep Blue Sea 14.00 Shop Around The Corner 18.15 Tabloid 19.30 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows SUBTITLED 20.15 Fastest Wed 21 11.30 Tabloid 14.00 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 17.30 It’s A Wonderful Life 19.30 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 20.00 The Deep Blue Sea Thu 22 11.00 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows DREAM & SCREAM 11.30 It's A Wonderful Life 14.00 The Deep Blue Sea 18.00 Miracle On 34th Street 18.15 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 20.15 Tabloid 20.45 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows Fri 23 13.00 14.00 17.45 18.00 20.15 20.30

Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows

It’s A Wonderful Life Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows

Sun 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS – WE ARE ALL AT HOME OPENING PRESENTS BUT WILL BE BACK TOMORROW Mon 26 13.15 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 13.30 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 16.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 17.45 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows SUBTITLED 20.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 20.15 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows Tue 27 11.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 19.15 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 19.30 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows Wed 28 11.30 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 14.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 19.15 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 19.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Thu 29 11.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 14.00 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 18.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 18.15 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 20.45 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 21.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Fri 30 18.00 18.15 20.30 21.00

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo My Week With Marilyn Las Acacias The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Sat 31 11.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 13.30 Las Acacias 16.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 16.45 My Week With Marilyn

It's A Wonderful Life Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows

The Deep Blue Sea

Sat 24 13.30 The Deep Blue Sea 14.00 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 16.00 It’s A Wonderful Life 16.30 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows

FRIENDS SCREENINGS exclusive screenings for Eden Court Friends.

Friends Coffee Morning – MON 12 11.30 The Ides of March (15) Film starts 11.30am – Coffee served from 10.30am

TICKET PRICES All Tickets pre 5.00pm Adults (over 18) Adult Concession Under 18’s & Students Eden Court Friends

Sun 18 11.30 Miracle On 34th Street 13.30 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows DREAM & SCREAM 14.00 Miracle On 34th Street 16.00 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows 16.30 Shop Around The Corner 19.00 The Deep Blue Sea 19.15 Sherlock Holmes: AGame Of Shadows

£6.00 £7.00 (Fri & Sat £7.50) £6.50 (Fri & Sat £7.00) £5.00 at all times £1.00 off

Friends Evening Screening – THU 15 20.15 Anonymous (12A) Film starts 20.15pm – Coffee served from 19.15pm DREAM AND SCREAM Bring your baby to one of our Dream And Scream screenings, specially for parents and carers of new babies aged 0–12 months. Look out for ‘Dream & Scream’ on individual screenings AUDIO DESCRIBED & SUBTITLED FILMS Eden Court offers a range of accessible film screenings. Look out for the (AD) for Audio Described, and (S) for subtitled screenings.

SUPPORTED BY

Eden Court Highlands (trading as Eden Court) is a company registered in Scotland (company number SC63216) and a charity registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (registered number SCO08237)

January

cinema@ 01463 234 234 www.eden-court.co.uk

HUGO (cert tbc) Director Martin Scorsese I Starring Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Jude Law USA I 2011 I tbc mins I www.hugomovie.com Young orphan Hugo was given a strange mechanical toy with a heart-shaped keyhole by his late father. Now, secretly living in the hidden spaces of a Paris train station, he meets an adventurous girl named Isabelle who is intrigued by his life and astonished to find that the key she possesses fits the bizarre toy given to Hugo by his father. Once the toy is unlocked, they find themselves propelled into a fantastic adventure that Isabelle describes as Neverland and Oz and Treasure Island all wrapped into one...

Michael Start, from House of Automata in Forres designed the automata featured in Hugo.

We are delighted to announce that he will introduce the screening at 18.15 on 06 January.

In the meantime check out his website www.automatomania.co.uk

FRI 06 – THU 12 JAN

WAR HORSE

(cert tbc) (D&S)

Director Steven Spielberg I Starring Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, Tom Hiddlestone USA/India I 2011 I tbc mins I www.warhorsemovie.co.uk Directed by Steven Spielberg, accompanied by a magnificent sweeping John Williams score and starring the most heroic of horses, this tale of loyalty, hope and friendship has potential to be one of those family classics that are watched over and over again. In 1914, Joey, a young farm horse, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges towards the enemy, witnessing the horror of the frontline. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches and inspires all those around him.

FRI 13 JAN – THU 03 FEB

THE DESCENDANTS

(15)

Director Alexander Payne I Starring George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, USA I 2011 I 114 mins I www.foxsearchlight.com/thedescendants From Alexander Payne, the creator of Oscar-winning Sideways.

Matt has always been the backup parent, but when his wife falls into a coma following a boating accident, he has to take control. The challenge of shepherding his two wayward daughters, a ten-year-old emotional tornado and a snarky teenage tearaway, is no breeze. But on top of this he also has to come to terms with the secrets his wife was keeping from him...

FRI 27 JAN – THU 08 FEB Welcome to the Robertson Screens. At Robertson we’ve always been a keen supporter of the arts: from brass bands to theatre shows to music festivals and now cinema. We helped to redevelop Eden Court and we’re proud that we can continue to work in partnership with them by sponsoring the cinemas. We hope you enjoy your film. robertson.co.uk Robertson – Investing – Building – Caring

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

(15)

Director Simon Curtis I Starring Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh UK I 2011 I 98 mins I www.myweekwithmarilynmovie.com In 1956 Colin Clark landed a job as a runner on the set of The Prince and the Showgirl, starring Marilyn Monroe. When Marilyn's new husband, playwright Arthur Miller has to make a brief trip to Paris, Colin gets the chance to spend a week introducing one of the world's greatest film stars to the joys of ordinary British life. A fascinating glimpse into a week in the life of the most lingering of Hollywood Icons.

MON 02 – THU 05 JAN (CONTINUED FROM DECEMBER)

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (cert tbc) Director David Fincher I Starring Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig, Stellan Skarsgård, Robin Wright USA/Sweden/UK/Germany I 2011 I tbc mins I www.dragontattoo.net Stieg Larsson’s bestseller, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is given the Hollywood treatment by acclaimed director, David Fincher (The Social Network) Starring Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist and Rooney Mara in the title role, this is an absolute MUST for anyone who has even been in the vicinity of a Stieg Larsson book!

MON 02 JAN – THU 12 JAN (CONTINUED FROM DECEMBER)

MONEYBALL (12A)

(AD&S) (D&S)

Director Bennett Miller I Starring Brad Pitt, Philip Seymour Hoffman USA I 2011 I 133 mins I www.moneyball-movie.com Based on a true story, Brad Pitt stars in this uplifting story of a baseball team manager whose players can’t win. Unable to compete with financially stronger teams such as the New York Yankees, Billy Beane hires a number cruncher who works with him to put together a team of misfit players who, together, might possess the combined skills to compete. Elevated by rapid-fire dialogue and white-hot performances, Miller’s film transcends the sports genre to become riveting drama. One of the best movies of the year – Rolling Stone

FRI 06 – THU 12 JAN

LAS ACACIAS (12A) Director Pablo Giorgelli Starring Germán De Silva, Hebe Duarte Argentina/Spain I 2011 I 86 mins (Spanish with subtitles)

Winner: Camera d’Or Cannes 2011 Driving with his cargo of timber, Ruben agrees to take a woman and her baby across the border from Panama to Buenos Aires and throughout the course of the journey a slow burning bond develops between the pair. Uplifting, enchanting and described by the British film institute as one of the most rewarding cinematic experiences of the year.

MON 02 – THU 05 JAN (Continued from December)

HOME ALONE

(PG)

Director Chris Columbus Starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci USA I 1990 I 102 mins Grab the kids, wrap up warm, head over here, order everyone a steaming hot chocolate and delay the post Christmas comedown a little longer with this Christmas Classic! (If you don’t have any kids, or would prefer to leave them at home, then just unleash the inner child in you and head over here too!)

MON 02 – THU 05 JAN

SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS (PG) www.invernessfilmfans.org

Director Alexander Mackendrick Starring Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis USA I 1957 I 96 mins

Powerful but unethical Broadway columnist J.J. Hunsecker coerces unscrupulous press agent Sidney Falco into breaking up his sister's romance with a jazz musician.

This screening will be introduced by the Inverness Film Fans.

TUE 10 JAN

THE RUM DIARY (15) www.rumdiarythemovie.com Director Bruce Robinson Starring Johnny Depp, Michael Rispoli USA I 2011 I 119 mins Tired of the crushing conventions of late Eisenhower-era America, journalist Paul Kemp travels to Puerto Rico and quickly becomes obsessed with Chenault, the wildly attractive Connecticut-born fiancée of Sanderson, a businessman involved in shady property deals on the island. But when he’s recruited by Sanderson to write favourably about his latest unsavoury scheme, Kemp is presented with a choice: to use his words for the corrupt businessmen’s financial benefit, or use them to take him down.

FRI 13 – MON 16 JAN

MARGARET (15) Director Kenneth Lonergan I Starring Anna Paquin, Mark Ruffalo, Matt Damon USA I 2011 I 149 mins I Anna Paquin shines as a young woman torn apart after witnessing a traffic accident she believes she was unintentionally responsible for. Legal disputes have kept this production in limbo for six years but, more than a decade after his heartfelt debut You Can Count on Me, esteemed playwright Kenneth Lonergan’s Margaret is finally here – and it seems to have been worth the wait.

FRI 13 – THU 19 JAN

THE THING

(15)

Director Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. I Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Egerton USA/Canada I 2011 I 102 mins I www.thethingmovie.net A team of scientists in a remote base in Antartica are hunted down one by one by an alien parasite that can take the form of anything it touches. Serving as a prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 classic of the same name, this heart-stopping hollywood horror ticks all the right boxes. Even when you know the scary bits are coming, you’ll still jump right out of your seat! Straight From IFF 2011.

THU 19 – MON 23 JAN

ANOTHER EARTH

(12A) (AD&S)

Director Mike Cahill I Starring Brit Marling, William Mapother USA I 2011 I 92 mins I www.foxsearchlight.com/anotherearth Bright young scientist, Rhoda Williams has a glittering future ahead of her. But while out driving one evening, a giant planet appears in the sky. Distracted, she accidentaly collides with another car, killing a woman and her children. But when it’s discovered that the planet in the sky is a perfect duplicate of Earth and holds out the astonishing possibility of another world where the mistakes we make in this one don't happen, Rhoda is faced with a life-changing decision. Runner-up audience award IFF 2011

FRI 20 – THU 26 JAN

THROUGH THE WHISKY BARREL www.throughthewhiskybarrel.com

(No cert)

Director Allyn Harper I UK I 2011 I 55 mins

Bringing together the surfing community in Scotland and raising funds for the Scottish Surf Federation, Allyn Harper’s innovative debut is a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Scottish surfing. The premier in Aberdeen was sold out so make sure that you and your surfing brethren get your tickets before it’s too late.

Soundtrack provided by the incredible 65 Days of Static. Tickets £5/£4

WED 18 JAN

DEFENCE OF THE REALM

(PG)

ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS LES EMOTIFS ANONYMES

France/Belgium I 2010 I 77 mins (French with subtitles) Packed with bittersweet humour and genuine charm, this is a sprightly tale of two exceptionally shy individuals with a shared professional interest in chocolate. They could be soulmates, but neither of them has the slightest clue how to communicate with the other. But fate soon lends a hand when they attend a chocolate trade show together and are mistakenly booked into the same hotel room...

www.invernessfilmfans.org Director David Drury I Starring Gabriel Byrne, Greta Scacchi I UK I 1986 I 95 mins

SUN 29 & MON 30 JAN

Nick Mullen, a young reporter for a national daily newspaper, is beginning to drift into a cynical and bored routine when he suddenly stumbles across a political cover-up. With the aid of his colleague Vernon and his attractive secretary Nina, Nick sets out on a dangerous journey to uncover hidden truths. This screening will be introduced by the Inverness Film Fans.

Staff Pick

TUE 24 JAN

THE WELL-DIGGER'S DAUGHTER LA FILLE DU PUISATIER (PG) Director Daniel Auteuil I Starring Daniel Auteuil, Kad Merad France I 2011 I 109 mins (French with subtitles) Beautifully shot in perpetual sunshine and superbly scored by Alexandre Desplat (The King’s Speech) Actor-turned-director Daniel Auteuil delivers a perfectly packaged remake of Pagnol’s 1940s melodrama. Patricia, daughter of Provencal well-digger Pascal, falls for a dashing pilot but her father has other plans...

FRI 27 & SAT 28 JAN

(12A)

Director Jean-Pierre Ameris Starring Benoit Poelvoorde, Isabelle Carre

THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (12) Director Michael Mann Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe USA I 1992 I 111 mins Queen of the in-house radio airwaves and owner of the brightest, whitest, most perfect set of teeth in the entire building (although possibly on a par with her Mum) Usher, Kate Fraser has the honour of staff pick this month. This is one of my favourite films! It’s a story of love and it recreates a turbulent era in US colonial history. If you like action, a good love story and enjoy a bit of history you’re going to love this film! It really is a classic not to be missed on the big screen! See you there Kate!

THU 26 JAN

Eden Court, Bishops Road, Inverness IV3 5SA Box Office 01463 234 234 Administration 01463 239 841

January Sun 01 CLOSED – HAPPY NEW YEAR

Tue 24

Sun 08 11.30 Hugo 13.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 14.00 Hugo Mon 02 16.45 Moneyball SUBTITLED 12.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 17.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 13.15 Home Alone 19.30 Hugo 16.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 20.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 17.15 Las Acacias Mon 09 19.15 My Week With Marilyn 18.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 19.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 18.15 Hugo 20.30 Moneyball Tue 03 21.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 11.00 Home Alone 11.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Tue 10 11.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 19.15 My Week With Marilyn 19.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 14.00 Hugo 19.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 19.30 Sweet Smell Of Sucess Wed 04

Mon 16 11.30 War Horse Friends Coffee Morning 17.45 Rum Diary 18.00 War Horse 20.15 Margaret 20.30 War Horse

11.30 My Week With Marilyn 14.00 Home Alone 19.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 19.15 Las Acacias

Thu 19 11.30 War Horse DREAM & SCREAM 17.45 Margaret 18.00 War Horse 20.30 War Horse 20.45 The Thing

Fri 27 18.00 War Horse 18.15 The Descendants 20.30 The Well Digger's Daughter 20.45 The Descendants

Fri 20 18.00 War Horse 18.15 Another Earth 20.15 The Thing 20.30 War Horse

Sat 28 13.30 War Horse 14.00 The Descendants 17.45 The Descendants 18.00 The Well Digger's Daughter 20.15 The Descendants 20.30 War Horse

Thu 05 11.30 14.00 18.00 18.15 20.30 21.00

Home Alone The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Las Acacias My Week With Marilyn The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Fri 06 14.00 18.00 18.15 20.30 21.00 Sat 07 11.30 13.30 14.00 18.00 18.15 20.30 21.00

Hugo The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Hugo Moneyball The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Wed 11 11.00 Moneyball DREAM & SCREAM 14.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 19.00 Hugo 19.30 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Thu 12 11.30 Hugo 17.45 Moneyball 18.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 20.30 Friends Evening Screening See Website for details 21.00 The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Fri 13 18.00 War Horse 18.15 Margaret 20.30 War Horse 21.00 Rum Diary

Sat 14 14.00 War Horse 17.45 Rum Diary 18.00 War Horse Hugo The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 20.15 Margaret 20.30 War Horse Hugo The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Sun 15 Hugo 13.30 War Horse Moneyball 16.45 Margaret The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 17.00 War Horse 19.30 War Horse 19.45 Rum Diary

Wed 18 11.30 14.00 19.00 19.30

Margaret War Horse Through The Whisky Barrel War Horse

Sat 21 14.00 17.45 18.00 20.15 20.30

War Horse The Thing War Horse Another Earth War Horse

Sun 22 13.30 17.00 17.15 19.30 19.45

War Horse War Horse Another Earth War Horse The Thing

Mon 23 18.00 18.15 20.30 20.45

War Horse The Thing War Horse Another Earth

Wed 25 11.30 Another Earth 14.00 War Horse 19.15 War Horse 19.30 Another Earth Thu 26 11.30 18.00 18.15 20.15

War Horse War Horse Another Earth SUBTITLED The Last of the Mohicans STAFF PICK 20.30 War Horse

Sun 29 13.30 War Horse 16.45 The Descendants 17.00 War Horse 19.15 The Descendants 19.30 Romantics Anonymous Mon 30 18.00 18.15 20.15 20.30

The Descendants Romantics Anonymous War Horse The Descendants

Tue 31 11.30 War Horse 19.15 The Descendants 19.30 War Horse

FRIENDS SCREENINGS exclusive screenings for Eden Court Friends.

Friends Evening Screening – Thu 12 20.30 20.30 See Website for details (tbc) Film starts 20.30pm – Coffee served from 19.30pm

TICKET PRICES All Tickets pre 5.00pm Adults (over 18) Adult Concession Under 18’s & Students Eden Court Friends

Tue 17 11.30 War Horse 19.00 War Horse 19.30 Margaret

11.30 War Horse 19.00 War Horse 19.30 Defence of the Realm

£6.00 £7.00 (Fri & Sat £7.50) £6.50 (Fri & Sat £7.00) £5.00 at all times £1.00 off

Friends Coffee Morning – Mon 16 11.30 War Horse (15) Film starts 11.30am – Coffee served from 10.30am DREAM AND SCREAM Bring your baby to one of our Dream And Scream screenings, specially for parents and carers of new babies aged 0–12 months. Look out for ‘Dream & Scream’ on individual screenings AUDIO DESCRIBED & SUBTITLED FILMS Eden Court offers a range of accessible film screenings. Look out for the (AD) for Audio Described, and (S) for subtitled screenings.

SUPPORTED BY

Eden Court Highlands (trading as Eden Court) is a company registered in Scotland (company number SC63216) and a charity registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (registered number SCO08237)

Hmm. And if you really need persuading, check out Mishka the beautiful talking husky at: youtube.com/user/gardea23

For full schedule of the rally / more about owning huskies: siberianhuskyclub.com/aviemore

ART MUSIC SPECIALS SPORT

s They’re clean with little or no doggy smell. Some people allergic to dogs can tolerate Siberian Husky fur. s They’re quiet. They do not often bark, but they do howl like a wolf- often just for the joy of it. This may be a disadvantage in some neighbourhoods. t A husky has no guarding instinct and will greet and kiss an intruder the same as any other visitor. t They have a strong desire to run. If one gets free he will run so far he will be lost, if not hit by a car or train, or shot by a farmer. t A husky cannot be relied on to return to you on command. He will decide whether or not to return for himself, knowing that you cannot catch him. t They need company, either human or canine, and are miserable without it. t You’ll need a safely enclosed exercise area.

Your garden must be fully fenced and secure. Six foot high fencing is USUALLY enough. t They moult twice a year. The quantity of fur shed can surprise you, especially in spring when the winter coat is replaced by a shorter, thinner summer coat.

THEATRE

An event that’s actually listed in Debrett’s Social Season calendar, so worth attending if you want to mingle with those better than the likes of us. And even if you don’t, it’s a tremendous event in its own right, getting more and more popular every year since its launch back in 1984. There are more than 200 teams of Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, Greenlands and cross-breeds at the rally, racing through Glenmore Forest Park on the shores of Loch Morlich and even if there’s no snow, the dogs will pull wheeled sleds wearing special boots to protect their paws.

The Siberian Husky was originally the winter sled dog of the Chukchi people of Siberia, expected to travel fairly quickly for long distances pulling a moderate load in low temperatures, while not eating their masters out of house and home, welcome in the dwellings as playmates for the children and as hot water bottles at night. During the summer they ran loose, hunting and fending for themselves. This lifestyle, which continued unchanged for centuries, produced a breed of dog which retained the pack living and hunting attributes of the wolf, while being unaggressive and affectionate towards people. If all this tempts you to go out and buy one, be warned - they’re not your typical pet. And according to the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain, the people behind the rally, here are some pros and cons about owning a husky you should weigh up first:

BACK

AVIEMORE SLED DOG RALLY: Glenmore Forest Park, Sat 21st & Sun 22nd Jan

KIDS

FILM

h ! s u M h ! s Mu

37

MON 05 DEC Team/Football

COVE RANGERS V DEVERONVALE FORMARTINE UNTED V FRASERBURGH KEITH FC V BUCKIE THISTLE

FORMARTINE UNTED V TURRIFF UNTD HUNTLY V INVERURIE LOCO WRKS

SAT 24 DEC

INVERNESS CT V ABERDEEN BRORA RANGERS V WICK ACADEMY COVE RANGERS V FRASERBURGH INVERNESS VOLLEYBALL CLUB @ Hilton FORRES MECHANICS V NAIRN COUNTY Community Centre, Oldtown Road, 7pm. Every KEITH V LOSSIEMOUTH Tues term time. For anyone aged over 16.

ROTHES V STRATHSPEY THISTLE

TUE 06 DEC Team

WED 07 DEC Team/Football

FORMARTINE UNTED V NAIRN CNTY KEITH V STRATHSPEY THISTLE

SAT 10 DEC

CLYDE V ELGIN AYR V ROSS COUNTY INVERNESS CT V DUNDEE UTD AYR V ROSS COUNTY CLYDE V ELGIN BUCKIE THISTLE V WICK ACDEMY CLACHNACUDDIN V BRORA RNGRS COVE RNGERS V DEVERONVALE FORMARTINE UNTD V FT WILLIAM FORRES MCHANCS V FRASERBURGH HUNTLY V TURRIFF UNITED KEITH V NAIRN COUNTY ROTHES V INVERURIE LOCO WORKS STRATHSPEY THISTLE V LOSSIEMOUTH LOCHABER V MORAY ABERDEEN WANDS V RAF LOSSIE AB’SHIRE 2NDS V BANFF HIGHLAND V ABERDEEN UNI Team/Rugby

SUN 11 DEC

MON 26 DEC Athletics

NAIRN TURKEY TROT @ Nairn Harbour, 11am.

The Turkey Trot is held every Boxing Day and starts and finishes at Nairn Harbour. It is a great way to burn off all those extra calories from Christmas Day. The course is about 5k, runners have to guess their finish time - no watches allowed! Prizes for those who get closest to predicted time, andfor the best fancy dress costumes. £2.50. Bring a prize, win a prize.

Team/Football

FALKIRK V ROSS COUNTY ALLOA V ELGIN

WED 28 DEC

HIBERNIAN V INVERNESS CT

FRI 30 DEC

DEVERONVALE V BUCKIE THISTLE FORT WILLIAM V CLACHNACUDDIN INVERURIE LOCO WORKS V HUNTLY TURRIFF UNTD V FORMARTINE UNTD

SAT 31 DEC

LOSSIEMOUTH TURKEY TROT @ Lossiemouth FRASERBURGH V COVE RANGERS Community Centre, 11am. The yearly run is NAIRN COUNTY V FORRES MECHANICS always popular.

STRATHSPEY THISTLE V ROTHES WICK ACADEMY V BRORA RANGERS

TUE 13 DEC Team

MON 02 JAN

INVERNESS VOLLEYBALL CLUB @ Hilton Community Centre, Oldtown Road, 7pm INVERNESS CT V ST JOHNSTONE ROSS COUNTY V PARTICK THISTLE PETERHEAD V ELGIN CITY

SAT 17 DEC Team/Football

SPORT

RANGERS V INVERNESS CT ROSS COUNTY V DUNDEE ELGIN V ANNAN ATHLETIC BRORA RANGERS V BUCKIE THISTLE DEVERONVALE V CLACHNACUDDIN FORT WILLIAM V COVE RANGERS FRASERBURGH V FORMARTINE UTD INVERURIE LOCO WORKS V KEITH LOSSIEMOUTH V ROTHES NAIRN COUNTY V HUNTLY TURRIFF UNITED V FORRES MCHNIC WICK ACADEMY V STRATHSPEY TST MORAY V LOCHABER STRATHMORE V HIGHLAND Team/Rugby

SAT 07 JAN

ELGIN V EAST STIRLING BRORA RANGERS V DEVERONVALE BUCKIE THISTLE V FORT WILLIAM CLACHNACUDDIN V FRASERBURGH COVE RANGERS V TURRIFF UNITED FORRES MECHANICS V INVERURIE L WORKS HUNTLY V LOSSIEMOUTH WICK ACADEMY V ROTHES

SAT 14 JAN

MOTHERWELL V INVERNESS CT QUEEN OF SOUTH V ROSS COUNTY QUEEN’S PARK V ELGIN DEVERONVALE V WICK ACADEMY ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY V KEITH FT WILLIAM V BRORA RANGERS BUCKIE THISTLE V BANKS O’ DEE FRASERBURGH V BUCKIE THISTLE COVE RANGERS V INVERURIE LOCO WORKS INVERURIE L WORKS V FORMARTINE UTD FRASERBURGH V DEVERONVALE LOSSIEMOUTH V FORRES MECHANICS TURRIFF UNTD V FORMARTINE UNTD NAIRN COUNTY V COVE RANGERS ROTHES V KEITH STRATHSPEY THISTLE V HUNTLY TURRIFF UNITED V CLACHNACUDDIN INVERNESS VOLLEYBALL CLUB @ Hilton RAF LOSSIE V LOCHABER Community Centre, Oldtown Road, 7pm. BANFF V MORAY HIGHLAND V GLENROTHES Team/Football

MON 19 DEC

TUE 20 DEC Team

WED 21 DEC Team/Football

HUNTLY V ROTHES

Team/Rugby

MON 16 JAN Team/Football

38

FRI 23 DEC

BUCKIE THISTLE V DEVERONVALE CLACHNACUDDIN V FT WILLIAM

ABERDEEN UNI V TURRIFF UNITED BANKS O’ DEE V FRASERBURGH DEVERONVALE V KEITH INVERURIE LOCO V BUCKIE THISTLE

PETERHEAD V COVE RANGERS

SAT 21 JAN Outdoor

AVIEMORE DOG SLED RALLY @ Loch Morlich, Aviemore. Every year, mushers from throughout the UK gather in the forests around Aviemore for the biggest event in the British husky calendar. siberianhuskyclub.com/aviemore Team/Football

INVERNESS CT V HEARTS ROSS COUNTY V MORTON ELGIN V BERWICK BRORA RANGERS V FRASERBURGH BUCKIE THISTLE V TURRIFF UNITED CLACHNACUDDIN V NAIRN COUNTY COVE RANGERS V INVERURIE LOCO DEVERONVALE V FORT WILLIAM FORMARTINE UNITED V LOSSIEMOUTH FORRES MECHANICS V STRATHSPEY THISTLE WICK ACADEMY V KEITH LOCHABER V BANFF RAF LOSSIE V ROSS SUTH MORAY V GARIOCH HIGHLAND V CAITHNESS Team/Rugby

SUN 22 JAN Outdoor

AVIEMORE DOG SLED RALLY @ Loch Morlich, Aviemore

SAT 28 JAN Team/Football

INVERNESS CT V ST MIRREN ROSS COUNTY V LIVINGSTON STRANRAER V ELGIN CITY FORT WILLIAM V WICK ACADEMY FRASERBURGH V DEVERONVALE INVERURIE LOCO V CLACHNACUDDIN KEITH V HUNTLY LOSSIEMOUTH V COVE RANGERS NAIRN COUNTY V BUCKIE THISTLE ROTHES V FORRES MECHANICS STRATHSPEY THSTLE V FORMARTINE UNTD TURRIFF UNITED V BRORA RANGERS GORDONIANS V HIGHLAND Team/Rugby

MON 30 JAN Team/Football

BANKS O’ DEE V DEVERONVALE BUCKIE THISTLE V COVE RANGERS INVERURIE LOCO V ABERDEEN UNI KEITH V FORMARTINE UNITED TURRIFF UNITED V PETERHEAD

SNOWSPORTS SCOTTISH SNOWSPORTS FESTIVAL

@ Princes Street, Edinburgh, Sat 17 Dec see Scotland’s elite freestyle snow athletes battle it out. facebook.com/ ScottishSnowsportsFestival

THE LECHT BAIRNS RACE @ The Lecht, Sun 22 Jan

WINTER RACE SERIES - LECHT OPEN @ The Lecht, 28/29 Jan snowsportscotland.org

ART FILM KIDS MUSIC SPECIALS

Win A Pair Of Custom G-Star Jeans – Made JUST FOR YOU !!

SPORT

The guys at Mania would like to thank you for all your support this year with an extra special Xmas present courtesy of the lovely fellas at G-Star RAW. So answer this question to be the lucky winner: Which YEAR was Mania established and the Elwood jean invented by Pierre Morisset? [ these are not available in the shops - so stop Googling and start oggling! ]

MANIA, 9 DRUMMOND STREET, INVERNESS, IV1 1QD TEL: 01463 226599 established 19??

G-STAR, ADIDAS ORIGINALS, SUPERDRY, LYLE & SCOTT, KSWISS, VOI, BAWBAGS Follow us on facebook

10% military discount

BACK

THEATRE

How to enter: text ‘GSTAR’ and your answer and name to 07786 206955, OR email your answer, subject ‘GSTAR’, to win@icanow.com, OR scan the QR code below and enter your answer and details

ART

COMEDY

ABLE OF SIX ETS FOR A Tenwolfe III K IC T IP V E WIN FRE nd Obadiah Stepp 011 !!! to Revere Nightclub, 21 Dec 2 @ HUSH

FILM KIDS MUSIC

NTER:

SPECIALS

TO E e to & your nam l ‘LAUGH’ ai em ow.com text or an ic @ in 55 OR w re >>>.

07786 2069 R code he scan the Q or simply

DRAMA

SPORT

ROBERT POWELL & Friends in a VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: Strathpeffer Pavilion, Sun 11 Dec

THEATRE

A suitably Victorian theme for a show taking place in a town so redolent of that age. Powell – who has something of a connection with Xmas having played Jesus onscreen – is joined by distinguished actress ROHAN MCCULLOUGH, (who recently appeared as Clementine Churchill in My Darling Clemmie) and musicians CLIVE CONWAY (flute) and CHRISTINE CROSHAW (piano) in a show “evoking the triumphs and tragedies, the humour and the pathos of Victorian life, through the genius of Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, Mrs Beeton, Elizabeth Barret Browning, Thomas Hardy, Edward Lear and others”. Handlebar moustaches optional and it promises to be a highly enjoyable evening.

01997 420124 strathpefferpavilion.org BACK

40

REVEREND OBADIAH STEPPENWOLFE III: HUSH, Wed 21 Dec In the space of just a couple of years, Inverness has gone from being almost entirely comedyfree to a regular stopping off point for stand-ups both new and established. In just the past year, performances by Stewart Lee, Josie Long and Jerry Sadowitz have been particularly special, but there are funny folk coming to town almost every week. And while Ironworks and Eden Court are promoting some of the biggest names, it’s good to see a rather more intimate outlet establishing itself in the form of the monthly HUSH comedy nights. The club on Academy Street is proving to be a popular attraction for people wishing to see their comedy up close and personal, while partaking of a little luxury in the form of bookable tables. And there’s a regular supply of top up-andcoming comedians courtesy of Bruce Fummey’s Just Laugh comedy stable.

Wed 21 Dec sees a typically strong line up including the fierce musings of REVEREND OBADIAH STEPPENWOLFE III (who numbers Robert Plant among his fans), the consistently funny JOJO SUTHERLAND and promising GUS LUMBURN. It’s bound to be popular so get your tickets now (or enter our competition to win a free table).

Hush are also putting on some original Comedy Party Nights on Wed 14 & Thu 15 Dec, with food and music in addition to the stand ups, a great way of doing something a little bit different for your Xmas party. For more info phone Darren on 0782 333 8991

ART

DANCE Scottish Ballet THE SLEEPING BEAUTY: Eden Court Empire, Wed 25 – Sat 28 Jan

If the idea of the blockbusting Cinderella fills you with dread, the “antipanto” DUMBSTRUCK might be just the ticket. Following on from the successes of 2009’s Nightmare Before Christmas and 2010’s Creation comes EC Arts Education’s very own retelling of Dumbstruck by David Kane. Set in a theatrical boarding house in the early 60s, Dumbstruck concerns the self-destructive & murderous would-be singing star, Johnny Ramone. When Johnny overdoses on uppers, supplied in error by a new resident (the magician and part-time mercy-killer Herman Katz) a manic black comedy ensues.

A fine antidote to all that “he’s behind you” business and a yarn that sounds just right for exploring some darkly comic crannies in the human psyche.

That’ll blow away any pre-Xmas sentimentality. eden-court.co.uk

THEATRE

DRAMA

BACK

DUMBSTRUCK: Eden Court OneTouch, Wed 14 – Fri 16 Dec

SPORT

SPECIALS

MUSIC

KIDS

FILM

It’s THE Sleeping Beauty, the definite article marking a retelling of the classic fairy tale courtesy of the creative team behind the wellregarded versions of Cinderella and The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s wondrous score, performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra, accompanies SB’s bound-to-beimpressive take on the story of slumbering Princess Aurora and the kiss that wakes her after a hundred years of shut eye.

We’re promised spectacular choreography, lavish sets and costumes, and even a few surprising twists in a show that’s been racking up superlatives everywhere it’s been. It’s also worth taking advantage of the preshow talks from Scottish Ballet’s Artistic and Music Staff as well as the Insight Sessions where you can discover the inspiration behind the choreography, music and designs.

For details ring 01463 234234 or go to eden-court.co.uk

41

TUE 06 DEC Drama/Kids

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 7pm.

WED 07 DEC

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm. SOLD OUT!

an epic adventure to find him. Along the way she meets and befriends a bewildering variety of people and animals before finally reaching the wintry northern tundra. Dealing with love, loss, endurance and triumph,

Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm.

SUN 11 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1pm, 5pm.

Drama

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 7pm.

THU 08 DEC

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm.

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

Musical/Opera

LOCHABER SHOWSTOPPERS XMAS SHOW @ Nevis Centre, Fort William. A Christmas Carol, the latest blockbuster from the local drama dance and musical group.

SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE CANDLELIT CONCERT @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.15pm, 8pm.

Concert by Candlelight with Jonathan Morton- violin. Kutavicius- Northern Gates of Jerusalem; Byrd- Fantasia a 6 no 2 in G; Pärt- Fratres; Purcell- Dance of the Furies; Tüür- Action. 01463 234 234

FRI 09 DEC Comedy/Farce

ALLADIN PANTOMINE @ Phipps Hall, Beauly, 7.30pm. Fundraiser for the Aird Branch Of The Highland Hospice. Tickets Available from Morrisions Ironmongers or Robertson’s Farm Shop, Beauly.

Drama/Kids

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm.

RED RIDING HOOD PANTO @ The Florians Theatre, Inverness, 7.30pm. adults £10, under 16s £5 thebooth.co.uk.

ROBERT POWELL AND FRIENDS IN A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS @ Strathpeffer Pavilion, 8pm. Joined by a well known actress, Clive Conway (flute) and Christine Croshaw (piano) in a show evoking the triumphs and tragedies, the humour and the pathos of Victorian life, through the genius of Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, Mrs Beeton, Elizabeth Barret Browning, Thomas Hardy, Edward Lear and others, accompanied by music. 01997 420124 Drama/Kids

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 3pm.

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1pm, 5pm.

RED RIDING HOOD PANTO @ The Florians Theatre, Inverness, 7.30pm. thebooth.co.uk.

TUE 13 DEC

THEATRE

ALLADIN PANTOMINE @ Phipps Hall, Beauly, 2.30pm, 7.30pm.

Fundraiser for the Aird Branch Of The Highland Hospice. Tickets Available from Morrisions Ironmongers or Robertson’s Farm Shop, Beauly.

Drama/Kids

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm.

RED RIDING HOOD PANTO @ The Florians Theatre, Inverness, 2.30pm, 7.30pm.

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1pm, 5pm.

42

JUST LAUGH COMEDY NIGHT @ Hush Nighlife. Hush’s packed-out comedy nights continue with a strong bill of The Reverend Obadiah Steppenwolfe, Jojo Sutherland and Gus Lumburn.

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

THU 22 DEC - SAT 31 DECCINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire.

For full times see bit.ly/ECpanto

WED 14 DEC

COMEDY CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS @ Hush Nighlife. Food, Comedians and Party - Tickets from £15 to £25.

Drama/Kids

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm.

THU 15 DEC Comedy

COMEDY CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS @ Hush Nighlife.

Drama/Kids

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm.

RED RIDING HOOD PANTO @ The Florians Theatre, Inverness, 7.30pm.

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

FRI 16 DEC

SNOW WHITE @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm.

RED RIDING HOOD PANTO @ The Florians Theatre, Inverness, 7.30pm. thebooth.co.uk.

Other

THE SNOW QUEEN @ Brodie Castle. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale, the Folding Theatre Puppet Company’s new show will be a treat for all ages.

Little Gerda loses her playmate Kai to the Snow Queen and sets out on

WED 21 DEC Comedy

Comedy

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

Comedy/Farce

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

SAT 10 DEC

MARK WATSON @ The Ironworks, 7pm.

In answer to suggestions from fans, Watson is bringing his self-mocking, invariably hilarious act to 50 specially requested towns, including the ‘Ness. markwatsonthecomedian.com. 0871 789 4173

TUE 20 DEC

RED RIDING HOOD PANTO @ The Florians Theatre, Inverness, 7.30pm.

RED RIDING HOOD PANTO @ The Florians Theatre, Inverness, 7.30pm.

Comedy

SUN 18 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1pm, 5pm.

Drama/Kids

MON 12 DEC

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

Other

RED RIDING HOOD PANTO @ The Florians Theatre, Inverness, 2.30pm, 7.30pm. thebooth.co.uk.

CINDERELLA @ Eden Court Empire, 1.30pm, 7pm.

SAT 17 DEC

SNOW WHITE @ The Little

THU 05 JAN Drama

A CHRISTMAS CAROL @ Ardross Hall, 8pm.

By Charles Dickens as told by Mike Maran with music performed by Norman Chalmers.

01349 880591.

WED 25 JAN Dance/Contempoary

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY @ Eden Court Empire, 2pm, 7.30pm. Stunning sets and costumes, breathtaking choreography, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score and the phenomenally talented, passionate dancers of Scotland’s national dance company come together to create a spellbinding re-telling of treasured fairytale, The Sleeping Beauty.

THU 26 JAN

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY @ Eden Court Empire, 2pm, 7.30pm.

FRI 27 JAN

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY @ Eden Court Empire, 7.30pm.

SAT 28 JAN

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY @ Eden Court Empire, 2pm, 7.30pm.

.com

Holli hOLLI

Art for Christmas (AA Batteries not required)

surfing... knitthecity.com

“Your friendly neighbourhood graffiti knitters”. Brilliant.

tvadmusic.co.uk

The best place to find out what music is used on a TV ad.

unbound.co.uk

Authors pitching their book ideas to you directly.

www.thriftyfun.com

Embrace the recession at this down-home US site.

tinyurl.com/3hoan6k

Cool French campaign to photograph album sleeves in appropriate locations.

locatetv.com

All-in-one TV guide letting you create your own schedules.

tunein.com

And here’s live radio from all around the world.

tinyurl.com/2wplz5x

German practical joke that you have to try over Xmas.

historymatters.gmu.edu

Excellent online US history archive.

unnecessaryquotes.com

The “Blog” of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks.

the back end

A Christmas Gift...

You will remember – actually, that’s probably a bit of an arrogant statement – you may remember (that’s better) a while back I shared a joke with you, one which I’d written all by myself. That’s right, the one about the chap being ‘bound over to keep the peas’ - you do remember, well done you... (whilst I hate the idea of anyone thinking I might be arrogant, you’ll notice I have no problem about being thought patronising!). The point was that the joke had come to me in a flash of inspiration (or perhaps minor food poisoning) at five in the morning. Well – it’s happened again. This time I woke up with the germ of an idea for a short story and since it’s Christmas soon, I’ve decided to make it my gift to you...

THE MOON LANDING... a short story by Ken Kelman: It was a quiet day on planet Earth and slightly more than seven billion people were going about their quiet-day business; returning books to the library - guiltily because although they’d taken out three to impress the librarian, they had only really read two of them, the third they couldn’t quite get into; some people were visiting hospitals - guiltily because they’d

artofmanliness.com

Things every man should know.

itsalmo.st

Nice URL for a site that lets you set countdowns to events of your choosing.

5by25.com

Learn to cook.

homesicktexan.blogspot.com And work your way up to these fab Texan dishes.

tinyurl.com/6nemms

Is your cat trying to kill you?

blameitonthevoices.com

44

Random oddness, from a bacon alarm clock to Star Wars explained in Japanese and chewing gum sculptures.

Want to see all these on your phone?

Simple - just scan this qr code and there they are!

ken kelman really rather be somewhere else; others still were visiting graves - feeling guilty that they hadn’t visited the hospital more. A surprising number of people were reading pretentious books in coffee shops whilst others still were doing something worthwhile with their lives.

As a society the populace was worrying about the banking crisis; something they know to be called ‘The Arab Spring’ but they’re not sure what that is; and whether Louis and Gary argue all the time in real-life or is it just an act - indeed a better act than the one’s they’re supposedly judging. Individually they were more concerned about how their new jacket looks to others and why so many people are sitting around reading pretentious books in coffee shops when they could be getting on with their lives. Everyone last one of them totally oblivious of the momentous event that had been slowly shaping up over their heads.

And so it was that in early December, on a cold misty Monday, the Moon Landed on Loch Inch near Farr in the Scottish Highlands.

- which now of course would not just cease to be erratic but stop completely. So much for wave power. Mostly though, this didn’t concern the people near Farr because they now had one Hell of a tourist destination right on their doorstep. Quickly ladders were placed against the Moon and a strange phenomenon was witnessed as eager locals climbed up to the Lunar surface; around nine tenths of the way up the ladder their feet would suddenly swing round in a graceful arc and they found themselves climbing down on to the Moon. After a bit of experimenting and the judicious placement of some old mattresses and bouncy castles - in case of accident - it was found that if you jumped from the moon in an Earthward direction from just the right spot, with just the right effort, you’d end up hovering between the two... if... you managed to hit the gravitational sweetspot - hence the need for the old mattresses and bouncy castles.

All in all tremendous fun was had until it was noticed that the fish were dying out due to the sea having become increasingly stagnant without the pull of the Moon’s gravity to keep it sloshing about.

Merry Christmas

KEN

Suddenly recent events began to make sense; the dark winter days being even darker than usual - as the enlarging moon blotted out the Sun; some of the brawest brichtest moonlicht nichts there had ever been, then complete nocturnal darkness - as the encroaching moon fell beneath the horizon; and the erratic tides

WIN COMEDY SEATS (see P40)

WIN G-STAR JEANS (see P39)

?

ICA KILLER XMAS QUIZ

? ? (see P06)

find out via smartphone here:

via smartphone here:

via smartphone here:

or here:

bit.ly/spouqU

45

property property

Contemporary metal outdoor furniture

ica property is sponsored by HSPC - the Property Professionals

Award winning blacksmith and designer Alex Moore has been creating original metalwork for over 12 years now and has supplied pieces for public buildings and private residences throughout the uk. Not to mention numerous pieces for meda-winning gardens for Chelsea gardens. Investment in New Technology HSPCShow Completes

Refurbished Highland Property Centre OpensContemporary Its Doors metal outdoor furniture

Together with his wife Kim he runs Moore Designs - a venture which specialises Award winning blacksmithoutdoor and designer AlexWorking Moore creating original HSPChas hasbeen completed the refurbishment of its in exciting contemporary furniture. exclusively in metal, they property centre in Queensgate, Inverness. metalwork for over 12 years now and has supplied pieces for public buildings provide functional works of art for your garden with the added benefit being The refurbished centre replaces and residences throughout- the pieces for the previous thatprivate they require no maintenance you uk. canNot justto sitmention back andnumerous enjoy them.

A piece system of wall cards with computer terminals. meda-winning gardens for Chelsea Nest seat – which truly brings art to that exemplifies Alex’s unique styleShow is Thegardens.

This enables visitors to browse and search all life in your garden.

TheKim swirls of metal which lovingly cocoon you inspecialises your own on the HSPC Together with his wife he runs Moore Designs a venture which of -the 1360 properties currently private escape from the world also frame littleWorking captions of your garden for you toon one of the in exciting contemporary outdoor furniture. exclusively in metal, they register and view their details enjoy. Best of all - it’s big enough foryour two, the perfect way wile away a summer provide functional works of art for garden with thetoadded benefit being many large computer screens.

afternoon. that they require no maintenance - you can just sit back and enjoy them. A piece Commenting on the new-look that exemplifies Alex’s unique style is The Nest seat – which truly brings art to centre, Sarah Woodcock, HSPC manager, life in your garden. The swirls of metal which lovingly cocoon you in your said: own private escape from the world also frame little captions of your garden for you to “The new centre will make it quicker and easier enjoy. Best of all - it’s big enough for two, the perfect way to wile away a summer for users of the centre to find properties that afternoon. interest them. Rather than walking round the centre looking at wall cards, visitors can take a seat and call up properties of interest.

46 64

HSPC | 30 Queensgate Inverness | www.hspc.co.uk | 01463 231173

ica property sponsored by HSPC 01463 231173 “We are confident that most of our visitors will love the new system, but we shall still have folders of all the properties if people prefer not to use the terminals.

Either way, our staff will be on hand at all times to help.”

Using the computer terminals, visitors can print out brochures and particulars, free of charge, to take home.

property property brings substantial of benefits. Print-on-demand brochures and particulars mean the centre needs less storage space. It helps the centre to meet its environmental targets in reducing waste and cutting its carbon footprint.

“We have been delighted with the comments from the early visitors to the centre,” Sarah Woodcock continues.

“Everyone has been very pleased with how easy the new system is to operate and complimentary about the bright and welcoming new look for the centre.”

Using the new computer system, visitors to the centre can call up properties based on a number of parameters, including location, type of property and price range.

For HSPC the new computer system

HSPC | 30 Queensgate Inverness | www.hspc.co.uk | 01463 231173

6547

cool interiors

ica property is sponsored by HSPC - the Property Professionals

ENDLESS LIGHTING SYSTEMS

by Jason Miller With December being the darkest month of the year, the precious daylight hours seeming ever shorter once the sparkle of Christmas has passed, my thoughts turned to lighting systems.

How we light our homes is as important a feature as how we decorate or furnish them. I loved this tubular system innovated by Brooklyn-based designer JASON MILLER for his lighting brand Roll & Hill, because not only is it beautiful but it is also extremely versatile. It is very appropriately called Endless and that is simply because the possibilities of it really are without end. The modular design allows you to slot the pieces together in a variety of shapes in 3 dimensions freeing you to create lighting features that are unique and fit with your own style.

The design is sleek and modern but also has a classic quality to it which would mean it will sit well in many different settings. Decorative and functional - what more you you want? http://bit.ly/jmtgzp www.millerstudio.us www.rollandhill.com

48

HSPC | 30 Queensgate Inverness | www.hspc.co.uk | 01463 231173

ART

Glenmoriston Arms Hotel Under New Management

FILM

Pre-Christmas Menu - £25 per person Christmas Dinner - £30 per person Hogmanay Dinner - £29.50 per person

KIDS

“Bar open to Non-Residents, bring your guitar, fiddle, box, pipes etc & join in the craic !”

New Year Package DBB

3 nights from £595 or 2 nights from £410 per room

Traditional Roast served every Sunday

Email: admin@glenmoristonarms.co.uk • www.glenmoristonarms.co.uk

et Buff e Plac

Daytime Carvery

Chinese Buffet

Curry Buffet

Mexican Buffet

Chip Shop Buffet

Pizza, Pasta & Salad Buffet Saturdays 12 noon ‘til 3pm

Grill Night Buffet

Sunday Carvery

Fridays from 5pm

Mondays from 5pm

Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5pm

Saturdays from 5pm

Wednesdays from 5pm

from 12 noon

* Children aged 12 years or under. ** Sunday Carvery is available all day Sunday subject to availability

3 Courses

Adults

£39.99 Kids

£14.99

Christmas Day Carvery A hearty menu of all your Christmas favourites.

kids under 5 eat free*

3 Courses

Adults

£19.99 Kids

£9.99

Boxing Day Don’t miss out on our Boxing Day menu and fun, family atmosphere.

kids under 5 eat free*

Festive from

£7.99

2 courses

Celebrations Celebrate with workmates, friends or family.

Adults

£29.99 Kids

£14.99

Hogmanay Celebrate New Years Eve with us. Includes Entertainment

THEATRE

Weekdays 12 noon ‘til 3pm

BACK

Great value buffets now available every day of the week * ** Adults from £5.99 Kids £4.50 Sundays from £9

SPORT

Invermoriston IV63 7YA • 01320 351 206 / 389

SPECIALS

MUSIC

12.30pm - 2pm & 5.30pm – 8pm • 2 Courses £12.95

Glass of Champagne

FILM

each with your Evening Meal

when you bring this advert

To celebrate

FREE!!

ART

Free !

KIDS

Best Restaurant in Inverness on Tripadvisor (the premier internet guide)

MUSIC

The Joy of Taste tel: 01463 241 459 25 Church Street

SPECIALS SPORT THEATRE

GREAT VALUE LUNCH MENU fRoM £6.55 Available Monday – friday, 11am – 5pm

BACK

8-10 Academy Street, INVERNESS IV1 1JT Tel: 01463 663 360 follow us on

EATING OUT Mezzo Bar & Eaterie 2 Mayne Rd, Elgin 01343 540883 Recently refurbished with a very contemporary and classy eye, the Mezzo Bar is the more casual eaterie at The Mansefield Hotel.

The ambience is light and airy and it could be accused of being a little uncosy on the rather murky day I went but when packed with people I can imagine it feeling rather more intimate.

Our friendly, helpful waiter was attentive throughout our meal even when it started to get busy - that efficency meant we were able to enjoy an un hurried 3 course lunch inside an hour. The menu is quite extensive with a choice of 10 mains. Selection for vegetarians not so great (one) but they were happy to oblige when we requested an additional veggie dish.

Starters were, for me a simple dish of Chips and Dips. The chips were the highlight of my day.

Chunky, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside - really, really perfect I must say and the 3 accompanying dips were a delight. Sometimes simple is best. My partner had the Carrot & Coriander Soup Of The Day the one weak point of the meal, having neither the body or the flavour to satisfy.

Mains were both penne pasta dishes. Mine, from the menu, was a fairly standard Penne Arrabiata but my partner’s was the ‘offpiste’ chef’s offering of Penne

With A White Wine And Onion Sauce. For an ‘on the spot dish’ I must say it was rather good.

Inventive, with roasted carrots, parsnips sliced and red cabbage through it - a worthy effort.

Quite a good selection of desserts made it hard to choose but I went for the Chocolate And Hazelnut Torte With A Ginger And Raisin Base. Not just your standard crushed Ginger Nuts base either but a proper ginger flavour. A really solid torte as well, almost defeated me it was so rich but it was delicious - would have loved some cream with it to help with the dry texture. My partners choice of an Iced Chocolate Parfait was a more creamy affair with rich velvet texture and whilst quite hard to dig into, was well worth the effort.

All in all a very satisfying experience, great for a quiet informal lunch or a busier bustling dinner.

Cost for 2 (exc drinks): £38.30 ICA RATING 1: Exterior/Location............................ 7 2: Interior/Atmosphere........................ 7 3: Staff–Appearance........................... 7 4: Staff–Helpfulness........................... 8 5: Speed Of Service........................... 8 6: Food–Presentation......................... 7 7: Food–Quality.................................. 7 8: Food–Value.................................... 7 9: Menu–Range/Balance/Clarity......... 8 10: Toilets–Appearance/Cleanliness... 9 TOTAL: 75%

51

“The Imaginarium of Cookery�

Chocolate Bomb

METHOD: Melt 80g of chocolate over a bain-marie.

Paint chocolate into the mould place in fridge to set.

Chop the remaining chocolate finely.

Bring the cream up to the boil turn off heat.

Add the chocolate, stir until the chocolate has melted then add the brandy.

Leave the mixture to cool a little.

INGREDIENTS:

100g raspberries 50g caster sugar 200g dark chocolate

Beat in the egg yolks.

Blitz the raspberries and caster sugar together, sieve and set aside.

Whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Stir one quarter of the whisked egg whites into the chocolate mixture.

120ml double cream

Carefully fold in the rest taking care not to knock all the air out.

2 tablespoons brandy

Spoon in to chocolate mould place in fridge for 5 mins.

2 eggs - separate

Then inject raspberry mixture into mould.

52

by John McCruden, Chapter One, Forres

BACK

THEATRE

SPORT

SPECIALS

MUSIC

KIDS

FILM

ART

ART

TheWaterfront Bar & Restaurant

CHRISTMAS & HOGMANAY BOOKINGS FILM

Now being taken Christmas Day Lunch 5 Course Meal Hogmanay Pre Christmas Bash Lunches

KIDS

5 Course Meal plus live music through the bells! call the bar for details

from 5th December

Festive Hoolie Nights

17 & 23 December (Places Still Available!) music from Schiehallion

Bring YOUR party to OUR party!

Call us on 01463 233870 for availability and prices ry Thursday Scottish Folk Night eve

MUSIC

ieson 8pm - with Kenny Jam n) (Lead Singer Schiehallio

70-71, Huntly St • Inverness • IV3 5JN

SPECIALS SPORT THEATRE BACK

SEPARATION WITHOUT CONFRONTATION – IS THERE SUCH A THING? January is the month when most couples who are experiencing relationship difficulties will make the decision to separate.

The breakdown of a relationship can cause considerable stress and upset. Very often it is not just the parties to the relationship who are affected but children, friends and extended family members as well.

Did you know that you have a choice of ways to deal with the consequences of your separation? n Negotiate around the kitchen table. n

Negotiate with the help of a Mediator who is

impartial and independent. A Family Law Mediator will help you discuss the arrangements for the children and the finances and can help guide you to a decision you can both live with.

Collaborative Law where each of you has a solicitor who is trained in Collaborative Law and most of the work is done in four way meetings with you, your partner and both solicitors there. An agreement is signed by all four parties about being open with each other and, crucially, agreeing not to go to Court. If the lawyers do not succeed in helping the clients resolve the issues, the lawyers are out of a job and cannot represent either client against the other again. The n

parties including the lawyers agree to work together respectfully, honestly and in good faith to try and find win-win solutions to the legitimate needs of both parties. You therefore have four minds working together to reach a settlement as opposed to people working against each other. There is therefore a real incentive for everybody to make the process work and it usually does. The discussions at the Collaboration meetings can still be robust however there is a real focus on achieving a positive outcome and that usually serves the parties and the children better.

The traditional approach where you each have a solicitor who will negotiate on your behalf and advise throughout until agreement is reached. n

Court action. Sometimes none of the above are appropriate and there is no option but to go to Court to ensure a fair outcome for the children or in relation to the finances. n

Whatever situation you find yourself in, good advice following a separation is essential.

This article was written by

FIONA CAMPBELL Accredited Family Law Specialist Macleod & MacCallum 28 Queensgate, INVERNESS IV1 1YN

Separating?

Turn to Mac and Mac for expert advice We can guide you through this difficult time and discuss your options. Our team includes trained collaborative lawyers, a mediator, an arbitrator and a solicitor also qualified in English law.

Please contact a member of our family team for more information 28 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1YN Tel: 01463 239393 Fax: 01463 222879 Email: family@macandmac.co.uk

www.macandmac.co.uk

55

17

Making The Most Of You:

health

‘RENEWABLE ENERGY’ FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON:

The Christmas season can be exhausting. All that shopping, partying, cooking, eating and drinking takes up a huge amount of energy. So, here are some simple tips to keep your body in tip top condition and boost your energy levels to keep you going through the festivities: 1:

Drink Lots Of Water

We need about 2.5 litres of water per day. Our food intake can replace one litre and

chemical reactions in the body replace almost half a litre so we need to look at drinking just over a litre of water per day to keep healthy and full of vim.

2:

Beans You can literally become full of beans to give our body the energy it needs. Kidney beans, baked beans,

chickpeas, and all manner of grains and nuts are slow release carbohydrates which gives the body more stable energy levels rather than the fluctuations that come with sugars.

3:

Caffeine Having a cup of coffee at lunchtime can help stave off that natural afternoon slump. However, too much

caffeine can have the opposite effect on the body and actually sap your energy. So no more than 2 or 3 per day.

4:

Iron Tiredness can sometimes indicate iron deficiency. A mild iron deficiency can be rectified by eating more iron-rich

foods such as red meat, liver, pulses and green vegetables*. *If you have a more severe iron depletion you should see your GP who can recommend the right iron supplement for you.

5:

Banana Smoothie A fruit smoothie made with a banana is a brilliant way to give yourself a quick pep up.

Bananas give you fibre, vitamins and minerals too. Just pop a banana into a blender with a cup of low fat milk, a spoonful of wheat germ, crushed ice and a spoonful of honey = instant energy.

5 THINGS TO GET YOURSELF READY TO PARTY...

Nothing deserves the full works more than getting ready for a Christmas Party. Having the perfect dress is all well and good – but you can’t have your hair or nails letting the side down. So here is the our totally unapproved top 5 things you need to do to ensure you dazzle from head to toe...

1:

Accessories

Do not underestimate the importance of the right necklace, earrings and bracelets. Again this

season is crying out for overstated pieces, no subtlety required this Christmas.

2:

Nails

Don’t forget the nails, especially now that you can transform them so quickly & completely with stick on nail art.

Whether you opt for the fun Christmas designs that are out there or just simply paint them to match your outfit, make sure they are well manicured, no chewed stubs to spoil the overall effect.

CONTINUED OVERLEAF >>>>>

57

>>> CONTINUED...

ART

3: Hair Big hair is the current trend and it looks super glam for the season but if you don’t have time to transform your tresses you can always achieve a stunning effect by dressing your hair up.

Hair accessories are widely available now and you can transform an ordinary ponytail with a sparkling clasp, add jewels to an ‘up-do’ or a sparkling hairband to a short style to achieve a party look.

FILM

4: Make-up There’s no saying you have to be plastered in the stuff to get that Christmas look but a little bit of glitter works wonders. The glitter

KIDS MUSIC SPECIALS SPORT

· · · ·

Facial Rejuvenation Treatments New! Advanced Cosmetic Procedure Clinic New! Face Payment Plan Anti Ageing Procedures /FrancesTurnerTraill

THEATRE BACK

58

Eden Dental Clinic • 12 Bishop’s Road • Inverness • IV3 5SD

www.francesturnertraill.co.uk • frances@enquirenow.org • 0845 4568 512

Making The Most Of You:

fashion

liquid eyeliners from Barry M Cosmetics come in a dizzying array of colours, they are inexpensive and pack a real punch. Fabulous for adding a small but effective dose of glam to last all night long

5: Shoes Yes girls, you knew it was coming. The shoes. All important of course, so much so that probably many of you will have bought the shoes first and matched the dress to it rather than the other way round but let me just remind you that it is Christmas and comfort doesn’t come into it! Don’t forget your toenails if they are on display and those life saving gel pads. I love the colour of this pair from Debenhams, just perfect for the season, but I think I may need to dig out my pedicure kit!

Inverness Barbers Has Moved to Strothers Lane from Post Office Avenue

www.invernessbarbers.com

59

Sleeping Beauty Salon ART FILM

looking for a christmas gift?

KIDS MUSIC SPECIALS SPORT THEATRE BACK

60

sleeping beauty gift cards are the perfect gift. available from £10 and valid for a year from date of purchase. packages also available. f ol lo w u s at ‘ Sl eep i ng be au t y s a lon ’ sl eep i ng be au t y s a lon 1 4 b m a rg a r e t s t r ee t, i n v er n e s s t el : 0 8 4 4 4 4 5 7 7 7 1 w w w. sl eep i ng be au t y s a lon . c om

the ica wall.

Get your wallpaper paste out and come & paste up a ‘poster’ on our flyposting wall.

A single space costs from just £49 AND THAT NOW GOES IN 67,000 MAGAZINES!!

PHONE 01463 715125 TODAY!!

In association with Highland Homeless Trust and Street Pastors

Christmas Day Community Celebration Christmas Day is a magical time of year for celebrating and spending time with families, opening presents and enjoying company. But while the majority of people are fortunate to be able to pull up a chair with loved ones, and enjoy all the trappings of the Special Day, please spare a thought for those less fortunate who through no fault of their own, and often because of complex or difficult situations, some tragic or simply bad luck, do not have the luxury that many of us take for granted.

This Christmas, MIAMI NIGHTCLUB, aided by many community volunteers, will be hosting a special CHRISTMAS DAY CELEBRATION bringing festive cheer to everyone who wishes to come along for warmth, hospitality, and complimentary food, hot drinks, beverages, and Xmas gifts!

There will be a very festive atmosphere, seasonal music, and companionship for all those who wish to join us.

IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD BENEFIT PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO GET IN TOUCH. Contact si.paul@pmvretail.co.uk paul.monaghan@homelesstrust.org.uk inverness@streetpastors.org.uk

Christmas Day Celebration @ Miami Nightclub 39 High Street, Inverness 2pm until 5pm this Christmas Day

12

“Hugely Entertaining” presents a magical tale …

presents a magical tale …

TheChoreography Guardian byChoreography Ashley by Page Ashley Page Music by Tchaikovsky Music by Tchaikovsky

“Hugely Entertaining” 25–28 January 2012 The Guardian

BoxChoreography Office 01463 234 234* byChoreography AshleybyPage Ashley Page * Music by Tchaikovsky Music by Tchaikovsky .uk* Book Online www.eden-court.co.uk Tickets fromJanuary £14 12 25–28 2012 Box Office 01463 234 234 For fullOnline detailswww.eden-court.co.uk visit www.scottishballet.co.uk ballet.co.uk .uk Book *

*

*

Tickets from £14 *Booking fee | Poster

by Holly Warburton | Registered in Scotland No. SC065497 | Scottish Charity No. SC008037 nd No. SC065497 |imageScottish Charity No. SC008037

ballet.co.uk For full details visit www.scottishballet.co.uk

nd No. SC065497 *Booking fee | Poster | image Scottish

by Holly Warburton Charit | Registered y No. in Scotland SC008037 No. SC065497 | Scottish Charity No. SC008037

a z z i P st t c e r i D

! mas OUR favourite thing to X Y s i d h t “gobble” on Fin

1

“There’s nothing Mrs Claus likes better on Christmas Day than a really, really good in front of the fire...”

“GOBBLE!” LAX RE

The PARTY PARTY It’s that time of year again – deck the halls PACK (So good we

Take TWO of our famous Margeritas (deep or thin, the choice is yours) loaded with up to FOUR of our delicous toppings and smothered in 100% PURE MOZZERELLA Served with: Garlic Bread • Garlic Cheese Bread • Real Chips or Potato Wedges • A large portion of our moreish Homemade Coleslaw • and a massive 12 PORTIONS of Raspberry or Blackcurrant Cheesecake to finish it off!!!

How much do we have to pay for all this indulgence I hear you ask??

Well, separately this would cost you well in excess of £50 !!

But as a special Xmas treat and a big thank you for keeping us as number 1 in the Highlands, we are giving it away for the screaming bargain price of

just £19.99 – Wow!!

Daily Deals To Make Your Mouth Water: > KEBAB MONDAY: Buy a large DONNER KEBAB and get a regular one FREE !! > REAL PIZZA TUESDAY: Say no to mass-produced frozen pizza. All our dough is made fresh daily on site.

ANY PIZZA ANY SIZE BUY ONE GET ONE FREE !!

The best deal in town – ANY TOWN !!!

> A FISH CALLED WEDNESDAY*: Buy a HADDOCK SUPPER, get a single Haddock FREE !! *not available in Dingwall

> THRIFTY THURSDAY: Buy any large or extra large PIZZA with 4 or more toppings and get another the same size for FREE !!

Culloden

Keppoch Rd Culloden

Unit2

delivery hotline:

Inverness

Unit2 Glenurquhart Rd

Inverness

delivery hotline:

Nairn

Dingwall

delivery hotline:

delivery hotline:

The Bus Station Nairn

61 High Street Dingwall

01463 798400 01463 717171 01667 456268 01349 864979 NEW!! Party Catering Service – SEE PAGE 05 FOR THE BEST PLATTERS IN TOWN... ANY TOWN!!

Minimum order value applies please ask for details. All major credit cards accepted.

named it twice!)

Express Home Deliver y £2.50 (within area only).

and let’s eat PIZZA…Tra la la la laaaa...