ICA Magazine - Issue 114 - February 2012

plus FULL EDEN COURT FILM and HIAL SUMMER CHARTERS

issue 114 FEB 2012

(see centre pages)

“See the dead speak and furniture dance...”

Spooky Victorian Illusionists ‘appear’ at Eden Court !

www.strathpefferpavilion.org

WOW! It’s Wedding Open Weekend at Strathpeffer Pavilion Thurs 23 February to Tues 28 February

You’ve heard about the Pavilion…

Now come and see for yourself!

“Guests from near and far raved about the Pavilion and we, as parents of the bride, couldn’t have chosen a better venue for a wonderful Highland Wedding.” (2011) Strathpeffer Pavilion will be set for a wedding so that you can see how beautiful and flexible the space is for your special day.

On Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 4pm it’s open house, please phone 01997 420124 for an appointment on the other days.

Other events coming up soon!

4 Feb 7.30pm - Dingwall Choral - Carmina Burana & other favourites - £8 25 March 11am – 4pm Spring Wedding Fair – Free entry 29 Mar 8pm – Opera Bohemia – Lucia di Lammermoor - £12/£10/£5 31 Mar 8pm – An Evening of Burlesque £19.50/£18.50 (Over 18s only) 20 April 8pm – Blazin’ Fiddles £15/£14/£6 26 May 8pm – Showaddywaddy £17.50/£16.50/£6

Tickets from Pavilion Office 01997 420124 or

24HR HOTLINE: 08444 771000

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

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All in all a corking month’s worth of fun – proof that 2012’s already shaping up to be pretty special. Enjoy the issue, back at the end of Feb.

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PLUS EDEN COURT FILM GUIDE: February guide.............................p29–36 Inverness Airport Summer Charters pull-out...............................................p31–34

FILM KIDS from 16

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Win a VIP table for six at a HUSH Comedy Night........................................p41 NEW THIS MONTH ROAD - Concept cars........................p05 SPILL - star interview..........................p15

THEATRE

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RANTING - letting loose..................p42 NEW page designs....................all over!! (let us know what you think!)

19 church st inverness 01463 715125 mail@icanow.com NEXT ISSUE OUT 27 FEB !! deadline for submission: FRI 10 FEB

BACK

CONTENTS ROAD *new!>>>* ........................... P05 ART . ............................................................. P07 FILM ............................................................ P10 KIDS ............................................................ P13 SPILL (interview)............................... P16 MUSIC......................................................... P16 SPECIALS ................................................ P22 SPORT ........................................................ P27 THEATRE ................................................. P38 SURFING .................................................. P42 RANTING ................................................. P43 QR CODES ............................................... P43 PROPERTY.............................................. P44 EATING OUT ......................................... P48 MAKING THE MOST OF YOU..... P52 CLASSIFIEDS.......................................... P62 ICA BUSINESS....................................... P55

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MUSIC

And if those intentions include taking advantage of the wealth of entertainment round here, there’s more than ever this month to see and do. As you can see from our cover it’s not just the winter chill providing the shivers as there’s some zeitgeisty Dickensian spookiness from THE INFAMOUS BROTHERS DAVENPORT at Eden Court, part of a literally spectacular month that also sees visits from a couple of CIRCUSES (HORRORS & CHINESE STATE), smart new dance (BALLETBOYZ) and unmissable drama (BARFLIES, RAGGED TROUSERED PHILANTHROPISTS). There’s music as diverse as ANNIE MAC, FEEDER, ATTACK! ATTACK!, SOUTHERN TENANT FOLK UNION and SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE plus more fine art at IG:LU and a stars-of-the-future show at MORAY ART COLLEGE. As if all that isn’t enough there’s also some great comedy from ANDREW O’NEILL and JOSIE LONG. Read our interview with the mighty Ms Long inside (P15), where she talks to us from halfway up The Alps.

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SPECIALS

Aah, hello! – If we’d known you were coming, we’d have baked a cake...

Since it’s the first chance we’ve had to say it to you, Happy New Year!

Hopefully you’ll have recovered from the festivities by now, with just the brief temptation of Burns Night to steer you off the straight and narrow before you emerge bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with a host of good intentions for the year ahead.

SPORT

We’ve An Effin’ Fab Feb Fae Ye...

ART

Feb 2012

road

GOING URBAN. Unveiled at September’s Frankfurt motor show was this uber-chic, super-efficient future vision of city mobility, the Audi Urban Concept - envisioned in 2 flavours the Sportback and the open-top Spyder.

Stylish and small, it has staggered 1+1 seating, wheels outside the body, runs on a pair of electric motors powered by lithium-ion batteries - and with the help of some carbonfibre reinforced plastic it weighs in with a sub-500kg kerbweight. Which will help the range of those batteries.

Would you drive one? Let us know:

Corrie Motors 3 Years 0% Representative on Aygo 3 Dr Deposit £239 36 x £139.26 Further Details go to corrie.toyota.co.uk 30 Years Caring for your Toyota

vote online bit.ly/ICA114R or scan the QR on the pic

Quality used & performance cars Tel: 01463 792211

www.cullodencarsales.co.uk

S EAFIELD MOTORS

Dicksons of Inverness The Friendly Power In Motoring

Your Local Mitsubushi Dealer:

for all the latest deals

www.seafieldmotors.co.uk

www.dicksonsofinverness.co.uk

Find you next quality used car at: Seafield Motors, 45 Harbour Road, Inverness IV1 1UF

Tel: 01463 225800 Please say you saw us in ica!

call: 01463 322904

ART

olutions

New Year’s Day Res

hing new * Learn somet * De-stress e * Get out mor

FILM KIDS

! ass this 2012 Join an art cl hy, g, photograp n ti in a p , g in Draw y sculpture, a cl , g in k a m print water colour illustration,

*

at Moray Art

Center

MORAY art CENTRE MUSIC

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

www.morayartcentre.org SPECIALS SPORT THEATRE BACK

OBJECTS

PERFORMANCE

PICTURES

MULTIMEDIA

It’s been quite a year for IG:LU. Since opening in Dec 2010 the venue at 19 Church Street has been a lively & engaging place to see bands, film and art, meaning that while you never know quite what to expect, you can pretty much guarantee it’ll be interesting.

Recent highlight, the 2011 Xmas Exhibition, featured some marvellous work from a whole range of local artists working in a variety of styles and media. And where else could you see a pink AK47, a copper still and an “anti-coercion device” in the same gallery? Check out the website www.theig.lu for glimpses of what you missed.

SPORT

By appointment only.

SPECIALS

MUSIC

KIDS

FILM

INSTALLATIONS

ART

ART

“The Insertion’s debut show uses our cultural experience as a scaffold to produce interventionist installations, which subtly alters our perception and compels us to a re-evaluation of the mundane.

Their use of the Iglu space hints at something taken away, used or missing, forcing us as the viewer to fill these gaps for ourselves”.

THEATRE

This month sees a typically original exhibition at the venue in the form of the launch of the INSERTION COLLECTIVE (aka Georgina Porteous, Mark Creaney and Sid Innes) running from 04–18 FEB. Describing something of what you’ll find they explain,

You can insert yourself – but by appointment only, with your experience taking 20 minutes and limited to five people per visit. You will be taken to the piece by one of the artists, For an appointment call/text Insertion Collective: 07585 547901 or at www.theIG.LU n The Artists will give post exhibition talk at 7pm on the final day of exhibiting, discussing the piece of work and the nature of the Insertion Collective.The session will be followed by a Q&A .

Insertion Collective Members; Mark Creaney: Interventionist Installation Artist Georgina Porteous: Site Specific Installation Artist SiD InneS: Sound Designer

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“…giving the viewer a unique perspective of the work”.

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BEAULY GALLERY ART

Beauly Gallery re-opens Tue 7 Feb, with an exhibition featuring work from local artists, including HANA WALLS, JENNY HEPBURN and EILEEN ADDLY. Highland Wildlife sculptural works and jewellery from PAUL & JILL SZEILER. beaulygallery.co.uk

THE BREWERY, Cromarty

HUNG

AMY WINSTANLEY, Feb 3 - 28 “I aim to amalgamate memory and feeling of what I’ve encountered onto canvas. I paint in an intuitive way letting the work evolve. Whilst it is important for me to keep freedom and movement in my paintings, I like to gain a sense of ‘balance’ in them.” amywinstanley.com

FIGURE DRAWING FROM LIFE” – a two day course with Rosie Newman, Sat 4 & Sun 5 Feb Learn to draw the human form in a fun and relaxed class. Working with a live model, you will gain some figure drawing experience, with the emphasis on the creative use of materials to portray and interpret the figure within the composition. Ideal for those wishing to develop an art portfolio but all levels welcome, from experienced to novice. Call Estelle on 0701 741 7754 to register, free.

CASTLE GALLERY

JONATHAN SHEARER, New Paintings from the Northern Highlands, 3–24 March For his fourth show at the Castle Gallery in Inverness he has produced a number of new paintings more local to area including views of Inverness city, the Cromarty Firth from the Black Isle, Rogie Falls, Glen Affric and beech woods at Cnoc Fyrish.

IG:LU

INSERTION COLLECTIVE 4–18 Feb, see our art feature page theIG.LU

IMAG

Also included in the exhibition will be his much sought after paintings of mountainous scenery which have a great appeal to hill walkers because of their verisimilitude, atmosphere and dramatic use of light and colour. A video showing Jonathan working ‘en plein air’ will accompany the show. The preview to be held on Friday 2nd March 6–8pm is open to all and will be attended by the artist and the musician, Gil Anderson who will be providing some appropriately atmospheric guitar music. castlegallery.co.uk

ELGIN LIBRARY

“PAINTINGS” BY ANNETTE PURDIE, 4 - 17 Feb, Works inspired by the natural world.

INCHMORE GALLERY

Re-opens with new show on 17 March. inchmoregallery.co.uk

IONA GALLERY, KINGUSSIE

FOOD ART EXHIBITION, Thu 2 Feb, with food and drinks from local producers. Part of the Kingussie Food On Film 2012 festival. theionagallery.co.uk

KILMORACK GALLERY

WINTER EXHIBITION, Open by appointment until 26 Jan, then on Fridays & Saturdays until the middle of February.

Check the website for updates: kilmorackgallery.co.uk

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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. But that’s not the whole story.

ART PICK:

3RD YEAR BA HONS FINE ART EXHIBITION @ Moray School of Art, Mon 27 Feb–Thu 08 Mar 10am–5pm (until 9pm on Tue/Thu) Another highlight of 2011 at IG:LU was the exhibition by MORAY SCHOOL OF ART. This year however, they’re holding an exhibition at the college itself featuring work by the 25 3rd year students of the School’s BA Hons Fine Art Degree programme, showcasing a diverse range of creations including painting, photography, sculpture and installation – from MON 27 FEB to THUR 8 MAR (10am - 5pm. Late night opening until 9pm Tues / Thurs)

The exhibition will be held in Moray College’s excellent Gallery, which is housed in the elegant Grade B Listed building on Moray Street in Elgin.

[ Stephanie McDaid ]

Award-winning Highland film-maker Will Anderson takes up the challenge of reclaiming the lost legacy of the Longbird, blurring the boundaries between fact and fiction and making us believe the unbelievable. In his exploration of the character of the captivating Longbird we realise that he is not all he seems. inverness.highland.museum

MORAY ART CENTRE

‘60x60@60’, to Sat 4 Feb 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

Exhibiting Artists: • JOYCE THAIN • VICTORIA CAINE • PHILIP MACEACHAN • KATHLEEN CAMPBELL • ALAN ADDERLEY • CHRISTABEL BELL • ZOE GWYNNE • LOUISE WALSH-EVANS • STEPHANIE MCDAID • HELEN BRUCE • MICHAEL KELLY • BUNNY LITTLE • TARA PATERSON • SEAN ADAMS • ABBEY-ROSE KELLY • JAMIE DAVIDSON • LYNDSAY HYSLOP • BRIDGET RAMSEY • STUART REID • GARETH GITTINGS • SUE MACINTOSH • BETHANY WILSON • EILIDH STEWART

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THEATRE

SPORT

SPECIALS

MUSIC

KIDS

FILM

ART

FILM COMEDY

DOCUMENTARY

DRAMA

FAMILY

ROMANCE

2012: Looks like being a bumper year for cinema We’re writing this just before the Oscar nominations, so it’s a little premature to be picking winners, but a new voting system giving less weight to 2nd/3rd choices should mean that there’s more potential for non-blockbuster films to get a chance. And, in the case of beautifully written/acted/shot THE ARTIST [1] (see it from XX FEB), a chance that a silent movie could take the Best Pic gong for the first time in over 80 years! That’ll be a fine show of faith in the art of great filmmaking and an increasingly important sign that the future of movies doesn’t depend on every single thing being made in 3D. That said, there are heaps of films coming up later this year that will continue to use the format, most notably James Cameron’s TITANIC 3D complete with entirely re-shot scenes, capitalising on the centenary of the tragedy. Less suited to the format, THE GREAT GATSBY, starring LEONARDO DI CAPRIO will also be shot in 3D, though whether seeing the beautiful people in white clothes striding across their lawns towards the camera really requires such tricksy technology remains to be seen.

If you’re after something to fill a Harry-Potter-cum-Twilight shaped hole in your lives, you’ll be keen to see THE HUNGER GAMES [2] (March) with JENNIFER LAWRENCE starring in the first film adapted from Suzanne Collins’ massively popular trilogy of books about teenagers battling to death on live TV, while fans of the ALIEN franchise are suggesting that PROMETHEUS (June), directed by RIDLEY SCOTT, might be a prequel to the original chestbursting frightener. And, perhaps most eagerly awaited of all, Peter Jackson’s latest Middle Earth adaptation, THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY (December). There’ll also be a couple more superhero outings in the shape of Andrew “Social Network” Garfield taking the lead in THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (July) and CHRISTIAN BALE returns as Batman in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, with many of the scenes filmed up here. More intriguingly, a quartet of big-screen superheroes – ROBERT DOWNEY JR (Iron Man), CHRIS HEMSWORTH (Thor), MARK RUFFALO (The Hulk) and SCARLETT JOHANSSON (Black Widow) – get together for another Marvel comics reboot, THE AVENGERS (Apr 27) which is nothing to do with the Brit TV series about Steed et al.

What else? RAY WINSTONE in a remake of THE SWEENEY; DANIEL RADCLIFFE’s first post-Potter screen appearance in THE WOMAN IN BLACK; QUENTIN TARANTINO’s starstudded western DJANGO UNCHAINED; KEIRA KNIGHTLEY and JUDE LAW in an adaptation of ANNA KARENINA; whizz bang high jinks courtesy of THE BOURNE LEGACY and new Bond flick SKYFALL...

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It looks like the cinemas won’t be going out of business just yet.

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FROM WED 01 FEB

THE DESCENDANTS @ Eden Court

FROM FRI 03 FEB

SHAME @ Eden Court THE IRON LADY @ Eden Court THE DEVIL INSIDE @ Vue Cinema JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND @ Vue Cinema MAN ON A LEDGE @ Vue Cinema JACK & JILL @ Vue Cinema

FROM FRI 17 FEB

THE ARTIST @ Eden Court See Main Feat EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBILY CLOSE @ Eden Court THIS MEANS WAR @ Vue Cinema GHOST RIDER 3D: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE @ Vue Cinema

FROM FRI 24 FEB

SAFE HOUSE @ Vue Cinema BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL @ Vue Cinema SURVIVING LIFE @ Eden Court

SAT 25 FEB

GHOSTBUSTERS @ Eden Court

FROM SAT 18 FEB

FROM SAT 25 FEB

FROM SAT 04 FEB

FROM SUN 19 FEB

TUE 28 FEB

TUE 07 FEB

TUE 21 FEB

WED 29 FEB

TWILIGHT: Breaking Dawn pt1 @ Eden Court

GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK @ Eden Court, 7.30pm

FROM FRI 10 FEB

CORIOLANUS @ Eden Court J. EDGAR @ Eden Court WE HAVE A POPE @ Eden Court THE VOW @ Vue Cinema THE MUPPETS @ Vue Cinema STAR WARS: EP1 @ Vue Cinema THE WOMAN IN BLACK @ Vue Cinema

FROM SAT 11 FEB

PUSS IN BOOTS @ Eden Court

SAT 11 FEB

THE EVIL DEAD @ Eden Court, 9.30pm

HAPPY FEET 2 @ Eden Court

DREAMS OF A LIFE @ Eden Court

OUTFOXED: RUPERT MURDOCH’S WAR ON JOURNALISM @ Eden Court, 7.30pm COMING NEXT MONTH...

If you have kids of a certain age - or are given to bouts of adolescent reading, you may well be aware of the phenomenon that is THE HUNGER GAMES. Not, as you might like to imagine a Python-esque poor taste skit with Sir Bob ParkBench fighting the barely-control-my-bitterness-atnot-being-given-enough-credit Midge ‘Mature’ Ure to the death, rather an earnest allegory (probably) set in a near future-world where society is entertained by children doing it instead. With free bow and arrow action. Nice.

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS @ Eden Court

BLOOD IN THE MOBILE @ Eden Court

LABYRINTH @ Eden Court NB: see EDEN COURT FILM GUIDE from P27

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ART FILM

Sat 28 Jan • 8pm-10.30pm

KIDS

t P7-S4 Club Nightre

Raigmore Community Cen Fri 24 Feb • 8pm-11pm

ght P7-S4 Club Ni tre Spectrum Cen

MUSIC

Hosted By DJ KELL Highland Entertainments Under 18 only

SPECIALS SPORT THEATRE BACK

KIDS ART

FILM

MUSIC

SPORT

SPECIALS

THEATRE

Don’t be down, kids – it’s nearly half-term!

Christmas is already beginning to feel like a distant memory and the concept of temperatures rising above freezing – let alone the reality of summer sometime several months away – seems all but inconceivable. There is one crumb of comfort though in the fact that Fri 10 Feb sees the beginning of school half-term (YAY!) and the ten day break fortunately coinciding with a couple of excellent events at Eden Court in the form of ROBIN & THE BIG FREEZE and HONEY HONEY: THE BENNY BEAR ABBA SHOW: Posing the geographically rhetorical question “is everybody ready for the big freeze?”, ROBIN & THE BIG FREEZE [1] (Eden Court OneTouch, Sun 12 Feb) is pretty much dramatising what’s going on in your own back garden right now as, with suitcases and sat navs at the ready, the birds prepare to leave for rather sunnier climes. Anyone who’s got a Robin living near them will know though that the little Redbreasted fella usually seems to have far too much to do to think about leaving. So what’s going to happen when the snow comes? Well you’ll have to get along to this Unpacked Theatre show for those aged 4 and upwards to find out.

HONEY HONEY: THE BENNY BEAR ABBA SHOW [2] at Eden Court Empire on Thu 16 Feb Part panto, part gig, part film it’s a performance packed with all the Swedish quartet’s finest pop moments and, of course, the thing that was always missing from even their greatest successes, a great big hairy bear.

Or why not start your half-term fun early? On the evening of Thu 07 Feb at Eden Court OneTouch, you can catch the SCHOOLS ROCK CHALLENGE [3] - a fun get together of musical kids from both primary and secondary schools across the area, with a slightly dubious slant about “being your best without the need for alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances”. Vaguely dispiriting that such a message even has to be raised to schoolchildren but this enterprise part of a global challenge - reportedly works, so here’s wishing it continued success.

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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

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FEEDER >>> What’s GRANT NICHOLAS Been Listening To?:

1. The Police - Message in a Bottle I have been a fan of The Police for many years now and they were a big influence on Feeder. This song is a classic and has a great guitar riff .

2. Grandaddy - Under the Western Freeway I really like this band and it’s a shame that they have now split up. They have a great way with quirky melodies.

3. Everclear - Heroin Girl We spend a lot of time touring with this band and I always liked listening to this song live. It’s taken from their album Sparkle and Fade.

4.The Eels - Novocaine for the Soul I discovered this band when we were finishing our first album Polythene and have bought every album since. This is one of their more commercial moments.

5. Tom Petty - Last Dance with Mary Jane I am a massive Tom Petty fan and have been listening to Full Moon Fever a lot recently.

I also love this classic by him. I am really looking forward to playing with him this year at the Isle of Wight Festival.

6. PJ Harvey - This is Love I have always wanted to cover this song and may get around to it someday. She is an amazing artist and great live. This was taken from her album Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea.

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MUSIC CLASSICAL CLUBBING

FOLK

JAZZ/world

ROCK

Ironworks is off to a flyer for 2012!

Of all the DJs supposedly flying the flag for youthful entertainment on Radio 1, only one of them really seems to capture the energy and genuine enthusiasm for new music that the station was always supposed to be about, and that’s ANNIE MAC [1].

Her Friday night mash-ups were always a highlight and she retains an admirably openminded approach to what she plays, both on the radio and at live shows, as anyone who witnessed her set at Rock Ness last year will testify. We’re looking forward to her return to Inverness (IRONWORKS, SAT 18 FEB) where rocking the house is virtually guaranteed. As is the case for the visit of DAVE CLARKE [2] (IRONWORKS, SAT 03 MAR), the man dubbed The Baron Of Techno by no less a judge of excellence than John Peel. Amazingly, his groundbreaking “Red” EPs from the mid 90s still sound brilliant and, like Annie Mac, he’s always prepared to bring on board sounds from a whole heap of new directions, so expect the unexpected. And, in a refreshingly varied month for dance, there’s even the hippety-hoppety vim of the entertaining RIZZLE KICKS [3] (IRONWORKS, WED 22 FEB) to satisfy those who like their bouncing about to come from the poppier end of the spectrum.

Should all that dance lark not be your bag, you’re still well served by some good old noisy rock, both old and new. FEEDER [4] (IRONWORKS, FRI 03 FEB) have been going for 15 years now, but still seem to be excited about making a right royal din. You can see what they’re currently listening to on the opposite page. <<<< And there’s more, courtesy of a couple of high-octane guitar bands fully intent on blasting away any winter cobwebs. BAND OF SKULLS [5] (IRONWORKS, THU 23 FEB) describe themselves as “the Swiss army knife of bands”, claiming with some justification that they have quiet songs to recommend them, but ultimately it’s their heavier tunes that we’re relying on to get us leaping about. And, on the strength of their new “Sweet Sour” album, we’re not going to be disappointed.

Equally ebullient are ATTACK! ATTACK! [6] (IRONWORKS, THU 23 FEB), the Cardiff quartet who’ve attracted much critical acclaim for their anthemic guitar songs, demonstrating that you can still write great songs while making ribs rattle.

They’re supported by the mightily named ITCHYPOOPZ KID as well as Inverness’ ace rock upstarts, HE SLEPT ON 57.

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OVERLEAF

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MICHAEL MCGOLDRICK

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SOUTHERN TENANT FOLK UNION & MORE!

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CLASSICAL TUE 24 JAN Classical

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.

Adults £5, Conc £4, Kids £1 payable at the door on the day from 12.30pm. James Munro on 01463 710363 or jamesmunro24@aol.com.

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 www.thebooth.co.uk.

SAT 28 JAN

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

SAT 04 FEB

CLASSICAL PICKS:

BBC SCOTTISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA @ Eden Court Empire, Fri 24 Feb Stefan Solyom, the BBC SSO’s Associate Guest Conductor from 2006-2009, returns to Inverness to conduct the lilting and tuneful melodies of Dvorák’s Eighth Symphony. Young Russian-born violinist Alexandra Soumm [pic] performs Bruch’s most enduring contribution to the concerto repertoire, Violin Concerto No. 1 and the concert opens with Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular Shakespearean fantasy, Romeo and Juliet, here played in the composer’s revised version.

CLUBBING SAT 28 JAN Clubbing

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

SAT 18 FEB

ANNIE MAC @ The Ironworks. Radio 1’s Queen Of Dance. Hope she’s as brill as at Rock Ness. 0871 789 4173

FRI 24 FEB

YOUTH CLUB NIGHT @ Spectrum Centre.

Hosted By DJ KELL – Highland Entertainments Under 18 only. 01463 221842

DINGWALL CHORAL SOCIETY WINTER CONCERT @ Strathpeffer Pavilion, 7.30pm. This talented local choir presents a programme including Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.Tickets £8 from Off The Peg and June’s in Dingwall, the Pavilion and choir members. 01997 420124

SAT 03 MAR

WED 08 FEB

CARNAGE @ MIAMI Cheese Tunes all throughout Dec.

DAVE CLARKE @ The Ironworks. Iconic Techno DJ. Don’t miss it. 0871 789 4173

CLUBBING REGULARS TUESDAYS

HOOT @ Invergordon Arts Centre, 7.30pm. EMMA WILKINS - Flute HELEN MACLEOD - Harp. 01349 854414

DRINKS FROM £1.18

WEDNESDAYS

TOWIE @ MIAMI The only Wednesday is ‘ere

WED 15 FEB

ROBERT MICHAEL & DANIEL TONG @ Inverness Town House. Cellist ROBERT MICHAEL and pianist DANIEL TONG play all 5 Beethoven cello sonatas. Nos.1, 3 and 4 will be played for the ICM audience: the others will be played at lunchtime on Thu. invernesschambermusic.com.

THU 16 FEB

ROBERT MICHAEL & DANIEL TONG @ Inverness Town House. see above

SAT 18 FEB

PIANO FOR LATE STARTERS (BEGINNERS) @ Newbold House, Forres, 2pm. 01309 692253.

SUN 19 FEB

PIANO FOR LATE STARTERS (RE-STARTERS) @ Newbold House, Forres, 2pm, 2pm. 01309 692253.

FRI 24 FEB

ANEMOS @ Nairn Community Centre.

Music from the wind quintet. Zemlinsky, Poulenc, Francaix, MacMillan, Bennett, Elgar, Debussy. 01667 453476

SAT 03 MAR

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JOANNA MACGREGOR @ Nairn Community Centre.

Pianist playing gospel.

01667 453476

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

BROKE @ LOVE2LOVE 2 DJ’s playing back to back

Free entry before 11.30pm £1 after. Drinks from £1 all night student and forces cards

THURSDAYS SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE WITH VIOLIST LAWRENCE POWER @ Eden Court OneTouch, Fri 17 Feb A new work from British composer Luke Bedford, written for Lawrence Power and Jonathan Morton, reaches out to Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, providing an interesting “dialogue” between old and new.

Also Haydn’s Symphony No 44 in E Minor and Alwyn’s Pastoral Fantasia.

Although based in Glasgow, Scottish Ensemble spend much of their time touring Scotland and remain one of the most enduringly imaginative purveyors of classical music to the Highlands. Bound to be very popular so book early.

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 10pm

FRIDAYS

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

RETRO NIGHT @ HUSH 9pm BACK TO THE FRIDAYS @ LOVE2LOVE Bringing you the best music from today, tomorrow and the past Free entry with a flyer before 11.30pm, £1 off after Drinks from £1.20 all night

SATURDAYS

MIAMI’S SOUND MACHINE @ MIAMI

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

THE BIG SQUEEZE @ LOVE2LOVE The working week is over so celebrate with style Doors open 10pm - 3am Entry free with flyer before 11, £2 off after

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

SUNDAYS

NESS FAXTOR @ MIAMI

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

SAT 28 JAN Folk

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

WED 01 FEB

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions, 9.30pm.

THU 02 FEB

DAVE FLEMING TRIO @ Hootananny.

A bit of jazz for you. Nice. 01463 233651

SAT 04 FEB

RACHEL SERMANNI @ The Ironworks, 7.30pm. The 19-year old from Carrbridge has upped sticks to Glasgow and it certainly seems to have inspired her creative output, with a host of new songs in the pipeline and plenty of self-belief in 2012 being the year she breaks through. First up is her debut EP “Black Currents”, complete with strings, big choruses and a swooping charm. She’s spent Xmas playing in India apparently so it’ll be interesting to see how the experience has affected her. 0871 789 4173

FOLK PICKS:

MICHAEL MCGOLDRICK & FRIENDS @ Eden Court One Touch, Thu 16 Feb, 8pm A rare chance to see three of the world’s finest musicians share a stage together. Master of flutes, whistles and Uillean pipes Mike is a founding member of Flook and Lunasa and is a current member of Capercaillie. JOHN MCCUSKER’s unique fiddle playing has earned him a worldwide reputation ever since his days in the legendary Battlefield Band.

JOHN DOYLE’s gifts as guitarist, songwriter and vocalist have played an essential role in the ongoing renaissance of Irish traditional music.He is also a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Irish group Solas.

You really don’t want to miss this one. 01463 234234

WED 15 FEB

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions, 9.30pm.

THU 16 FEB

CATRIONA MCKAY AND CHRIS STOUT @ Ogstoun Theatre, Gordonstoun School, 7.30pm. CATRIONA MCKAY (Gaelic Harp) and CHRIS STOUT (Shetland Fiddle): (a dynamic and adventurous exploration of traditional Scottish music.) £12/£6, visit www.thegcs.org.uk for more details. Tickets available from www.thebooth.co.uk.

ARCHES @ Hootananny. Dreamy sounds from Glasgow. 01463 233651

SAT 18 & SUN 19 FEB

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions, 5pm.

TUE 21 FEB

TRAD. DANCE CLASS @ Madhatters.

WED 22 FEB

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions, 9.30pm.

THU 23 FEB

ANDY CHUNG @ The Gellions, 9.30pm. Edinburghbased songwriter who’s much loved on the folk and world music scene.

MUSIC

FOLK

FRI 24 FEB

DAVY HOLT @ The Gellions.

Traditional Folk.

SAT 25 FEB

GARY INNES @ Hootananny.

01463 233651 INVERNESS FIDDLERS’ RALLY @ Eden Court, 7.30pm. Annual Rally with more than a hundred musicians on stage.

Guests; Accordionist SANDY BRECHIN and Gaelic Singer EILIDH MACKENZIE. Tickets from Eden Court Box Office. 01463 234234

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions, 5pm.

SUN 05 FEB

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions, 5pm.

TUE 07 FEB

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions, 5pm.

WED 08 FEB

MAIREARAD & ANNA @ Glen Urquhart Public Hall, 4pm. Teatime Concert.

Folk

TRAD. DANCE CLASS @ Madhatters.

SUN 26 FEB

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions, 9.30pm.

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions, 5pm.

THU 09 FEB Folk/Rock

DAVY COWAN @ Hootananny 01463 233651

SAT 11 FEB Folk

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions, 5pm.

THE WEYMESSHILL CEILIDH BAND @ Hootananny. 01463 233651

SUN 12 FEB

AMY HENDERSON @ Hootananny.

Accomplished traditional accordionist. 01463 233651 SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions, 5pm.

TUE 14 FEB

TRAD. DANCE CLASS @ Madhatters.

SOUTHERN TENANT FOLK UNION @ Eden Court OneTouch, Sat 18 Feb, 7.30pm Edinburgh based roots collective with their by turns gloriously upbeat and stirringly melancholic mix of bluegrass, gospel, country, folk and pop. New album ‘Pencaitland’ is out now. Proving that the future of folk doesn’t necessarily belong to the dull Mumford types. 01463 234234

TUE 28 FEB

TRAD. DANCE CLASS @ Madhatters.

WED 29 FEB

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions, 9.30pm.

FRI 02 MAR

BREABACH @ The Universal Hall, 8pm.

The line-up now unites the talents of CALUM MACCRIMMON (pipes/whistles), EWAN ROBERTSON (guitar/vocals), JAMES MACKENZIE (pipes/flute/whistles), MEGAN HENDERSON (fiddle/vocals/stepdance) and (double bass). Previously nominated as Best Band in both the Radio 2 Folk Awards and the Scots Trad Music Awards. 01309 691170

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JAZZ/WORLD WED 08 FEB

ELKIE BROOKS @ Eden Court Empire, 7.30pm. Ex Vinegar Joe singer with a hugely successful back catalogue performs her classic hits, blues, jazz and songs from her new album ‘Powerless’. 01463 234

ROCK WED 25 JAN Rock

FERGUS AND GREG @ The Market Bar. Traditional sounds. 01463 233292

THU 26 JAN

ROBIN AND BILLS @ The Market Bar. 01463 233292

RUMOURED ROCKNESS ANNOUNCEMENT DAY !!!

SAT 03 MAR Jazz/World

COCA TENORIO @ The Ironworks, 7pm.

Ecuadorian born singer, based in Inverness, takes to the stage with her emotional Andeantinged tunes and irresitible rhythms. 0871 789 4173

RETRO ...

SUN 29 JAN Misc.

ROCK

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 (postPeter Green) favourite. 01463 234234

FRI 03 FEB FOLK

THE ALEXANDER BROTHERS “TAKE ME BACK” TOUR 2012 @ Eden Court One Touch, 7pm. It is now 50 years since they made their first appearance as professional entertainers at the Webster Theatre in Arbroath and they are back to perform a great selection of their best known hits including their chart topping hit “Nobodys Child”. 01463 234234

SAT 11 FEB ROCK ROCK & POP

JOHN WILSON & HIS BAND ‘WHO’S IN TOWN TOUR’ @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm.

Playing songs from a brand new album, Who’s In Town, and a selection of great covers, John (Ex Average White Band) has been a hired gun for many top acts. He has also written many successful songs for, amongst others, Sir Cliff Richard, members of The Rolling Stones and Status Quo. 01463 234234

THU 16 FEB POP

1974 ABBA TRIBUTE @ Eden Court Empire, 7.30pm. 1974 features the famous faces who formerly fronted Bjorn Again for the last decade, performing the hit songs from the movie “Mamma Mia”. Retro recipe for success then. 01463 234234

20

Well, most likely to appear in his bi-annual slot is Ol’ Blue Eyes himself - FATBOY SLIM (would it be too much to ask for him to ring the changes and reform the HOUSEMARTINS?) however, we have absolutely NO info at all but rumours do abound on the interweb - names like JUSTICE, FLORENCE & THE MACHINE, DAFT PUNK nestle alongside the inevitable IoW fest names - this year including BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and PEARL JAM (can you see it?) or (perhaps more likely choices?) NOEL GALLAGHER, BIFFY CLYRO, THE VACCINES, TINIE TEMPAH and NOAH & THE WHALE. Of course, HUE & CRY have re-re-formed, haha. ( I hope we’re joking - but always a chance they’d be a Belladrum band...).

Round these parts, people throw names around like the TING TINGS, FOSTER THE PEOPLE, MGMT, EMILI SANDÉ, MACCABEES or perhaps a main stage upgrade for ENTER SHIKARI. Whoever the headliners turn out to be, you know it will be fun, with a great atmosphere - ‘cause it’s OURS.

FRI 27 JAN

1000 STARS @ The Market Bar. Up and coming young indie bucks with an EP on the way. 01463 233292 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. 01463 2336

SAT 28 JAN

MYSTIC SHOES @ Hootananny Madhatters. 01463 233651

SUN 29 JAN

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 http://soundcloud.com/ we-looked-like-giants. 01463 233651

THU 02 FEB

STEVIE REBEL @ The Gellions, 10pm.

FRI 03 FEB

DALZIEL/PAWS/DOLFINZ @ Hootananny Madhatters. Glasgow based Paws [pic] are being tipped for very big things with their lo-fi punk. 01463 233651

FEEDER @ The Ironworks, 7pm. Still going strong with their rumbustuously punky pop. 0871 789 4173 See main feature.

SAT 04 FEB

DEAD WOLF CLUB/EVENT HORSES @ Madhatters. Cornwall quartet making interesting loud’n’quiet noises.

SUN 05 FEB

SID INNES @ Hootananny Moray-born musician plays solo (without his Merry-Go-Country band) with material old and new. With two album releases this year he’s got a lot to draw on!

“He has a presence that makes it hard not to like him.

Strumming away, he looks like Dylan and sounds like Beck, a perfect combination if ever there were one.”

Olivia Rodgers (GoNorth 2011)

FRI 10 FEB

TED CHRISTOPHER @ Hootananny.

Scottish singer sonwriter who also fronts BANNOCKBURN and is hugely popular with the Tartan Army. 01463 233651 ANDY MURRAY @ The Gellions, 10pm THE DIRTY DEMOGRAPHIC/CLEAVERS @ Madhatters. Piano-driven modern pop.

SAT 11 FEB

THE BANANNA SESSIONS @ Madhatters see inset >>

FRI 17 FEB

THE STAGGER RATS/DUKE/JAMIE& THE PORTRAITS @ Madhatters. Highly recemmended self-styled psychobilly combo.

ATTACK! ATTACK! @ Ironworks Welsh pop-rawk with support from ITCHY POOOPZKID, HE SLEPT ON 57 and SPOKE TOO SOON. £8 0871 7894173 see feature <<

SAT 18 FEB

MASTERS IN FRANCE/THE SWEET MELINDAS/CHERRI FOSPHATE/AXIS OF @ Madhatters. New band showcase topped

by MIF, a Welsh indie act who actually have a song called Mad Hatter. Playing here was kind of inevitable wasn’t it?.

SUN 26 FEB ANDY DUNCAN @ The Gellions.

TANGO IN THE ATTIC @ Hootananny.

Lo-fi garage from Glenrothes.

01463 233651

SUN 04 MAR

DOG IS DEAD @ Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore.

See Thu 01 Mar. 01479 811 137 see Rock Picks below for more

ROCK PICKS:

THE BANANA SESSIONS @ Madhatters, Sat 11 Feb Always worth a catching - what genre-defying multi-instrument magic will they conjure up this time ??. Quirk-tastic!

Sayyyy Some-hhhin’!

MON 20 FEB

WED 22 FEB

RIZZLE KICKS @ The Ironworks, 7pm. Brighton hip hop duo ready to shmizzle your wizzle or some such. Actually Jordan and Harley, who started off speaking to the world on their “Your Daily Kicks” website and lo-fi YouTube channel manage to combine remix work for people as diverse as Olly Murs, Ed Sheeran and Jessie J with assured skills that have even had hip hop aficionado (ahem!) Stephen Fry expressing his admiration. Their live shows are energetic affairs with fans apparently keen to indulge in much bra throwing. And the women are even worse. Should be fun. 0871 789 4173

MUSIC

THE SOUTH @ The Ironworks, 7.30pm.

Alas, no Paul Heaton in this line up, but Dave Hemingway, Ali Wheeler and a trio of musicians from the Beautiful South’s live incarnation are continuing to parade an impressive back catalogue that includes “Perfect Ten”, “Rotterdam” and the sublime “Ol’ Red Eyes Is Back”. Never going to be as good without Heaton, but fine songs all the same. 0871 789 4173

DOG IS DEAD @ Ironworks, 7.30pm, Thu 01 Mar Nottingham hot-property indiepop quintet who you may have seen playing themselves on C4’s ‘Skins’. There’s a bit of j-a-z-z in there too, curiously enough.

DON’T: expect answers to questions like who’s dog is dead? Why is it dead? and What did it die of?; DO: expect a thoroughly good time.

0871 7894173

THU 23 FEB

BAND OF SKULLS @ The Ironworks.

Bandofskulls.com. 0871 789 4173 See main feature

FRI 24 FEB

SID INNES @ Market Bar If you enjoyed his slot at Hoots on the 5th - or if you missed it - another chance to catch SiD’s personable, intimate stripped down solo set.

MAKE SPARKS/MARVEL HEIGHTS @ Madhatters. Inspired by Sucioperro, albeit rather poppier, they also find time to put together the Electric Bay Festival in Carnoustie.

SAT 25 FEB

MYSTIC SHOES @ Hootananny Madhatters.

21

2

3

22

1

SPECIALS CHARITY

CLUBS

MARKETS

MUNICIPAL

TALKS

Oh, What A Circus, Oh, What A Show...

You used to know where you were with a circus back in the old days. A few moth-eaten lions and weary elephants subjected to half-hearted cruelty; scary – possibly suicidal – clowns toppling out of collapsing cars and a bit of high-jinks on the trapeze from past-their-prime performers that came with the very real possibility of something going horribly, spinal-injury-inducingly wrong for artists and punters alike. Now that was the combination that made the country great, with an afternoon even devoted to it on TV every year if you couldn’t get along in person.

Such a world has gone forever and the circus has been reinvented in all sorts of wondrous ways, so much so that the label can be attached to all manner of disparate entertainments, as some of the shows coming to town this month prove: THE CHINESE STATE CIRCUS [1] (EDEN COURT Empire, SUN 26 & MON 27 FEB) are just about the greatest exponents of the genre in its purest form, tracing its artistic roots and impulses directly back over 2000 years. They’re presenting YIN YANG, an acrobatic spectacular incorporating both martial arts and circus skills elements set to a wonderful live score that’s been attracting rave reviews everywhere it’s been.

Hoop-diving as your new favourite form of entertainment ever? After this, it might be.

CIRCUS OF HORRORS [2] have an altogether darker take on the art form, setting their skills in Roaring Twenties Berlin for their latest production (FRI 10 FEB, EDEN COURT Empire) as Dr Haze rolls into town with his Vampire Vaudeville show. Jugglers, dwarves, sword-swallowers and “pickled people” are joined by his latest attraction, THEE VENTRILOQUIST, who taps into all our fears about what really happens when the little wooden chap goes back into the box. If past Circus Of Horrors shows are anything to go by, this should be brilliant.

As should another slice of vaudeville in the form of cover-stars, THE INFAMOUS BROTHERS DAVENPORT [3] (EDEN COURT OneTouch, WED 22–SAT 25 FEB).

This Vox Motus production is inspired by the legendary American brothers Willy and Ira Davenport whose spooky illusions in their shows back in the 1860s made the dead speak and furniture dance. Held in high esteem by magic aficionados even now, this contrasts the showmanship of their performances with their cruel and curious childhoods. Promises to be very special. And, in its own way, the spectacle of the circus refracted through yet another lens.

23

TUE 24 JAN Annual

WOMEN IN BUSINESS AT 4NETWORKING INVERNESS @ Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.

A group of the Women in Business members are attending a breakfast meeting of the Inverness chapter of the 4Networking organisation, of which some are current or former members.

There is no charge for the event but members will pay for their breakfast at the hotel.

THU 26 JAN

TIRITIRI MATANGI & OTHER NEW ZEALAND BIRD SANCTUARIES @ Fraser Park Bowling Club, Inverness, 7.30pm Highland RSPB talk, with HEIDI DE HAAS & LAURIE RITCHIE.

FRI 27 JAN Academic

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

HIGHLAND HOSPICE BURNS SUPPER @ Drumossie Hotel, Inverness. Still Game’s JANE MCCARRY and Right Honourable CHARLES KENNEDY MP are special guests.

Jane will deliver the ‘Reply from the Lasses’ with local speaker Ian Morrison delivering the ‘Toast to the Lasses’ and Ross Laing addressing the haggis.The extremely popular celebration raises essential funds annually for Highland Hospice to help ensure that an exceptional quality of palliative care continues to be made available to the Highland community, free of charge. Tickets are £50 each from Highland Hospice on 01463 227906 or by emailing events@highlandhospice.org.uk. Tables are available for groups of eight or ten.

BEAULY FIRTH & TOLLIE RED KITES @ Leaves Highland Council Car Park, 9.30am.

RSPB Highland field trip led by STEVE AUSTIN.

THU 02 FEB Misc

FOOD ON FILM 2012 @ Talla Nan Ros, Kingussie.

Each winter the community of Kingussie comes together to celebrate and explore the world of food with filmmakers and food producers gathering in various venues to share their passions and skills. The centrepiece of the festival is the Cairngorms Food Hall where the best of Highland produce is showcased along with celebrity cooking demonstrations. Films are screened throughout this four day event, all of which have a strong food theme, and there is something delicious to eat at every screening There is also an Art Gallery with a Food Art exhibition open throughout the weekend. For details see the website. kingussiefoodonfilm. co.uk/2012-programme.

FRI 03 FEB

SEEING THE QUANTUM WORLD THROUGH A TELESCOPE @ Birnie Village Hall Near Elgin, 7.30pm. This thought-provoking talk will take you through the bewildering and counterintuitive world of quantum physics. sigma-astro.co.uk FOOD ON FILM 2012 @ Talla Nan Ros, Kingussie. As Thu 02 Feb

24

BREAKING BATTY NEWS - 2 TALKS @ Tiso’s Inverness, Fri 03 Feb 8–10pm John Haddow, bat expert will be

giving 2 talks to Inverness Bat Group, firstly – ‘Radio tracking Leislers bats’ where he talks about finding out more about one of Scotland’s rarer bats and, ‘Lots of bats! - censusing the largest bat hibernation site in Europe’. Everyone is welcome and it’s a chance to learn more about the work of Inverness Bat Group. It promises to be an interesting evening! Tea and coffee are available to buy from the café at Tiso’s. Big thanks to Tiso’s for hosting the event. £3 or £2 for Inverness Bat Group members Ruth Watts 0781 771 2017 or Invernessbats@hotmail.co.uk

Road, 7.30pm. Inverness Field Club talk. Underwater photography of marine creatures off the coast of Scotland, George Brown. invernessfieldclub.org.uk.

SAT 04 FEB

THU 16 FEB

Annual

THE CAIRNGORMS FOOD HALL @ The Badenoch Centre. Local Food Producers, Celebrity Cooking Demonstrations, Chocolate-Making, Cooking Competition Results, Whisky Tasting, Smoothie Cycle, Café, plus Co-op Documentaries, and Short Films and a Filmmaking Masterclass from ScreenHi. Part of Food On Film 2012.

Misc

FOOD ON FILM 2012 @ Talla Nan Ros, Kingussie. As Thu 02 Feb

SUN 05 FEB

FOOD ON FILM 2012 @ Talla Nan Ros, Kingussie. As Thu 02 Feb

TUE 07 FEB

ELEMENTS OF SURPRISE @ Culloden/Smithton Free Church a talk

by Arthur Milnes, Highlands Astronomical Society, 7.30pm, Smithton. Children’s group 7.00pm.spacegazer.com

WED 08 FEB

HOW OUR ERICACEOUS PLANTS GROW @ Nairn Community Centre, 7.30pm.

The Highland Rock Garden Club hosts an illustrated talk by Professor Ian Alexander, on heathers and related plants.

FRI 10 FEB

CIRCUS OF HORRORS: THE VENTRILOQUIST @ Eden Court Empire see feat.

UNFREQUENTED SPAIN @ St Ninian’s Church Hall, Nairn. Nairn Literary institute talk from Gary Aitken. nairnliterary.org.uk

MON 13 FEB

RUNNING THE CORBETTS IN 70 DAYS @ Boat Of Garten Community Hall, 7.30pm.

Manny Gorman’s successful 2009 traverse of all 219 Corbetts in 70 days, in one continuous journey by running, cycling and sailing without any motorised transport and covering 2,400 miles and 544,000 feet of ascent. £5 Adults Under 16’s free if accompanied by adult.

Licensed Wine Bar and entrance to Art Exhibition included.

TUE 14 FEB

LOVE & MARRIAGE @ The Riverside Lounge Of The Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness, 7.30pm.

Pink Castle Philosophy Club discussion.

This club is open to anybody and friendly towards anyone who is Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender . www.pinkcastle.eu

Annual

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL @ Fort William. Returns to the Outdoor Capital with a line-up of films and talks from some of the world’s leading mountaineers, mountain bikers, adventurers and artists, and of course a selection of films from the Best of Banff World Tour. mountainfilmfestival.co.uk.

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FEST As Wed 15 AROUND THE ISLES IN EIGHTY MONUMENTS @ Lower Town Hall, Dingwall 7.30pm.

Talk by Dr Kenny Taylor. spanglefish.com/DingwallFieldClub.

DEBATE OF FLOOD PREVENTION MEASURES @ Meeting Rooms Next To Glenmorrison Hotel, 7.30pm. ‘Wall of Silence’.Kill or Cure for Inverness? Speakers - Nick Manson opposed

by Councillor David Henderson. Inverness Civic Trust meeting.

FRI 17 FEB

OBSERVATORY SESSION @ JSL OBSERVATORY (weather permitting) 8–11pm (last admission 10pm.) Check website first www.spacegazer.com FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FEST As Wed 15

SAT 18 FEB

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FEST As Wed 15 Misc

ATTACKERS & DEFENDERS @ Urquart Castle.

Discover why Urquhart Castle was such an important castle and why it was attacked.

SUN 19 FEB Annual

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FEST As Wed 15

WED 22 FEB

THE INFAMOUS BROTHERS DAVENPORT @ Eden Court OneTouch see feat.

THU 23 FEB

THE INFAMOUS BROTHERS DAVENPORT @ Eden Court OneTouch see feat.

THU 23–TUE 28 FEB WOW! WEDDING OPEN WEEKEND @ Strathpeffer Pavilion, 11am-4pm during which Strathpeffer Pavilion will be set up for a wedding so that you can see for yourself what a stunning venue it is. Open house from 11am to 4 pm Sat & Sun. Please ring 01997 420124 for an appointment on other days. Free entry for the public - wedding suppliers wishing to take part please ring Andrew on the above number.

PHILIPPINES - SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT @ Fraser Pk Bowling Club, Inverness, 7.30pm Highland RSPB talk, with MARTIN SCOTT, RSPB conservation officer, Western Isles.

FRI 24 FEB Misc

WED 15 FEB

LIFE BENEATH THE WAVES @ New Millburn Academy Assembly Hall, Diriebught

THE INFAMOUS BROTHERS DAVENPORT @ Eden Court OneTouch see feat.

MV FESTIVAL @ Aviemore. The Mountain and Valley Festival takes place in the Scottish

OBSERVATORY SESSION @ JSL OBSERVATORY as 17th VOICES FROM THE SCOTTISH DIASPORA @ St Ninian’s Church Hall, Nairn. Nairn Literary Institute talk from Professor Marjory Harper. nairnliterary.org.uk.

SAT 25 FEB

THE INFAMOUS BROTHERS DAVENPORT @ Eden Court OneTouch see feat.

MV FESTIVAL @ Aviemore. As Fri 24 ROSEISLE, BURGHEAD & HOPEMAN @ Highland Council Car Park, leaves 9.30am.

RSPB Field Trip Second pick up - Nairn Bus Station, 10am. Leader: LYNDA GRAHAM.

SUN 26 FEB

CHINESE STATE CIRCUS @ Eden Court Empire see feat.

MV FESTIVAL @ Aviemore. As Fri 24

MON 27 FEB

CHINESE STATE CIRCUS @ Eden Court Empire see feat.

THE HIGHLAND WILDLIFE PARK @ Boat Of Garten Community Hall, 7.30pm Douglas Richardson is currently the Animal Collection Manager at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park near Kincraig. He has been working in zoos around the world since 1975, with much of his career focused on the husbandry of carnivores (including wildcats), population management and novel enclosure design. £5 Adults under 16s free if accompanied by an adult. Licensed bar and free entrance to Art exhibition.

SPECIALS PICK: AN EVENING WITH ANDY KERSHAW @ Eden Court OneTouch, Sun 26 Feb There are some great “evenings with...” coming up at Eden Court in forthcoming months, those featuring chef Claire Macdonald (28 Mar) and voice of cricket, Henry “Blowers” Blofeld (01 Apr) already marked in our diaries. First up though is one of the most fascinating broadcasting figures of the last thirty years, Andy Kershaw. Providing the last link to the halcyon days of John Peel and his producer John Walters, both no longer with us, Kershaw was possessed by the same enthusiasm and insatiable curiosity for exploring new music, taking it to even more extreme levels by his apparently unquenchable desire to travel the world and experience new cultures. This was way before the world of the global village although places he attempted to get under the skin of such as Rwanda, Iraq and, most notably, North Korea remain almost as impenetrable today as when he originally visited. And what he showed us of them then just as relevant in 2012.

Throw into that fascinating life an early career promoting gigs and being driver for Billy Bragg, mainstream success that saw him co-presenting Live Aid and a more recent marriage breakdown that set in train a whole heap of problems and you just know he’s going to have a heck of a lot to talk about. This might just end up being a “Sun Comes Up Next Morning With...” and you know that thanks to his infectious enthusiasm, every moment will be worthwhile. www.eden-court.co.uk

SPECIALS

Highlands every February, combining snow sports, live music events and comedy acts over one fun-packed weekend raising money for charities and, of course, having fun. It’s open to all, expert to complete beginner on skis or snowboard,with plenty of entertainment on offer for those who don’t want to take to the slopes. mvfestival.com.

EVEN THE RAIN (15) @ The Little Theatre, Nairn, 7.30pm Take One Action Film Festival 103 mins + discussion afterwards, Spain conquered the New World for gold… 500 years on water is gold. As a director and his crew shoot a controversial movie about Columbus, local people rise up against plans to privatise the water supply.

TUE 28 FEB

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION @ The Chapel, Royal Northern Infirmary, Ness Walk (part Of Uhi Hq Building), 7.30pm. Six week introduction to Mindfulness Meditation with ongoing support and follow-up options. 7.30pm start. £30 for entire course. Phone Helen on 07900561296 or email info@highlands. samye.org. highlands.samye.org.

FRI 02 MAR

HOW HUBBLE MEASURED THE AGE OF THE UNIVERSE @ Birnie Village Hall Near Elgin.

ELGIN BID FASHION SHOW @ asdfasfd see pages 62–63 for more detail

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17

SPORT ATHLETIC

BALL

COMBAT

EXTREME

RACING

The North will rise again Come the start of next football season a little bit of history could be made in the SPL with two representatives from the Highlands taking their place in the ranks.

A couple of months back that prospect was beginning to look a little unlikely, with ICT taking an awful long time to recover the verve of last season due to injuries, the retirement of a few long-serving players and the sale of star striker Adam Rooney to Birmingham. More recently though they seem to be cranking into some sort of gear with the new signings beginning to settle in, particularly Gregory Tade (sadly the victim of ridiculous racist abuse from a dunderhead on Twitter) who’s proving to be something of the proverbial fox in the box. While the top of the league is settling into the predictable Old Firm battle, anything from sixth down is still up for grabs and with a game in hand, INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE seem to have created enough of a cushion to ensure survival. And games this month against both Celtic and Rangers (see our listings) might even allow them to have a say in who comes top at the end of the season.

Ross County however are doing more than enough to suggest promotion is likely from Division One, having started the season with aplomb and still not really showing signs of slowing down. The disappointment of 2010-11 is looking ever more like an unfortunate blip and that prospect of double representation at the top level (with its accompanying economic benefits and high profile for the Highlands) is really just theirs to lose. We’re not counting chickens, but we’ve unlocked the coop…

More immediately, there’s another thrilling sporting spectacle in the form of THE SNOWMAN RALLY [1] (SAT 18 FEB, see listings). Remarkably it’s now in its 57th year and remains a highlight of the calendar for rallying fans. Kicking off the 2012 Scottish rallying season, it’s a genuine test of drivers’ skills over six stages and invariably comes with the snow of the title. If you’ve never witnessed it up close before, get along to see something far more exciting than you’d ever experience slumbering in front of the overhyped F1 processional on the telly. Proper driving and just the beginning of what looks like being a splendid year of sport up here in 2012.

1

27

SAT 28 JAN Team/Football

FOOTBALL:INVERNESS CT V ST MIRREN ROSS COUNTY V LIVINGSTON STRANRAER V ELGIN CITY FRASERBURGH V DEVERONVALE INVERURIE LOCO V CLACHNACUDDIN KEITH V HUNTLY LOSSIEMOUTH V COVE RANGERS NAIRN COUNTY V BUCKIE THISTLE ROTHES V FORRES MECHANICS STRATHSPEY THISTLE V FORMARTINE TURRIFF UNITED V BRORA RANGERS RUGBY: GORDONIANS V HIGHLAND RFC Team/Rugby

MON 30 JAN Team/Football

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

FRI 03 FEB Outdoor/Wintersports

WINTERFEST 2012 @ Glen Affric. Winter Walking Festival in Glen Affric. Winter Skills Sessions, High Level Munros, Guest Glen, Evening Social. naturalhighguiding.co.uk.

SAT 04 FEB

WINTERFEST 2012 @ Glen Affric. Winter Walking Festival in Glen Affric. Winter Skills Sessions, High Level Munros, Guest Glen, Evening Social. naturalhighguiding.co.uk.

GLENSHEE OPEN @ Glenshee Ski Centre.

Winter Race Series.

Team/Football

COVE RANGERS V STRATHSPEY THSLE DEVERONVALE V TURRIFF UNITED FORMARTINE UNITED V ROTHES FORRES MECHANICS V KEITH WICK ACADEMY V HUNTLY

SUN 05 FEB Athletics

DARNAWAY ORIENTEERING Moravianorienteering.org.

Outdoor/Wintersports

WINTERFEST 2012 @ Glen Affric.

GLENSHEE OPEN @ Glenshee Ski Centre

MON 06 FEB

WINTERFEST 2012 @ Glen Affric. naturalhighguiding.co.uk.

SPORT

28

Team/Football

FOOTBALL: ROSS COUNTY V AYR ELGIN V ALLOA BRORA RANGERS V LOSSIEMOUTH BUCKIE THSTL V STRATHSPEY THSTLE CLACHNACUDDIN V ROTHES COVE RANGERS V KEITH DEVERONVALE V INVERURIE LOCO FORMARTINE UNITED V HUNTLY FORT WILLIAM V NAIRN COUNTY FRASERBURGH V TURRIFF UNITEDWICK ACDEMY V FORRES MECHANICS Team/Rugby

SAT 11 FEB Athletics

RUN-4-IT NORTH DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE @ Nairn, 1.15pm. Northleague.co.uk.

RUGBY: RAF LOSSIE V MORAY HIGHLAND RFC V STRATHMORE

SUN 19 FEB Athletics

MORAVIAN NIGHT ORIENTEERING EVENT @ Darnaway. Moravianorienteering.org.

Team/Football

FOOTBALL: CELTIC V INVERNESS CT RAITH ROVERS V ROSS COUNTY ANNAN ATHLETIC V ELGIN FRASERBURGH V WICK ACADEMY HUNTLY V FORRES MECHANICS KEITH V FORMARTINE UNITED LOSSIEMOUTH V BUCKIE THISTLE NAIRN COUNTY V DEVERONVALE ROTHES V COVE RANGERS STRATHSPEY THISTLE V CLACHNACUDDIN

SAT 18 FEB Athletics

FOOTBALL: ELGIN V CLYDE BRORA RANGERS V NAIRN COUNTY CLACHNACUDDIN V LOSSIEMOUTH @

THE ARNOLD CLARK THISTLE SNOWMAN RALLY @ Highland. Highlight of the rallying season for many and an event that in recent years has even come with the snow of the title.

Fast, furious and incredible to watch up close.

FOCHABERS SATURDAY LEAGUE & MORAY SCHOOLS LEAGUE @ Darnaway.

Moravianorienteering.org.

Other

KINLOSS TO LOSSIEMOUTH HALF MARATHON @ Lossiemouth Community Centre, 11am.

Morayroadrunners.com.

SAT 25 FEB Team/Football

FOOTBALL: INVERNESS CT V RANGERS DUNDEE V ROSS COUNTY MONTROSE V ELGIN FORRES MCHANICS V FORMARTINE HUNTLY V COVE RANGERS INVERURIE LOCO V FORT WILLIAM KEITH V CLACHNACUDDIN LOSSIEMOUTH V DEVERONVALE NAIRN COUNTY V FRASERBURGH ROTHES V BUCKIE THISTLE STRATHSPEY V BRORA RANGERS TURRIFF UNITED V WICK ACADEMY

February

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

THE IRON LADY (12A) Director Phyllida Lloyd I Starring Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Richard E. Grant UK I 2011 I 104 mins I www.theironladymovie.co.uk

Meryl Streep gives a magnificent central performance in The Iron Lady, the muchanticipated biopic of Britain’s first female Prime Minister, who became one of the key political figures of the 20th century. Perhaps the twenty-nine year wait since she last had Oscar success with Sophie’s Choice is finally over. Also starring Jim Broadbent as Denis Thatcher and Richard E. Grant as Michael Heseltine.

FRI 03 – THU 09 & TUE14 – THU 16 FEB

CORIOLANUS (15) Director Ralph Fiennes I Starring Ralph Fiennes, Vanessa Redgrave, Gerard Butler UK I 2011 I 122 mins I www.coriolanusmovie.co.uk

Pushed by his controlling and ambitious mother, Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave) Roman General, Coriolanus (Ralph Fiennes) seeks the exalted and powerful position of Consul but he is loath to ingratiate himself with the masses whose votes he needs. When the public refuses to support him, he allies himself with his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler) to take his revenge on the city.

FRI 10 – THU 16 FEB

THE ARTIST (PG) (D&S) Director Michel Hazanavicius I Starring Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo France/Belgium I 2011 I 100 mins I www.weinsteinco.com/sites/the-artist

Michel Hazanavicius’ celebration of early Hollywood tells the story of silent movie star George Valentin, whose career is in crisis thanks to the introduction of the “Talkies.” But when he encounters the beautiful young starlet, Peppy Miller, he starts to wonder if there is hope for the future after all. This breathtaking love letter to the halcyon days of Tinseltown tops most critics top films of 2011 lists.

FRI 17 – THU 23 FEB

EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE

(12A)

(AD&S) (D&S)

Director Stephen Daldry I Starring Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock USA I 2011 I 129 mins I www.extremelyloudandincrediblyclose.warnerbros.com

Eleven-year-old Oskar Schell is an exceptional child: amateur inventor, Francophile and pacifist. When his father is killed in the World Trade Centre attacks on 9/11, Oskar is broken-hearted, but when he finds a mysterious key that belonged to his father, he embarks on an exceptional journey – an urgent, secret search through the five boroughs of New York.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Jonathan Safran Foer.

FRI 17 FEB – THU 01 MAR 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

WAR HORSE

WE HAVE A POPE

(12A)

www.warhorsemovie.co.uk

HABEMUS PAPUM

(PG)

www.habemuspapam.it

Director Steven Spielberg

DREAMS OF A LIFE (12A) www.dreamsofalife.com Director Carol Morley

Starring Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, Tom Hiddlestone

Director Nanni Moretti

USA/India I 2011 I 146 mins

Starring Michel Piccoli, Nanni Moretti, Jerzy Stuhr

In 1914, Joey, a young farmhorse, 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.

Italy/France I 2011 I 102 mins The new Pope suffers a panic attack just as he is due to appear on St Peter’s balcony to greet the faithful, who have been patiently awaiting the conclave’s decision. His advisors, unable to convince him he is the right man for the job, seek help from a renowned psychoanalyst (and atheist). But his fear of the responsibility suddenly thrust upon him is one that he must face on his own. Premiered at the Inverness Film Festival 2011.

UK I 2011 I 94 mins When 38 year old Joyce Vincents died it was three years before her remains were discovered in her North London bedsit. Director Carol Morey investigates why no-one had noticed her absence and tracks down those who knew Joyce. Their testimonies, together with re-imagined scenes from Joyce’s life, form a multilayered portrait of Joyce, and an insight into the world she inhabited.

FRI 10 – MON 13 FEB (no screening on SUN 12)

SUN 19 & MON 20 FEB

WED 01 & THU 02 (continued from Jan)

THE DESCENDANTS

(AD&S) (D&S)

(15)

www.foxsearchlight.com/thedescendants Director Alexander Payne Starring George Clooney, Shailene Woodley USA I 2011 I 114 mins 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...

WED 01 – THU 09 (continued from Jan)

SHAME

(18)

www.foxsearchlight.com/shame Director Steve McQueen Starring Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan UK I 2011 I 100 mins Winner of a host of prizes in 2011, director Steve McQueen’s second feature film was a big hit when it first screened at Eden Court as part of the 2011 Film Festival. Michael Fassbender plays Brandon, a 30something sex addict. When his younger sister Sissy comes to stay with him, her presence heightens Brandon’s frustration and he goes on a hedonistic search of ever-greater sexual pleasures.

J. EDGAR

(15)

www.jedgarmovie.warnerbros.com Director Clint Eastwood Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer, Judi Dench, Naomi Watts

Starring Zawe Ashton, Jonathan Harden, Daren Elliot Holmes

OUTFOXED: RUPERT MURDOCH’S WAR ON JOURNALISM (No Cert – Guide 15+) www.outfoxed.org Director Robert Greenwald

USA I 2011 I 136 mins The face of law enforcement in America for almost 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover was feared and admired, but behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life. As seen through the eyes of Hoover himself, J. Edgar explores the personal and public life and relationships of a man who could distort the truth as easily as he upheld it, during a life devoted to his own idea of justice, often swayed by the darker side of power.

This screening will be presented by the Inverness Film Fans. Prior to the News of the World closure and the Levison enquiry, director Robert Greenwald, in 2004, examined the right-wing slant of Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News channel. This insightful documentary features interviews with former Fox employees and several noted journalists (including Walter Cronkite) as they discuss the pro-conservative, anti-Democratic views of the channel’s management and how this is manifested in the programming.

FRI 10 – THU 16 FEB (no screening on WED 15)

TUE 21 FEB

PUSS IN BOOTS (U)

USA I 2004 I 75 mins

SURVIVING LIFE

USA I 2011 I 90 mins Discover the legend of Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) before he met Shrek. As our furry feline friend embarks on a swashbuckling adventure, he joins forces with Humpty Dumpty and the sultry, street savvy, Kitty (Salma Hayek) as the terrific trio attempt to hunt down the goose that lays the golden egg.

PREZÍT SVUJ ZIVOT (15) Director Jan Švankmajer Starring Vaclav Helsus, Klara Issova, Zuzana Kronerova Czech Republic/Slovakia/Japan I 2010 I 108 mins (Czech with subtitles) Eugene leads a double life: one real – the waking life he spends in the company of his wife of many years, and the other in his dreams, where his sleep is devoted to a beautiful young woman. But when he discovers how to enter his dream-world at will, he is soon forced to choose between his two lives... From celebrated director Jan Švankmajer.

SAT 11 & SUN 12 FEB

FRI 24 – MON 27 FEB

SAT 04 & SUN 05 FEB

HAPPY FEET TWO (U)

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS – CHIPWRECKED (U)

GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK (PG)

www.happyfeettwo.com

www.munkyourself.com/us

Director George Miller

Director Mike Mitchell

www.invernessfilmfans.org

Voices Robin Williams, Elijah Wood, Pink, Matt Damon

Voices Jason Lee, David Cross, Jenny Slate

Director George Clooney Starring David Strathairn, George Clooney

Australia I 2011 I 103 mins

USA I 2011 I 87 mins

Happy Feet Two returns us to the magnificent landscape of Antarctica, reuniting us with the world‘s most famous tap–dancing penguin, Mumble (Elijah Wood) the love of his life, Gloria (Pink) and their old friends Ramon and Lovelace (Robin Williams).

Playing around while aboard a cruise ship, the Chipmunks and Chipettes accidentally go overboard and end up marooned in a tropical paradise. But they soon discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems... let the fun begin!

FRI 03 – THU 16 FEB (no screening on TUE 07)

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 (12A)

www.breakingdawn-themovie.com Director Bill Condon Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson

USA I 2011 I 117 mins Sharpen your claws, file your fangs and hold on tight! During a dream honeymoon on Isle Esme, the newly married couple finally give in to their passions but this only brings them more peril as Bella discovers she’s pregnant and the consequences become clear... This heartpounding installment paves the way for next year’s grand finale.

USA/France/UK/Japan I 2005 I 92 mins Archive footage is seamlessly merged with meticulously recreated period scenes to dramatise the televised 1950s showdown between journalist Edward R. Murrow and red-baiting, commie-hunting senator Joe McCarthy. This screening will be presented by the Inverness Film Fans.

TUE 07 FEB

www.pussinbootsthemovie.com Director Chris Miller Voices Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis

SAT 18 & SUN 19 FEB

SAT 25 & SUN 26 FEB

SAVE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

Welcome to our new destination guide for 2012.

My team and I are looking forward to welcoming you to Inverness Airport and hope you will find our comprehensive selection of destinations and services of interest. Whether you are travelling on business or leisure the range of facilities at the airport will I hope set you off on the right track. I am particularly pleased to be able to offer a range of European destinations and new for this year the Splendours of Cyprus.

Our Amsterdam route launched last year will continue to develop and offers fabulous opportunities for the traveller to explore the world.

Graeme Bell, Airport Manager

S OUR

DON’T MIS

AIR TRAVEL FFeb Thu 02 2pm–5pm Airpor t Inverness

SUMMER CHARTERS - EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS - AIRPORT SHOPPING & PARKING

SUMMER CHARTERS 2012 direct from Inverness Airport

Dubrovnik & the Treasures of the Adriatic 8-day holiday from £769.00 departing Monday 04 Jun 2012 This wonderful holiday offers a choice of three hotels in the beautiful Lapad peninsula. Relax in the glorious surroundings of your resort and discover this spactacular corner of the world on included excursions to the walled city of Dubrovnik, historic Mostar, beautiful Montenegro and a cruise to the unspoiled offshore Elaphiti islands.

Portugal’s Silver Coast & Wonders of Lisbon 8-day holiday from £689.00 departing Monday 11 Jun 2012 and Monday 03 Sep 2012 Based in lively Nazare, this holiday includes a visit to the fascinating Portuguese capital.

A programme of optional excursions gives you chances to visit the classic beach resort at Figueira, the ancient university town of Coimbra, elegant Estoril and UNESCO-listed Sintra, as well as ancient Obidos and the fabled shrine at Fatima.

Dubrovnik, Montenegro & the Dalmation Coast 8-day holiday from £869.00 departing Monday 04 Jun 2012 Journey to one of the most popular - yet still unspoiled - destinations in Europe on this wonderful holiday.

Explore southern Croatia’s beautiful coastline, discover a trio of exquisite cities in Split, Trogir and Dubrovnik, enjoy historic Mostar and visit Montenegro - one of Europe’s ‘newest’ and most breathtakingly beautiful countries.

Hidden Portugal 8-day holiday from £669.00 departing Monday 11 Jun 2012 and Monday 03 Sep 2012 Enjoy a Portugal far removed from the resorts and golf courses of the Algarve. Away from that packageholiday haven, you’ll find a country of rugged coastline and moutains, of vineyards and hilltop villages, historic cities and reserved locals that remains largely untouched by the more extreme excesses of modern tourism.

Seven Cities of Italy Tour 8-day holiday from £819.00 departing Sunday 01 Jul 2012, Sunday 08 Jul 2012 and Sunday 07 Oct 2012 Join us to explore some of the finest cities in Europe. Marvel at exquisite Venice and romantic Verona; discover the treasures of Florence and ‘eternal’ Rome and visit the shrine at Assisi and the Tuscan gems Siena and San Gimignano.

Dubrovnik Riviera 8-day holiday from £514.00 departing Monday 04 June 2012 Escape to one of the most beautiful parts of southern Croatia for a taste of true holiday heaven.

Relax in your chosen hotel and choose from our range of optional excursions to historic Dubrovnik, the Bosnian city of Mostar, glamorous Montenegro and the Elaphiti islands, on this wonderful eight-day break.

Oporto, the Douro & Delightful Green Spain 8-day holiday from £799.00 departing Monday 11 Jun 2012 and Monday 03 Sep 2012 Discover the delights of Portugal and Spain’s beautiful, unspoilt “Coast Verde”.

Offering the opportunity to relax in two resorts, as well as fascinating trips to exquisite Oporto, the wineproducing Douro Valley, magnificent Vigo and delightful Pontevedra, this super-value holiday delivers the best of both worlds.

Venice, Padua & the Venetian Riviera 8-day holiday from £659.00 departing Sunday 01 Jul 2012 and Sunday 08 Jul 2012 Join us, on the shores of the blue Adriatic, for a holiday that includes visits to the ancient university city of Padua and to incomparable Venice.

Relax and unwind in Lido di Jesolo and perhaps join us as we visit Shakespeare’s Verona, beautiful Lake Garda, exquisite Florence and medieval Treviso on a programme of fascinating optional excursions.

Venice, Verona & Lake Garda

Austrian Tyrol & Lake Garda

Austrian Tyrol & Lake Garda

8-day holiday from £769.00 departing Sunday 01 Jul 2012, Sunday 08 Jul 2012 and Sunday 07 Oct 2012 Experience three of Europe’s most majestic cities.

Explore the magic of Venice; discover the treasures of Verona; enjoy the serenity of Lake Garda and gaze in awe at the beautiful Dolomites.

8-day holiday from £719.00 departing Sunday 01 Jul 2012, Sunday 08 Jul 2012 and Sunday 07 Oct 2012 Join us and spend three unforgettable days on the shores of Italy’s largest and most spectacular lake then travel north into the Austrian Tyrol for five more wonderful days amid breathtaking scenery and crisp, clear air.

8-day holiday from £719.00 departing Sunday 01 Jul 2012, Sunday 08 Jul 2012 and Sunday 07 Oct 2012 Join us and spend three unforgettable days on the shores of Italy’s largest and most spectacular lake then travel north into the Austrian Tyrol for five more wonderful days amid breathtaking scenery and crisp, clear air.

Lake Garda

Classic Italy Tour

8-day holiday from £539.00 departing Sunday 01 Jul 2012, Sunday 08 Jul 2012 and Sunday 07 Oct 2012 Enjoy a stay on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy’s most spectacular lake.

8-day holiday from £839.00 departing Saturday 06 Oct 2012 Combine a three-night stay overlooking the glorious Bay of Naples with four nights in the sublime Tuscan countryside.

Discover brooding Vesuvius, fabled Sorrento, ancient Pompeii and the exquisite Amalfi Drive. See historic Montecassino and visit ‘eternal’ Rome and Renaissance Florence as well as beautiful Assisi and extraordinary Orvieto with its great, golden-fronted cathedral.

Florence, Siena & the Treasures of Tuscany

With clear blue waters backed by the wooded slopes of craggy mountains and fringed by stylish elegant resorts, Lake Garda has drawn and captivated visitors for over a century.

8-day holiday from £699.00 departing Saturday 06 Oct 2012 Enjoy a wonderful chance to relax in a rolling land of vineyards and olive groves, clusters of dark cypress trees and ancient hill-top towns.

One of Italy’s most attractive regions, Tuscany offers a magical blend of unspoiled scenic beauty, history, culture and fine food and wine.

Four-star Rome, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast

Sorrento & the Bay of Naples

Capri, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast

8-day holiday from £859.00 departing Saturday 06 Oct 2012 Join us for an unforgettable, twocentre holiday and discover the very best Italy has to offer.

8-day holiday from £599.00 departing Saturday 06 Oct 2012 Join us for a wonderful holiday in one of Europe’s most picturesque corners: a stunning coastline of colourful towns, historic sites and glorious views set against the warm Mediterranean.

8-day holiday from £869.00 departing Saturday 06 Oct 2012 Join us in the celebrated Neapolitan Riviera. Beneath its blue skies you’ll find some of the Mediterranean’s most enticing holiday havens and enjoy a week of fascinating sights, stunning scenery and Italian hospitality.

Offering a mix of included and optional excursions, as well as opportunities to rest and relax in the comfortable hotels, this is a wonderful way to discover and enjoy this very special part of southern Italy.

JERSEY

Cyprus - Paphos 8 day holiday from £549.00 departing Sunday 25 November 2012 Paphos - one-time ancient Greek and Roman capital of the island and now a UNESCO-World Heritage site - is a pretty port where modern amenities provide holiday creature comforts without diluting the wonder of the town’s historic sites. Bars and restaurants line the picturesque harbour front, while palm-fringed boulevards and flowerdecked courtyards exude charm and conviviality.

Splendours Cyprus Jersey Holidays fromofprice £321 per person 8 day holiday from £576.00 7-night packages from £448.00 (based onSunday departure 19th June), free HB,every Saturday from 9th departing 25 November departing 2012nights and free care on selected June toholidays.

15th September Free Indulge in some wonderful winter Less than 2 hrs away by express sun and relaxation on this supervalue, all-inclusive holiday.

0844 415 6653

BULGARIA

Discover the Mediterranean island’s fascinating history on our included tours - including a trip to the magnificent Troodos Mountains - and enjoy all the comforts of your chosen hotel in delightful Paphos.

flight, the island of Jersey is situated just a stone’s throw from the French coast, bringing you all the charm and English elegance of one of our most sought after summer destinations, with a splash of sophisticated joie de vivre. Why not savour a little island sunshine during 2012 with a break in warmer climes with the convenience of direct flights from your local

Holidays from £324 per person (based on departure 24th June).

0845 130 1114

Early booking discounts available Amsterdam Amsterdam’s charming, compact centre is easy to navigate on foot or by public transport. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Choose from internationally renowned museums and sights, explore the markets, quirky boutiques and department stores - and unwind with a visit to one of the many parks.

With prices starting from as little as £34.99 one way, this might be the cheapest city break you’ve ever had.

Dusseldorf

The city is famous for its nightlife, carnival, events, shopping and for fashion and trade fairs like the Boot Messe (one of the world’s best trade fairs for boats and watersports) and NEW FOR 2010!

Igedo (world leader in fashion). Every year, more than 4 million people visit Weekly flights Zurich from the Kirmes fun fairtowhich runs for 9 days in the summer. contact your local travel agent

ZURICH

Zurich

The city of Zurich lies in the heart of Europe and at the centre of Switzerland, on the northern shores of Lake Zurich. Its multicultural flair and the variety of leisure activities on offer attract guests from all over the world.

£355 per person, Zurich is quick and easy to reach,

especially with a on: direct link from or book direct Inverness Airport. www.falcontravel.ch/de/sonderfluege/flight-inverness-zurich/

Shopping at Inverness Airport MAJORCA

The first airport to achieve hospitality assured accreditations

from the hotel and catering international management Weekly departures from Inverness to Palma – look online association. for the best deals or contact your local travel agent.

Fantastic retail opportunities and catering facilities • Jail at the airport • The Fly Nip on Call Thomson • Nock on Wood • First D’Lish Restaurant or Choice on & Bar • Segafredo Cafe

0871 231 5593 0871 231 4900

For all holidays/flights and airport facilities please see our website ABTA bonded operator

www.hial.co.uk local access, global outlook

All routes, dates & prices correct at time of going to print

Inverness Airport

Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual Restored Classics and Transgender (LGBT) LES ENFANTS DU PARADIS (PG) History Month Event To celebrate the LGBT History Month, Highland Rainbow Folk, a local storytelling group of volunteers along with Eden Court are hosting an event with short films, stories and discussion.

Three short films will be screened and afterwards there will be a chance to discuss the films and the group will present some stories.

All are welcome to attend what is sure to be an enjoyable and thought-provoking evening.

The event is free but ticketed. www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk

WED 22 FEB To help celebrate LGBT history month Eden Court has also programmed two other films, We Were Here (E) and So Hard To Forget (15+)

WE WERE HERE

(E)

Director David Weissman USA I 2011 I 90 mins

An incredible moving and thought-provoking documentary which takes a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco in the 1980s.

Director Marcel Carne Starring Arletty, Jean-Louis Barrault, Pierre Brasseur

France I 1945 I 189 mins Marcel Carné’s tribute to the world of theatre has time and time again been voted the greatest French film ever made. Set in the Parisian theatres of the mid 19th century, the film revolves around an enigmatic actress and her four suitors who are all infatuated by her and desperate to win her over.

SUN 05 FEB

THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER (12) Director Charles Laughton Starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters USA I 1955 I 92 mins The only movie directed by flamboyant actor Charles Laughton is an atmospheric masterpiece. Demented preacher (Robert Mitchum, baring the infamous LOVE and HATE tattoos on his knuckles) torments a boy and his little sister in his quest to find out where their late bank-robber father hid a stash of stolen cash.

THE EVIL DEAD

(18)

Director Sam Raimi Starring Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss USA I 1981 I 85 mins “The number one Video Nasty” as declared by Mary Whitehouse and now regarded as a masterpiece of modern horror, few films have made such an impact on audiences, filmmakers and censorship laws as The Evil Dead. Digitally remastered, this classic horror follows a group of friends deep in the woods trying to survive a night besieged by the evil dead.

SAT 11 FEB

GHOSTBUSTERS (12A)

www.ghostbusters.com

Starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver

SO HARD TO FORGET (15+)

Director Malu de Martino Starring Ana Paula Arosio, Murilo Rosa, Natalia Lage, Arieta Correa Brazil I 2010 I 100 mins (Portuguese with subtitles)

After breaking up with her enigmatic girlfriend, Julia’s inner turmoil makes it difficult to adapt to a new life. But life takes a new turn when she’s introduced to the beautiful Helena and she slowly learns to love again.

MON 27 FEB

Take One Action

LA PISCINE

(12A)

Director Jacques Deray Starring Romy Schneider, Alain Delon, Maurice Ronet Italy/France I 1969 I 123 mins (French with subtitles) This obsessive psychological thriller and cult favourite features a host of iconic stars. In a Riviera villa, Jean-Paul and Marianne share a peaceful, loving relationship – until an old friend pays a visit with his young daughter.

Highland Adventure Films EXTREME HIGHLAND (No Cert) Director Chris Kordas UK I 2011 I 27 mins

www.bloodinthemobile.org Director Frank Piasecki Poulsen

SAT 18 FEB

BLOOD IN THE MOBILE (12A) Denmark/Germany I 2010 I 85 mins

In the past 15 years, five million people have died in Congo’s civil war. The UN has consistently reported a connection between the conflict and the control of the international trade in minerals used in products such as mobile phones.

In this extraordinary documentary, director Frank Poulsen confronts his phone company, Nokia, the largest in the world, and asks just what they are doing to halt the cycle of poverty and conflict.

This screening will be followed by a panel discussion.

Presented by www.takeoneaction.org.uk – celebrating the people and movies that are changing the world.

USA I 1984 I 105 mins 1. Ectoplasm.

2. Demonically sexy, big haired, Sigourney Weaver.

3. The Big Apple teaming with paranormal activity.

4. A gigantic grinning meleavolant marshmallow man wreaking havoc on the streets of New York.

Seriously folks, what’s not to love!

SAT 25 FEB

SUN 26 FEB

From snowboarding in the Scottish mountains to kitesurfing in the cold Orcadian waters, this high adrenaline sports movie showcases some of the great outdoor activities that Scotland has to offer.

TUE 28 FEB

So if you have a cult classic you’d like us to screen, then drop our cinema programmer, Paul Taylor an email ptaylor@eden-court.co.uk

Director Ivan Reitman

SUN 12 & TUE 14 FEB

SAT 25 FEB

COMO ESQUECER

Late Night Classics

Regular late night screenings are making a comeback here at Eden Court. We’ll be doing two films a month with a similar theme; this months theme is spirits that come out in the dark.

THE PINNACLE

(No Cert)

www.hotaches.com/films_pinnacle.html Director Paul Diffley Voices Dave MacLeod, Andy Turner

UK I 2010 I 45 mins In one legendary week on Ben Nevis in 1960, Jimmy Marshall and Robin Smith climbed six first winter ascents on consecutive days. They also made the first one-day winter ascent of Point Five Gully, went for a long walk and got arrested over an incident with some dominoes! Exactly 50 years later Dave MacLeod and Andy Turner pay tribute to Smith and Marshall by setting out to repeat all the routes that were climbed in that famous week.

SAT 18 FEB

Staff Pick LABYRINTH (U)

Director Jim Henson Starring Jennifer Connelly, David Bowie, Toby Froud UK/USA I 1986 I 100 mins

By day his focus is almost ninja like as he pushes himself to the limit as Eden Court’s CREATIVE assistant. By night he can be found performing his music around town and sometimes he’s acting on stage, right here in Eden Court.

So how does he fit it all in and still have time to pick just the right bandana before coming to work? …who knows! Kai’s chosen an absolute classic this month so make sure you join us for Labyrinth. “With a host of hilarious, believable characters and the gloriously spandex-clad goblin king David Bowie, this is an absolute MUST”.

WED 29 FEB

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

FEBRUARY Wed 01 11.30 War Horse 14.00 The Descendants 19.00 War Horse 19.30 The Descendants Thu 02 11.30 The Descendants 14.00 War Horse 18.00 War Horse 18.15 The Descendants 20.30 War Horse 20.45 The Descendants Fri 03 18.00 18.15 20.30 20.45

SUBTITLED

DREAM & SCREAM

The Iron Lady The Descendants Shame The Descendants

Sat 04 11.30 Twilight: Breaking Dawn 13.30 The Descendants 14.00 Twilight: Breaking Dawn 17.45 The Descendants 18.00 Shame 20.15 The Descendants 20.30 The Iron Lady Sun 05 11.30 Twilight: Breaking Dawn 13.30 The Iron Lady 14.00 Twilight: Breaking Dawn DREAM & SCREAM

19.15 The Descendants 19.45 Shame Mon 06 11.30 The Iron Lady

Fri 10 18.00 18.15 20.15 20.45

Shame The Descendants The Iron Lady The Descendants

Tue 07 11.30 The Iron Lady 17.00 The Iron Lady 19.15 The Descendants 19.30 Good Night, And Good Luck Wed 08 11.30 The Descendants DREAM & SCREAM 14.00 The Iron Lady 19.45 The Descendants 20.30 Shame

11.30 13.30 14.00 17.30 18.00 20.15 20.30

Sat 11 11.30 Puss In Boots 13.30 Coriolanus 14.00 Puss In Boots 17.00 We Have A Pope 17.30 J. Edgar 19.15 Shame 20.15 Coriolanus 21.30 The Evil Dead

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close The Artist The Artist Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Happy Feet Two Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Happy Feet Two Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Highland Adventure Films Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close The Artist

Sun 19 11.30 Happy Feet Two 14.00 Happy Feet Two 16.30 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 17.00 The Artist 19.15 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 19.30 Dreams Of A Life

Sun 12 11.30 Puss In Boots 13.30 J. Edgar 14.00 Puss In Boots 17.00 Shame 17.15 Coriolanus 19.15 The Night Of The Hunter 19.45 J. Edgar Mon 13 18.00 J. Edgar SUBTITLED 18.15 We Have A Pope 20.30 Shame 20.45 Coriolanus

Wed 15 18.00 Shame 19.30 Coriolanus 20.00 The Iron Lady Thu 16 11.30 Shame 14.00 The Iron Lady 18.00 Coriolanus 18.15 The Iron Lady 20.15 Friends Evening Screening (contact box office for info)

20.30 J. Edgar

Fri 17 18.00 18.15 20.30 20.45 Sat 18

Shame Coriolanus We Have A Pope J. Edgar

Mon 20 18.00 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 18.15 Dreams Of A Life 20.30 The Artist 20.45 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Tue 21 11.00 The Artist DREAM & SCREAM 11.30 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 14.15 The Artist 19.15 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 19.30 Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War On Journalism Wed 22 11.30 The Artist 19.00 LGBT History Month Screening 19.30 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Sat 25 11.30 Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked 13.30 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 14.00 Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked 17.00 Surviving Life 19.15 We Were Here 20.30 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 21.30 Ghostbusters Wed 26 11.30 Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked 14.00 Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked 16.30 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 17.00 Surviving Life 19.15 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 19.45 La Piscine Mon 27 18.00 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 18.15 Surviving Life 20.30 So Hard To Forget 20.45 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Tue 28 11.30 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 19.15 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 20.00 Blood In The Mobile Wed 29 14.00 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 19.00 Labyrinth 19.15 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close SUBTITLED

Thu 23 11.30 The Artist 14.00 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 18.00 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 18.15 The Artist 20.30 The Artist 20.45 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close Fri 24 18.00 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 20.15 Surviving Life 20.45 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

FRIENDS SCREENINGS exclusive screenings for Eden Court Friends.

Friends Coffee Morning – MON 06 11.30 The Iron Lady (12A) 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

SUBTITLED

Tue 14 11.30 Coriolanus 14.00 The Night Of The Hunter 17.30 The Iron Lady 19.15 J. Edgar 19.45 Shame

FRIENDS COFFEE MORNING

18.00 18.15 20.15 20.45

Thu 09 11.30 Shame 14.00 The Descendants 18.00 The Iron Lady 18.15 The Descendants 20.30 Shame 20.45 The Descendants

£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 16 20.15 Contact box office for details of top secret preview screening. 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)

BACK

THEATRE

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MUSIC

KIDS

FILM

ART

3

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1

38

THEATRE CABARET

COMEDY

DANCE

DRAMA

MUSICAL

Battling The Bottle…

If we’ve noticed one growing trend in the experience of theatre going up here over the last year, it’s the way that people are finally learning not to fear something a little different. Of course, the bulk of audiences are still to be found at tried and trusted favourites, the prospect of a guaranteed money-spinner making promoters complicit in that tired routine of just putting exactly the same thing on time and time again until crowds finally stop going or someone dies of old age/boredom.

But, set against that laziness, there have been welcome moves towards trying to revitalise the way that people get to see drama. The Play Pieces lunchtime theatre season at Ironworks was an inspired way to bring in a new crowd to see emerging talent, while Eden Court continued to present stuff by imaginative companies and in site-specific locations, including taking audiences outside the venue.

That determination to do something different continues this month with BARFLIES [1] from the Grid Iron Theatre Company, the people responsible for one aforementioned outdoor show, Decky Does A Bronco and with an enduring commitment to not just thinking about the box, but climbing on top of it to see what happens. Barflies is promoted by Eden Court, but will actually take place at HOOTANANNY on SUN 12 & MON 13 FEB, with the environment perfectly suited to the subject matter and dynamic of the piece. Based on the work of one of America’s finest outsider writers, the late, great Charles Bukowski, it finds KEITH FLEMING taking on the role of Bukowski’s alter ego Henry Chinaski for an up close look at life seen through the bottom of a glass.

Humour, despair and a certain cockeyed profundity come in equal (double) measures and presenting the show in a real bar should make for an absorbing evening.

There’s more imaginative programming inspired by society’s underclass in the form of THE RAGGED TROUSERED PHILANTHROPISTS [2] at EDEN COURT OneTouch on FRI 10 FEB. It’s almost a century since Robert Tressell’s book of that name was first published, but it remains an essential piece of working-class literature, its story of painters and decorators renovating a rich man’s house as relevant and remarkable today as a hundred years ago. Performed as a two hander using instrumentation and songs of Edwardian England it’s brave, beautiful piece of political theatre.

Highly recommended.

<

P23 FOR

<

CHINESE CIRCUS/CIRCUS OF HORRORS & SPOOKY SEANCE [3]

<

39

THU 02 FEB

JUST LAUGH COMEDY NIGHT @ Hush Nightlife BRUCE FUMMEY MC, STU WHO, SHAZIA MIRZA, JOHN ROSS. SEE PROMO ON NEXT PAGE TO WIN A VIP TABLE TO THIS EVENT!!!!

SAT 04 FEB Comedy

ANDREW O’NEILL @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm You might have seen O’Neill in Steve Coogan’s brill Saxondale, but this metalhead amateur occultist with his own steampunk band on the side is one of the country’s most original and frankly discombobulating funnymen. Don’t miss. 01463 234 234

TUE 07 FEB

Drama

SCHOOLS ROCK CHALLENGE @ Eden Court Empire, 6.30pm. SEE FEAT.. 01463 234 234

THE INFAMOUS BROTHERS DAVENPORT @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.45pm.. A spookily vibrant glimpse into the world of Victorian magic inspired by the legendary Davenport Brothers, their startling showmanship and troubled real lives. 01463 234 234 SEE FEATURE PAGE 23

FRI 10 FEB Drama

THE RAGGED TROUSERED PHILANTHROPIST @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm. Using instrumentation, songs of the period, movement, physicalisation, comedy and characterisation to create the spirit and clarity of the political message, the play shares with its audience a year in the life of a group of painters and decorators, as they renovate a three-storey town house for Mayor Sweater.

01463 234 234 SEE FEAT <<< Other

CIRCUS OF HORRORS - THEE VENTRILOQUIST @ Eden Court Empire, 8pm. The Circus of Horrors is a fusion between daredevil and bizarre circus acts performed by a cast of 26, with live rock music played by Dr Haze. see feat 01463 234 234 SEE FEATURE PAGE 23

SUN 12 FEB Drama/Kids

SUN 05 FEB

JOSIE LONG: THE FUTURE IS ANOTHER PLACE @ Ironworks, Sun 05 Feb, 7.30pm Strange to think that not so long ago Inverness was something of a comedy desert where you had to make your own laughs from watching people stand on rakes and the like. Recently though it’s almost gone to the other extreme with so many stand-ups coming to town that going to them all would take such a chunk out of your bank balance that no amount of top gags would compensate. Nevertheless there are some people you just shouldn’t miss and last year we were particularly rewarded by three of them; Stewart Lee, Jerry Sadowitz and perhaps best of all, Josie Long. She may not have been playing to a vast crowd (indeed that made her routine all the more engaging), but there was a lightness of touch, comic creativity and magnificent punctuations of political anger that made her set one that’ll live long in the memories of those who were there.

While she’s a relative comedy veteran (having won the BBC New Comedy Award at the age of just 17 –too young for the champagne that came as part of the prize-before returning to University to finish her degree) with a heap of tremendous Edinburgh shows behind her, she’s resisted the increasingly lazy overexposure of the every-panel-show-going route, preferring to win hearts and minds in a far more inventive manner. One being her Lost Treasures Of The Black Heart night curated by her and designed to celebrate ‘unsung heroes’. Held in Camden’s Black Heart pub Josie and loads of her favourite acts perform short lectures and sketches about their chosen subjects with lots of audience contributions. You should check out the podcast at www.losttreasurespodcast. com She’s also an enthusiastic tweeter, politically engaged (a vocal supporter of the Occupy London movement) and likely to pop up in the oddest of places. Indeed, as we went to press she was just about to embark on a week of gigs somewhere in the Alps. Most importantly, she’s very, very funny. Whatever you do, don’t miss her. www.ironworksvenue.com SEE OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JOSIE ON ‘SPILL’, PAGE 15 <<<<<

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WED 22 FEB

Other

ROBIN & THE BIG FREEZE @ Eden Court One Touch, 1.30pm, 4.30pm. With suitcases and satnavs the birds are getting ready to leave town. 01463 234 234 SEE FEAT P13

TUE 14 FEB Drama

PASSING THROUGH @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm. A new romantic comedy by Alistair Rutherford (BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Scotland) performed cabaret style and telling the tale of broken romance, bruised egos and Tommy The Magician getting mistaken for a Motorhead tribute act. ww.peapodproductions.co.uk.

01463 234 234

FRI 17 FEB Comedy

FASCINATING AIDA: THE CHEAP FLIGHTS TOUR @ Eden Court Empire, 7.30pm. Three times Olivier Award nominated and now a global internet sensation, Fascinating Aida are still Britain’s best comedy cabaret trio. This brand new show will include several numbers hot off the press, plus a few old favourites including their infamous anthem to budget travel, Cheap Flights (7 million plus hits on YouTube) as well as The Dogging Song, a fond homage to the joys of al fresco sex.

01463 234 234

SAT 18 FEB

Musical/Op Other

SALLY MORGAN @ Eden Court Empire, 8pm.

Fresh from her new TV Series - ‘Psychic Sally On The Road’ on Living TV, Britain’s best loved celebrity psychic, Sally Morgan visits Inverness. 01463 234 234

SUN 19 FEB Comedy

GILDED BALLOON COMEDY CIRCUIT FEBRUARY 2012 @ Eden Court One Touch, 8pm. Some of the best new Scottish stand ups around. 01463 234 234

THU 23 FEB

THE INFAMOUS BROTHERS DAVENPORT @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.45pm. as Wed 22

FRI 24 FEB

THE INFAMOUS BROTHERS DAVENPORT @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.45pm. as Wed 22 Musical/Opera

SAT 25 FEB Drama

THE INFAMOUS BROTHERS DAVENPORT @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.45pm. as Wed 22

SUN 26 FEB Other

CHINESE STATE CIRCUS “YIN YANG” @ Eden Court Empire, 7.30pm. The highly awaited return of China’s greatest circus featuring the first UK appearance of the formidable Shaolin Master known only as “The One”, plus acrobats defying gravity with a remarkable display of human juggling where the human body becomes catapult and catcher in an elaborate, explosive and highly choreographed presentation of power, poise and agility.

01463 234 234 SEE FEATURE PAGE 23

MON 27 FEB

CHINESE STATE CIRCUS “YIN YANG” @ Eden Court Empire, 5pm, 8pm. as Sun 26

TUE 28 FEB Dance/Contempoary

CURIOUS SEED: PUSH @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm.

Conceived and directed by Christine Devaney - with her growing trademark of marrying expressive choreography and live music with poetic text and video images - P U S H involves a wall, a young girl and an ensemble of “extra/ordinary” people. This promises to be Curious Seed’s most challenging and beautiful performance to date and proof that modern dance can still surprise. 01463 234 234

WED 29 FEB

BALLETBOYZ @ Eden Court Empire see inset >

THU 01 MAR

JUST LAUGH COMEDY NIGHT @ Hush Nightlife BRUCE FUMMEY MC, RON VAUDRAY, JOHN GAVIN, VIV GEE

SUN 04 MAR Comedy

PEACOCK & GAMBLE @ The Ironworks, 7pm.

We have all been at a show that goes wrong.

Actors can forget their lines, technicians can miss cues, or a lion can get in the room and go mental.

But there has never been, until now, a back–up show waiting in the wings, ready to leap in and save the day (and kill the lion). Step forward Ray Peacock & Ed Gamble (Russell Howard’s Good News, Peacock & Gamble Podcast) with their ramshackle, seat-of-the-pants, emergency comedy night. Chortle Award Nominees 2011.

“Unfettered roars of laughter” The Guardian. .

0871 789 4173

DANCE PICK: BALLETBOYZ @ Eden Court Empire Wed 29 Feb 8pm MICHAEL NUNN and WILLIAM TREVITT have had a dramatic impact on the British dance scene since they formed BALLETBOYZ in 2001.

With The Talent, they pass the baton on to a new generation. ADAM, ANTHONY, ED, JESÚS, KAI, LEON, MATT, MIGUEL and TAYLOR are the remarkable dancers who were handpicked from open auditions to star in what’s being billed as an “explosive feast of live dance fused with film and behind-the-scenes footage”. The evening will feature Paul Roberts’ Alpha and one of Balletboyz’ signature pieces, Russell Maliphant’s Torsion, reworked as a thrilling sextet.

Completing the line-up will be a brand new commission by Czech choreographer JAREK CEMEREK. 01463 234 234

WIN FREE VIP TICKETS FOR A TABLE OF SIX to JUST LAUGH

feat BRUCE FUMMEY, STU WHO, SHAZIA MIRZA, JOHN ROSS

TO ENTER:

text or email ‘LAUGH’ & your name to 07786 206955

THEATRE

@ HUSH Nightclub, THU 02 FEB !!!

OR email, subject ‘LAUGH’ to win@icanow.com OR simply scan the QR code here:

41

surfing... soxaholix.com

Smart, if mostly baffling, comic strip for fans of the Boston Red Sox.

documentaryguide.com

Massive archive of documentaries that you can watch for free.

vice.com/en_uk

And here’s another source for enlightening flicks.

8tracks.com

Share your own online mix tapes.

twitter.com/#!/RealTimeWWII

Six year project tweeting events of WW2 day by day and sometimes hour by hour.

porridgelady.co.uk

Porridge tips and more.

psykopaint.com

Turn your photos into art.

nerdydaytrips.com

From sea forts to abandoned nuclear bunkers, dead Victorian racecourses and more, all around the world.

noclip.eu

And more undiscovered locations in Hidden Scotland.

thelittlebookofmonsters .blogspot.com

Artist drawing a monster a day.

the back end

“YOU WOULDN’T STEAL A CAR...”

Ask yourself – how many times have you sat through those ANNOYING anti-piracy ads you get on DVD’s?

If you’re anything like me (perish the thought) it will be several hundred.

Which is one of the BEST reasons for watching pirate copies. You don’t get any of those tiresome patronising - and ultimately missing its target audience advertisements.

Neither do you get any film trailers that implore you to go the the ‘great new movie’ for years and years after its release.

I wonder where the film / DVD industry’s heads are at? I mean, really - imagine if you bought a CD (assuming you are familiar at all with the concept of actual physical product!) only to be regaled with 5 minutes of advertising - that you couldn’t skip past - every time you wanted to listen to an album, or event just one song.

You wouldn’t wear it, would you.

archive.org/details/texts

Massive downloadable archive of free books and texts.

vimeo.com/32001208

Incredible footage of Earth from space.

informationisbeautiful.net

Starting point for facts and figures turned into beautiful visuals.

slacktory.com

Loads and loads and loads of ace stuff.

Just look.

tinyurl.com/2qemf6

Write upside down on Facebook, etc.

photooftheday.hughcrawford.com

42

Man who took a Polaroid every day. (Read more of his extraordinary, tragic story at tinyurl.com/26x6g3 )

Want to see all these on your phone?

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

ranting So why do we accept it on our DVD’s? It makes NO sense whatsoever.

Hence - here starts my unofficial and in no way legally binding or serious suggestion of a ‘BOYCOTT OFFICAL DVDs’ campaign.

The smarter ones in the class about this point are piping up will comments about “oh, I only stream my movies these days, from Netflix or LoveFilm” - but whilst I haven’t used those services, I imagine that if they don’t currently include ads or trailers with films, it will only be a matter of time until they do - 4OD and BBC iPlayer certainly include unwanted minutes of content on your stream.

The only way to reduce the attraction of piracy is to deliver a better product, not as is currently the case, a worse one! The aesthetic of plush packaging - or any physical extras that might be sought after, etc offers a far more sensible approach.

You certainly are going to achieve precisely NOTHING with advertisements that appeal to the viewer’s conscience not to use pirates. It is difficult enough to stir a viewer to respond to a famine ad showing real inescapable human suffering, let alone a “please don’t watch pirates because we don’t make quite as much

WIN COMEDY SEATS (see P40)

find out via smartphone here:

profit then” line. I’m not saying it isn’t their right to make the profit from the goods they make - but it’s not a line that could remotely work.

And, in answer to that opening question: Yes, most people probably WOULD steal a car (or even several) if it was as easy as downloading pirate films online.

So stick that in your pipe...

RANT OVER

IG:LU EVENT#24 (see P07)

via smartphone here:

ROAD POLL (see P05)

via smartphone here:

or here:

bit.ly/ICA114R

43

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

2011 also reveal pieces that for back by buildings continuing uncertainty Highland House Pricesfor over 12The metalwork years nowfigures and has supplied public the Highland and Islands property about their own financial prospects Down 2 % inand 2011 residences throughout the uk. Not to mention numerous pieces private for

market continues togardens. perform quite and job security. In addition, many meda-winning gardens for Chelsea Show Contemporary metal outdoor furniture Highland Solicitors Property Centre well against the national average.

– particularly first-time buyers – are Together with his wife Kim he runs Moore Designs - a venture which specialises (HSPC), the leader in the Highland Award winning blacksmith and designer Alex Moore has been creating original finding it very difficult to obtain in exciting contemporary outdoor furniture. Working exclusively in metal, they property marketmetalwork for more than 30 for over 12 years now and has supplied pieces for public buildings The HSPC final quarter average mortgages. provide functional works of art for your garden with the added benefit being and private residences uk. mention pieces for years, has released 2011 results, isthroughout 2.9% higher the to £158,423 thatits they require no maintenance - the youthan canNot just sit back andnumerous enjoy them.

A piece meda-winning gardens for Chelsea Show showing that average house prices Nest seat – in whichThe truly brings that exemplifies Alex’sScottish unique style is Thegardens. average published severity of art theto mortgage supply

in the area dropped 2%your last year. life in garden.

The swirls of by metal which lovingly cocoon you inspecialises your own Together with his wife Kim he runs Moore Designs - a venture which October the Registers of situation was underlined last month private escape from the world also frame littleWorking captionsexclusively of your garden forinyou to by the Bank in exciting contemporary outdoor furniture. in metal, Scotland.

(December) athey report enjoy.

Best ofinallthe - it’s big enough foryour two, the perfect way wile away a summer provide functional works of art for garden with thetoadded benefit being However, a rise in prices of Scotland. afternoon. require no maintenance - youincan justHighlands sit back and enjoy them. A piece second half ofthat thethey year meant While prices the that exemplifies Alex’s unique style is The Nest seat – which truly brings art to that the average house were only continue to hold up reasonably well, The bank’s First Time Buyer’s Review life in your garden. swirls of metal which lovingly cocoon you in your own down fractionally across the year. Thesales continue to be constrained by found that the number of first-time private escape from the world also frame little captions of your garden for you to The average in the final quarter, at the same factors that are affecting buyers in Scotland during 2011 was enjoy. Best of all - it’s big enough for two, the perfect way to wile away a summer £162,967 was down just 0.2% on the market throughout the UK. the lowest for 35 years at 17,121. afternoon. the £163,266 average for the first This is down 4% on the figures for quarter.

Potential buyers are being held 2010. More dramatically it is less

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4464

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ica property sponsored by HSPC 01463 231173

property property

than 44% of the 39,100 first-time buyers who entered the housing market in 2006.

This is despite public confidence in the property market holding up remarkably well.

The main reason for this decline is the size of deposit lenders now require from first-time buyers. On average, they now require a deposit of 21% – more than double the 10% figure in 2007.

The recent Quarterly Property Tracker survey by the Building Society Association, found that 44% of buyers across the UK thought this was a good time to buy. In Scotland, buyers were even more confident pushing that figure up to 49%. Only 25% nationally disagreed.

Against this background, it is little wonder that property sales are down across the country. The Highlands and Islands are not immune and in 2011 total sales were down 7.6% on 2010.

“With confidence in the property market remaining good, a record number of properties on the market and record enquiries, we believe there is growing pent-up demand

that will be turned into sales when buying conditions improve,” says Sarah Woodcock, Manager of HSPC. “As we have seen throughout 2011, properties sales are holding up remarkably well. But in a buyers’ market, those looking at property can afford to be choosy and inevitably this means some properties are taking longer to sell.

“For those in a position to buy, this combination of a record choice of Highland properties, continuing confidence in the property market and keen prices, means this is a good time make their move.”

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

65 45

cool interiors

ica property is sponsored by HSPC - the Property Professionals

‘COMPACT LIVING SOLUTIONS’

by Clei When my boy was a baby, his tiny room - with just enough space for a cot and a rocking chair - was adorable. As a young boy it was fun to decorate the toddler-sized space with rockets and dinosaurs but now that he is a teenager and so unbelievably big, his room seems far too cluttered with his desk, bed, chair, hi-fi not to mention all the gaming equipment that is part and parcel of being a young ‘un these days. Does that sound familiar to you? Then as we can’t make the rooms any bigger we need to be smart about the space saving furniture we buy.

I love the space saving solutions that the people at www.clei.co.uk have come up with. Their company motto is ‘compact living solutions’ and they really have come up with some innovative ways to optimise your space. Such as this ’Doc’ sofa/bunk bed unit [pictured]. What I love most about it is the ease at which you can make such a dramatic transformation. In literally a couple of seconds you go from a sofa to a bed or a bunk guest bed - and it doesn’t take up anymore floor space than a single bed!

Or, if you want to save even more floor space, check out the ‘Telemaco’ which is a wall bed that converts very easily into a full sized bed and can even be converted into a small sofa. All this and when put away only takes up 35cms of floor space - think of all the empty drinks cans and dirty laundry space that would provide for your beloved teen!

Best of all, the beds all have proper wood slatted bases and come in a dizzying array of fabrics and colours. Save space in style! www.clei.co.uk

46

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

EATING OUT Johnny Foxes

Bank Street, Inverness 01463 236577 Grabbing a booth for lunch in JOHNNY FOXES on this bitterly cold day looks like a cosy option. However I think they had forgotten to switch on the heating this particular day as I did not warm up at all.

Coldness aside I did actually enjoy my lunch, maybe against expectations. I don’t say that in a snobbish way, I know Johnny Foxes don’t sell themselves as fine dining, I just mean that I went in for a pub lunch and I got better than I expected.

For my starter I had the Fox Pot, which for those of you who don’t know, is soup of the day served in a gigantic bread roll.

It sounds mad, I know, but the soup is thick enough to stop it all becoming a soggy mess and the whole thing is one of the most wholesome things I have ever eaten – and they get

extra points for originality too as I haven’t seen it on any other menu. My partner’s starter of Breaded Mushrooms was a less original or inspiring affair but they were cooked well and essentially were crisp rather than soggy.

Main meals came quickly on the heels of the starters, which is a bonus at lunchtime – mine was Warm Beetroot and Goats Cheese Salad Served with Croutons. I felt too cold once the dish had arrived to really relish the sight of it but actually, once I got stuck into it, it was delicious.

On first impressions I thought they had been rather stingey with the goats cheese but on eating I realised it was crumbled throughout the dish - and its dry (rather than creamy) texture worked well with the warm soft moist beetroot and the crisp

bite of the chunky croutons. It finished up feeling like a really hearty meal. Unusual for a salad!

My partner’s dish was Vegetable Fajitas, which you can also have in the meat variety. They came very well presented, 4 tortillas ready for filling, 4 dips and a dish of spicy fried mixed peppers and onions - this dish actually arrived at the table bubbling hot - literally, which was pretty impressive. The dips: a sour cream, salsa, guacamole and grated cheese were generous in portion and neatly presented. With a dish like this you can’t go wrong really as you make up the proportions of it yourself, so if you don’t like it too spicy you can go easy on the salsa and overload on the sour cream or vice versa. It was a filling and satisfying ensemble.

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ART FILM KIDS MUSIC SPECIALS

Great value buffets now available every day of the week *

**

et Buff e Plac

Adults from £5.99 Kids £4.50 Sundays from £9

SPORT THEATRE

Daytime Carvery

Chinese Buffet

Curry Buffet

Mexican Buffet

Weekdays 12 noon ‘til 3pm

Mondays from 5pm

Tues & Thu from 5pm

Wednesdays from 5pm

Chip Shop Buffet

Pizza, Pasta & Salad Buffet

Grill Night Buffet

Sunday Carvery

Fridays from 5pm

Saturdays 12 noon ‘til 3pm

Saturdays from 5pm

from 12 noon

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

BACK

ART FILM KIDS MUSIC SPECIALS

Sunday Carvery Every Sunday £13.50 Treat your mother to the best Sunday Carvery in town

MOTHERS DAY CARVERY Sunday 18th March We would be delighted to cater for any function please contact us for enquires or more information

Inverness’ Newest Venue

Now Open !

Serving good quality

Home Made Food

from midday to late 6 days a week In a hurry and fancy a light lunch?

Why not try our:

THEATRE

(including a glass of wine) Receive 30% off your meal if you pop the question & 10% off your Dream Wedding!

Express Lunch - ONLY £4.95 including a drink...

5-9 Young Street, just across the bridgege...

POP OVER TO NOVA !!

Follow us on facebook.com/novabarinverness Tel: 01463 243342

BACK

VALENTINE’S DAY Set 3 Course Menu - £19.95

SPORT

Come and enjoy a romantic candle lit evening on

Desserts - well I start off with a disappointment. One of the reasons I came here for lunch was because I had heard they did really great cupcakes - freshly made and locally sourced. However so great are these cupcakes that they had sold out, in fact our server told us they often have run out towards the end of the week, so get in early in the week if you want to be able to sample them. Undeterred, we picked from the regular desserts menu which has 4 or 5 rather standard fare choices. So I had the Double Chocolate Brownie with Chocolate Sauce and Ice Cream, while my partner had the old pub menu favourite - the Sticky Toffee Pudding, also served with a sauce and ice cream.

Some care had gone into the presentation of both and they also were good sized portions.

My brownie was nice though a little too gooey - I like a brownie to have that soft, slightly undercooked ‘fudginess’ in the centre but this was actually runny inside and that put me off a bit. And the sauce had a distinctly odd taste, almost a sourness, about it, that was the wrong side of unpleasant.

I asked our server if he could find out what the sauce was and he did go and ask the chef but came back none the wiser - it was just a chocolate sauce apparently, but like no other I had tasted before.

The Sticky Toffee Pudding was a more successful affair, moist sponge, dense interior, covered in a very nice caramel sauce. No complaints there.

50

Before paying the bill the a

from the next table came back from the toilets quite excited, saying the toilets were all new and shiny and that they used to be - and I quote - ‘rank’. This, of course, sent me scurrying off to investigate the newly un-rank ladies room. I say ladies room but really it is a whole new world, an experience if you will. Firstly, yes, I concurred - it is all ‘new and shiny’; and secondly, they have new fangled things like a trough sink - nicer than it sounds, quite eye-catching actually. There is also a vending machine where you can buy things I have never even heard of and also things that I will refrain from putting in this respectable (I believe ‘lol’ is the appropriate phrase here) magazine. It made me think - it’s a long time since I’ve been out drinking in Inverness and things have changed!

All in all, a good experience.

A restaurant where there is Guinness on tap can’t be a bad thing. Next time I would like it to be a little warmer, a little cleaner and for there to be cupcakes – but other than that I am a happy punter.

Price for 2 (exc drinks): £32.60 (there is a 2 course lunch for £9.95 if you’re looking to spend less)

ICA RATING 1: Exterior/Location............................ 7 2: Interior/Atmosphere........................ 6 3: Staff–Appearance........................... 7 4: Staff–Helpfulness........................... 8 5: Speed Of Service........................... 7 6: Food–Presentation......................... 7 7: Food–Quality.................................. 7 8: Food–Value.................................... 6 9: Menu–Range/Balance/Clarity......... 7 10: Toilets–Appearance/Cleanliness... 8 TOTAL: 70%

BACK

THEATRE

SPORT

SPECIALS

MUSIC

KIDS

FILM

ART

Get Bronze and Beautiful with the Hair Station and our brand new FAKE BAKE® tanning booth.

The choice of celebrities the world over, FAKE BAKE® is now available to you!

“Fantastic!

I love Fake Bake!”

KARA TOINTON

Fake Bake is the UK‘s leading salon professional self tan and spray tan brand.

Fake Bake® gives an instant sun-kissed colour and develops into a long lasting sunless fake tan by combining naturally derived tanning agents DHA and Erythulose­ guaranteeing longer lasting (up to 50% longer), more natural-looking results. Fake Bake have developed botanical ingredients to remove parabens and artificial preservatives. Fake Bake specialist self-tans offer added benefits like anti ageing, anti cellulite and anti oxidants ®

Q

VALENTINE PAMPER PACK At The Hair Station

Q

y TOP TO TOE: Wash & Blow Dry, Full Body Tan, Mini Manicure and Mini Pedicure worth over £65. Treat the one you love this Valentine’s for ONLY £50 y Full Body Tan £23 y Party Tan £15

(arms, legs and face)

Girls! Treat the man in your life to a professional salon cut when you get your hair done – and we will do it it for him ABSOLUTELY FREE !!* *not available with pamper pack

Book your appointment online at:

www.hair-station.co.uk Keppoch Road Culloden Inverness

Tel: 01463 795905

Making The Most Of You:

‘SWIMMING, NOT DROWNING...

The Christmas season can be exhausting. All that shopping, partying, cooking, eating and drinking – I am sure that many of you have started the year with the best of intentions and a fabulous array of resolutions which, by the time you read this magazine, will have fallen by the wayside.

Fear not, I have a new, New Year’s Resolution for you and it is suitable to each and every one of you!

Learn to swim - simple as that. Or if you can already swim then take a life saving course.

Around 400 people drown in the UK each year. So if you and your family are planning to spend some of this summer by the sea, by the pool, or perhaps even a river or lake, perhaps you should ask yourself, would you be able to spot someone in trouble in the water, in time to save their life: do you really know what drowning looks like?

Many of us, when asked to describe a drowning person, would probably say they would be thrashing their arms about wildly above their heads and making loud cries of help. But the reality is that a person who is

health

drowning is more likely to remain quiet, unnoticeable, and sink silently. There are many maritime reports that tell of parents who have watched their child drown without realising what was happening.

In the vast majority of cases, drowning people are physiologically incapable of calling out for help because the human body is wired to give priority to the primary respiratory function, breathing, and not to speech. Drowning people’s mouths are not above the water long enough to enable them to exhale, draw breath and call out – they have barely time to exhale and inhale quickly before their mouths go back under the water.

Waving arms about to draw attention is a voluntary movement: we have to stop drowning first before we can physically perform voluntary movements like waving for help, grabbing rescue equipment or moving toward a rescuer.

So get yourself and whole family along to the local pool because swimming and life saving are lifeskills we all need to have.

And there’s no better form of exercise for keeping yourself healthy. Happy New Year.

New ‘Celebrity Workout’ Results Guaranteed !!!

The Latest Fitness Trend Sweeping The Nation The Very First Barre Concept Classes In Scotland!

The precision of Pilates, moves, grace & technique of Ballet, the alignment of yoga, the strength of sports conditioning make up a typical Barre workout. www.barreconcept.co.uk The BARRE CONCEPT CLASS includes: Warm Up - The Barre Workout - Resistance Training (weights) - Floor section (Pilates, Yoga components, Abdominals section) - Stretch Classes starting in February in Dingwall & Inverness www.natalliasfitness.co.uk • mob: 07881 814362 info@natalliasfitness.co.uk Natallia’s Fitness

53

ART

New Year, New You, Facial Rejuvenation FILM

Before

Face Plan -spread the cost throughout the year Call or email for details

KIDS

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

MUSIC

After

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

SPECIALS

Bellisima Brides New collection now arriving stockists of:

SPORT

maggie sottero phil collins venus sincerity

THEATRE

ebony rose 10 Charles Street Inverness IV2 3AQ

BACK

to view our collection contact Hilda or Sharon on 01463 222826 www.bellisimabrides.co.uk Open 10am - 4pm Tues to Sat

AMAZING WINTER PAMPER PACKAGES FOR ONLY £30!

ART

SLEEPING BEAUTY SALON LIMITED

Treat yourself to a Signature Manicure & Signature Pedicure for only £30.

TOTAL VALUE: £57! SAVE £27!

FILM

HANDS & FEET COMBO

FACE & EYES COMBO

MUSIC SPECIALS

Tel: 0844 445 7771 (option 3) WEB: www.sleepingbeautysalon.com

SPORT

Offers only available at our Eastgate Salon. Subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion. Offers end 29th Feb 2012.

THEATRE

Book in for a Full Body St Tropez Spray Tan with Mini Manicure for only £30.

TOTAL VALUE: £41.50. SAVE: £11.50!

BACK

TAN & NAILS COMBO

KIDS

Book in for a Dermalogica Essential Facial with Eyebrow Shape for only £30.

TOTAL VALUE: £47.50! SAVE £17.50!

ART

beauty

Making The Most Of You: NEVER MIND THE LENGTH, FEEL THE WEIGHT...

FILM

Wish you could have lovely long thick locks like Cheryl Cole or Kim Kardashian? Not got the budget for a full-time personal hairstylist? Well now you don’t have to, that wish can become reality with clip in hair extensions. They are so easy to use, cheap to buy and avoid a lengthy trip to the salon.

KIDS

However – a word to the wise ladies – when buying hair extensions it is vital you don’t just think about the length!

No-one wants to end up with that ‘rat tail’ look.

MUSIC

The way to avoid this is to buy your extensions from a retailer who sells them by weight. A good retailer will be able to advise you in-store, but these golden rules will give you a head start: • ladies with medium to thick hair should buy at least 120g or 160g • ladies with thinner hair should buy 100g or 120g

SPECIALS SPORT THEATRE BACK

56

Many retailers only concentrate on length, this is a problem for ladies blessed with thick hair as you will have to buy 24” – and even then, the most you will get is approximately 110g.

So, there you go ladies – next time you want the glossy locks of Cheryl Cole make sure you check what the weight before you buy!

by Rebecca of Rapunzel’s Secret, Victorian Market, Inverness 07926 015830 www.RapunzelsSecret.co.uk

North Kessock Hotel & Restaurant email: northkessockhotel@btconnect.com

Tel 01463 731208 • northkessockhotel.com

Steak Special January, February & March

Mon-Fri: 5.30pm-8.30pm Choice of Soup of the Evening Sirloin Steak with onion rings, Mushrooms & Fries or Breast of Chicken & Haggis on a Whisky & Mushroom Cream Mixed Berry Pavlova or Crème Brulee

£13.95

Booking Essential 01463 731208

Accidents will happen... ...let the experts at Mac and Mac take the lead in your compensation claim

buy this ad

Dealing with insurance companies after an accident involving personal injury can be difficult and time consuming. With extensive experience in handling accident claims, our Personal Injury Team will help you get the compensation you deserve.

Please contact Graham Laughton to arrange a free, no obligation discussion

01463 715 125

28 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1YN Tel: 01463 239393 Fax: 01463 222879 Email: court@macandmac.co.uk www.macandmac.co.uk

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!!

OUR NEW CATERING PLATTERS ARE THE BUSINESS

Take the hassle out of catering for your business meetings with our quick, easy and unbelievably cost-effective FOOD PLATTERS - each feeding 8–10 people.

Order your choice of SANDWICH PLATTER (with over 16 filling options), deliciously varied COLD PLATTERS or HOT PLATTERS - which uniquely, are delivered in our special OVEN VANS so your food arrives fresh and hot from the oven, not lukewarm or cold!

wich Platters: Sand

Cold Platters:

Want to know how little this all costs?

- from as little as £2.45 per head ! >>

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 )

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

Hot Platters:

Cold Platter £35.50

quantity:

TYPICAL CONTENTS WILL INCLUDE A SELECTION FROM THE LIST BELOW:

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:

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

email admin@1stpizzadirect.co.uk

smartphone scan the qr code

online www.1stpizzacatering.co.uk

phone us now 0330 20 20 123

and place an order on our dedicated site

tick to order:

EACH PLATTER WILL FEED 8–10 PEOPLE

This is merely a sample of what can be prepared, our skilled team have many years experience in providing tailored catering solutions for YOUR business at VERY competitive prices. Please call for details.

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

tick to order:

EACH PLATTER WILL FEED 8–10 PEOPLE

and place an order on your phone!

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

- ordering your business lunches just got easier !

ica business

ica-jobs.com

Some business events in February plus some local business news. Got something to tell us? : mail@icanow.com

HIE EVENTS

Highlands & Islands Enterprise is the economic and community development agency for the Highlands & Islands - designed to generate sustainable economic growth throughout the area. hie.co.uk BUSINESS IN CHINA 16 February 2012, Cowan House, Inverness Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) invites companies to find out more about the increasing number and variety of business opportunities that exist in China s regional cities.

The latest research report on Opportunities for UK Businesses in China s regional cities , commissioned

by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), identifies a wealth of opportunities across a broad number of sectors.

British companies need to look beyond the traditional business locations in China.

In the last three years there have been several major economic and political developments which have impacted British business and their internationalisation prospects. The global financial crisis and UK recession has changed the international economic landscape.

China was not immune to this and the country launched its own financial stimulus package of US $400bn in late 2008. As a consequence of the global economic challenges, annual inward foreign direct investment shrunk by a third in 2008 but has recovered since.

What are the benefits of attending this event?

The CBBC will present findings from the report that can help Highlands and Islands businesses explore opportunities open to them for doing business in China.

Free export training will also be available to delegates through the Smart Exporter programme. The training will help businesses gain the appropriate skills and knowledge to trade in new markets successfully.

Businesses attending the event will be given a clear idea of the market opportunities open to them, across a variety of sectors, in China.

The most promising opportunities exist in: Advanced Engineering, Financial Services, ICT, Power/Energy, Sports and Leisure Infrastructure (particularly with the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics), Airports, Construction, Creative Industries, Rail and Water.

Whether you are a small company new to exporting, or an established exporter, this event provides an ideal opportunity to learn more, increase your market knowledge and take part in one-to-one clinics with country specialists and commercial advisers.

This event is organised as part of Smart Exporter, an ambitious new international trade skills programme designed to increase exporting skills and knowledge amongst Scottish businesses.

participants the skills and confidence they need to start building their own successful business website using simple online Website Building Tools. The hands-on course requires only basic web browsing and text editing skills. No prior knowledge of website building is needed. All materials and computers will be provided at the course.

Overview of Employment Law 23 Feb 2012 - 09:30 - Ness Horizons Centre This is a 1 Day workshop which will take delegates through the principles of employment legislation covering all aspects from recruitment through to termination. Delegates will also look at the practical aspects of implementing the legislation and have the opportunity to look at recent case law and how it impacts on procedures. This course is suitable for anyone who is responsible for or has an input into the Fusion is an organisation promoting business / employment of others academic / public sector networking and linking rural businesses. These are some of the events they have in February. fusionlinking.co.uk

FUSION EVENTS

STAFF CANTEEN FOR THE SELF EMPLOYED 09 Feb12.30-2pm The Kitchen, Huntly Street, Inverness The latest in our regular series of informal lunch events, book a place then come along and discuss issues of the day with others in the same position. We simply divide the bill among those attending, usually £7 a head. To be paid on the day.

ELGIN GOES TO THE MOVIES FRIDAY 2ND MARCH AT ELGIN TOWN HALL

Elgin Goes to the Movies is the second showcase event featuring a number of City Centre retailers from the Fashion, Hair and Beauty sectors.

Following the success of the first event - Back to Future ‒ Elgin in Style which was a sell -out, Elgin Goes to the Movies will be held on Friday 2nd March at Elgin Town Hall. The event will be themed around an Oscar ceremony with each retailer having their own showcase with each showcase related to a chosen movie. There will be a focus on using local people, young people and performers for all aspect of the event further emphasising the vast talent to be found in Elgin.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS VISIT TO CREATE! INVERNESS 22 Feb 12.30-2pm Midmills Campus, Inverness College - Create! does excellent work with young entrepreneurs in Inverness and this is our chance to find out what they do, how they do it and whether there are any opportunities for us to be involved in some way. This event includes a session about networking and light The City Centre retailers from the fashion, hair and beauty sectors signed up so far includes many well refreshments will also be provided. knows names such as: Bijou , M and Co , McCalls, Xanadu , ESP, Tesco , Dorothy Perkins , Ultimate Hair and Beauty, DE Shoes Dorothy Jack , LCTG, Moray College , Marks and Spencer, Eterno Bridal, Chuck McCall.

Free, local and packed with information, Business Fashions on show will include children s, young Gateway s business workshops give you the skills, BUSINESS IN RUSSIA teenagers, casual men s, ladies casual and classical, confidence and knowledge to help develop your 08 March 2012, Cowan House, Inverness formal and bridal, as well as a hairdressing showcase so Russia is the largest country in the world and now the business. For information and bookings call Lesley there is something for everyone. on 01463 713889 or email Lesley.allan@highlandUK s twelfth largest export market. In 2010 UK exports to Russia increased by 51% totalling £3.45bn. Since opportunity.com highland-opportunity.com Included as part of the evening will be an exhibition/ fayre where local retailers are able to promote and sell 2001 UK-Russia trade has been growing at an average 2 Day Business Start-Up Workshop products. This will take place following the show. There of 21% year on year. The government s economy 16 & 17 Feb 2012, 9:30am Ness Horizons Centre will be refreshments throughout the evening with a modernisation and infrastructure development agenda together with an increasing consumer appetite for Join our two day workshop where you will learn how finger buffet. quality services and goods make Russia a very attractive to develop your ideas into a practical and effective plan to launch your business. Key elements include: Getting Tickets will be on sale from Monday 6th February priced target for British exports.

This event, organised by Highlands and Islands the marketing right for your business; Developing a at £10.00 each (£5.00 for concessions) form Elgin Library Enterprise (HIE) in partnership with Scottish realistic, working business plan; Deciding what finance and Moray College. People can choose from a selection Development International (SDI), will help businesses you need and learning how to use financial information. of movie themed tables for the evening and are invited to dress up in style for the occasion. find out about the opportunities that exist in the Russian market and the support available through the DIY Websites There will also be a charity raffle for local Elgin Charities.

16 Feb 2012, 9:30am - Ness Horizons Centre Smart Exporter international trade programme.

This is a 1 Day Workshop. This workshop aims to give

BUSINESS GATEWAY

Elgin Goes to the Movies!

Friday 2nd March 2012 Elgin Town Hall, 7.30pm

Elgin BID with the Out of Darkness Theatre Company brings you… ’Elgin Goes to the Movies’ featuring City Centre Retailers from fashion, hair, beauty, music … plus much more ...showcasing all Elgin City Centre has to offer.

Exhibition, Free Refreshments and Buffet plus Charity Raffle.

For info go to: www.elginbid.co.uk • www.facebook.com/elginbid or call Jacqui Taylor on: 01343 550 652

H Moray Dance H

Elgin • Hopeman • Fochabers • Lossiemoth • Forres Ballet • Tap • Modern • Jazz • Highland • Disco

H

Elgin Community Centre • Mon, Wed & Sat Memorial Hall, Hopeman • Tues Forres Community Centre • Thurs Lossiemouth Community Centre • Thurs Institute Hall, Fochabers • Fri

H H

Don’t Delay - Call Today

07917 533 516

H

H

www.moraydance.co.uk email: info@moraydance.co.uk

H

I ♥1

st

Pizza Direct

!

THE MONSTER CHICKEN COMBO*

FEBRUARY is a time for LOVERS, so indulge your love of PIZZA with our February Special !! : Take TWO of our famous Margeritas (deep or thin) 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 really moreish Homemade Coleslaw

A DOZEN CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS: 4 fried, 4 southern fried & 4 in our great sticky BBQ sauce; plus Chicken dippers, Spicy Chicken Wings a

AND as if all that wasn’t enough, this month we are giving away for FREE one of our delicious new BAR-B-QUE BOXs – containing, bbq wings and drumsticks, smokey bbq ribs and chicken dippers with yes, you’ve guessed it, BBQ sauce for dipping!!

regular Chips or Wedges and of course a large portion of our fantastic home made Coleslaw

ALL THIS IS YOURS WHILE STOCKS LAST AT THE UNBELIAVBLY LOW PRICE OF JUST:

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 for February only, we are giving it away for the screaming bargain price of

£9.99 – !!!!!

just

£19.99 – WOW!!

* not available at Dingwall branch

Daily Deals To Make Your Mouth Water: > KEBAB MONDAY: Buy a large DONNER KEBAB – get a regular one FREE !! available in Dingwall > REAL PIZZA TUESDAY: ANY PIZZA ANY SIZE BUY*not ONE GET ONE FREE !!

Say NO to mass-produced frozen pizza. All our dough is made fresh daily on site. The best deal in town !!!

> A FISH CALLED WEDNESDAY*: Buy a HADDOCK SUPPER – get a single Haddock FREE !! > THRIFTY THURSDAY: Buy ANY large or extra large PIZZA with 4 or more toppings – 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!! Business Catering Service – SEE P61 FOR FULL DETAILS !!

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

FOR CHICK L♥VEREN S:

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

THE (pizza) L♥VERS PARTY ” PACK