Lifestyle Moray Magazine - March 2021

MARCH 2021

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RECIPES | APPRENTICESHIPS | DE-CLUTTERING MUSIC | FORESTRY | HEALTH & WELLBEING MORAY SHOP LOCAL | MOVEMENT MOTIVATION

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FEATURES 2

Scotland’s landscape Wildlife and forestry

Cover image by Marie T Smith

6

Moray Shop Local Support local businesses

(Smith Wild Photo Wildlife Photography)

8

Spirit of Speyside Whisky festival

10

Eat with Ailsa Cookery classes

34 Music

Local band The Zebecks

12 Food Train

Shopping to make life better

for older people

36 Motivation Movement

with Laura Mcnally

14 Recipes from the Bearded Chef

Ideas for Mother’s Day

40 Wellbeing

with Moray Wellbeing Hub

18 Gut health

Kombucha by Gut Feelings 22

42 Farming SMRA Apprenticeships

Local images Your wonderful snowy images over the last month

47 Fergus Ewing MSP

Agriculture industry

26 The Artisan Bothy

Owner Marie Smith tell’s us more THIS MONTH’S COMPETITIONS

about her passion for giving a

second chance to outdated • £20 VOUCHER FOR KOMBUCHA furniture

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FROM GUT FEELINGS

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All material within this magazine is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertising artwork or any other content, without the publisher’s prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright. Intellectual copyright: Lifestyle Magazine.

To advertise in Lifestyle Tel: 07900 954134 and speak to Rhona Patterson or email: rhona@lifestylemoray.scot

1

SCOTLAND • LANDSCAPE

By Emily Alsford, Recreation Ranger for Forestry and Land Scotland

HISTORY Glenmore forest was once part of the Great Caledonian Forest, with the timber (Caledonian pine) being used for ship building and even for sewer pipes in London.

Before railways came in, logs were floated down the river to the mouth of the Spey towards Fochabers.

There were numerous saw mills set up in the forest and today you can still see some of their founds left behind.

Am Monadh Ruadh

A

silence and stillness like no other can hang in these hills, while at other times raging blizzards will tear through the freezing air. Ages have gone by since two continents collided, spewing magma which slowly cooled into granite rock. This hardwearing red-pink granite was a domineering area of sharp, jagged peaks. Ice, wind and water have left their mark on these ancient mountains over 400 million years, rounding their tops--although this plateau is no less dignified as a result, rather more so. Ice age, tropical warmth, rivers and more have led to an extremely diverse ecology in the Cairngorm Plateau, making it a real Jewel in Scotland’s crown.

not be so dead as we privileged modern folk so condescend to think.

An area rich in history and culture: wandering in this place alone on an evening in winter, it can

In this vast plateau, blanketed in deep snow, a skier slides through a pine forest with her collie, enjoying the feeling of freedom and space that comes when rounding a corner: the open view appears. So much choice: left or right, straight ahead, what a playground.

After some distance, cutting her own tracks through deep powder with head bowed, a blizzard begins, with strong winds gusting. The thought of that small flask of sweet coffee under a gnarled Scots Pine tempts her. Shuffling through the snow and heather to the tree, she sits there with the dog, enjoying the total freedom. Nothing lonely about it, but a feeling of total comfort and belonging in this place, under this tree, at this time. Light fades and the temperature drops, often surprisingly quickly,

seem at times as if the old stories in folklore may

as the sun slips behind the hills. The decision to

Loch Morlich (By Emily Alsford): Water quality of lochs and rivers is very important for many rare and protected species in the Cairngorms.

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head home is necessary, not desired. She packs up her things, leaving no trace.

It’s on this slide home, in the lowering light, with the wind hurling gritty ice, that the hills can let their façade down, bringing on a feeling that you are not, as human, the greatest thing in this landscape. A humility creeps in and a sense of something far greater than self. The living landscape around, its infinitely intricate networks of life, systems and processes, stretching out under, around, and above us--some so complex and as yet poorly understood. Weather and rock, forest and water bodies begin to add up to feel almost as living entities themselves. It is very easy in this instance, with the light fading and the wind moaning, to begin to understand the origins of our fairy folklore, and the reasons behind its emergence.

A stand-alone, old leaning fence post at a distance seems briefly to move in her peripheral vision--through the stinging snow, her eyes could be deceiving her. When looking at the post directly, it bears a resemblance to an

elderly walker, stooping on their way down the hill to a stone ruin with disproportionately large non-native trees outside. Caught out and frozen in their tracks, perhaps? The thought of shapeshifting beings, was not so ridiculous to those having to walk their way home alone on a night like this, years ago.

There were stories of beings said to be protectors of this landscape. They were feared and respected, genuinely believed by many to be real. The Fairy King who was believed to call the woods to the east shore of Loch Morlich his home, would have been well respected. Fairies could certainly give extraordinary gifts, but were more than able to take away the things they gifted, or those whom you loved. The fearsome giant in highland dress with a bloody hand, who roamed the woods to west shore of the loch, would challenge to a duel those who took more than they needed from the forest. Those discovered to be greedily taking more firewood than necessary, for example, would see a very unpleasant outcome, it was said.

Capercaillie (By Colin Leslie): A magnificent bird on the verge of extinction in Scotland, its call is one of the strangest in the bird world; Described as a resonant rattling, which turns into the sound of a drawing cork, then the glug of wine being poured, and finally, a knife grinding noise.

NATURE Over the last few years major conservation work has been taking place, by the removal of non-native trees, such as sitka and Norway spruce. This is to encourage the natural re-generation of the Scots pine and other native hardwoods. Some areas have been planted with oak, birch and aspen.

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Our population and wealth have increased vastly since the days when folk so believed these warnings told by the fireside. Life has changed in leaps since then. Though perhaps there was really some moral message in the tales: take more than you need and you will lose out on more than you realise. This beautiful landscape is so old and so special, home to some of our rarest and most vulnerable wildlife. Now, more than ever, it is important that we work together to protect and enhance the landscape for the wildlife which makes its home there and which visitors so enjoy seeing and knowing lives there.

Environmental protection on a landscape-scale Efforts to protect this landscape and its wildlife can seem rather out of reach for many of us. In Red Squirrel (By Colin Leslie): An iconic mammal of the Cairngorms, they are smaller than Grey Squirrels and make messy dreys (nests) high up in trees.

Look out for chewed pine cones beneath trees: a good indicator that a Red Squirrel was there earlier making a meal of pine seeds.

Pine Marten (By Colin Leslie): Preferring native and oldgrowth forests, these agile, tree-climbing mustelids will also make a home in pine plantations. In the past they were heavily persecuted, but UK numbers are now stabilising. They are likely highly beneficial to UK ecosystems.

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addition, the very fact that much of this special wildlife is so expert at evading us, means it is all too easy to become complacent: forgetting it is there and does need us to adjust our behaviours in order to support it. We can all “do our bit” though, no gesture is too small. The efforts made by individuals to take their litter home, for example, really do make the difference to a place. Enjoying a day out in the hills, with the mind-set of respecting them and the nature that they are home to, cultures the right behaviours.

If thousands of people visit a place of beauty and all take one step towards ensuring they leave no trace, this certainly makes a difference.

But, if we all aim to do more, do our best, encourage others around us and children to do their best, then the positive impact on our countryside could be even greater.

We all have responsibilities when exercising our access rights in the Scottish countryside.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) details these rights and responsibilities, which fall under the three rules below: • respecting the interests of other people •

caring for the environment

• taking responsibility for your own actions During the COVID-19 pandemic, being considerate of others has been so very important and highlighted daily all over the news and social media. Gestures of kindness extend beyond giving a colleague a call or checking in on a friend who might be struggling. We are currently feeling or likely have felt the challenges this time has brought on. We can show consideration for others and respect for our beautiful countryside by leaving no trace of a visit there, leaving it beautiful and clean for the next visitor, for the wildlife which makes its home there, for the communities who live in the area. This can involve taking all our

litter away with us, toileting responsibly, clearing up after our dogs, and importantly at Glenmore, having no fires or coal barbeques in wooded areas.

Glenmore Forest Park has experienced increasing visitor numbers over recent years, with unprecedented numbers after the first lockdown period. This summer season it will be very important that our visitors are aware of the key rules of SOAC and follow the guidance given by rangers and other staff in the Cairngorms. All efforts made by visitors to do this are always appreciated, as is an awareness of the impact that even one person’s activity can have. There will be more staff than ever patrolling the area and available to assist visitors. Rest assured that staff will do their very best to assist and keep the forest park a clean, pleasant and safe place to visit. We can all play a role in maintaining the Cairngorms, including beautiful areas like Glenmore Forest Park, and ensuring they continue to be a special place for generations to come.

Woolly Tooth Fungus, Blood Tooth Fungus (By Emily Alsford): Woolly Tooth is a critically endangered fungus with spines underneath instead of gills. It has been found in the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) to the west shores of Loch Morlich, a very popular area for visitors. Blood Tooth is another rare fungus with spines underneath, growing in Glenmore Forest Park. Named Blood Tooth as it exudes red liquid which resemble droplets of blood!

Oblong-leaved Sundew (By Pete Short) & Grass of Parnassus (By Emily Alsford): Sundews are carnivorous plants and Grass of Parnassus is a beautiful white flower. Both plants are found in some marshy areas around the west of Loch Morlich, so do be careful to cycle and walk on the tracks and paths, not desire lines and threaded paths, as this can damage their marshy habitat.

For more information on rights of responsible access in Scotland see www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot For activities to do at home for all ages see www.forestryandland.gov.scot/learn And to plan a visit to one of our forests www.forestryandland.gov.scot/visit

5

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES

MORAY SHOP LOCAL

I

(Juliette Buchan) set up the Moray Shop Local Facebook page on 23rd March 2020, on the first day of lockdown as a means of helping Moray businesses by sharing information about local offering and promote local shopping during a time of unprecedented economic challenge.

This started as a private group with the view of gathering a few hundred people. However it reached 1,000 followers in less than a week; shortly after which it changed to a public forum which now has over 6,400 followers and keep on growing At the time, the group turned a collective feeling of helplessness into a positive collaboration of knowledge. My vision was to create and steward a portal that would be self-populating and content producing, for the benefit to the local retail sector and the wider Moray community.

Although the Covid pandemic was the trigger that resulted in the creation of the Moray Shop Local group, it was created with a long term view to promote our local economy At the same time, I have continued to carry out my own role as European Sales Manager for GlenAllachie distillery.

All efforts invested in Moray Shop Local have been undertaken in my own free time, for no financial reward.

Some features of the group have included a Moray Shop Local Interview series.

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This has brought an independent perspective on the featured trader and opens the door for local shoppers to know more about the individuals involved, the background to the respective business; further amplifying the local and community sentiments of the group.

While I will continue to act as administrator, the aim is for the group to be self-populating and to be a resource and reference points for people wanting to support local businesses. I’ve loved the opportunity to meet many local traders and build a much deeper understanding of the Moray Business community. Moray has a lot to offer, many great businesses, many skills and talents that most of us did not know existed and they truly deserved a platform to showcase them.

Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/945808052488723/about

QUOTES FROM

LOCAL BUSINESSES Amanda Nasser (McClintock Optical styling boutique, Lossiemouth) “shopping local is the heartbeat of a community, thanks Juliette for your hard work.”

Laura Scott (Ditsy Teacup, Elgin) “Juliette made a conscious decision to help unite and highlight local businesses and residents to give us all a chance to support our local area through this global pandemic. Her enthusiasm for shop local cannot be matched, she backs her words with actions, something we very rarely see nowadays.”

Katie Urquhart (Torta By Katalin) “Juliette hasn’t just created a new social media page to show you where to buy local but created a new community who buys local and support each other every way they can. I can only be grateful she had this great idea the right time and place” Richard Cumming (Sirology, Elgin) “The Moray Shop Local page created by Juliette has allowed businesses to showcase themselves, some growing - some diversifying. This is down to Juliette – a woman with real passion for what Moray has to offer as an area. The time, effort and passion is evident and without it I really doubt the confidence to shop and eat local would have helped so many businesses on our doorstep.

This page has been crucial to the recovery for many businesses – so Juliette a massive thank you from a town centre trader – and a resident for showing us what is available on our doorstep!”

Alison Ruickbie (The Re:Store Shop, Lossiemouth) “Juliette has been an absolute inspiration over lockdown.

She interviewed me and asked lots of questions about The Re:Store for the article. It gave my business another platform on which to promote and a whole new audience and potential customer base too in challenging times."

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FESTIVAL

S

pirit of Speyside festival is going to bring together some of the region’s most loved distilleries and whisky makers online instead of in person in April. The events confirmed so far include a tour of one of Scotland’s newest and most contemporary distilleries, Dalmunach Distillery, from Master Distiller, Alan Winchester; an exploration of Benriach’s World of Flavour and new portfolio with Global Brand Ambassador Stewart Buchanan and a whistle stop virtual tasting tour of Malt Whisky Country with The Malt Whisky Trail. More events are constantly being added to the programme Festival organisers are hopeful that the event, which would have been celebrating its 21st year in April, will be able to go ahead in person on 3rd - 8th November 2021 providing it is safe for everyone to travel at that time, based on Scottish Government advice.

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James Campbell, Chairman at The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: “Given whisky lovers won’t be able to come to Speyside for our annual festival this April, we have decided to take the festival to them until it is safe for visitors to return to Malt Whisky Country hopefully later in the year.

We can’t wait to welcome new and returning visitors from the UK and further afield to this beautiful part of the world.

In the meantime, we hope that our online programme of events in April will lift everyone’s spirits and give people a taste of what to expect from the festival in November. We will then revert back to our traditional date in 2022.”

The full programme of virtual events will be listed on www.spiritofspeyside.com and will be available for preview on 11th March 2021.

Tickets will go on sale online on 16th March 2021.

Facebook: WhiskyFestival Instagram: spirit_speyside Twitter: spirit_speyside

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EAT WITH AILSA

Offering a new way to catch up with friends and family by hosting online cooking classes

A

ilsa Brown has had quite a journey through lockdown, having lived and worked for a travel company in Bristol, moved to stay with in-laws in Northern Ireland, then to her parents in Cults before finally settling in Lossiemouth in January.

Ailsa has always enjoyed cooking but it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that she was able to use her time on furlough to experiment and really hone her cooking skills.

While living in NI, Ailsa wanted to make herself useful and offered to do the cooking. She took this opportunity to try out many of her dishes.

Prior to the pandemic, Ailsa had a career in travel which she loved that unfortunately ended in redundancy. She set up her own venture and now lets her passion for travel inspire her cooking classes. Asian street food is her favourite thing to share with others, reflecting her previous position managing a number of travel companies based across Asia.

Ailsa is a very sociable person and her love of meeting people is making the classes the perfect alternative during lockdown.

The classes have received a lot of praise, one customer sums up her experience:

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‘Cooking with Ailsa was an amazing activity, and something new and exciting to try in lockdown.

The food was so tasty, and yet simple enough for me to feel confident enough to cook it myself. I’ll definitely be saving the recipes for

when we can have dinner parties again! 10/10 great experience and I’d recommend to anyone wanting to learn something new and have fun at the same time’ Ailsa offers a variety of classes to choose from as a group of up to 15 people and can cater for friendly catch ups, work ‘night out’s and even virtual Hen or Stag dos! She also offers scheduled classes and courses for individuals looking for something different to do in lockdown.

To view her current selection of classes available, visit her website: www.eatwithailsa.com You can follow her food exploits through Instagram or Facebook: @eatwithailsa

Shopping to make life better for older people

Food Train Connects is not just for Lockdown

T

he Food Train Connects service has been launched across northern Scotland, adding another layer to widespread community efforts to ensure people do not go without vital shopping supplies.

It is part of work by the wider Food Train organisation as part of its mission to ensure over-65s can eat well and live well in their own homes, tackling issues including malnutrition and loneliness.

The Connects service, the rollout of which began just eight months ago, sees an older person matched with a specific volunteer shopper in their area who carries out weekly grocery trips for them.

It is an extension of Food Train’s award-winning established home shopping service, with the individual match allowing the charity to support people in areas such as Moray where it does not currently operate.

Carol said: “The feedback we get from people is that the service is a real lifeline, but we know there is a need to reach a greater number of people.”

“Connects is an ideal way for the charity to get involved in helping people across Moray. It removes geographical boundaries and reaches out to anyone who needs support, no matter where they live.”

With a well-established track record of working with older people through work with other charities, she knows the difference that the service makes.

“An older person who can’t get their own shopping can now have someone to get it for them. This also helps with social isolation and for them to stay connected to their community. It enables them to stay independent for longer.”

Connects - along with the wider Food Train shopping service - ensures its members can access the food needed for a good diet - and enjoy social contact as it is delivered, within all Covid-19 public health guidelines.

Across Scotland, Food Train’s team of volunteers and staff are now getting groceries

Development officer Carol Anderson is leading the charge locally and is encouraging residents in Moray to spread the word among older people who may benefit from the service, or want to become involved themselves, to get in touch.

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Development officer Carol Anderson

Stuart Hugh

to about 3,380 people through both its Connects service and across the nine regions in which it’s established. That number compares to 1,905 before the pandemic.

Conscious of the demand that existed beyond the established shopping service areas, Connects was launched amid those all-time high numbers, in what was the charity’s 25th anniversary year.

The hope is that it will, in areas such as Moray, bolster not just ongoing community efforts to help those who need support as a result of Covid-19, but provide a longer-term solution to a need that existed among many older people before the pandemic took hold.

“What we offer is a bespoke one-to-one service - having your own personal shopper,” added Carol. “People can choose which shop they would like their volunteer to go to collect their messages. It’s a really tailored service.”

“It’s particularly good at reaching people in more rural areas, where access to shops is even more difficult, particularly for those who can’t drive.”

“Community groups are doing fantastic work during lockdown, which is making a real difference to people needing help. There are good neighbours doing great work.”

“Through Food Train and its experience, we can ensure that support is available beyond lockdown. It’s nice to see the help that people are giving with Lifestyle MAG

shopping. People who perhaps still have a need which community groups or neighbours might struggle to meet beyond lockdown, however, can get in-touch with us.

“Food Train’s always going to be here.

“Everyone we’ve spoken to has really liked the idea of the Connects service in their community.

“In terms of volunteering with Food Train Connects, it is something that can be done when you are getting your own shopping. It doesn’t take a lot of time but makes a huge difference to someone who is lonely and isolated. You also build relationships and make a friend.”

To find out more about Food Train Connects, refer an older person or volunteer, go to their website

www.foodtrainconnects.org.uk.

Carol can be contacted by email

carol@foodtrainconnects.org.uk or by phone 07541 615837.

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RECIPES

Mrs. Chef’s Hot or Not Curry Makes 4 servings •

500g Boneless & Skinless Chicken Thighs Chopped Roughly • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil • 1 Onion Chopped Finely • 3 Garlic Cloves Crushed • 1cm Ginger Chopped Finely • 1 Green Chili • 400g Chopped Tomatoes • 320g Basmati Rice on • Pinch Salt Pinchheat Cracked Black an, add 7• – Reduce to low and nd place Pepper lid for 20 mins, checking s, do regular.

• 400ml Boiling 8 - Once your rice is nice and own, fluffy ,Water it is ready to serve,

soning adding your curry on the top.

rough coated Spice Blend or 5 • 2 Tsp Masala Garnish with Garam fresh coriander.

toes, dd the ing to

• • •

1 Tsp Turmeric 1 Tsp Cumin 1 Tsp Coriander

mer and 1 - Heat oil in a large pan, ns, add garlic, ginger & onion

and allow to cook for 2

been ’s time mins, do not allow to burn.

oiled & to the

Leek & Pancetta Riso

By The Bearded Chef

Ingredients 300g Arborio Rice

150g Pancetta

100g Parmesan

100g Butter

1 Leek

2 Garlic Cloves

3 Spring Onions

1 Onion

125ml White Wine

1000ml Chicken Stock

1/2 Lemon

50ml Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

Tip 1 : You do need to kinda hover over the pot to make sure that the liquid doesn’t run out.. and believe me the first time I made risotto I was watching that pot like a hawk.

Tip 2 : Only use wine you would drink to cook with!

4 – Turn down to a simmer and allow to cook for 40 mins, stirring occasionally.

5 – After your curry has been cooking for 20 mins – it’s time to put your rice on.

6 – Add four cups of boiled water to a pan add salt & pepper and rice, bring to the boil and stir.

2 – Add chicken and brown, add chili (optional), Tip 2: Always wash heat to low and place lid for 20 Tip 1: For a mild curry, leave out the 7 – Reduce your hands straight for moderate heat add the chili Seasoning and spice blend. Stirchili, through to after cutting chili. minus the seeds and for a hot curry mins, checking regular. include the chili with the seeds ensure all chicken is coated and allow to cook 8 - Once your rice is nice and fluffy , it is ready out for 5 minutes. to serve, adding your curry on the top.

3 – Add chopped tomatoes, stir through and Garnish with fresh coriander. then add the 400ml boiled water. Bring to the boil.

Tip 1: For a mild curry, leave out the chili, for moderate heat add the chili minus the seeds and for a hot curry include the chili 14 with the seeds.

Tip 2: Always wash your hands straight after cutting chili.

Leek & Pancetta Risotto

Tip 1 : You do need to kinda

By The hover Beardedover Chefthe pot to make sure that the liquid doesn’t run out.. and believe Ingredients me the first time I made risotto I was watching that 300g Arborio Rice

pot like a hawk.

150g Pancetta

otto Leek

Tip 2 : Only use wine you would drink to cook with!

Preparation

Preparation

60mins - Makes 4 servings add olive oil and pancetta. Sauté for 5 minutes until pancetta is slightly browned.

Remove and place on a plate with paper towel.

add olive oil and pancetta. Sauté for 5 minutes until pancetta is slightly browned.

Remove and place on a plate with paper towel.

6 - After also s parm

100g Parmesan

100g Butter

7 - Stirrin 1 Leek

5 - Continue to cook until the rice is tender and 2 Garlic Cloves

8 - Add s 2 - Add butter to the sauté oven, let melt and creamy, adding broth in by ladles and stirring 3 Spring Onions

then add leek, garlic, onion and spring onions.

Tip 1 : You do need to kinda hover 1 Onion

Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, until leeks have 9 - Finish minutes. {I would add ladle over the potoften. to make about sure that 28-32 the 125ml White 60Wine

mins• Makes 4 servings wilted. Stirring occasionally.

10 - Serv 1000ml Chicken Stock liquid doesn’t run out.. and believe me the firstof time I madeonce risotto II noticed that the rice was starting broth 1/2 Lemon

3 - Next, add in arborio rice, stir to incorporate was watching that pot like a hawk. with vegetables and immediately add in white 50ml Olive Oil

to lose the liquid} wine. Stir often until the liquid is absorbed, 6 - After you add in the last cup of chicken broth Salt

also squeeze in the juice of ½ a lemon and about 2 minutes.

Pepper parmesan cheese

& Pancetta Risotto

1 – In a sauté pan over a medium high heat,

1 – In a sauté pan over a medium high heat,

7 - Stirring until the liquid is absorbed.

• 300g Arborio Rice 8 - Add salt and pepper to taste.

2 - Add butter to the sauté oven, let melt and then garlic, onion and spring onions.

• add leek,150g Pancetta Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, until leeks have 9 - Finish off with crispy pancetta on top. wilted. Stirring occasionally.

• 100g Parmesan 10 - Serve!

3 - Next, add in arborio rice, stir to incorporate with and immediately add in white •vegetables 100g Butter wine. Stir often until the liquid is absorbed, about 2 minutes.

• 1 Leek 4 - Next add in 1 ladle of the broth to the leek rice pot, medium low heat.

Stirring •simmer 2overGarlic Cloves often, until the liquid is absorbed, about 3-4 minutes.

• 3 Spring Onions 5 - Continue to cook until the rice is tender and • adding 1 broth Onion creamy, in by ladles and stirring often. about 28-32 minutes. {I would add ladle of • broth once I noticed that White the rice was Wine 125ml starting to lose the liquid} • 1000ml Chicken Stock • 1/2 Lemon • 50ml Olive Oil • Salt • Pepper 1 – In a sauté pan over a medium high heat, add olive oil and pancetta. Sauté for 5 minutes until pancetta is slightly browned. Remove and place on a plate with paper towel.

2 - Add butter to the sauté oven, let melt and then add leek, garlic, onion and spring onions.

Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, until leeks have wilted. Stirring occasionally.

3 - Next, add in arborio rice, stir to incorporate with vegetables and immediately add in white wine. Stir often until the liquid is absorbed, about 2 minutes.

4 - Next add in 1 ladle of the broth to the leek rice pot, simmer over medium low heat. Stirring often, until the liquid is absorbed, about 3-4 minutes.

6 - After you add in 4the last cup of chicken broth - Next add in 1 ladle of the broth to the leek rice pot, simmer over medium low heat. Stirring the juice of ½ a lemon and often, until the liquid is absorbed, about 3-4 minutes. parmesan cheese

Tip 2 : Only use wine you would drink to cook also squeeze in with!

5 - Continue to cook until the rice is tender and

creamy, broth in by ladles and stirring 7 - Stirring until the liquid isadding absorbed. often. about 28-32 minutes. {I would add ladle of broth once I noticed that the rice was

starting lose the liquid} 8 - Add salt and pepper to totaste.

9 - Finish off with crispy pancetta on top.

10 - Serve!

Salted Caramel Espresso Martini • 25 ml Absolute Vodka • 25ml Kaluha • 150ml Salted Caramel Coffee • Dash Camp Coffee Syrup •15ml Sugar Syrup Ice Coffee Beans or Salted Caramel Matchmakers to Garnish.

Things you will need - Cocktail Shaker and Hawthorn Strainer In a cocktail shaker add in all your ingredients. Add a good handful of ice and shake for at least 10 seconds until the base of the shaker becomes very cold to touch. Using a hawthorn strainer, strain the cocktail into your favourite martini glass and garnish with a few coffee beans or even a Salted Caramel Chocolate Stick.

The Bearded Chef HQ 104 South Street, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1JB Tel : 01343 200240 | www.the-beardedchef.com

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GUT HEALTH

My name is Hannah Taylor. I am 26 years old and I created Gut Feelings Kombucha in April 2019 after many months of trialling the product on my friends and family.

Kombucha is an effervescent, fermented tea created by using green tea and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The SCOBY feeds on the sugar and caffeine within the brew to produce beneficial bacteria and acids, leaving an end product that is fizzy, low sugar and contains substances that contribute towards gut health and, as a result, health body wide. Widespread research pinpoints the gut as the centre for health, as it is connected to so many aspects of the body’s function, including the brain. I believe that ensuring optimal gut function is the key to balanced health and a very accessible way to do this is through consuming fermented food and drinks.

18

I have a strong passion for using Organic and good quality ingredients in my Kombucha and enjoy experimenting with different fruit and herb combinations to add even more beneficial nutrients into the brew. I am currently in my

final year of studying Naturopathic Nutrition so I am able to take a lot of inspiration from the knowledge that I am gaining about the different benefits of certain foods. The two go hand in hand and I feel the further I get into my studies the more passionate I become about the business as I can understand and explain the mechanisms behind the benefits of introducing healthier habits into your life.

I also have a passion for low waste living. I run the business using a low waste model where I buy all of my produce in large bulk. I nag all of

my suppliers to ensure they send everything as recyclable as possible, which has resulted in one of my suppliers sending parcels with no plastic and even paper tape is used! The Kombucha production creates very little waste. I currently set up Refill Stations, in local cafes and zero waste shops; I convert small second-hand fridges to have taps on top so that people can come and buy an empty bottle and refill as and when they please - creating zero waste.

I have been running on this model since the beginning and I am just about to launch a small

bottle range in February 2021. So far, the Refill Station design has been successful but I feel it is necessary to adapt the business to allow Kombucha to be more accessible. Introducing the small bottles, which are refillable, will allow those who are unsure to have a taste before investing in a larger bottle. My big goal is to get Kombucha into a larger audience through supplying to convenience shops and hopefully one day supermarkets to show that there are options other than sugar packed fizzy drinks.

Making one small change can lead to you

thinking much more about your health and what you put in your body.

I was inspired to create this business after living in New Zealand where I became amazed by a company producing Kombucha. I had never heard of it before and soon became obsessed with how great it made me feel. On my return back home, I began delving into creating fermented goods of many kinds including Kombucha and Kefir. After many attempts I finally started producing a drink that was actually palatable. I started to give it out to friends and family to see if I was onto something. At this point, the word Kombucha meant absolutely nothing to a lot of people in this part of Scotland and I cannot explain how many different ways I have heard the word being pronounced!

Kombucha has now become a very popular alternative to alcohol and sugar filled fizzy drinks.

20

After receiving very promising feedback from my trusty guinea pigs I decided to create a business from it. This was started from my home kitchen using the funds gathered from small sales to friends over many months. I managed to get certified after a very long road of sending product samples away for testing and learning the ins and outs of how to be completely in control of every aspect of this

kind of business. The business took off quicker than I ever could have dreamed thanks to local businesses being keen to take a risk on a new and locally made product. After 9 months of trading I moved into the professional kitchen that I now work from which, once again, is more than I could have ever imagined.

Once qualified in June I hope to use my Naturopathic Nutrition qualification in conjunction with this business and expand the service from Kombucha to one on one consultations and group workshops on how to create and maintain optimal health. facebook.com/gutfeelingskombucha @gut_feelings_kombucha

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OUT AND ABOUT

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A beautiful snowy morning in Speyside

@LifestyleMorayMagazine @LifestyleMorayMagazine

Keith, Moray

Lottie - by David Loates, Highland

22

Winter sun over Pluscarden Abbey

Midge’s first hillwalk (5 months old) by Kirsty Macdonald

Ben Taylor admiring the view with puppy Midge, looking over to Suilven from Canisp

by Kirsty Macdonald

Portsoy - by The Portsoy Gift Box

23 Brenna - by Wendy Anderson

Linn falls in Aberlour by photographer Rich Reid Brodie Castle, robin and red squirrel also by photographer Rich Reid

Axl enjoying the snow by David Petrie

24

By Kathleen Ann Purves

Brand as a Tool for Recovery to film an Extraordinary Escapes, which is now airing on Channel 4 and ALL4.

As to her advice for businesses facing tough times right now, Ailsa says:

‘B is for Brand’ is an organisation that’s all about keeping things simple, by getting back to the ABCs of branding. Owner Ailsa’s aim is to help other people’s businesses grow and thrive by using brand clearly, consistently and effectively.

"As the economy emerges from the pandemic, brand will be a really key tool for businesses to lean on to help with recovery. I’d also recommend business owners join networking groups such as Moray Business Women and Moray Chamber. The support I have received through these organisations has been crucial to keeping business alive during the tough times we’ve all been through and despite being a sole trader, I’ve never once felt alone. Anyone looking for help getting their brand in shape for recovery is more than welcome to pick up the phone or contact me online for a free, informal chat.”

07572 435156 • www.bisforbrand.com

Ailsa says: "Branding is not complicated. It really is very straightforward but there is so much to think about when it comes to marketing a business that people can sometimes feel overwhelmed."

Recently Ailsa ticked off a business goal of her own when she was named Moray Business Woman of the year 2020.

"I'm very proud to have achieved that and winning the award has already helped my business grow," Ailsa said.

"I’m now working with a really diverse range of businesses right across Scotland – in part also thanks to the popularity of Zoom!”

In the course of her work, Ailsa also recently welcomed TV presenter Sandi Toksvig on Skye

25

IN WITH THE OLD AND OUT WITH THE NEW

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FURNITURE UP CYCLER

We asked Marie Smith, owner of The Artisan Bothy, to tell us more about her passion for giving a second chance to outdated furniture.

Why did you choose furniture upcycling?

I only had hand-me-down furniture as a 70s child. We were a low income family. When grandparents were modernising, replacing old furniture, we took it all in.

Now there is constant pressure to have the very latest trend. Among it, imports, poorly workmanship, short life stuff which will end up as waste. It just doesn’t compare to traditional furniture, made with real craftmanship and skills which will disappear. That’s one good reason to hold onto the old stuff for as long as we can.

26

Almost everything we buy ends up in landfill eventually, so my philosophy is this. By making something beautiful enough for someone to love it a little bit longer, I am doing my bit to delay the inevitable. It’s why I will also consider

rejuvenating later well made pieces which have outstayed their welcome too.

What is a typical day like in your bothy studio? No two days are the same. One day I’ll be cleaning and repairing a dresser for painting.

The next I am stripping an old chair to re-cover or simply feeding an old antique with wax.

I do commissions for clients as well as hold my own stock of pieces to refinish for re-sale.

Customers also ask me to source pieces to complete their home. There is so much variety.

It’s another reason I love my work.

Where do you get your ideas from?

Deciding which direction to take furniture is quite subjective. Left to my own devices, I would first look at the age of a piece. It’s shape and lines kind of speak to me. Then it can be something as simple as nature, a fabric, wallpaper or handles which suggests a colour palette and style.

For commissions, the best inspiration is my customer. It’s important to understand the space

tannins. Stains and odours, too, all require a blocking treatment before you can start the fun stuff. Priming serves many purposes besides excellent adhesion. Even the choice of paint can affect project duration with different drying, recoat and cure times.

It sounds off-putting but with enough determination, I can be ready for the first colour coat by the end of day one. At least that’s my incentive to don my rubber gloves and respirator and crack on with the grubby stuff. Although frankly it’s not my best look.

What is your biggest challenge?

I could say the Covid lockdowns, but on balance it’s probably being a rural business. Living above the snow line in a hard winter means I could be cut off completely some days. the furniture will live in. Experience firsthand the style and colour tones that exist. Mixing bespoke paint shades is my speciality. Knowing how it will be used then tells me which enduring finish to use. It’s the best way to build a picture of the final product. The Covid-19 pandemic made it hard to be in people’s homes in person but thanks to technology, we can still do it virtually.

Pinterest is also a great resource. I rarely use it except to research a furniture era or something unusual. I have grown much more confident in my own brand and designs. But it’s still my go-to if a customer can’t picture a concept.

My other bugbear is carrier costs. I’d love to offer delivery throughout the UK using third party services to grow my market.

But our post code attracts disproportionately high charges.

Yet we are only five miles off the A95, and by a major distillery

How long does it take to paint a piece of furniture? There are many factors.

Condition – are any repairs needed. It’s pointless painting drawers if they rub because of a dodgy runner. Nor a chair if it has a wonky leg. Gouges affect the finish so need filling. I am very fussy about my finishes. Next is ‘the look’. Are we changing handles and need to redrill?

Painting outside only? Inside too? Lining drawers or not?

Then will it need a primer?

Lots of timbers ‘bleed’ their

27

with regular haulage movements. It’s crazy and frustrating. But on the plus side, if you choose The Artisan Bothy you get me. Door to door. I take care of all my own collections and deliveries. Unwrapping and seeing my customers smiles is just the best feeling – and who doesn’t love a road trip?

Finally, what has been your favourite upcycle project and why? Are you asking me to choose a favourite child?

My current favourite is probably a Next wingback chair I re-covered recently. Less than five years old it was already dated. When Mrs A gave me her four different fabrics and said ‘let your creative juices flow’ I did a happy dance.

I love a blank canvas and am in my element when ‘freestyling’. Every day feels fresh and exciting. And it really is a privilege when a client trusts your style, your artistic eye, your workmanship and your judgement enough to give you free rein on their prized possessions.

But ask me next week and your project might well be my new favourite. I do love them all, even the testing ones.

The Artisan Bothy is in beautiful Glenlivet, Speyside, Moray. Specialising in painted furniture, reupholstery projects and minor restorations. Client commissions and sale pieces. Studio viewings by appointment (subject to current Covid restrictions). Follow on Facebook, Instagram or check out the 28 website www.theartisanbothy.co.uk

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DE-CLUTTERING

“I am not organised because I have time, I have time because I am organised.”

– Rosie Barron Laura Walter Photography

The Tidy Coo Rosie Barron is The Tidy Coo, a Professional Organiser. A Gold KonMari Consultant and member of APDO (the Association of Professsional Declutterers and Organisers). Rosie lives in Aberdeenshire with her husband, 4 Home Educated children, 8 ponies, 5 dogs, 3 cats, 2 bunnies, chickens, ducks and fish which all Spark Joy.

T

idying is not about minimalism, nor about having a Pinterest perfect house, or an Insta-worthy lifestyle.

Tidying is about getting rid of the stuff that holds you back so that you have time to do the things that you love.

30

There are 6 main rules to The Marie Kondo Method:

1. Commit to Tidying. Many people want to get Tidy, but they lose momentum halfway through.

If you can’t have, or don’t want, a Professional Organiser to help, then finding an accountability partner, like a friend, can be really helpful. There are also plenty of groups on Facebook where you can find help and support with others doing the same.

2. Create your Vision. What you would like your life to look like? Imagine you were able to wave a magic wand and have everything as you would like it. What would your home look like? How would your day go? What would it feel like to open a wardrobe full of things that you love?

A strong and detailed vision is a powerful tool for decision making.

3. De-clutter first, then Organise. Marie Kondo calls Storage Experts, “Hoarders” and, whilst the use of the term, “Hoarder” may not be the correct one in this situation (Hoarding Disorder is categorised as a Mental Health issue), she is right in the broad thrust of her argument. Don’t buy storage beforehand as you’ll frequently find that you need far less than you originally thought. When you do get to storage, use what you have already to hand. Shoe boxes and other small boxes can be very useful as drawer dividers. Store vertically as much as possible, including with clothes (look up KonMari Folding) as it takes up less space and makes it easier to see and access what you have.

4. Tidy by Category, not Location. Tidying by Location can lead to “Churning” which is the movement around the house of items that don’t have a home. It is only by collecting entire categories together that we can see how much we have. People are often amazed by the number of objects they have when they are all pulled together. Ensure that you handle every single item in that category – and by extension, every single item in your home. Categories can be as large as “All the clothes you own” or as small as “All the socks”.

5. Follow the right order. In her books, Marie Kondo recommends the following •

Clothes

•

Books

•

Papers

•

Komono (everything else, broken into subcategories)

•

Sentimental

This order is chosen because it is usually the easiest for most people. Occasionally it isn’t, but the important thing is to work from your easiest choices to your hardest choices. If something is a hard choice, put it to one side until you are more practised at choosing.

Lifestyle MAG

6. Does it Spark Joy? This means choosing positively what to keep rather than negatively what to let go. To start, find one or two of your favourite items of clothing and consider how you feel when you hold them. Often people smile when they hold their favourites and it is this inner lifting that the term Sparks Joy refers to. Things can Spark Joy for practical purposes as well as purely joyful ones. That electricity bill may not Spark Joy, but staying in a home that is warm and lit does, so don’t discard that bill until it is paid!

In KonMari, there are no right or wrong numbers and certainly nothing arbitrary. Each person’s final outcome will be different because each person is an individual. So long as you have physically handled every single item and made a positive choice to keep it, you keep as many as you like. Some people may keep 70 pairs of shoes, but have no animals, whilst others might 31 have only 3 pairs of shoes, and 8 ponies…

The most important question to ask yourself throughout the process is, “Does it Spark Joy?”, but here are some supplementary ones for items that are harder to decide on.

32

•

If it were in a shop, would you buy it again?

•

If you lost it, would you replace it?

•

When did you last use it?

•

Do you reach for it? If not, why?

•

When, in your vision, do you see yourself using it?

•

Does it deserve the space it’s taking up?

If, after all these questions, you are still not sure, it is time to “Keep With Confidence” – put the item somewhere you can easily see and access it and if, when you come to do a 6 monthly maintenance check, you still haven’t used it, you can let it go then. We change as people all the time, the choices that you make now are not choices that are set in stone for the rest of your life.

A charge often levelled at de-cluttering is that it is a waste, but one of the things to remember when you come to de-clutter is that the waste has already occurred. Which is more wasteful, to hold on to something unused in your house, or to release it so that someone else might use it?

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W

hat do four young men have in common with a small, three masted Mediterranean vessel you may ask. The four in question – Daniel Thomson (vocals and guitar), Aiden Smith (drums) and Max Robertson (bass guitar) from Elgin, together with Hayden Peace (guitar) from Lossiemouth – make up a local band who call themselves The Zebecks. The unusual, but immediately recognisable, name came about after they were browsing in a record shop and musing about how few bands there were under the letter ‘Z’.

It was decided that if they ever were to start a band the favoured first letter of their name would be a ‘Z’ and, after considering several options, the small Mediterranean vessel was 34 chosen.

All four went to school together. Daniel and Aiden are now studying at Glasgow University; Hayden and Max will join them later on this year. Celebrations for 18th birthdays have had to be put on hold due to covid restrictions but hopefully when Max celebrates his 18th in July all restrictions will have been lifted.

Normally the band rehearses in a cabin in Max’s garden; what once was Max’s father’s office space has been adapted to their needs and because it is out of town there is no fear of disturbing the neighbours.

The Zebecks’ debut gig was at the Elgin Town Hall 2019, where they supported The Roov, and they managed to play a few more gigs before lockdown. They are extremely grateful for the support they received from the Elgin Town Hall and the other gigs that gave them the initial start, as this gave them the exposure they needed to kick off. They actually had a

number of bookings before lockdown brought everything to a grinding halt.

Having won Moray’s Got Talent in February 2020 they should have been headlining the 2021 show.

The winning song, Violet, had been successful for them, having led to their winning a competition in 2019. Violet which was their first song, will feature on the EP which is scheduled to be released later this year.

The biggest disappointment was the cancelling of North Hop for Neil as they had been delighted to have been approached by Nicola McAlley to play at this fundraising event.

The Zebecks released their debut single, Concrete, on the 19th February 2021. This is a great achievement considering the band were not able to be together due to the lockdown restrictions.

Even the recording had to take place in two’s to comply with the rules.

There is a music video to accompany the single and this was recorded (adhering to covid rules) on Elgin High St. The video was recorded by their immensely talented (their words) friend Leon Miele from Elgin. Leon is studying filming in Glasgow.

The Zebecks record their own material. Daniel is the main lyricist as the other members describe him as the poet. All the members bring their own style and input to the material and they all enjoy different genres of music, bringing influences from a wide spectrum of artists - but they say it works. They all just enjoy making music. The lyrics of Concrete were inspired by the poem Lady Lazarus by Sylvia Plath.

From the last line of Lady Lazarus “Out of the ash I rise with my red hair” and the opening line to Concrete is “Out of the dust I fall further than ever before” The last time the band managed to play together was Sept 2020 but they hope that by the summer they will manage to get back together to start making more music.

Until then follow them on social media:

The guys obviously didn’t give up and as soon as lockdown eased they seized on the opportunity to record their single at Unity Recording Studio in Auldearn. They were so impressed and delighted with the help from Joe Harfield at the studio.

Lifestyle MAG

www.facebook.com/thezebecks www.instagram.com/thezebecks www.twitter.com/thezebecks www.youtube.com/channel/UCh35 IeVcZgEG_Xu6t_7zE1l5w

Movement MotiVation

LAURA MCNALLY Social media: @lauramcnallypt Email: lauramcnallypt@gmail.com Call: 07772187313

WHERE’S THE MOTIVATION GONE?

E

ach of us has a different experience of lockdown, and now we are starting to realise we also have different experiences in each lockdown. Some who ‘got fit’ in the first lockdown now struggle to motivate themselves in the short winter days. On the other hand those who gained a little ‘lockdown weight’ might be more motivated to lose it this time.

Some of us simply haven’t found our motivation at all. The good news is that these changes are totally normal.

In a survey in Italy, 48% of the sample perceived that they had gained weight during lockdown and one study of over 13,500 respondents to an online survey in Belguim found that there was an overall increase in levels of exercise and in sedentary activity during their lockdown.

The benefits of movement and exercise are well documented. The NHS, Government, Scientists, your friends and even your own children might advocate increased movement to avoid health problems and maintain a stable weight and 36 such intrinsic motivators should be enough to

keep us moving, in theory. But we know that’s not how it works: we don’t often think about our health when we plan to go to the gym and the reason is because we can’t immediately see the resilience or protection that exercise offers. Far better motivators include exercising as part of a team or with our friends which brings emotional benefits, or doing something that brings us joy such as lifting or running a ‘personal best’.

This is because the reward is immediately felt. Lockdowns create barriers to exercise by removing some of these rewards, and this might explain our lack of motivation.

Lockdown has also been seen to change our perception of body image and body confidence through greater exposure to appearancerelated social media content, as well as more general stress through increased exposure to news. Recent findings of a You-COPE study highlighted that half of all 16–24 year olds reported overeating in response to their mood during lockdown. Exercise and movement can help to improve our mood, particularly if it is taken outside during hours of daylight.

At ‘PT School’ addressing barriers to exercise formed a really important part of our training.

That is, how can I help someone remove the barriers that they believe stop them exercising and how can I help them find the joy in movement? Below you can see some of the reasons I exercise.

•

• • • • • • • • • •

It helps me maintain my mental health, sometimes giving me an immediate boost I will feel happy that I have accomplished something today It improves my blood flow, strength, and stamina It helps with my daily activities like shopping and housework It will help me keep a stable body weight It will reduce the risk of back pain returning Jumping about my living room to disco music is fun I get time to myself I get time with my husband I get to come home to a bath Playing with the dogs makes me feel like a good owner

While my reasons for exercising remain, the lockdowns have changed the barriers and these have affected us all: habits and daily routines are upended, the social benefits of exercise in a team or class have been removed. It can be difficult to overcome these and convert reasons into motivation. I can’t be there in person with my clients to help motivate them to keep going: in fact, they now have the ability to mute me (although to my knowledge thankfully that hasn’t happened yet)! In the first lockdown we had the luxury of gardens and local forests and beaches, over long and lengthening days and we also had brand new online workouts, which seem to have lost their novelty this time around. During lockdown it comes down to this: with new and greater barriers to overcome, it’s got to be about prioritising movement, rather than exercise.

Lifestyle MAG

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When I write ‘exercise’ I mean formal activity like running, cycling, a class or weightlifting and of course this can be done during lockdown in new ways. Movement might include formal exercise but it also means the use of your body for day to day activities and it’s easier to increase movement when motivation to exercise is low. To be technical, the burning of calories while doing day to day activities is called ‘Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis.’

The benefits of increasing movement are immense. As well as the many health benefits, when averaged over a week additional movement could burn up to ten times as many calories as 3 periods of formal exercise. Here are some ideas on how to move more: • • • •

• • • • • • •

• •

Change the bed linen Vacuum the whole house Squat while cooking Get the garden ready for spring, clean out bird boxes and feeders, clean flower pots Cycle or walk to work Stand more Paint a room Walk outside or lunge inside when you’re on the phone Dance to music Play with the children or dog Go for a lunch time walk while listening to a podcast Go sledging or make a snowman Go geocaching Do a litter pick in your neighbourhood

Don’t be afraid of trying these things on your own, or with your household.

Whilst I am extolling the benefits of movement during lockdown, it’s important that I clarify that formal exercise is important. Raising the heart rate and participating in resistance training offer very important health benefits. My advice is that if you just can’t cope with that right now, don’t, though if you find at any time the mood takes 38 you, don’t delay, use it there and then!

Don’t wait. When the motivation takes you.

Do something immediately.

If you don’t feel very motivated and you feel you should be doing something but you’re not sure where to start, think about what you enjoy. I love singing (badly) to my favourite songs so I turn up the music and move a bit extra while doing all the chores. But I find music isn’t enough on a run so I choose to listen to podcasts while running and it’s the podcast rather than the run I look forward to.

In a 2016 study of Fibromyalgia cases, low impact aerobic exercise in combination with music therapy has better beneficial therapeutic effects than without music.

The podcast is a great distraction from the exertion. Of course I’m probably running more slowly (I don’t track it) but my speed doesn’t matter: I’m out to move, not compete. If you’re competitive you could join strava, MapMyRun or a FitBit community to share your results and motivate you. If you enjoy helping others, you could do some form of movement for charity: 100 upwards flights of your stairs for example.

Whatever you think about movement and exercise, it’s important to reflect on why you move and what you love and hate about it. There is some form of exercise that suits everyone and this lockdown is a great opportunity to learn about what motivates you to move.

There is an overlap between the definition of movement and formal exercise, for example cycling to get somewhere. This is another way you can add movement into your lockdown routines. Think about where you can walk a bit extra, cycle instead of drive or add a bit of weight to your rucksack (like a large bottle of water) when you do.

Finally, for those who are keenly exercising, it is important to stress that over exercising can have a detrimental effect on your self

LOCKDOWN MOTIVATION TIPS

esteem, increase risk of injury and is likely to be unsustainable. This is especially true if you have suddenly increased the amount you’re doing and this in turn can have a detrimental effect on your movement (which burns more calories remember!). If you are participating in formal exercise 5 sessions a week is plenty. Take rest days and get plenty of sleep.

•

Don’t be hard on yourself. It’s ok if you don’t exercise. Just try to move more, preferably outside.

•

Look ahead: Plan something exciting and active either during lockdown or for afterwards: a trip to a special place, bike rides, a long hike, skiing, joining a sports club, learning to play drums, a mini challenge.

•

Don’t compare yourself to people you see on social media, no matter how good or motivated they look: Instagram and TikTock is not real life.

•

Artificial barriers to exercise created during lockdowns favour gaining weight.

That’s not the same as being unhealthy.

•

Motivation is fleeting: when the motivation strikes DO IT!

•

Apps like Deliciously Ella, Headspace, Les MIlls and FIIT all offer online workouts you can do in your living room with little or no equipment for a small fee and many gyms remain open offering Facebook or Zoom sessions in your own home so you have to show up!

WHERE TO GO FOR ADVICE, TIPS AND SUPPORT The charity ‘Mind’ offer some great advice on physical activity and your mental health on their website www.mind.org.uk/informationsupport/tips-for-everyday-living/ physical-activity-and-your-mentalhealth/about-physical-activity/ - includes advice and links for families, disability, inclusive activities.

Lifestyle MAG

The NHS also have physical activity tips www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/

39

Moray’s 39 Eng Regt families partner with Moray Wellbeing Hub to keep connected CHARITY through COVID challenges.

Moray’s 39 Eng Regt families partner with Moray Wellbeing Hub to keep connected through COVID challenges.

No-one needs to be reminded of how difficult and challenging the past year has been. All sec;ons of the community have been affected and much has been wri>en on the subject of maintaining mental as well as physical health.

Perhaps no sec;on of the community needs this more than those serving in the armed forces: service men and their families can oBen be moved on aBer each tour of service, thus breaking all ;es that have been formed. They then have to start again, crea;ng new friendships and establishing themselves in an unknown environment.

N

o-one needs to be reminded of

Moray Wellbeing Hub CIC are helping people how difficult and challenging theto se>le. They have announced their growing partnership work with 39has Engbeen.

Regt,AllKinloss Forces Community. The project, called past year sections ‘Celebra;ng Wellbeing Together,’ aims to boost the wellbeing of serving families in of theour community have been affected and rela;onmuch to the COVID impact.

It focuses has been 19 written on the subject on of delivering ‘Kicking Back in Kinloss’ events such as family walks, outdoor online pampering sessions, thereby keeping maintaining mentalevents as welland as physical connec;ons health.growing during unpredictable ;mes.

Perhaps no section of the community Community member Alisha Su>on said, “Being part of the military community can quite needs a this more of than those serving the with that, the support structures around us oBen involve degree uncertainty; to in cope armed forces: service personnel and their are so crucial. Covid-19 has meant the majority of those have temporarily disappeared. families can often moved on after each These sessions were safebe and fun and meant so much to me and my girls/family.” tour of service, thus breaking all ties that

have ini;ated been formed.

They then have tofunding start those have temporarily disappeared. These The project in October 2020 with from The Armed Forces Covenant again, new friendships and establishing sessions were safe and and meant Fund Trust as creating part of their Covid 19 'Forces Community Together' Program.

Nowfunextended to so much in an unknown to me and my girls/family.” the endthemselves of April, the hope is to beenvironment. able to get in-person ac;vity outdoors again as well as to keep upMoray onlineWellbeing links. Hub CIC want to help The project initiated in October 2020 with people settle. They have announced their

funding from The Armed Forces Covenant

Armed growing Forces personnel are ‘posted’ to new bases whichFund take Trust themasand their families to partnership work with 39 Eng Regt, part of their Covid 19 ‘Forces unfamiliar towns or villages.

Whilst those serving are able to socialise and get to know new Kinloss Forces Community. The project, called Community Together’ Program. Now extended colleagues during their working day, their families are oBen at home looking aBer young ‘Celebrating our Wellbeing Together,’ aims to the end of April, the hope is to be able to get families or in a new area looking for work. This makes it challenging to get to know new to boost the wellbeing of serving families in in-person activity outdoors again as well as to people and make friends. relation to the COVID 19 impact. It focuses keep up online links. on delivering ‘Kicking Back in Kinloss’ events Forcesshared, personnel arecurrent ‘posted’ to new Johanna Quinney, Moray Wellbeing Hub partner lead for Armed the project, “The such as family walks, outdoor events and bases which take them and their families to lockdown can feel very isola;ng for the families of Armed Forces Personnel. COVID online pampering sessions, thereby keeping unfamiliar towns or villages.

Whilst those restric;ons have made it much harder for these families and Moray Wellbeing Hub connections growing during unpredictable recognised this and wanted to reach out and help. serving are able to socialise and get to know times. new colleagues during their working day, their Community member Alisha Sutton said, “Being families are often at home looking after young part of the military community can quite often families or in a new area looking for work. This involve a degree of uncertainty; to cope with makes it challenging to get to know new people that, the support structures around us are so and make friends. crucial.

Covid-19 has meant the majority of 40

Moray’s 39 Eng Regt fa Moray Wellbeing Hub through COVID challen

Johanna Quinney, Moray Wellbeing Hub partner lead for the project, shared, “The current lockdown can feel very isolating for the families of Armed Forces Personnel.

Especially those who have moved up here just before or during Covid.

Lockdown restrictions have made it much harder for these families and Moray Wellbeing Hub recognised this and wanted to reach out and help.

Our project is now well under way and we have had some great fun along the way so far! When

amilies partner with b to keep connected Lifestyle MAG nges.

restrictions were less stringent, we managed to connect and bring families together for socially distanced walks at various locations. One of these walks was followed by a Wreath Making session just before Christmas.”

Other events have been run online including planning meetings with the families, a pamper session and a festive mixology session. The families and team at Moray Wellbeing Hub are not resting on their laurels and they have plenty more ideas still to come, including a family event.

A very simple idea but one that brings longlasting effects.

www.moraywellbeinghub.org.uk Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Email hello@moraywellbeinghub.org.uk

Phone 01343 576219

(answer phone checked regularly)

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APPRENTICESHIP

TRAIN TO GROW SAY SCOTTISH MACHINERY RINGS

T

he Scottish Machinery Rings Association (SMRA) is continuing to play a pivotal role in youth development within the land-based and agricultural industry, with the challenges for 2021 focused on skills development and career opportunities for new entrants and career changers.

All nine of the Machinery Rings, which span across Scotland, are extremely proud to be able to offer diverse training courses in various sectors, following the Covid-19 hiatus last year.

In 2019, all nine rings had a combined turnover in excess of £95 million and delivered training courses to 12,747 trainees throughout the UK; training delivery is something that SMRA is looking to enhance in 2021.

The SMRA’s network of professional instructors, assessors and providers have expertise in delivering a range of legislative and practical short courses such as Health & safety, First-aid and Forklift operation, Pesticides, Chainsaw, ATV’s and Driver CPC. Short course training provision varies by machinery ring but in some cases the training portfolio exceeds 100 certified short courses along with a selection of online training courses.

Peter Wood, Training Manager for Ringlink Services explains: “Training activity stopped for four months last year, before resuming in July 2020. Since then, demand has increased for training courses and by working co-operatively with experienced training providers and instructors we adopted safe working practices in accordance with Covid-19 government guidelines.

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Past first-aid trainee Ian McHattie said: “The way in which the course was presented was very good and was definitely one of the best delivered courses, in terms of knowledge sharing, that I have been on. The relaxed but thorough nature of the training offered a chance to learn new techniques, whilst revisiting previous ones.”

Andrew Moir, Vice Chairman of SMRA commented: “The last 12 months have been extraordinary times but we remain optimistic for the future. Following recent Scottish Government announcements to support economic recovery, with a key focus on skills development for young people, displaced workers and career changers; the Scottish machinery rings can assist with these new initiatives. Supporting various industry sectors such as construction, haulage, forestry, agriculture, horticulture, estates and public

Lifestyle MAG

43

authorities, means the SMRA are well placed to provide training to a wide range of businesses and indeed to those individuals considering a career change or simply looking to enhance their skill set for the future.”

The Scottish Government’s ‘Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund’ is one initiative that the machinery rings are able to support. This fund assists women in agriculture to have opportunities to develop their skills and talents. Funding for 100% of training costs is available, up to the value of £500. Women resident in Scotland who are either already working in agriculture or studying it full-time or part-time, or who are keen to start work in this area and who are able to demonstrate how a training course will support the growth of their business or employment options, are eligible to apply. Full details are available at:

www.scotland.lantra.co.uk

In 2019, the Land-Based Pre-Apprenticeship Pilot Programme (LBPAPP) was launched nationally, involving three Machinery Rings (Ringlink Scotland, Tarff Valley Services and Borders Machinery Ring), covering the South West, North East of Scotland and South East Scotland.

Recruitment for the 2021 Land-based Preapprenticeship is underway, with a target of recruiting up to 60 pre-apprentices throughout Scotland. Last year the programme supported 45 pre-apprentices and whilst it was challenging to deliver the programme during Covid-19, the format was varied to ensure safe delivery in accordance with Covid-19 government guidance.

Gail Robertson who oversees the Land-based Pre-apprenticeship for Ringlink explains:: “The format of the Land-Based Pre-Apprenticeship is designed to support new entrants into the rural sector, to-date over 50% of participants are from non–agricultural backgrounds and it provides an ideal pathway of progression onto Modern Apprenticeships or college on completion”.

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The programme is delivered in two stages, firstly including an induction to various agricultural and land-based practices involving tuition on tractor driving, rough terrain telescopic forklift, first-aid, manual handling, health and safety risk assessments and undertaking the Certificate of Work Readiness qualification (SCQF4).

The second stage involves six months full-time employment on a rural mentor business which allows the pre-apprentice to develop their skills, gain vital work experience and expand their knowledge.

Holly Kennedy, a past pre-apprentice sums up the experience by saying “It’s the best

way to get into the industry, don’t hesitate - just do it!”

Alan McLean from HBS Ring Ltd says: “The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact on jobs with escalating redundancies across most sectors, the Scottish Machinery Rings Association is well positioned to provide skills development and training opportunities for young people at a time where they are predicted to be the hardest hit” To find out more about the various training courses provided by your local Scottish Machinery Ring visit:

www.scottishmachineryrings.co.uk

If you are interested in mentoring a young person on the Land-Based Pre-apprenticeship, please contact: Ringlink Scotland, HBS Ring Ltd, Borders Machinery Ring or Tarff Valley Ltd.

R

Rely on Ringlink Services...

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FERGUS EWING MSP CABINET SECRETARY FOR RURAL ECONOMY AND TOURISM

Rural Communities

W

hen I was appointed Rural economy Secretary by the First Minister, I was asked to do two things – to drive forward the rural economy and fix the CAP payments system.

This year, we were able to make basic payments to farmers and crofters at the earliest ever date at the beginning of December. This was after getting most of their funding out through a national loan scheme much earlier in the autumn.

We have now started making LFASS payments at the earliest point in recent years, with most payments made in January. And we are paying out the second tranche of the historic convergence funds which we fought so hard to get repatriated to Scotland at the end of January.

It is all part of the plan to provide as much stability as possible to farming, crofting and rural

Lifestyle MAG

communities, to cope with the impacts of Brexit. That shows in the budget we have set for 2021-22.

The key focus for the budget is to drive forward recovery from the pandemic and also Brexit. So there will be more money for food and drink and for tourism. I am particularly pleased we got an increase for the rural tourism infrastructure fund to help communities cope with influxes of visitors by improving facilities.

We have also increased funding for forestry and woodland creation by 29% - that includes £14.5million to develop the Newton nursery in Moray which is now owned by our national forestry agency, Forestry and Land Scotland.

This will help us plant more trees, create more woodland and crucially also provide more jobs and skills in forestry in rural areas, as part of our Green recovery and ambitions for the natural economy.

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Closing dates: 25th MARCH 2021 • Email: competitions@lifestylemoray.scot A group class booking for up to 6 people is the prize.

Here we are another issue and still in lockdown, who would have thought? I hope the amazing prizes that are continually offered by Lifestyle clients cheer you up and give you something to look forward to, I’m sure they do. I am extremely grateful to all my clients for their continued support and to you my readers for your participation. I love reading your e-mails and cards and wish you all good luck again for the following fabulous prizes.

First up we have a £20 voucher for you for the wonderful Kombucha from Gut Feelings. If you haven’t had the opportunity to try it yet here’s your chance.

If you have a piece of furniture the Artisan Bothy could work miracles on or if you would love to buy one of her retail items there is a £20 voucher up for grabs. The choice is yours.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival have offered us 4 tickets which will cover entry to their virtual festival for the 5 days.

And if you are like me and The Tidy Coo, DeCluttering feature hit very close to home you will definitely want to win the talk/workshop for up to 10 people that Rosie has kindly offered to Lifestyle readers.

You could learn to make some delicious dishes to go with your Kombucha with the fabulous cookery classes on offer from Eat with Ailsa.

COMPETITION CODES KOMBUCHA20 £20 voucher for Kombucha from Gut Feelings.

VIRTUALSOSWF 4 tickets to the virtual festival for the 5 days.

EATCLASSES Cookery class for a group of 6 from Eat with Ailsa.

ARTISAN20 £20 vocuher towards commission or retail piece from Artisan Bothy.

TIDYCOO10 De-cluttering workshop for up to 10 people with Rosie at The Tidy Coo.

Congratulations to our Dec/Jan winners.

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We receive hundreds of responses and love your letters and emails... Keep ‘em coming. Who knows...

It could be you next time.

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Email competitions@lifestylemoray.scot with your name, address and contact number or send a postcard to: Lifestyle Magazine, 5 Green Lane, Newmill, Keith AB55 6NX

Remember your competition codes and please send multiple entries on one card.

Terms & conditions: All Lifestyle competition prizes are kindly donated by Lifestyle advertisers.

There is no entry fee, one e-mail or postcard with the relevant codes is all that is necessary.

Winners are chosen at random by a computer generated programme. There is no cash alternative available. Names of winners will be published in the following issue.

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