for Grantown Show • £50 voucher for S&D Harper • Speyfest Weekend pass for two • 50% Voucher for any print from Alison
Editor
Rhona Patterson
Designer Wildcat Creative
Offcial Photographer
Ceamara Photography
Advertising
All areas
Rhona Patterson
rhona@lifestylemoray.scot
Tel: 07900 954 134
Inverness & Highlands
Linda Bailey
linda@lifestylemoray.scot Tel: 07769 693 993
Two-Works Kintail House, Beechwood Business Park, Inverness, IV2 3BW
Social Media
Tracy Chalmers
Distribution
Speyside Couriers
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.
GAMES & SHOWS
Forres 97th Highland Games
5th July 2025
Set in the stunning grounds of Forres’ Grant Park the Forres Highland Games offers a fun afternoon for all the family.
From caber tossing to the hammer throw, long jump, high jump and more.
Games Day commences with a Pipe Band Procession through the centre of the town before the Games’ fag is raised above the arena.
During the day, visitors can also enjoy craft and artisan food stalls, fairground attractions, a beer tent and food outlets.
Highland dancing, solo piping and massed pipe bands are always a great crowd pleaser and there will be plenty to see and hear.
Unique to the Forres Games is the Message Bike Race where spectators can turn participant and race the feld on an old traditional message bike in hope of lifting the winner’s trophy!
Saturday 5th July 2025, gates open 11.00am. Grant Park, Forres Tickets can be purchased online or on the day. www.ticketsource.co.uk/forreshighlandgames Free
177th New Deer Show
Friday 18th July - Sunday 20th July
Craigieford Park, New Deer
New Deer Show is full two-day agricultural show with one of the largest horse shows in the area, the best top-quality livestock competing for many prizes in their classes.
It’s great fun for the family with plenty to see and do for all ages.
Visit www.newdeershow.co.uk or the show’s Facebook page for updates.
177th New Deer Show
Friday 18th July - Sunday 20th July
New Deer 2025 kicks off on Friday night with a Clay Shoot from 5-30pm to 8-30pm
Alternatively go along to ‘New Deer’s got talent’ This is a great family night and is run by DJ Jasper
Saturday 19th July 2025
Livestock judging starting at 8-30 am Various food demonstrations are on throughout the afternoon.
The Ellon Pipe band, the Grand Parade of Horses, the Grand Parade of Cattle and of course the Champion of Champions will all be in the main ring during the afternoon.
Children’s Fancy Dress, Children’s Races and a Pets Parade will also be held.
There is also the magnifcent Tractor Fest Parade bringing the afternoon in the main ring to a close.
4pm to 1am
Entertainment in the Marquee featuring DJ Jasper. Tickets £10 pay at the door.
Sunday 20th July 2025 from 10am
Sheep dog trials in the main ring and the Companion Dog Show in the marquee (next to Bar)
The Vintage Tractor & Thrashing Mill display will be worth seeing with demonstrations taking place throughout the day.
The tractor pulling will be a must for enthusiasts at 1pm - arranged by North East Tractor Pullers Society
The popular sheep shearing demonstration is in the livestock area starting at 1-30pm
The Parade of Trucks and Vintage Tractors at 4pm will be the fnal event in the main ring.
Visit www.newdeershow.co.uk or the Show’s facebook page for updates
80th Aberlour Strathspey
Highland Games
Saturday 2nd August
The Games are held at the Alice Littler Memorial Park on the Banks of the River Spey- a natural amphitheatre bounded by the old Aberlour Railway Station and the famous Speyside Way.
The day has a packed programme of track and feld events including caber tossing, hammer throwing and running events.
Don’t forget the very popular ‘International Haggis Hurling’ this is for overseas visitors only. There will of course be the highland dancing competitions, piping events stalls and many other attractions for the whole family. If you are feeling ft, then enter the ten mile multi terrain race through Speyside starting at 12 noon
Main parking areas for the Games are signposted and are situated at the Primary School and Oggs Garage. On street parking will be available anywhere where there are no restriction cones.
Come and join in the fun
Turriff Show
Sunday 3rd & Monday 4th August
The biggest two-day agricultural show in Scotland.
Join us for two epic days packed with main ring entertainment including Star attraction The Flyin Ryan Motorcycle Stunt Show. They provide a hilarious non-stop commentary, even while they are thirty foot in the air.
On both days the Sulky racing is another great crowd pleaser.
On Sunday, one of the main highlights is the Grand Parade of Horses, Ponies and Donkeys and on Monday you can witness one of the best displays of livestock in Scotland with the Grand Parade of Cattle and Clydesdale Horses.
There is something for everyone, farmer or non. Over three hundred exhibitor stands as well as some of the fnest food and drink and arts and craft stands which include producers from Aberdeenshire and beyond.
Plenty to keep the whole family amused. Gates open at 7am both days. Kids 15 and under go free
Well behaved dogs on leads are very welcome.
Turriff Show are proud to work with Shopmobility Aberdeen who provide mobility scooter/wheelchair hire for visitors to the show. It is recommended that you pre-book. (01224 254338)
Keep up to date on Turriff Show Facebook
SUNDAY 3rd & MONDAY 4th AUGU ST 2025
Horses, Ponies & Donkeys, Goats, Rabbits & Cavies, Pigeons, Clydesdale Horses, Cattle - including Limousin Grand Prix, Sheep, Poultry & Eggs, Open Dog Show (Sunday) and Companion Dog Show (Monday)
Ringside entertainment – Sunday & Monday –Flyin’ Ryan and The Sheep Show, Grand Parade of Premium Livestock, Sulky Trotting, Adult and Junior Show Jumping including Mini-Major Relay, Vintage and Classic Vehicles, March of Time display and Highland Dancing Competition (R.S.O.B.H.D. Rules)
300 Trade Stands, Agricultural Machinery, Motor Cars, EQ Food and Drink Marquee, Shopping, Art & Crafts & Exhibition Stands, Live Entertainment & Children’s Area. For Further Information contact: Gail Greig, Secretary Telephone: 01888 562219 | Mobile: 07425 762771 | Email: gail@turriffshow.org
Turri Show
Keith Show Black Isle Show
Black Isle Show
Keith Show
Grantown Show
Black Isle Show
Turri Show
186th Black Isle Show
Preview Show: Wed 6th August
Main Show: Thur 7th August
The 186th Black Isle show sees a change for the Preview Show on Wednesday 6th August with gates opening two hours earlier, at 2pm. The showjumping fnal will take place, and the charity tractor push will be in the main ring.
On Thursday 7th August, gates open early for the livestock enthusiasts to witness the judging of some of the best exhibits around.
The grand parade of champions will take place in the main ring.
President Tom Henderson said he was delighted that the Heavy Horse Turnout Championship class had proved to be a show highlight, and this class will return in 2025.
There are a variety of trade stands, large machinery and tractors; beautifully made crafts; food and drink to take home and charity stands, for a variety of causes.
Other attractions are Bertie’s Barn in the discovery area, and you can also get close to a variety of animals. Adjacent to the main ring is the very popular Flower Show, which includes a small craft and a photography section.
The main ring attraction this year is The Stannage Stunt Team with Aaron Stannage and his team performing a range of stuntsdefnitely a case of do not try this at home!
The lively fun fair as featured on the BBC Scotland documentary “Showpeople –A Licence To Thrill, runs for both days.
Why not join us in the Bar & Music tent for a variety of music, including Rant, and taking us into the next day local band Dancing with Sharks.
Be sure to come along to the Black Isle Show, where a true highland welcome awaits one and all!
151st Keith Show
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th Aug
All roads lead to Keith on Saturday and Sunday 9th and 10th August for the 151st Keith Show.
There are two full days of wonderful entertainment for all the family.
The main ring will keep you enthralled all day with a full programme including Dangerous Steve – One of the UK’s Top Arena Acts. Steve has wowed crowds across the UK and beyond with his thrilling stunt performances.
Expect drama, skill, and edge-of-your-seat excitement!
On Saturday you can come and test your strength.
‘The Scottish Stones of Strength’ Think you’re strong? Prove it in the “Stones to Barrel” challenge – with stones ranging from 18kg to 140kg
This is open to all. Step up - Lift big Once again, the Massed Pipe Bands will be in attendance as a crowd favourite, we will continue to honour this much-loved attraction.
There will of course be all the livestock to see. The dog show, lifestyle tent, industrial tent, the many trade stands, vintage section, truck show, food vendors and of course music to keep you entertained too.
It’s a great day out!
Keep updated on the Keith Show Facebook page.
Grantown Show
Thursday 14th August
Grantown show welcomes you to their ‘family friendly show’ on Thursday 14 August, with entry from 8am until 8pm. Nestled in the beautiful Cairngorm National Park the show offers a variety of entertainment to satisfy every member of the family!
You will be entertained with all the Horse, Cattle, Sheep and Domestic Competitions in the morning.
There is a great afternoon of entertainment featuring Fastest Farmer, the Pageant of Decorated Vehicles which everyone loves to see. The Agricultural Vintage Vehicles, and of course the wonderful Pipe Band.
Don’t forget the popular Children’s Races and Terrier Racing.
Around the show you will fnd a wide variety of trade stands, craft tent and a selection of food outlets.
As always there is the fun fair which is great for all the family.
This year we bring back our ‘Speed Shear Competition’ taking place in the main marquee from 5pm.
Adult tickets £15, Concession, £10, Children under 12 free (with a paying adult)
Car parking is free, making it a very affordable family day out.
The annual marque dance is from 9pm to 1am on the Friday 15 August with entertainment from local band Cadence. Tickets £15
Look out for further updated on the website and social media posts.
www.grantownshow.com
Enquiries to grantownshow@btinternet.com
THE GRANTOWN SHOW
WISHES TO WELCOME EVERYONE TO OUR ‘FRIENDLY FAMILY’ SHOW
THUR 14TH AUGUST 2025
Heathfield Park, Grantown on Spey
A day out for all the family Cattle, Horse, Sheep and Domestic Judging starts 9am
Afternoon events start from 1.30pm – featuring vintage vehicles, pageant of decorated vehicles
‘Speed Shear Competition’ taking place in the main marquee from 5pm
Craft Tent, Fun Fair and Trade Stands
Marque Dance is from 9pm to 1am on the Friday 15 August with entertainment from local band Cadence.
grantownshow@btinternet.com
www.grantownshow.com
BOGINCUR
Making a cup of coffee is a doddle – unscrew the jar, spoon out the granules, add milk to taste and then top up with just-off-the-boil water. Right?...Wrong.
There is a lot more to making the perfect cup of coffee than a lot of us think, and this is why baristas are so highly trained. We tend to take their knowledge for granted when waiting for our coffees to be made and served. Two people who realise the depths of knowledge required and have taken the art of coffee blending and roasting to new levels are Aisling and Warren, who have created an off-grid roastery at their country home on the Orton road.
Tucked into verdant countryside on the whisky trail in Moray, Bogincur is a unique place with a rich history dating back to 1807. The name Bogincur is derived from the old Scots words meaning to work in wet surroundings (‘bog’) and an old term for a dog (‘cur’). But that is where the link with the past ends and innovation
takes over. Aisling and Warren have created a completely off-grid building, full to the brim with the latest word in sophisticated machinerywelcome to their uni ue, wood-fred roastery where all the magic happens.
Warren is a mine of information when it comes to the humble coffee bean. He can regale you with tales of where the beans have been grown, at which altitude they thrive, how they are hand picked and selected before being bagged and sent off to the four corners of the world. Did you know that coffee beans start out as cherries, with two beans in each cherry? No, nor did I. It is this kind of fascinating information that Warren will tell you as he leads you through the process of growing, harvesting, packing and fnally roasting – and enjoying!
He has researched his subject assiduously and is delighted to welcome us all into his world of the perfect cup of coffee. You don’t just visit Bogincur; you become immersed into a world that you really did not imagine existed. As a coffee lover myself I had no idea of what goes on in the background before the beans are roasted, ground and served.
They have used Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland as their jumping off point for naming the roasted beans. Their Ragdoll cat is called Alice, by the way! The fnished products are named after characters in the book – the Dormouse, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and the Dodo – they’re all there, proudly sitting on the shelves and grinning from the labels.
But don’t just take my word for it; go along and see for yourself. Be “hentertained” by the chickens who will greet you on arrival, engage Warren in conversation – this won’t be diffcult, believe me, as he is passionate about coffee –watch, listen and learn as he talks you through the process, and then sample a cup of freshly made coffee. Sublime. Bet you anything you will want a second cup.
Images..
David Petrie
@megs_visuals
Elena Reid
Elena Reid
David Petrie @seaspiritphotography
@seaspiritphotography
Elena Reid
Elena Reid
Touching the Surface
Iona Hall Silversmith and Alison Johnston painter. Two artists. One coastline.
When Iona Hall works with silver, it becomes something more than just a material — it becomes a re ectio of o e e t te t re a d the la d cape A co te porar il er ith ith deep root i traditio al Briti h craft a hip Hall create piece that re ect the ra hifti g ea t of the Scotti h coa t I pired the at ral co to r of roc for atio tidal li e a d coa tal te t re alo g the Mora Coa t her or le d heritage ith a di ti ct e e of place Each o ect i tho ghtf ll ade i iti g to ch a d clo e atte tio Thi i il er redef ed tactile e pre i e a d gro ded i at re
And she’s not alone. Alison Johnston is an artist drawn to the edge of things — where land meets sea, where light shifts, and where nothing ever really stays the same. Her paintings are less about exact detail and more about capturing a feeling a memory, a mood, a feeting moment. Inspired by coastlines, weather changes, and the natural rhythm of the sea, she lets instinct guide her brush. “The shifting light and weather transform the landscape, and I respond to these changes, capturing not just
the scene, but the spirit of the place itself.” For Alison, it’s not just about what a place looks like, but how it stays with you. Her work brings out the emotional heartbeat of the landscape, turning familiar views into something deeply personal and quietly powerful.
Together, Iona and Alison have created a dialogue — between metal and paint, object and landscape, the tactile and the visual. Their recent collaboration presents a modern ode to the coastline — its quiet strength, its meditative space, and its wild unpredictability.
This is silver that surprises. Art that moves. The other a d da ghter tea are di pla i g their or l i The S are Roo at Logie Steadi g phail Forre IV QN Ope i g Ti e
logie co
Alison Johnston
Iona Hall
Raise a Glass to the Rhine: A Journey Through Europe’s Wine Heartlands
Brought to you by
Murray Travel
This November, bid farewell to dreary weather and say “prost!” to golden vineyards, charming cobbled towns and endless toasts as you set sail on a luxurious escape along the legendary Rhine River. With AmaWaterways’ River Rhine & Wine Cruise, travelling from Amsterdam to Basel, you’re invited to explore the very soul of European wine country, one glass at a time.
Departing November 2025, this ight cruise includes an exclusive offer of free ight from Inverness or Aberdeen airport where you’ll be sailing on the beautifully appointed AmaViola, a bouti ue river ship offering fve-star comfort, ex uisite dining, and ever-changing views right outside your window.
Each day offers curated activities tailored to your pace and interests. Cruise through Amsterdam’s scenic canals, take walking or bike tours in historic Cologne or Düsseldorf, or enjoy wine tastings in Rüdesheim and Riquewihr. Explore Heidelberg or opt for a philosopher’s hike, glide over vineyards by gondola, or discover Strasbourg on two wheels. From vineyard hikes to guided city tours and even mechanical music museums, there’s something to suit every curiosity, whether you’re an adventurer, a culture-seeker or a devoted sipper.
This cruise is part of AmaWaterways’ exclusive Celebration of Wine series, meaning you’ll enjoy onboard wine hosts, curated tastings, and expert-led talks. Excursions include vineyard visits, cellar tours and tastings of regional favourites, from Rüdesheimer coffee to bold German beers. And for those feeling active, there are guided hikes and cycling tours through some of the Rhine’s most scenic routes.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply curious to try something new, this journey offers the perfect blend of culture, comfort and discovery.
Tempted to sip your way through the Rhine this autumn? Contact Murray Travel today to secure your place. Call 0808 169 8208 or visit murraytravel.co.uk. Availability is limitedbook early to avoid missing the boat.
FOOD
ORRIN RESTAURANT & BAR
WWhat’s with the name? Let us allow the owners of Elgin’s elegant and sophisticated restaurant to explain: “We get asked this a lot so we thought we’d share it with you. Orrin is the Anglicised version of Odhran in Gaelic and is generally understood to mean ‘pale green’.
Also, within contemporary culture, Orrin has a second meaning which really resonated with us, our approach and outlook. It means a person who exceeds expectations : a free spirit that knows which way the wind will blow, walks with confdence but befriends all”.
All of the above is very evident the moment you step foot inside the restaurant. You are enveloped in a calming expanse of various shades of green, from the walls to the furnishings. This calming green is offset and enhanced by shimmering wall lights and chandeliers, dark wood tables and brilliant white crockery. And then there is the welcome – which is superb. There is an art to welcoming people and Richard has it in spades. Quite honestly, you feel as if you have been a friend of the restaurant for years – his expansive smile and quick wit just set the mood.
Dining with good friends is always a pleasure and over the past years we three have set sail for many a restaurant. Some have been good, some exceptional, but Orrin is different and it is a touch diffcult to put your fnger on why it is so different. Initially the foor to ceiling windows might be off-putting but once you are inside there is no feeling that you are being scrutinised by the outside world.
The service cannot be faulted: very attentive without being overpowering and obsequious. From an initial drinks order to discussing the menu we all felt that we were in the company of people who thoroughly enjoy what they are doing.
As it was a Wednesday, we were having the Prix Fixe Menu, with the choice of two or three courses and an added bonus of live music a little later on in the evening. This menu offered a choice of four starters, four main courses and three deserts. No wine for us as each was driving but the wine list deserves a browse, as there are wines from some very unusual parts of the world.
But on to the food. A selection of delicious, warm in-house bakery breads set the mood for the starters. As usual, we all chose something different, ostensibly so that we could sample each dish. This sometimes happens – but, equally, sometimes it does not! It certainly didn’t happen with the starters as we all held on to our individual dishes, reluctant to part with them. A refreshing tomato salad with pickled strawberries and balsamic vinegar (it works, believe me): layered chicken and leek terrine with chutney and crispbreads and hot smoked salmon on toasted focaccia. There was no way I was sharing that, sorry.
all photography: Ceamara Photography
The starters dispensed with, the main courses were looked forward to with much anticipation. North Sea hake with a warm green salad; linguine with sugar snap peas and walnuts; cornfed chicken breast with seasonal vegetables. Incredibly good. We asked about the chef and were told that he is a young local man, aged 25, who cares deeply about the dishes he creates. The best and freshest ingredients are always used – there is no compromise here.
By this time Scott Ramsay, this evening’s musician, had arrived and had started playing the kind of music that I grew up with. This was an added bonus. The live music added another dimension to the evening; it wasn’t intrusive and no-one had to shout to be heard. A perfect backdrop.
The desserts arrived. Callebaut dark chocolate brownie; rhubarb tart; mango and passion fruit jelly, all beautifully arranged on pristine white crockery and decorated with their respective ice cream, lemon crème and raspberry sorbet. Now here we did share and spoons few back and forth with snippets of each other’s dessert. It was a perfect ending to a most satisfying evening of excellent food, wonderfully nostalgic music and attentive service. We could have stayed for coffee but, if we had, we would probably have been hoping they were open for breakfast. Which, sadly, they aren’t.
2-6 South Street, Elgin IV30 1LE T: 01343 357564 E: hello@orrinrestaurant.com www.orrinrestaurant.com all
photography: Ceamara Photography
Around 30 traditional boats from across the UK will sail into Portsoy, thanks to maritime and New Harbour sponsor Messrs J Smith Ltd and include 1 th century Fife herring drifter Reaper, which will make the journey from the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, Fife. Also returning to the festival is White Wing, a 33ft Baldie and setting sail from Wick in Caithness will be 19th century Fife and festival favourite, the Isabella Fortuna.
A full programme of live music and dance will take place over the weekend, with award-winning Scottish folk band Mànran headlining the Big Gig on the Back Green on Friday 27th June 2025. Award-winning Scottish folk singer, Iona Fyfe will be leading a free Scots singing workshop on Saturday 28th une 2025. It will take place in the Portsoy Salmon Bothy from 2pm – 3.45pm and is open to all ages and abilities. Pre-registration is required at https://shorturl.at/HPX8P. Visitors to the festival can also see Iona perform on the Harbour Stage on Saturday 28th June at 12.30pm.
Handmade items, unique gifts and traditional crafts will be on display in the Craft Marquee and Coastal Crafts areas. Stunning handmade jewellery, decorative accessories, wooden furniture and hand knitted garments will be available to browse and buy, with demonstrations on the intricate techniques and skills used to make these beautiful pieces.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit t fport o org. Thanks to festival sponsors Glenglassaugh, Puffn Wood Fuels, Hamlyn’s of Scotland, Portsoy Thrift Shop, Portsoy 75 Club, Urquhart Joinery Services, Macduff Shipyards, Messrs J Smith Ltd, Camwater Ltd and Gray Composting Services Ltd.
The Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival was frst held in 1 3 as an event to celebrate the tercentenary of Portsoy’s old harbour. Since then, it has been frmly anchored in the town’s calendar, taking place annually each summer and attracting thousands of visitors from across the region, and further afeld. The festival is set around Portsoy’s 17th Century harbour and is run by Portsoy Community Enterprise which also manages Portsoy Links Caravan Park, The Sail Loft Bunkhouse, The Salmon Bothy and The Boatshed. For more information visit t fport o org or on social media at STBFPort o aho port o .
Iona Fyfe by Elly Lucas
Manran
The giftware area is a shopper’s paradise, with items from top quality suppliers for men, women and children. Jewellery, candles, fragrances, toiletries – they are all here for you to browse through at your leisure. The foodhall stocks a wonderful variety of delicious larder-fllers and these tasty treats are complemented by a fne range of wines and spirits.
After all that shopping there is nothing better than to relax with lunch or a light snack. All the food is freshly prepared using seasonal produce from local suppliers. All tastes and dietary requirements are catered for and there is also a special children’s menu.
If you haven’t already visited, do yourself a favour and take a small detour from the main road and explore what Kellockbank has to offer. You will not be disappointed.
Access: Car parking is available near the Cromarty Cinema, IV11 8XZ and there is also on-street parking by the harbour. The No. 26/26A Stagecoach Bus operates between Inverness and Cromarty several times a day. www.tracygoesoutside.com
Exploring Crom ty
Exploring Crom ty
Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 1½ – 2 hrs
Level: Easy, with some elevation
Terrain: Mixture of coastal path, woodland, and road/pavement
This is a fantastic and varied walk, taking you along the Cromarty coastline, then into the woods with some hidden trea re a d f i hi g ith o e fa ci ati g historical landmarks.
The walk starts from the 18th-century Cromarty Harbour. In the 19th century, the harbour became an important naval anchorage during the Napoleonic Wars, and later during both World Wars. Today it serves fshing boats and ferry traffc to and from Nigg across the water. There’s a great view across the frth of the oil rigs and Invergordon.
From the harbour, turn right and follow the beach path. You will soon come to the Emigration Stone, a monument that commemorates the thousands of people from the Highlands who were forced to emigrate during the Highland Clearances.
Follow the path until you come to the cottages at the end of Forsyth Place. From here, take the road along Shore Street until you reach the Old
Brewery building, continue along Millar Road. Just before the bend, you’ll see a signpost for the path on your left to South Sutor, head down this path.
Follow the coastal path, passing a way marker, and continue heading towards South Sutor. The path soon climbs into the woods, it’s a steady uphill walk with some steps along the way. Keep an eye out for the WWII pillbox on your right.
At the top, you will come out of the woodland and onto an old road. Take a right here, and a little further along you’ll see a path for the viewpoint on your right. Although it can be a bit overgrown, it’s still worth checking out for the views.
After the viewpoint, continue down the road towards Cromarty Mains Farm. Just before the farm, take the road to the right. You will pass The Stables arts venue; you can’t miss it, there’s a unicorn sculpture on the grounds.
Shortly after The Stables, you’ll pass Cromarty House, with the servants’ tunnel on your left. To your right is St Regulus Graveyard, also known as the Pirates’ Graveyard. This is a fascinating place, with many gravestones featuring skulls and crossbones, as well as a very eerie crypt.
Back on the road again, continue down into Cromarty. After you pass the bowling club, take a left along Millar Road, then your next left onto Burnside Place. Turn right onto Church Street.
Further along Church Street, you’ll come to the thatched cottage where Hugh Miller lived. Born in 1802, Hugh Miller was a self-taught geologist and naturalist who published infuential books on geology, fossils, and nature. The house next door is now a museum and a great place to visit if you’d like to fnd out more about him.
Just after the church, you’ll see a signpost for the path leading up to the impressive Hugh Miller Monument, which is well worth the short detour. Return to Church Street and carry on until you come to the junction. Take a left onto High Street, then your next right onto Bank Street, which leads you back to the harbour and the end of your walk.
And now for something completely different. Tractor pulling. If you imagine a muscle-bound man with a rope around his waist and the other end attached to a dinky little 1950s tractor –dismiss that idea immediately. Tractor pulling is pure power, adrenaline-fuelled competitions using highly tuned tractors to pull a weight transfer sledge in a straight line along a 100 metre track. It’s brash, it’s noisy, it’s in your face – it’s boys and their toys on steroids.
The sledge is key in this sport and is the only true way to provide a fair level of competition. It is an extremely clever device where weight is transferred from the wheels at the back to the pan at the front. During a pull the sledge sits on the starting line as a rolling weight but gradually transfers to a dead weight the further down the track it goes. Simple – and effective.
One man who knows all about tractor pulling is Davie Clarihew who, along with his brother in law Allan, frst came upon the sport in 1 80. Davie is as far away as you could imagine from what you would consider a ‘tractor pulling afcianado’ – his twinkling blue eyes and cheeky smile are more reminiscent of a leisurely fsherman, whiling away the hours on some river bank in pursuit of elusive salmon or trout.
But on holiday way back in 1 80 Davie became hooked on tractor pulling after attending a pull at Great Eccleston show in England. Since then he has, along with various family members, been involved with tractor pulling and can be named as the person who started the sport in Scotland. Davie and Allan built a puller from old spare parts during the winter of 1 80/81 and took ‘Nessie’ to various agricultural shows and vintage events. A scrap artic lorry was purchased and they started building a sledge similar to the one which had been used at the Great Eccleston show.
First sledge
First event
Davie & Allan Davie
The next step was to contact the then secretary of the BTPA (British Tractor Pulling Association) to fnd out if there were any more Scots who were members. News came of a prostock being built by John Clark; contact was made with the Alford Transport museum who were keen to hold a meeting at the museum in 1 85 – and the rest is history. From very simple and small beginnings the club has grown in strength and will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this une.
Davie was now the elected chairman of the offcial Scottish Tractor Pullers club and the frst meeting in 1 85 was attended by three “proper” tractor pullers, along with many farm class tractors. This was followed in 1 8 with the new Scottish club holding a full season of 5 events, no mean feat considering that Davie and Allan had started from scratch after that frst trip south in 1 80.
Another tractor was built for the 1 88 season – a V12 air cooled engine and then in 1 8 Davie went down the petrol route with a 3 x V12 5.3 litre aguar powered tractor. After experiencing several mechanical problems, this beast was retired. Before the 1 4 season Davie had bought a aguar engined beauty called ‘Starlight Express’ and could now compete with the best in Scotland so much so that he won the Scottish championship many times.
He is still involved with the club, although on a more sedentary basis, and is proud of the fact that it is holding its 40th anniversary. It promises to be an exciting day out.
I am now 20 years into retirement and should be thinking about knitting and daytime television but, as a confrmed petrolhead, I would love to have a go.
Moray Blue Light Festival
Emergency heroes will be honoured at the ffth Moray Blue Light Festival on Saturday, 21st June at UHI Moray.
The valuable role played by the Police, Fire, RAF, RNLI, Scottish Ambulance Service and many more will be highlighted during the festival from 12pm – 3pm at the Alexander Graham Bell Centre, UHI Moray in Elgin.
The festival which has been running at UHI Moray since 2019, is designed to highlight and educate the public on the techniques and equipment used by emergency crews in their regular life-saving duties.
‘Celebrating the services, educating the public’ is the theme of the afternoon.
There will be a dedicated area for children’s infatables and rides, facepainting, some child friendly vendors and a huge array of food stands including ice cream and cakes. Fika Child and Family Centre will be running sessions during the day and have their infatables.
“Over the years the real highlight for us as a team of organisers has been watching the public come together in masses to educate themselves and their families on the emergency services.” Said Kirsty
“The event has been a great success over the past fve years and was originally organised and created by our own Events Management students at UHI Moray. We felt this was an important educational event to continue hosting within our facilities to educate the public and to raise awareness of the services and all the hard work they put in day in and out to keep us all safe” said Kirsty Fraser, Events Co-ordinator for UHI Moray.
As well as the well-known 999 services, in attendance will be North East Rider Volunteers, 2622 Squadron from RAF Lossiemouth, Cadets, and local organisations who offer help and support such as Moray Co-Responders, Mikeysline, Car Seat Safety Moray and many more.
Whilst we have been lucky to have been graced with beautiful weather each year for the annual event, do bring appropriate clothing if the weather isn’t good as most of the event is outdoors. It is also worth noting that the event can be noisy with the sirens going off on a regular occurrence so if you are sensitive to noise headphones would be advisable.
We can’t wait to celebrate the ffth oray Blue Light Festival and look forward to seeing everyone on the 21st June at UHI Moray.
For more information and updates, search for Moray Blue Light Festival on Facebook or Instagram, or email: agbcevents.moray@uhi.ac.uk
C o me a n d
celebr ate t h e
se r v i ces w i th u s
Saturday 21st June 2025 12pm - 3pm
UHI Moray, Elgin IV30 1JJ
MUSIC
Speyfest gears up for packed 28th edition as programme grows
Longstanding Moray music event Speyfest has expanded its 2025 programme.
From surprise pub sessions and resident bands to musical workshops and yoga for all ages, the Scottish festival is gearing up for one of its busiest ever editions.
Local and emerging talent will bring the festival’s second stage – the Duncan of Fochabers Stage – to life. Supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, artists including Americana fusion force The Forty Elephants, emerging North East artist Amber Thornley Trio and beloved local talent Colin Campbell are set to perform.
The mighty Cabrach Ceilidh Band and local singer songwriter Lewis Wiles also join the bill, while already announced Main Stage acts and Fochabers legends Tour Bus Fortune and the party-starting BROMA will also take up slots. Elsewhere, Strathisla Pipe Band will be taking to the Playing Fields across the weekend for some rousing pop-up performances.
25th - 27th July 2025
These acts join a stellar line up of talent taking to the Main Stage across the festival’s three days, from Friday 25 – Sunday 27 July, including Skipinnish, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, The East Pointers, Trail West, Flook, Mànran and Siobhan Miller
New for 2025 is the launch of Speyfest Sessions which will see some special visiting bands and festival guests pop-up to play at much-loved Fochabers pubs including The Red Lion and The Gordon Arms. These surprise slots aim to stretch the spirit of the festival right across the village and bring further economic benefts to the local area.
Mànran
For the frst time in 10 years, four bands will take up residence in Fochabers for the duration of the festival – playing sets across the Christie Stage, Duncan of Fochabers Stage and pub sessions circuit.
Trad six-piece TRIP, neo-trad trio Project Smok, Virginian bluegrass outft The Hot Seats and Cabrach Ceilidh Band will be amplifying the party atmosphere and giving audiences the chance to hear them in different environments across the weekend.
Macgregor’s Bars in Inverness will bring their Live at 5 concept to Speyfest on Friday, with host Bruce MacGregor bringing audiences some backstage blethers and tunes from special festival guests.
The very best traditional talent will be sharing their skills with attendees and locals through the festival’s music workshops, also supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. Scottish songstress Siobhan Miller will lead fun and inclusive singing workshops; the inimitable Adam Sutherland will host advanced fddle workshops and MacGregor’s Gathering will host multi-instrumental workshops for all ages and abilities.
Speyfest Chair Ashleigh Macgregor said:
“Speyfest is more than just a music festival – it’s a celebration of community and culture that brings people together and showcases the very best of what Fochabers has to offer. We’re absolutely thrilled to unveil our expanded programme for Speyfest 2025. This year’s line-up
is set to be one of our most exciting yet, with incredible talent gracing our stages, surprise performances around the village, and a vibrant mix of activities for all ages – it really represents our love of music and its power to connect and entertain.”
Sio ha A der o M ic Offcer at Creati e Scotland said: “It is fantastic to see how Speyfest nourishes local talent and provides a stage for emerging acts to perform alongside their headline acts. The exciting addition of artists performing across Fochabers in partnership with local businesses looks to engage with more of the community, and the programme shows that there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.”
Speyfest takes place from 25th - 27th July 2025 For tickets and more information visit www.speyfest.com
The Hot Seats
Project Smok,
Speyfest Festival 2024
NEED A TAXI?
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Safe,Welcoming & Wild: The Arabia You Didn’t Expect
Forget what you’ve heard — Arabia isn’t what the headlines would have you believe. From modern cities and ancient culture to dramatic nature and heartfelt hospitality, the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia are far more welcoming — and far safer — than most people imagine.
When people in the UK think of the Middle East, it’s often because of something they’ve seen in the news — usually dramatic, sometimes outdated. The headlines tend to be negative, and focus on confict, strict laws, or cultural extremes, however those news articles do not refect what it’s really like to be there.
Since 2007, I’ve travelled widely across Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — often on my own, sometimes with friends — and what I’ve experienced couldn’t be further from the stereotypes. These countries are safe, welcoming, and full of contrast and beauty.
So let’s leave the headlines behind for a moment, and take a fresh look at what Arabia is really like.
“Isn’t it dangerous?”
Safety is one of the biggest concerns for travellers — and one of the biggest misconceptions. The reality is that the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia have some of the lowest crime rates in the world. I’ve driven and camped solo in deserts, stayed in remote villages, and wandered cities late at night — and I’ve always felt completely secure. Local people are respectful and kind, and it’s not uncommon to have strangers offer assistance or hospitality without expectation of payment. In many ways, I feel much safer in these places than I do in some UK cities.
“Don’t women have to cover up completely?”
You’ll often hear that women must be veiled from head to toe in the Middle East — but that’s simply not true. As a non-Muslim woman, I’ve travelled extensively across the region for years without covering my hair, except when entering mosques or the holy city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia. These days, even local women aren’t legally required to wear the abaya (black robe),
hijab (headscarf to cover the hair), or niqab (face covering) — not even in Saudi Arabia, although most still do to honour their family tradition. However, modesty is appreciated (covering shoulders, knees, and showing no cleavage is a good guide), but you’ll see everything from traditional dress to jeans and t-shirts. It’s a far more relaxed and varied picture than many people imagine.
“I thought unmarried couples weren’t allowed to travel together.”
Many years ago, unmarried couples were not allowed to share a hotel room or, in the case of Saudi Arabia, even ride in the same car, but all this has changed. Foreign visitors are welcomed without question, and hotel staff don’t ask about marital status – local ladies do not take their husbands’ surnames after marriage, so hotels have no way of knowing. I’ve booked dozens of hotels for couples, many unmarried, and there has never been an issue.
“It’s all just shiny skyscrapers and shopping malls.”
Dubai’s skyline might be instantly recognisable, but there’s much more to discover than modern buildings and designer brands. Step into the maze-like alleys of the Al Fahidi Historical District, explore some of Oman’s ancient forts, or wander through Baleed, the old quarter of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Heritage is alive and well across the region — preserved, celebrated, and deeply woven into modern life.
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If you think Arabia is just a desert, then you really are missing out. This region is flled with natural surprises — stunning wadis (valleys), misty mountains, coral reefs, volcanic plains, and mangroves bursting with life. I’ve hiked in the cool of Jebel Akhdar, some 2400m above sea level – in July, swum in refreshing natural pools, and watched summer monsoon rain drift in from the sea to cover Salalah. Arabia is astonishingly diverse — and nature lovers will be amazed at what they fnd.
“It must be eye-wateringly expensive.”
Luxury is easy to fnd, sure but so is value. Some of my favourite stays have been in affordable guesthouses and older city hotels, where you experience the destination more authentically but still in reasonable comfort. Delicious street food can cost just a few pounds, and many cultural sites are free or low-cost. Flights can be more expensive in winter, when the weather is perfect across much of the region, but summer offers its own surprises — in some mountainous areas, you might even need a feece to keep warm in the evening.
Arabia can be explored in style, or simply and affordably — the choice is yours.
Marina Bruce is a Portgordon-based travel expert and founder of Arabian Cities and Sands. Nicknamed The Desert Diva, she has spent over 16 years exploring the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia — often solo and always beyond the tourist trail. Marina now designs bespoke itineraries that help travellers experience the region’s culture, landscapes, and warm hospitality for themselves.
Nakhal Fort Oman
Wadi Dirbat, Oman
Sand dunes and rocks, Mleiha UAE
Omani food
SKILLS
Why Presentation Anxiety Exists (and what to do about it)
You’re about to give a presentation at work, your heart’s racing, palms sweating, suddenly unsure you’re if you even remember your own name. Sound familiar?
You’re not alone.
Presentation anxiety is incredibly common, and it doesn’t mean you’re not capable - it means you’re human.
At its core, presentation anxiety is a survival response. Our brains are hardwired to protect us from perceived threats. Thousands of years ago, standing alone while a group stared at you might have meant you were about to be thrown out of the tribe. That fght-or-fight response hasn’t evolved as quickly as modern life, so when you give a talk today, your body still reacts as if you’re in danger.
Add to that the fear of failure, judgement, or embarrassment, and it’s no wonder so many people dread speaking in public (even to their colleagues!). Although many of us want to be valued for who and what we are, we feel vulnerable allowing ourselves to be seen and heard.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
1.BREATHE.
In advance of your presentation breathe slowly and deeply. This tells your nervous system that you are safe.
2.PREPARE, BUT NOT TOO MUCH. Know your content, but allow space to talk about it naturally. Trying to read from a script makes you sound robotic.
3.LOOK AFTER YOU AND YOUR AUDIENCE. It’s vital that you show yourself support before directing your attention to the needs of your audience. Take a breath before you speak out loud, let your internal chatter be kind.
Public speaking is about building connection. ost audiences aren’t looking for a fawless delivery, they’re looking for authenticity and value. Sophia Hanson is a hypnotherapist and success coach helping you to become a calm, confdent, compelling communicator so that you thrive in your career (and feel good about yourself).
If you feel like poor presentation skills are holding you back, get in touch.
Confdence in Bloom: How Self-Care Can Help You Step Out Boldly This Summer
Summer should feel like freedom—but for many, it comes with pressure. Whether it teppi g i to o r fr t o after leaving school or slipping into holiday clothe co fde ce doe t al a co e at rall For tho e of ho lac elf co fdence, it can be a challenging season, where skin is more on show, and can’t be hidden away under heavy makeup, where our bodies can’t be easily disguised under fabric layers, but there’s another way to bring your inner co fde ce ac
At Speyside Spa, we believe confdence doesn’t come from changing who you are—it comes from honouring yourself. A fresh hairstyle, smooth skin, or simply taking time to be pampered can shift how you walk through the world. For young people entering the workforce, looking polished helps you feel professional. For others, preparing for summer might mean glowing skin or feeling good in your own body again without flters or fear.
Our team offers expert treatments and down-to-earth advice tailored to real lives and real bodies. It’s not about perfection it’s about giving you a space to feel seen, supported, and ready to face the world feeling great.
This summer, let confdence be your best accessory. Book in with us and start with just one small act of self-care because you’re already enough. We know it, and we’ll help you feel it too. All summer long.
The Phoeix Shop & Café Ba at Ecovilage Fidhorn – Nouishig Body, Mid & Soul!
Celebrating its 30th Anniversary as one of the UK fr t orga ic food tore the Phoe i Shop ithi Fi dhor ell o Eco illage i a ha e of delight for a o e loo i g to o rce high alit arti a al prod ct
We are proud to carry what is possibly the largest range of organic produce in the whole of Scotland! A thriving community-owned social enterprise, the Phoenix Shop boasts over 1,000 organic products, including a wide selection of organic fruit & veg. Also specialising in local and Fairtrade products, with our delicious artisanal, Real Bread from Love That Loaf and Bruntlands holds a number of prestigious Great Taste Awards.
Our popular shop also sells health supplements and skincare products, unusual books, greetings cards by local artists and a selection of quirky gifts for kids and adults alike.
When your shopping is done, you are welcome to join us at the Phoenix Café Bar, set in lovely gardens with an outside terrace. Your tastebuds will be well and truly tempted with a range of freshly prepared vegetarian and vegan dishes. And our Baristas make a wonderful selection of coffees and unusual house drinks, such as the famous Phoenix Hug!
Forging its place as a lively venue with a year-round calendar of events, including dance, music and arts and an upcoming Summer Festival from 11-13 July, the Café Bar is a vibrant hub of the local community.
Sig p o o r e ite for the late t e of Special Offer i the Shop a d Special Events at the Café!
KILT MAKING
PAULA DUNCAN
With bouncy curls and a personality to atch it i diffc lt ot to e swept along by Paula’s infectious laughter and generous personality. She has that wonderful ability to make anyone feel at home instantly and the smiles that she generates follow you long after you have left her company.
Paula is a highly talented bespoke kilt maker. From her Kilt Loft (the newly converted attic in her cosy Lhanbryde home) she connects with people all round the world who are keen to create a bespoke, heritage item that will last a lifetime and, more often than not, be passed down through the generations.
As a child, Paula was always sewing and this passion for creating special pieces has followed her right through her childhood and into adulthood. She has talented fngers and an eye for detail and each piece that leaves her kilt loft is immaculately created and lovingly sewed. Nothing but the best will do.
Kilt making is an art and, sadly, one that could disappear from our heritage crafts were it not for people like Paula. She has spent many years working with fabrics and her attention to the way the cloth is worked is astounding. Of course, anyone can buy a kilt from Highland Dress outlets but these are more often than not made in a factory and the garments are – understandably – not created for the body shapes that are destined to wear them.
Paula will painstakingly take into account each and every nuance of her customer’s body shape and will create a garment that fts perfectly and fows with every movement. It is all down to the way the material is pleated and stitched and nothing but the best will do – one stitch out of place and the fuidity of the garment is lost.
Her Kilt Loft is as welcoming as she is. Light streams in from Velux windows, highlighting the creamy paint and white woodwork and, along with the downlights, creating a roomy work space that allows ease of movement. A glorious collection of tartans and tweeds fll the shelves behind Paula’s work station, creating bright spots of colour in an otherwise calm room.
Paula’s life with needle and thread has seen her as a dressmaker, working in fashion and also the sewing department of Johnstons of Elgin, before fnding her true niche in the world of kilt making. Her business has grown since she started it in 2017 and she has grown with it too, mastering the art of promoting herself and her kilts through on-line tutorials, as well as one on one personal classes. The clients that have come from all over the world praise her for her patient, meticulously detailed and easy to follow on-line tutorials.
She is a marvellous, highly talented person yet, at the same time, self-effacing and modest. Once you meet her you will not forget her.
www.pauladuncankilts.com
paula@pauladuncankilts.com
The New Kilt Loft all photography: Ceamara Photography
Transformation Conference
It was an honour to host the Moray Business Women 2025 Transformation Conference which was held at Moray Sports Centre on the 21st May 2025. 2025 is Year of the Snake in the Chinese Calendar, so we gathered to explore the themes of renewal and wisdom. In many cultures, the snake symbolises transformation and rebirth.
Just as the snake sheds its skin to grow and adapt, we, too, were ready to shed our old ways and embrace the new possibilities.
This was a journey where we learnt and will continue to learn from each other, share our experiences, and inspire one another to reach greater heights.
This was not just a conference - It was a gathering of hearts and minds dedicated to making a difference.
Each speaker we heard from brought a unique perspective, a wealth of knowledge, and a
passion for change. They challenged us undeniably to think differently and push the boundaries of what is possible. As we embarked on this journey together, we encouraged each other to open our minds and let the possibilities in. The stories and insights shared resonated within us, and we allowed them to inspire us to take action in our own lives.
Transformation often begins with a single step, we took that together on 21st May. The small changes will lead to signifcant outcomes and so we allowed the spirit of renewal to embrace us. Thank you to everyone who joined us and for being a part of this incredible journey.
Wendy Mitchell – MBW president said ‘’Wow! It was an amazing, empowering, and inspiring day, flled with incredible moments. The outpouring of love and admiration was truly mind-blowing. I am overwhelmed by the heartfelt support and gratitude we have received after the event too.
It was a wonderful experience that felt warm & fuzzy, friendly, and collaborative.
We started with Mel encouraging us to network and get to know one another, to fnd common ground that could potentially lead to sales. Then, Clare shared her story, “Rooted in Resilience,” which deeply touched everyone in the room and brought tears of support from many.
Nadia had us laughing out loud with her powerful adaptation of “We’re not in Kansas anymore.” Her performance truly made us refect on the importance of being prepared for what’s coming, as it will arrive whether we are ready or not. The transformation of our area is happening now, so we’d better get on board!
Jill introduced us to her concept of “young corporate Jill” and shared insights into the mindset and skills, along with emotional intelligence (EQ), that are essential for progressing in both work and life. This approach aims to help individuals become the best version of themselves.
Rachel and Ruth from Glasgow School of Arts Future Skills challenged us after lunch to think critically about change and our mindset, encouraging us to question everything we have ever known. GSA isn’t just about creating pretty pictures and statues; it embodies the creative
Ruth Cochrane, Glasgow
School of
Art Nadia
Fyvie-Feldmann
Ann Johnson Ailsa Stinson
spirit inherent to an art school, aiming to produce innovative and inspiring content that transcends the ordinary. It was an incredible session delivered with humour, making us believe we really could be and do anything, using extreme collaboration and, of course, ‘giant post-its’ (who knew?).
Ailsa took us on a journey into the future, two years to be precise, where we wrote letters and truly visualised the future, manifesting our future wants and needs, with a good bit of classroom banter included.
Our wonderful ASB president, Ann Johnson, closed the event with hilarious comments that will never be repeated outside the room. We were truly honoured to have Ann in our presence and look forward to seeing her again very soon.
Wednesday 21st May 2025 MBW Transformational Conference was exactly what we needed it to be and exactly when it needed to be. It will stay with me forever; so let’s be fearless in our pursuit of wisdom and move through our journey together.
For more news on MBW please check out www.mbwc.org.uk or email president@mbwc.org.uk
‘’In good company’’
Jillian Watt
Mel Foley
Clare-Louise Battersby
all photography: Ceamara Photography
elcome to summer, and to my very frst article here in your Lifestyle Maga ine his frst instalment is packed full of this season s fnest, and I m thrilled to be sharing these onderful adventures ith you.
Laura's Chef Adventure
My social media followers and local community will already know a little about me, but if I may, I’d like to start our friendship by introducing myself and my family. I’m Laura Baker, a professionally trained chef and baker, a mother to three children (aged 13, 7 and 3) and wife to my wonderful husband Chris. We stay on the North Coast, Aberdeenshire and have been here since returning from a few years living in Cyprus.
The world of food is really exciting, and you’ll often fnd me inventing new ways of using more unfamiliar ingredients in traditional dishes or even asking producers and suppliers if I can invite myself up to their farm/shop/factory/event to have a look around and a blether about their passion for their work. I’ve met some amazing people so far and you’ll get to read about them here in my writing and online.
Working as a chef, amongst other benefts, opens up opportunities to travel for enriching experiences, and while I do so as sustainably as I can, I have found that Scotland offers such an abundance in seasonal produce that you can’t fault in uality or pride. y menus are
infuenced by my association with the editerranean, absolutely, but it’s now intertwined conscientiously with that Scottish fair and harvest which brings a sense of familiarity and newness. Can you remember the last time you ate a meal and thought, “what was that favour?”, or perhaps, “I didn’t know you could use rhubarb like that!” that’s the joy I have with food, and I hope to inspire you to play with your recipes too.
ADVENTURES
Earlier this year, I met with ichael from Howlands Herdwicks, who not only produce uality wool products and yarns, but offer delicious hogget and lamb boxes when in season. A real treat to visit the farm and chat sustainability and rare breeds, and after our meet, I created a dish using gigot with prunes and vanilla. ore recently, I explored four days’ work experience at acbeth’s butchers in Forres what an eye-opener this was and I’m so glad I did this, chef training needs hands-on learning and a crash course in butchery and livestock rearing/fnishing gave me even more respect for farmers and eating meat thank you to ock and the team for this incredible learning experience. Finally, I met with Carole from Down on the Farm, did you know that Carole runs a Pick our Own Rhubarb patch called Rosehearty Rhubarb from April to uly? I’ve been with friends and family, and it was such a joy to see the children clambering over chunky green-red stems of rhubarb with big umbrellas of foliage to hear the gentle snap and then see them wielding it proudly above their head, delighted with their harvest!
LIFESTYLE
This year, I made a promise to my family to start growing more of our own food, and it certainly has been a learning curve. One of the things I am most passionate about, is encouraging children to get involved in learning where their food comes from and how they can play a part in it. I strongly feel that great life skills come from learning to grow, harvest, prepare and cook your own food. Blend that with caring for the wildlife, and you have yourself an adventure for curious minds that can be super resourceful, resilient and healthy.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading and I’ll see you in August but until then, eat well, Laura.
RECIPE Strawberry & Fennel Salad
SERVES 4-6 AS A SIDE
Large handful of local stra berries (hulled)
large fennel bulb (you can substitute for 2-3 celery sticks if unavailable)
Handful each of basil, dill, mint leaves (quantities to your taste)
Large handful of pine nuts fe large shavings of parmesan
ea salt and cracked black pepper to taste cup e tra virgin olive oil
cup hite balsamic vinegar (white wine or apple cider will also work)
easpoon of runny honey
hy not try using local honey and stra berries
PREP:
Wash and dry the strawberries, fennel, and herbs.
Slice the strawberries and fennel however thick you’d like them.
Shred the herbs thinly.
Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry frying pan (shake the pan regularly as they’ll burn easily)
Put the oil, vinegar and honey in a clean jar with a tightly closed lid and shake to emulsify, season to taste with salt and pepper (I love Blackthorn Salt!)
ASSEMBLE:
Put the sliced fennel and shredded herbs onto a serving platter and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle over the pine nuts and parmesan shavings, followed by the sliced strawberries. Serve your salad onto plates and pour a little dressing over each serving, reserving the remaining dressing in the jar in the fridge for another meal tomorrow. Enjoy!
WHAT'S IN SEASON
little snapshot of the summer harvest
Broad beans
Peas angetout
Gooseberries
Currants
Strawberries & Soft Berries
Lettuce
Rocket, Herbs & Spinach
Cucumbers, Courgettes & Summer S uash
Tomatoes
Let us help you find your perfect
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Breakfasts, Lunches, Light Bites, Evening Meals & Sunday Carvery Beer Garden Craft Beers, Gins and much more Home Baking, Barista Coffee and Our Famous Cullen Skink Pop in for refreshments and food after a walk along the beautiful sandy beaches on our doorstep. Your dog is welcome too! ...check our website and social media for events
Sunday Carvery | 12-2.30pm ALL LOCALLY SOURCED
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Rosie Barron IS THE TIDY COO
You’re ready to start Decluttering and Organising, all set for a brand-new start. But where do you start? To be successful in anything that you do, it helps enormously to know where you are going and this is where your Vision comes in.
The Wheel of Life
The Wheel of life is a useful tool to illustrate how balanced your life is at this moment in time. To use it, you look at each area and mark on the scale how satisfed you are in that part of your life, where 1 is extremely dissatisfed, 10 is extremely happy. The idea is not to score 10 in every segment, but to have a relatively balanced circle. The areas with the lower scores will indicate those parts of your life that you might choose to focus your energy on changing. Fill it in now, before you start your decluttering journey, and then fll it in again at the end to see the difference.
Purpose – Contributions through work and volunteering. This is how you feel that you contribute to the world. It doesn’t have to be work.
Health – Physical, ental and Spiritual wellbeing. How are you? Really?
Lifestyle – The manner and environment in which you live. Are you happy in your home? Do you feel like you have control over it? Are you happy in general with how you live? Often this is an area where my clients score is low and we have to see how we can balance out the circle so that they are happier.
Relationships – Your engagement with others. Not just a relationship with a signifcant other, but also with friends, family and work colleagues.
Development – Personal growth and learning.
Play – Activities for amusement and delight. Anything that you do just for your own enjoyment.
Vision
Having looked at how your life is currently, now look at how you want it to be. Imagine you could wave a magic wand: what would your home look like? What would it feel like? What would it smell like? Pick a uiet spot and make sure that you have set aside some time to think about this. You can use these uestions to help.
What words come to mind when you describe your home?
What words would you like to come to mind when you describe your home?
What works well in your home?
What doesn’t work well in your home?
What are you grateful for in your home?
What would you like to change in your home?
What do you talk about when you socialise?
What do you spend most of your money on?
What do you love to do?
What do you spend most of your time doing?
Describe your perfect home.
Describe your perfect day.
It’s important to focus on a positive vision “The surfaces are clear and easy to clean”, rather than the negative, “There is no clutter.”
Some of my clients have been buried in their lives for so long that they’ve forgotten what it is that makes them tick. I’ve had clients who have found the idea of imagining a lovely life to be quite confronting and scary. But you are allowed to dream of a world where you have the time to pursue the things that you want to do. ou are allowed to dream of a life where you have a home you can be happy in. ou need to dream it to be able to do it.
I regularly reset my vision. Life changes, I change. Children grow up and leave home, parents grow old, friendships change. Whilst I’m not the sort of person who feels that they have to run a marathon or fy to the moon, it IS important to me to live my life in a way that I will have few regrets about. Sadly, there have been several deaths among friends and family
recently, along with some sad diagnoses. I turned to my husband last night and said, “If you had just six months left, what would you change?”. I am very fortunate that there is very little I would change right now. Perhaps I would work a little less hard, but I know that the work that I do is good and makes a difference to people. I spend a lot of time with my family and also with my animals. Remember always that having a decluttered and organised home is not about an insta-worthy life but about giving yourself time to do the things that you love.
Anyway! Once you’ve got your vision sorted, you’re good to go, but just take a few more minutes to prepare.
Prep yourself with a declutter kit - pens and post its for labelling, scissors, cleaning products (cloth, water, hoover). Bags/boxes for - bin, recycle, donate, “move room”, paperwork box, sentimental, travel.
Investigate three charity shops you can donate to. Investigate a shelter or refuge and fnd out what products they take. What is the address of your local refuse/recycling centre? Do you need to book? Where in your home will you put items that are on their way out?
A word about waste.
We only have one world, there is no Planet B. We should declutter as mindfully as we can and I have a sustainability section on my website for this reason. However, once something is made, sooner or later it is going to end up in landfll, even if it is reused or recycled in the meantime. The only way to stop something ending up in landfll is for it not to be made in the frst place and the only way that we can do that is to take away the market for it. Whilst we may want to make sure that every single thing we have
goes to the right home, sometimes you have to just accept that it is going in the bin. Use your feelings about this to stop yourself buying more in the future.
Selling your discards
There are many ways that you can get stuff out of your home, and selling is one of them. It can be tempting to try to get back some of the money but do make sure that it is worth your time. Remember the time you will need to spend taking photos, listing, responding to en uiries, getting the item packaged and posted and so on. Not to mention that it will be sat in your home taking up space and making it diffcult to move on until it is sold and dispatched. If you defnitely want to sell an item, give yourself a deadline to have it gone by and if it is not gone by then, donate it instead.
Rosie Barron is The Tidy Coo, a Professional Organiser and Declutter Coach and, being autistic with ADHD, she specialises in Neurodiversity. She was the frst person to achieve KonMari Master in Scotland and is APDO’s northernmost member. She lives with her husband, four Home Educated children and a whole menagerie of animals who all bring her joy. She has a wealth of free resources to help get you organised on her website and social media.
Old is not a negative or dirty word – it simply describes a point in the life cycle when I am no longer young or middle-aged. While my thoughts, attitudes and approach to life are not ‘old’ or rigid, my body struggles and reminds me daily of where I am in that life cycle – and I am grateful for this.
So many people are in denial that they will one day die, and believe talking about it will make it come sooner. It won’t. They are offended if they hear someone say ‘that old lady over there’, just as I used to say when I was a teenager.
At , a flled with ratitude to e an elder, to have made it this far when so many haven’t… to have survived serious health challenges, life’s ups and downs, heartbreaks, disappointments, and to have grown from all of them.
In reality I am ‘old’ but this does not defne me. Living a life of meaning and purpose defnes me”.
So said someone on a comment from one of my posts on the Substack platform earlier this year.
How do you change your attitude from one of wishing ageing wasn’t happening, to fully appreciating that it is? How can you become someone who says, like the person to the left, ‘I am grateful for this’?
Especially if your body is protesting, preventing you from doing things you used to do, and friends are popping their clogs around you.
Not easy! But made a lot easier if your mind can wrap the thoughts it has around the subject in a positive way.
If you’ve been reading these articles this year, you’ll have realised that this is essentially what embracing ageing and being grateful for it is about. We can do a whole lot to look after our physical bodies to help them age well; but we
Jane Duncan Rogers
can also take good care of our mental health too, noticing how we think and feel, and then making sure we are speaking positively and kindly of ourselves and others.
As Epictetus (Greek philosopher, living around 55-135 C.E, and an exponent of Stoicism), said:
“We are disturbed not by what happens to us, but by our thoughts about what happens”.
And it’s true. This explains why individuals react to the same event in different ways – they think about it differently. So, what are your own thoughts about ageing? Or people whom you deem old?
Do you identify with these words/phrases: frail, helpless, not interesting, over-the-hill, outdated, old fogey, infrm, dinosaur, elderly, tottery, doddery, long in the tooth.
Or these ones: elder, wise, mature, ripe, experienced, established, enduring, long-lived, well-seasoned.
Finally, I leave you with this poem, which I found very inspiring.
I Am Not Old
by Smantha Reynolds (www.bentlily.com)
I am not old…she said I am rare.
I am the standing ovation
At the end of the play. I am the retrospective
In the Merriam Webster online thesaurus, there were 38 words to describe ‘old’. Not all could be thought of as negative, but a lot of them are.
A good place to start with exploring this theme for yourself, and your loved ones, is to simply notice what your own thoughts, beliefs and judgements are about being old, or older. No need to judge yourself negatively for what you observe – this is more about simply noticing, and then in the next magazine, I’ll make some suggestions for how you can change those thoughts.
Of my life as art.
I am the hours Connected like dots Into good sense. I am the fullness Of existing. You think I am waiting to die… But I am waiting to be found. I am a treasure. I am a map. And these wrinkles are Imprints of my journey
Ask me anything.
Jane Duncan Rogers writes regular articles on Embracing Ageing on Substack. Read more here: https://janeduncanrogers.substack.com/
Closing dates
Speyfest Tickets: 18th July 2025
All Other Prizes: 25th July 2025
Email: competitions@lifestylemoray.scot
Well, another issue with a bumper number of entries. You do like your food, the Mash Tun was a record number of entries, even one from Ireland, but it was a winner from Aberlour. That’s how it goes.
This time around we have an amazing offer of lunch for two at Orrin, will this break the record?
We also have two adult tickets for Grantown Show, kids go free so take the family.
If the good weather stays, a £50 voucher kindly
COMPETITION CODES
LUNCHORRIN
Lunch for two at Orrin SHOWTKTS
Two adult tickets for Grantown Show
BBQVOUCH
£50 voucher for S&D Harper
SPEYFESTPASS
Speyfest Weekend pass for two
PRINTVOUCH
50% voucher for any print from Alison Hall
BOGINCUR
Coffee experience for two at Bogincur
offered from S&D Harper would help you get your new BBQ.
A weekend pass for Speyfest is a must have for a fantastic weekend of music in Fochabers. See you there.
Alison Hall has kindly offered a 50% voucher off any print from her collection.
The wonderful Warren and Aisling will treat you to an amazing coffee experience at Bogincur with this fabulous prize for two people.
ORRIN
RESTAURANT & BAR
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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