Lifestyle Moray Magazine - June / July 2019

P R O D U C E D I N M O R AY

lifestyle.

magazine

J U N E /J U LY 2019

Shows and Games

L O TW HOTE S OR H F D ARM C LUNAFIEL LEN EL E S E CU L FOR H T F T COM A AT R TOG NC GLED 10.5T E O Z I DUVE TW K I E GS FORL, BUC KI N A A E OTE WIN NT OO S E H H, R N HOU E S KEIT UR T AF E MILL KET S FOR BERLO C I H ME ,A OT AT T TW S & GA NAIRNL W WN, TOU O S H S TO OMIN KET THE AN TIC JULY A TO IFF, GR AND T E H R N T ON 4T TUR OO RN AFEST E M T E F R EA O A IE S E C R E AM TW R LOSS C I C AKE S FO C ZA’ ICE RIZIN AN ATION W LEBR E C

PLUS...

R R R R A L LY E | C O U R AG E O N T H E C AT WAL K 2 0 Y E A R S O F PAR L IA M E NT | FO O D & D R I N K O N TH E B U S | ART | LO S S I E M O U T H

or l e be slim fwith

Slimming World HUNTLY Ex Services Men’s Club 9:30am call Gillian for more details 07955793209

CULLEN Cullen Bowling Club 5:30pm 7:30pm Call Dawn for more details 07763032849 HUNTLY Ex Services Men’s Club 3:30pm 5:30pm 7:30pm Call Gillian for more details 07955793209

ELGIN

TUESDAY cont.

New Elgin Ashgrove Hall

DUFFTOWN

6:30pm

The Commercial Hotel

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY cont.

Call Janice for more details

5:30pm 7:30pm Call Janice for more details

07701080189

07701080189

Scout Hall

BUCKIE

9:30am 11:30am 6:30pm

Buckpool Golf Club

Call Sarah for more details

3:30pm 5:30pm 7:30pm

07872474544

Call Dawn for more details

FOCHABERS

07763032849

THURSDAY

BANFF

KEITH

Boys Brigade Hall

British Legion, Balloch Rd

3:30pm 5:30pm 7:30pm Call Ashley for more details 07528404019

3.30pm 5.30pm Call Dawn for more details 07763032849

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

ABERLOUR

CULLEN Cullen Bowling Club

BANFF Boys Brigade Hall

Fleming Hall 5:30pm 7:30pm Call Megan for more details 07786516556

8am 10am Call Sarah for more details 07872474544

9:30am Call Ashley for more details 07528404019

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

CONTENTS

FEATURES 2

COVER STORY Shows and Games

12 Rrrrallye Annual Rrrrallye car show 16 Glencraft Shopping: and a chance to win a 10.5 tog Comforel Duvet 18 Lossiemouth What to do and see 28 Seafield Arms Hotel, Cullen The newly renovated hotel 32 Courage on the Catwalk To those who have faced cancer 37 The Mill House Hotel Restaurant review 40 Parliament Celebrating 20 years

44 Travel with Stagecoach 48 Glenfiddich Distillery Artists in residence 52 Drums of Park Boarding Kennels 54 Feel good fitness With Petra 56 Wind farms For the community 60 Jen Cantwell Forres based leather worker THIS MONTH’S COMPETITIONS 68 WIN, WIN, WIN... l Lunch at the Seafield Arms, Cullen l Glencraft 10.5 tog Comforel duvet l Shows and Games - tickets for two l Mill House - Afternoon Tea for two l Lossie Seafest - Afternoon tickets l Rizza’s Ice cream celebration cake

Meet the team

Editor Rhona Patterson Creatives Eve Russell Fiona Hill Adam McNab Advertising Rhona Patterson Printing MMS-Almac Ltd Distribution Gordon Duncan Ltd

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: MMS-Almac Ltd To advertise in Lifestyle Tel: 07900 954134 and speak to Rhona Patterson or email: rhona@mms-publishing.scot

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76th

Admission

£7/£4

Photograph Courtesy Brian Cameron

2 2

178th Tomintoul Highland Games Saturday 20th July 2019 The Tomintoul Gathering is “Always the third Saturday in July” Games officially opened at 1.00pm with the Pipe Band Procession.

Junior & Senior Piping, Dancing, Races; tug-o-war, other events and stalls. A full programme of Heavy and Light events: light & heavy hammer, stone, weight over the bar, weight for distance and the caber • The Friendly Games, we are one of the oldest and most traditional Highland Games • Events commence at 11.00a.m.

• We are the venue for the British 56lb weight for distance Competition

Come and join us Sat Nav: AB37 9EX The Highest Village in the Cairngorm National Park

www.tomintoulhighlandgames.co.uk P. Grant (Secretary) 01807 580407

Lifestyle MAG

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FUN FOR ALL

Let the Shows and Games Begin!

G

ames and shows season is now in full swing. If you enjoy visiting the many events across the north east you will be spoiled for choice, as there are plenty to choose from.

The traditional games at Tomintoul and Aberlour offer you a packed programme of entertainment, with junior and adult piping competitions and the many events that spectators love, from hammer throwing to the tug o war.

Many hours of hard work and preparation over the last year have gone into bringing you these wonderful games and shows. They are crammed full of traditional skills, rural crafts and industries from the area.

You will see the best of the best from the farmers across Scotland including the Bleu Du Maine National Sheep show at Turriff on the 5th August and the Scottish Beef Cattle Championship at Keith on the 12th August.

There is something for everyone at the games and shows.

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Enjoy the fantastic pipe-bands and highland dancing. Be totally amazed by the strength and skill of the heavy competitors. Many hours and, in many cases, years of training and rehearsing have been undertaken to bring them to the standard performed for your entertainment.

Admire the many different breeds of cattle, sheep, horses and poultry on show. Years of hard work and dedication are put in by the farmers in order to bring their animals up to show standard.

Peruse the many trade stands, or try your luck at one of the charity stalls, bottle stalls, lucky dips and the like.

All the while there is something going on in the main ring to entertain you, from massed pipe bands, show jumping, 3SIXTY bicycle stunt display to donkey derbys.

There is so much to choose from so why not go along to one or more of these brilliant events and support the many volunteers who have given up hours of their time to pull it all together.

You won’t be disappointed.

Tomintoul • 20th July Tomintoul is one of the oldest Games in Scotland. The earliest minute that we have come across is 1830 so it has been established for almost 200 years. The Games are held on the 3rd Saturday in July and are very traditional.

It was originally a Picnic and was held in the Haugh above Birchfield before moving to the village Square at the turn of the 1900s. The Games moved from there to its present location of the Public Park in the 1920s, after a heavy threw the Light Hammer across the Main Road to an adjacent square.

Why not come along and see us.

Moyra Gray photography

Nairn • 27th July

Aberlour • 3rd August The 76th Aberlour Strathspey Highland Games takes place at the picturesque Alice Littler Memorial Park on the banks of the River Spey with a natural amphitheatre provided by the old Aberlour Railway Station and the famous Speyside Way. The day has a packed programme of track and field events including caber tossing, hammer throwing and field athletics with categories for all-comers, who can register on the day.

There are highland dancing competitions, one of the most well supported junior piping and drumming competitions, stalls and other attractions for all the family.

Nairn Show is celebrating 200 years of summer shows. RHASS-Royal Highland Show have gifted three stunning medals to the show for their 3 livestock section champions

Main parking areas will be situated at the Primary School and at Oggs Garage. On street parking is available anywhere where there are no restriction cones.

The Nairn Show is held on the 28th July and located at Kinmundie Farm, Auldearn, 1 mile east of Nairn, just off the A96.

For further information contact: brian@ashg.scot

We are joined by a host of local businesses keen to showcase their products and services..

Come and cheer on your local club in the Arnold Clark Young Farmers challenge. It will get messy.

The marquee dance this year features No Label There is plenty to keep all ages entertained please come and say hello.

Lifestyle MAG

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Don’t miss the varied trade stands, domestic marquee, kiddies’ side shows, and much more – indeed there really is something for everyone. The Marquee Dance is going to be held on Friday9th August in the showfield,with dancing to Torridon from 9pm.

Moyra Gray photography

Turriff • 4th & 5th August Turriff Show is the largest two-day agricultural Show in Scotland and this year marks the 155th year of the Show.

This year will see Turriff host the Bleu du Maine National Sheep Show on the Monday.

The 2019 Show also brings a new, extended Food and Drink Pavilion showcasing the finest produce that the North East of Scotland and the rest of Scotland has to offer, complete with tasting sessions and cookery demonstrations.

The main ringside entertainment on Sunday will be provided by 3SIXTY Bicycle Stunt Display Team and on Monday the Heavy Horse Turnout Display.

Moyra Gray photography

Grantown • 8th August The annual Strathspey Farmers’ Club Grantown Show takes place in Heathfield Park on August 8th 2019, Pageant of ‘Superheroes’ The Livestock Competitions will culminate with the Grand Parade of Winners, followed by an afternoon of entertainment including a Display of Vintage Vehicles and Pageant of Reality/ Talent show.

Isla Brig Images

Keith • 11th & 12th August Keith Show, Sunday & Monday has great shopping/eating and entertainment with trade stands in the Craft, Lifestyle and Food Fayre marquees; Children’s Animal Farm; Education Unit; Rural, Industrial & Horticultural Exhibits and Fun Fair. Sunday highlights: StrathislaPipeband 100th Anniversary Celebrations - 11 massed Pipebands playing and competing; Show Jumping Mini Major and Six Bar Challenge (starting height 1 metre); Vintage, Truck, Feather, Horse and Dog showing; Live Music; Highland Dancing; Children’s Races & Pet Parade. Monday highlights: Simmers Contracts All Scotland Beef Cattle Championship; Cattle, Native Horse & Sheep showing; Young Handlers and Grand Parade.

Two great family days out!

There will also be children’s races, terrier racing and the pets parade to add to the fun.

Lifestyle MAG

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Specialists in sandstone carving, bespoke work, lime work, building and monument restoration and general stonemasonry

Speyvilla, 51 High Street, Rothes, Morayshire AB38 7AY gl@glaingstonecraft.com www.glaingstonecraft.com

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Tel/Fax 01340 831482 Mobile 07789 693446

For Trade Stands Contact Tina Craib info@keithshow.org.uk

tel 01542 882 978

Marquee Dance Saturday 10th August featuring Shawn Cuddy & Ellie Robertson

Lifestyle MAG

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KEITH NORTH CHURCH Bee at the Fair. . Kirk Shop Gifts with a difference.. that make a difference!

PLUS A range of foods We have a great range MORAY FOOD BANK is a collecting box for of Fairtade Gifts.. There foodstuffs if anyone wants to find baskets, scarves, out more about the project visit bags, ornaments www.communityfoodmoray.co.uk

192 Mid St Keith

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Mon-Tues & Thurs-Fri 09.30am - 4.00pm Wed & Sat 10.00am-1pm Contact: Nicola Smith- 01542 886390 Scottish Charity: SC033804 - The Church of Scotland Webmaster: peter@moraydtp.co.uk

SPECIALISTS IN SERVING THE NORTH EAST OF SCOTLAND WITH FRESH QUALITY PRODUCE!

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Lifestyle MAG

GRAY ’S OF KEITH Gray’s has been selling good quality ladies and gents wear for many years. You are sure to find everything you need at Gray’s

174 Mid St, Keith AB55 5BL Tel 01542 882766 <!mlns=”http://www.w3.org/2000/svg” xmlns:xlink=”http://www. w3.org/1999/xlink” xmlns:a=”http://ns.adobe.com/AdobeSVGViewerExtensions/3.0/” x=”0px” y=”0px” width=”296.4px” height=”444.1px” viewBox=”0 0 296.4 444.1” style=”enable-background:new 0 0 296.4 444.1;” xml:space=”preserve”> <style type=”text/css”> .st0{fill:#FFFFFF;} </style> > </defs> <g> <g> <path class=”st0” d=”M5.8,444.1c-1.8,0-3.5,05.3,0c0-147.2,0-294.4,0-441.7c0-0.9-0.7-2.4,1.3-2C1.9,11.7,2.1,23,2.2,34.3 c0.2,12.9,0.3,25.8,0.5,38.8c0,10.1,2.3,0.5,3c2.7,3,5.6,5.8,8.4,8.6c0.5-1.2,0.5-2.1,0.5-2.9c-0.2-12.2-0.4-24.4-0.5-36.5

c-0.1-14.9-0.1-29.8-

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RALLY

RRRRALLYE

T

here are no words to describe the pain of the loss of a family member; when that family member is a much-loved young son, who is just embarking on his life’s journey, the pain of that loss is even more poignant.

Linda, Raymond and Louise Harper lost their wonderful son and brother Stuart in a motor accident.

Since that awful day they have been campaigning for more awareness of the dangers of irresponsible driving and have dedicated countless hours to promoting Rrrrallye. Another year has passed. Linda and her team tirelessly work with youngsters in order to alert them to the dangers and the responsibilities they must shoulder when it comes to driving.

The annual Rrrrallye Car Show & Craft Fair is on Saturday 16th June this year as usual at the Keith Sports and Community Centre from 10am until 4pm Rrrrallye continues year after year and all their fundraising - including watering flowers in Keith for businesses, attending numerous events with lucky squares and toffee - goes to funding places for children from Keith, Buckie and Huntly. Any other places (Groups of 12) for children out with these areas will be organised by Rrrrallye, provided they source their own funding.

What Linda and her team are trying to do is to bring home the message that their loss need not

12

be any other parent’s loss.

In Linda’s own words she describes her reasoning behind what she does: ”Stuart is always in all our minds and I for one cannot believe that another year has passed. In fact it’s another 365 days I haven’t washed his clothes, made his supper and helped him wash and polish his car. Another year where he has missed birthdays, weddings, births and much more. Instead of being the oldest cousin he is now almost the youngest. Life is not so rich without him and his cheery smile, his whole hearted laugh and his unruly hair; a young man sorely missed by all his family and friends”.

To date Linda has had 348 youngsters through to Alford for the Rrrrallye Youth Drive. Youngsters who came from Elgin, Turriff, Banff, Macduff and even Garioch, as well as Keith, Buckie and Huntly. Funding and support has come from local groups, wind farm projects and also the NFU who provide the insurance for the Rrrrallye event. But no matter the source of the funding, it is helping a very worthwhile cause – training young drivers to be more responsible, more alert and more aware of the dangers of irresponsible drivers of all ages.

Lifestyle MAG

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01542 888457

www.advancedelectrics.com info@advancedelectrics.com Unit Q1, Isla Bank Mills, Station Road, Keith, AB55 5DD

Celebrating 31 years in business Advanced Electrics are proud to serve the largest names in the distilling industry.

Advanced Electrics offer a design, build and installation service.

• Established in 1986 now employs 26 people locally • Recognised expertise • Reputation of Excellence • CompEx trained technicians for hazardous area installation and inspection • Control panel design and manufacture for various production process controls • Thermal imaging, power analysing and power factor correction surveys, reports and supply Also specialise in break-down, routine maintenance and new plant installations

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Lifestyle MAG

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SHOPPING

F

ounded in Scotland in 1843, and thus one of the oldest known mattress manufacturers in the United Kingdom, Glencraft has been dedicated to producing the finest mattresses using the highest quality materials. Based in the North East, Glencraft has served four generations of the Royal Family, Five Star luxury hotels and discerning family homes for 176 years.

Every Glencraft mattress is carefully made with the very best materials: individual pocket springs, felted wools, cottons, natural horsehair, alpaca, silks and cashmere all combine to make a supremely comfortable mattress. You may well have slept in a Glencraft bed in one of the many hotels that we supply throughout the UK. These include The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, Sandman Signature Hotel, The Bonham, The Chester Residence, The Marcliffe Hotel and Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar.

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A good quality mattress is proven to be considered as the most fundamental component of the guestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hotel experience and choosing the right mattress for your hotel is an important investment. Here at Glencraft we create bespoke mattresses, unique to your establishment. We work closely with our clients to meet their exact requirements. You can select the materials, size, and firmness and we can also offer a zip and link option. With craftsmanship

at our core, we select the finest materials, apply our knowledge and expertise and deliver the most luxurious nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep your guests could imagine, rejuvenating the mind and body through exceptional quality mattresses, thus making Glencraft a desirable hotel bed brand.

Although mattresses are our speciality, we also make headboards and divans whilst Comforel, European duck down and Siberian goose down pillows, protectors, toppers and duvets are also available, creating a home away from home. We offer trade prices for guest houses and B&Bs, providing you with substantial cost savings. If you want your guests to get the ultimate experience staying at your hotel and sleeping on a Glencraft mattress, where luxury comes as standard, get in touch today.

Stewart Spence Owner at TheMarcli ffe Hotel, Aberdeen “You can’t have a gre at

hotel if people aren’t having a great sleep.

So I saw the opportu nity then to work with Glencraft in ke eping the Marcliffe a 5 star ho tel, because I knew what they pro duced was a 5 star product”.

Sharon Cardi Head Housekeeper at Sandman Signature Hotel, Aberdeen “Sleeping in a hotel I would say is the most important factor, because if they don’t get a good night’s sleep then they will never come back.

When we were choosing the beds, I remember we had so many different samples from different companies but I had dealt with Glencraft before.

The quality of the mattresses and beds are excellent. You do find a lot of the guests will comment on the beds and we actually have guests asking where we get the beds from, some people like to purchase them as well”

WI N ft King

A Glencra size 10.5 tog COM FOR E L DUVET See page 64 for more details.

HOTELS WE SUPPLY

TEL: 01224 873366 - 14 WHITEMYRES AVENUE | ABERDEEN | AB16 6HQ - WWW.GLENCRAFT.LUXURY 17

VISIT LOSSIEMOUTH

Lossiemouth

Moray’s Jewel in the Crown

I

t is said proudly by those who have the privilege to stay in this beautiful part of Scotland.

Having known those who have stayed and moved on they always take a piece of Lossiemouth with them in their heart.

If you haven’t yet been to Lossiemouth you are definitely missing out. Lossie has something for everyone, whether it’s just a leisurely stroll along either of its two beautiful beaches, some delicious seafood in one of the many fabulous restaurants or just a wee ice-cream, you’re spoilt for choice along the promenade.

Lossiemouth has much history to share and a trip to the Covesea Lighthouse and Heritage centre is a must. You can even book and stay in a Lightkeepers’ cottage.

Visit the Lossie Fisheries and Community Museum, open 7 months of the year with numerous exhibits all maintained by volunteers.

If you are looking for something more energetic, maybe a round of golf, on the old or the new

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course following in the footsteps of Old Tom Morris or Henry Cotton the choice is yours.

If you’ve set your sights more on Wimbledon then the newly refurbished tennis courts at Marine Park might be for you. Of course you can venture out on the water and do a spot of Dolphin watching, tours available from the Marina. And of course there are plenty of watersports available if you can brave the icy waves; it is beautiful, but it is Scotland 29th June to the 6th July is Seafest and the town will be buzzing with lots of organised events across the town and in a specially erected Marquee in Station Park, everything from a teddy bears picnic to a buffet dinner dance.

Don’t miss it!

You will never fit it all in on the one visit, you will have to return time and time again. Once you have been to this beautiful Moray town you will definitely want to come back. Don’t take my word for it, come and see for yourself.

SEAFEST 2019 SATURDAY 29TH JUNE KIDS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT (at playing fields) 9.30am for 10am KICK OFF SOUP & SWEET (at Guide Hall) 12noon - 2pm SEAFEST BUFFET DINNER DANCE 7pm - for 7:30pm START

SUNDAY 30TH JUNE TENNIS TASTER SESSION (at Marine Park) 11am - 1pm SANDCASTLE BUILDING COMPETITION (at West Beach) 2pm QUIZ NIGHT Lifestyle MAG 7pm

a celebration of the fishing heritage of Lossiemouth

MONDAY 1ST JULY

LAST CHANCE TO BUY EVENT TICKETS 10AM - 12NOON IN THE MARQUEE TEDDY BEAR PICNIC 10am THE CRITTER KEEPER 2pm - 4pm KIDS SUMMER PARTY 6pm - 8pm

TUESDAY 2ND JULY COFFEE MORNING 10am - 12noon HOPSCOTCH MAGIC 2pm - 4pm FAMILY FUN NIGHT from 6pm 19

SEAFEST 2019 continued...

WEDNESDAY 3RD JULY

FRIDAY 5TH JULY

KIDS YOGA 10am - 11am MARTIAL ARTS TASTER 11am - 12noon PAMPER PARTY AND CRAFT 2pm - 4pm TOMBOLA DOORS OPEN 6:30pm, EYES DOWN 7:30pm WALKING FOOTBALL (at Marine Park) 7pm

BODY BALANCE CLASS 9am - 10am MOO MUSIC 10:30am - 11:30am HERITAGE WALK from 2pm JUDGING OF SHOP WINDOW DISPLAY COMPETITION

Christmas I N LO S S I E SATURDAY 6TH JULY

SEAFEST 5K RACE BEGINS at 10am SEAFEST FAMILY DAY 11am - 5pm A MARQUEE DANCE 8pm - 11:30pm

BRIDG

See the full programme available .................................in from the Seafest office. Moray’s No1 Continen

New Early Evening Supper Menu 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Sunday

Roast Chic

All served with yorkshire pudd

HOGMANAY PARTY SMUGGLERS

LOSSIEMOUTH’S No.1 INDEPENDENT CONVENIENCE STORE and GELATERIA

STUNNING BEACHFRONT LOCATION NEWLY REFURBISHED GELATERIA WE MAKE FRESH & SERVE DAILY ONwhisky SITE FROM 7am – 10pm

& GIN BAR

See in the Bells with everyone at Smugglers LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

17 CLIFTON ROAD LOSSIEMOUTH . IV31 6DJ . TEL : 01343 813848 WWW.MIELESOFLOSSIE.CO.UK

ALL VENUES

available for private parties Entertainment available on request

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Dining out in Lossiemouth

sE MDining OUTH OPEN 7 DAYS

MORAY’S NO.1 CONTINENTAL SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

GE45 16+29 =

Traditional sunday lunch served from 12 noon Two Course £14.50 - Three Course £18.50

NewRestaurant............................... early evening menu served ntal & Seafood

5:30pm to 7pm

Two Course £14.75 y Roast Special only £14.50

TO BOOK CALL - 01343 cken - Roast LambRoast Pork - Roast Beef 813 743

h a selection of seasonal vegetables & potatoes, ding and a roast jus.

Ca f e B4.3ato0rpm 6.30pm a n d B istro Café Bar & Bistro

SMUGGLERS WHISKY AND GIN BAR

i zz e r3i a & I c e Cr e a m 34 0P1 2P7a r l o u r 8130

TEA TIME SPECIAL

NEW MARQUEE NOW AVAILABLE FOR BBQ’S, PRIVATE PARTIES Phone for details

Two-course fish supper tea £11.50 0 13fish 43&8chips 1 5 9 4£7.50) 4 01 343Fish 8 1 3027 (wee Local & Chips 01343 815 994 with bread & butter, tea & coffee 20 CliftonSticky Rd, Lossie, IV30 6DJ • Tel: 01343 813743 PLUS...

Toffee Pudding G U IDIS RESTAURANT@ HOTM AIL.C O M

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Special Occasion? why not visit...

Stockist of Veni Infantino, Tia, Godske, Personal Choice (plus size range), Kate Cooper to name but a few...

Sizes 8 - 24 Friendly personal service Parking at the door

UNIQUE 01343 813898 Open Mon to Fri 9-30am- 5-30pm Sat 9-30am- 5pm

CL HAIR 01343 812186 Open Tues, Wed & Fri 9-30 -5-30pm Thurs 10-30-7pm â&#x20AC;¢ Sat 9-30-3pm

VISIT US AT: 4 PITGAVENY STREET, LOSSIEMOUTH, IV31 6NR

CLHAIR

Hairdressing by Claire L Stewart

WE ARE A SMALL FRIENDLY SALON, WITH 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN ALL ASPECTS OF HAIRDRESSING. STOCKISTS OF

Abseil @

by Outfit Moray

Outfit Moray Space: free* Charity space: ÂŁ18 Pay to Play: ÂŁ20

29th June 2019, 10am to 4pm outfitmoray.com/event/abseil-44 Free tea/coffee or juice for all abseilers Thanks to Upstairs @ 44

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To advertise in The Lossie Local please call 01343 815328

Delicious, freshly cooked, locally sourced food Visit for a quiet drink in a relaxing atmosphere Speciality cocktails Over 200 gins... over 30 whiskies

Tel: 01343 812100 24

Lifestyle MAG

SHOPPING

CEL E BR ATION S OF TURRI F F

S

hopping does not get much better.

If ever there was a shop that deserved top ranking for its range of goods, its quality of those goods and the men and women in the team whose commitment to making every shopper’s visit a delight, it is Celebrations of Turriff.

Behind the somewhat austere granite building’s façade, there is a wealth of high quality merchandise on offer. Since 1994, family owned Celebrations has been welcoming shoppers from across Aberdeenshire and beyond; in the 25 years since they opened their doors they have moved with the times and always seem to be one jump ahead of any newly breaking trends.

It is difficult to give Celebrations any one particular label: from catering for every home’s needs from the flooring up, to providing a soft toy for a newly-born child, you will find it

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here. Extremely helpful staff, who have a very comprehensive knowledge of their respective departments, are there to guide you and offer advice and suggestions without in any way being intrusive. It is exactly what one would wish when shopping – time to browse, to ask questions and to make the perfect purchase no matter how large or small.

From the moment you enter the shop, Celebrations just keeps on giving. Furniture, soft furnishings and accessories, bedding, carpets and lighting, all artfully arranged so that each department flows into the next. And let’s

not forget ladies’ and men’s clothing, including complete outfits for any special occasion – it is all here, invitingly and stylishly displayed.

Of course all this browsing results in a need to rest awhile and recharge the batteries – it would not be a proper excursion without a visit to the award winning Conservatory coffee parlour and restaurant. No matter if you fancy a quick cup of something hot and invigorating or a more leisurely lunch accompanied by a crisp chilled white, it’s all there just waiting for you. Sink into the comfortable chairs, browse the menu and make your choice. For those of us less able, there is full disabled access and waitress service on demand.

Getting married? Celebrations offers a full wedding list service. Just pop in for a chat and after taking all the details they will do the rest.

Dedicated personal shoppers are on hand to help with every aspect of your wedding outfits: Sheila Gammie for the ladies and Kim Bruce for the men. A personal shopper is a marvellous way of collating any outfit – somehow they will co-ordinate clothing and accessories that you would never ever dream of choosing, but look marvellous when tried on.

And if, for whatever reason, you cannot visit the shop in person, then opt for the on-line shop.

It is not quite the same as you do not get the total atmosphere and buzz of the shop but, admittedly, it is far better than not being able to shop there at all. By the way, their gift vouchers make ideal gifts.

What more could you possibly ask for? It’s all there under one roof, just waiting for you.

Department Store and Restaurant | 15 Main Street, Turriff, AB53 4AA T: 01888 563361 | www.celebrationsofturriff.co.uk | Open 7 days every week

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RENOVATION

SEAFIELD ARMS HOTEL

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or many years now, the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen has been empty and uncared for. Once one of the premier hotels in the area it had become just another boarded up building. No-one had shown any interest in taking on this prominent listed building and restoring it to its former glory.

Until local businessman Charles Milne, that is.

Attracting no buyers, the building was destined for auction: he made an offer and became the hotel’s new owner. An extensive period of renovation followed, which involved knocking down an entire wing and remodelling the interior. Anybody revisiting from 30 years ago would not recognise it now.

Today it is the very epitome of style. A highly acclaimed Glasgow interior designer, Burns Design worked closely with the hotel’s management to create an interior that not only has the immediate wow factor but holds on to that jaw-dropping initial moment and maintains it throughout the building.

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It really has to be seen to be appreciated – photographs cannot do it justice.

A beautifully muted palette of greys, silvers, teal and burnished copper offset by brilliant white is maintained throughout the hotel. From the moment a guest enters the cleverly understated vestibule the hotel exudes quality. And this quality is carried through from reception, to the public areas, right up to each and every guest bedroom. And the family suite is a work of art.

Of course you will find the nod to the whisky industry but the very Scottishness of the hotel is not overplayed. There are no miles of lurid tartan carpeting, no antlers masquerading as light fittings and no fiddle music on an endless loop. Instead there are discrete touches – silver stags holding court on low coffee tables and wonderfully muted plaid carpets, curtains and upholstery. It is so tasteful that even the most critical of visitors will find very, very little- if anything - to criticise.

Because of its history a number of features that were present in the hotel have been kept.

The imposing fireplace in the lounge bar, for instance. It would have been criminal to remove it as it is such a magnificent piece and the focal point of the room.

The dining area is not overly large and is on two levels. The seating has been well thought out and tables have been set in such a manner that diners are not cramped – always a plus point. The informal Bar 19 is a total joy and the outside patio area leading immediately off it is a sun trap on warm days. Food is also served at Bar 19 and a read through the menu brings plenty of surprises. Traditional dishes and some marvellously unexpected ones. A comprehensive wine list representing all four corners of the wine making world meets with approval. And the biggest surprise of all – and a pleasant one at that – is the pricing. Dishes are not eye-wateringly expensive; in fact the prices are more than competitive.

Thankfully, the owners and management have decided not to copy what lots of new owners of other hotels have done and change the name; the hotel proudly bears the newlydesigned logo along with its original name. What they have changed, however, is the entire hotel’s personality and have brought it up to date with an interior design that will not lose its appeal over the years. It is now timelessly elegant.

THE SEAFIELD ARMS 01542 841604 17-19 SEAFIELD STREET, CULLEN, BUCKIE, AB56 4SG

www.seafieldarmscullen.co.uk 29

HUGE SAVINGS ON

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SHEARS HAIR & THE BEAUTY RETREAT

Bridal Hair and Make-up Sally and her team at Shears are trained to the highest possible standard to ensure that you look and feel the best version of yourself on your special day. We believe that wedding hair and make-up is about enhancing and perfecting your own natural beauty.

At The Beauty Retreat, Nicky & Tasha, offer a variety of wedding packages available for our brides to be from prep packages, big day build-up packages or even hen party spa days where you can have full use of our relaxation suite to enjoy your time with your hens.

Our team of hairstylists at Shears keep up-to-date with all the latest trends for brides and our aim is to give you the confidence and peace of mind required to alleviate any hair related stress on the day. We recommend a pre-wedding hair trial giving you the perfect opportunity to visualise different creative styles and to ensure the morning of your special day goes to plan resulting in 'the perfect hair day'.

Our make-up artist, Abbie, loves to create flawless bridal make up giving you that radiant wedding day look we all lust after.

On your trial she will discuss your make-up needs for you and your bridesmaids giving you the look that you want.

We are also available to attend your wedding venue to get you ready for you special day and when you book your wedding with us at Shears & The Beauty Retreat you can feel confident that we will be by your side to enhance your natural beauty.

EVENT

COURAGE ON THE CATWALK Images by: Susan Renée at Kingshill Studios www.kingshillstudios.co.uk Lauren Polson photography https://laurenpolsonphotography.com

By Rhona Patterson

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o receive the news that you have cancer has to be the stuff of nightmares. Statistics indicate that one in two of us will be diagnosed with, or know a family member or friend who is diagnosed with, cancer. It respects no-one and is not exclusive to any age group.

To find that, amongst those who have been given this diagnosis the attitude, to quote Jean from Turriff “I’ve got cancer, cancer’s not got me.” is humbling.

It was to celebrate this very attitude that Courage on the Catwalk was devised; a show that would have those who have faced a cancer diagnosis, past or present, strutting their stuff to prove that cancer could not and would not define them.

And to also give back something to the staff and volunteers at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the Anchor Unit, to say a massive “thank you” for everything that had been done for them.

I was privileged to attend the Courage on the Catwalk show held on the afternoon of Sunday, 32

12th May in the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen.

Rehearsals had started back on the 12th March, culminating with the weekend of 11th and 12th May shows. Many people and organisations were involved in bringing this all together; sponsors for the event were headline corporate partner CNOOC and corporate partners Apache and Norse.

Dozens of applicants of all ages applied to be a part of this incredible event and, of their number, 24 women (aged between 18 and 77) were chosen.

One of the stunning catwalk models was Hazel Fearns from Keith. In 2017 after suffering continuous sore throats, Hazel was eventually diagnosed with a grade 4 tumour at the base of her tongue.Treatment started on the 27th December 2017 and what followed was a gruelling daily regime of radiotherapy and weekly chemotherapy.

This went on for 6 weeks, in and out of hospital every day. On a Wednesday each week, Chemo day, Hazel was in hospital from 8 in the morning until 4pm, having to go back and forth from the

radiotherapy department to the chemotherapy department, with all the drips and paraphernalia.

Unfortunately Hazel had to spend the last week of treatment in hospital as she required blood transfusions and she became so weak, having lost two and a half stone. Hazel says that both the medical staff and volunteer staff were brilliant; she mentioned one nurse whose humour kept up everyone’s spirits, “they are very special people” said Hazel. Volunteers provided the patients with massages, manicures and other small treats to try to brighten their day when undergoing treatment. “It might seem strange to say but I quite looked forward to Wednesdays for that wee bit of pampering.”

Hazel stressed the importance of the support she had from family and friends. Hazel was fortunate that she had her daughter Amy to stay with in Aberdeen during her treatment. Others not so fortunate to have that available can stay at CLAN, who provide a wonderful service.

Hazel was nominated for ‘Courage’ by her daughter Kim who described her Mum’s journey and the impact it had. Kim said “I feel that this would now be an amazing opportunity for her to celebrate achieving that milestone year mark and a great way to help her boost her confidence again. She’s always been a young OAP (she won’t like the use

of OAP) me and my two sisters would love to see her up on the cat walk strutting her stuff”.

One of the other models I spoke to was Jean Milne from Turriff who recently celebrated her 70th Birthday. A star turn in her own right, Jean entertained everyone on Sunday afternoon and I am sure on Saturday and Sunday evening as well.

Jean has such a positive attitude and sense of fun, the pink hair dyed especially on Saturday was a giveaway.

Jean was diagnosed in 2017 with bowel cancer and as she has a way with words and is known to pen a few poems, she decided to write one for her new best friend. She had originally been going

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to call it Gucci but thought better of it. “Nobody would do that in a Gucci Bag, so I’ll call it Winnie” laughed Jean.

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But let’s not leave out the guys. On Friday 10th May, ‘Brave’ the Catwalk saw 22 men aged between 20 and 72, equally as wonderful and inspirational as the women, perform in two shows for the cause. Amongst the line-up were father and son Craig and Callum Gerrie from the Huntly area. Callum was only 19 when he was diagnosed and was the youngest person on the catwalk this year.

Winnie and Me I have got a precious new best friend Though sometimes she drives me round the bend She is close beside me night and day And mercifully has very little to say She isn’t silent all the time I never apologise…….it’s not a crime It’s just a message to say all is well Her activity is healthy I’m pleased to tell She sticks by my side through thick and thin My friendship with her is great each day as we begin Our meals, our journeys, our visits to the loo She is there, everywhere, whatever I do So who is this, my invisible freen Often heard, but never seen Well I’m sure you all know it’s ……………..

Winnie the Pooh And I say thank you Winnie for all that you do Yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever Daily I say Winnie you are so clever!!

Together we can tackle anything at all So just stick with me, we can have a ball What a team!!

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Speaking to Craig, he reiterated what all the others have said: “I just want to thank everyone. They were all brilliant, they don’t mess about at ARI. The treatment from medical staff and volunteers at Anchor was fantastic. Taking part in Brave was an amazing experience and we made a lot of good friends.” Callum is now in recovery and is hoping to join the Police force.

Craig told me the very sad news that Alex Hutcheon, who had nominated Craig and Callum, lost his fight on Sunday 12th May. Craig said “Alex was a wonderful young lad who had gone through chemo with Callum. Alex was the youngest Brave model in last year’s show turning 21 during rehearsals.

Our condolences go to Alex’s family and friends.

Steve Rhodes from Forgue has been going back and fore to ARI and the Anchor unit for 16 years.

Unfortunately having been 10 years in remission Steve has now returned to the regime of chemo and blood transfusions.

Steve said “No way am I doing that” when asked to take part in Brave. Now having taken part he says “It was way out with my comfort zone but it has been the most amazing days in my life” Steve also expressed his total respect and admiration for ARI, FOA, GP and Huntly hospital describing them all as ‘Angels’.

Thanks to people’s generosity for the two events, Brave and Courage on the Catwalk, a staggering total of £266,000 has been raised so far.

Of course every penny raised by this and all FOA events goes to help the cause as all administration and staff costs are covered by the Balmoral Group.

Courage and Brave have now collectively raised more than £1million, since the events began in 2013 and 2017 respectively. Funds raised from this year’s event will go towards the charity’s newest campaign, the ANCHORED Together appeal, to raise £2m for essential investment in the new ANCHOR Centre, which will cost £32m in total.

This building will house all the day and outpatient facilities required for the treatment of cancer and blood disorders thus eliminating the need for patients to move from one department to the other.

Heartfelt thanks are due to everyone who was involved in this undertaking. Many volunteers and businesses gave their time, clothes, services and expertise for free; they cannot be thanked enough.

Premiere Productions, John Lewis, Perfect Bridal, Perfect Collections, Gibbs of Inverurie, Georgian Dress Hire, Neil Selbie and Slaters, Susan Renee at Kingshill Studios, Dani Rose Photography, Lauren Polson Photography, Snap Digital, Colin Rennie Photography and Friends of ANCHOR’s ‘Red Army’ of volunteers – thank you one and all. It could not have been done without you.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

Mill House Hotel

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sunny day, blue skies and a cool but welcome breeze – and an invitation to lunch. Perfection! Not for us the busy city centre today, we are more partial to peace and quiet and a lunch without time restrictions.

Therefore it’s off to the countryside.

If you have not been to the Mill House Hotel before, make a note that it richly deserves a visit. It is now under new ownership and is being revitalised, but very gently. The original mill equipment and whitewashed stone walls are still there, with black detailing now being complemented by subtle greys.

There are still the three distinctive dining areas, all on different levels, which gives the hotel a unique feel; there is a quiet bar area with comfy sofas and an outside sunny patio as well.

We start in the small bar area with refreshing soda and lime; our order is taken and, when ready, we are led up to the middle dining area, best suited for lunches. For dinners you ascend up yet another level into a very intimate area – perfect for evening dining with candles and well-spaced seating.

Our lunch table is right next to the open French door which leads out to the steps to the ground floor level. We can see the passing traffic but it is not oppressive. The cool breeze wafts through, bringing with it bird song. Already the pressures of the day are disappearing and now it is ‘our time’.

When it comes, the lunch is nothing sort of

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impressive. I ordered a simple chicken mayo sandwich on brown bread (praise be, the hotel has brown bread, something that you – sadly – do not find in every establishment. I have never been able to work that out). The sandwich is anything but simple; very substantial filling with a delicious fresh, crisp salad on the side, perfectly cooked proper chips and a small tub of coleslaw.

My companion’s seafood omelette (replete with salmon and prawns), chips and fresh salad has to be seen to be believed. These are lunch portions?

They would not be sent back to the kitchen if they were dinner portions. We both wonder if we can possibly finish……but finish we do.

Having a wee sneaky look across to the next table there was a splendid steak pie served in a traditional enamel ashet bringing back memories of Sunday dinner at my Granny’s.

As if the main dishes were not enough, we were politely encouraged to sample the chef’s own slant on cheesecake, this time a la Mars Bar. It may sound as if it might be too rich but, in fact, it was scrumptious. Creamy texture, silky smooth on the tongue and offset by fresh raspberries and strawberries. As with our main course, it was a most generous portion, which is why we shared!

Less guilt that way.

Compliments all round to Murray and Barry, the creators of our gastronomic delight. We leave amidst smiles from the staff and a promise that we will be back.

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the School of Medicine in Toronto and wasHospital subjected Women’s Foreign Service and Mairi Chisholm knowntheasScottish a “Madonna of regularly for nurse, encountering the fullcame to be create to sexual harassment, but triumphed graduating MD in 1875. the School of Medicine up hospitals in Serbia.

She died of cancer in 1917. in Toron ly wounded and comforting Pervyse” working as a volunteerset nurse, encountering the full She then opened an institute in the citytospecialising in sexual harassment, but trium Jeff Dugdale 5.2019 cross Belgium The horror inofHISTORY war,Great treating the terribly woundedSpence, and comforting Catherine regarded as “Australia’s Greatest providing galvanic baths and other electricalShe treatments for then opened an institut n February 1896 into a hospitals across Belgium in The Great dyingin troops in field Woman” leftAngeles, Melrose in80. the Borders aged 14 when her o women. She died in Los aged providing galvanic baths and me fromWar. sugar cultivation in She was born in Nairn in February in 1896 into a impoverished family became economic women.migrants She diedto in Australia.

Los Angele gst a number of women Slessor born in Aberdeen in 1848 wealthy familywho whoseMary money camewas from sugar cultivation in into a poor family.

An avid reader, she wrote stories and novels about the life of ers before becoming part of When they moved to the slums of Dundee she worked as a the West Indies. She was amongst a number of women who Mary Slessor was born in Aberd settlers gold at rush contained social After the war she became a weaver, but gainedduring a basicthe education the which same time. first volunteered as dispatch riders before becoming part of When they moved to the slum contribution of famous is the memorialised around of commentary first indication her interest ally retired tohebreed poultryof scores Heavily influenced by as her devout Christian mother she in universal the Flying Ambulance Corps.

After the war Edinburgh she became a aweaver, but gained a basic e discovery and and had August 1981.Scotsmen to invention, decided toand follow in the footsteps of David Livingstone and female suffrage. She became a socialist and humanist racing car enthusiast eventually retired tomaternity breed poultry Heavily influenced by her d pioneering has longbut been known toas hospitalwas (known having trained Presbyterian missionary sent to Nigeria. Turning her particularly interested in children’s welfare.

Inglis the who is memorialised It’s time set the dying recordin straight as “Elsie’s”) named after in world.

Nairn and latertoJersey, August 1981. decided to follow in the foots Once there, realising the importance of communication she non-fiction she wrote material aternity hospital (known asfamous Scots hand and write about some women to journalism her. Sheand was born in 1864 in Naini Tal, India, trained as Presbyterian m learned the Inglis local language Efik, establishing having great credibility Rather better known is Dr Elsie who is memorialised humanitarians who are not well known enough. her father being a senior generations ahead of its time.

She official. was theAfter firsta woman to was born in 1864 in Naini Oncethe there, realising the impo and trust which allowed her to(known more easily spread word of around and had a maternity hospital as The images of have appeared on private education in Edinburgh she began her ior official.

AfterEdinburgh a almost privateall stand for parliament in Australia and became a speaker of learned local language Efik God. famously stopped the in practice ofone abandoning banknotes ornamed postage stamps. medical studies as of the the firstnew students of “Elsie’s”) after her. She She was born in 1864 Naini n her medical studies as one international repute, dying agedand 84 intrust 1910. which allowed her to m born twins to the elements wasSchool a custom among the the which Edinburgh of Medicine for Women.

Tal, India, her father senior official. After a private urgh School of Medicine for being aMairi Chisholm When the the Great WarGod. broke out she helped stopped th Ibibio came tribe.toSuffering from effects of malaria she She famously bemedical studies as one r broke education out she helped to in Edinburgh she began her Women’s succumbed toas the diseasetoincreate 1915. the Scottishborn twinsHospital to the for elements wh known pital forof Foreign Service and of the EdinburghaSchool of the first students Medicine forand set up hospitals in Serbia.

Foreign Service “Madonna Ibibio tribe. Suffering from ed of cancer in 1917.When the Great War broke out She of cancer Women. she died helped to in 1917.

Six Famous Scots Women

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of Pervyse”

create the Scottish Hospital as “Australia’s Greatest Women’sworking asfor Foreign Service and set up hospitals in Serbia.

She died of cancer in 1917. a volunteer orders aged 14 when her nurse, nomic migrants to Australia.

Catherine Spence, regarded as “Australia’s Greatest encountering and novels about the life of Woman” Melrose the Borders aged 14 when her the full horrorleft of war, treatinginthe terribly h which contained social wounded and comforting dying troops in fieldmigrants to Australia. impoverished family became economic n of her interest in universal hospitals across Belgium in An avid reader, she wrote stories and novels about the life of me a socialist and humanist The Great War. She was Jennie Troutwhich contained social settlersTurning duringherthe gold rush en’s welfare. born in Nairn in February in commentary as the first indication of her interest Mary Slessorin universal fiction 1896 she wrote material into a wealthy family

succumbed to the disease in 19

Catherine Spence, regarded as “Australia’s Greatest Woman” left Melrose in the Borders aged 14 when her impoverished family became economic migrants to Australia.

An avid reader, she wrote stories and and female suffrage.

She became a socialist and humanist whose money came from novels about the life of She was the first woman to Jennie Trout sugar cultivation in the West settlers during the gold particularly interested in children’s welfare. Turning her a and became a speaker of Indies. She was amongst rush which contained Mary Slessor hand to journalism and non-fiction she wrote material 84 in 1910. a number of women who first volunteered social commentary as the first indication of her generations ahead of its time. She was the first woman to as dispatch riders before becoming part of interest in universal and female suffrage. She stand for parliamentthe inFlying Australia and becamebecame a speaker of and humanist particularly Ambulance a socialist international repute,Corps. dying aged 84 in 1910.

After the war interested in children’s welfare. Turning her Elsie Inglis she became a racing hand to journalism and noncar enthusiast but Mairi Chisholm fiction she wrote material eventually retired to generations ahead of its time. breed poultry in Nairn She was the first woman Elsie Inglis and later Jersey, dying to stand for parliament in Mairi Chisholm in August 1981.

Australia and became a speaker of international Rather better known repute, dying aged 84 in is Dr Elsie Inglis who 1910.

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nto and was regularly subjected mphed graduating MD in 1875. te in the city specialising in other electrical treatments for es, aged 80.

Jennie Kidd Trout, born near Kelso in 1841 emigrated to Canada where her family set up deen in 1848 into a poor family. a farm. Marrying ms of Dundee she worked as a in her twenties education at the same time. she settled in Trout mother she Toronto, where her devoutJennie Christian husband and his brother founded a financial steps of David Livingstone and weekly paper. Mary After experiencing what were Slessor missionary was sent to Nigeria. then euphemistically referred to as “nervous disorders” - mental health problems— she ortance of communication she decided to train as a doctor k, establishing great credibility herself. She was one of only two women admitted to the School more easily spread the word of of Medicine in Toronto and was regularly he practice of abandoning new subjected to sexual harassment, but triumphed hich was a custom among graduating MD in 1875. the She then opened an institute inofthemalaria city specialising the Elsie effects she in providing Inglis galvanic baths and other electrical treatments 915. for women. She diedChisholm in Los Angeles, aged 80.

Mairi Mary Slessor was born in Aberdeen in 1848 into a poor family.

When they moved to the slums of Dundee she worked as a weaver, but gained a basic education at the same time.

Heavily influenced by her devout Christian mother she decided to follow in the footsteps of David Livingstone and having trained as Presbyterian missionary was sent to Nigeria. Once there, realising the importance of communication she learned the local language Efik, establishing great credibility and trust which allowed her to more easily spread the word of God. She famously stopped the practice of abandoning new born twins to the elements which was a custom among the Ibibio tribe. Suffering from the effects of malaria she succumbed to the disease in 1915.

Lifestyle MAG

Maybe not on a banknote or stamp yet!

And possibly better known in Moray.

Having lived quite an extraordinary political life with strong Moray connections Winnie Ewing will be 90 on 10th July. She first came to wide public attention when she won the Hamilton by-election for the Scottish National Party in November 1967, taking what was regarded an ultra-safe Labour seat. This stunning and quite unexpected victory – the SNP were hoping merely to become a good second – heralded a great surge in support for the SNP..

She later served as MP for Moray and Nairn in the latter part of the 1970’s before becoming a Member of the European Parliament for almost a quarter of a century from 1975, where she was delighted to be known as “Madame Ecosse”.

She was a Member of the first Scottish parliament of modern times and SNP President for eighteen years from 1987.

Her son Fergus Ewing serves as SNP MSP, as did his late wife Margaret Ewing, and her daughter Annabelle Ewing, who was also an MP between 2001 and 2005.

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PARLIAMENT

“There shall be a Scottish Parliament”.

20th anniversary of reconvening of the Scottish Parliament

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he sonorous opening words of the 1998 Scotland Act finalised by a Westminster government led by Prime Minister Tony Blair, evoked this response from Donald Dewar MP, then Secretary of State for Scotland, and later the first First Minister, “I like that!”.

“The Scottish Parliament, adjourned on the 25th day of March in the year 1707, is hereby reconvened”.

This event and most of the first five years of the life of the new Parliament took place in the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland located on The Mound in Edinburgh.

During that time decisions were made about the location of the new Parliament, which now sits opposite the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the foot of the Royal Mile on ground CAG ARCHITECTS LTD formerly owned by the Scottish and Newcastle brewery. But there was 07787932950 info@cagarchitects.co.uk controversy about many aspects of its creation.

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Following a referendum on 11th September 1997, Scottish voters had agreed that our Parliament in abeyance after the 1707 Treaty of Union with England, should once again come into being. This was alluded to when Winnie Ewing MSP* known as “Madame Ecosse” as an SNP MEP, was invited as the most senior of the newly elected Members, to preside over the opening of the new Parliament. On 12th May 1999, gavel in hand, she declared,

Whilst early estimates for a new build, as opposed to converting the former and then empty Royal High School on Calton Hill, were in the region of “up to £40 million” the final cost

of it was more than ten times that, the delivery (as with many major public building projects) was very late (three years, in fact) – and the look of the new buildings attracted much criticism.

Following a decision about the location an international competition to find a designer was held and by Summer of 1998 five plans were considered and displayed in public.

A large number of people were in favour of the designs of the Catalonian architect Enric Miralles whose concepts aimed to bring together elements of the Scottish landscape, its people, its traditions and culture, and Edinburgh itself, so representing national identity. Very sadly Miralles did not live to see his project completed, dying of a brain tumour at the age of only 45 in July 2000.

FERGUS EWING MSP

The completed building provides office space for 129 MSPs and their staff, a debating chamber, committee rooms and public and media facilities.

Its concrete and steel structures stand opposite the refurbished Queensberry House (which houses the Presiding Officer and his staff). Inside, many spaces are assymetric, and the fittings imaginative and lavish, using traditional materials such as oak, sycamore and stone from Caithness to Kemnay.

The roofs suggest to the viewer upturned fishing boats whilst other features echo the shapes of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags.

Well established in Scottish consciousness now and still served by some of the MSPs who were first elected 20 years ago, such as Bruce Crawford, Roseanna Cunningham, Fergus Ewing, Richard Lochhead, Johann Lamont, Jackie Baillie, Ken Macintosh and Iain Grey, Cabinet Secretary our Parliament is an iconic for the Rural Economy and spectacular work of and Connectivity modern art.

Farming threat from No Deal Brexit FERGUS EWING MSP

January began with my grilling reduce in subsequent years, we Michael GoveCabinet in London and havethe committed to avoiding it Secretary for Rural Economy finished with my being grilled by falling below an effective rate and Connectivity hill farmers in Stirling. of 80%. But beyond that I am Robert McDonald who farms determined that we should find a The threat of a Brexit No Deal wenty years ago I heard my Mother, Winnie And while parties might have their disagreements, near Grantown-on-Spey, chairs way to avoid any real reduction dominated the meeting with Ewing, say these words. “The Scottish I believe all of us go to work as MSPs to serve the the committee of the National at all - namely to develop a Michael Gove, where I argued Parliament, adjourned on the 25th day of interests of our local electorates and the wider Farmers Union that deals with solution or set of policy solutions that our farmers face a series March in the year 1707, is hereby reconvened.” population of Scotland. policy on less favoured areas which will enable that support to of clear threats that can only be It was a proud and poignant moment.

Winnie served 32 years as elected including our hill farmers in be maintained. The reasons are avoided by an removal of the No Winnie isI nearly 90 to now, and wishes everyone representative, including fivefrom as MP this area, in Scotland. was able assure that our hill well farmers sustain our Deal option thefor table.

I in marking and celebrating Moray and Nairn as itI was in say the that 1970s. was him and his colleagues that the Scottish rural Parliament’s communities and are the wish could I gotShe a clear 20th anniversary. a staunch ally ofanswer the whisky here – we the Scottish Government will custodians of the countryside. fromindustry him. Over these cantheir all raise a glass theweeks news my in May that thewill maintain the valued LFASS Without their work, and nextto few attentions Our Parliament has done a lot of growing in its value of food andall drink sector, scheme support this year at sheep and cattle theturnover hills would beScotland’s devoted to doing possible first 20 years – and already it has made a real with whisky its key contributor, reached record its full 100% level, and that not be grazed but would be to prevent a series of disasters difference to people’s lives all over Scotland. levels in 2017. engulfing Scottish Farming. although under EU rules it is to abandoned.

Laws have been passed, policies debated and scrutinised, budgets agreed – sometimes at the last While she might conclude that Scotland’s gasp! It is actually hard to remember life before Parliament has a lot of growing yet to do, I am sure devolution and we had powers to make decisions she would be as proud of its achievements as I am on our own.

– for Moray and all of the Highlands and Islands.

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Stunning views across the bay with regular dolphin spotting...

Large selection of Scottish whisky, gins and local craft beers • •

Dinner, bed and breakfast rates available on request

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Private dining areas available for larger bookings.

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Lunches served 12 noon -3pm

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Dinner served 5–8.30pm

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All day service on Sundays 12 noon-8.30pm

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Afternoon Teas , Funeral Teas

OUTSIDE CATERING AVAILABLE FOR WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Free parking and wifi To book, Tel: 01542 840432 E-mail: stay@cullenbayhotel.com AB56 4XA

The Market Café The Ward, Huntly, AB54 4QU

Tuesday - Sunday 8:30am to 4pm

TO BOOK CONTACT FIONA 01466 794 795 - 07917 532020 Also at Huntly Golf Club Cooper Park, AB54 4SH

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Having celebrated our 100th anniversary in 2014, in 2018 we decided that the time was right for a brand and packaging refresh. Working under the guidance of the designers at Studio 42, we are now delighted to introduce to you our product and packaging makeover. Our new product range has been available in the market since Spring 2019.

Capturing our heritage, we have three distinct categories to offer - with something to suit everyone’s personal taste.

• For ultimate Indulgence, Luxury Gold Double Dairy • For Dairy heritage, Real Dairy Ice cream • For a sweet treat, there is nothing to beat our Classic Range

handed down by James Rizza.

Our packaging design captures our heritage message “Honest Ice cream sincefor 1914” Hire our ice cream cart a taste of

We hope to welcome you to our stand where you can see our new packaging and taste our delicious products.

products deliver in an ever changing marketplace.

Our flavours in 2019 include: • Double Salted Caramel • Raspberry & White Chocolate • Summer Strawberry • Mint Chocolate Chip • Chocolate

We have exciting times ahead this year, including taking part in the North East of Scotlands’ own Taste of Grampian, and a first for us will be showcasing our products at the Turriff Show on Sunday 4th and Monday 5th August.

traditionally made, style ice As an established brandItalian we will ensure that ourcream!

Meeting alsoany offer a big wide We offer market bespokedemands packageswe to suit do, or small! range of Fruit Sorbets and our Vegan Ice cream From weddings and corporate events to country fayres introduced last year , continues to gain in popularity. and fundraisers, we have a selection of award winning Real Dairy Ice Cream and Sorbets.

Honesty, Heritage, Provenance, People, Planet and Quality are the key values which the Rizza’s name To book or more information call: and brand are underpinned by.

01466 792 847 or email sales@rizza.co.uk

We are proud of our message “made for you Also available to hire is our Vintage Tricycle with POPS Premium Alcoholic Popsicles!

by James Rizza & Sons“ because it is true.

Our family owned business continue the legacy

Not forgetting the all time family favourite of Creamy Vanilla.

Here’s hoping we have a great summer to enjoy a Rizza’s Ice cream Treat!

OF HUNTLY LOSSIEMOUTH H ONE ST IRIZZA CE CR E AM NCE 1914 RIZZA &RIZZA’S SONS LTD, 31OF STEVEN ROAD, HUNTLY, ABERDEENSHIRE, AB54 8SX HONEST ICE CREAMRIZZA’S SINCE 1914 JAMES &SISONS LTD,JAMES 31 STEVEN ROAD, HUNTLY, ABERDEENSHIRE, AB54 8SX 16 GORDON STREET, HUNTLY. AB54 8AN TEL: 01466 705 229

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JAMES RIZZA & SONS LTD, 31 STEVEN ROAD, HUNTLY, ABERDEENSHIRE, AB54 8SX FOR SALES / ENQUIRIES CALL 01466 792 847 OR EMAIL SALES@RIZZA.CO.UK

Lifestyle MAG

TRAVEL

Travel with

Stagecoach W

hat is over 80 miles start to finish, operated by a triple award-winning team and used almost 1,000,000 times in a

year?

Whether you know it as ‘the 35’ (or you feel it will always be ‘the 305’), the bus service connecting Elgin, Banff and Aberdeen benefitted from an investment of over £3.5 million in 15 brand new luxury vehicles in March 2019.

The company recognised the potential for growth on the route and the introduction of the new fleet has addressed all the issues previously faced with capacity in the morning and evening peaks with those commuting to Aberdeen or Elgin. The new fleet of double deck buses have increased the capacity by 45%, meaning there is nearly twice as much space for those popular journeys.

44

A fantastic feature of the new buses is absolutely the low floor access, this improves the ease of

boarding for customers with mobility restrictions and has significantly reduced the boarding time for wheelchair users. The new buses really have transformed bus travel in Moray and Aberdeenshire with luxury leather seats, seatbelts, free wi-fi and USB charging points all make for a comfortable journey. Like all 400 Stagecoach buses in the north of Scotland the buses on service 35 are fitted with contactless payment facilities so you don’t need to worry about having the correct change. The latest tracking technology has been fitted so customers can track the bus whenever they want using the free Stagecoach mobile app.

For the past 3 years the Stagecoach Macduff depot has been awarded the Christopher Ball Memorial Award for being the best depot in the UK for ecodriving. A system called GreenRoad is installed on all Stagecoach vehicles and uses a traffic-light LED system on the dashboard to give drivers instant feedback on their driving manoeuvres, encouraging

smoother, safer, and more fuel-efficient driving.

The new electric-hybrids will build on the achievement of the driving team in Macduff and will further reduce the CO2 and NOx emissions in the north east.

David Liston, Managing Director, Stagecoach North Scotland said: “We are absolutely thrilled to introduce more new buses for the communities in Aberdeenshire and Moray.

We know that service 35 is a vital service for the communities we connect and our new fleet has reduced the impact on the environment and has allowed us to improve our punctuality for customers.”

Chris Foy, Chief Executive, Visit Aberdeenshire said: “Excellent transport links are an important element of our North-east visitor experience and the ecocredentials of this new service highlights the importance of long term sustainability. A high quality service north from Aberdeen will help to open up the coastal attractions of Banffshire for our independent travellers.”

Laurie Piper, Operations Manager at Moray Speyside Tourism said: “The Moray Coast is world-renowned for its beauty, history and its wildlife; it is one of National Geographic’s top rated coastlines and home to one of the largest colonies of bottlenose dolphins in Europe. The new fleet of Stagecoach buses will give visitors and residents to the region an easy, sustainable way to travel and experience this most beautiful part of Scotland – the views from the top deck are outstanding!”

Service 35 connects over 15 towns in Aberdeenshire and Moray to both Elgin and Aberdeen. The service operates every 30 minutes between Aberdeen and Banff Monday – Saturday

Lifestyle MAG

and hourly on Sundays. The service between Banff and Elgin operates every hour Monday – Saturday and every 2 hours on Sundays.

Plan your next trip at stagecoachbus.com.

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Lifestyle Magazine Ad-130 x 93mm.pdf 1 24/05/2019 16:40:18

W E I V E I N N O GET A B TOP DECK...

FAE THE

C

M

Y

CM

...ON THE W A BR ND NEES S U B SERVICE 35

MY

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35 ELGIN SERVICE

BANFF

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Plan your journey at stagecoachbus.com 46

N

• Beds • Sofas • Chairs • Recliners • Dining Furniture • Pictures • Occasional Furniture • Bedroom Furniture Free Delivery Within A 60 Mile Radius

13 High Street, Buckie, AB56 1AL • Tel: 01542 839800 Lifestyle MAG

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm • Saturday 9am - 4pm

Artists in Residence Program WHISKY

This year the world famous Glenfiddich Distillery is celebrating the 50th anniversary of being the first distillery to open a dedicated visitor centre.

However for the past 18 years as well as being a destination for whisky enthusiasts the world over, it has also become a home to one of the world’s most sought after artist’s residencies.

have to make a work involving green triangular bottles or feature a stag. If we had then I don’t think the programme would have lasted as long as it has and certainly would not have produced the exciting and varied range of new works that it has. Instead we are confident that the special and unique nature of the Distillery environment will in itself offer unlimited and fresh inspirations to each artist every year’

Each summer since 2002 The Glenfiddich The 2019 programme is Distillery has no exception in its depth played host and breadth of talent to over 150 and this years cohort of visual artists residents will see artists from over coming from Scotland, 20 different India, Canada, United countries.

States of America, Hong Every year up Kong, South Korea, to eight artists Australia and Taiwan. from every Between them they will corner of the be working in a diverse globe have range of media. spent three From Canada, the months in residence, Images of Penelope Cain with work, Australia collaborative duo of being inspired by their surroundings and creating Marla Hlady and Christof Migone who specialise in stunning new works which reflect their time living audio and kinetic sculpture plan on exploring the and working in Dufftown. ritual and performance of raising a toast. Whereas As programme co-ordinator Andy Fairgrieve Los Angeles based Linh Do will be examining explains. ‘One of the real strengths of the concepts of luxury through drawing and textiles. programme is that it is not prescriptive in anyway.

The Speyside landscape will provide inspiration We don’t demand that the artists whom we invite to Korean videographer Ryu Biho whose eerie 48

Nosy Hens by Samantha Cheevers

Marla Haldy and Christof Migone

49

film works and both evocative and mesmerising, while Liao Chine Chung from Taiwan specialises in recreating ultra-realistic, life-size replicas of heavy plant such as fork lift trucks from plywood.

As well as established artists the programme also seeks to nurture and support newly emerging talent and so has invited the newly graduated Scottish painter Samantha Cheevers, who was selected from the wealth of talent represented in this year’s New Contemporaries exhibition held in Edinburgh’s Royal Scottish Academy. Samantha will be joined

by Raju Baraiya who is now the eight recipient of the Glenfiddich Emerging Indian Artist of the Year award – which is recognised as being India’s biggest art prize. Raju, a painter, was selected from a pool of over two thousand applications.

Another painter, Jessie Siu becomes the first artist to join the programme from Hong Kong, and Australian, Penelope Cain who works in mixed media, has a particular interest in environments which have been modified through human activity.

The first artists begin to arrive in early May until mid-June and each will be given an opportunity to share their work with visitors to the Glenfiddich Distillery in a series of exhibitions shown in the on site gallery from late July until midOctober.

While the exhibitions are on the gallery will be open from 12 noon till 5.30pm from Wednesdays through till Sundays.

Admission is free.

50

Jessie Siu

EXHIBITION DATES

July 27th till 25th August 31st August till 22nd September 28th September till 13th October

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Lifestyle MAG

51

PETS

DRUMS OF PARK

KENNELS W

e can all remember, most emphatically without fondness, the winters of 2009/10 and 2010/11. After a relatively uneventful summer and autumn, the weather turned itself on its head and bombarded the country with snowy severity. All manner of transport was disrupted; communities were left stranded; power lines came down and ordinary everyday life became somewhat of a struggle.

The adverse weather just seemed to go on relentlessly.

Into this less than hospitable scenario stepped Jim Christie and his partner Sally. In October 2009, with absolutely no hint of what was to come in the ensuing months, they moved into a 52

static caravan parked on an elevated site with very few trees.

For many years they had harboured a dream of starting their own business and they had reached that point of no return where one says “let’s do it now or we never shall”.

They both had a long standing love for dogs and always had a problem when they went on holiday as to where to leave them. They were never completely happy with the kennels in the area, although things have changed a lot in the last 12 years. What Jim and Sally proposed was purpose built kennels at an affordable price where people could leave their dogs, safe in the knowledge that they would be well looked after.

After having sold a lovely home with landscaped gardens, they girded their loins, squared their shoulders, and moved into the caravan. Enter the winter of 2009, unleashing all its ferocity on the exposed caravan.

Life was not easy during the next two years. In addition to the adverse weather, they also had to endure a litany of bad luck and personal bereavement. Jim managed to swing the digger arm into the side of the caravan in August 2010; his brother died on the 17th December 2010; Sally’s father died on the16th September 2011;

The building work commenced, the kennels took shape and after months of hard work they had their first boarder on the 8th November 2011. Since that day the business has gone from strength to strength. And it is no wonder that it has as Jim and Sally’s commitment to the comfort and well-being of their canine charges is evident from the moment you step inside the kennels and meet the ‘guests’.

the roof blew off the caravan during high winds in November 2011 and, amongst all this, trying to get finance was not without its problems and setbacks.

As if all this was not enough to test their spirit, Jim had to overcome cancer of the kidney between June and August 2011.

Lesser mortals would have thrown in the towel but Jim and Sally soldiered on with their goal set firmly in their sights.Everything had seemed to be conspiring against them, but through dogged determination they turned adversity on its head.

Despite many setbacks, the plans for the kennels had all come together and they had finally got the building warrant in July 2010.

Lifestyle MAG

The individual kennels are substantial and they have all the comforts of home. The dogs have all their familiar toys and accoutrements around them. They have the choice of eating from the kennel’s menu or of having their own favourite foods, brought from home, on tap. They are walked several times a day by the dedicated staff members and in addition can spend time in the fully enclosed grassy play area. Nothing is too much trouble. Both Jim and Sally believe that all the dogs deserve the best attention at all times, otherwise they will not settle easily into their holiday accommodation.

A contented pet who greets his owner with a smile and a fiercely wagging tail after a stay in the kennels will definitely have no qualms about coming back. The testimonials on the office wall bear witness to this.

Jim and Sally have hit on a winning formula.

They care about their own dogs and shower the same care and affection on each and every dog that is entrusted to them.

53

10 essential warm-up stretches with Petra

Feel-good fitness Why risk painful pulled muscles? This easy warm-up takes just 5-10 minutes and gets your body stretched, relaxed and ready for any activity.

1 Breathe in and up Stand with feet hip width apart, knees ‘soft’, and arms relaxed. Inhale deeply, floating arms out and up above your

Bring knee up into 90° angle. Rotate lower leg in circles from the knee; both directions, both sides.

Take leg out at 45° angle. Rotate whole leg from the hip; both directions, both sides.

8 Circle your hips With feet apart for balance, trace increasing circles clockwise with hips.

Reverse direction.

side-to-side; extend movement to bring

5 Stretch calves Step forward with one leg bent, knee over toes. Keep back leg straight, heel on the ground. Push hips forward and hold till calf muscle relaxes into stretch. Change

chin down to chest.

legs and repeat.

3 Full body twist Take straight right arm across body, gently pulling in.

Breathe in and lift ribcage; twisting round anticlockwise as you breathe out. Repeat on other side.

6 Stretch hamstrings Bend back leg and

10 Rotate

straighten front, then fold at hips, holding

shoulders With feet hip

tummy muscles in and pushing bum

width apart, bend then

back with spine straight. Hold till front leg hamstring relaxes.

Change legs.

push up from knees, letting movement rise into shoulders as you bring them up to ears, back and down. Do this three times, then repeat, rotating shoulders forward.

Now you’ll feel ready for anything!

head. Stretch up and hold breath, floating arms down as you exhale.

Do this three times.

2 Stretch neck Slowly turn head from

9 Flex wrists, elbows, arms Extend arms out in front, palms up, inner edges touching. Curl wrists in, down and out, with backs of hands making contact and arms extending to stretch to front. Reverse movement. Do this twice then let extended arms float out towards back to open chest. (Pictures at top.)

4 Rotate ankles, knees & hips Lift foot and rotate ankle in circles clockwise, then anticlockwise.

Repeat on other leg.

Lifestyle MAG

54

7 Stretch quads Bring one foot up to your bum with knee pointing to floor. Hold it till thigh relaxes into stretch. Change legs.

Look for Feel-good fitness in the August issue.

59

PHONE 01464 751079 07749 782920

DRUMS OF PARK

KENNELS G IVE YOUR D OG A HOL IDAY TO O !

Modern Heated Dog Boarding Kennels

jim.christie@rocketmail.com

CORNHILL BANFF, AB45 2BT

The Gallery in Aberlour &Spey Sport

MAGGIE’S BOOK The recent exhibition of Maggie Riegler’s work, which has been held at The Gallery in Aberlour, has occasioned an interest in her life and work. This exhibition, which ran until the end of May, has proved extremely popular with those who knew Maggie as well as those who are new to her work.

It would be an impossible task to try and showcase all her work: her output was prodigious and it would require a fairly large exhibition space. In order to satisfy the interest shown, Brian and Kerry Doran, owners of The Gallery, have commissioned a book to detail her life and work in text and images.

Copies of the book will be available to order at The Gallery.

Please contact Brian and/or Kerry on 01340 871457.

79 High Street, Aberlour, AB38 9QB 01340 871457 07766704910 or 07990551221 Lifestyle MAG

Find us on Facebook:

53

WIND FARMS

Renewable Energy for the community, for the future

T

he Moray communities have benefited financially over the last number of years from having various wind farms in the area that have community benefit funds.

Most of the projects receiving funding from the wind farm funds are run by very hard working volunteers who give up many hours of their own time to run projects in their communities.

Here we are focussing on three of the wind farm funds and a few of the community groups/projects that have benefited from the available funding.

Fundraising through the years has always been a constant battle.

Hill of Towie, Edintore and Beatrice offshore.

All three funds receive a wide range of applications from very different organisations each year.

From ambitious, large capital projects involving community buildings or recreational areas, to a few hundred pounds for essential pieces of equipment.

(Beatrice has a specific small grant scheme administered by the Community Councils in each area where groups can apply for up to ÂŁ250).

Thanks to these funds, many local halls, community buildings, sports facilities and other venues have been able to undertake improvements including refurbishments, energy saving measures and projects to improve the sustainability of organisations.

56

The wind farm funds have in many communities, provided a level of financial support previously unachievable by volunteers and this has facilitated many new projects and allowed many more to succeed, where lack of funds previously prohibited.

Hill of Towie Community Benefit Fund and Edintore Community Benefit Fund REAP (Rural Environmental Action Project) administers two local funds in the Keith area, The Hill of Towie Community Benefit Fund, established by the developer RES in 2012 and Edintore Community Benefit Fund, established in 2017 by the developer Edintore Wind Farm Ltd. The Fundsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; aims are to provide local community benefitwith social and environmental themes. See website for full details on how to apply www.reapscotland.org. ukor the REAP office, 177 Mid Street.

Both Funds have panels of local volunteers who make decisions about applications based on factors such as the strength of fit with fund aims, benefit provided, sustainability and quality of information supplied.

Grants have been awarded for projects as diverse as rural broadband schemes, outdoor learning in schools, promotional items from books to leaflets to banners, and just recently, towards the costs of installing a permanent power supply to Keith Country Show Park. Local children and young people have also benefited from playgroups to primary schools and beyond. Several local schools have received grant funding for outdoor learning and loose play equipment, along with sessions from local outdoor learning charities such as Earthtime and Outfit Moray.

There is a strong musical tradition in and around Keith and both funds have supported this with grant awards to organisations including Strathisla Pipe Band, Strathspey Fiddlers, The TMSA festival and Keith Community Radio.

Catherine at REAP said, “Applying is straightforward and there is help available if needed. We’re always happy to hear from new applicants and support them to apply. If you’re not sure if your idea or organisation is eligible, please contact us for a chat before applying.”

Edintore Community Benefit Fund has awarded 23 grants totalling over £189,000 over 3 rounds of funding and makes £70,500 available to the community each year.

Beatrice Community Fund Moray Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd operates an 84 turbine offshore windfarm in the Moray Firth and the Moray Beatrice Community Investment Fund was established to enable contributions to communities impacted from the construction of the windfarm.

The Beatrice community fund is available to organisations in the Buckie and District, Keith, Lennox and Strathisla areas.

Like the other funds, Beatrice has a panel of volunteers made up of representatives from each of the eligible communities.

Again like the others, Beatrice has awarded funds to many worthwhile projects that may have otherwise been unable to find this level of financial support.

From replacing windows, upgrading a play area, providing support to halls for sound and lighting equipment, and restoration of a War Memorial, many diverse projects right across the eligible area from lots of community groups and charities.

The Beatrice Offshore Windfarm fund has been available since 2017 and will continue until 2021 investing £950,000 into local projects.

Around £190,000 is made available each year to community and charitable projects.

Applications can be submitted for up to £10,000 in the areas of Buckie and District, Keith, Lennox and Strathisla.

The Hill of Towie Community Benefit Fund has almost £550,000 over 13 rounds of funding to over a hundred different projects and makes over £90,000 available to the community each year.

The next application deadline is 18th September.

REAP is a Scottish Charity (SC037988)

https://sse.com/communities/fundlocations/ beatrice-moray/

See website for criteria, guidelines and application forms.

Or contact Fiona Morrison for advice 01463 728376 fiona.morrison@sse.com

Lifestyle MAG

57

CH AN GE T

EN D O YO S UR LOC AL NH

T S I T

8 To 8 Dental (Keith) 1 Westerton Road North, Keith AB55 5FL

8 To 8 Dental (Buckie) 32 West Church Street, Buckie AB56 1HL

Mon-Wed 8am to 8pm • Thurs - Fri 8am to 5pm

Mon-Wed8am to 8pm • Thurs - Fri 8am to 5pm

01542 882507

56

01542 833087

Featured projects: The Loft Youth Project – The Lofties Group The Loft Youth Project Manager, Sharon said, “We appreciate this funding as it has allowed us to continue to support our Lofties to develop their interpersonal and leadership skills. We have put the grant funding towards the costs of skilled youth workers, a nutritious meal and a range of activities that help to build life skills, and provide volunteering and training opportunities.”

problem solve, get creative and have fun! We also used the money to lay playground markings, which has not only helped to brighten up our playground space but has provided us with lots of exciting games to play with and learn from.”

Below: The Lofties receiving the Moray Young Citizen Award for a Community Group.

Newmill War Memorial Clock Tower

Keith Frog Squad (Primary Parent Council) – outdoor learning equipment “The money received from the Hill of Towie Wind Farm Community Fund was very much appreciated and has helped us further develop our playground space. We purchased a large shed with some of the money to enable us to store resources for our “Imagination Station”, where we are developing Loose Parts play – encouraging the children to work and play outdoors, work collegiately,

Lifestyle MAG

Newmill Community Association is very grateful to have received support from all the Wind Farm Funds to allow restoration of the War Memorial and the work is now well on the way towards completion.

Cleaning of the stonework, newly repaired and painted railings have already made a huge improvement. As a unique clock tower War Memorial it will be wonderful to see it returned to its former glory in plenty of time to commemorate its 100 yrs in 2023.

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MAKER

Jen Cantwell M uch has been written in this magazine about the wealth of talent that is to be found across Moray. However, with the recent exception of artist Maggie Riegler, not a lot has been written about the final destinations of their products.

Take Jen Cantwell, for example; the bubbly Forres-based leather worker, in whose company it is impossible to feel anything but happy – where do her highly individual sporrans go?

It is a well-known fact that she works closely with Howie Nicholsby (of 21st Century Kilts in Edinburgh and the inspiration for Jen to start her own business), but has she had a customer so famous that he or she is a household name in all four corners of the globe?

One day Jen got a call from Howie requesting a bespoke sporran for Billy Connolly, who was to be the Grand Marshall for the Tartan Day Parade in New York. An honour indeed. Jen made a black sporran with a banjo on it (harking back to Billy’s early days in Glasgow with Gerry Rafferty in the Humblebums). The banjo was tattooed on and, by all accounts, when Billy saw the finished 60

product he exclaimed that it was really rather magnificent – but not in those exact words, as I am sure you can imagine.

It is through working with Howie that Jen has made sporrans for the likes of Alan Cumming, Lenny Kravitz, Prince Albert of Monaco, Sir Richard Branson, Sir Chris Hoy, Kevin McKidd and many, many other people who have chosen Sporran Nation to help them celebrate weddings, birthdays, special occasions or just to give as extra special gifts.

But Jen does not seek the limelight and just quietly gets on with what she loves most – making these exceptional pieces. In her own words: I’m always very touched that people wear my work to their special occasions and I try to live up to that level of quality and push beyond!

www.sporran-nation.co.uk

PIN ME, KEEP ME

carkare Service & MOT Centre stuart roberts

33 Tyock Ind Est Elgin Moray Phone 01343 545523 www.carkare-elgin.co.uk carkareelgin@hotmail.com

Affordable advertising rates to help you promote your business, call Rhona for further information.

Morayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite, quality Lifestyle Magazine!

Rhona Patterson (Editor) Mobile: 07900 954134 â&#x20AC;˘ rhona@mms-publishing.scot

Lifestyle MAG

61

WHAT’S ON JUNE 8th & 9th 10am - 4pm Trisha’s 10th Strawberry Tea in aid of Breast Cancer Care Netherton Farm Keith.

9th - 11am LEAF Open Farm, Sunday at the goat Farm, Elchies, Campbell Cairns Farm, Craigellachie AB38 9SL. 14th - 16th Keith TMSA Festival Saturday headline act - RURA. See link for full details of weekend http://tmsakeithfestival. blogspt.com/p/guestes. html 15th - 10am - 5pm Truckness 2019 @ Dores on the banks of Loch Ness. Loch Ness Clune Farm. In aid of MFR Cash for Kids.

16th, 10am - 4pm Rrrrallye. Keith Sports and Community Centre.

16th - Touler 10K Multi-terrain Running event - Tomintoul www.touler10k.co.uk

18th, 1:30 - 4:30pm Banffshire Beaders Open Afternoon, Arradoul, SWI Hall A98 near Buckie.

Celebration of International Beading Week.

19th - 7:30pm Mike Vass, Save His Calm (music), Universal Hall, Findhorn.

19th - 21st, 7:30pm Stagestars Summer Show. Life teaches us to dream. Longmore Community Hall, Keith.

22nd - 7:30pm Dougie Maclean.

The Arc Sessions, Fochabers Institute.

22nd - 23rd The 26th Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy.

Barbara Dickson and Rab Noakes will headline the Friday night gg at the Green event on Friday 21st June.

26th - 8pm Scottish Chamber Orchestra Strings.

Benjamin Marquise Gilmore leads the SCO Strings in bohemian rhapsodies of the folkinspiredd Hungarian and Czech musical tradition.

28th Circus Artspace: Alberta Whittle Artist’s talk and film screening.

Inverness Academy.

Moyra Gray photography

62

29th, 10am - 4pm Outfit Moray Abseil @44. Forty Four, Queen Street, Lossiemouth.

JULY 6th - 10am 1st Lossie Forest Run 2019. Moray Community Sports Hub. 5K run through Oakenhead Wood, Lossiemouth.

6th, 10:30am - 5pm Foggie Truck Show McRoberts Park, Aberchirder, AB54 7SR. 7th Ardioch Farm & Livery Annual Show In hand, ridden & working hunter competition.

12th - 7:30pm Jersey Beats Comes to Buckie.

Oh What a Night Fishermans Hall, Buckie.

June/July

12th - 14th

Spirit of Speyside Gin Experience.

Events in several venues across Speyside.

Saturday - 13th Gordon Castle Walled Garden.

A garden party with a difference.

19th Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

Universal Hall, Findhorn.

26th - 28th Speyfest. The best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music, Fochabers. www.speyfest.com

AUGUST 3rd, 10am - 4pm Elgin Bid Classic Car Show 10th Elgin Bid Food & Drink Festival

Lifestyle MAG

63

COMPETITIONS

Closing date: For Seafest Tickets: 25th June 2019 and for Games & Shows Tickets: 10th July 2019 All other competitions 25th July 2019 email: competitions@mms-publishing.scot

WIN,WIN,WIN...

We have some amazing giveaways this month from the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen, who recently renovated the building, are offering a fantastic lunch for two. Also, a Comforel King sized 10.5 tog duvet from Glencraft. Or how about afternoon tea for two at The Mill House Hotel in Buckie or two tickets to the Shows and Games for Keith, Turriff, Grantown, Nairn, Aberlour and Tomintoul. Or two afternoon tea tickets for Lossiemouth’s Seafest on the 4th July, which includes entertainment by Callum McLeod. And finally, how about winning a wonderful Ice Cream Celebration Cake from Rizza’s... There is something for everyone here - so get your emails and postcards out to us. Thank you to all our local businesses for their generous support.

COMPETITION CODES SEAFIELDLUNCH COMFORELDUVET TEAFORTWO GAMESTICKETS SEAFESTTICKETS RIZZASCAKE

Lunch for Two at the Seafield Arms Hotel 10.5 tog duvet from Glencraft Afternoon Tea for Two at The Mill House Two tickets to the Games and Shows Two tickets to Seafest in July Celebration Ice Cream Cake from Rizza’s

Email competitions@mms-publishing.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!

And the winners were...

Congratulations to our April/May winners. We receive hundreds of responses and love your letters and emails... keep ‘em coming. Who knows... it could be you next time.

64

Glenfiddich Tour & IPA

Denise Innes, Portgordon

Maggie Reigler framed print

Ian Watt, Keith

Spirit of Speyside Ceilidh tickets

Bruce Henning, Forres

Arties Tartan Tale tickets

Morag McLean, Fife-Keith

TMSA Concert tickets

Muriel Morrison, Aberdeen

Monsoon voucher

Sandra Murray, Aviemore

www.finnies.com

Prices from ÂŁ480

Free UK delivery or click and collect from 219-223 George Street, Aberdeen AB25 1HY. Tel: 01224 636632