The Villagers November 2020

g i la e s r l V the

Th e Vo i ce o f B a l q u h i d d e r, Lo c h e a r n h e a d, S t r a t hy re & S t Fi l l a n s • N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0

The suspense continues...

Ed’s Bit

Thanks to all who have now paid their subscriptions for a year! We promise we will do all we can to ensure that The Villagers survives these uncertain, often depressing and seemingly endless months of constricted living.

Many of us are very aware of how fortunate we still are in comparison to people trying to run struggling businesses, keep fragile job opportunities and maintain busy family life whilst worrying about the longterm prospects for the younger generations.

Bruce has written his personal views as a Lockdown Sceptic (p10) and we would welcome more viewpoints for our December/ January edition.

We are also very grateful to all our advertisers; we have been including all our normal adverts, trusting people to realise that opening times etc. are changing so quickly and often that it would be difficult to constantly update them all. We hope that support for local business will continue throughout - and that happier days will eventually emerge for all.

It would be wonderful to have our Christmas edition full of the usual notices for Children’s Parties, Watchnight Services and Hogmany Ceilidhs - but perhaps the best thing to do is dream of Midsummer Barbecues and celebrations for all the “big“ birthdays missed since March 23rd... and of course, a real family Christmas in 2021.

JJ

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Watch Your Conkers!

Conkers and autumn go together.

They conjure up the essence of that ‘back to school’ feeling, perhaps because their gorgeous glossy mahogany colour echoes the shiny leather of new shoes. When we see an abundant scattering of conkers under a horse chestnut tree, it’s hard to resist the temptation to pick a few up and put them in our pocket for later. Quite what we’ll use them for is another thing.

But although humans may be irresistibly drawn to conkers, you might be surprised to hear that they can be toxic for our four-pawed friends!

Conkers are the seeds of the horse chestnut tree. They’re contained in a bright green prickly covering that has to be broken open to reveal the seed inside.

Toxic to eat for dogs Conkers are extremely bitter, which generally deters dogs from eating them. However, every autumn, sadly, some dogs are poisoned after eating conkers.

If your dog has eaten conkers, you might see the signs within an hour to six hours. Symptoms of horse chestnut poisoning include: • Vomiting • Diarrhoea • Drooling • Abdominal pain • Disorientation • Excessive thirst • Loss of appetite • Seizures • Muscle tremors

A high dose of aesculin – caused by eating several conkers – could affect the central nervous system and might even be fatal for your dog. Conkers can also be a choking hazard and can obstruct your dog’s bowel.

How to treat conker poisoning If you suspect that your dog has eaten conkers, you should take them to a vet straight away. Your vet is likely to give your dog a treatment that will induce vomiting and might wash out your dog’s stomach too. Your pup might also need an intravenous drip.

If there’s an internal blockage caused by conkers, surgery may be necessary.

Stay alert Luckily, with the right treatment, most dogs recover from horse chestnut poisoning.

In the meantime, while you’re out and about this autumn, steer clear of the spreading chestnut tree, tell your kids that conkers are poisonous for dogs, and carry a toy to distract your puppy from those beguiling mahogany brown seeds.

Conker facts • There’s no proof that conkers repel spiders. However, the triterpenoid saponin in conkers could deter moths.

• Horse chestnut extract is said to improve circulation.

• Deer and wild boar can safely eat conkers.

• Despite the name of the tree, the seed of the horse chestnut is toxic to horses.

Strathyre News

www.feedsandstoves.co.uk dawn@feedsandstoves.co.uk

BALQUHIDDER VILLAGE HALL

AGM

TUESDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2020

BY ZOOM AT 7.30 PM Because we are currently unable to meet as usual in person it is intended to hold this year’s AGM using Zoom.

If you wish to attend the AGM, please email David Johnston and he will send you a link when the meeting has been set up.

balquhidderhall@gmail.com David Johnston

Our U3A has recently purchased a Zoom subscription, which enables interest group leaders or other U3A members to hold online group meetings, making the autumn and winter months the best they can be.

Already the Current Affairs and Art History groups have successfully ‘met’ virtually, with other groups to follow. Communication via email or telephone is the preferred option for some groups.

We hope to organise a monthly series of speaker events covering a range of interesting topics which will appeal to our membership.

We are very lucky to have our online ‘Chatterbox’ which has kept us informed, entertained and challenged. The most recent addition is a section entitled ‘Antiques & Treasures’. U3A members share photos and some

information about items from the past that have personal meaning.

Members can access National U3A material – U3A Radio was launched recently and the first u3a radio podcast is available on YouTube.

New members are always very welcome. Contact details can be found on the C&WP U3A website.

3

www.sulafurnishing.co.uk catriona@sulafurnishing.co.uk

Bring out your Pumpkins!

Try this delicious seasonal Pumpkin Pie - a bit of effort required but definitely worth it. A traditional American Hallowe’en treat, it can also be made with butternut squash - just as tasty!

Looking after your best friend!

• Join our Pet Health Plan and budget

monthly to reduce your pet care cost

• Call us to make an appointment for

our nurse clinics, or to consult a vet

• Get your pet food and pet accessories from our in house pet shop

Tel: 01877 381213

enquiries@riversidevetsstirling.co.uk www.riversidevetsstirling.co.uk

Riverside Veterinary Clinic 1 Lagrannoch Industrial Estate Geisher Road, Callander FK17 8LX

•

•

Riverside

•

COVID-19 Important Information We are open - but please note our safety measures:

•

Anyone who is currently showing any symptoms, or living in the same household as anyone who is showing symptoms - please telephone the practice first.

•

Please telephone the practice first to make an appointment for your pet.

•

Please telephone or email the practice first for repeat prescriptions, parasite control or over-the-counter products.

•

Please try to keep the recommended distance of 2 metres from others whilst at the practice.

We ask that any payments are paid by card rather than cash and preferably over the phone.

4

FOR THE PASTRY 150g plain flour 75g unsalted butter 50g icing sugar 1 egg yolk

Put 150g plain flour and 75g unsalted butter in a bowl and rub together with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.

Mix in 50g icing sugar and a pinch of salt followed by 1 egg yolk. If the pastry feels too dry to form a dough, add 1 tbsp water. Shape the dough into a ball, flatten it out into a disc, wrap it in cling film, then chill* for at least 30 mins before using.

FOR THE FILLING 750g/1lb 10oz pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into chunks 140g caster sugar, white or brown ½ tsp salt.... ½ tsp fresh nutmeg (grated)..... 1 tsp cinnamon 2 eggs, beaten 25g butter, melted 75 ml milk 1 tbsp icing sugar Place the pumpkin in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15 mins or until tender. Drain pumpkin and let it cool, then pat dry with a tea towel to remove any excess moisture.

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

Roll out the pastry thinly on a lightly floured surface and use it to line a greased 22cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Chill for 15 mins. Line the pastry with baking parchment and baking beans, then bake for 15 mins. Remove the beans and paper, and cook for a further 10 mins until the base is pale golden and biscuity. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Increase oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Push the cooled pumpkin through a sieve into a large bowl (or whizz in a blender). In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, salt, nutmeg and half the cinnamon. Mix in the beaten eggs, melted butter and milk, then add to the pumpkin purée and stir to combine. Pour into the tart shell and cook for 10 mins, then reduce the temperature to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Continue to bake for 35-40 mins until the filling has just set.

Leave to cool, then remove the pie from the tin. Mix the remaining cinnamon with the icing sugar and dust over the pie. Serve chilled with a dollop of crême fraîche or cream - or just on its own!

• Chill the pastry

BOOK REVIEW

The Improbability of Love Hannah Rothschild

Lochearnhead Latest

CLACHAN COTTAGE HOTEL ONE OF SCOTLAND’S ICONIC SETTINGS ON THE SHORE OF LOCH EARN The Clachan has been here for a long time, tending to travellers and residents alike and is now the largest hotel in the area, boasting deluxe bedrooms and amazing loch view rooms.

Under normal circumstances, we’d be inviting you to come and stay, or try our restaurant and bar and just soak up the wonderful views! But for now, we wish you well and look forward to happier times.

And for the future, we’d like to remind you that weddings and small functions are hosted by the Clachan.

Our stunning setting provides the perfect backdrop for those all important videos or photos.

Stay safe • be careful Clachan Cottage Hotel • Lochside, Lochearnhead • Perthshire FK19 8PU info@clachancottagehotel.co.uk • 01567 8302477

After lockdown...

Join me on a journey into Hatha Yoga 7-8.30pm Thursday evenings in Lochearnhead Village Hall

www.robroycountry.com

Twitter@robroycountry

www.thegoldenlarches.com info@thegoldenlarches.com

Level: Beginners to intermediate.

For more information contact: Melanie Lewis Union Sun&Moon 07525 126482 creative@melanie-lewis.com www.westerauchrawcroft.com

This is a story of a painting which unusually has a voice in the book which I found odd to begin with but is in fact rather ingenious.

It is not just any old painting but a long-lost old master. We are introduced to the world of immense wealth and a cast of Russian billionaires, Arab princesses, American widows, rock stars and gallery owners who take every opportunity they can do outdo one another in the flashy and utterly outlandishly opulent way they choose to spend their wealth. And in amongst these wealthy characters there is the impoverished aristocrat trying to keep up appearances.

The main character in the book is caught up in this intrigue when she goes out to buy a birthday present for a boyfriend. Her life has taken a dive and she is on the rebound from a failed relationship.

Her mother is a needy alcoholic for whom she rather reluctantly feels responsible. She has given up her previous occupation and is following her dream of becoming a renowned chef. The descriptions of food are mouth-wateringly well depicted.

Her life becomes linked with the fabulously wealthy when she takes a job at the offices of the Memlings, international art dealers. This is where the story becomes interesting. The Memling family are not what they seem, and we are party to a shocking reveal.

It is obvious that the author knows the world she is writing about. All the characters are terrific and, even when not adding to the progress of the story, their antics are highly amusing.

It is a tale about provenance and greed with a love story thrown in.

Even the chapters in the voice of the painting are amusing, referring to itself as “moi” as it fills in the gaps of where it has been and who it has seen during the preceding centuries.

5

Postcard from Glencolumbkille We stayed here in western Donegal for a few days last Spring while getting to know our latest spaniel, a retired gundog from the Sperrin mountains. It is a beautiful place, even in February and it has lots of history. St Columba was here, a Spanish galleon is reputed to have sunk here, Arnold Bax spent his summers and did many of his compositions here.

It was also dirt poor, with very few facilities, poor farming soil, no industry and forgotten by Dublin.

The main export used to be people, leaving for England or America. It is no wonder that many of the Irishmen who came for hay time in our Dales village were from this area.

In the 1950s it was transformed by the energy and drive of a vigorous new parish priest. Somehow, he built a village hall, an open-air museum of rural life, set up a textile factory and laid on piped water in the village. Later on a Gaelic football centre was set up, with two pitches and a thriving social club. They run teams for all ages and sexes and seem to be a real community hub. So Glencolumbkille is now a thriving community with a stable population and is a lovely place for a wee holiday.

I was particularly struck by two signs at the side of the pitch. The picture on the right is a great message to all those over enthusiastic parents who disfigure the sidelines of junior football matches.

The second message does not have a picture, it’s just six words, easily remembered but very appropriate for many community situations: ‘BEFORE YOU COMPLAIN – HAVE YOU VOLUNTEERED?’ All future sermons will be left for Russel...

Andrew Poulter 6

Stirling CAB Energy Best Deal – 2020 campaign launches Energy Best Deal to help you pay no more than you need to.

Energy Best Deal project coordinator and session worker Kayleigh Sands is eager to help those in need in this time of uncertainty to save any extra money when it comes to energy bills. Telephone and email advice and support is available The aim is to educate that there are ways to cut the cost of gas and electricity bills. The energy best deal worker can run a quick supplier analysis to make sure you are getting the best energy deal for you and discuss simple ways to keep your home energy efficient to save money. If bills are a struggle, we will look to discuss possible grants and

schemes available to help as well as ways to help with fuel debt.

There are things in place to help people with energy costs and extra needs and we want to help educate members of the community about this help available. Kayleigh will be available to give qualified, trusted advice on matters relating to: • Whether you are on the best energy tariff for your circumstances • Energy savings tips to help save money at home • Eligibility for grants and schemes to help with energy issues and other problem debts Kayleigh says ‘’Stirling CAB

recognises that COVID19 has had such an impact on people facing financial and with people spending more time in their homes, this resulting in higher energy bills and it becoming struggle to pay these.

We want to make people aware that there is help available.’’

For further information, or if you would like to discuss ways to save you money on your energy bills or for help to switch to a cheaper deal please call Kayleigh Sands on 07498925151 or email Kayleigh.Sands@StirlingCAB. casonline.org.uk (9.30–5 Monday to Friday).

UNLOCHED at last...

We’re open again!

Monachyle

MHOR

MHOR Fish

MHOR In Store

Award winning hotel and restaurant.

Chic rooms, open fires, stunning location.

Open all day, walkers welcome.

Fish & chip shop / seafood cafe.

Open Wednesday - Sunday. 12 noon to 9pm Open Tuesday - Sunday in summer.

From Kindling to Cashmere.

Open Thursday - Monday, 10am to 5pm.

Open 7 days in summer.

W www.mhor.net Balquhidder FK19 8PQ T 01877 384 622

75/77 Main Street, Callander FK17 8DX T 01877 330 213 W www.mhor.net

Kingshouse, Balquhidder, FK19 8NY T 01877 384 691 W www.mhor.net

MHOR 84

MHOR Bread

MHOR

Stylish motel with 11 rooms and 1 self catering cottage. Roaring fires, games room, great food 8am - 9pm. Live acoustic roots music every Thursday.

Kingshouse, Balquhidder, FK19 8NY T 01877 384 646 W www.mhor.net

Artisan bakery and tearoom - Open 7 days.

Tearoom 9am - 5pm.

Bakery / shop 8am - 6pm.

75/77 Main Street, Callander FK17 8BB T 01877 339 518 W www.mhor.net

to your door Anytime. Anyplace. Anywhere. From fish & chips to fine dining,from private to corporate events. W www.mhor.net E events@mhor.net T 01877 384 622

7

The

St Fillans Bit

by Bruce Montgomery

Where to from here?

The title this month is a reference to Covid and actions from Government.

Given the ongoing and possibly increasing restrictions, I thought it would be an appropriate starting point for the month. However, as I began to write, it morphed into an article in its own right. I have therefore identified it separately and you will find it a bit further into the “our bit”. I must stress, that the views expressed therein are personal and I fully expect many readers to have a differing perspective. That’s ok, I despair of so called “woke” culture.

Nobody should be “cancelled” and everyone can have an opinion which you may or may not agree with, but it is their right to hold it.

So, to happenings in St Fillans.

You will remember that last month I confirmed the largely expected news that Burns Night 2021 cannot be managed, as it is clearly impossible to make advance arrangements for caterers and speakers irrespective of whatever restrictions will be applying in January. The other big night of the winter is of course our traditional Hogmanay Gathering in Sandison Hall, but again, unless restrictions change dramatically that normal format cannot be contemplated.

However, the small Committee that drives this New Year effort are brainstorming and developing alternative scenarios one of which they hope will be achievable within whatever rules are extant at that time. I can’t give any more detail at this stage, but hope to bring some firmer information next month. Let’s keep our fingers firmly crossed that something can be worked out.

It is an anniversary for Buddha Bodies, the Village Yoga Class. Pamela McDowall, the founder, has been running these classes for 12 months.

She provides the following update to celebrate this milestone: 8

“What a quick year it’s been - a year of two very distinct halves: initially, three classes from autumn through winter in our village hall - then, into a very different new world as we approached spring, when restrictions prevented face to face interaction in the Hall. We moved to using technology to continue our teaching and stay connected with family and friends across the globe.

“Onwards... through spring and summer, spent in different phases of hibernation, lockdown and then awakening... and adapting to a new cautious ‘normal’. Although we didn’t celebrate our anniversary with a social get together, over 25 Buddha Buddies joined the ‘Buddha Bodies Birthday Bash’ on Monday 21 September.

There was a single free class on Zoom with a mix of participants from all the different weekday classes, locations & time zones - practising some of our favourite poses and fun moments from the last year.

“As the darker nights return, we’re all being encouraged to spend more time at home. Buddha Bodies is all set to continue four classes weekly through into 2021 - with a new 12class plan offer, making local yoga classes even more accessible to all, without leaving the house.

Namaste, Pamela.”

Yoga & Flow classes online for the remainder of 2020 Full information at

www.buddhabodies.co.uk

Pamela didn’t add this bit, but I have heard nothing but positive reports from participants; nor would she make a “song and dance” about one extra effort to do home visits (when allowed by Covid); to assist a villager with gentle exercise to rebuild strength and aid recovery following surgery. Well done, Pamela - and good luck for your second year.

Way back before lockdowns disrupted society, I was able to do regular features on artwork connected to the Playpark and the core path. That series ended with Covid as some of the artwork was partially dismantled and removed for the winter - and circumstances prevented it from being put back again in spring. A case in point is the whimsical carving called “The Pensive Grouse”. He is fully restored now - and here he is!

You will find him on the Core Track at the junction down to the Playground.

His ponderings are very much directed at the kids. The picture above shows the the ‘ponderings’ on the front.

There are two others which are not visible in the pic - one on either end of the plinth: “If you push the envelope, is it still stationery?”

“Why is abbreviation such a long word?”

The Grouse and his ponderings are certainly a hit with our younger grandchildren and I hope yet another attraction for locals and visitors alike.

I can report that our Community Council are in conversation with Perth Council regarding reinstatement of the private three-day-a-week bus/ taxi service to Comrie and work is being done to maximise benefit to the village through the best possible scheduling (of what can only ever be a limited service). Anyone wishing to give some input to this should contact Stewart Gavigan, Chair of the Community Council. I can also report that the Community Council AGM and October Meeting were able to be completed via the Zoom Online

Conference facility on October 21st, the biggest problem being the lack of a glass of wine at the end! <S>.

Unfortunately, this month, due to circumstance, we are short of two sections which have featured recently.

We are missing a Neish Island Discs section and Aquila Ecology have been unable to provide their expected input for November. The latter has been directly caused by Covid. As you know, Aquila is operated by Andrea Hudspeth and Terry Williams. Terry’s time is spread between St Fillans and Liverpool and I am afraid he was there when Liverpool was closed down

some weeks ago. Sad to say, he is still there and has never been able to get back to our village in the intervening period. As the articles we have been enjoying are largely based on Terry’s exceptional knowledge of birdlife and observational skills enabling him to capture the impact of the changing seasons on our wildlife, it just hasn’t been possible to provide a meaningful submission for this month. I do hope that can be remedied in the very near future both for our enjoyment and for his “release” from the city, back to the countryside he cherishes.

Meanwhile, stay well.

Bruce

www.kingshousetravel.co.uk 9

The St Fillans Bit continued

View from a Lockdown Sceptic So Covid impacts us all again.

Further lockdowns at various levels in differing areas, total lockdown “circuit breakers” being suggested - and opinion polls saying that the nation as a whole is supportive of this. I wonder who it is that the Opinion Pollsters actually talk to? They have never talked to me or anyone I know.

Do they go back to the same cohort every time? The so-called mainstream media regurgitates the poll results without question.

Does investigative journalism exist any longer? No one actually argues that lockdowns are a final solution to this virus. All they do is delay the spread. Given that it was only a matter of weeks between relaxation of the first lockdown to the imposition of a second in parts of the country, it is not hard to see a cycle develop which could continue well into the future, with the next problem point occurring during the worst weather months of the year.

The total lockdown effort first time round could be justified in the face of dire predictions of death rates. In fairness, that prediction was an opinion which at the time was every bit as valid as any alternative scenario offered.

It must however be obvious to everyone, that the lockdown approach has at least four major areas of collateral damage.

The first is that there is a tremendous national debt burden being accrued. I am very aware of how this could impact the lives of our children and grandchildren and generations beyond. I do not see it as an immediate problem given that interest rates are so low, but they will not stay that way forever. Government bonds are not open ended and will need to be repaid or refinanced against a backdrop of increasing interest rates at some time in the future. The cost to my children and grandchildren is going to be hugely significant. The counter argument is that all countries are in 10

the same boat and through printing money we will all inflate our debt to lesser significance. The problem with that argument is twofold, in that countering that same inflation will require interest rate increases at some stage and that all countries are not actually in the same boat.

Most folk are aware of the impact of higher interest rates, but perhaps the impact of international variation is less obvious. Some countries will have started from a smaller existing burden of debt than others; some have managed the epidemic with less economic disruption, so their costs are more manageable and some have just carried on in as normal a way as possible.

Irrespective, the countries who have spent/borrowed the least, as a percentage of their GDP will come out of this situation in a relatively stronger financial position than all the Nations who have mortgaged themselves to the hilt. In the short term the “lower borrowers” will experience a currency gain relative to the heavily mortgaged nations.

If these nations are major exporters, this will not suit them, but because of their relatively stronger financial profile they will have capacity to borrow for development projects designed to give them a long-term resilience and trading advantage, while simultaneously taking some of the heat out of their currency gain.

In so doing, they will ensure their trading advantage going forward.

The second is the impact on the wider health of the population including everything from diversion of resource away from scheduled treatments, issues with mental health, increased alcohol consumption, all compounded by restriction of opportunity to exercise.

The third is the impact on future opportunity, as both education and jobs are impacted and investment capital depleted.

The fourth is that legislated introduction of restrictions has the unhappy side effect of minimising personal responsibility for one’s own wellbeing. Sadly, there is a trend here in that society appears to be

happy to absolve itself from taking responsibility for personal actions.

This appears in every walk of life and is simply illustrated by the view that every event which does not have a happy ending is now “someone else’s fault”.

So, what to do? I am not a politician, so I start from where we are as opposed to where a politician (of any shade) will say we should be, if the governing party had only done things differently. There is no point in looking backwards. Nor do I see any point in perpetuating a cycle of lockdown and release with a few weeks of partial freedom in between. Of course a vaccine might come along, but it is not going to be administered quickly and therefore is unlikely to avert all additional cycles. Furthermore, I note that Patrick Vallance, the UK Govt Chief Health Advisor has recently been quoted as saying that a vaccine would not wipe out the virus entirely and it is something that we are going to have to learn to live with. Therefore, shouldn’t we start now to reassess our responses? Was it not Einstein who said, if you keep doing the same thing time after time, do not expect a different result!

Let me get back to where I started.

No one has asked me, as a person in the “at risk” age group, what I thought, and I wonder if the government has actually made a point of asking older individuals (as oppose to charities) how they feel about the country being closed down to “protect” them. The broad age related categorisations have always been “inexact” and acceptance that overall levels of fitness and other health issues have a great bearing, has been slow in coming. Frankly, I reckon I am at much less risk than an overweight 40-50 year old, or a heavy smoker or drinker (maybe better scratch that last reference or at least qualify it to a heavy drinker who takes no exercise). Very importantly, knowledge of the disease and treatments have come a long way

since it first struck so I think it quite wrong for government responses not to have moved in concert with these advances. Truly at-risk cases can be identified and in common with many similarly aged folk I know, we do not consider ourselves to be in that category. If my opinion had been sought, my response would be “I want to take responsibility for myself and I will make my own decisions, which as ever will involve consideration of their impact on family, friends, neighbours and society as a whole.

Age is not nearly as important as state of health and folk who need to shield should be encouraged so to do. Those of us fortunate enough to be without that need should be encouraged to get on with our lives. All life is finite and it is our responsibility to use the time we have in the best way possible.

Quality of living is more important than quantity of life.”

Anyway, you might by now have got the idea that I am not happy about the national response at present to this disease. The original stats have proved to be wildly exaggerated. The present stats are not being presented appropriately, and in fact are being presented to maximise the problem – for instance, “x” thousand cases tested positive today. Even ignoring false positives, I have to say “so what?” The very large majority of these cases are not and will not be serious. Let’s face it, no one has a clue how many cases there actually were during the first round of the disease, because there was no widespread testing.

Even with hugely increased testing, still no one knows how many cases there actually are out there. There is absolutely no base line to make judgements against except that of excess deaths. This point was made very clearly at the beginning of the epidemic, but is no longer talked about. Why? Does this incontrovertible measure not suit their reality? Obviously, death rates are important and all deaths bring sadness and even despair to

those directly affected. But let’s focus on excess deaths. How do death rates compare with expected death rates for this time of year? As I write this, the latest national death rates available from the Office of National Statistics are for w/e 9th October, which were 1.5% higher than the average of the same week in last 5 years, and they were tracking on a normal trajectory for this time of year. That translates to an additional 143 deaths UK wide in that week, but in fact that number was 19 deaths fewer than the same week last year. Oxford University is quoted as saying that the excess death figure would have to reach 1200 a week to come anywhere close to being considered a pandemic. What is actually happening is that while Covid death rates can be quoted as rising, it is an incontrovertible fact that the death rate for other flu and bronchial disease is down with a clear inference that the covid linked deaths would most likely have succumbed to another flu type illness in a normal year. What is more, none of these statistical interpretations allow for the fact that the population, as a whole is ageing, so increased death rates are to be expected in any circumstance.

Now, before anyone says that I am quoting total UK and we are Scotland, I pulled the following from the Scottish Stats website (https:// statistics.gov.scot). Let’s start with a bit of perspective. The annual Scottish death rate for the previous five years has averaged 57,836 which equates to 1,112 per week. The actual death rate since Covid was identified (and reported) until the most recent week that stats exist (that is week 5 of 2020 through to week 40 of 2020) shows an average weekly death rate of 1,208. This equates to an excess weekly death rate of less than 100.

Make up your own mind – does this justify destroying the economy and risking your children and grand children’s future?

How did we get here? I now worry that the Government(s) have been over influenced by the Epidemiologist Community. I

understand that there is a desire to maximise lifespan, but caring for the health of the Nation is not Government’s sole responsibility.

Its ultimate responsibility is to the totality of nation, which includes all sorts of things but general wellbeing, wealth and happiness have got to be right up there as has routine health care (as opposed to just Covid care).

The only long term and sustainable solution is to move away from restriction and back towards personal responsibility.

This would require us to continue the now normal precautions of hand washing, sanitisation and masks and of course we would need to apply common sense to distancing in communal settings of all types. Those who require to self-isolate or shield should do so, and that need should be respected and be supported. Adoption of a common sense approach would see the reignition of community spirit which would ensure folk would be looked after at local level if they needed assistance.

Am I worried about the NHS? Yes, but the Nightingales facilities have never been used to any significant extent. They should immediately be brought into play and added to if necessary. Covid treatment should be focussed in these facilities which would reduce the chances of cross contamination in General Hospital.

I see the biggest problem as being front line manpower in the NHS, but a series of continuing cycles of Covid cannot help them either.

Would deaths increase? Probably, particularly among older folk, but older folk also need to see a point in living and I do not believe being locked away provides that. I am sure I am not the only person who believes that quality is more important than quantity of life.

Remember, those who disagree, still have the choice of shielding.

To repeat the essence of Einstein’s point, do something different - or do not expect a changed result.

11

St Angus’ Lochearnhead is now open for worship at 5.30pm on Sundays

Please wear a face covering!

Please bo ok in advance for your safety For any other questions please contact the Rector, Reverend Gennie Evans at rev.gen@btinternet.com or telephone 01764 650985

The Villagers’ Contacts Jill Johnston Editor Gardeners Cottage Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384227

Gill Waugh Production Manager Stronvar Farm Balquhidder FK19 8PB 07778 702304

David Johnston Production Gardeners Cottage Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384227

Andrew Poulter Advertising Coire A Chroine Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384784

contact@the-villagers.org.uk

gill@mercatdesign.com

contact@the-villagers.org.uk

apoulter72@gmail.com

Copy Deadline Day is the 24th of the month. Send your contributions to:

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Please help us to get The Villagers to you as soon as possible!

November Bin Collections 7th November will be brown bins and blue boxes, 14th grey bins and blue bins, 21st green bins and brown bins, 28th greay bins and blue bins and so on.

Callander Recycling centre is open Monday-Friday 5pm-7.30pm and Saturday 10am-1.30pm.

Details can be found at: https://w w w.stirling.gov.uk/ bins-waste-recycling/householdwaste-recycling-centres-tips/ If you want to start composting there is advice at https://www. gardenorganic.org.uk/compost Start-Up Stirling Food Banks are suffering at this time and are in greater need than ever. If you can’t donate food items you can donate directly at https://startupstirling.org.uk/ donate 12

Other Contacts...

Lochearnhead Contact:

Ali Ferguson 01567 830 405 St Fillans Contact:

Bruce Montgomery blmscotland@yahoo.co.uk Strathyre Contact:

Wullie Dalziel 01877 384 384 Mobile 07768 221661 Mail Order Distribution:

Andrea Poulter 01877 384784 Councillors Councillor Martin Earl Stirling Council Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET 01786 233114 earlm@stirling.gov.uk Councillor Evelyn Tweed Stirling Council Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET 01786 233101 Councillor Jeremy McDonald Stirling Council Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET 01786 233117 “ ‘Other Guy’ just added you to the Group”

Balquhidder WhatsApp group:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/ LHPPc7oLTclE8QTHAFVn5I

©Berger&Wyse

If you want to come: Please contact Revd Gennie in advance if you intend coming to a service, either by phone 01764 650985/670248 or by email rev.gen@btinternet.com This is to ensure we have enough socially distanced seats.

Balquhidder Church News MUSINGS FROM THE MANSE

Life Between the Waves Historian Barbara Tuchman tells the story of Queen Victoria on the royal yacht returning to England after a visit to Ireland in 1900, the year before she died. She was feeling poorly and lying in bed when a large wave buffeted the boat. Her majesty sent word to the captain instructing him that “It must not happen again.” I would have loved to have seen the “bubble” containing the captain’s inner thoughts when he was told! As Tuchman observed with her historian’s eye, “The waves didn’t stop. They never do.” With the passing of the Victorian age the most inventive, productive and wealthiest century in human history gave way to the tremendous optimism of the 20th Century. Unfortunately, no one saw the tsunami of 1914 on the horizon and the rest is history as they say.

Tuchman is right. Historically speaking, the “waves never stop” and nations, empires and civilisations live between the waves of history. So too do individuals. The year 2020 will be remembered in the future for its unprecedented disruption on a global scale. Since we are living with this particular wave at the moment it may be hard for us to get perspective on this. But one day we will look back on it with surprise and perhaps disbelief. May that day come sooner rather than later.

People who understand the theme of “life between the waves” are surfers. They learn to “read the water.” On the way out the “wave” is the enemy which is driving them back to the shore and they have to learn to “punch through” using a variety of techniques such as “push ups” “head dips” “duck dives” and “turtles rolls.” I have no idea what any of these are but it sounds complicated and energetic. (I’ll stick to dry land.) Then on the way back the wave becomes a “friend” which, if ridden successfully, not only carries the surfer back to the shore but provides the thrills along the way that make people take up the sport in the first place.

Is there a metaphor here for us, regarding living our lives? We can’t stop or control the waves of life and circumstance - but we can learn to read the situation and adapt our responses appropriately. Sometimes it will be a case of punching our way through and other times we will be able to turn things around and learn to ride that particular wave.

The Serenity Prayer is appropriate here God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change The courage to change the things we can And the wisdom to know the difference.

In these challenging and changing times may God grant us a sense of personal perspective and the grace to live our lives productively within the constraints placed upon us.

Russel

CHURCH SERVICES

Balquhidder, Lochearnhead Strathyre and St. Fillans Lochearnhead Remembrance Service 2020 Churches are open now for Sunday services, observing social distancing.

In addition we are still providing short recorded services online each Sunday. You will find them on Killin Church’s Facebook page or directly on YouTube via Killin Parish Church.

Please join us!

To protect our village and with great regret, a decision has been reached to cancel our Remembrance Service due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Social distancing would be impractical but local people may pay their own respects at our village Memorial at any time, laying tributes to the Fallen, family and friends of all wars.

Thanking you all for your past support. You may want to utilise whatever television coverage of Remembrance is provided, in the safety of your own homes. Keep safe.

Malcolm White 13

Ranger’s Review

by Gareth Kett Golden Eagle

On our island of intensively managed landscapes in an era of biodiversity decline we are fortunate to live in a relatively wild area surrounded by amazing wildlife. Credit for this largely goes to the area’s forward thinking land managers. It can feel that we are somehow detached from the threats faced by wildlife in Britain and throughout the world, yet every now and then we are brought sharply back down to earth. This happened recently when a walker and his son discovered an eagle satellite tracking tag in the River Braan near Dunkeld on May 21st.

The tag had had its aerial cut off and was wrapped in lead. It turned out that the tag had been fitted to a young golden eagle in 2014. It had worked as expected until it stopped transmitting suddenly in 2016 on a grouse moor in Perthshire.

Searches by the Police and the RSPB failed to find any trace of the tag. While this story is depressing enough as it is it becomes worse still with the knowledge that the young eagle in question was born and raised in Balquhidder Glen.

Golden eagles pair for life, although if one dies the remaining adult may pair up with a new partner. Generally two eggs are laid 3-4 days apart in March. Incubation takes 43-45 days and starts with the first egg. The first chick to hatch is therefore dominant over the younger one, which has only a 20% chance of surviving the crucial first weeks. The female eagle does most of the brooding and feeding of the young, especially in the early stages, with the male providing food for her and the young. She broods the chicks almost continuously for the first two weeks after which she regularly leaves the nest to share the hunting with the male (1).

The young fledge when they are 65-70 days old, becoming independent after a further 90-100 days. Juveniles occasionally stay with their parents until November or December but are usually driven 14

away by October. If allowed to young eagles usually range widely until they pair up and breed at 3-4 years of age. Having reached adulthood golden eagles live an average of around 14 years, but it is thought that 75 per cent of young birds die before reaching maturity. The oldest known golden eagle was more than 32 years old (1). Sadly the young eagle from Balquidder, wearing tag #129014, had its life tragically cut short, almost certainly by criminal activity. A police investigation is on-going.

Following the last Ranger’s Review article in which I mentioned European beavers as an example of a conservation success story in the UK, it only seems right to mention the beaver (or possibly beavers) that has set up home locally. As many of you will be aware over the past few months a beaver (or possibly beavers) has set up home next to the NCR7 running through Edinchip Estate, giving us the opportunity to witness how beavers engineer their local environment, opening up areas woodland, purifying water, reducing flooding downstream and creating habitat for a huge number of invertebrates, amphibians, mammals and birds (they also create habitat for fish, but not in this case, so far up the watershed). The landscape created can appear harsh with a lot of felled trees, but it is a natural process and most of the felled trees coppice so will grow back. Beavers do not clear-fell trees, but are selective in their felling, even returning to feed on trees that they have previously coppiced that have regrown. It is probably the intention of the beaver to create a burrow with an entrance below the water level, or possibly to build a lodge, but for the time being it seems to be sleeping somewhere away from the dam.

Once it has established a territory it will wait for a partner to arrive (if one is not already present).

As also mentioned in

September’s Ranger’s Review beavers can be problematic.

Unfortunately, as a quite a few wet feet will testify, our beaver has built a dam that has resulted in the flooding of a small section of the cycle-route. While this is only a minor inconvenience to most people, many of whom bypass the flooded area using a historic path, some people are unable to or are uncomfortable crossing the stream or wading through the flooded area. Sustrans, the charity responsible for the cycle-route, have applied to NatureScot for a licence to install a beaver deceiver, essentially a pipe through the dam, to bring the water line below the level of the path, but the licencing process takes time.

A few people may be tempted to tamper with the dam in order to bring the water level down sooner, but please remember that beavers and their dams and lodges have legal protection; interference with the dam or deliberate disturbance of the beavers are wildlife crimes.

It is much better to take the rare opportunity to observe the beaver(s) in action – or at least to witness its impact. You would be fortunate to actually see one at this time of year as they are mostly nocturnal.

Since the late 1990s beavers have become well established on the River Tay system. One beaver hotspot is near Comrie. Their young disperse at two years of age. Feeding signs and sightings indicate that beavers dispersing from the Comrie area move through Loch Earn over the watershed into the Balvaig each spring. They seem to travel down through Loch Lubnaig and the River Leny and then up East Gobhain and through Loch Venachar before settling in the Blackwater system between Lochs Venachar and Achray. Some may also try their luck by swimming through Callander and beyond.

Beavers’ median dispersal distance is 25km although they

European Beaver

have been known to disperse up to 170km in Europe. If they fail to establish a territory they may return to the natal nest (2), assisting their parents in rearing the next litter of kits before trying again the following spring. As more and more prime territories become occupied young beavers are forced to consider more marginal areas, which may explain why the site next to the cycle-route has been chosen. Beavers initially seek areas where the water level is sufficient to excavate a burrow with an underwater entrance.

The burrow may emerge from the bank and be capped with a ‘tent’ of woody debris, mud and moss in which case it is referred to as a bank lodge. If burrowing isn’t possible beavers will build a true lodge in shallow water, which is constructed entirely of woody debris, moss and mud (2). Dams are built where the water depth is insufficient for an underwater burrow entrance or the water area is too small to build a lodge.

Unfortunately with Covid-19 restrictions still in place our Lochearnhead Office is still closed to the public, but if you have anything you wish to discuss concerning wildlife, conservation, or any other topic, or have any wildlife sightings to report please contact me by e-mail at gareth.kett@ lochlomond-trossachs.org or call me on 01389 722044. if I’m not in the office.

The work of our local Team Beaver...

... kind of them to let us know...!

References 1.https://w w w.rspb.org.uk/birdsand-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/ golden-eagle/habitat-breeding-andnesting-habits/ 2. Nolet, B.A. (1997) Management of the beaver (Castor fiber): towards restoration of its former distribution and ecological function in Europe. Nature and Environment No. 86. Council of Europe, Strasbourg.

Bring your wellies!

15

November Skylights In this note of Astronomical events I have only included items that can be seen either with the naked eye or with a pair of binoculars.

It is always helpful to have a star chart to follow when navigating and observing the heavens. A free star chart which also contains lots of additional observational notes is published monthly by Skymaps. com. Simply go to skymaps.com and scroll down to Download Now. A new page opens to reveal several types of download. Press Download Northern Hemisphere Edition for the month required and save. This is then best printed double sided to an A4 sheet. Should you want to download a Skychart onto your pc, Stellarium is available free of charge.

Should you venture outside with this map you will need a torch. Use red plastic over the light to illuminate the map and preserve your night vision which improves greatly over time. Wrap up warm and with a little perseverance, about 20 minutes, you will feast your eyes on the universe that you live within. Enjoy and indulge.

It is worth noting that planets do not appear on â&#x20AC;&#x153;skymapsâ&#x20AC;?.

November and December features Mars dominates the evening sky this year, its reddish glare taking the centre stage. Currently in Pisces, to the lower left of the Square of Pegasus with Aries, the Ram, to the upper left of Mars. Above Aries is Triangulum, the Triangle.

While the Milky Way is almost overhead at this time of year it is a good opportunity to explore the constellations of Perseus, Cassiopeia, and Andromeda. In a dark area away from any stray light look upwards with binoculars where there are lots of star

by Vernon Alexander

clusters and patterns to see. Compare these to the skymap you have downloaded to identify the objects you see using your red torchlight.

Looking South The constellation of Orion is now above the Eastern horizon just above and to the left of the difficult to determine Eridanus constellation.

Higher in the sky is Taurus with my favourite, Pleiades, to the above right of the orange star Aldebaran.

Further to the West, or right, are the constellations of Pisces and Cetus.

Still further West early in the evening it is possible to see Aquarius, but Capricornus is only partially visible slipping below the horizon until next year.

Looking North Much of Aquilla is now below the horizon leaving only two stars of the Summer Triangle, Vega in Lyra and Deneb in Cygnus for us to see. The head of Drago and most of Hercules have also disappeared. This transition allows us to see the southern most stars of Ursa Major rise. Above us sits the Milky Way like an Archway over our heads with the dense clouds in the West and the thinner parts passing through Auriga and Monoceros to the East. Directly above us is Cassiopeia and Cephus while Auriga is high in the Northeast leading us down further East to Gemini where it is easy to identify Castor and Pollux.

Meteors The Northern Taurids which began during October reach a maximum of 4 or 5 an hour on 13th & 14th November. The parent comet for both Taurid showers is Comet 2P/ Encke. The Moon is a waning crescent so conditions, although not optimal are fair to good.

The Leonids 5th-29th November with maximum activity 17th 18th November are associated with Comet 55P/Temple-Tuttle. The Leonids have given some of the best views seen with up to 3000 meteors per hour in 1999, 2001 and 2002. While these numbers have fallen dramatically the 2020 rate is predicted to be around 15/hour.

These meteors are the fastest ever recorded at around 70km/second and often leave persistent trails. This year the maximum falls two days after New Moon so conditions are very good for observation.

Comets No predicted activity The Planets Mercury at greatest elongation on 10th when it rises two hours before the sun.

Venus, despite creeping closer to the sun, Venus remains a prominent object in the morning sky.

Mars, remains bright but dimming.

It is a 20 arcsecond disc on the 1st November shrinking to 15 arcseconds by 30th November.

Jupiter is low but visible all month in the evening sky.

Saturn is East of Jupiter with the separation diminishing throughout the month.

Uranus is a well positioned planet in Aries.

Neptune is also a well positioned planet close to the star Phi Aquarii.

enquiries@coopercottages.com

info@darrenrice.co.uk 16

e.campbell147@btinternet.com

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Nights of Interest Some of the objects described below are expressed in degrees from the Moon. This is far less complicated to measure than you might think.

To measure 10 degrees, hold your hand up towards the sky at arm’s length and turn your hand up so that it obscures part of your view. The width of your hand is 10 degrees and holding just one finger is two degrees.

3rd Jupiter and Saturn less than 58 apart in the early evening sky 8th Moon last quarter 5th to 29th Leonid meteor shower 10th Mercury visible in the early morning sky rising 2hrs before the Sun 11th A very dim Pluto is less than half a degree from the gas giant Jupiter 12th Venus 3.1* from the Moon, 21.30hrs 12th & 13th Northern Taurid meteor shower maximum 13th Mercury 1.7* from the Moon, 20.44hrs 13th Star Spica 7.0* from the Moon, 02.52hrs 15th New Moon 15th The often unseen Iota Aurigid meteor shower peaks at 8 meteors per hour 16th Star Antares 5.6* of the Moon, 06.30hrs 17th Leonid shower at maximum, peak after midnight 19th Jupiter 2,5* North of the Moon, 08.56hrs 19th Saturn 2.9* North of the Moon, 14.51hrs 20th Pleiades open cluster reaches its highest position, due south at midnight 22nd Moon first quarter 22nd An unusual “clair obscure”, or, trick of the light, effect occurs tonight around 10pm. The profile of a face is created by the shadow of the crater Albategnius’s Eastern rim on its floor. Find a Moon Map on Google to locate the crater, search for this using binoculars and make your acquaintance with the Man on the Moon. (see picture) 25th Mars 4.9* of the Moon, 19.47hrs 30th Full Moon occurs close to its furthest point from Earth, known as apogee. As a result, the Moon will appear smaller than average, known as a “micromoon”

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In the Nicht

by William Soutar

Yon’s the queer hour whan a’ be yoursel’ Ye waken in the mirk; And far awa ye can hear the bell Dinnle abune the kirk.

Yon’s the queer hour whan the fittery clock Comes knappin alang the wa’; And your hert begins to knockity-knock, And your breath canna ca’.

Yon’s the queer hour whan the murlin mouse Charks on and is never dune; And wind is wheemerin round the house: Lat me in, lat me in!

Pumpkin Hummus

Great for kids to make with left-over pumpkins!

1 small pumpkin (about 500g) olive oil , for roasting 2 garlic cloves , peeled lemon , juiced 2 tbsp tahini paste 400g can chickpeas, drained 1 red pepper , deseeded, and sliced 1 yellow pepper , deseeded, and sliced mini breadsticks and pitta chips, to serve

! m u y m u y

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

Cut the pumpkin flesh into pieces and put in a roasting tin with the garlic and a good glug of oil. Season, then bake for 45 mins until very tender. Leave to cool.

Tip the pumpkin into a food processor with any juices from the roasting tin and the garlic. Add the lemon juice, tahini paste and chickpeas. Season with salt and blend to a paste – add a little more oil if it is too thick. Scoop the hummus back into the pumpkin and serve with the peppers, breadsticks and pitta chips.

17

McLaren High School News

McLaren High School Community Champions

High Street Heroes pose for the camera observing social distancing rules. Well done, team!

The FETCH team at McLaren High School were nominated as finalists for the Scottish Land and Estates “Helping it Happen” Awards 2020 in the Community Champion of the Year category for Central Scotland. This was in addition to being nominated as High Street Heroes as part of the Scotland Loves Local scheme.

The FETCH runners started work shortly after the school closed at the start of lockdown in March and continued to deliver their service until the last week of the summer ‘holiday’.

Over 250 jobs were completed during this time, assisting over 90 households in and around Callander.

For the runner pairs, getting out and about while socially distanced gave them some limited contact with their friends. More importantly, as well as delivering shopping, the FETCH service gave self-isolating residents in the community a brief safe, friendly contact with humans from the outside world at a time when many were feeling completely cut off from civilisation. Mr Ken Milligan, the 18

member of staff with whom the group coordinated their efforts, said “It’s tremendous that these youngsters have had their efforts recognised by these national award nominations since it has been impossible to get them all together to thank them all for their hard work.”

Black History Month At McLaren High School we are passionate about promoting equality and diversity, throughout the year we teach a variety of topics such as the experience of slaves in the Atlantic Slave Trade, societies in Africa, representation in politics of different groups in the UK and USA and Black Lives Matter.

Black History Month gives us an opportunity to teach things we are often unable to cover throughout the year. Staff across all Faculties and senior pupils have been heavily involved in developing resources and promoting Black History across the school. Miss Mole and Mr Cordner

created a bespoke package of Health and Wellbeing lessons for all year groups highlighting both historic and contemporary achievements of the Black community.

Information boards have also been created in the Humanities and English corridors highlighting key events, people, authors and literature.

Across the school posters have been put up on contemporary and historic Black figures who have made positive contributions to the Black rights movements as well as their own individual achievements. These posters were made by both staff and pupils and include people such as Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Sir Learie Constantine and Dina Asher-Smith.

In addition to this, every morning inspirational quotes by black individuals are being read in our daily announcements. Pupils have been very positive and receptive to our Black History Month events and it has inspired many to read more books by black authors and research historic figures.

Walkin’ the Walk Sharing your favourite routes

The Glen Artney Loop!

by Christine Merchant

Last year, a neighbour told me about a cycle ride she had just completed, a loop starting from Balquhidder via Callander and Comrie. It sounded very interesting, but not being as fit as her, I went straight to my calculator to see how many miles we were talking about. Result? Around 45 miles.

During the lockdown, as I started to cycle again after years of doing not much exercise, our conversation came back to me, but I was not sure, in view of my lack of fitness, that this was a realistic goal for me. I mentioned it to two friends and we decided to cut the loop in short The next rain-free day, we drove to the Glen Artney Church car park and sections to see how we fared.

We started by cycling from cycled to the end of the road where Balquhidder to St Fillans via the South a signpost led us over the mountain Loch Earn Road (and back), which towards the Bracklinn Falls in Callander. doesn’t sound much, but was a scary It took us roughly 2 hours to get there prospect for someone who had just (with breaks). started cycling again. I don’t know where I thought I was going but I had packed enough to reach London: numerous bottles of water, snacks, coffee, hence my surprise once we got there that I didn’t need to eat anything or have too many breaks – cycling on a road you have driven regularly always surprises me, it is easier than you think.

The next section to be tackled was Balquhidder-Strathyre-Callander (and back), a lovely ride along Loch Lubnaig which was done without too much pain on the National Cycle Route 7.

After dissecting the loop in so many Then we had to deal with the chunks with near-military precision, Comrie-Callander bit via Glen Artney. we had to face the fact that no more As we didn’t know anything about Glen dissecting could be done, we knew the Artney and couldn’t see many pictures road, what to expect, so we decided online, we decided to be cautious and it was time to try to do it in one go. divided this section in two as well. One Although it was very tempting to leave morning, we parked our cars in Comrie a car on the way just in case we were and ventured towards the Glen Artney exhausted, we decided against it and Church car park on our bikes (going took the plunge. past Cultybraggan camp).

On Saturday 19 September, I’m happy to report that we left St Fillans at 9.30 am and returned a bit worse for wear but still alive at 6 pm – and we had done the loop!

most beautiful (and strenuous – a lot of pushing of the bikes), efforts rewarded by a lovely lunch break on the way at a bothy.

The ride from Glen Artney to Comrie is also beautiful, less difficult, highly recommended.

So in the end our cautious approach paid off. With a bit of training, this is a great loop to do (on a weekend from August to February as deer stalking is in progress). It can be started from either St Fillans, Lochearnhead, Strathyre, Kingshouse or Balquhidder and done in either direction. Difficult to find another cycle ride going past all our villages!

The section over the mountain between the Bracklinn Falls and the Glen Artney Church car park is the 19

More ramblings about

Dundurn Parish More Tales from the Railway A shaky Start – 1886-1901

The Comrie St Fillans & Lochearnhead Railway Bill During 1886 a number of articles appeared in the press opposing this railway bill, both locally and nationally a goodly number of the great and the good expressed their displeasure that this railway should be built in what was being described as an area of national beauty. W Scott Dalgleish a distinguished Edinburgh Scholar stated that one of the loveliest villages in Scotland is threatened by a calamity – in fact, with aesthetic defacement. Referring to St Fillans, at the foot of Loch Earn, as a village which in its peaceful sweetness, and in the beauty of its surroundings, is one of the gems of the highlands, and, indeed, of Scotland. It is now proposed to carry a line of railway from Comrie to Lochearnhead right through the heart of the village, it is true, in the rear of the line of houses, but in cruel proximity to them. Let me say at once that I do not object to the line of railway passing by Lochearnside. It will be a boon to the district; and by establishing a direct route between Dundee and Oban, it will be a boon to Scotland. But why should the projected line, which as surveyed, follows the south side of the Earn from Comrie to St Fillans, be suddenly shifted at the latter place to the north side, and be carried along the north side of Loch Earn to Lochearnhead, where it again turns southwards in order to meet the Callander and Oban Railway? I hope that Sir Donald Currie, the devoted and energetic member for West Perthshire, will interest himself in this question when it comes before Parliament, as it must do soon.

On the 12th of February 1887, a petition was presented against the Bill on the grounds that it would seriously interfere with the holdings of several crofters on the route between St 20

Fillans & Lochearnhead. The Bill would have been read a second time that day but in consequence of the opposition it was postponed for a week. Sir Donald Currie had also expressed his concerns and had his name removed from the bill – stating that when he agreed to his name being included, he was unaware of the route or the amount of local opposition.

At a meeting in Comrie on Monday 22nd February, Provost Orchard, of Broughty Ferry, one of the promoters of the Comrie – Lochearnhead Railway (and who was also a director of the Crieff – Comrie Railway) informed the local committee charged with looking after the interest of Comrie in connection with the railway scheme that he and the Lord Provost McGrady of Dundee, had sent a joint notice of retrial as promoters of the railway to the secretary the day after the public meeting held in Comrie about the middle of December last. Mr Orchard stated that they had been assured that the inhabitants were in complete sympathy with the route chosen by the engineers, but on hearing of the feeling in Comrie and district they both acted as above mentioned, however on the earnest solicitation of the Secretary (Mr Dempster, Solicitor Perth), they agreed to keep quiet until further progress had been made. One of the main promoters locally was Colonel Williamson of Lawers (also the Managing Director of the Crieff – Comrie Railway), who bulldozed his points through most meetings, as Comrie he stated – that he couldn’t understand why some of his tenants were objecting to the loss of part of their kitchen gardens. In St Fillans he accused Mr McAra of the Oaks of self interest and suggested that perhaps they settle the matter outside.

On the 30th March Mr Channing gave notice to reject the Bill on its third reading and presented a petition against it from householder’s residents and others interested in St Fillans Comrie and vicinity. On April 7th Mr Channing Mr Bryce & Mr Weir it is said are all to oppose the Third Reading of the Bill on the grounds of its interference with the scenery and amenity of the district. But it was thought that it would be highly unusual if the house refused to pass a Bill against which all opposition in committee has been withdrawn, and for a reason that is more or less applicable to all railways from an

aesthetical point of view. However, on April 12th the House agreed to postpone consideration of the Bill until the 13th of May. On 14th May Mr Bryce moved the committal of the Bill to a select Committee of five members, with an instruction to take evidence as to whither the line would injure the scenery of the valley and lake upon which it is to pass. The right honourable member said he did not object to the railway, but this particular one on the north bank of the Earn was not necessary. One on the South bank might be constructed with comparative little injury to the scenery. He was obliged to take the unusual course in asking the House to intervene, as the promoter of the Bill by “squaring” some of the opponents, had prevented those on the spot who objected to the railway from having a locus standi. The Lord Advocate apposed the motion as one if which accepted would open the door to most inconvenient procedures. He pointed out that opposition could still be heard in the House of Lords.

The House then divided when the voting for Mr Bryce’s motion was 175 against 159 The select committee consisted of Sir John Lubbock - Sir U. K. Shuttleworth – Mr Nicol member for Argyllshire – Mr Birrell QC; and Mr Fry the member for north Bristol.

Lochearn Railway; the Parliamentary Enquiry – 30th June A number of the great and good of the village and surrounding district appeared before the select committee to intimate their opposition to the selected route of the railway line, many would have preferred the line to have been built along the south side of the loch and not through their back gardens.

6th August 1897 - The proposals for a railway came to fruition when the Lochearnhead, St Fillans and Comrie Railway Company was authorised

by Act of Parliament on 6th August 1897. The share Capital was £165000 the Caledonian Railway Company subscribed half the money on the basis that it would later have the option of absorbing the company. The Caledonian was concerned that its rival the North British Railway might build a penetrating line into the area and this motivated their provision of funding. The new company was slow to take action on its new powers and

St Fillans from Station Road (about 1900)

it was not until February 1899 that a prospectus inviting investment was issued. The prospective emphasised the potential of through traffic from the western highlands to Perth and other central and eastern destinations. Cattle were a particular dominant traffic to be expected.

Comrie and Lochearnhead railway scheme August 1898 it is now considerable over a year since the Bill for the extension of the railway system from Comrie to Lochearnhead received the approval from Parliament, after, it may be remembered, a somewhat extraordinary course of procedure, where the Bill after having passed the preliminary stages of the House, was committed in order to hear evidence from the district through which the line was to traverse. Up till now nothing has been done in the way of proceeding with the construction of the railway. After various negotiations – financial and otherwise – it has now been arranged that the work of construction will be proceeded with early next spring.

The line will be slightly over 15 miles in length. And will start from the present station at Comrie westwards over the main street by a high-level bridge afterwards crossing the river Earn four times before reaching St Fillans, then by the back of the village along the north side of Loch Earn to Lochearnhead where another station will be built. The line will then run in a northerly direction towards Lochearnhead station, on the Callander and Oban railway, where it will connect with that line, and thus direct and complete railway

communications will be established between Dundee in the east and Oban in the west. – From the Germanic Sea to the Atlantic – On the 14th of May 1899, the Directors of the railway accepted the offer of Messrs John Patton & Co contractors, Glasgow, for the first phase of the railway from Comrie to St Fillans. The contract price was thought to be about £78,130.

During the construction of the St Fillans section there were 10 huts, a Mission Hall and a Bothy, between the West lodge of Dunira and Littleport Farm, housing 183 navvies and their families, all working on the construction of the railway, there were 17 children included in this number. The village had its own Police Officer Stationed at Earn Grove, and innumerable instances of theft – Breach of the peace & drunk and disorderly conduct dealt with by Sheriff Syme at Perth. Including, the theft of 25 hens from the Drummond Arms Hotel - A break in at the Station Booking Office, and the theft of a Collie puppy from the Station Cottages.

Comrie to St Fillans Railway The opening On Tuesday 2nd October 1901, a number of gentlemen left Crieff with the early train, the first of three trains to St. Fillans that day. On reaching Comrie somewhat late, another party joined the train for the purpose of making the first run over the new line. Owing to the wet weather the rails were somewhat slippery, and the engine on starting from Comrie Station

made little progress until it reached the bridge running over Dundas Street. Many of the inhabitants of Comrie were out to view the first train passing along, and its slow progress at the start gave rise to some little joking and amusement amongst the passengers and onlookers it being freely remarked that some Comrie “wags” had “greased” the rails with “soft soap” as a token of displeasure at the railway passing their doors.

However, a rapid spin was made over the rest of the line. Where at St Fillans a large number of inhabitants had gathered to see its arrival, while a considerable number were waiting to take the 8.05 am return journey to Crieff and elsewhere.

By the second train which left Crieff at Noon, and arrived Comrie about 15min later, where a large number boarded including Colonel Williamson of Lawers and a number of well known Ladies and Gentlemen, Colonel Williamson marked the occasion by paying the tickets of a number of Girls and Boys, who enjoyed their trip and will no doubt remember it as a redletter day in their lives. On Thursday afternoon an unfortunate accident occurred on the new line. Shunting operations were being carried out in the goods yard preparatory to the two thirty goods train to Perth when the engine left the rails. No one was hurt, but considerable damage was done to the permanent way, and a breakdown squad had to be sent from Perth. They arrived late at night and raised the engine to the rails. No delays took place to passenger traffic.

The Old Crock (to be concluded) 21

T HE VIL L AGER S â&#x20AC;&#x2122; TR A D E D I R EC TORY

Charles Grant Decorator& Tiler Exterior & Interior Wall & Floor Paints, Wallpaper & Varnishes supplied

Tel 07768333792 charliehgrant@gmail.com

Your contact for advertising in The Villagers is Andrew Poulter

Coire A Chroine â&#x20AC;˘ Balquhidder FK19 8PB

01877 384784 apoulter72@gmail.com

comriebutchers@aol.com

neillmarshall1234@icloud.com Cheques for advertising and mail order subscriptions should be made out to: The BLS Newspaper Association

22

SUPPORT YO U R LOC A L S U PPLI ER S !

PFK Callander Ltd

pfkcallander@btconnect.com

In light of recent events and updates of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), we would like to offer all our customers, existing and future, a ‘contactless’ vehicle MOT, service and repair opportunity.

We can collect your vehicle from home or place of work (within a 25 mile radius from our premises) and deliver back once the MOT, service or repairs have been carried out.

Payments and transfer of payment can be carried out by bacs transfer or by card payment over the phone, to make a fully contactless service.

Please contact PFK Callander Ltd to make your booking appointment today.

Do you need an affordable home ?

Rural Stirling Housing Association aims to support local communities by providing quality homes at affordable rents for families, couples and single people in housing need.

We currently have over 595 rented houses and flats. Around 40 of these become available for rent each year. We currently have properties in the following communities:

Aberfoyle • Doune • Killin • Strathyre Balfron • Drymen • Kinlochard Stronachlachar • Buchlyvie • Gargunnock Kippen • Tyndrum • Callander • Gartmore Lochearnhead • Deanston • Killearn Strathblane We may be able to build in other communities in the future – please let us know if you want to live in a village that is not listed above. Information on local housing need and demand helps us plan for the future.

www.kaygaragedoors.co.uk

If you are interested in renting one of our properties when they become available please contact us: Rural Stirling Housing Association Stirling Road, Doune FK16 6AA

01786 841101 enquiries@rsha.org.uk www.rsha.org.uk

Building affordable homes: growing rural communities

www.andrewbairdoptometrist.co.uk

Published by The BLS Newspaper Association 23

Remember, remember... ... the fifth of November, 2018...!

Well, we may not be having bonfire parties this year, but we can remember the amazing efforts of Strathyre Village two years ago when their Guys came out in force.

Photos by Emma Richards

PLACE MAKING SURVEY A total of 93 people completed the BLS Place Making Survey and while we analyse all of the data and views submitted here is a brief summary of how it is all looking.

There was a total of 59 responses from people residing or connected with Balquhidder and 34 responses from people residing or connected with Strathyre.

46 of the responses were from females, 42 from males and 5 respondents preferred not to answer this question.

While 5 responders preferred not

to provide their age the ages of the responders who provided information were as follows: Over 60 - 40 – 60 - 18 – 40 -

33 50 6

There is still a lot of work to do and once we are able to meet in person again it is intended to hold meeting so that the comments made through the survey can be discussed and explored.

Lochearnhead has already gone

through this process and once we have completed the work in Balquhidder and Strathyre we will pull all of the results, including the Community Action Plan data to form a three village Place Plan.

The following two charts show the combined scores for each of the themes in the survey. The ranking for this is as follows: - a score of 1 indicates that “There is a lot of room for improvement” and a score of 7 indicates that “There is little room for improvement.

Balquhidder Swimming Group We seem to be going from strength to strength - which might sound surprsing as winter approaches! But the stalwart swimmers meet once a week, (or twice, or more if the waves aren’t too high!) to brave the chilly depths of Loch Voil and enjoy the feelgood factor that results. Birthdays are celebrated, and water spirits are appeased (with spirits, of course) at the time of Samhain to welcome the ‘dark half’ of the year. And some of us are out there every single morning getting a daily fix - respect to you, Morven and Jane!

We’re not sure yet how long we can keep going before we all turn blue. But we enjoy a challenge... and there are always the big woolly hats...

Winter solstice swim, anyone?

Morven & Jane