The Villagers November 2018

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Villagers

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The Voice of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre & St Fillans • NOVEMBER 2018

Meet the Guys in

Strathyre

Celebrating the run up to Bonfire Night the Strathyre way!

Photos by Emma Richards

Editor’s Bit THANK YOU!!

A massive THANK YOU to all who contributed in any way to the MacMillan Coffee Morning in Balquhidder Hall on 28th September. We raised an amazing £567 which has been sent to MacMillan to help support individuals & families affected by cancer.

Carolyn Brooks With Christmas already on the horizon, I am sure many of you will be organised with cakes and puddings already in the store cupboard... and so you may be able to relax and plan your social diaries to include many of the local events we have dates for over the next couple of months.

We still have one more edition of The Villagers for this year, so any further events can be included in December, including the date for the newspaper’s AGM which will be in February 2019.

December will also be your last chance for this year to send your A Day in the Life Of... articles in.

Why not have a go? You could be in with a chance of winning the Sunday Brunch prize on offer from The Four Seasons Hotel.

The challenge was also extended to all our politicians... who have so far been either too busy - or too shy - to share their days with us, but I am still hopeful for a flurry of late entries!

JJ

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Balquhidder Village Hall

AGM

Tuesday 27 November 2018 7:30pm At the Village Hall All Welcome Balquhidder Village Hall SC007120 www.balquhidderhall.info

BALQUHIDDER, LOCHEARNHEAD AND STRATHYRE

Community Council Every four years there are elections to the Community Council. These have just been held and a number of our community councillors who have served many years decided not to stand again. As a result of this and in relation to the BLS CC there were only four nominations from the residents of the three villages.

The minimum number of elected councillors required to form our CC is six - so as of 23 October 2018 the three villages do not have a community council.

There are a number of other CCs in the Stirling area who are in the same situation. Enquiries with Stirling Council have so far ascertained that they have no current plans to hold new elections for CCs with insufficient nominations until the spring of 2019 - which leaves our three villages in limbo for the next four of five months.

H Year’s Day Dance Balquhidder New H

Dance to the Stuart McKeown Ceilidh Band 9pm to 1am

H H

Tickets from Andrew and Fiona Leishman 01877 384 752 to reserve or Balquhidder Hall website £12.50 with family concessions.

Raffle, whisky curling, tea and sandwiches.

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Strathyre News Christmas Boxes for the Tro ops Local mum Karen Trainor, whose son Gary is in the army, started a Christmas Box Appeal - and has worked really hard (through ill health) to complete her task.

We think she now deserves a hand - so we are appealing to our community to come together on Sunday 11th November at noon in Strathyre village hall and help by donating, filling and wrapping these boxes to get them ready in time to send out to our troops. What better day to do it than Remembrance Sunday.

We will then pay our respects at our village memorial service, so please come along or leave donations at Strathyre village shop. See our ad on the right!

Melanie Brydie

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th

NOV

Forestry Commission Field

11am – 4pm

Great Christmas gifts, Food & Drink, Christmas trees, Music and so much more.

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tttttttttttttttttttt Balquhidder, Lochearnhead & Strathyre

Horticultural Society are holding their annual

AGM

on 7 November 2018 7.30pm at The White Stag, Strathyre The Committee would like to welcome as many people as possible to try and support this local annual event. We are short of help - and the future of the Show is in doubt unless we can be sure of some extra hands for the 2019 event which will be on the 31st August.

If you enjoy growing, making, baking... or if you’d just like to help on the day, please come along.

Schedules for 2019 will be available at the meeting.

Hope to see you there!

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Lochearnhead Latest

CLACHAN COTTTAGE HOTEL

Hogmanay Dance Lochearnhead Village Hall

back by popular demand

Raband

To pre book tickets prior to the general release on December 1st please contact Helen on 01567 830388

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.

Winter is coming - so when the evenings get chilly, snuggle up in front of our blazing log burner...

Try our ‘smoked venison with grilled wild mushrooms’ accompanied by one of our 20 trendy gins.

Sample our fresh scallops from Loch Broome - and finish off with an old favourite: home made sticky toffee pudding, smothered with butterscotch sauce.

Hotel residents can take advantage of our free bikes or canoes to really explore the surrounding countryside. This gives our overseas visitors the chance to see Cycle Route 7 without the hassle of travelling with bikes.

Weddings and small functions are hosted by the Clachan.

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

Clachan Cottage Hotel • Lochside, Lochearnhead • Perthshire FK19 8PU info@clachancottagehotel.co.uk • 01567 830300

Concert at the Hall For those who don’t know me or my family all events in the Brotherston clan will end with music. For many years as a child my dad Ian and my uncle Andy would be off entertaining in a true Scottish folk night style. Recently with the addition of my cousin Adam, the guitars and bodhrans have been dusted off and together with several supporters we invited the “Callants” to Lochearnhead for one night only.

Saturday the 20th October saw the hall filled with local community supporters for a night of laughter and good old-fashioned sing along. From a man with an unusual ‘La Di Dum’, a ‘Wild Rover’ and even a brain teaser of how ‘I’m My Own Grandpa’ we partied the night away.

At the interlude we were awed by some local teenage talent. We invited Marc Fallon and his band of young people who wowed us with three tunes. We were all so impressed at their abilities and confidence and very eager to see how the future will unfold for these amazing kids. We cannot say thank you enough to the families supporting the band and more importantly the kids themselves for their professionalism and abilities.

We rounded off the evening joining together in more songs and stories including a rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland.

Our sincerest thanks to the Lochearnhead hall committee for running a successful bar, hopefully raising extra funds for maintenance. A thank you to Jimmy for his Stovies that saw us all stuffed at the break. And finally, to all who attended and helped raise £450 that will be shared between Strathyre Primary School and the Lochearnhead Christmas Party Fund.

We shall hope to see many more of the local community at out Christmas Coffee Morning on the 17th November. We will kick off at 12pm with local traders and festive activities for the kids. The Christmas Party this year will be Saturday the 15th December 12pm to 2pm where we will be joined by Magic Pete and perhaps a man in red.

Again, a sincerest thank you for the support shown we hope you all had as good a night as us.

Jamie Anderson (Vorlich Road) Dani Bird (Auchraw Brae) Hatti Harvey (Station House) and Christine Cameron (Glen Ogle Farm).

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BOOK REVIEW The Book of Dust Volume 1: La Belle Sauvage Philip Pullman It being half term holiday this month, I have chosen a slightly different book to review. Anyone who has younger grandchildren may already know of His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman’s award-winning trilogy. La Belle Sauvage is a prequel to that trilogy and follows on along the same lines of fantastic metaphysical allegory.

At the start of the novel we are lulled into a pleasant tale of life around a cosy pub on the banks of the Thames at Godstone just upstream of Oxford.

Here, all is normal, and we are in the world of hearty meals of meat pies and proper puddings with custard; ale and brandy wine. Malcolm is the publican’s 11-year-old son. He is a handy boy and does odd jobs for the nuns at the Priory across the river from the pub. However, his favourite pastime is exploring the river in his beloved canoe named La Belle Sauvage. The heroine of the book is 15-year-old Alice, who works in the pub washing the pots. Malcolm is wary of her as she is aloof and unfriendly. This changes when her bottom is pinched by a punter and she retaliates by smashing a tankard of beer and throwing the handle at the offender. Malcolm admires her spirit and soon they become friends and ultimately companions in the adventure which follows.

The children are tasked to rescue a baby, Lyra, of His Dark Materials fame, as a devastating flood drowns their familiar surroundings. Malcolm’s canoe is instrumental in their escape.

All the above does not do justice to a book stuffed with fantastic characters, good and bad. Malcolm and Alice have to navigate their way through the twists and turns of a great plot accompanied by their doppelganger daemons who shape shift, spy and counsel their humans at every turn. The baddie who is constantly on their tail is really evil and his daemon truly terrifying and disgusting.

Pullman uses this book to highlight the problems of climate change, inequality, criminal financial arrangements and the abuse of power. Never mind about it being written primarily for children - any adults with a vivid imagination and who like a scary fairy tale will love this too.

Doctors

BRACKLINN & LENY PRACTICES

Drs Strang & Scott and Drs Mathewson & Gibson Community Nurses

Both practices are in the process of employing a new GP. The new doctor will work with both practices but working days have yet to be agreed. The doctor will not be able to start until early 2019. I am sure you will all welcome our new team member, but we ask that you will be understanding that until this time both practices will be short staffed. Due to the serious shortage of GPs available in Scotland (which has been well publicised), we have worked very hard and are lucky to have secured a new doctor. The majority of GP practices now have unfilled positions and there is no short term resolution of this problem.

Both practices also work hard to recruit locum doctors but again this is challenging due to the national shortage and we are not always able to back fill for holiday leave etc.

Patient Focus Group We are holding another Patient Focus Group Meeting on Tuesday 6th of November 2018 from 1pm to 3pm. Only one person attended the last meeting and we are trying hard to get this group established. Our aim is for this group to eventually be patient led but with practice representation. This is a chance for you to be involved and have a say in future changes and challenges in General Practice under the new GP contract.

Pharmacy First Appointments are at a premium and there are many things your local Pharmacist can deal with under the Government funded Pharmacy First Scheme. Minor ailments such as eye infections, urinary infections, rashes, stings, tick removal etc can all be dealt with easily by the local Pharmacy teams. Please contact them in the first instance. This is a Government initiative and part of the new GP contract.

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The

St Fillans Bit The autumn events programme is well under way at The Four Seasons and has included a bit of a face lift for The Tarken with Beatles Month having being celebrated in earnest in October. Now we are looking forward to November and December with a few dates to note, including: Friday 16th November – Seafarers Night! We are introducing the rum collection of Beach Craft Spirits to Perthshire. One of only two craft rum distilleries in the country, we will be providing you with a taste of the sea - with crab, cockles, jellied eels and other local coastal delicacies, reminiscent of sandy beaches and crashing waves. Seafood platters and three rum samples - £20 per person.

Friday 30th November - St Andrews night ceilidh. Our old favourites, the Scottish Midges will be joining us to host a seasonal ceilidh supper, with reels and ‘pah-de-bahs’ in abundance.

Haggis, neeps and tatties supper included in ticket price of £20 per person.

Friday 7th December – Food and Wine Pairing Evening. Our last food and wine evening pairing evening of the year is looming with a winter theme and Richard in attendance to

Missing Ducks?

Hello!

We are frequent visitors to the area and we used to stop at the lay-by adjacent to The Four Seasons Hotel to feed the numerous ducks that seemed to be there in all weathers all the year round. We stayed for two weeks in the area this month and never saw any ducks whatsoever. I wonder if anyone there could tell us what has happened to them all.

Thank you in advance!

Alan Richards 6

chat us through the joys of food and wine.

Closed Monday 10th to Wednesday 19th December inclusive. Opening for lunch on Thursday 20th December in time for Christmas.

Christmas and New Year Festivities reservations essential!

Christmas Eve Dinner – A special St Nicholas’ dinner to celebrate Christmas, £75-00 for non-residents.

Christmas Day Dinner - £75-00 for nonresidents.

Boxing Day Bucks Fizz Brunch - £40-00 for non-residents Sunday 30th December – Tapas in The Tarken – leave behind the turkey for one evening and turn your mind back to sun, sea and sangria. We are recreating some

of the tastes of earlier this summer in The Tarken.

Hogmanay - Black tie dinner and entertainment by “Jock the Box” recently returned from playing at The Pentagon! - £95-00 for non-residents including entertainment and seeing in the bells!

New Year’s Day Bucks Fizz Brunch £40-00 for non -residents Closing Thursday 3rd January for seasonal winter closure, reopening Thursday 14th February with Valentines evening and weekend celebrations.

We hope you can join us for some of these seasonal events and look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Susan Susan F Stuart, Director

Countryfile Ramble A few St Fillans villagers decided that we’d get together and join the Countryfile Ramble 2018; this annual event is a fundraiser for BBC Children in Need.

We met in glorious sunshine on Saturday 6th October for our planned walk. Around 30 villagers took part, including 8 children and 1 dog. Our route, which mainly followed the Old Village Ruins - Morell Walk (published on www.stfillanscc.org), took us through both woodland and open

countryside enjoying wonderful views over Loch Earn. We covered around 10km, stopping at various points along the way to chat, take photos and eat our snacks.

Some of the walkers have discussed meeting on a more regular basis to enjoy exploring other walks. If this is something that you would be interested in, please contact me at ruth.graham75@btinternet.com to be included in future emails.

Achray House Hotel

The Achray House Hotel is on winter schedule from mid-October, which means we’re now open from Wednesday to Sunday. Over the weekend of 30 November (Friday) to 3 December (Sunday morning), the Achray House hotel is hosting a yoga weekend for overnight guests, led by the talented Cassandra Mansueto, with daily meditation and yoga sessions, and a chance to chat to Cassandra throughout the weekend about healthy living.

The hotel will close for our annual December break on 4 December, opening again on 21 December for the end-of-year celebrations. There’s still chance to book for Christmas lunch: phone Brad or Gemma at 01764 685320 or 0560 3684252 to secure a table. We’re honoured this year to have ‘The Midges’ for live entertainment on Hogmanay, leading us with their distinct music into 2019. The festivities culminate on 3 January 2019, when we close for the rest of January.

All our courses are now well underway in our autumn session and the Astronomy Group has joined with the Stirling Astronomical Society and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park for a free family event to take place on Saturday 17th November from 6.30-8.30pm at McLaren Leisure Centre. This is a Family Stargazing Evening with indoor and outdoor events including Star Gazing, Moon Watching, talks and activities for all ages. More information can be found at www.callanderlandscape.org For all information about our U3A and its activities please Google ‘Callander and West Perthshire U3A’. We welcome new members at any time of the year.

Kasia’s Co okin’... Pumpkin cake This is a super moist spice cake - simple, straightforward... a perfect autumn treat.

Pumpkin ‘delight’ with smooth and silky cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients to make the cake: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice ( 1/2 teaspoon each: ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground allspice, and ground ginger) 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil 4 large eggs 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (or 2 cups of homemade pumpkin puree) 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 ounces (224g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 3 cups (360g) sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice together in a large bowl. Set aside.

Whisk the oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin, and vanilla extract together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and use a mixer or whisk until completely combined. The batter will be thick.

Spread batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-36 minutes. Baking times vary. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. If you find the top or edges of the cake is/are browning too quickly in the oven, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.

Remove the cake from the oven and set the entire pan on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely.

Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand

mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. Spread the frosting on the cooled cake. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This helps sets the frosting and makes cutting easier.

The cake can be decorated with little fondant pumpkins.

Enjoy and smacznego!

Kasia

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Pin-Feathers*

*Once in demand by Victorian miniaturists, the tiny pin-feather comes from the leading edge of a woodcock’s wing and only two such feathers occur on each bird (one on each wing).

This month, Old Nyati is thinking about people’s changing attitudes towards guns.

My first ‘rant’ this month concerns an event in southern England.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, and a village in the New Forest decided to erect a metal statue of a soldier to commemorate the event.

However, the plan was rejected by councillors who claimed that the image of ‘Tommies carrying guns’ would cause offence to residents. Thankfully a petition was organised, and, at a full council meeting, the decision was reversed, and the statue, designed by the Royal British Legion, will be erected.

‘Rant’ number two: It is proposed that a new law will come into force which will prevent a parent allowing a supervised young person under the age of 18 to use a low powered air gun on land owned by the parent. This means that there can be no “plinking” at tin cans in order to teach safety, self-discipline and responsibility to a young person.

‘Rant’ number three: At the next Commonwealth games to be held in Birmingham in 2020 it is proposed that there will no longer be Clay Pigeon shooting competitions, Scotland did extremely well in the last games, the lame excuse being that there are no local facilities. Bisley however a renowned centre for teaching clay pigeon shooting, is not that far from Birmingham and one could be suspicious that this too is another ploy by the anti-lobby.

‘Rant’ number four: Shooting over council owned land in Wales is to be banned.

A professional investigation into the benefits to the rural economy was commissioned by the council at a cost of £48,000 of tax payer’s money, it proved conclusively that shooting does indeed provide sustainable benefits and employment in the countryside and contributes to the Welsh economy.

Despite this, the current decision is to go ahead with the ban.

What would those soldiers who died in two world wars think of all this?

Is the UK becoming a country where a large percentage of the population does not know how to behave, so more and more and more legislation is passed to try and address this problem 8

Edna Haydock

The statue in question

even though there are adequate laws in place already, provided they are enforced? The law-abiding person is then restricted and has to jump through hoops to satisfy the powers that be who cannot control the law breaker.

Let us stop for a moment and think of those many, many thousands of people who died in both great wars. Is this what they all died for? It was going to be called freedom.

Let us think and be thankful for what we have today, so many kind and loving friends in our communities, our health and happiness, let us pray for peace and the good common sense of our leaders.

Just take a moment to think of the horrors of death on those battlefields and the grief of bereaved families and be thankful for our own lives. And let us not forget: “For our tomorrow they gave their today”.

Margaret Mylne and family are sorry to announce that Edna Haydock passed away on 30th September 2018 at Sundial Nursing Home in Tipton St John, Devon. Edna and Margaret lived in Balquhidder Glen for 30 years, first at Stroneslaney Farmhouse and then at Bramblings in Auchtubh before moving to Devon in 2015 to be nearer to Margaret’s son Ken and family. Failing health meant that Edna lived most of her time in Devon in care homes, but was very well cared for and passed away peacefully.

Edna loved Balquhidder and the surrounding area and it was a great sadness that her illness prevented her ever returning to visit. She loved nothing more than walking the forest roads with her beloved poodles. She will of course also be remembered by readers of The Villagers for her weather reports which were a regular feature for nearly 30 years.

Margaret can be contacted c/o The Oaks, Barton Orchard, Tipton St John EX10 0AN.

Ringing Out for Peace - Armistice Day Marking the centenary of the first Armistice Day in 1918, on the 11th November at 7.05pm, Balquhidder Church will be one of 1000 cathedrals and churches ringing out their bells across the nation, and beyond, in celebration of Peace.

Balquhidder Church News A Note from St Angus I often marvel at how the good news about Jesus spread so quickly in the early days of the church. We hear of thousands believing, in some instances just by word of mouth without seeing Jesus (John Chpt 4). But then when you hear of something exciting the natural instinct is to share it.

In some small way I’ve had experience of this myself. I was joined on a walk in Killin by a Roman Catholic lady who told me about a preacher/writer in America called Richard Rohr. I went home and found him on YouTube. He is a Catholic priest and a Franciscan monk and I listened to him in fascination and delight - he just talks so much good sense. My immediate instinct was to share this so I immediately emailed Paddy over in Dunoon with the good news - she had already discovered him!

Had the early Church had access to our instant means of communication, the gospel might have spread even faster and further. On second thoughts - all the modern technology is such a distraction; would anyone have had time to think deeply about anything...?

I would urge anyone who has even a slight interest to go on YouTube and listen to Richard Rohr. The introductions can be a bit tedious, but stick with it and give him ten minutes. If you are not hooked, just switch off, nothing lost! His words are a lot more edifying than mine, so I leave you with him...

Lochearnhead Remembrance Commemoration 2018 The Commemoration will take place at the War Memorial Cross adjacent to the village shop on Sunday 11th November, start time 10.50am.

Please assemble from 10.30am to remember the Fallen from Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre, 28 WW1, 3 WW2 and those wounded in action then and conflicts since. Piping by Roger Sharp, wreath laying by representatives of Local Authorities and churches or any villager who wishes to commemorate a relative or comrade.

The Service will be conducted by Lt. Col (Retd.) Rory Gilchrist, late of the Black Watch - and Malcolm White, both St Angus Church.

MUSINGS FROM THE MANSE

The War to End All Wars This November will see the commemoration of a very special Remembrance Sunday as it will be the centenary of the Armistice of 1918. At the eleventh hour of the 11th day, of the eleventh month, the guns finally fell silent on the Western Front.

The previous four years had witnessed the most cataclysmic and horrendous war the world had ever seen. Little did anyone realise that only twenty years following the Armistice treaty in 1919 that an even more destructive war would begin. Such a thought could not have been envisaged then - just as 1914 could not have been imagined in 1900, given the hope, optimism and romanticism that had accompanied the beginning of the 20th century. The birth of the 20th century witnessed an incredible sense that Humanity was coming of age. The centuries of ignorance and superstition were over and the achievements of science and technology were heralding the coming of a new civilisation with unprecedented prosperity and material well-being. It was even thought by many economists that a European war was impossible given the inter-linked economies of the Great Powers. That was a false prediction! An apt metaphor for me is the story of Queen Victoria returning home from a visit to Ireland in the royal yacht a year before she died. At one point the boat was rocked by a particularly strong wave and the Queen sent instructions to the Admiral that it must not happen again! But just as the waves in the Irish Sea would not stand still, neither would the political and international waves caused by the clashing tectonic plates beneath the surface of 20th Century Europe which led to 1914 and all that subsequently unfolded.

These last four years we have commemorated the centenary of each stage of that great conflict. There have been countless documentaries and best-selling books. For me this has been a fascinating and personal journey as I remember my Grandfather with great respect and love. He was part of the British Expeditionary force at the battle of Mons in 1914. He lost three of his brothers in the war and he himself was severely wounded at the battle of the Somme in 1916. He is the main reason I am fascinated with history and I remember, vividly, and gratefully, his stories of that great conflict.

The great tragedy was that 1914 -1918 turned out not to be “the war to end all wars” but worse: the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 turned out to be “the peace to end all peace.” The seeds of further conflict in Europe and the Middle East were sown at this time and their effects are still with us today. Now I know it is easy to judge with the benefit of hindsight and I realise that decision making in all events are made in “real time” within the complexity and messiness of history as it is experienced. Nonetheless, I am left feeling quite depressed about the human situation. As an observer in these matters it seems to me that the 21st Century started with great fanfare and optimism and once again science and technology have been heralded as the bringers of a brave new world. Certainly the world is changing fast and often in weird and wonderful ways. Yet as we Christians say, “the heart of the problem is the problem of the heart.” No amount of science and technology can turn us into moral and spiritual beings. That process involves both the grace and presence of God and a disciplined and focussed life and there are no shortcuts here. For me the great sadness of 1914 was that all across Europe the Cross of Christ was wrapped in the National flags of European nations. Christianity proved to be only skin deep. Today, in our contemporary society it isn’t even that! The great German atheist philosopher Nietzsche once declared that “the only true Christian died on the cross!” In my darker moments I almost believe he was right. However, deep down I know I have a conviction that the redemption of individuals and yes, even nations is possible (otherwise I would be out of a job!) The power of the Christian Gospel is still today what it was in the beginning (Romans 1:16) What challenges we will face both domestically and internationally as this new Century unfolds, who can say. But what I do believe is that we will need God perhaps more than ever. Just a thought!

Russel

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Local History: The Balquhidder Angling Club

by Owen McKee

Ross McLaren, who is the nephew of Mary Malcolm and Tina Twaddle - two (now deceased) natives of Lochearnhead, has passed to me a hand-written minute book for The Balquhidder Angling Club which was instituted in 1913. It makes interesting reading! Here is the fourth selection of entries from the book.

Kingshouse, Balquhidder, 17th May 1016 A general meeting of the Club was held on the above date. Mr McIntyre, Stronslaney was called to the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. a deputation from Loch Earn Angling Club was present, the members of which expressed their willingness to amalgamate the two clubs. On the motion being put to the meeting it was unanimously agreed that the two clubs should be united under the name of the Balquhidder and District Angling Club. Mr J McLaren was appointed secretary of the club. Mr Peter McGregor made a statement on the financial status of the Loch Earn Club showing a balance in hand of £5-15-6. This sum to be handed over to the secretary of the new club. The amount standing at the cre3dit of the Balquhidder Club was £3-5-71/2 making the total funds of the new club £9-1-11/2.

May 29th, 1916 A competition was held on this day at Loch Lubnaig. There were sixteen entries and it was agreed by the committee to have eight prizes: - 15/-, 12/6,10/-.8/-,7/-.6/-,5/-, and 4/-. Prize of 2/6 for the heaviest trout presented by Mr P. McGregor. Prize of 1/6 and 2 ash trays for heaviest trout (I don’t understand that one either) And for boatman of best fished boat 1/4lb of tobacco.

Weather was dull and calm in the early part of the day but improved in the afternoon. The total catch was 29lb 2oz. Prize-winners were: 1st P, McGregor, 4lb,12oz., 2nd McDiarmid 3lb 4oz, 3rd J. McLaren 2lb 7oz, 4th P. McLaren 2lb 4oz, 5th H. Campbell 2lb 2oz, 6th A Fergusson 2lb1oz, 7th, A. McGregor 1lb 13oz, 8th Fergusson 1lb 12oz.

Consolation Prize. D. McNaughton. Six heaviest trout P. McGregor. Heaviest trout P. McGregor. It was agreed to hold a competition on Loch Voil on Saturday 3rd June Mr Munroe’s boats were free.

3rd June 1916 A competition was held on Loch Voil on above date. There were sixteen competitors.

Prizes were fixed as follows: 12/6,10/-,8/-.7/-.6/.5/-.4/-.3/-. For six heaviest trout 2/- presented by Mr P McGregor. For heaviest trout 1/6. The Loch was in good order after the heavy rain earlier in the week and good sport was obtained, the total catch being 73lb1oz. The excellence of the sport made some of the competitors forgetful of the flight of time with the result that four boats were disqualified. All accepted the decision like true sportsmen though some heavy baskets were “thrown” Prizes were awarded as follows:1st A. McEwen 7lb1oz 2nd, Alex McGregor 5lb9oz 3rd J. Todd 5lb8oz. 4th H. McDiarmid 5lb5oz, 5th, D. McNaughton 4ib7oz. 6th R. Graham 3lb10oz 7th H. Campbell 3lb4oz, 8th D. McIntyre 2lb 8oz. Six Heaviest trout. D. McNaughton. Heaviest trout D. McNaughton and D. McIntyre, Equal. Certainly, sounds like a very good day was had by all.

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Callander

Ramblers Club

Sponsored by Caledonian Country Wear

The Club consists of a group of enthusiasts who meet regularly throughout the year to participate in a programme of strolls, rambles, hill walks and a Long Distance Path. Details are published on incallander.co.uk/ ramblers.htm in the Ben Ledi View and on posters around Callander.

New members and guests are always welcome. Here are some dates for your diary: NOVEMBER • Wed 7th 9:30 Ramble: Pools of Muckhart Circular (8½ miles) Contact 07737682426 • Sat 17th 8:30 Hill: Doughnot Hill (374m, 6miles) Contact 01877 339080 • Wed 28th 9:30 Stroll: Denovan and Dales Wood (4 miles) Contact 01786 825682 DECEMBER • Wed 5th 9:30 Hill: Craigmore (Aberfoyle) (387m) Contact 01877 331834 We meet in Ancaster Square, unless otherwise indicated. Please bring wet weather clothing, appropriate footwear and a packed lunch. And please let the walk leader know if you plan to join the walk via the contact number given!

Visitors and non-members welcome.

THE STIRLING MEMBERS’ CENTRE The Stirling Members’ Centre numbers about 220 people and membership is £5 per annum for individuals or £8 per annum for a complete household at one address. When joining you will enjoy membership rates immediately but there will be no membership charge until the start of the financial year in October 2019 and you only pay for the talks.

We welcome new members who are also members of the National Trust for Scotland, but anyone who is not a member of the NTS will be welcome to any of our talks subject to places being available. The current rates for winter talks are £5pp for members or £6pp for guests. Please come along – we are a friendly bunch!!

Our programme of talks held in the St Ninian’s church hall from October 2018 to March 2019 is as follows: Tuesday 13th November 2018 at 2.30 pm The Gargoyles of Gargunnock A Medieval Acapella Singing Group •

Monday 10th December 2018 at 2.30 pm Steam Railways in Central Scotland illustrated talk by Jim Summers & Stuart Sellar • Monday 14th January 2019 at 2.30 pm Stirling Royal Infirmary – the first 50 Years illustrated talk by Craig Mair • Monday 18th February 2019 at 2.30 pm Plant Life Scotland illustrated talk by Alistair Whyte • Monday 18th March 2019 at 2.30 pm Chinese Imperial Court Costume (1644-1911) illustrated talk by David Rosier

• Contact details: Sandy & Margaret Moreland Joint Secretaries 01259 761700 stirlingnts@gmail.com or see website: www.spanglefish.com/ntsstirling

Hallelujah in Valencia Three days prior to visiting a friend in Valencia, he texted to inquire whether I would be interested in joining him in singing Hallelujah in a choir, on the evening of my arrival.

Some background first: although my friend is an academic earning a living as a linguist at Valencia university, he is also an extremely talented musician. He plays cello in his own Baroque ensemble as well as with an 80 piece orchestra.

He also plays classical piano and sings contralto in various choirs. He has pretty high musical standards and expectations - which he assumes all others have!

Arriving at my friend’s flat, I had a black folder thrust into my hands - and after chucking a few morsels of cheese down my throat, we set off somewhere! We arrived at a swanky hotel - and I suddenly felt out of place in my trainers, jeans and t-shirt. But the worst was yet to come.

We entered a very large auditorium, where I clocked that everyone was dressed in their finery. When I say ‘everyone’, I mean around 500 people! Reaching the front I noticed the first twenty rows were occupied by young people wearing university gowns and colours. I suddenly realised this was a graduation.

So there I was, in a choir... all of whom were wearing their black outfits... and me in trainers and t-shirt. On opening the folder for the first time I realised that it wasn’t Leonard Cohen’s version of Hallelujah we were about to sing - but the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. Anyway, we set set off at a fair lick, and I was just about holding on till half way through, when it dawned on me that I was holding the music upside down. What was one to do? I quickly decided that the best reaction was - none. So for the remainder I continued to mime - to upside down music!

The upside of the experience, though, was that after the concert there were trays full of canapés - and a free bar.

Ian Inglis

Concert at St Mary’s, Aberfoyle • 18th November 2018 at 3pm

Voskresenije Choir of St Petersburg

SEEING STARS

by Keith Wilson

NOVEMBER You should be an expert now at finding the constellation of Orion as it has featured in this column several times over the past few years.

This month we are going to focus on just one of Orion’s stars - the red supergiant Betelgeuse. It is the bright orange/red star at the top left of the constellation. It is one of the largest and most luminous stars visible to the naked eye. Take a look at it when you see Orion in the night sky because its days are numbered!

Someday soon this star is going to run out of fuel and collapse under its own weight and then rebound in a spectacular explosion called a supernova. When this happens it will be a very bright object for weeks or even months and it will likely be visible during the day. Luckily for us when Betelgeuse explodes it won’t harm life here on Earth as it is too far away from Earth.

So when is ‘someday soon’? It will happen soon (astronomically speaking) but that could be tomorrow or a million years in the future.

The vocal ensemble Resurrection -Voskresenije in Russian - was founded by Jurij Maruk in 1993. It consists of seven to ten professional female and male vocalists.

The repertoire of the ensemble includes Russian Sacred Music as well as folk music. Guest performances in Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Austria, the UK, France and Italy have met with great success, and the choir has recorded several CDs of their repertoire, which includes some specially composed arrangements of Burns songs by John McIntosh.

The Choir has performed at St Mary’s in 2014 to a packed audience. Their performance is not to be missed.

Reserve a place by email to concerts0310@yahoo.co.uk or online from http://stmarychurchaberfoyle.org.uk/?page_id=124 We ask for Donations for our concerts so that Gift Aid (if you wish) can be claimed by us.

11

Balquhidder Pulling Together!

For once the weather gods decided to smile upon the Broadband Project...

On Sunday 28th October at 10am (after having had an extra hour’s sleep) thirty happy volunteers turned out to Balquhidder Hall to be briefed and divided into teams to pull fibre through a 5km section of the Glen.

Most didn’t have a clue as to what lay in front of them - but the sun was splitting the blue sky, and it would be a pleasant stroll up the hill with good company to chat to. By and large it was a fun experience - apart from a couple of very muddy bits (isn’t mud supposed to be good for the complexion?)

There was a welcome soup break, courtesy of Dick Lewis, when we reached Monachyle two thirds of the way through, providing sufficient energy for the final part of the day’s programme.

We completed as the sun was setting. Everyone admired the wonderful views, with the added satisfaction of an excellent day’s work by the community for the ultimate benefit of all.

12

Scottish Wildlife Trust

National Park Conservation Charity Celebrates 40th Anniversary Milestone

CALLANDER LOCAL GROUP TALKS PROGRAMME 2018-19 Meetings start at 7:30pm Kirk Hall, Church St, Callander FK17 8BN Tuesday 13th November ‘18 Curlew Conservation Irene Tomankova RSPB, Conservation Scientist • Tuesday 11th December ‘18 Drumardoch Estate – Environmental Stewardship on an Upland Business Neil Cameron, Drumardoch Estate Pictured at the Friends 40th anniversary tree planting event at Balloch Castle Country Park are Jackie Baillie MSP (second from the left) and James Fraser , Chairman of the Friends (second from the right) with schoolchildren and others from Balloch & Haldane Community Council and Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh.

Tuesday 8th January ‘19 Trossachs Water Vole project: how are they doing?

Steve Willis, FES Project Officer Trossachs Water Vole Project • Tuesday 12th February ’19 Red Kites in Scotland Duncan Orr-Ewing RSPB Scotland’s Head of Species and Land Management • Tuesday 12th March ’19 Management of Healthy River Systems Jonathan Louis River Forth Fisheries Trust Project Officer • Tuesday 9th April ‘19 Gardening with Wildlife + very brief AGM Suzanne Burgess, Buglife Scotland Manager Suggested donations to cover costs: Members £2, non-members £2.50 students free includes tea/coffee & biscuits

Local Contact: Lesley Hawkins 01877 339080 mlhawkins@tiscali.co.uk General information available on swt.org.uk

Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, the independent conservation charity for Scotland’s first National Park, recently marked the 40th anniversary of their inaugural meeting in the Balloch Hotel, with the planting of 40 trees in Balloch Castle Country Park with the help of local schoolchildren from Balloch & Haldane Primary School and Hermitage Academy as part of their ongoing conservation efforts.

Local MSP Jackie Baillie presented the schoolchildren with young conservation volunteer certificates and Gillian Neil of West Dunbartonshire Council’s Ranger Service and Jim Biddulph, Secretary of Balloch & Haldane Community Council were present to support the event.

Jackie Baillie said: ‘’ I was delighted to take part in this event and it was great to see the enthusiasm of local schoolchildren planting trees around the edge of the walled garden in Balloch Castle Country Park which was at its spectacular best bathed in glorious Autumnal colours.

This was a very fitting way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the pioneering Friends conservation charity who have done so much over the years to protect and enhance the special qualities of Loch Lomond and the wider area for the benefit of people and nature.’’

Friends Chairman, James Fraser said: ‘’ It is a fine testament to the late and energetic Dr. Hannah Stirling MBE, the late Professor Gavin Arneil and other founding members that the Friends is still a vibrant organisation, as relevant today as it was back in 1978, upholding the original vision of trying to make a difference and helping to care for what is a very special place enjoyed by millions of people from home and overseas.’’

He added: ‘’ It doesn’t seem that long ago that Dr Hannah Stirling MBE and others formed the Friends and gathered an impressive 200,000 signatures, in pre-internet days, to prevent a major pumped storage hydro scheme destroying Ben Lomond, which was saved for the nation and eventually transferred to the National Trust for Scotland to care for.’’

The Friends were at the forefront of the campaign to secure National Park status for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and over the years with the help of many individuals, businesses and other organisations have delivered a large and diverse number of access, conservation and heritage projects throughout the National Park.

Each year the Friends support many projects with funding raised through the OUR park visitor giving scheme and donations from many individuals and businesses.

Current projects include restoring and improving access to the Lauder Mounument in Cowal; creating a family friendly path linking Helensburgh, Luss and Arrochar; improving and maintaining the site of Tom Weir’s Statue at Balmaha, supporting the Mountains and People ‘frontier’ mountain paths restoration programme; delivering an eco-tourism programme of activity and campaigning for better visitor management arrangements and infrastructure at tourist hotspots throughout the National Park.

For more information on the Friends, call 01389 727761 email info@lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk or visit www.lochlomondtrossachs.org.uk 13

Ranger’s Review

by Gareth Kett

Following its 48th Session in South Korea, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has just released a special report on climate change, following an assessment of 6,000 peerreviewed studies. It provides a grim view of the world’s future.

According to the report the world stands on the brink of failure when it comes to holding climate change to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels and there is only a decade to try to cut emissions adequately(1). 1.5C is the rise at which scientists agree climate mayhem could occur, including increased extinction rates, extreme weather events, heatrelated morbidity and extreme food shortages.

The past decade has seen an astonishing run of record-breaking storms, forest fires, droughts, coral bleaching, heat-waves (2), rising seas and floods globally. The world has already warmed by about 1C since the industrial revolution and is on track to reach 1.5C around 2040 and a disastrous 3C by the end of the century (1).

The IPCC report states that climate change related impacts on the environment will be extreme. For example, even if global warming is limited to 1.5C most of the world’s coral reefs will be lost in the next 30 years.

Research indicates that to protect half of the world’s coral reefs, we need to limit global temperature rise to 1.2C (1).

The report goes on to say that the pathways to avoiding an even hotter world require a swift and complete transformation not just of the global economy, but of society too. While still possible, keeping global warming to 1.5C would require unprecedented changes including cutting the use of coal-powered electricity to practically zero by 2050, reform of agriculture and forestry, adoption of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, reduction of meat production and consumption, and removal of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Carbon emissions would need to be cut by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 and to reach “net zero” by around 2050 (1). Planting of more forests would be integral. Forests currently remove 25% of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (2), but this needs to be much more.

Looking outside as I write the rain is pouring down, there has been localised flooding in recent days and more serious flooding is forecast for Wales. Is this due to climate change? What signs of climate change can we see locally?

14

Rising sea-levels threaten coastal housing

According to the Committee on Climate Change average temperatures in Scotland have increased in line with global trends, with average temperatures around 1°C higher than they were a century ago. Annual rainfall over Scotland has increased since the 1970s, to a level 13% above the average for the early decades of the 20th Century (3). These increases are almost certainly caused by global warming, but flood events are hard to link directly to climate change as flooding tends to be caused by large amounts of rain in short periods of time, rather than by increased averages.

More certain is that our sea-levels are rising. Long-term monitoring of sealevel at stations around the UK including Aberdeen shows the mean sea-level for 2006-2008 was more than 100mm higher than during the 1920s (3). Our upland plants are also showing signs of global warming. According to a BBC report from 2012 our alpine plants are on the retreat and are starting to be replaced by plants suited to warmer environments (4). According to studies from the Universities of Edinburgh, Exeter and Sheffield (5), caterpillar populations are peaking early meaning that insectivorous bird nestlings are missing out on an important food source.

Migratory birds such as pied flycatchers and wood warblers are particularly badly affected as they are less able to respond to domestic conditions.

These changes are gradual and perhaps hard to appreciate. More obvious has been the arrival of two new species of butterfly, the comma and the speckled wood, and a passerine (perching bird), the nuthatch. Just this summer, seasonal ranger Rob Lee-Travis recorded the first two speckled woods in the area near St. Fillans, while I recorded the first comma in the area in Glen Ogle back in 2015.

Both these were upland northern range extensions. Having arrived in the area around five years ago nuthatches have been steadily increasing in number and now appear well established. While the change in distribution of these species is linked to global warming (6)(7), it

© cdn.blog.ucsusa.org.

Comma

© Rosemary Peattie

could be seen as a rare positive aspect of climate change.

Tackling climate change is one of the key themes in the National Park Partnership Plan which was launched earlier this year. The Plan outlines the challenges that climate change poses to the National Park’s biodiversity, local communities and economy, including flood risks to vulnerable areas of the National Park such as Strathfillan and the Loch Lubnaig basin, pressure on native species to adapt to a wetter climate, emergence of new plant diseases and prolonged, intense periods of rain increasing the risk of landslides – particularly on heavily grazed land.

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority (LLTNPA) is working with communities, land managers and partner organisations to reduce the impacts of climate change. For example, in a partnership between LLTNPA, Scottish Natural Heritage and landowners at Auchlyne and Suie Estate large areas of peatland are being restored. Peatlands have been forming since plants colonised after of the last Ice-Age around 10,000 years ago, when they formed part of the Caledonian Forest mosaic. Each year a layer of sphagnum moss dies, but in an acidic, oxygen poor environment, doesn’t decompose completely. As layer upon layer builds up peatland forms storing thousands of years of carbon. In good condition it holds this carbon, but when over-grazed, drained or burnt the surface layer becomes damaged and decomposes releasing carbon dioxide.

LLTNPA recently drafted a Climate Change Action Plan focusing on reducing our carbon footprint, restoring peatlands, encouraging woodland expansion and awareness-raising;

AL

R LP

O

D CEE

S GO TO THE AIR AM BU LA NC E !

Nuthatch - new bird on the block

8th

December

2018

Speckled Wood

climate change has recently been added to the Ranger Service education programme. In 2016/17, we reduced our carbon footprint by around 20% by, amongst other things, reducing the size of our vehicle fleet, replacing old vehicles with electric or hybrid vehicles and switching to low-energy lighting.

Woodchip is used to fuel the heating system at the NPA headquarters in Balloch.

November is LLTNP Climate Change Awareness Month. We will be sharing information and advice to staff across the organization, helping them take steps personally to help tackle climate change.

Please take time yourselves to think about climate change/global warming and the steps that you can take to help the world’s population and ecosystems face the impacts of global warming. It’s a challenge that faces every one of us. We can’t afford to turn away.

As usual if you have anything you wish to discuss or any wildlife sightings to report you are welcome to drop into the Lochearnhead Office, or you can contact me by e-mail at gareth.kett@ lochlomond-trossachs.org, or call me on 01389 722044. If I’m not in the office please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. And please keep an eye-out on the roads for squirrels fattening-up or hording caches of nuts and acorns for the winter. Their road awareness isn’t great!

Christmas Tree Festival Balquhidder Church and Hall Decorated trees of all shapes and sizes

Carol singing and festive performances Candlelit procession, food and wine, Callander Brass

Come and enjoy a magical evening Programme 5pm The evening starts at Balquhidder Church, with carols and mulled wine, as you take your time to admire the decorations.

6pm The walk down to the Hall, by tree-light! Accompanied by Christmas music from the forest dwellers.

6.15pm The Tree Festival opens its doors and you’ll see which of the fabulous tree creations have won prizes. Christmas carols by Callander Brass and refreshments for all, including fish and chips at 7pm 8pm - 9pm Charity Auction - an unmissable opportunity to bid for some fantastic prizes and experiences! Remember - all the money raised goes to the Air Ambulance

If you are feeling inspired to submit a ‘tree’ you can do this either on the Balquhidder Hall website or by seeing Janet at the Strathyre shop.

References

•https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/ climate-change/intergovernmental-panel-on-climatechange-due-to-release-special-report/news-story/0b0081c a1272f7cde1cac0ac74cab57d https://www.nationalgeographic.com/ environment/2018/10/ipcc-report-climate-changeimpacts-forests-emissions/ https://www.theccc.org.uk/2016/09/27/action-underwayto-prepare-for-climate-change-in-scotland-but-extent-ofprogress-hard-to-assess/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-scotland-18512567/ highland-landscape-shows-signs-of-climate-change https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/04/23/ warming-climate-leaves-birds-hatching-late-caterpillarharvest/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-40768575 https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/lookout-for-the-speckled-wood-butterfly

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15

McLaren High School The STEM Festival 2018 On 8 September 2018 McLaren High School held its first ever STEM Festival – a celebration of the work in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths from pupils across the McLaren cluster.

An incredible array of projects were on show and the judges on the day noted that this festival rivalled those nationally. The work at McLaren High School was highlighted by HMI as a key strength of the School.

Our STEM initiative was launched approximately 18 months ago and many of our pupils have been working on projects throughout that period with a view to showcasing them at the STEM Festival. In the background our young people and staff have been working together to create an unbelievable range of projects ranging from Laser Harps to Bioluminescent Algae.

Senior STEM Projects Forty four of our S4-S6 pupils displayed their STEM projects for judging (twenty five girls and nineteen boys). All of the projects were finished to an extremely high standard - in some cases we had pupils who started their projects while in S2 and were working on Advanced Higher level material. Some of the projects included:

• WINNER Eve Abernethy built a model artificial pancreas and tested it in different solutions • Katie Bell built a solar powered water purification system • Florence Dimeo carried out an investigation using electric paint to create a drawing which interacted with a user • Beth Dunlop carried out a study into bioluminescent algae to determine the factors which influence their luminescence • Niamh Gillespie designed and built an array of micro wind turbines to provide electricity inside building materials • Matthew Johnston built a rocket launcher and carried out an investigation into the effects on flight depending on the material used for the rocket 16

Florence Dimeo • Natalie Klaes carried out a study into the accuracy of eyewitness testimony • Michael Limonci designed and created his own playable games controllers • Hannah MacCallum carried out a study into how Mathematics is used in Origami and how Origami is used in engineering • Ross Ronald designed and built a working model ski lift that was 2 metres long and operated at a 30-degree slope Involvement in these projects develop our pupils’ problem-solving, resilience and self-directed learning as well as a host of other relevant 21st Century skills.

The dedication of our young people was clear and the Big Bang judges certainly had their work cut out for them. All of the STEM link teachers were so very proud of our young people who proved once again that McLaren is a school punching way above its weight.

The STEM festival was also a qualifying heat for Big Bang UK – a national Science and Engineering Competition – and therefore a number of our pupils will be travelling to the Big Bang UK Finals in Birmingham next March.

Primary School Robotics Competition With our support many of our associated primaries delivered a block of content on robotics and space. Pupils were taught how to build and program the Lego Mindstorms robots to complete challenges focusing on a space theme.

Each school entered teams to compete against each other in a number of challenges on the day. On the day of the STEM festival, our ‘Tomorrows Engineers’ UK Winners assisted the running and judging of the competition.

Andrew and Jamie

McLaren High School Pipe Band The McLaren High School Pipe Band has been busy since the new term started.

On 10 September they were invited to play for a delegation of over 40 Taiwanese delegates at Callander Youth Project. The band played for over half an hour, including solos from James Douglas, Catriona Norman and Eion Brennen, to the delight of the delegates who really enjoyed the Scottish entertainment.

Then on Saturday 15 September the Band, along with pupils from the Balfron High School Pipe Band, were invited to join the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, where they played a number of tunes along with the SFO in front of an audience in excess of 1,000 people.

The pupils were a credit to themselves and the School who were very proud of their brilliant performances. What an amazing experience for our young people! Congratulations to Catriona Norman who had her debut as the official SFO Piper on the evening and opened the concert and the second half playing solo!

The band were also tasked with taking part in a ’buskathon’ around the McLaren area over 2 weekends to raise much needed funds. Well done to Eion and Catriona who travelled to Loch Katrine, Andrew and Jamie who busked at Kilmahog and Cameron who travelled to Stirling—all raising funds for the Band.

If anyone would be interested in sponsoring the Pipe Band please contact Ms Webster at the school.

The Pipe Band in Glasgow

Eion and Catriona

visit our website: www.mclarenhigh.co.uk 17

As I sit down to write this month’s article, I think it’s fair to say after the weather we’ve experienced over the past few days, and in the aftermath of the first named storm this year, Storm Ali, it looks like the decent weather is over for the year! Although it was not the worst of weather we’ve experienced locally, Storm Ali took its toll with numerous trees down across roads, as well as downed power and phone lines. I am always amazed at the Storm Ali caused extensive damage to trees across Scotland and the UK community spirit locally and I would like to thank those members of the stolen, along with an Ifor Williams from the edge of the carriageway, and local community who assisted with trailer and Argo cat from the Forestry it will require some “engineering” to hand saws/chainsaws to clear trees Commission offices in Aberfoyle. A allow a barrier to be put up. In terms of and branches from roads. I think few weeks before, a tracked quad the Strathyre pedestrian crossing, work staff in the police control room were bike was also taken from this location. is going to be done looking at where scratching their heads as to how Again, I would ask that members of the people currently cross, as well as traffic I was able to go to an incident and community with quads or similar ATVs volumes on the road. One of the major clear from it shortly afterwards, consider their security measures. hurdles for that project in particular will when other areas were left with I have also been involved in a number be that on the East side of the road, there no free resources as they were tied of discussions in recent weeks in regard is currently no pavement for people to up for hours in some cases waiting to road safety in the area. Over the past cross onto, and vehicles are regularly on someone to clear the tree from year or so a number of discussions have parked on that side. Neither of these the road! Only with the welcome been held looking at various different projects will be resolved overnight, and generous assistance of the elements. On Monday 17th September, but it will be great to see both come I met with Traffic Scotland, Councillors to fruition, particularly the Strathyre community.

This past month we’ve seen more thefts across the area, so I would ask that people remain vigilant once again.

Over the weekend of the 31st August to the 3rd September, persons stole 1000 litres of diesel and a number of tools from the forestry site at Auchdubh in Balquhidder. To access the site would have required a 4x4 vehicle.

In addition to this incident, a similar incident occurred within the Glen Dochart forest near to Lix Toll. Persons have smashed all the windows on a forwarder machine which was parked up and stole items from within the cab.

They also drained all the fuel from the tank.

There have been other thefts in the surrounding areas, with two males making efforts to steal a boat and trailer from St Fillans around the same weekend. The two males were in a white Ford Transit van and they made off in the direction of Lochearnhead.

A vehicle similar in description has been seen locally on a number of occasions acting in a suspicious manner.

The vehicle has been seen in Keip Road, Strathyre where it appeared to be paying close attention to one particular property, and it was also seen at a yard at Balquhidder where there have been previous thefts. If anyone sees a similar vehicle, please obtain the registration if possible and get in touch with me.

On Sunday 16th September a Toyota Hilux and a Ford Ranger pickup were 18

Martin Earl and Jeremy MacDonald, and members of the BLS Community Council to discuss road safety in the local area. As a result of the meeting, Traffic Scotland have agreed to carry out works at Lochearnhead by painting “30” roundels on the road, similar to what we have in other villages. Work is also going to be done on the entrance signs to both Lochearnhead and Strathyre on a rolling basis, in order to create “gateway signs” on the approaches to each village.

Work is still ongoing in regard to the proposed pavement extension within Lochearnhead. The proposed extension would take the pavement from the watersports centre along to the entrance of Auchraw Brae. The community council have agreed to assist Transport Scotland in obtaining the required permissions from the various landowners involved. Hopefully we should see work commencing soon, which will be great to see the end of project that began apparently back in 1984!

Traffic Scotland have also agreed to do feasibility work into the provision of crash barriers on the A85 through Glen Ogle, and also look at a potential pedestrian crossing in Strathyre.

Both of these projects would assist in increasing road safety in the area but do have a number of issues that would need to be resolved to see them being implemented.

In the case of the crash barriers, there are stretches of the road where the embankment drops straight down

pedestrian crossing which I have been involved in several discussions about over the past few years. By working with the community, themselves, we can hopefully get a crossing in place in the near future (and not in 20 years’ time like the Lochearnhead pavement!).

If anyone has any information surrounding any of the crimes of note that I’ve highlighted, please get in touch.

As always, I can always be contacted on 101 or for those who prefer email, I can be contacted directly at william. diamond@scotland.pnn.police.uk.

Regards, PC Will Diamond

SCAMBUSTERS

We are all familiar with the stories about the knock on the door and the offer to tarmac your drive for some cash, often resulting in the weeds breaking through in a few weeks! That is just one of the scams and cons that many of us grew up hearing about. The direct ‘knock on the door’ still happens and we would all do well to remember that if the offer appears too good to be true then it usually is.

However, over the past few years we have seen a huge growth in the more sophisticated frauds. Now our phone and the internet offer unlimited opportunities for criminals to bombard us with scams designed to part us from our hard-earned money. These range from the mass e mailings that only need a few people to be hoodwinked to realise a handsome return to those very sophisticated, almost individually tailored scams that can appear extremely convincing.

I also want to see far more severe penalties introduced for those that profit from nuisance calls. Earlier this year I introduced a Bill in the House of Commons that would ensure the owners of companies that rip people off are held accountable. We must keep up the pressure on the Government to introduce the reforms needed. There

should be no hiding place for those that seek to profit from this insidious industry.

With the seemingly endless variety of cons being thought up it is imperative that people are well informed and that we all understand the bear traps constantly being laid in our path. Just last week I was told of a con involving cold calling that informs homeowners their cavity wall insulation could be failing and the helpful company on the end of the phone or on your doorstep will, for a fee of course, sort it all out – Beware.

With everyone being told to get online and the apparently unstoppable move to a digital future I am increasingly concerned that many of us are unable to keep pace with the continuous evolution and inventiveness of the fraudsters.

Our society cannot simply push people on to this digital pathway without doing everything possible to ensure they are fully equipped to combat the threat. We constantly upgrade our antivirus software on our computer for good reason. We need to do the same personally to keep pace.

Always remember - Never give your bank or card details to anyone asking for it unless you are completely confident.

Do not be taken in by notifications that

something you use or subscribe to is about to be terminated or suspended.

People with Paypal accounts are getting such e mails at the moment. I would ask that we all look out for friends, neighbours and family members that may be more vulnerable to being cheated. I have heard some terrible stories of life savings stolen and lives devastated. Do not be nervous about contacting the Police if you think someone is being taken advantage of.

I have organised a ‘Scambusters’ event that will allow people to hear directly from organisations such as Trading Standards, Police and the highly respected Which? Organisation.

This will be the opportunity to find out about a range of scams and some simple checks you can put in place to minimise the risk to you and your family.

The event is at the Mayfield Centre on Wednesday 7 November from 6.30pm to 8pm. Should you be unable to come in person contact my office and I will send you details of the presentations that were given. 01786 475034 or Stephen. kerr.mp@parliament.uk

19

A Day in The Life of... ...a Dog Sitter!

A day in the life of a dog sitter in Balquidder is nothing if not varied but much of course, depends on the time of year and the weather! Blessed with wonderful mountains and marvellous scenery on the doorstep, there are no end of possible hikes, rambles and strolls available and black Labradors, Rory and Ollie (Johnston) are always ready for an adventure! Having ‘dog sat’ on three occasions with Rory and Ollie, aka The Boys, this is a flavour of some of those days.

A typical day begins at 7am when we get up to let The Boys into the garden. Their response never changes: they charge out of the door, eager to discover what has encroached on their territory during the night. This takes only a few minutes and they’re back in to see what’s next on the agenda. This is followed by a walk ‘around the block’, i.e. a potter down to Loch Voil and then home for breakfast. (The Loch in the early morning when the surface is like glass, must be one of the most peaceful places on earth and it’s possible to lose track of time just taking in the stillness).

With breakfast over, now comes the exciting part of the day for sitters and dogs. If the weather’s good and we’ve planned a day’s walk up Schiehallion, Ben Lawers, Ben Ledi, Ben Vorlich (where we had to turn back near the summit one time because of the snow) or Ben Vane, we pack the car with a picnic and rucksacks, dog treats and extra clothes.

The car is soon full with boots, poles, maps, cameras, dogs’ towels and wet weather gear (for the humans, not the dogs!).

The opportunity for long, interesting walks with incredible views is endless and we make the most of our time in Balquidder. We stop frequently to admire the view, take photos or have a break. Rory and Ollie are well behaved, never stray and are happy to sit and admire the view for as long as we do.

(Photos attest to this!)

If it’s a shorter walk, like Sron a Chlachain and Creag Buidie or the Callander Crags, there is less to take but the anticipation and excitement is as great. The views of Loch Tay from Sron a Chlachain are breath-taking, (as is the climb if you don’t factor in a few stops on the way up!) and The Boys too enjoy stopping and taking in the sights.

When it’s raining, (as happens in these parts), a walk from the house to Strathyre and along the old railway line towards 20

Callander, or the circular Kirkton Glen walk, fit the bill! (The last time I went round I saw a big fox on the track – he looked at us and hesitated before taking off ). Wet weather means constant dog-towel washing - thank heavens the washing machine was invented!!

Wherever we go the dogs come home tired, happy and ready to eat and sleep!

Just before bedtime, Rory and Ollie check out their territory again and settle down for the night, ready for the next day! We’re ready to do the same!

Dog sitting’s not all about walking, eating and sleeping though! When I was at Balquidder recently I enjoyed taking part in Choir Practice in the Balquhidder Hall, meeting friendly and helpful Balquidder residents and having a cup of tea and a biscuit!!

We began looking after dogs in their homes almost six years ago and have ‘sat’ in Greece, Spain and Scotland.

Dog sitting wouldn’t suit everyone and moving into someone’s house and being

entrusted with their much loved hounds and their home means that you are constantly aware of your responsibilities.

However, it is a wonderful way to spend time with great dogs, and to meet new people in a different part of the world.

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

Gill Waugh Production Manager Stronvar Farm Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384203

David Johnston Production Gardeners Cottage Balquhidder FK19 8PB 01877 384227

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

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Other Contacts...

Lochearnhead Contact:

Ali Ferguson 01567 830 405 St Fillans Contact:

Position Vacant!

Strathyre Contact:

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

Andrea Poulter 01877 384784

DIARY DATES We e k l y A c t i v i t i e s Tuesday

Keep Fit - Lochearnhead Hall - 10.30 to11.30am Gaelic Playgroup - Balquhidder Hall - 10.30am to 12.30pm St Fillans Music Circle - Sandison Hall - 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Light lunch included.

Contact John Light (01764 685307) / Malcolm Gregory (01764 670493).

Country Dancing - St Fillans

Wednesday Yoga - Balquhidder Hall - 11.00am to 12noon (contact Ann Cobbett 01877 376291) Thursday

Darts League - The Inn & Bistro - 7.00pm Choir Occasional - starts again on the 20th Sept (Contact Gill 07778 702304)

Friday

Playgroup - Lochearnhead Hall - 10.00am-12 noon (Contact Dani Bird 07812 600301)

CHURCH SERVICES Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St. Fillans CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

Balquhidder Parish Church

NOVEMBER 2018

7 11 11 25 27

AGM, Horticultural Society - White Stag Inn, Strathyre - 7.30pm - see page 3 Remembrance Service Lochearnhead - see page 9 Smile Appeal Strathyre - see page 3 Christmas Market Strathyre - see page 3 Balquhidder Hall AGM - see page2

DECEMBER 2018

8 31

Christmas Tree Festival - Balquhidder Church and Hall - see page 15 Hogmany Dances - watch this space! Lochearnhead details on page 4

Stephen Kerr MP 49 Borestone Crescent, Stirling FK7 9BQ 01786 475034 Councillor Martin Earl Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET earlm@stirling.gov.uk 01786 233114 Councillor Evelyn Tweed Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET 01786 233101 Councillor Jeremy McDonald Stirling Council, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET 01786 233117

Registered Charity No. SCO12316

Sundays 11.30am Minister: Rev Dr Russel Moffat The Manse, Main Street, Killin FK21 8TN revmoffat@gmail.com Dundurn Church, St Fillans

Sundays 11.30am Minister: Rev Graham McWilliams Tel: 01764 671 045

ROMAN CATHOLIC Callander, St Joseph the Worker Sundays 11.30am Saturday Vigil Mass 5.30pm from May through to September Killin, in the Episcopal Church Sundays 2.30pm Father Jim McCruden 2 Ancaster Square, Callander Tel: 01877 330 702

SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH St Angus’s Church, Lochearnhead 1st Sunday each month: 11.30am Communion 2nd Sunday 5.30pm Evensong 3rd Sunday 11.30am Communion 4th Sunday 5.30pm Evensong 5th Sunday (if applicable) 5.30pm FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A reflective time to discuss contemporary issues in a spiritual context (Check with Rector for venue: 01764 655389)

Vestry Secretary - Maureen Lipscomb Tel: 01567 830234

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S U P P O RT Y OUR LOCAL S UP P LIERS !

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 560 rented houses and flats. Around 40 of these become available for rent each year. We are in the process of building a further 23 flats in Callander and 12 flats & houses in Killearn. We currently have properties in the following communities: Aberfoyle • Doune • Kinlochard Stronachlachar • Balfron • Drymen Kippen • Tyndrum • Buchlyvie Gargunnock • Lochearnhead Callander • Gartmore • Strathblane Deanston • Killin • Strathyre 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.

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 Telephone: 01786 841101 Email: enquiries@rsha.org.uk Registered as a Scottish Charity No. SC037849

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Acer at Craigruie and Loch Voil • 28 October 2018 • © Richard Harris