Issuu

The

BULLETIN A Community Magazine for Alford

FREE! issue 24 winter 2021

STRACHAN’S Serving Royal Deeside for Four Generations

Newsagents Hardware Confectionery

Balloons & Party Gifts

Wines & Spirits

Paints

Lottery

Haberdashery

Stationery

Grocery Malt Whiskies Pet Foods Calor Gas Delicatessen

Toys and Puzzles

Large range of Whiskies, Gins, Wines, and Spirits, including Deeside’s own ESKER and EENOO Gin PLUS the full range of PERSIE Gin from Glenshee Craft Distillers

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all our staff ABOYNE SHOP OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY 10am – 2pm

By appointment to HM The Queen General Merchants

Main St Aboyne AB34 5HT 013398 86121

2 Golf Rd Ballater AB35 5RE 013397 755452

www.georgestrachanltd.com

By appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales General Merchants

Want in the BULLetin?

For adver�sing and editorial, please note the copy deadlines below and use the contacts listed at the bo�om of the page DEADLINES . FEB 1 . MAY 1 . AUG 1 . NOV 1 PUBLISHED MAR JUNE SEPT DEC

Welcome to Issue 24 of The BULLetin Boom, it’s the festive season! My new year’s resolution for 2022 is to say less and do more, hence the larger font here! Thank you all enormously for your support of The BULLetin during 2021, another year of challenges but also tremendous resilience and determination to get everyone and everything back on track and happy. Remember that community information is FREE to include in these pages, so if you have any news for the Spring edition (out early March), tell me about it by February 1st if you can.

Cat Houston Design/Editor Cover photo from Alford Ski Centre Thank you!

Contents News Get Ready to Enjoy! Medical Centre Message DCC Contacts/News Blazing a Trail Care Opportuni�es Film Programme Tullynessle Hall Adver�sers’ Index How to Adver�se

4-11 4 12 12/13 14 20 23 24 30 30

because

not everyone

is on facebook

get in touch via email to catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk call Cat on 07805 731401 | find us on facebook (cos we are!)

Do you have something to share? An upcoming event or achievement? Group or individual, let The BULLetin know what you are up to, using the contacts on p3 and 30.

Get ready for new community website (and app!)

A new means of promoting Alford and Donside’s local businesses and community groups is being developed. Enjoy Alford and Donside will comprise a new website and app aimed at showcasing and raising the profile of the area for residents and visitors. It will include local business listings, information about local clubs and groups, as well as attractions, walking and cycling routes, visitor information, events, news, deals and more. The project has been made possible by the efforts of Donside Community Council’s local businesses and community groups, the Marr Area Partnership and Aberdeenshire Council. Funding from Aberdeenshire Council’s Covid Recovery Phoenix Fund, additional Aberdeenshire Council Grants and National Lottery ‘Awards for All’ have ensured the venture will be fully funded for three years and free to use for all. The project is being led by Jenny Morley, who will be working with the company Our Community Hub to produce the new site and app. OCH has been behind the development of other community hub sites across Aberdeenshire, such as Stunning Stonehaven, Experience Huntly and Love Banff and Buchan. Jenny has already hit the ground running by launching a search for quality photographs to feature on the new site, so the final product can show off the area to its full potential.

Full details of how you can participate in this exciting development and have your business or organisation listed in the app will soon be coming down the line. If you would like to know more, contact: info@enjoyalfordanddonside.com or look for updates on the initiative’s Facebook page: Enjoy Alford and Donside.

07920 529339 | Alford kylesutherlandjoinery@gmail.com

Scotlands Business Awards 2020

WINNER of the Aberdeen Region and Grand Final

"Best New Business in Scotland" Come and see what your AWARD-WINNING local shop has to offer Artisan Food & Drink . Coffee . Pick 'n' Mix . Jams + More Open Monday to Saturday . 10am to 5pm 63 Main Street . Alford . AB33 8AA . 07786 548707

Winners!

Best new business in Scotland is right under your nose...

...and Spinners..?

MacDonalds of Alford are delighted with their recent double whammy win at Scotland’s Business Awards. The Main Street Shop was nominated for the 2020 accolade before Covid struck and found themselves winners in their category of Best New Business in the regional Aberdeen and Shire when the ceremonies ran in the autumn. Stockists of fine artisan foods, including everyone’s favourite pick ‘n’ mix, they then won the Grand Final in Glasgow at the end of October. Well done Felicity and family!

Group meets again in new venue A popular crafting group that found its activities arrested by Covid is back with a new name and a new venue. Simply Cra�ing is what used to be the Howe Trinity Craft Group and they have found a new home in Alford’s Men’s Shed. Operating on Thursdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm, the group welcomes and encourages all kinds of fabric crafting, including knitting, embroidery and patchwork. There is also scope for a separate Spinning Group, which is also needing a venue, so anyone interested in that is invited to contact Barbara Henderson on 01975 564269 or email barbarannh@ btinternet.com. If you are interested in coming along to Simply Crafting, you can also contact Barbara or Aileen Lowe on 01975 562106.

HELP IS OUT THERE CAB returns to normal service writes Sarah Brown

£££££££££££££££

Over the last 18 months we have delivered our services by phone, email, webchat and video. While we continue these services, we are taking steps to invite specific clients to bureau again and we are offering a limited number of face to face appointments. We have also reopened a number of our Outreach services in Alford, Kemnay and Aboyne. Please bear with us if we don’t have a face-to-face appointment slot for you right away; we’ll still be here to answer your queries. When you call, we’ll ask you how you would like advice and make every effort to deliver it in the way you want. As well as our general service of Benefits, Debt and Money, Housing, Employment, Utilities, Health and Community, Consumer, Legal, Immigration and Asylum, Financial and Charitable support, Family and Relationship, Tax processes and Travel and Holidays, the Bureau provides a range of specialist free advice services that meet local demand: • The Gambling Support Service: provides training to recognise gambling harms for frontline staff working with families, young people and vulnerable adults; to support money advisers who are dealing with client gambling debts and to provide a pathway to help for those seeking assistance with problem gambling. • Energy advice: if you’ve been thinking about changing your energy provider, now is the time to do it. Our advisers can help you save on increasing bills and give you advice about keeping your home warm while reducing costs.

• Pensionwise: if you have a defined contribution pension, you’re over 50 and are considering retirement, call the Pensionwise helpline on 0800 38 3944 for your free appointment with a trained Pensionwise Guidance Officer, who will help you understand what your overall financial situation will be when you retire, and talk through your options to help you make the right decision. • Budgeting: our Budgeting Adviser will be pleased to help you maximise your income and take an independent view of your weekly/monthly/annual spend, to avoid insurance and subscription duplication and suggests ways in which you can save money.

Volunteering opportunities: while we have been unable to admit members of the public to the bureau, our volunteer training programme has been paused. We are now inviting applications for a limited number of volunteers to train as advisers, administrators and for help with many bureau functions. Vacancies: From time to time we have vacancies in our staff support team. These vacancies are advertised on our website in the “News” section on www.swacab.org. uk. In the near future we will be recruiting an Outreach Officer. Call us on 01224 747714 Email enquiries@swacab.org.uk Or through our website on www. swacab.org.uk

W & R MURRAY ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES LARGE AND SMALL STOCKISTS OF: SIRDAR STYLECRAFT KING COLE J BRETT YARNS DMC THREADS Home to the Alford Post Ofﬁce 019755 62896 27 Main Street . Alford . AB33 8PX call 019755 62366 for opening hours pattywilkie@gmail.com

Drop-in, pay-as-you-go yoga Suitable for all Torphins | Aboyne Alford | Keig | Tullynessle Please get in touch for further info Or check Facebook Facebook: tuttifruttiyogaclasses

tuttifruttiyoga@hotmail.com | 07861 719143

01975 571775 07792 830780 10

• • • •

Local family business Oil and biomass boiler servicing and repairs New boilers sold and installed with 5 and 10-year warranties Aga Servicing

�lameboilerservices@gmail.com

www.�lameboilerservices.co.uk

GROUP FOCUS Donside Enamelling

Donside Enamelling Group meets fortnightly on a Monday at Glenbuchat Bothy and Hall from 11am until 3pm. No experience is needed if you wish to join in. Kilns, enamels, copper, and equipment are all available. Come and experiment with a low-cost hobby, sharing ideas and imagination. Have a go. Contact helenmurray804@gmail.com or 07971 098182 or just come and visit for tea or coffee.

Alford Community Sport Hub, which works in partnership with local sport clubs and key partners to increase participation and develop opportunities in the local area, has launched a new Facebook page. The Hub was set up a few years ago, with the encouragement of Live Life Aberdeenshire and Sportscotland. An ‘Activity Directory’ is currently in production to highlight and allow users speedy access to the huge range of clubs that have connected with the hub recently. To be included, go to www.facebook. com/alfordcommunitysporthub

a message from Alford Medical Practice

We are experiencing severe recruitment issues at the moment and have not yet been able to fill the post vacated by Dr Naismith, despite our best efforts over the past 4 months. We have been lucky to appoint a replacement for Matt, our ANP who left us in September, however, Shona, the new ANP, has less availability. Going forward, Dr Ashman will start maternity leave in February 2022 for a year and although advertising this vacancy along with Dr Naismith’s we have, as yet, been unable to recruit a replacement. Unfortunately, this situation is not isolated to Alford with many practices throughout Grampian (and beyond) finding themselves in the same difficult situation. We are working hard to find replacements for these vacancies and despite the loss of clinical time we are endeavouring to provide the same/next day service offered since March 2020. However, it is inevitable that there will be delays on some days. We will continue to provide a contact first service, meaning that clinical staff will review all requests for appointments and decide on the most appropriate action, be it a phone consultation, being brought into the practice for an examination or signposted to the most appropriate person, eg pharmacist, dentist, optician. In line with NHS Grampian’s Zero Tolerance Policy, abuse of our staff (verbal or physical) will not be tolerated and we expect our staff to be treated with dignity and respect. We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.

Donside Community Council Community councils are voluntary organisations that act as a voice for their local area. They meet regularly to discuss issues affecting their area, including planning and licensing applications. If you are interested in local projects or in working to make Donside even better and if you have some time and energy to spare, why not consider joining Donside Community Council? Elections were held at the end of May this year but there are still quite a few vacancies in most areas. See our current list of councillors and vacancies online. Members can be co-opted between elections so if you are interested, get in touch with your local community councillor through our Facebook page or email us at chair@donsidecommunitycouncil.org.uk. If you want to do some research around what is involved then have a look at the Community Council information pages on the Aberdeenshire Council website (https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/ communities-and-events/communitycouncils/)

When do we meet? Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month (except July and Dec) What Time? 7.30pm – 9.30pm Tea/coffee from 7.15pm Where? Alford Community Campus

Councillors' Contacts

These are your Ward 14 councillors

Cllr Moira Ingleby

Cllr Gwyneth Petrie

07770 410539 cllr.m.ingleby@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Cllr John Latham

07891 296064 cllr.g.petrie@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Cllr Robbie Withey

07876 475038 cllr.j.latham@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

07388 956147 cllr.r.withey@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

This is your MP and MSP S�� P�� Alexander Burnett MSP 0131 348 5642 Alexander.Burnett.msp @parliament.scot

W��

Andrew Bowie MP 0207 219 2791 andrew.bowie.mp @parliament.uk

Firetrail blazes into bikepacking market

One year after the specialist bike retailer Aberdeenshire Bicycle Works first opened their doors in Aboyne, it has rebranded as Firetrail, and expanded with an ambitious new online business catering to bikepacking, gravel and enduro mountain bike cyclists. Husband and wife team, Richard and Alex Lawes, Firetrail’s development further cements Aberdeenshire’s reputation as a leading cycling destination and offers vital cycling supplies and repair services. The bike shop is located in an ancient coach house within Aboyne Castle grounds, but Firetrail also offer click and collect and UKwide postal delivery via their brand-new online pla�orm. This summer has seen Firetrail become the regional hub for bikepacking and adventure cycling. The team has been busy advising cyclists on which bike,

camping equipment and bikepacking luggage to choose, helping them to get ready for journeys big and small. The shop’s location at the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park makes it the perfect launch pad for adventure cycling and world class enduro trails alike. Alongside its retail and workshop offerings, Firetrail provides a purposebuilt training facility that offers courses in bike maintenance, first aid and navigation. Firetrail also offers female-only bike maintenance courses, delivered by a highly qualified female mechanic and tutor.

BIKES GIFT VOUCHERS STOCKING FILLERS TRAINING COURSES BIKEPACKING GEAR CLOTHING & HELMETS Online or at our shop in Aboyne Castle Grounds local Shop mas this X



Aboyne Castle Business Centre AB34 5JP Tues - Sat 10.00 to 16.00. Sun 12.00 to 16.00

WE’RE ON YOUR DOORSTEP Remember when service was truly personal and not just another one size fits all approach? We are backed by a team and organisation built on over 100 years of customer service and trust. Working from a local office in Inverurie we bring our knowledge and experience to you to help ensure you have the right cover in place to protect the things that matter. Whether it’s home, motor, equine or business we have the expertise to make sure your insurance needs are covered. For a real conversation about your insurance call us on 01467 697243, or alternatively send an email to Inverurie_agency@nfumutual.co.uk.

T C Brodie & R C Silvers is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982).

Experience your new h before the first brick h

Discover our newest phase in Alford first hand street views, interior house tours and live availa

3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £159,950

Start your journey today visit: stewartmilnehomes.com/new-homes/neighbourhoods/silver-birches

*The offers detailed are available on selected homes only. Not all offers are combinable. Offers are subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. See to illustrate typical styles and finishes only. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

home at Silver Birches has been laid

with interactive maps, ability.

PART EXCHANGE

DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION

website for details, subject to contract and status. Images shown reflect the varying styles and sizes of typical Stewart Milne homes and are intended E OR ANY DEBT SECURED ON IT. Prices correct at time of going to press.

The BULLetin relies on advertising to pay for design and printing and it means a lot that so many regular customers have continued to advertise during the Covid calamity. Always delighted to welcome new advertisers, I have opened up opportunities with a new value ad size, see p30. At Myriad Pro Publishing, advertisers are not just a space on a page. All advertisers benefit from featuring in a Facebook album every quarter, and where advertisers’ own posts are seen on that social media pla�orm, they will be shared. Feel free to tag The BULLetin to make sure. New customers can also benefit from introductory features, and there are perks to being a long-term advertiser too, as well as discounts for featuring in the Aboyne and Banchory publications. The business landscape and publicity methods are changing all the time, and especially at the moment! So if you have any ideas on how The BULLetin can further support you, do let me know. No matter if you are on the main street, out in the sticks, working from your spare room or just operating online, I can help. Have you started a new business in the Aboyne area? Want a mention? Get in touch.

your name in print! The BULLetin represents a unique opportunity for you to promote your business to a targetted area at reasonable cost. Ad rates start at just £28 for a quarter page Around 1,500 copies are distributed through the doors of residences in the village, prominent spots in the local community and within businesses willing to stock it. Geographically it covers Alford and the surrounding areas. All Myriad Pro Publications are also available to read online at issuu.com

When times are tough, don’t stop ADVERTISING!

Plan A Electrical All your current needs

All types of electrical installation work Inspection and Testing (including EICR & PAT) Fault-finding and problem rectification Signal cabling: TV – Satellite – Audio – Telecomms Networking – Alarms

No job too small 07535-312759 contact@planaelectrical.com www.planaelectrical.com

Merry Christmas from all the staff and ponies at Belwade Farm!

We will close for Christmas on Sunday 19th December and we will reopen on Wednesday 12th January

World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre Dess, Aboyne, AB34 5BJ

www.worldhorsewelfare.org Registered charity no: 206658 and SC038384

Fancy this for an oﬃce view?

It’s not every workplace that provides a historic country house setting, extensive landscaped grounds and magnificent views. But at Alastrean House that’s just what you get. A former retreat for Royal Air Force veterans, and before that the family home of the MacRoberts, the impressive building is now a care home set in the tranquil countryside of Tarland, Aberdeenshire. A £160,000 refurbishment of the property after fire damage in 2016 set a gold standard in the area, and today the home provides care across 51 ensuite rooms and five spacious lounges. Uniquely, Alastrean also offers free accommodation to staff, and a mileage allowance. It is also offering £2,000 signon payments for certain roles. With its spectacular rural setting, it’s ideal for people who want a change of pace or a move to the country. Staff at the home got their ‘fifteen minutes of fame’ this year when a corporate video for Balhousie Care Group, which manages the property, was filmed there. “There was no question that Alastrean fit the bill for us. It’s a stunning building and the staff were brilliant at displaying our values, goals and high quality care, all of which were captured on camera,” says Gillian Drummond, Brand & Communications Manager at Balhousie Care Group. Alastrean’s popularity, and the

hard work of its staff, is shown by its excellent reviews and family feedback. In one recent letter to the Home Manager, a relative raved: “We have seen a big improvement in my granny’s wellbeing since moving to Alastrean. The carers and nurses look after her so well and also reassure us as a family that she is OK. Knowing she is safe and cared for is a huge reassurance to us as a family.” It helps that the home has a great reputation in the community too. Earlier this year it hit the headlines when Anne Ellington, a woman from Aberdeen, made a bundle of beautiful ‘fidget quilts’ specially designed for people with dementia. They proved so popular there were requests

from more care homes across the group! Alastrean is currently adding to its team. The care home is looking for people to fill carer and domestic roles, with hours that are flexible to suit applicants’ needs. Interested? Email careers@balhousiecare.co.uk, call 01339 881235 or visit Balhousie Care Group’s job board at www.balhousiecare. co.uk/careers/careers-job-board

WE’RE HIRING

YEARS

in Aboyne!

It’s our people who make Balhousie Care Group amazing - the everyday heroes who are as committed as we are to providing innovative, awardwinning, quality care based on our core company values:

Inspiring

Passionate

• COMPETITIVE PAY • EXCELLENT BENEFITS • FLEXIBLE HOURS AND CONTRACTS

Responsive

Trusted

We’re recruiting for care and domestic roles at our care home in Aboyne.

Here’s what you’ll get: • • • • •

Full and part-time roles available £2000 Golden Hello for some roles Flexible working hours Mileage incentive FREE accommodation

If you’d like to be one of our everyday heroes contact careers@balhousiecare.co.uk

Balhousie Alastrean, Tarland, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 4TA T: 01339 881235 T: 01738 254254 www.balhousiecare.co.uk

The Douneside Health Club, located in Tarland, near Aboyne offers a range of excellent facilities. These include a 12.5 metre swimming pool, sauna, spa pool, steam room, state-of-the-art gymnasium and all weather tennis court. In addition, there is an extensive range of fitness classes, all run by our team of fully qualified instructors. If you would like to find out more about our membership and some of the benefits, from an overnight stay at Douneside House, to complimentary fitness classes please contact us now. THE HEALTH CLUB AT DOUNESIDE HOUSE, TARLAND, ABERDEENSHIRE AB34 4UL SCOTLAND WWW.DOUNESIDEHOUSE.CO.UK +44 (0)13398 81030 HEALTHCLUB@DOUNESIDEHOUSE.CO.UK

GEOTECHNICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ONSITE SERVICES

Site Investigations | Soil & Gas Monitoring Private Water Testing Drainage Impact Assessments SuDS Solutions | Soakaway Design | EST: 2007

For further information contact us at info@samcgregor.co.uk

Tullynessle Hall Film Club have enjoyed a great start to their Autumn Season, and are looking forward to the following presentations for the end of year 2021 and into 2022. All films start at 7.30pm: 9th December: Rams (2020) Australian comedy. A decades-long feud between two sheep farming brothers comes to a head when disaster strikes their flocks. 28th December: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) A cynical journalist interviews kind-hearted TV presenter Fred Rogers and strikes up an unlikely friendship. 13th January: Sometimes, Always, Never (2018) A retired tailor and expert Scrabble player tries to track down his errant son. 27th January: Number 37 (2018) Randal Hendricks is stuck in a wheelchair. He hopes to find a way out of debt by reporting the shady dealings of his neighbours. 10th February: Rocks (2020) When Rocks’ mother abandons their home, she must look after her younger brother and face the challenges of London life. 24th February: My Life as a Courgette (2016) Oscar nominated animation. Icare (Courgette) is sent to a foster home where she eventually learns to trust and find friendship. 10th March: Hamish (2016) Documentary about Hamish Henderson – an intellectual giant who was instrumental in the development of the Edinburgh Fringe. 31st March: Limbo (2020) BAFTA nominated film. Omar is a Syrian refugee and talented musician, awaiting results of his asylum application and stuck on a Scottish Island. In addition there will be screenings of two Hall Community Films at 7.30pm on Fridays. These are selected by the Tullynessle and Forbes Hall Committee:

Film Club’s

Winter Season

18th February: Ammonite (2020) Romantic drama in which a young girl is sent to stay with acclaimed palaeontologist Mary Anning. 22nd April: To be confirmed. We are unsure if Covid regulations will alter during the Christmas and Winter periods, so please check the Tullynessle Hall website for updates about planned film screenings and recommended protocols: www.tullynessleandforbeshall.co.uk. Email tullynesslehallfilmclub@ gmail.com if you have any questions.

news from Hall Secretary Edna Harris Blended Meetings Are you planning a meeting but know that some of your attendees might still be a little anxious about attending in person? Do you live a bit further away and would like to attend a meeting but would prefer to join in with Zoom? Do you have an evening meeting you would like to join but don’t want to travel in the dark/bad weather? Tullynessle Hall is offering a facility where people can attend a physical meeting if they want to but if they don’t they can just join the same meeting via Zoom. Thanks to SCVO Adapt & Thrive Grant Award, all equipment provided and support given to set up. Get in touch if this is something that could help you! years 30we’ve on...

moved!

Original outdoor clothing Made in Scotland. Used worldwide. At Hilltrek we’ve been hand cra ing performance outdoor clothing on Royal Deeside for 30 years. Our story now continues in larger premises at

Deeside Activity Park.

hillgear.s

cot

Hilltrek clothing • Páramo shop • Outdoor clothing repairs

www.hilltrek.co.uk

01339 886062

HOGMANAY CEILIDH FRIDAY DECEMBER 31st 2021 From 8pm (doors open 7:30pm)

WITH THE FANTASTIC

NORTH OF THE GLENS CEILIDH BAND

ADULTS £15

CHILDREN (5-16) £10 Under 5’s Free

BRING OWN FOOD + DRINK

RAFFLE: WHISKY/GIN/SWEETS ROLLS Tickets available from: Edna Harris Tel:63548 secretary@tullynesslehall.org and Alford Bistro

Tully Bus Would you like to arrange a party or event at Tullynessle Hall but travel to the Hall is putting you off? Would you like to organise a class at Tullynessle Hall but again the travel is a problem? Does the bad weather or driving on dark evenings deter your attendees from coming to Tullynessle Hall? Thanks to SCVO Adapt & Thrive Grant Award, the Hall can offer your group/party transport to and from the Hall from Alford Village free of charge (although small donations are always welcome!). Get in touch for more details. secretary@tullynesslehall.org (019755 63548)

TREE SERVICES

Professional Tree Surgeons serving Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire

~ Tree Removal / Dismantle ~ ~ Dangerous Branch Removal ~ ~ Tree Reduction ~ ~ Pruning and Shaping ~ ~ Stump Grinding ~ Hedge Removal / Reductions ~ ~ Wind damage / Storm clean-up ~ ~ ~ Residential and Commercial work ~ Free Advice on TPOs/Licences Professionally Insured/Trained 019755 63869 / 07764 198725 info@sgtreeservices.co.uk www.sgtreeservices.co.uk

Alison Spice Massage Therapies

... MAN with a VAN ...

House Clearances Licensed Waste Removal Delivery Services Removal Services Friendly | Compassionate Professional | Local

Call Kev

07579 824061 corybegservices@gmail.com

Are you suffering from lower back; neck, shoulder or knee problems; plantar fasciitis; repetitive strain Injuries or any other aches/pains/injuries?

Call Alison on 07760 883309 or Elegant Beauty in Main Street Alford 019755 63775

Qualified Massage Therapist in Remedial and Sports, Swedish, Indian Head, Workplace Seated Acupressure and People Living with Cancer.

Get relaxed about tax

expert tax and accountancy TheLocal, BULLeti n services you can trust. LOVESBook Business! a Free Consultation Today

...andOfﬁces oﬀers aAberdeen, warmBanchory & Inverurie now in 637100 elcome01224 to all ourwww.taxassist.co.uk/aberdeen new 01330 700580 www.taxassist.co.uk/banchory dvertisers this issue, a 01467 469011 www.taxassist.co.uk/inverurie election of which are featured here >>>

Excellent Based on 2,000+ reviews

Compu-Care PC and Laptop Repairs Hardware Repairs and Replacement Tune-up and Virus Removal New Systems available

Call Neil on 07929 860721

Improvisation Theatre Relaxed, fun movement exercises No stage acting, everyone welcome Mid-Deeside Church, Torphins Thursdays 7-8pm, from 9.12.21 £5, please book in advance email: tamara@zann.de

small ads | big business FOOT CARE IN YOUR HOME All relevant C-19 precautions taken

your name here ~?~ because

not

everyone

is on

facebook

ABERDEENSHIRE ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD T: M: E: F:

013398 85355 07855 678677 / 07583 834174 aberdeenshireelectricalsrvs@btinternet.com AberdeenshireElectricalSrvs

All aspects of electrical work undertaken by professionally qualified tradesmen for residential, commercial & industrial customers e.g. : • • • • • • • • •

PAT, EICR, Electrical Safety Reports etc. Wiring of new builds and complete & partial rewires of existing buildings. Scottish Building Standards approved for single signature sign off of installations. Property Maintenance. Supplier/Installer of renewables e.g., electric vehicle charging points, solar panels etc. SMART home installation. TV wall mounting installations. Creating electrical plans. Out of hours emergency call-outs. free estimates – all work guaranteed – no job too small – local business

All aspects of roofing – from a minor repair to a new roof

Flat roofs (single ply + felt) . Tiles . Slates PVC Fascias + Soffits Guttering . Maintenance . Inspections registered installers

07773 772829 or 07917 161296 enquiries@alfordroofingcompany.co.uk www.alfordroofingcompany.co.uk

New business has its sights set on you The opportunity is now available to experience live firing with .22 Calibre semi-automatic and bolt action rifles at a new 25m outdoor range near Tarland. Since opening in the late summer, “Line of Sight” has conducted introduction shoots and continuation training for over 100 people; some just wanting to experience shooting, others looking for a new sport or to gain experience prior to applying for a Firearms Certificate. If you are over the age of 14 and are looking for something a little bit different, you won’t be disappointed. What started as a simple idea for a family activity during lockdown soon turned into a plan for a small business. Over the past 12 months we have worked hard with family and some very good friends to build a safe and friendly environment for learning. The activities

are carried out by an instructor with over 35 years’ experience gained in the UK and overseas.

“Amazing session learning the sport of target shooting at Line of Sight. If you’re looking for a fun, safe activity to do with your friends or family while you’re in the Cairngorms this should be on your list. “Paul made my wife and I feel comfortable and safe from the get-go, gave us a safety brieﬁng, familiarised us with the riﬂe, helped us get used to the sighting system and then supervised us while we started to shoot targets in his purpose-built range. “We enjoyed it so much we debated going back again the next day!” Trustpilot Review

Index of Advertisers to help you find who AES Electrical Alford Roofing Alison Spice Balhousie Care Commercial hotel Compu-Care Corybeg Services Craigievar Gardeners Daisy Tree Douneside health Club Esp Bookkeeping Firetrail Flame Boiler Services Foodbank Gillian Frost Grampian Home Srvcs Hilltrek Improvisation Theatre Jilliby Joinery John Watson Boilers K&A Anderson

28 28 25 21 31 27 25 22 19 22 26 14 10 9 7 19 24 27 9 6 32

Kyle Sutherland Les Hall Chiropractor Line of Sight MacDonald’s of Alfrod Monkey Business Morven Mortgage Srvcs Myriad Pro NFU Mutual Plan A Electrical Ronald Hay Sarah McGregor SG Tree Services Simply Dogs Stewart Milne Strachan’s Tax Assist The Gym Alford Transform Foot Health Tutti Frutti Yoga W&R Murray World Horse Welfare

6 10 29 6 25 31 18 15 19 4 22 25 5 16 2 26 5 27 9 9 19

Myriad Pro Publishing Community Magazines . Design and Print Aboyne

Alford

Banchory

A5: FULL PAGE £108 . HALF PAGE £55 . QUARTER PAGE £28 . Discounts for block/multiple bookings .

DEADLINES FEB 1 MAY 1 AUG 1 NOV 1 PUBLISHED MAR JUNE SEPT DEC . SMALL ADS JUST £15 . 1,500-2,000 MAGAZINES DELIVERED IN EACH LOCATION . ALSO ONLINE

. Design adds £20 to any size advert . Or you can provide your own print-ready pdf/jpeg file .

catrionahouston@yahoo.co.uk | 07805 731401 | Find me on Facebook @ /TheAboyneFountain /TheAlfordBulletin /TheBanchoryFly

Christmas @ THE COMMERCIAL TARLAND With Christmas ‘back on the menu’, The Commercial is the perfect place to meet up with friends & family for some pre-xmas festivities. Our Xmas Menu is available from 10th to 24th Dec, alongside our main menu daily from Tuesday to Sunday, 12 til 9pm. 2 courses £22.95, 3 courses with coffee & treat £29.95, children £12.95 Pre-booking is advised Please note we are closed 25th & 26th Dec and 1st & 2nd January We are so looking forward to seeing you soon

013398 81922 www.thecommercial-hotel.co.uk

Professional, comprehensive financial and mortgage advice that you can trust. Our services include: • • • • •

Mortgage Advice Home Insurance Personal Insurance Income Protection Life Insurance

As a last resort your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments on your mortgage.

Looking to find out more? Contact us: 07721 860 638 brian.moneywise@virgin.net www.morvenmortgageservices.co.uk

K&A ANDERSON LONENWELL GARAGE . ALFORD . AB33 8ED Wishing all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year CELEBRATING 40+ YEARS in BUSINESS

CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS MOT TESTING STATION DIAGNOSTIC TESTING MOTOR ACCESSORIES WINTER CHECKS | DE-ICER

BIG TICKET GIFTS! LOG SPLITTERS CHAINSAWS SNOW BLOWERS LAWN MOWERS

FUEL | GROCERY | COFFEE TO GO | LOTTO | SNACKS LOGS . KINDLING . PEAT BRIQUETTES . ECO LOGS . COAL & CALOR GAS

019755 62215 . kennethkndrsn3@aol.com Find us on Facebook * Prime stockists of The Alford BULLetin! *