Pitlochry Life April 2024

49,78 Sudoku

75 Crossword

The Pitlochry Tipple

This month Ewan looks at common misconceptions in whisky.

Your Community

All the news from our MPs, Clubs, Groups and Churches.

Interior Colours 2024

We look at the colour trends for this year and how they affect your mood.

The Pitlochry Garden

Sheila gives some great, practical advice to get you started growing vegetables.

Fitness With Alan Clinch

Alan looks at the different states of sleep and what they are actually doing.

Advertising

Debbie - 07545299491

Photography & Design

Lynsey - 07305577953

Editor

Willie - 07906375953

www.facebook.com/pitlochrylife

Pitlochry Life

Manse Road, Moulin

Pitlochry PH16 5EP

info@pitlochrylife.co.uk

www.pitlochrylife.co.uk

49 58

75

Willie's Wonky Computer

Willie looks at different ways of spotting fake pictures.

Sudoku

Our Sudoku is also online this month, play every day and keep your brain active!

Recipe

This month we have an easy, yet delicious, Lamb Bhuna.

WELCOME

Welcome to the April edition of Pitlochry Life Wow, what a difference a few weeks make, we have lambs about, longer brighter days, and daffodils everywhere!

Welcome back to our hospitality venues for the season, our new advertisers, and the great local businesses we have with us this issue. April is set to be a very busy month as we have LIVE music at The Atholl Palace, The Coach House, The Old Mill Inn, and two fabulous concerts from the Choral Society and Music in Blair Atholl. We also have great productions at Pitlochry Festival Theatre including Footloose and Sense & Sensibility. Make sure you read through this months edition and plan your events! All our great locals clubs and societies are also busy this month with talks, outings and competitions. It’s going to be tough to fit it all in!

This month Alan looks at sleep in the fitness column, Willie shows us how to recognise a fake picture when we see one, and the recipe is a curry delight. Our editorial feature is a look at what colours are trending for home decorating. If you get a few minutes to spare you can try Lesley’s crossword, or if you prefer the old favourite sudoko. Give it a go - you may be surprised!

With so many hospitality and entertainment venues here in the town why not indulge yourself with breakfast, lunch or even dinner whilst soaking up the atmosphere. There is so much to see and do in Pitlochry and surrounds! Have a great April - see you next time.

BY JANE AUSTEN

Whisky Misconceptions

The only thing you put in your whisky is another one! True, but this also misses an opportunity to explore deeper the mysteries of a dram.

The whisky world is full of ideas and beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation. Just like the one above. I thought this month I would explore and explain a few of the more commonly heard misconceptions surrounding Uisge Beatha.

The older a whisky, the better it tastes. Personally, I don’t believe this to be true. Firstly, if you taste some of the newer/younger whiskies; Lindores, Lochlea, Nc’Nean these whiskies belie their youth. It’s all about the quality of their ‘new make spirit’ and the quality of the casks they use. Secondly, if you move up several decades to whiskies in their 20’s, there is potential for them to be woody. This happens when the flavours of the wood overtake the spirit and overpower it.

The darker the colour, the better the flavour. This can be wrong on two points. If you prefer whiskies matured in ex-bourbon casks, then the colour of your whisky will be much lighter and golden. Also, some distilleries artificially colour their whisky with the addition of caramel. This is legal but the whisky is then not ‘natural colour’. Only a tiny amount is added so it has no effect on flavour, just colour. Colour, when natural, comes from whatever has been in the cask before it is filled with the ‘new make’. Bourbon gives a very light colour as mentioned, sherry particularly Pedro Ximenez or Oloroso give the whisky a much darker, richer colour, particularly if ‘first fill’. The first use of the cask once the original liquid has been removed. So, depending on whether your whisky is ‘natural colour’, or you prefer ex-bourbon casks then this isn’t true.

limited availability, age and demand. These factors can drive the price up but don’t make it better whisky. Look at it another way, you may prefer the taste of a distillery release 12yo compared to its sister 15yo. The 15yo will be more expensive, but not better, if your preference is for the 12yo. You must drink your single malt neat. For me, this is totally wrong. Yes, try it neat first, but the addition of water can often open up further flavours that would be missed by drinking neat. Water can also help to ‘soften’ the flavour making it more palatable. Whisky ‘on the rocks’ is not a practice I would suggest. The addition of ice to your whisky, thereby cooling it down traps the flavours and hides them away. If this is what you are aiming for then carry on, but I drink single malts for the flavour and experience and I taste neat first then add a few drops of water for my perfect dram.

Ewan McIlwraith

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic - 2nd April

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic at Pitlochry Community Hospital.

Do you or someone you know use NHS hearing aids? Do you need new batteries supplied and/ or fitted? Do you need the tubing replaced on either your mould or open fit NHS hearing aids? If yes, then NHS Tayside volunteers will be here to help you on Tuesday 2nd April 2024 between 10.00am - 12.00 noon at the Pitlochry Community Hospital.

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic - 3rd April

Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice (Wellbeing Room), Aberfeldy

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic 2024 has moved to Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice (Wellbeing Room), Aberfeldy - Do you or someone you know use NHS hearing aids? Do you need new batteries supplied and/or fitted? Do you need the tubing replaced on either your mould or open fit NHS hearing aids? If yes, then NHS Tayside volunteers will be here to help you on

Wednesday 3rd April 2024 between 10.00am - 12.00 noon at the Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice, (Wellbeing Room), Aberfeldy.

Dementia Cafe - 3rd April

North Church Hall, High Street, Perth

This cafe does what it says on the tin. It welcomes anyone who has a memory problem and those who have a diagnosis of dementia. If you want a quiet word with one of our professionals e.g. a psychiatric nurse, a social worker, or a link worker, our cafe is the place to come. Some of our volunteers are ex-carers of someone with dementia which can be of comfort for regulars and newcomers alike.

There is always a warm welcome and a cup of coffee or tea with special biscuits which cater for gluten-free folk. The atmosphere is always upbeat and positive.

Our next cafe will be held on Wednesday, April 3rd, 10.00 - 12.30pm. The Cafe is always open, even if it rains, sleets or snows!

Tryst Walking Group - 4th April

Thursday 4th April: Geal-charn Mor (£5). This Corbett near Kingussie gives great views of the Cairngorms. From Lynwilg (Grid ref: 882107) the route follows the estate road NW up Glen An Gleannan to the watershed. From here a broad ridge gives pleasant walking to the summit. We can descend by the same route or return via Ballinluig farm. Height climbed 600m. Distance 7.5 miles. OS map 35. Please contact Maureen Holmes on 01796 473153 for further information. Please note: the walk organiser/contact cannot be held responsible for any accident. Everyone walking does so at their own risk and should take due care.

Killiecrankie, Fincastle & Tummel CC - 7th April

Killiecrankie Fincastle & Tummel Community Council invites volunteers to join them on Sunday, 7 April 2024 for ‘Clean Up Killiecrankie’. We will assemble at 1.30pm at Killiecrankie Village Hall to collect litter-picking equipment and then fan out in teams on pre-planned routes around the area. All Killiecrankie businesses are supporting and everyone is welcome in the hall for fun, a quiz and refreshments.

There will be CPR and Defibrillator training on offer to everyone, litter-picking or not, in the hall from 2pm till 4pm.

The Minutes of our March meeting when a representative from Forestry and Land Scotland gave an update on the beaver translocation programme at Loch Kinardochy are now on the website www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk/community-council

To join our mailing list, please contact info@kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk

Litter Action Group - 9th April

The tourist season has started up again and there are plenty of visitors about. It would be nice for residents and visitors if the town is really clean with no litter disfiguring the streets and green spaces. If you agree that this is important do join our team of litterpickers. All equipment is provided including gloves, black bags and grabbers. We do try to separate recyclable waste from the other litter. Litter-picks take place on the second Tuesday of the month and we meet at 10.0am in the Recreation ground car park. The next litter-pick is on Tuesday 9th April.

Dates for litter-picks in 2024 are: May 14th, June 11th, July 9th, August 13th, September 10th, October 8th, November 12th, December 10th.

We would like to thank those residents of Pitlochry who are not members of the litter picking group and who also pick up litter when they see it. We know you do this and we are very grateful. For further information contact Roger West (rogerwest7@btinternet.com) 01796 474255 or Catherine Holmes (c.p.holmes47@btinternet.com) 01796 473400.

Pitlochry Tennis AGM - 9th April

This year`s AGM will be held on Tuesday 9th April at 7.00pm at Pitlochry Bowling Clubhouse, 24 West Moulin Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5ED.

The Club committee warmly invites members to join us to review the state of play in 2023 and to consider our way forward in 2024. Non-members wishing to attend please contact Club Secretary John Uytman by emailing: johnuytman@gmail.com

Grandtully Logierate & Strathtay Quilting Group - 9th & 23rd April

Do you work during the day, are you a student over 16 or interested in a new hobby or a way to reuse or recycle in a friendly group of like minded people?

Come and find out more at the newly refurbished John Kyd Hall, Strathtay Church of Scotland on the second and fourth Tuesday evening of the month from seven till nine. Tuition and challenges like that pictured will be donated to CrossReach Children's Services.

At the Scottish Quilt Show in the SECC, Glasgow on the 7th March we handed over twenty quilts, for a range of ages, to the Director of Children's Services at Church of Scotland, CrossReach.

Climate Cafe - 11th April

Growing up you likely learnt about the 3 R's of sustainability and looking after the environment. They are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and were a great starting point, but as time has passed and we are becoming more aware of our choices on how to become more sustainable, that list has grown to 9 R's - Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose and lastly Recycle and Recover. These are handy to remember and even better to practice and to pass on.

Our Climate Cafes take place on the second Thursday of the month, 7pm unless otherwise stated. Venue is the Pitlochry Library, 26 Atholl Road, PH16 5BX.

Our next Climate Café is on Thursday 11th April. Come and join us for a chat with Ana de Miguel, one of PKC’s waste minimisation officers about their recycling initiatives, the Council's recycling rates, where our rubbish goes etc. Bring your questions, concerns and ideas for how we can improve as individuals, as a community and as a country. For more information please contact: Carol Aitken pitlochrydistrictcc@gmail.com Website: www.pitlochrycc.co.uk

Scottish Wildlife Trust - 15th April

Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire Branch

The next meeting will be on Monday 15th April at 19.30, at the Tryst, Church of Scotland, Church Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5EB. The talk will be given by Keith Brockie, a wildlife artist residing in Aberfeldy. The topic will be “An Artist in Nature”.

Everyone is very welcome, refreshments will be provided. Suggested donations £2 for members, £3 for non-members. For further information, contact Mark Aquilina at markandrosie@btinternet.com

Members of SWT are welcome to attend the local groups AGM which will take place at 18.30 on the same day and venue.

Pitlochry & District u3a - 17th April

The next meeting of Pitlochry & District u3a will be on Wednesday 17th of April. Helen Kirkwood from the centre will give a talk about “Life at the Atholl Centre”. This will then be followed by tea/coffee and biscuits. Our Annual General Meeting will then be held immediately afterwards. We meet in the Atholl Centre and our meetings start at 2pm.

The u3a primarily brings together people who have finished working full time or raising their family to develop interests and to continue learning in informal and supportive environments. The focus is on sharing and learning from each other. In addition to our whole group talks we also offer interest groups which are led by one of our members - the emphasis is on learning from each other and having fun while doing so.

In between whole-group meetings, members take part in specialist interest groups. For further information please visit our website https://u3asites.org.uk/pitlochry/welcome or contact Sandra Cairncross (Secretary) on smcairnx@hotmail.com with any queries.

The Friends of Pitlochry Community Hospital - 17th April

The Friends of Pitlochry Community Hospital are having their AGM on Wednesday 17th April 2024 in the Tryst Day Care Centre Lounge, Church Road, Pitlochry at 7.00pm. All Welcome!!

The Friends of Pitlochry Community Hospital was set up in 1987 with the aim of providing support and assistance to patients and former patients of the hospital. This role has also expanded to help those within the local community where care needs may not be fully met by the healthcare system. Our applications for assistance are individually assessed by the Trustees who retain the final decision on any grant.

Application forms maybe obtained from the secretary at fpch.secretary@gmail.com

If you are interested in joining the committee with the FPCH or, may consider supporting their work in the community please contact fpch.secretary@gmail.com

Pitlochry Flower Club - 17th April

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 17th April at the Tryst Hall, Pitlochry at 2pm - 4pm when Sandra Halkett will give a demonstration entitled " The Glory of the Garden". Sandra's stunning arrangements will be raffled at the end of the meeting. We will have our usual sales table, so whether you are an enthusiast or a beginner, you can stock up on supplies. There will also be a club competition with the theme "April Showers".

Visitors will be most welcome for a small charge of £8. Come along and have a fun afternoon with friends and flowers, watching Sandra create stunning floral arrangements. We are a small club and new members will be very welcome at any time. For more information, please contact Lynda Gardiner 01796 472157.

Just Singin` Birnam - 17th April

Spring Singing!

Just Singin', your friendly, local Community Choir, returns after the Easter break to start our Spring term on Wednesday 17th April at 7.30pm in the upstairs room Birnam Arts. We are delighted to welcome back one of our talented local tutors, Hazel Murch, well known to many as the leader of the Dunkeld Cathedral Choir. Hazel will be leading us for the first four weeks of our term (17th & 24th April and 1st and 8th May). Please join us if you can!

We are also delighted to be able to support another singing opportunity - a one day workshop with the very talented Alice Marra who has run fantastic sessions with us in the past. As well as running various community singing groups in Dundee, Alice is involved with Sistema Scotland. She has appeared regularly at the Celtic Connections festival with her band, The Hazey Janes, and recently collaborated with writer Liz Lochhead and saxophonist Steve Kettley to record a jazzy backing to the spoken word on 'The Light Comes Back'. Alice is passionate about music and about giving everyone the chance to sing!

The workshop is taking place from 10.30am - 4pm on Saturday 27th April at Perth Methodist Church, Scott Street, Perth PH2 8JN. Alice promises a wide variety of song styles, with something for everyone. With financial support from Just Singin', the workshop is being offered at a cost of only £15. If you would like to join us on the day, please email carole.a.reid@hotmail.co.uk to book. Places are limited and filling up fast!

Pitlochry Town & Country Club - 18th April

The next meeting of the Club will be on Thursday 18th April, which will see a change of speaker as advertised in our syllabus. Unfortunately due to the snowy weather conditions in January our meeting was cancelled so we are delighted that

Formerly Morton’s Co ee Lounge there’s a (fully refurbished) new kid on Atholl Rd!

You can’t miss us… Just look for the flowers!

Breakfasts

Traditional and a bit fancy too!

Lunches

Focaccia, Baked Tatties, Sourdough, Loaded Fries

Did I mention cakes?

Gluten Free and Vegan well looked after too!

Drinks

Iced Teas, Iced Co ee, Barista Co ees, Hot Chocolates - with a twist, Smoothies, Milkshakes, Alcohol Free drinks

PLUS

Takeaway Menu

Pitlochry & District Choral Society

HERE LIES OUR LAND

A programme of music and song celebrating Scotland

Sunday 28th April 2024 7.30pm

The Ballroom, Blair Castle

Tickets £15.00 (£7.50 Students) available from www.pitlochrychoral.co.uk

Honest Thistle, Pitlochry & The Tourist Office, Aberfeldy

Musical Directors - Colleen Nicoll & Andrew Johnston

Tenor - David Douglas

Piano - Muriel Johnstone

Fiddle - Pete Clark

Pipes - Annabel Charlton

Zena Crowther will now have this opportunity to demonstrate the art of Cross-stitch & show her beautifully crafted pictures. This will be followed by tea, home bakes & a chat. If you would like transport of the Community Bus just let me know.

This will also be the final meeting of the 2023/24 programme, which seems to have passed very quickly, we have enjoyed your company, so maybe we could plan a wee outing in the summer months!

Contact Kathleen Scott. Pitlochry 472765.

The Breadalbane Heritage Society - 19th April

The Breadalbane Heritage Society has now resumed its meetings in the Breadalbane Community Campus. The next meeting will be held on Friday 19th April. Doors open at 7.00pm for those who want to look at the displays, purchase publications or simply meet and chat, and the illustrated presentation will begin at 7.30pm. Donald Riddell will give an Illustrated talk on Glenlyon Myths, Legends, Amazing People and Places. Donald has lived and worked in and around Glenlyon for over fifty years and has an extensive knowledge of its history, fauna and flora, including the many legends surrounding this long and lonely glen. Well-known for his guided excursions to see red deer, badgers and other fauna, Donald will take everyone on a virtual safari to explore the secrets of the glen.

This talk has been rescheduled from October 2023, when the Breadalbane Community Campus was unavoidably closed due to the storm.

From May until August the BHS will be arranging visits each month to places of interest in this area, details will be given on the website and in local publications.

The BHS’s website https://breadalbane-heritage.org.uk features a video of local scenes of interest, and provides up-to-date information about talks and activities, events and publications. Ongoing Society projects include the maintenance of the Killiehassie private burial ground in Strathtay, and the recent publication, in association with the Aberfeldy Museum Group, of an illustrated leaflet, The Aberfeldy and Weem Heritage Trail, with a trail map and information on the many places of interest in the area. QR codes with information at each of these sites are currently being installed. The BHS also provides a free service of assistance with family history research.

Recordings of all the recent talks are available on the website.

Pitlochry Garden Share - 20th April

It’s getting much busier in the garden now, and seed sowing is well underway. Please get in touch if you would like to get involved this year, or learn more about us. Any help is welcome, even if it is just once a month. Contact us at pitlochrygardenshare@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. Our Volunteers Day at the Moulin Community Garden is on Thursday mornings from 9am to 12.

We are delighted to announce that R W Bell Green Energy has generously sponsored us with a donation towards the rent of the Community Garden, and offered some practical help to create a Children’s Area. This new project brings parents and their children to the garden to have fun growing their own veg! We would like to thank R W Bell Green Energy for their support.

This month onwards we will be setting up a stall just outside the Pitlochry Market (third Saturday of month, April to October 10am til 3pm. This month Saturday 20th April). We will stay until we sell out, likely before 3pm. Come along to learn more about us, and take home a variety of seedlings!

Tryst Walking Group - 20th April

Saturday 20th April: Rannoch Forest (£3). This is a forest walk on the edge of the Black Wood of Rannoch. The circular route starts at Carie on the south shore of Loch Rannoch (Grid ref: 616571) and is on good forest roads and tracks, heading first SW towards Airigh nan Guileag and then north to Dall. The last 1.5 miles is along the lochside road. Height climbed 150m. Distance 6.5 miles. OS map 52. Please contact Maureen Holmes on 01796 473153 for further information. Please note: the walk organiser/contact cannot be held responsible for any accident.

Everyone walking does so at their own risk and should take due care.

Rannoch History Society - 20th April

On Saturday 20th April 2024, Rannoch History Society will welcome Dr James Caudle of Yale and Glasgow University, who will give an illustrated talk on the Tour of Scotland in 1773 by the celebrated Dr Samuel Johnson and his younger companion James Boswell of Auchinleck. ‘Boswell and Johnson in Scotland’ promises to be a scholarly and interesting account of the eighteenthcentury Scotland they encountered and the observations they made as they journeyed. The meeting will take place at 2.30pm on Saturday 20th April in Kinloch Rannoch Village Hall. Light refreshments will be served.

Admission will be £5 for non-members. All are warmly welcome.

Tayside Woodlands Partnerships - 21st April

We probably all now are aware of the immense value and sheer beauty of trees that surround us here in beautiful highland Perthshire. If you would like to learn a little more about some of the magnificent specimens we have locally, why not join us on Saturday 21st April at 1pm. Meet at the Black Spout Car park, and our local arborist and guide, Ormungandr will take us on a journey through these beautiful and fascinating woods, rich in a variety of wildlife and some hidden secrets. Any questions, contact Mark Aquilina at markandrosie@btinternet.com

The Tayside Woodland group had its beginnings in Blairgowrie but its work is spreading to include tree planting and management of woodland in Coupar Angus and Pitlochry.

If you would like to know more or join or support this work, do visit the website: Tayside Woodland Partnerships or email us at lenseal210@gmail.com

Heartland Film Society at The Birks - 21st April

On Sunday 21 April we’re planning to show The Boy and the Heron, the latest offering from Hayao Miyazaki, the Japanese creator of Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro, amongst other brilliant animations. The film centres on 12-yearold Mahito. Following the death of his mother, he and his father move from Tokyo to the countryside to live with his aunt – his new stepmother. When she disappears, he follows a mysterious grey heron into a magic tower, and enters a fantastic world shared by the living and the dead. As he embarks on an epic journey, with the heron as his guide, Mahito must uncover the secrets of this world, and the truth about himself. This fascinating film has won 83-year-old Miyazaki his second Oscar and, sadly, is likely to be his last.

Unfortunately, at the time of going to press, we haven’t had final confirmation of the film’s availability on our chosen date. We’re hopeful, but please check our website and The Birks

2024

INTERIORS COLOURS FOR THE HOME

“Colour! What a beautiful and mysterious language, the language of dreams”

Paul Gauguin - Painter.

The Christmas tree is out, the days are getting longer, I need to use up all this energy and be ready for the spring. If like me you are feeling the need to refresh the home and are wondering what is on trend this year - then look no further.

Here is what the experts say!

PEACH FUZZ EMBRACE THE WARMTH

The Pantone people are big in the world of colour and 2024 is the year of Peach Fuzz. It captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. Yearning to feel warm and fuzzy in the year ahead? It’s a velvety gentle tone that enriches mind, body and soul. This shade echoes our innate yearning for closeness and it is warm, elegant, tactile and seems both youthful and timeless. It will brighten up your home and make it cosy! Paint your bathroom, bedroom, or living room Peach Fuzz for an instant cosy pick-me-up.

PANTONE 13-1023

THE DARK (AND CHIC) SIDE

On the opposite end of the spectrum, rich and deep colours will play an integral role in balancing the bright and light shades that will be seen in the next year. The shades vary from deep chocolate browns and interesting blacks to deep navy and forest greens. Behr celebrates the timeless allure of black hues with their colour of the year, Cracked Pepper. Whereas, York Wallcoverings chose chic Bay Brown as their go-to shade of 2024 for its warm and inviting qualities.

BLUE NOVA COLOUR DRENCH

BRINGING BACK THE BLUES

Blue is just one of those colours that will never lose popularity due to its innate connection to the natural world. The new popular blues will be more watery and airy, this shift inspired Sherwin-Williams to name Upward, (Upward SW 6239) a light denim blue with grey undertones, as their official colour of the year. It’s a feel-good colour that people can really relate to, and makes your rooms look larger and fresher. For the next year, it’s all about creating tranquil spaces done in this really beautiful, soft, breezy colour. Inspired to create spaces that feel relaxed and welcoming, the new colour aims to promote a peaceful feel in residential projects. Use on all 4 walls of a room for best effect.

Paint experts Benjamin Moore looked to the sky when selecting their colour of the year, Blue Nova, inspired by the night sky, which blurs the line between violet and blue. Supposedly a mystical feeling colour bringing intrigue to your home.

Valspar (paint experts too) recently named Renew Blue, a mid-tone blue-green, their colour of the year, further establishing this shift to more playful shades of blue. This blue aims to be a calming and nourishing shade.

INTRIGUING PURPLES

Purples can feel a little intimidating to work with, but experts urge that the colour is extremely versatile. Sue Wadden ( of Sherwin-Williams ) adds that more muted, softer purple shades will also rise in popularity in the forthcoming year because they’re a nice companion to pinks, blues, and greens, adding depth or vibrance depending on the shade of purple. A strong purple is DAMSON. It was all over social media feeds recently, from kitchen units painted in the dramatic shade to entire living rooms drenched in the deep red hue. These berry shades are a step forward from previous pink tones such as millennial pink. Damson is a mature and timeless choice which creates a sense of luxury and comfort.

UNAPOLOGETIC PINKS AND REDS

2023 saw all things Barbie taking over and her reign over culture will continue to prosper in the upcoming year. Sherwin-Williams, Dunn-Edwards and Pantone all predict vivacious shades of pink will continue to rise in popularity as feel both nostalgic and optimistic. Shades of blush and baby pink will also remain a staple as proven by the British paint & wallpaper company, Little Greene, which announced the soft pink neutral Masquerade as their

colour of the year.

Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams director of colour marketing, notes shades in the red and terracotta families will also see a resurgence in the next year. “Red is really emerging, and we haven’t talked about red probably since the 1990s,” says Wadden. Even Benjamin Moore can’t stay away from the brilliance of red and pink, including earthy Topaz and cheerful Teacup Rose in their Colour Trends 2024 palette.

BEHR CRACKED PEPPER

EARTHY GREENS

Approachable and muted greens aren’t going anywhere in 2024. The nature-inspired hues evoke a calming quality that most people find comforting. This fresh and nurturing sense is what inspired British brand Graham & Brown to name a midtone green, Viridis, their colour of the year. Interior brand Graham & Brown announced its colour of the year for 2024 as Viridis, a soft and earthy shade of green. Designed to create restful and restorative spaces in the home, the new hue takes reference from nature and promotes an organic look.

TRENDS FOR THIS YEAR

Colour drenching has been steadily gaining popularity for a while now, but we expect to see it make its way into the mainstream in 2024. It involves painting walls, ceiling, architraves, doors and even cabinetry all in the shade which creates an enveloping effect. It can feel like a commitment if you’re not very colour confident, but it’s certainly replaced feature walls as a way to make a statement. You could start small with a colour-drenched cloakroom or create a cosy living room coated in a deep, inviting hue. This way you open up the whole room with no edges- good example would be to use this in a windowless bathroom. Paint

So in essence they predict soothing tones of peach and blue, joyful hues of damson and various shades of greenbut it’s your home and whatever you like will be perfect for you! Whatever you fancy you can’t be wrong -it’s all about personal taste!

everything including the ceiling in the same shade. They even expect to see “whole effect rooms” where the sofas and walls are the same colour. They say this makes a room seem larger and more effective. A new trend will be painting front doors on the inside a vibrant colour to give the home a splash without doing the whole hallway. WE are also expecting to see the rise in popularity of mid tones for WOOD especially flooring. SO expect to see images of grey floors disappearing to be replaced with OAK style floorboards/ vinyl. Even darker wood furniture will be making a come back soon. Probably not the very old Victorian dark woods - but more a nod to the ERCOL of the 1960’s

publicity nearer the proposed date. Everyone’s welcome at HFS screenings, but a 12-month membership costs just £10 and brings you 12 months of reduced prices for HFS films at The Birks, plus other benefits.

For more information see: www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk or www.birkscinema.co.uk

Killiecrankie Village Hall - 23rd & 27th April

The Killiecrankie Memorial Hall Trust, responsible for Killiecrankie Village Hall, will hold its Annual General Meeting at 7.00pm on 23 April 2024. Anyone living in the Killiecrankie area is welcome to attend.

The Hall committee will be hosting another mythic Quiz Night on Saturday, 27 April 2024. The fun starts at 7.30pm. Entry is £5.00 per person. Tea, coffee and snacks will be available to help the little, grey cells.

Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry - 25th April

Inner Wheel is an international women's organisation. Our objectives are to promote true friendship; to encourage the ideals of personal service; to foster International understanding and we do this this through regular meetings, social events and raise funds to support local and international charities.

Thank you to everyone who supported our Quiz Night last month. You helped us raise over £750 for Shelter Box and Multiple Sclerosis Scotland.

The club meets on the fourth Thursday of every month and our April meeting on 25th April will be at lunchtime. Our speaker will be Rich Little from the Scottish Crannog Centre and we are looking forward to hearing more about the new centre at Dalerb.

If you are interested in attending or would like further information for either event then please email innerwheelpitlochry@gmail.com

The Meeting Place- 26th April

The Meeting Place is open every Friday in the Duchess Anne in Dunkeld (church hall) from 10-12. Our coffee morning on Friday 26th April will be in aid of Dunkeld & Birnam In Bloom and we will have a cake and candy stall. Come and join us for a cup of tea/coffee, some delicious home baking and good company. All welcome.

Pitlochry Repair Cafe - 28th April

Pitlochry Repair Cafe is back at Moulin Hall on Sunday 28 April from 12-3pm. Future dates are 2 June, 1 Sept, 29 Sept, 3 Nov and 1 Dec 2024.

We look forward to welcoming you to our friendly sessions where our skilled repair volunteers can fix your broken and damaged items. Enjoy hot drinks, home-made baking and soup while you wait! We can't fix phones or zips but bring along any other items including bikes, ceramics, textiles, household objects, furniture, electrical items and electronics. Kids are welcome and dogs too!

Want to get involved as a volunteer? Email repaircafe@sprout-community-eco-hub.com or contact us on Facebook or Instagram @PitlochryRepairCafe

The Pitlochry Garden April

It’s hard to know where to start if you want to grow some vegetables for the first time: why isn’t there a beginner’s carrot? First, the technicalities: how to make a vegetable bed, how and when to sow, and which vegetables will work?

Lay out a vegetable bed east-west so that the rows go in north-south; that way the sun will strike the rows evenly. If possible, raise the bed to improve drainage and keep anyone from walking on the ground.

Allow about 1 square metre per person in your family. Make the beds about 1 metre wide so you can reach across them easily and allow 2 feet in between so light and air will circulate freely.

Sowing under cover in a glasshouse or polytunnel can start mid-April. Sow salad leaves and lettuces thinly in trays, peas and beans singly in cells and courgettes one to a 3 inch pot. You can also start onion sets in single pots or large cells. Always use clean 3 inch pots or trays and fresh seed compost. Water the filled pots or trays before sowing by putting them into a basin of water to soak up.

Then sow seed thinly and cover with vermiculite, an inert material to prevent fungal disease like damping off. Cover trays with clear lids. Save seed for another batch sown direct next month for succession.

Most seeds will germinate within 2 weeks. Then they need 2 weeks to grow on before potting on into larger cells or 3 inch pots and growing for

another 2 weeks. When potting on always handle seedlings by the seed leaves and don’t touch the stems. So allow about 6 to 8 weeks for the seedlings to be ready to go out at the end of May. Keep seeds evenly moist during the 6 week growing period, watering with a fine rose if necessary. Protect from frost at night with sheets of newspaper over the lids. Sowing directly into the ground can be done about May 7 to 10 or when night time temperatures are at least 7 degrees C. We can have late frosts to the end of May so have some fleece handy. This is for root vegetables like beets, carrots or spring onions, also quick things like radish and rocket. Make rows the right distance apart (see seed packet for instructions) and sow thinly.

Protect crops from birds: pigeons and sparrows will peck everything, especially lettuce and pea flowers; a frame high enough to let things grow, covered with net will help. If there are rabbits put up some rabbit wire along your fence line: 2 feet up the fence and 1 foot turned in towards the plot will do it.

Choose quick-maturing vegetables because summer night time temperatures are cool in Scotland and we have a short growing season. Look for varieties that are pest and disease resistant. Try companion planting to discourage pests naturally and above all, grow stuff you want to eat!

Sheila Drummond

FITNESS

with Alan Clinch

Sleep – What is it?

Continuing the theme from January’s article on general improvements to wellbeing and fitness, this is the first of two articles on sleep. Initially I’ll have a look at what sleep is, the different types of sleep, and why each is important. Next month I’ll have a look at suggestions for improving the quality of your sleep.

You are likely to spend about 30% of your life asleep (most adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night). When you’re asleep, the body powers down (a bit like putting it on standby) and systems become less active. This is to enable a number of processes:

• Energy storage and re-supply: When you’re awake, the body uses stored fuel in order to function fully. Using less energy while you’re asleep lets cells resupply and prepare for the next day.

• Recovery and repair: Powering down enables the body to and repair injuries or damage that happened during the day - that’s why being unwell makes you feel tired and in need of rest.

• Brain optimisation: During sleep, the brain organises memories and learned information. It makes accessing and using things you learn easier and more efficient.

Sleep is generally divided into two different types and four different stages. Each involves different and equally important processes designed to maximise your daily health and energy. The two primary types of sleep are rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep. Whilst you are asleep, the body cycles through these types of sleep, though there is huge variation in how each person moves between these stages.

Non-REM sleep consists of three distinct sleep stages. Each stage has a specific role, and causes changes in body temperature, brain activity, and movement. Here is a brief explanation of each:

• Stage 1 is really just a transition away from being awake, and normally lasts from 5 to 10 minutes. Firstly, muscles relax, then your breathing, heart rate, and body temperature begin to decrease. This is light sleep, and is the closest to being conscious: for that reason it's relatively easy to be woken during this stage.

• Stage 2 sleep increases relaxation: blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature continue to decrease. Eye movements stop, and you're less likely to be woken up. This stage can last from 10 to 30 minutes.

• Stage 3 is known as deep sleep. It is one of the two stages of deep sleep, and is important in terms of the three processes mentioned earlier. During this stage, it is quite difficult for things to wake you up.

REM Sleep - This the deepest stage of sleep, and the main time when you dream. Your eyes are moving under your eyelids, but most of your muscles are effectively switched off. This is the key time for memory consolidation, emotional processing, and brain development.

It’s well recognised that we need to sleep, and good quality sleep of an appropriate duration has a multitude of benefits. As a result, a good night’s sleep (or a lack of sleep), can impact the body both mentally and physically. Research points to improved mood, maintenance of heart health, effective blood sugar regulation, improved mental function, an effective immune system, control of stress, healthy weight maintenance, and improved physical performance. Want to know more? Try https:// thesleepcharity.org.uk or www.thensf.org Next month, I’ll look at suggestions to improve the quality of your sleep.

Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory

You will probably have seen, or heard reports lately about the rise in deepfake audio, images and video. AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools are becoming incredibly efficient at producing these; particularly still images.

So, can you spot the fakes? Well, audio is the hardest to detect and will usually require some research to find either its source or a denial from the victim.

Video, unless made in a high end film studio, doesn’t look quite right and if it doesn’t - it probably isn’t. Again, some research may be required.

Still images are the most common and can be really tough. However, there are some clues if you take your time and study them closely. Skin - AI is good at replicating or constructing facial images as there are literally billions of photos available to it online. It does, however, struggle with pores, wrinkles and blemishes on skin, and if the character portrayed has the most perfect, youthful, blemish and pore free facial skin, then either you are looking at a Photoshopped model on a magazine cover, or it’s created by AI.

Body Parts. AI still gets confused by the rules of what goes where and how it relates to the rest of the body. Study the image, are the ears different? Are the earrings different? Are there people in the background with oddly shaped or misplaced limbs? You will be surprised by what you find on a close examination, and amazed at how easily you were fooled on first glance.

Alien Fingers. AI finds hands and fingers particularly difficult and it’s not unusual for the subject to have five fingers all the same length, fingernails at both ends of fingers and on the odd occasion, to have six, or more fingers on each hand! The creators are well aware of this limitation and will often pose the subject to hide their hands.

Clothes. AI knows we wear clothes of different styles, but struggles with the small details, like the placement of pockets, buttons and zips. Also pay attention to the patterns and textures, AI struggles to replicate these across an item

of clothing. It doesn’t take long to spot the mistakes.

Background Objects. AI tools also tend to struggle with complex backgrounds, leaving awkward blurs, warped objects or strange texturing. Even small details can seem “off,” so a close look at the background can definitely tip you off.

Misspelled or Unreadable Text. Whilst AI writing tools are great with text, the image generators fail miserably. Look at any text in the background - signs, posters, car numbers, anything that has text. If there are misspellings, blurry parts or complete nonsense, it is all probably fake.

Metadata. The majority of AI creators attach a file to their artwork detailing a lot of information about the image, including its dial source‘Trained Algorithmic Media’ is geekspeak for AI. There are various ways of obtaining the metadata file, but the easiest is letting another AI do it for you. Metadata2Go.com is a free online tool that allows you to access the hidden metadata in your file. Just drag & drop or upload an image, document, video, audio or even e-book file and it will show you all metadata hidden inside!

There are other apps that will help you identify fake pictures or text, just Google ‘AI image detector’ and take your pick. Not as much fun as working it out by yourself though!

You really don’t need to be geeky, or a tech wizard, you just need a keen eye for detail and ok, if really unsure, then revert to some online AI grass that will confirm your suspicions.

Willie

Designer, Engraver, Silversmith, Goldsmith

Shop Open By Appointment 10-5 (not Sundays)

Malcolm Appleby

Pitlochry Choral - 28th April

Pitlochry Choral will be holding their Scottish themed spring concert “Here Lies Our Land” in the Ballroom at Blair Castle on Sunday 28th April at 7.30pm. For more info please visit our website www.pitlochrychoral.co.uk and follow us on Facebook.

Pitlochry and Moulin History Society - 29th April

The next meeting of the History Society is on Monday April 29th. Our speaker is David Robertson on “The Story of Perthshire Postcards”. David has spoken to us before on both Lost Gardens and Lost Houses of Perthshire and has an extensive knowledge of Perthshire. His talk will cover how picture postcards arrived on the scene and then flourished in the Edwardian years up to the First World War. He will discuss the industry that grew up around publishing these cards, particularly in relation to Perthshire and show a range of cards that illustrate the wide range of themes publishers drew upon to attract public interest, including cards showing the Pitlochry area. The talk matches the title of David's most recent book, in the course of publication.

The talk will be in the usual venue of the Pitlochry Tryst at 7.30 with tea and coffee afterwards. All welcome, admission £3.

Tay Valley Connections - 11th May

The Tay Valley Timebank charity is now Tay Valley Connections! We have grown far beyond our origins in time-banking. TVC now supports connection in the Upper Tay area by 1) helping people build community, 2) helping people get around, and 3) helping people help one another.

We began as a timebank more than 10 years ago - back then, we were called Deeds for Needs and were supported by Perth And Kinross Association Of Voluntary Service (PKAVS). Timebanks can help to move us away from the idea of ‘givers’ and ‘recipients’. In fact, everyone needs something and everyone has something to give.

During the pandemic, our work grew beyond time-banking. We were helping with prescriptions, transportation, groceries, and more. We called our expanding transportation arm ‘Upper Tay Transport’ and ‘Timebank’ became a confusing name for an organisation that includes much more than timebanking. Now, we have changed our name to make it clear that we are all about connection in this beautiful area we all call home.

Please join us for a celebratory launch of our new identity Saturday May 11, 1:00-3:00 pm at the Aberfeldy Town Hall. This event is for everyone of all ages and abilities. The town hall is fully accessible and children will be happy to hear that there will be a bouncy castle! We’ll have food, drink, and connection. It’s all free! www.tayvalleyconnections.org

Pete Wishart MP - Perth & North Perthshire - SNP

At the time of writing, the investigation into the murder of Brian Low is still ongoing, and many questions remain unanswered. This has been an utterly horrifying incident, which I know has rocked the close-knit community of Aberfeldy to its core. My thoughts remain firmly with the family of Brian Low during this tragic time.

We now know that the police’s initial assessment of the death deemed it to be non-suspicious. It wasn’t until 10 days later, following the results of the post-mortem, that it was announced that the death had in fact been declared a homicide.

Continued on page 42

It is simply unfathomable that it took so long to identify the true cause of Mr Low’s death, as well as the further delay there was in notifying the local community and wider public. This has rightly led to serious questions about how this investigation has been handled. There is also further concern that vital evidence may have been lost due to this delay.

In light of this, I wrote to Police Scotland to call for urgent clarification on what is known to have happened thus far, and why the investigation was not launched sooner. I also emphasised how vital it is for Police Scotland to ensure full transparency going forward.

Since those representations, the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner has announced that it has launched a probe of the investigation, in order to get to the bottom of how this situation unfolded in the way it did.

I was also assured that additional officers have been deployed to the area whilst their investigation is progressed by the Major Investigation Team, and I would urge for anybody with any information that may assist the investigation to come forward. It is my hope that we will soon have a much clearer understanding of what exactly happened here.

In brighter news, I am thoroughly looking forward to attending the official opening of the new Scottish Crannog Centre at their Dalerb site. This incredible feat has been 3 years in the making, following the devastating fire in 2021 that destroyed the previous site.

I have met with the team at the Crannog Centre on a number of occasions during that time, and have always been in awe of their unwavering focus and determination to bring the vision for the new site to life.

The new site will not just boast a new crannog over the water of Loch Tay, made literally by hand, but also an Iron Age village, roundhouse and visitor centre – featuring a cafe, retail space, museum and office.

This will bring a wealth of benefits to the local community of Kenmore, who I know are delighted to have this cultural treasure back open for business.

Murdo Fraser - Mid Scotland & Fife - Conservative

Many of us will be looking forward to spending some time with family and friends at Easter and recharging the batteries.

It has been a busy time at the Scottish Parliament dealing with various constituency issues and being a member of the Economy and Fair Work Committee. One major issue that needs to be addressed is the slow progress of dualling the A9 Perth to Inverness road. It has the unenviable record of being one of the most dangerous roads in Scotland and we recently had another fatality, when a 60-year-old man died following a collision on the A9 near Aviemore.

This means there has been 335 people who have died in 252 collisions on the Perth to Inverness A9 road since 1979. That is a shocking record and is surely one of the main reasons why dualling of the whole stretch of road should be of paramount importance to the SNP Government.

I am a long-term campaigner to have the road dualled and I know many local residents share my frustration at the length of time it is taking to complete the project. We have had to contend with the disappointment of the initial target of dualling being completed by 2025 not being achieved. While the Scottish Government have stated the dualling should be now be completed by 2035, industry experts are alarmingly predicting that the actual dualling may not be completed by 2050, if it is done by them.

Anyone who has driven on the A9 Perth to Inverness road will be only too well aware of how

dangerous it can be, especially on single stretch parts of the road. Successive Transport Ministers have promised that the actual dualling of the whole road will eventually be completed but to only have reached 30 miles so far is very poor. I acknowledge that the Scottish Government has spent some money on better signage and other road safety measures, but too many lives have needlessly been lost and more will die as a result of the delays in dualling.

At best we will be waiting another 12 years for this project to be completed, and that is the most optimistic outcome we can hope for. We need to see some real progress on the dualling of the A9 Perth to Inverness road - otherwise we will sadly continue to have more fatalities.

Murdo Fraser always welcomes feedback from constituents. He can be contacted at The Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL, by email on murdo.fraser.msp@parliament.scot or by telephone on 01738 553676.

John Swinney MSP - Perthshire North - SNP

Last month, the B898 was closed at its junction with the A9 to allow the laying of a new gas pipe. This represents the third phase of SGN's replacement pipeline project, which began in October of last year.

SGN have estimated that it will take approximately nine months for these works to be completed, and that during this period there will be a series of rolling road closures.

I have been in extensive dialogue with the local community regarding this matter, and have listened carefully to the numerous concerns that have been raised about this project and the impact it will have on those living near the B898.

I have ensured that I have fed these points back to SGN and, along with my colleague Pete Wishart MP, we have met on several occasions with senior SGN stakeholders, including their CEO, to discuss the pipeline project.

One of the main issues that we have raised is ensuring that there is 24 hour access to the local communities for emergency services. If a local resident was experiencing a medical emergency, it is simply not acceptable that an ambulance heading north up the A9 would be unable to turn straight on the B898 and would instead be required to undertake a lengthy diversion.

We have received assurances on this point and I am pleased that SGN have recognised the importance of this basic safety issue.

Pete Wishart and I have also pressed for financial compensation for affected local residents. At a time when households are still feeling the financial pressure, the requirement to undertake a regular, lengthy diversion for months on end will have a significant financial impact on many of my constituents.

Whilst SGN have to date been unwilling to offer this compensation, we continue to believe this would be appropriate step that would garner significant good will within the local community.

I have also raised with SGN the prospect of extending their hours of work, so as to complete the project in a quicker timescale. I believe it would be helpful, particularly as we come into a period of lighter nights and better weather, for contractors working on this project to be scheduled to work later into the evening and also over the weekends.

I will continue to liaise with SGN regarding this matter, and should any constituents have any specific issues that arise as a result of these road closures then I would encourage them to contact my office directly.

This Month’s Tricky Sudoku

How to play............

Fill the grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! Use reasoning and logic to solve the puzzle - there’s no maths or adding up.

Look carefully for what numbers can go where and with a little practice it will get easier!

Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch

Holiday scams

Fraudsters can create fake accommodation listings, websites and reviews to tempt potential holiday makers into parting with their cash.

Avoid deals which seem too good to be true e.g. much lower cost for a similar holiday with a different provider; Check reviews across multiple independent sites, e.g. Trustpilot. It’s best to pay by credit card as you will receive some financial protection under Section 75 of the Credit Consumer Act. If you do need to pay by bank transfer, ensure that the company is genuine, and contact them by phone to verify bank details sent to you by email; Watch out for fake websites. Signs include spelling mistakes in the domain name or across the site itself and no padlock symbol next to the web address. If you’re booking through a travel company, check it’s a member of a reputable trade body such as ABTA. Search for the company on the ABTA website. If you decide to book your holiday independently, then make sure that you are following the above advice.

Keyless Theft or Relay Theft

Criminals use hand held technology to identify whether a parked car has keyless entry. If the car ‘key’ is near enough, the criminals can amplify the signal and send it to a transmitter which acts as the true key and opens the car, allowing it to be driven off.

To prevent relay theft, keep keys and fobs well away from doors and windows; buy a signal blocker wallet to store keys; use a wheel lock or wheel clamp; or install an alarm/CCTV.

Bogus Telephone calls

A local resident received three calls from 0748 2351568 advising that their Internet is being used for illegal purposes and to contact them. This was followed by two calls from 0747 6361131 claiming to be from Microsoft regarding problems with a computer in their father's name. The savvy resident simply put the phone down.

Report:

Scams: Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or at www.consumeradvice.scot

Fraud: Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Suspicious emails: forward to report@phishing.gov.uk and send links from websites which you think are trying to scam the public to www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scamwebsite

Suspicious Text Messages: forward to 7726

Sign up for Scam Alerts at www.neighbourhoodwatchscotlan.co.uk or phone Cath Marshall, local NWS Secretary on 470575.

GrowBiz

Spring Growth with GrowBiz Enterprise Support

Whether you want to start, develop or grow your rural business or self-employed practice, here’s some ways GrowBiz can support you this spring:

Get started: If you’re thinking about becoming self-employed, have a business idea you’d like to explore, or are in the early stages of starting up, speaking with a GrowBiz Enterprise Facilitator can give you the confidence, motivation and knowledge to get going. Continued on page 52

Develop your skills: GrowBiz holds regular online learning sessions on useful topics to help you develop the skills needed to run a business, and also align it with net zero values and your own wellbeing. We also hold networking events where you can be inspired by other business owners.

Overcome obstacles: Do you have a specific question about your business, an idea you need help to think through, or accountability for a task you’ve been putting off? Book a half hour drop-in slot at one of our online support sessions on Thursday afternoons to chat instantly with an advisor.

Personal growth: Would you like to increase your confidence, get better at making decisions, or be able to clearly define your goals and intentions? You could benefit from having a trained GrowBiz volunteer mentor.

Take the next step: The next step in your business could be anything from applying for funding, to taking on your first employee, to creating a website, to improving your work/life balance, to becoming carbon neutral. No matter how big or small, we can help you identify and reach it.

Email connect@growbiz.co.uk to arrange a 1-1 chat with an Enterprise Facilitator, or visit www.growbiz.co.uk to see all of our events and services.

Pitlochry Senior Citizens Good Neighbour Association

Thank you to all the groups and organisations that have nominated us as the charity to benefit from funds that have been raised via various events. We have been very fortunate over the last few months to be the recipient of several donations which are greatly appreciated especially as funding from the council has decreased.

It is very encouraging to see how valued the service that we provide is. This service is provided by volunteers and to help us maintain this, in addition to receiving funds we would also welcome anyone who would be willing to be a driver. The commitment would not be onerous, perhaps one day a month.

If you are interested and would like to find out more about being a volunteer driver please contact Ian Moyes on Ian.moyes99@gmail.com

Atholl Centre Pitlochry Office hours

Atholl Centre Office open hours are Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm.

Atholl Centre Winter Coat Rail closing down for the Summer months. Call in during April to see last items available before the Summer arrives.

Food Bank Referrals & self referrals all welcome. Please ask if you need some help to cope with the increased cost of living.

NB: Emergency contact number: 07443 738240

The Community Larder– is quite separate from the Food Bank; it is Open 24/7 for anyone to ‘give’ or ‘take’ food items along with other household items, avoiding food waste & supporting many with the rising prices at this time. New Fridge & Freezer Community Larder located by the back door of the Atholl Centre.

Changing Places Toilet

New and fully equipped Rest room facility for the disabled

C.A.T.H. Churches Action For The Homeless

The outreach service will be at the Atholl Centre, Pitlochry on the first Tuesday every 2 months,

Repairs · Virus Removal

New Systems · Broadband

Networking · Data Recovery

Verisure Monitored Alarm Systems

Clover Merchant Services

between 10.00am and 12 midday. We can provide support with Housing issues and Benefit queries/applications. We also provide support to access a range of available services. Please feel free to drop in for a chat.

Contacts: Gillian 07955 333 163, Kathryn 07739 858 987.

Helen Kirkwood

Atholl Baptist Centre SCIO15113, Atholl Centre, Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX

Further information from 01796 473044.

Rotary Club of Pitlochry

To become a Friend of Rotary is an excellent way for individuals like you who would qualify for Rotary membership, but simply do not have sufficient time to attend Rotary meetings, or who cannot meet the financial requirements of being a Rotarian. You can be a Friend and team up with Rotary to share in our ideals and objectives without the responsibility (or all of the benefits) of full membership, but it does afford you the opportunity to contribute to your community and to our events, if and when you are available.

Some club events are not specifically for fund raising but also for socialising. Rotarians call this ‘fellowship’, an opportunity to enjoy activities and each other's company, catch up with old friends and make or develop new ones.

Friends of Rotary also extends to corporate entities that could allow a representative of the organisation to attend meetings, service projects or fund raising events thereby allowing the corporation to be active in Rotary and the community.

If you or your organisation would like more information of our Friends of Rotary membership category, please contact our Club Secretary at: secretary@pitlochry.rotary1010.org

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group

We’ve had a very busy March with playing at The Niel Gow Festival and at the opening weekend of Perth Museum. It’s lovely to see our bands developing and to have these local opportunities for performing the tunes they’ve been working on. Our tutors Gill and Karys have been out and about visiting primary schools in the area taking fiddles and accordions to be tried out by P5-7 classes and spreading the word about DB Trad Group, which has lead to us welcoming new, budding young musicians to our weekly instrument classes.

We still have spaces available for anyone who would like to join our weekly classes for tuition in fiddle or piano-accordion. Or, if you can already play and would like to join our bands, we welcome a wide variety of instruments players to be involved in our musical ventures and encourage fiddle and accordion players, string, wind and brass players, guitarists and more. We provide the instruments and all is free.

Classes and bands run weekly on Mondays during term–time at Birnam Arts and open to anyone aged P5 – S6.

Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com or call 07958 324 766 for more info.

Lamb Bhuna

Ingredients

600g lamb neck fillet or shoulder, cut into large chunks

For the marinade

6 garlic cloves, finely grated thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated

2 tbsp malt vinegar

½ tsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp sunflower oil

For the sauce

3 tbsp sunflower oil

2 onions, finely chopped

10 curry leaves

2 dried chillies, or ½ tsp chilli flakes

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp ground coriander

½ tsp ground fenugreek

1 tbsp tomato purée

400g can chopped tomatoes

1 tsp garam masala

Method

1. To make the marinade, combine the ingredients with a large pinch of salt in a large bowl. Toss in the lamb, cover and marinate for 1 hr at room temperature, or chill overnight.

2. For the sauce, heat the oil in a flameproof casserole and fry the onions for 10 mins, stirring until soft and golden. Drizzle in more oil if the pan gets dry. Add the curry leaves and chillies and fry for a few minutes, then add the spices and cook for 5 mins more until the onions start to caramelise.

3. Tip in the lamb along with the marinade and turn the heat to high. Cook, stirring, for 5 mins until the lamb browns. Add the tomato purée and cook for 1 min, then stir in the tomatoes and 100ml water. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, cover and cook, stirring now and then, for 1 hr 20 mins until the lamb is tender.

4. Uncover and cook for 8-10 mins more until the sauce has reduced and thickened. Remove from the heat, stir in the garam marsala and season. Will keep chilled for up to three days or frozen for two months.

Free support for small businesses, social enterprises and the selfemployed in rural Perth & Kinross

1-1 advice ~ online learning ~ business mentoring ~ networking events ~ sustainability support ~ and more

Pitlochry Station Bookshop

Last month we looked at the Bookshop’s origins but its success developed from a number of other factors too.

The most important of these was ScotRail. Not an organisation that normally receives applause but without ScotRail our Station Bookshop would not exist.

ScotRail identified the need to use its redundant station buildings and, most importantly, offered them rent-free. That arrangement still exists eighteen years on and ensures that all our income can be donated to charity.

Some forty people staff the Bookshop and all are volunteers. Not only do we receive their services free but we benefit from their enthusiasm and expertise.

Our customers and book donors - often they are the same people - ensure a high turnover of our quality stock and keep the cash register ringing. They are also attracted by our excellent prices. With our books selling from only £2 it is easy for our customers to find many literary bargains. There have also been participants from the wider community. Joining ScotRail are the Green Park Hotel, Fisher’s Hotel, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, The Highland Main Line Community Rail Partnership and Pitlochry Life, all of whom have provided us with a wide range of excellent support over many years.

Breadalbane & District Riding For The Disabled

Riding will begin again in the middle of April with the start of the school summer term. We will be welcoming back several of our riders from last year and one or two new ones will be joining us. A training day for volunteers takes place at the beginning of April to make sure we are all well prepared. We managed to get a sufficient number of helpers to run the Thrift Shop during the week after Easter. This is generally a very successful way to raise funds and we hope this year will be no exception.

A lovely invitation came from our Country Chairman for a lunch held at McDiarmid Park at the end of March for all Perthshire RDA volunteers. This was completely free of charge and came as a ‘thank you’ for the time and effort put in by volunteers. Nine lucky ones were able to go from our group. We are always on the ‘look out’ for more volunteers as people come and go with changing circumstances. Everyone is hugely valued and it is a most rewarding experience helping young people to get the most out of their riding. Anyone interested in joining should get in touch with Vicky on 07786262329 or email breadalbanerda@gmail.com

Faskally Forest parkrun

Did you know that research has shown that participating and/or volunteering at parkrun really does make people healthier and happier? That’s why we are delighted that Aberfeldy and Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice have agreed to become a parkrun practice. This means they will actively support practice staff and patients to attend parkrun in order to improve their health and wellbeing.

There are parkrun events every weekend around the UK. Our local parkrun, Faskally Forest parkrun, meets at Loch Dunmore every Saturday at 9.20am and starts at 9.30am. It’s free, open to all ages, from babies being pushed in prams to folk 80 years young. We just ask that children under

11 years keep within arm’s reach of their responsible adult. You can decide to walk, jog or run the beautiful 5km forest route. You can even bring your dog but only one dog per person on a short, handheld lead please. We’d encourage you to register (free) with parkrun at www.parkrun.org. uk/register Then bring along your barcode, which will enable you to receive an email with your completion time. You may prefer to volunteer to enjoy the camaraderie, it's a great way to meet people and make friendships. There are a variety of volunteer roles, all are easy, and we will give you any training on the day if required.

Afterwards, we go to the Red Deer Restaurant for a coffee and blether. To find out, more look at our web page www.parkrun.org.uk/faskallyforest or Facebook page Faskally Forest parkrun www.facebook.com/faskallyforestparkrun

Pitlochry Library

Opening hours: Thursday 10am-1pm & 2pm-7pm, Saturday 9.30am-12.30pm

01796 474635 / pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk

Bookbug sessions are held at Pitlochry Library every Thursday from 9.15am-9.45am. Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please get in touch with Pitlochry Library to book a spot.

Princh Printing. Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries have installed Princh, a new printing solution in libraries across Perth and Kinross, including Pitlochry Library. With Princh, it is now possible to print from any mobile device, tablet, or laptop from home or in one of our participating libraries. Just print, pay online and pick up your items. You can send your print jobs at any time from any place, and what's more, you no longer have to wait in line at the printer.

Details can be found on our website www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries/internet-and-computers/ princh-printing

The Atholl Medical Centre

As many of you already know, Dr Ailsa McEwen retired at the end of December. Having joined the practice in 2008 she will be greatly missed by colleagues and patients alike.

On Thursday 21st February, representatives of the community made a presentation at the surgery. Our Practice Nurse Marie Stephen also retired at the end of February after 28 years with us. Both will be greatly missed and we send our fondest wishes to Dr McEwen and Marie Stephen in their retirement.

Irene Cattanach's Skydive

A few word of thanks to my many friends and locals in Pitlochry and district who supported my charity SCAA Air Ambulance by doing a tandem skydive at Erroll, at the end of November, despite my dreaded fear of heights. It was only 10,000 ft, so what's that, a small drop.

All done and dusted with a welcome sum of £2516.27.

Wow! So many kind people out there, and we'll worth my short half hour of fear.

Thank you all, Irene.

Mid Atholl Indoor Bowling Club

Mid Atholl indoor bowling club meet on Mondays in Mid Atholl Hall Ballinluig 2pm -4pm, bowls are available, flat soled shoes must be worn.

Come along and give bowling a try. For more information contact Frances on 01796 482240.

Pitlochry Bowling Club

Happy Easter everyone

Only a few weeks till our outdoor season begins on Saturday 20th April at 2pm. All bowlers are welcome to join us. Before that we have our AGM on Tuesday 2nd April at 7pm.

We have now closed the Monday warm space days. Carol and John Anderson with Fay and William MacNicoll deserve our grateful thanks for all the time and work they put in every week to serve up delicious homemade soup and bacon rolls with a warm welcome to everyone who came along.

April Bingo nights are Monday 8th and 22nd. 7 for 7.30pm. Everyone is very welcome to this popular social evening. But please check our Facebook page (Pitlochry bowling club)

At our last quiz night the proceeds from the raffle amounted to £260.00 which was donated to (SCAA) The Air Ambulance.

We recently reach the final of the Killiecrankie Cup (an internal club pairs competition) which was won by Stewart Rutherford and Kevin Walsh. Congratulations to you both.

We also took part in the Tay Tummel Indoor league which I’m pleased to say we won. The photo was taken at the presentation Team players were Campbell,Ian Wilson,Val Wilson,Brian McClure,Kevin Walsh,Niel Haggart (all in the photo) and John Greenshields,Cath McCartney and Agnes Naylor were missing that day. Thank you to Val for all the organising of matches and club members who helped with refreshments.

We are a friendly club and always pleased to welcome new members. For further enquiries please contact John on 07833664121 or Agnes on 0798122414.

Scotland Prestige Awards

Winner of Mortgage Broker of the Year 2022 Finalists in the 2019 and 2020 Scottish Mortgage Awards for both Best Mortgage Broker Edinburgh & Scotland categories and Shortlisted for the 2022 Awards for Best Regional Broker: Edinburgh and Best Regional Broker: Central Region

Blair Atholl Bowling Club

Well the daffodils are just about bursting into bloom and the snowdrops are in their finery but the most important thing which indicates that Spring has at last arrived - yes, the new bowling season is due to start soon. Now is the time to get the bowls out of the bag and give them a wee clean and a polish.

For us at Blair Atholl there is one date of immediate interest :-

April 7th - the AGM being held at 2pm in the clubhouse. It looks like it’s going to be another busy season for the club and the Committee will be on the lookout for volunteers for all these pre season preparation jobs and as the old saying goes, "many hands make light work"

April 27th -Opening Weekend when we would hope to once again invite our good friends from Pitlochry to a friendly match to ‘open the green.’

Maybe this is the time also to engage in a wee recruitment drive. The club has a hard core of keen, dedicated players but could certainly be doing with some new (younger) blood coming to join us, especially on the ladies side. So if you are reading this and feel like having a go at bowling then come along to the club on a Tuesday or Friday evening at 7.00pm (commencing Tuesday 30 April) for a couple of hours of light hearted banter and there are plenty shoes and bowls you can borrow. You don’t need to be a champion to enjoy yourself. Take it from one who knows!!

John Reynolds BABC

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band

Another busy month with lots of teaching and practising! We're delighted that the RSPBA have managed to get all five Major Championships organised for this year. The first one is on the 18th May in Bangor Northern Ireland. Out Grade 3 band is hoping to compete at it.

Some of our members played at the competitions in Perform in Perth, winning various placings and quite a few of our younger pipers and drummers are playing in the Perth Concert Hall on Sunday 14th April with the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. This promises to be a great night. We're busy organising our Highland Nights which start on the 27th May, every Monday night until the 2nd September. We've already got two visiting groups who would like to take part in the Highland Nights. A group of Highland Dancers from Canada will be joining the Jean Swanston Highland Dancers on the 29th July and the N S W Highlanders Pipe Band from Australia will be joining us on the 12th August. This will be the 58th year of the Pipe Bands Highland Nights! If anyone would like any information on our tuition, please e-mail or phone me.

Gillie McNab

gmcnab00@aol.com mob 07733152223

Hearing Dogs For Deaf People

On Saturday 17th February, in Perth, we had a gathering of owners, speakers and volunteers relating to the charity Hearing Dogs For Deaf People. The coordinators Martin and Gill gave an informative talk with time allowed for folk to ask questions or make comments.

I am willing give a talk to any club, organisation or social group etc. that has an interest in thgis worthwhile cause. just contact via email johnhenley007@hotmail. co.uk

Blair Atholl & Struan Initiative

Roll on Spring at Blair Atholl’s Memorial Park

As the snowdrops take their leave and the daffodils force their way through the cold earth, so Spring returns to our beautiful Memorial Park in Blair Atholl, supported by the Blair Atholl & Struan Initiative. We’re delighted to report that the bark at our playpark has (at long last) been replaced, making the playpark a safe and less muddy place for our smaller residents and visitors. Our oral history project around the railway station is also gathering momentum, and we will be saying more about our findings in the months ahead. Last but by no means least, tennis is being played again, after a period of absence due to cold and wet weather.

If you’d like to join our club or even play as a one-off, please get in touch with John Charles on 07981 862038 or come along to social tennis on a Sunday afternoon (weather permitting). John has been coaching children at Blair Atholl school, and he is still doing so now – for which we are all extremely grateful. Here’s a reminder of some of our younger tennis players in action last year!

Friends of Blair Atholl Station

Sharing our Past, Building our Future at Blair Atholl Station

Our oral history project is making progress, thanks to financial help from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Struan Trust, and practical help from a whole load of individuals, groups and organisations that have come “on board” to tell us their stories and share with us what’s special to them about Blair Atholl station. But we need more – especially stories of drivers and signal men and women who have worked - and maybe still work - on the railway. Is this you? Please drop us an email or message us on facebook or twitter.

If it’s easier, leave your contact details at Blair Atholl Golf Club and we will get back to you. Our email address is friendsofbastation@gmail.com and do check out our new website – www. blairathollstation.co.uk Thank you!

Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition

Registration for our 54th annual exhibition will take place from 1st- 31st May, online at www. dunkeldartexhibition.com Artists may enter up to 3 pieces of work and a £2 per picture hanging fee will be collected when work is handed in.

We will be at the Duchess Anne, Dunkeld on Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd July to take in pictures and the Exhibition will open on Tuesday 30th July and run until Thursday 29th August. All unsold work must be collected on Saturday 2nd September.

For further information please email dunkeldart@aol.com

The Dunkeld & Birnam Spring Art and Crafts Fair

The Dunkeld & Birnam Spring Art and Crafts Fair will be late this year due to ongoing works at The Drill Hall. The fair takes place 25th to 27th May at The Drill Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld from 10am to 5pm each day and admission is free.

New exciting crafts and old favourites.

Tenandry Kirk, Killiecrankie

Interim Moderator: Rev. Neil Glover

Session Clerks: Marion Faulds - 01796 472415, Edward Elworthy - 07770842502

Every Sunday service at 10.30am

1st Sunday of the month Coffee/Tea following the service. All Welcome.

Pitlochry linked with Blair Atholl & Struan Church of Scotland

Interim Moderator: Rev Fraser Penny 01350 727 249

Pitlochry Session Clerk: 01796 472791

Pitlochry Website: www.pitlochrychurchofscotland.org.uk

Sunday Services: Please note the new times of worship services on Sundays, Pitlochry Church at 10.00am and Blair Atholl church at 11.30am.

At Pitlochry, we invite you to join us, whether you live locally or are just visiting the area. Worship begins with a warm welcome, followed by a mix of music and words, ancient and modern. Tea/ coffee and biscuits are served in The Tryst Lounge following the service.

Day Care: Alzheimer Scotland, Heart for Art (CrossReach) and Live Active have become the tripartite provider of Day Care in The Tryst Lounge on Tuesdays from 10.00am – 2.00pm and on Thursdays from 10.00am – 3.00pm. The community bus will provide transport. If you, or anyone you know, would benefit from these activities, lunch and some company or if you wish to volunteer to help, please contact The Tryst office for details (see below).

Wednesday Coffee & Chat: 10.30am – 11.45am. Everyone is very welcome to catch up with friends, neighbours and to meet new people over tea, coffee and biscuits in The Tryst Lounge. At present, donations are for the people of Malawi, through the Bananabox Trust.

Church Choir: Wednesdays at 6.25pm in The Tryst Hall. New members always welcome.

Pitlochry Choral: Wednesdays at 7.45pm in The Tryst Hall.

Table Tennis: Meet weekly on Thursdays 2.00pm until 4.00pm in The Tryst Hall.

Church Office: The Tryst, for all enquires and deliveries contact by email thetryst@btconnect.com or telephone 01796 474010. The office is open from 9.00 – 11.00am Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Emails and telephone messages are checked regularly.

For details and availability of The Tryst hire also contact by email thetryst@btconnect.com or telephone 01796 474010.

The Scottish Episcopal Church in Highland Perthshire Offers All a Warm And Inclusive Welcome

Part of the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane

Rector: The Rev Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005: Email: bethmaybaker@yahoo.co.uk

Lay Reader: Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416: Email: lesleywhitwood@btinternet.com

Website: www.hplc.scot Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/ highlandperthshirechurches

Episcopal Churches in Highland Perthshire April 2024 all are welcome at services in our churches and on Zoom. Check our website for updates.

Continued on page 72

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Holy Trinity Church, Perth Road, Pitlochry -Contact – Robin Baker - 01796 472005

Holy Trinity is open from Easter to Christmas

Serenity Garden is open Daily

Sunday services 9.30am Holy Communion/Communion by Extension

5th Sundays Joint Service with Kilmaveonaig & All Saints (see Website for location)

Book Group. Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416 for details.

Garden Group 11.00am to 1.00pm on Tuesdays

Holy Trinity Spring Fair 20th April 11.00am to 4.00pm welcome spring and enjoy the craft stalls, refreshments, tombola and children’s activities including face painting.

Kilmaveonaig (St Adamnan’s Church), opposite former Tilt Hotel, Blair Atholl.

Contact - Mrs. Lavinia Gordon 01796 481230

Kilmaveonaig is open daily

Sundays at 11.15am Holy Communion/Matins/ Communion by Extension

5th Sundays Joint Service with Holy Trinity & All Saints (see Website for location)

St Andrew's, Church, Strathtay, opposite the local shop.

Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416

Sundays at 11.15am Holy Communion/Matins/Service of the Word/Communion by Extension; 5th Sundays with Church of Scotland (see website)

All Saints, Kinloch Rannoch Square Contact – Reverend Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005

First Sunday of the Month 9.30am Holy Communion

3rd March Holy Communion

5th Sundays Joint Service with Holy Trinity & Kilmaveonaig (see Website for location)

Zoom Services

Sundays - 6.00pm Evening Services (see Website)

Thursdays - 10.30am Morning Prayer

Friday 12 April ‘Not English but Anglican’ a history of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Contact The Rector Liz Baker 01796472005 for details.

Braes of Rannoch linked with Foss & Rannoch Church of Scotland

Interim Moderator: Rev Grace Steele

Phone - 01887 820025 Email - GSteele@churchofscotland.org.uk

Session Clerk Braes of Rannoch --

Session Clerks Foss and Rannoch -- Robert and Elizabeth Anderson 01882 632272

Services in April:

7th April - Joint service at Braes of Rannoch Church (Bridge of Gaur) 11.00am

14th, 21st and 28th April - 9.45am at Braes of Rannoch and 11.30 am at the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch

Pitlochry Life

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in blocks of 3 ,6 or 12 issues. To advertise in Pitlochry Life, to discuss your requirements, or for more information - please contact Debbie on

07545299491 or

Jehovah’s Witnesses

The Bible promises that God will take back control of the Earth, then he will restore the environment. On the 11th and 21st there are talks on this promise. You are welcome to join us for our meetings held at the Kingdom Hall, Moness Terrace, Aberfeldy. If you have a Bible, bring it with you; if you would like a Bible, we offer copies without charge. If you would like a lift to the meetings, get in touch using the information below.

Thursday 4th April, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Psalms 23–25, “Jehovah Is My Shepherd”, ‘We Reject the Voice of Strangers (John 10:5)’, ‘The Congregation “Entered Into a Period of Peace” Part One—Acts 9:1–5’.

Sunday 7th April, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Does the Truth Affect Your Life?’. A discussion: ‘Jehovah Has Tender Affection for You (James 5:11)’.

Thursday 11th April, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Psalms 26–28, ‘How David Fortified His Integrity’, ‘The Earth’s Environment Will Be Restored’, ‘Teenagers Who Maintain Moral Integrity’, ‘The Congregation “Entered Into a Period of Peace” Part Two—Acts 9:6–17’.

Thursday 18th April, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Psalms 29–31, ‘Discipline—An Expression of God’s Love’, ‘Why We Have Faith in God’s Love’, ‘The Congregation “Entered Into a Period of Peace” Part Three—Acts 9:18–35’.

Sunday 21st April, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Ruining the Earth Brings Divine Retribution’. A discussion: ‘“Praise the Name of Jehovah” (Psalm 113:1)’.

Thursday 25th April, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Psalms 32, 33, ‘Why Confess a Serious Sin?’, ‘Humility—What Paul Did and How We Can Imitate Him’, ‘Saul the Pharisee’, ‘The Congregation “Entered Into a Period of Peace” Part Four—Acts 9:36–42’.

Sunday 28th April, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Show Love and Respect in Your Marriage’. A discussion: ‘Lessons We Can Learn From the Nazirites (Numbers 6:8)’.

Jehovah is the name of Jesus’s father; to witness is to share the truth. Enjoy a free study of the Bible at your convenience—ring or text 07 802 753 193. At www.jw.org you will find the Bible’s answers to life’s questions.

Pitlochry Baptist Church

Atholl Road, PH16 5BX www.pbcweb.net

Pastor: Rev David Barrie (pastor@pbcweb.net)

Sundays - Our Worship Gathering takes place every Sunday from 10:30am at our building on Atholl Road - next to the Tourist Information Centre and across the road from Heartland FM. If you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come as you are and join us. For the children, we have a full programme for babies through to teenagers. We look forward to welcoming you.

This month's highlighted events:

The weekly WA (Welcome All) soup lunches held on a Friday from 12 noon at the Atholl Centre (behind our church building) will continue until the end of April. We are planning 4 Summer Special events for seniors and others, spread through May to September, with details to be announced soon. Keep an eye on social media and notice boards.

For quick & easy access to information on our website and social media pages, scan this QR code Continued on page 76

The Pitlochry Crossword

ACROSS

1 Network scam damaged online viewing devices (7)

5 Unite Fair Isle, possibly (4)

9 Don’t run at ruined castle (9)

10 Wee bit of mortadella? (3)

11 Typical - Ballinluig captured Scotland (4)

13 I use ten modified private facilities (2,5)

14 Intimidate minor dodgy tradesman (6)

15 Goal? Beg to differ (6)

18 See 2 Down (7)

20 Too obvious, locals outraged (4)

22 Gaelic festival, half up-to-date (3)

23 Often seen on the A9 - lacks a bit structure (9)

25 Careless Roman loses a standard (4)

26 Irritates eel - ends messily (7)

By Lesley

DOWN

1 Road builder sounds balanced (4)

2 And 18 Across Mountain bracken I’ve destroyed (3)

3 Primarily a very old cheese and dodgy orange fruit (7)

4 Turned street Irish, perhaps (6)

6 Eccentricity of Brazil, for example (9)

7 Neatest ditties composed (7)

8 Lethal limbs! (4)

12 Someone from south of here restored older lawn (9)

14 Primitive chap unexpectedly came with van (7)

16 Leading botanist on walk found type of bush (7)

17 Wrongly ignore Dumfries and Galloway possibly (6)

19 Toy bird (4)

21 Pass writhing snakes (4)

24 Pass school, ignoring odd characters (3)

(the black and white box thing). Do this by:

(1) Open the Camera app on your phone.

(2) Hold your phone so that the QR code appears in view.

(3) Tap the notification to open the link in your browser. Alternatively, if that gives you a headache, go to our website or check us out on Facebook and Instagram for current up-to-date information.

RC Parish of St Bride

St Bride’s, Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AL

Our Lady of Mercy, Home Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2AJ

St Columba’s, St Mary’s Road, Birnam, Dunkeld, PH8 OBJ

Parish Priest: Fr. Emmanuel Adindu MA MSP

Tel: 01796 472174 email: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk

Sunday Mass Times

St Columba’s Saturday Vigil 6.00pm Our Lady of Mercy 9.30am St Bride’s 11.30am

Weekday Mass Times

Our Lady of Mercy Tuesday 9.30am, St Bride’s Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9.30am

Holy Days of Obligation

St Columba’s 9.30am, Our Lady of Mercy 12.30pm, St Bride’s 7.00pm

For further information please refer to our Facebook page.

The Baha’i Faith

First Principles

World peace is the Goal but the Writings of Baha’u’llah make it clear that this is something we must all strive for individually. We need to overcome prejudice, hatred, bias and to look on humankind as one family, the family of mankind. This is not idealism but a practical necessity.

The practical steps are both close to home and universal:

“First, it is incumbent on all mankind to investigate truth…. For truth or reality is not multiple; it is not divisible. Different religions have one truth underlying them; therefore, their reality is one.” Humans have the power of reason. Each must use it for himself and may not follow others blindly. Two is to be of service to one’s fellow creatures.

Thirdly, we must recognise the oneness of religion and science. “Any religious belief which is not in conformity with scientific proof and investigation is superstition, for true science is reason and reality, and religion is essentially reality and pure reason; therefore the two must correspond.”

A fourth calls for the legislative readjustment and equalisation of the economic standards of mankind. “The inequality of portion and privilege is one of the deep and vital problems of human society.” “The rich must be merciful to the poor, contributing …without being compelled.”

These go on: We need equality between men and women, with its complex benefits for all; universal education; and an effective international tribunal to make wars a thing of the past. For a broader treatment of these themes do search www.bahai.org or talk to the Baha’is in Perthshire via Rachel on rachelhelenab@hotmail.com or hilarie on 07967 601423 or Mark for the Junior Youth Group, The Aberfeldy Warriors!

The Atholl Medical Centre

Ferry Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 472558

Mon - Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm (Doors open at 8.30am)

Except Wednesdays Closed 12.15 - 1.45pm

Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111

Prescriptions - tay.amcprescriptions@nhs.scot

Visiting Hours:

Pitlochry Community Hospital Ferry Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 472052

GP Unit - Contact for further info.

MIIU - Temporarily closed until further notice.

Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice

The Surgery, Kinloch Rannoch.

Tel: 01882 632216

The Reception is open Mon - Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm

Surgery Hours 9-10.15am, 2-3pm and 4-5pm.

For all urgent appointments please phone reception

Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111

Pitlochry Post Office

Within Premier Store

63 Atholl Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 474301

Blair Atholl Post Office Tel: 01796 481233

Ballinluig Post Office Tel: 01796 482220

Strathtay Post Office Tel: 01887 840203

Kinloch Rannoch Post Office Tel: 01882 632347

Pitlochry Library

26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry

Tel: 01796 474635

E-mail: pitlochrylibrary@pkc.gov.uk

Thursday 10am-1pm & 2pm-7pm, Saturday 9.30am-12.30pm

Housing & Community Safety

476000

Whilst every care is taken in preparing this magazine to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for loss, damage or omission caused by an error in an advert. Artwork is accepted on the condition that it is legal and copyright free and that the advert is fair and accurate. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers or the views expressed by contributors, nor do the publishers necessarily share such views. We reserve the right to refuse articles and advertisements. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

This Month’s Easy Sudoku

How to play............

Fill the grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

That’s all there is to it! Use reasoning and logic to solve the puzzle - there’s no maths or adding up.

Look carefully for what numbers can go where and with a little practice it will get easier!

HOROSCOPES

BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN

For April 2024

April is going to be an exciting and eventful month as the cosmic energies are shifting in dynamic and groundbreaking ways, bringing fresh opportunities and challenges to everyone on this planet. We have a total solar eclipse on the 8th (not visible in the UK) followed by a rare conjunction of two major celestial bodies on the 20th. Jupiter, the planet of expansion, joins forces with Uranus, the planet of disruption and drastic change. They meet in the practical and stable earth sign of Taurus. This cosmic meeting suggests that we can expect anything to do with agriculture/food, stability, finance and the environment to be totally shaken up. The last time these two planets were conjoined in Taurus was in 1941. Unfortunately, this was a time when depression and financial strife caused by the war became evident on an almost world-wide level. On a more positive note, Uranus is the planet of innovation, originality and is also known as the great awakener. Providing that we follow our truth we can expect positive new beginnings, new directions, opportunity for growth and a deeper connection to spiritual wisdom. This month is all about navigating the challenging cosmic current, a mixture of fiery and energetic Aries energy with the intuitive depths of the watery sign of Pisces. Embrace change and trust your inner guidance as you travel through these important times with courage and resilience. The full moon is in the emotional and intense sign of Scorpio on the 23rd.

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

Jupiter and Uranus join together at the financial angle of your chart by shining a powerful light on how you earn your money; your earning ability is ripe for change, be sure to take advantage of a brilliant opportunity to meet new people who can influence your progress and success. The powerful new moon solar eclipse on the 8th suggests that intuitive decisions will bring positive results.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21

The dynamic energy of expansive Jupiter and revolutionary Uranus makes April the most important month of the year; this is your cue to shift gear and turn up the pace in all areas of your life. Sudden opportunities for totally new directions will become possible as you welcome in a new sense of confidence and joy. Banish negative thought, trust your intuition and go with your heart’s desire.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21

Your career and new and exciting connections are in the spotlight this month as these two areas of your chart are dominant. The powerful connection the maverick planet Uranus and expansive Jupiter offer challenge and change in all directions. The Sun and Mercury, both in fiery Aries suggest a new passion for life as you find yourself driven to make improvements that broaden your horizons on a grand scale.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22

Mars, Saturn, Venus and Neptune in intuitive Pisces all occupy the sector of your chart concerned with further education, your higher mind and travel. You’ll be feeling energetic about making plans for the future, but be sure to proceed with caution as all might not be as it seems. Abundant Jupiter connecting with Uranus on the 20th shines a helpful light by empowering you to make the right decisions.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23

The powerful new moon solar eclipse in fiery Aries on the 8th offers an opportunity to make outstanding business connections, networking and career change should be high on your agenda this month. The meeting of innovative Uranus and expansive Jupiter on the 20th indicate some brilliant prospects are up for grabs. Be sure use your intuition and focus on turning exciting ideas into long term projects.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22

Relationships and partnerships are the focus for you this month. You’ll certainly be feeling the need for tenderness and love as four planets occupy this sector of your chart. The new moon solar eclipse on the 8th pushes you to see a completely different view point in many areas of your life. This month, concentrate on nurturing your inner peace and trusting your ability to adapt to whatever challenges may arise.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23

April presents a harmonious blend of opportunities and challenges for you as the cosmic energies are urging you to find a better balance in all aspects of your life. The Solar eclipse in your opposite sign on the 8th is of special importance and some important and lasting decisions will need to be made. The stunning Jupiter / Uranus alignment on the 20th could bring a financial surprise your way.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

This month, you are encouraged to delve deep into your emotions and embrace the process of inner transformation. Trusting your inner strength and resolve will hold you in good stead for what’s to come. The powerful connection of Jupiter and Uranus on the 20th in your opposite sign ensures that exciting change is on offer. Go with your gut feeling, as a new passion for life emerges.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Your health, daily rituals and well-being are your main focus this month as the ground- breaking conjunction of Uranus and Jupiter on the 20th stir up this sector of your chart. As a free spirit, you know that change is inevitable and as your vision of the future becomes clearer you’ll feel more confident and ready for anything that comes your way. The Scorpio full moon on the 23rd offers insight and heightened intuition.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

This is a potent month for Capricorns as the major conjunction of expansive Jupiter and revolutionary Uranus takes place in the sector of your chart concerned with romance, pleasure, creativity and pleasure. Get ready to release your inhibitions and embrace a new way of living as this combination gives you great courage and desire to overcome any habit patterns that no longer serve you.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18

Uranus is your planetary ruler and the meeting with expansive Jupiter on the 20th indicates that this is a month of breakthroughs for you - expect the unexpected! Your home and family are in the spotlight, illuminating some issues that need addressing. Deeper healing is possible with the added potential for successful communication. This month offers you an energy boost, enabling some major shifts to take place.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20

The creative and inspirational influence of expansive Jupiter and innovative Uranus are strong in your communication sector, particularly at the time of the conjunction on the 20th. Sharing your ideas should be your main focus, even if you feel a little shy about opening up to strangers.The cosmic alignments indicate some valuable new insight are yours for the taking, as long as you embrace an entirely new perspective.

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH these challenging times, discover your unique birth map and take a refreshing new look at your year ahead. Find out when the patterns in the Cosmos align with your patterns here on earth. Find out when positive and productive planetary cycles are working in your favour. Aim to reach your fullest potential in 2024 by booking an astrological reading now - Consultations are available on Zoom, WhatsApp or by telephone.

Christine Chalklin, Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach

Email: christine_chalklin@hotmail.com

Website: www.yourguidinglight.org

Mobile: 07813 483549

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