PITLOCHRY
LIFE
December 2023 Issue 403
The Best of Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire Pitlochry - Aberfeldy - Dunkeld - Birnam - Kenmore Kinloch Rannoch - Blair Atholl
Highland Safaris Christmas Experience
EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 2 DECEMBER 2023 Come face-to-face with our friendly herd of Red Deer and resident Barn Owl. Enjoy letter-writing to Santa, festive colouring in competition, Christmas Treasure Hunt and our Winter Grotto. It’s a real festive family day out! Each child will receive a personalised Christmas gift from Santa. All tickets include a hot drink and 10% off in our cafe and gift shop.
£20 per child £15 per adult £65 family of 4
Terms apply
BOOK ONLINE
DULL | PERTHSHIRE | PH15 2JQ
HIGHLANDSAFARIS.NET
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& RED DEER CENTRE
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CONTENTS
53,77 Sudoku
10 The Pitlochry Tipple
This month the staff at Robertsons choose their favourites for Christmas.
14 Your Community
All the news from our MPs, Clubs, Groups and Churches.
24 Button Batteries
Did you know how dangerous button batteries can be to small children?
30 Willie's Wonky Computer
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Willie looks at how to identify the component parts of your computer.
Crossword
32 Christmas Books
Our annual review of the best selling books this Christmas.
36 Fitness With Alan Clinch
Alan continues his look at arthritis, what causes it and what you should do about it.
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Advertising
Christmas Books
Debbie - 07545299491
Photography & Design Lynsey - 07305577953
Editor
Willie - 07906375953
www.facebook.com/pitlochrylife Pitlochry Life Manse Road, Moulin Pitlochry PH16 5EP
62
Recipe
info@pitlochrylife.co.uk www.pitlochrylife.co.uk
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Deadline for January is 12
40 The Pitlochry Garden
Sheila takes a personal look at what makes an ideal Christmas gift for a gardener.
WELCOME
53 Sudoku
Our Sudoku is also online this month, play every day and keep your brain active!
56 Loneliness
We have some great tips for dealing with loneliness, so don't suffer in silence.
62 Recipe
This month we have a great recipe for stuffing to accompany your turkey.
79 The Pitlochry Crossword
Lesley is back, to test your crossword ability, along with local and Scottish knowledge!
Welcome to the December edition of Pitlochry Life. Well, that seems to have been the fastest year for us ever! The trees have been beautiful, the crisp mornings gorgeous and we can’t wait to see in the Winter season! As you can imagine this edition is full of great events, evenings out, concerts, festive meals and theatre shows. We also have some great gift ideas with vouchers from your favourite hotels, restaurants and shops. All money spent locally helps to keep the town the vibrant place that it is today. So come on and make sure you celebrate with your friends and family locally.
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Loneliness
Have a really thorough read through this months edition and plan your events! All our great local clubs and societies are also busy this month, with talks, outings and competitions. It’s going to be tough to fit it all in!
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The Pitlochry Garden
This month we look at Rheumatoid Arthritis in the fitness column, gifts for the gardeners amongst us, the parts of your computer you might need to know about, and Willie has also been busy making the stuffing for your favourite meal. Our editorial feature this month is books for Christmas. Well it wouldn’t be Christmas without a good book would it! Have a great December, however you spend your holiday we wish you a peaceful and Happy Christmas. See you at the New Year Street Party!
noon on the 8th December
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Staff Picks for Christmas It’s the time of year for choosing that perfect present. If you are thinking of buying a bottle for someone then let us give you our favourite ideas for Christmas.
cardamom with spicy juniper. Best served on its own with ice and a slice of orange”. Raymond’s recommendations
Golden Cask Rum matured in Foursquare Rum Casks 15yo - “Creamy with red fruits, caramel and digestive biscuit. Loads of fruit and spices, perfect Lindores Abbey Aqua Vitae – “It’s very versatile, can be used to make cocktails, add to hot chocolate for a rum trifle to finish your Christmas dinner or rum butter for the top of your Christmas pudding”. or simply drink over ice with a slice of orange and ginger ale. The spirit itself is made on site using Wasted Degrees XPA Beer – “Halfway between spices, dried fruit and locally grown green herbs a hoppy IPA and an XPA (extra pale ale). This is a such as Douglas fir and sweet cicely. With citrus lovely light ale at 3.5% abv that doesn’t fill you up. notes and full of sweet and spiced flavours”. Brewed locally by the lads at Wasted Degrees, who Donna’s recommendations:
Kilchoman Sanaig – “A perfect winter warmer from a privately owned distillery on Islay. Bottled at 50ppm (parts per million) this whisky made me fall in love with peated whisky. It pairs well with spicy food; haggis, black pudding, spicy chocolates and has a wonderfully smoky finish. John’s recommendations Edradour 12yo – “Always a favourite, more depth and texture than the 10yo which is also finished in Oloroso sherry casks. What better Christmas present than a whisky that tastes like liquid Christmas cake. Figs with sultanas and honey, gentle, warming with spices and oloroso sherried wood on the finish”. Crossbill Scottish Dry Gin – “This is a very simple gin with only two botanics; juniper and rosehip, and therefore has a lovely clean taste. A very refreshing gin with a slightly drying finish. Great with some mixed fruits and lots of tonic”. Finn’s recommendations Taibhse Cask 12yo Speyside – “Because my dad told me to ☺. Lovely and dark in colour with sweet sherry; raisins and sultanas, oily and drying. Warm spices, perfect for sipping in front of a fire. Like a hot water bottle warming you from the inside out”. The Gael Gin – “Very different to other gins. A definite hint of whisky on nose from the malted barley used to make it. Heather and citrus notes, 10 Pitlochry Life
are producing some stunning ales. Hops used are El Dorado, Amarillo, Cascade”. Ewan’s Recommendations Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva – “This rum is quite exceptional. From Venezuela, this rum is Christmas cake and Gingerbread in a glass. Followed by custard and banana. Matured in Whiskey barrels (not scotch), the finish is sweet coffee and demerara sugar. Simply delicious and moreish”. Taishe 5yo Highland (peated) – “I have to finish with this, not because it is one of my bottlings but because of the surprise it gave when finally bottled. This started off as quite a peaty whisky, but 5 months in Virgin Oak and the peat has all but disappeared leaving a wonderful suggestion of peat but no more. Gentle spice and bourbon influences are wonderful. Sit back, relax, set this glass on the arm of your chair and sip gently. Wonderful. Whatever you choose as a gift or Christmas tipple we wish you all a Very Merry Christmas. Ewan McIlwraith Robertsons of Pitlochry & The Bothy Tasting Room 44-46 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry PH16 5BX www.robertsonsofpitlochry.co.uk
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9th Annual Christmas Tree Festival - 2nd & 3rd December Invitation to Participate and Visit Saturday 2 December, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Sunday 3 December, 2.00 – 4.00pm. Carol Concert Sunday 3 December at 6.30pm. Pitlochry Church of Scotland, The Atholl Centre and Pitlochry Scout Group once again invite local businesses, voluntary organisations, charities, families and individuals to participate in our 9th Annual Christmas Tree Festival by providing a real or artificial Christmas Tree decorated in a way which advertises or promotes the interests or a particular Group, Business, Family, Organisation or Charity. The Trees will all be on public display inside Pitlochry Church of Scotland over a period of two days and during Church services up to and including Christmas Day. The Church Tryst, will host a Festival Craft and Produce Market, Refreshments, and Children’s Crafts on Saturday 2 December, with …. Santa dropping in for a visit too!! A Christmas Carol Concert on the evening of Sunday 3 December will celebrate the end of the Festival and reveal the winner of the Best Tree Competition and details of the monies raised for our Charity Partners. For 2023 they are: Mary’s Meals and Christians Against Poverty. Join in, come along and visit. Enjoy what will be a magical, colourful, interesting and innovative display of decorated Christmas trees, all illustrating different themes captivating the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike. If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact The Atholl Centre on 01796 473 044, or our organiser Rachael on: 07976 214 967. You can also email either admin@athollcentre. org.uk or rachael@thechristmasemporium.co.uk for more information. Organisers: Rachael Wood (Pitlochry Church of Scotland) 07976 214 967, Helen Kirkwood (The Atholl Centre) 01796 473 044 and Mark Wood (Pitlochry Scout Group) 07980 257 586.
Pitlochry Repair Cafe - 3rd December Pitlochry Repair Cafe returns to Moulin Hall on Sunday 3 December from 12-3pm As well as the normal drop-in repairs and homemade baking, Andy, our bike specialist, will also be offering free one:one or small group lessons to help you mend your bike eg. how to change an inner tube, how to fix a puncture, how to check your brakes. Contact us on Facebook to book a slot telling us what you'd like to learn! Bring your items for repair - textiles, bikes, electronics, appliances, woodwork, furniture, toys and more! (No ceramic repairs in Dec) Repairs and refreshments are all free and donations are welcome. Kids and dogs are welcome too! Questions? Contact Julia on repaircafe@sproutcommunity-eco-hub.com or on Facebook / Instagram @PitlochryRepairCafe Our next session will be Sunday 7 January.
Local Christmas Card Delivery Service 4th - 8th December Please come along to Victoria’s Restaurant between 4th and 8th December, whether you have cards for delivery or not, and help us raise funds for the Food Bank, the Path Group and our Senior Citizens’ Bus. Greetings cards for local delivery will be sorted and delivered by local volunteers to addresses in and around Pitlochry from Greengates to Aldour; Moulin to Port-na Craig and everywhere in between, as well as Kinnaird; Donavourd; Croftinloan; Continued on page 16
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West & East Haugh; Dalshian; Ballyoukan; and the Logierait-Dunfallandy Rd (including Murray Terrace). The suggested donation is still 30p per card. All donations are welcome whether you have cards to send or not. Opening times: Mon – Thurs: 10.00am – 3.00 pm & Fri 10.00 – 11.15am Donations of dry, tinned or packet foods, are always welcome at the Food Bank at the Atholl Centre (tel. 473044). To volunteer as a driver for our Senior Citizens’ bus, please phone Ian Moyes on 472425. To volunteer for the Path Group please phone Cath Marshall on 470475. If you cannot get to Victoria’s in person, ask a friend or neighbour to take your cards and or donation along for you. We look forward to seeing you there.
Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic - 5th December 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 5th December 2023 between 10.00am - 12.00 noon at the Pitlochry Community Hospital.
Dementia Cafe - 6th December North Church Hall, High Street, Perth This cafe opens every 1st Wed of the month from 10am -1230 pm and this December 6th, we are holding a special 15th Birthday celebration! In addition to the monthly delicious cakes and biscuits, Lang’s Foods will be supplying Christmas fayre at our festival brunch. Even if you haven’t been before, come along to share our special day. We welcome anyone with memory problems and those who have a diagnosis of dementia. If you want a quiet word with one of our professionals, for example a psychiatric nurse, social worker or 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 both regulars and newcomers. If you cannot come in December, save the date of Wed 3rd January in your diary when we will look forward to meeting new people in the New Year. Please note that the Cafe is open come rain, storms or snow!
Pitlochry Flower Club - 6th December Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 6th December at the Tryst Hall, Pitlochry at 2pm when Jillian Page will give a demonstration entitled "Christmas Floral". There will be a raffle when you may be one of the lucky ones to win one of Jillian's beautiful arrangements, and a Christmas sales table so that you can restock on supplies. There will be also be a Club Competition with the theme "Winter Wonderland". Visitors will be most welcome for a small charge of £8. Please come along and have a fun afternoon watching Jillian create stunning floral arrangements. We are a small club and new members would be very welcome at any time. For more information, please contact Lynda Gardiner (01796 472157, lynda.gardiner@talk21.com). We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Continued on page 18 16 Pitlochry Life
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Climate Cafe - 7th December “Its something about people coming together, being together and connecting. Maybe coming from completely different perspectives but sharing that interest and thinking about ideas and seeing what is possible.” Jess Pepper, Founder and Director of Climate Café CIC. Our Climate Café: In the time Pitlochry & District Climate Café has been active (since 2018), we have witnessed how the expansion of this movement of grassroots, community led Climate Cafés have resonated so much with other communities that they are being inspired to create one of their own. We have witnessed different groups collaborating and the sharing of resources across our local Climate cafes and their communities. From Climate Café conversations to people taking action through organising Zero Waste Festivals, we now have a Pitlochry Eco Badge for accommodation providers, a Pitlochry Repair Café, a community woodlands group who became members of the Tayside Woodland Partnerships with the potential of other initiatives for our community. We have also been working with Pitlochry Community Action Trust on a larger Community Renewables Energy Scheme still in the early stages of development. The last Climate Café of 2023 will be on Thursday 7th December, 7pm- 9pm in Pitlochry Library, 26 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry PH16 5BX unless otherwise stated. There will be mince pies. For more information contact: Carol Aitken on the new email address: pitlochrydistrictcc@gmail.com For March 2024, Fast Fashion Event. Our local Climate Cafes including Pitlochry & District, Aberfeldy, Dunkeld & Birnam, Blairgowrie & Rattray, Breadalbane (High School) along with Grandtully School and others are organising a combined Fashion and clothing event possibly in Ballinluig. More information to follow. Season’s greetings and Best Wishes for 2024.
Aberfeldy Drama Club’s Christmas Show - 7th, 8th & 9th December Fifty Glorious Years Aberfeldy Drama Club’s Christmas show will be a celebration of the last fifty years. So come along at 7.30pm on 7th 8th or 9th December to Aberfeldy Town Hall for a wonderful trip down memory lane with an evening of comedy, drama and music from favourites old and new. Tickets go on sale at the Watermill Bookshop from Thursday 23rd November and at the door on the evening of a performance. £10 each or £9 for those 65+ or 18 and under.
Music In Blair Atholl - 8th December A musical celebration in honour of Duchess Kitty - Katherine Atholl MP, the first Scottish woman to be elected into Parliament in 1923. A Recital of Piano Music, Song, and a little Pipe Music, interspersed with excerpts from her life story. Friday 8th December 4.00pm, The Ballroom, Blair Castle, Blair Atholl. See our advert on page 25 for more details and tickets.
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Pitlochry Station Bookshop - 9th December While working out what to include in this month’s notes, I found myself thinking of The Beano comic and its 1950s Christmas editions, where the joys of Christmas were set out a few days in advance by the bold and brash titles dripping with ice and snow while all our regular characters indulged in Christmas capers, often involving giant plum puddings festooned with the spikiest of holly and even more snow. Your Christmas preparations could involve the Bookshop this year. If not sure what to buy for a friend, remember that we sell our own Book Tokens. Each costs £5 and can be spent in smaller sums over multiple visits. You could also come to the special Christmas Book Fair in Fisher’s Hotel on Saturday 9th December from 10.00am until 4.00pm so that you have an extra opportunity to purchase gifts for reader friends, or just for yourself. After all that effort there will have to be some seasonal closures. On Saturday 23rd December we close at 12.30 and reopen on Wednesday 27th December at 9.30. On Saturday 30th December we close at 12.30 and reopen Wednesday 3rd January 2024 at 9.30. We hope you find some Christmas joy while visiting the Bookshop. Just don’t expect giant plum puddings. Or snow either. Happy Christmas.
Pitlochry Litter Action Group - 12th December The tourist season is now finished but there are still a few 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. Litterpicks take place on the second Tuesday of the month and we meet at 10.0am in the Recreation ground carpark. The next litterpick is on Tuesday 12th December. Dates for litterpicks in 2024 are: January 9th, February 13th, March 12th, April 9th, 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 litterpicking 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.
Blair Atholl Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner - 13th December Christmas Dinner delivered to your door on Wednesday 13th December 2023. All those over 65 are welcome to call us to book your delivery. Mairi Macleod 07921950332, Janet Murdoch 07907913688. Continued on page 22
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Mid Atholl WRI - 13th December Mid Atholl WRI December meeting will be held in Mid Atholl Hall on Wednesday 13th December at 1.30pm The speaker will Joan Cameron demonstrating making Christmas boxes. Competitions - 2 Truffles, Handmade Place mat.
Scottish Wildlife Trust - 13th December Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire Branch The next meeting will be on Wednesday 13th December (not our usual Monday) at 19.30 at the Tryst, Church of Scotland, 13 Bonnethill Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BS. Logan Steele, a member of the Tayside Raptor group will give a talk on “Birds of Prey”. 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
Pitlochry & District Choral Society - 17th December Our Christmas concert will be in Pitlochry Church of Scotland on Sunday 17th December. This year, in addition to seasonal songs, readings and traditional carols there will be excerpts from the musical “Les Miserables”. See our advert on page 35 for more details and tickets. We look forward to seeing you at our "Musical Christmas".
Heartland Film Society at The Birks - 17th December Our December offering is Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, a remarkable and moving film in which a young student teacher is sent to take over a school in a mountain area of Bhutan. As he treks towards the remote village, he ponders the effects of climate change observable on the surrounding slopes. And there is indeed a yak in the classroom – there to provide the necessary dung for a warming fire. Despite his initial reluctance, Ugyen settles into his new role and becomes involved in the life of the village and its inhabitants – one in particular. With a largely non-professional cast, the film is a charming, quietly funny exploration of happiness and community values. Sunday December 17 Rating: PG Full details: www.birkscinema.co.uk www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk 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.
Pitlochry’s Open Kitchen - 17th December We meet every month at the Atholl Centre, Pitlochry for an informal cooking session. This month it is on Sunday 17th December between 3 and 6pm. Using produce from our gardens (depending on the time of year of course!), we get together, share recipes, eat and enjoy each other’s company. This month we will be making Christmas related items which will go to the Food Bank. Events are free to attend thanks to funding we recently received from PKC. All are welcome Continued on page 26
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Established 1928
MacDonald Brothers Butchers & Delicatessen
· Free Range Turkeys, Geese, Capons, Ducks and Scrumptious Glazed Hams · Chipolata Sausages, Streaky Bacon & Goose Fat · Homemade Stuffings · Award Winning Steak Pies Free Delivery in Highland Perthshire - Next Day Delivery anywhere in Mainland UK - Phone for details and to place your order. 6-8 Bonnethill Road, Pitlochry PH16 5BS Tel: 01796 472047 12 Bank Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2BB Tel: 01887 820310 www.macdonald-bros.co.uk
Button Batteries – Are You Aware Of The Dangers? If you have a look around your home you will likely find several items that contain button batteries. They are also known as coin batteries or button cell batteries and are used to power objects such as key fobs, remote controls, calculators, weighing scales, musical greetings cards, flameless candles and many other items. You will probably have spare batteries saved in a drawer somewhere for when they eventually run out. But, do you know about the potential dangers of button batteries – especially to young children? RoSPA and the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) are aware of serious injuries – and even a number of deaths – caused by children accidentally swallowing these batteries. When mixed with saliva, the electrical current from the battery can cause life threatening damage to internal organs. You can watch a video from CAPT here https://s-url.co/4Q8GAA which clearly shows the damage that they can cause.
batteries your child can get to easily. The regulations for the safety of toys state that any toys and games containing button batteries should have them in a secure compartment. However, cheap toys may not comply, while many of the items containing these batteries are not toys but are commonly used around the home, so the legislation does not apply in the same way. If your child does swallow a button battery it may not be obvious at first as they may become very quiet, but if they show signs such as having unexplained breathing difficulties or pointing to their throat or stomach or being sick – especially if there is blood in the sickness – then they should go to A&E immediately. A fuller list of potential symptoms is on the RoSPA website at https://surl.co/4g8GAA along with further information you can share with friends and family. You can also order free printed resources for your playgroup or community centre, including leaflets and a colourful poster. Visit the CAPT website at https://s-url.co/4w8GAA and use code BBFREE for free P&P.
Used button batteries should be disposed of safely and you will find recycling points in local supermarkets but do be careful about where you keep them in the home until you are ready to take Very young children are especially curious and are them to be recycled. They still contain a charge constantly picking up small items and trying to put that could be dangerous to children if swallowed. them in their mouths. To keep your child safe: You may have heard of batteries catching fire at Hunt around your home for button batteries. You’ll waste recycling centres recently but in the main be surprised by how many you can find. these are the larger Lithium-ion batteries which Keep products well out of reach of your child if the are rechargeable and usually used in bigger items such as mobile phones, power banks and e-bikes. battery compartment isn’t secured. These should always be disposed of following the Store spare and ‘flat’ batteries out of reach too. manufacturer’s instructions. Beware of bargains from online marketplaces Neighbourhood Watch Scotland or local discount stores. They may have button 24 Pitlochry Life
MUSIC IN BLAIR ATHOLL
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including children if supervised. But please do let us know if you plan to come along, so we have some idea of numbers. For more info send an email to theopenkitchen22@gmail.com or join our Facebook group.
Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group Christmas Concert - 18th December Join us for our Christmas concert where our young budding musicians from our class groups, junior and senior trad bands will be playing a selection of the traditional Scottish tunes they’ve been learning as well as some Christmas favourites. As usual, we are very grateful for all the local support we receive and welcome you to come along and have a listen. The concert will be held at Birnam Arts on Monday 18th December. Doors open 6:30pm with the performance running from 7-8pm. Tickets will be available at the door and are free to everyone. We’ll have a donations box for anyone wishing to contribute - all funds go directly to the running of our group. Thanks to Dunkeld & District Strathspey and Reel Society for inviting our bands to play at their annual concert, it was a pleasure and we all had a lovely evening playing, listening and dancing. DB Trad Group runs weekly during term–time at Birnam Arts and open to anyone aged P5 – S6. To benefit from our free tuition or to join one of our bands, get in touch. Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com or call 07958 324 766.
Pitlochry Town & Country Club - 21st December The December meeting of the Club will be held on Thursday 21st December, when we will have our Christmas Tea treat at Hetties. Time for tea will be at 5pm & all other arrangements & details will have been discussed in preparation at the November meeting of the Club. Hope to see you there. Contact Kathleen Scott Pitlochry 472765 should you require any more information.
Tryst Walking Group - 28th December Our annual post Christmas holiday hike is the Bealach Walk from Pitlochry to Killiecrankie and back on Thursday 28th December (Grid ref: 939621 map 43). Height climbed 350m. Distance 8.5 miles. OS maps 43 & 52. Please note: Walk organiser/contact cannot be held responsible for any accident. Everyone walking does so at their own risk and should take due care. Please contact Maureen Holmes 01796 473153 for further information.
Killiecrankie Village Hall - 31st December The Killiecrankie Village Hall committee will host a Hogmanay Family Ceilidh on 31 December 2023. Doors open at 7.30pm and dancing starts at 8pm. The renowned Burns Supper will be held on Saturday, 27 January 2024. Email info@killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk for information and tickets (£20 per person). Continued on page 28
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Pitlochry New Year Street Party - 1st January The committee of the Pitlochry New Year Street Party are delighted to announce the annual event is scheduled to go ahead on 1st January 2024 with arrangements for making it happen successfully are once again under way. Starting in the millennium with a small group of local volunteers keen to mark the occasion, the closed road party has since grown from strength to strength and welcomes visitors from near and far bringing much positive cheer to the region. Year on year, local businesses donate fantastic prizes for the popular raffle with all proceeds directed towards the running of the event as well as supporting various voluntary and charitable groups in the local area. In early November, the committee were pleased to host a cheese and wine evening where potential volunteers enjoyed learning about essential activities to run the event. It was a very positive evening and will help ensure activities prior to and during the event are supported in the years to come. Many hands make light work and there are still volunteer spaces available so, anyone who would like to offer their time should contact pitlochrynysp@gmail.com to express an interest. We are pleased to confirm the attendance and welcome for 2024 the brilliant Vale of Atholl Pipe Band along with Andrew Knight and his Ceilidh Band. Check out our Facebook page at PitlochryNewYearStreetParty for updates, further details and images of the tremendous fun had in previous years. Master of Ceremonies, Eddie Rose and Silly McB the Clown provide entertainment on the day.
Killiecrankie, Fincastle & Tummel CC - 15th January Killiecrankie, Fincastle & Tummel Community Council wishes everyone a happy Christmas. We held our final ordinary meeting of the year and AGM in November when we outlined what we have done this year and hope to achieve next. Minutes of both meetings are on our website www.kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk. Our next meeting will be held in Killiecrankie Village Hall on 15 January 2024. If you would like to receive notices from us, please let us know by contacting info@kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk We will add your name to our mailing list. Continued on page 34
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Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year when it comes... We'd like to thank our customers old & new for dining with us throughout the year. Your loyal custom is very much appreciated. As we move into the winter months, please see our website or social media channels for up to the minute opening dates and times.
Victoria's Gift Vouchers available from £20 online
DELICIOUS DINING
LOCAL PRODUCE
FESTIVE DECOR
01796 472 670 | www.victorias-pitlochry.co.uk
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Malcolm Appleby
Aultbeag Grandtully By Aberfeldy Perthshire PH15 2QU
45 Atholl Road, Pitlochry | reservations@victorias-pitlochry.co.uk
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01887 840484 swapp@dircon.co.uk @malcolm_appleby_engraving @malcolmappleby46
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Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory wattage of your power supply. PSU details are not There are times when you will need to know normally available in windows, so you will have to what all the different component parts are in find the label attached to it. You might be lucky and your computer. It will help if one part is causing a problem and you need to look for a fix for a specific find it on the outside, but usually you will have to open up the PC by taking off one, maybe two of model, or maybe you acquired something second the case sides. Just make sure you unplug the PC hand and need to find out more about it. before doing so. Windows makes it fairly easy to check the spec of The name, model number, wattage, efficiency your PC, but all that information isn’t in the same rating, and voltage information will be written place. on one of the sides of the PSU. Check the spec of CPU and GPU. Finding the Computer Processing Unit and Graphics your intended new video card and it will state how much power and spec you need. Processing Unit details are quite straight forward. Right click on the windows button on your taskbar RAM The Task Manager mentioned above will tell you and select Task Manager, then the Performance tab. Your CPU, GPU and disk drives will be listed on how much RAM and its speed that you have, but nothing else. There are Apps that will give all the the left and by clicking on them their details will details, like CPU-Z that will also give you all the appear on the right. Although the hard drive will specs within your computer. appear in the list, it will show the manufacturers model number - just copy and paste this into Personally, I’ve always used Crucial memory and if Google for more info. you go to www.crucial.com/products/memory/ Another way to identify the CPU is by going to This desktop-dram on the computer you want to PC in your File Explorer. Right click on it and select either upgrade, or find more info on, there is a Properties. The System Setting page that opens will really clever scanner that will analyse your memory show you the CPU, amount of RAM memory and and Hard Drives. It will: also the version of Windows that’s installed. • Safely scan your computer's hardware Another way of finding the GPU is to right click the • View your current memory configuration and Windows button and select Device Manager. Look storage drives under Display Adapters for its spec. • View guaranteed compatible memory and Motherboard. storage upgrades You won’t find the motherboard spec in Task • Plus, get recommendations to max out your Manager, Device Manager or System Properties. memory and storage for optimal performance To get to it you will need to access System Whilst on the website you can learn how to install Information. To get to this just type msinfo32 in the upgrade/replacement by yourself. the search box on the taskbar and click on System Unfortunately, none of the above methods Information. will give you the spec of everything in your Select System Summary on the left and your computer. Things like the fan, case manufacturer motherboard details should be next to System and motherboard version will most likely not Manufacturer and System Model on the right. be available. The only answer is to try and These details will also show next to BaseBoard track down the original paperwork and product Manufacturer and BaseBoard Product farther manuals, if you still have them, or open the case down the list. and have a look inside. It’s easy done, just make In this window you can also check your version of sure it is unplugged and take care while fiddling Window, CPU name and the BIOS version under about inside. There’s a possibility you may have OS Name, Processor, and BIOS Version/Date, to remove some components to gain access to respectively. everything you need, but YouTube will have all the Power Supply tutorials to simplify your search. Carefully clean out If you are looking at upgrading the graphics card the dust whilst in there! in your PC, you will probably need to know the Willie 30 Pitlochry Life
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CHRISTMAS READS 2023
Whether you’re cosying up by the fire, snowed in and bored, recouperating from that late night Christmas party, or simply Netflixed out, there’s no better way to escape than a good book. Here’s what’s top of our reading list this winter. Hardback, Softback or Kindle - lose yourself...
THE LAST DEVIL TO DIE - Richard
Osman MURDER MYSTERY! Richard Osman is starting to be a firm favourite in our household, I still chuckle thinking about mature people learning the art of texting! The Last Devil to Die sees our favourite octogenarians back to solve yet another mystery with The Thursday Murder Club and this time they’re set to face their most deadly opponents yet! It’s Christmas in Coopers Chase and a package (not the festive kind) that was smuggled across the English coast on Boxing Day has gone missing and chaos has been unleashed. With a rising body count - including someone close to The Thursday Murder Club - the gang faces an impossible task. The clock is ticking but will time run out for Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron? What I love about these books is their comedy and pathos, it feels like you are in the room with them and you could just join in the conversation. A real art in storytelling and I am impressed by Richard Osman!
THE RUNNING GRAVE - Robert
Galbraith or J.K to her friends!
I love this series and reading the CRIME! books doesn’t spoil the series on TV. So if you like to read and watch then jump right into The Running Grave, Book 7 for Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacot. In this novel Private Detective Cormoran Strike is contacted by a worried father whose son, Will, has gone to join a religious cult in the depths of the Norfolk countryside. The Universal Humanitarian Church is, on the surface, a peaceable organization that campaigns for a better world. Yet Strike discovers that beneath the surface there are deeply sinister undertones, and unexplained deaths. In order to try to rescue Will, Strike’s business partner, Robin Ellacott, decides to infiltrate the cult, and she travels to Norfolk to live incognito among its members. But in doing so, she is unprepared for the dangers that await her there or for the toll it will take on her.
PUB KITCHEN: THE ULTIMATE MODERN BRITISH FOOD GOOD FOOD! BIBLE - Tom Kerridge “British pub food has come so far over the past decade and it’s been really exciting to see. In celebration, I’ve taken the most popular items on the menus in brilliant modern British pubs and given them a few fresh twists. This is food for everyone - it’s the food I’m excited about, it’s the food I like to cook at home, and I hope you enjoy it too.” Tom Kerridge has spent a lifetime perfecting nextlevel pub cooking. In Pub Kitchen he distils that knowhow into 100 super-tasty recipes for home cooks. Taking inspiration from modern gastropubs, Tom’s recipes are simple, contemporary and delicious. 2 Pitlochry 32 PitlochryLife Life
RAMBLING MAN: MY LIFE ON THE ROAD - Billy
UNRULY - David Mitchell
Connolly
BIOGRAPHY! Billy believes that being a Rambling Man is about more than just travelling - it’s a state of mind. In his joyful new book, he shares hilarious new stories from his lifetime on the road. From riding his trike down America’s famous Route 66, building an igloo on an iceberg in the Arctic, playing elephant polo (badly) in Nepal and crashing his motorbike (more than once), to eating witchetty grubs in Australia, being serenaded by a penguin in New Zealand, and swapping secrets in a traditional Sweat Lodge ritual in Canada, Rambling Man is a truly global adventure with the greatest possible travel companion.
ONE MOMENT IN TIME- Shari
Low
FEEL GOOD!
After three decades of marriage, Brenda Jones has decided to leave her husband, just as soon as they both return from a mystery trip with their daughter Zara. But she has no idea that Zara is flying them to Las Vegas to renew their vows. Zara Jones has recreated almost every detail of her parent’s original wedding - now her only challenge is tracking down the two friends who were pictured with her mum and dad back in 1993. Aiden Gregg is dealing with his own relationship woes when he receives an unexpected message from a complete stranger. WIth the help of Facebook, Zara has tracked him down and is asking if his parents are the other couple in the old photo? And if so, could he bring them to Vegas for a surprise reunion? What Zara and Aiden don’t know is that thirty years ago, One Moment In Time changed everything. Will rewinding the clock right the wrongs of the past? Or are they all counting down to a rendezvous with disaster?
I was a bit surprised by this one to HISTORY! be honest and if I hadn’t seen David Mitchell on the One Show I don’t know if I would have been tempted. He came across as really funny and interesting. Quite rightly he points out we all know so little about our history and yet it often highlights the problems of today! Discover who we are and how we got here in David Mitchell’s UNRULY: A History of England’s Kings and Queens - a thoughtful, funny exploration of the founding fathers and mothers of England, and subsequently Britain. Think you know the Kings and Queens of England? Think again. In UNRULY, David Mitchell explores how early England’s monarchs, while acting as feared rulers firmly guiding their subjects’ destinies, were in reality a bunch of lucky sods who were mostly as silly and weird in real life as they appear to us today in their portraits. Taking us right back to King Arthur (spoiler: he didn’t exist), David tells the founding story of post-Roman England right up to the reign of Elizabeth I (spoiler: she dies). It’s a tale of narcissists, inadequate self-control, excessive beheadings, middle-management insurrection, uncivil wars, and at least one total Cnut, as the English evolved from having their crops nicked by the thug with the largest armed gang to bowing and paying taxes to a divinely anointed King. How this happened, who it happened to and why the hell it matters in twenty-first-century Britain are all questions David answers with brilliance, wit and the full erudition of a man who once studied history - and is damned if he’ll let it off the hook for the mess it’s made of everything. A serious book by a very funny man.
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Pitlochry and Moulin History Society - 29th January There is no meeting in December and we will resume evening meetings on January 29th. It is intended to hold a Festive Supper in January so look out for the notices. Have a good Christmas.
Pete Wishart MP - Perth & North Perthshire - SNP It is hard to believe that Christmas is now just around the corner, bringing an end to another tumultuous year that has brought huge challenges both domestically and globally. With the cost-of-living crisis still rearing its ugly head, and a number of humanitarian crises unfolding around the world, it will feel difficult for many families to get in the usual festive spirit this year. But in these challenging times, the importance of family and community cannot be overstated, and to that end I hope that the Christmas period brings all readers some much-deserved fun and happiness with loved ones. Equally, I hope that Hogmanay marks the start of a more hopeful year ahead. One cause for celebration was the announcement from National Lottery that the Scottish Crannog Centre and Kirkmichael Community Garden have secured £9,500 and £10,000 respectively in their latest round of funding. At the Crannog Centre, this funding will be used to employ a staff member to continue to provide work placements for young people with additional support needs. The staff’s dedication to providing opportunities for young people with additional support needs has always been outstanding, so I am thrilled that they will be using this money to build on that proud legacy. The funding to Kirkmichael Community Garden will allow an impressive community garden to be established in the village, which I know is something that residents have been working towards for some time. It is great to see National Lottery funding being used to uplift communities in Highland Perthshire, and I would encourage any readers who are a part of a local group which may benefit to consider applying. In other good news, I was delighted to submit an Early Day Motion to the House of Commons in celebration of Highland Chocolatier’s recent success at the UK finals of the International Chocolate Awards. Highland Chocolatier, based in Grandtully, won all seven awards in the chocolate truffles category. Not only did the Dark Velvet Truffle receive Gold, but also the highest score of any unflavoured dark truffle judged in any of the regional finals worldwide. Owner Ian Burnett truly is a master in his field, producing the world’s most highly awarded chocolates right in the heart of Highland Perthshire. I warmly congratulate him and his team on this latest achievement, which adds to Highland Chocolatier’s already remarkable list of accolades. If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office on pete.wishart.mp@ parliament.uk or 01738 639 598.
Murdo Fraser - Mid Scotland & Fife - Conservative We are now in the midst of winter with many people looking forward to Christmas and to spending valuable time with their family and friends. I’ve been busy at the Scottish Parliament dealing with a variety of issues from constituents and serving on the Economy and Fair Work Committee at Holyrood. Continued on page 38
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FITNESS with Alan Clinch
Rheumatoid Arthritis Last month’s column concentrated on osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects roughly one tenth as many people (currently around 400,000 over 16s in the UK). The most recent statistics from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), suggest that this is around 1% of the UK population, with around 1.5 men and 3.6 women developing RA per 10,000 people per year in the UK. RA is known as an ‘auto-immune’ disease - this means that the body’s immune system attacks its own joints, causing inflammation (or swelling and pain). You’ll recall from last month that osteo-arthritis primarily affects the joints as a result of mechanical wear and tear: joints ache and may be tender but have little or no swelling, stiffness may be decreased by movement and activity, and stronger joints and surrounding muscles may help to alleviate pain.
morning that lasts for longer than half an hour, it’s important to visit your doctor: as you can imagine, a When a joint is affected by rheumatoid arthritis, the great deal of research has been done on the condition, part affected is known as the synovium (this is basically and it suggests that the sooner treatment is started, the lining of the joint). The synovium produces the more effective it’s likely to be. synovial fluid – this acts rather like the engine oil in Research has also shown that rheumatoid arthritis a car, lubricating the joint and helping it to function is more common in people who smoke, eat a lot of correctly. Rheumatoid arthritis causes periodic red meat, and drink a lot of coffee. It’s less common inflammation in the synovium (similar to inflammation in people who have a high vitamin C intake and only experienced by an infected cut – it becomes red, drink alcohol in moderation. The bad news is that swells, and hurts). The joint hurts because nerve there’s no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. There are endings are affected and the joint capsule is slightly however a number of treatments which can reduce stretched by the swelling. the effects of the condition and help to minimise joint When the inflammation reduces, the capsule stays damage: the most used are drugs (painkillers and stretched. This means that it is not able to support steroids), physiotherapy (joint movement and muscle the joint in the correct position, which makes the joint strengthening), and surgery (nerve/tendon release, or unstable. This is what results in the characteristic joint replacement). appearance of rheumatoid arthritis, where the joints Versus Arthritis provide a helpful booklet about the are swollen and often oddly shaped. The most condition which can be downloaded here: www. common symptoms include joint pain, swelling and versusarthritis.org/media/24663/rheumatoidstiffness, tiredness, and feeling hot and sweaty. Less arthritis-information-booklet-2022.pdf common are weight loss, inflammation in the eyes, and rheumatoid nodules (fleshy lumps below the More information can be found at www.nhs.uk/ elbows or on hands and feet). Rheumatoid arthritis conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/ varies from one person to another but it usually starts There is absolutely no doubt that if you are suffering quite slowly. from arthritis then you need to get some help from a RA will most commonly first be noticeable in the medical professional – in the first instance this is likely fingers, wrists or the balls of the feet – they become to be your GP. If you think you may be affected by uncomfortable and may occasionally swell. If you rheumatoid-arthritis, act now…… experience painful, swollen joints and stiffness in the
alan@pitlochrylife.co.uk
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One of the main local issues recently has been complaints from constituents about the roadworks on the A9 north of Dunkeld. These were set up at the end of October to allow SGN Gas to install a gas pipe between Birnam and Logierait. However, things got off to a bad start with some motorists getting in touch with me to say they had experienced delays of up to two-and-a-half hours to travel to their destination. I raised the matter at the Scottish Parliament, and this combined with pressure from other local politicians, motorists and the popular visitor attraction the Enchanted Forest, led to SGN announcing that they would suspend the roadworks for the weekend of November 4 and 5. Work resumed on Monday, November 6. The roadworks will also be suspended from December 18 until early January. While I welcomed this move by SGN, there is a high degree of scepticism as to whether the planned measures to mitigate the traffic delays will be enough. These delays are devastating for those travelling the A9 to and from the Highlands, for those making local journeys in Perthshire to go to work or take children to school, and for the tourist economy including events such as the Enchanted Forest. SGN Gas are trying to mitigate the lengthy traffic queues on the A9 but the fact of the matter is that had the A9 been dualled by 2025 - as first promised - then we would not have seen these traffic delays. I’m glad that the Transport Minister has become personally involved, and that she had received assurances on this issue, but that means that it will be her responsibility, and that of Transport Scotland, to ensure that we will not see a repeat of the situation that we saw on the A9 north of Dunkeld. I was also pleased to be told that Perth and Kinross Council are working with Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland to reinstate the pedestrian footpath that was washed away during Storm Babet, due to the very high river levels in the River Braan. This work will re-connect the A9 underpass at Dunkeld and the Inver Road. Repairing the bank is important for ensuring it is adequately protected. 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 Recently, Highland Perthshire has faced multiple instances of very challenging weather conditions. Indeed, we found ourselves subject to a rare red weather warning as we felt the full force of Storm Babet. The level of rainfall from this storm was some of the heaviest I can ever remember. This deluge of rain brought with it many challenges. Firstly, there were a number of road closures due to flooding or fallen trees. There was also a significant rise in water levels, with many of my constituents right across Perthshire experiencing the trauma of flooding. I am grateful to all those who provided assistance during Storm Babet, particularly council officers and those working in our emergency services. It is also important to point out the significant role played by local volunteer groups and those in the community who ensured that their vulnerable neighbours were cared for and in good health. This was another example of the strength of our community spirit. It is a source of great pride
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G ate s R ai l i ng s Decorative Metalwork
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The Pitlochry Garden December There are two kinds of gloves that are useful: Gardeners love to get presents, so here are some suggestions for your Christmas shopping thinner and cheaper ones that you use up list; wrapping some of them will be a challenge! quite quickly but these are handy when you are weeding and need to feel the plant and the There are plenty of gadgets out there but I’m roots coming away. going to stick to things that I know are really useful. The other kind of glove is thicker, usually lined My kneeling pad once blew away so I borrowed and impervious to thorns and prickles. These some knee pads: what a revelation! Knee pads are expensive but invaluable if you have a lot of pruning to do, especially roses or berberis. will really make a difference for anyone with a bad back because they allow a much more It is important to protect your hands not just natural movement and posture. Quality hand to keep them clean but to avoid small wounds tools are always good presents: a good pair of which can easily become infected. Some people stainless steel hand tools will last forever; they also react badly to fresh compost and whenever make jobs like planting bulbs and weeding the you use a product like blood, fish and bone, or borders much easier. Clean them up after each hoof and horn, you should cover your hands. use and rub the wooden handles with an oiled When you finish work and come in for a cup rag at the end of the year. of tea it is really lovely to be able to wash your Another important small tool is a good pair of hands thoroughly with gardener’s soap and secateurs: there are covetable brands like Felco then apply a soothing hand cream. That’s a and Niwaki but less expensive ones work just present I wouldn’t mind getting every year! as well if you keep them sharp and clean. My Other good presents: a bird feeder or a bee favourite tool is a good small pocket knife and house is a good idea, a nice trug for bringing the sharpening stone that should come with in garden produce or cut flowers, a lightweight it. A gardener will use this little tool hundreds wheelbarrow (that’ll be fun to wrap), a window of times – opening bags of compost, carefully sill propagator or a really nice watering can. slitting open seed packets or taking cuttings. Gardening parents and grandparents can give Keep the knife dry so it won’t get rusty and a present too: encouraging kids to grow things always keep it sharp. and showing them how to make a garden is a The RHS Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers and present that will last and last. the RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening are still the most useful references. Any old version will do Merry Christmas! but add between three and six weeks to any Sheila Drummond schedule. 40 Pitlochry Life
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Duncan McLean Groundworks and Landscaping
- Established 2009 -
No Job Too Big Or Too Small Mini Digger Now Available For: - Hard Landscaping - Drainage - Road/Path Construction Fully SEPA and Council Registered to carry Household & Garden Waste
Other Services Include: - Fence Construction - Stone Wall Construction - Mono Block Paving - Driveways & Patios - Tree Felling - And MORE!
07960 906495 / 01796 482741 Call Duncan Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5.30pm Weekends - Emergency only info@duncanmclean.net
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www.duncanmclean.net
Established over
35 years
No matter how big or small the job may be every job will benefit from the same professional approach, care and outstanding finish.
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TEL : 07880 846 284
COVING, CORNICE & CEILING ROSES WALLPAPER HANGING
office@pankhurstdecorators.com 5B Mansfield Road, Scone, Perth PH2 6SA
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would like to wish you all
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Festive Hours Our offices will close at 12.30pm on Friday 22nd December and will re-open at 9.00am on Wednesday 3rd January 2024
May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness comes through your door
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d l o G d r a w A J&H Mitchell Property Department were delighted to achieve a Gold Award for Sales at this years Estate Agency Masters. Thank you to all of our clients for helping us achieve this award. If you would like a FREE, NO OBLIGATION valuation please contact our team on 01796 472606 or property@jandhmitchell.com The Best Estate Agent Guide Awards are based on the only whole of market assessment, covering 99.6% of all on morket properties. Those that perform in the top 20% are listed in the Best Estate Agent Guide.
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Brodies Timber
Bespoke Furniture and Hardwoods. Shop open Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm
Handcraaed Hardwood Furniture Refurbished Classic Furniture Tables & Tops Benches & Vintage Chairs Hardwood Shelves, Mantles and Headboards Natural Edge Hardwoods Handcraaed in Scotland Handmade Furniture available to buy or Custom Built to order
www.brodiessmber.co.uk
Lorem Ipsum Shop Local & Choose Sustainably Sourced, Lifeeme Furniture.
mail@brodiessmber.co.uk Brodies Timber, Inver, Dunkeld. Perthshire. PH8 0JR Off the A9 North before the Hermitage Pitlochry Life 47
that, when faced with adversity, the people of Perthshire pull together and offer a helping hand to those in need. This was a point I recently raised in Parliament, when I paid tribute to local community groups such as those in Aberfeldy, who played such an important role in combatting the very worst effects of the recent storms. I also asked the Scottish Government to consider giving funding directly to community groups, so as to better enable them to prepare and respond to instances of extreme and adverse weather. Whilst it is undoubtedly a relief that, at the time of this writing, the significant weather challenges we faced are now behind us, it is unfortunately the case that we will likely be facing similar weather at some point in the not-too-distant future. The climate emergency means that such extreme weather events are becoming more common. As we assess the damage and disruption caused by the recent instances of bad weather, it is a sobering thought to imagine that this may become the new normal in years to come. That is why we must redouble our effort to tackle the climate emergency, and ensure that we take meaningful action to protect our local communities.
Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch As the festive season approaches it is important to remember that criminals usually become more active. Making a mistake when we are busy can lead to us becoming a victim of fraud or theft. Two incidents have been reported recently. In each case the ‘victim’ was off guard because of doing many tasks in a hurry. One victim received a ‘cold call’ suggesting there was a banking problem. She did as requested by the scammer even as suspicions grew because of feeling pressurised. Later, but feeling fearful, she followed the fraudster’s instructions, spoke to the bank, and lied in order to protect the caller. Some banks have reported that this is increasingly common. The second ‘victim’ was distracted when receiving a message about a failed parcel delivery. He clicked on a ‘dodgy’ link given in the message, then was given instructions to make a payment to the scammer. Many such scams go unreported because the victim feels embarrassed. Some reminders Be careful if receiving a ‘cold call’, especially if from a bank. A bank will not call unexpectedly to ask for personal information or to move money. Hang up. Be cautious of clicking on any links in emails, texts or online especially if the message is unsolicited. Do not give personal or financial information on a website unless you know it is genuine. Secure website addresses start with 'https' and display a locked padlock. Stay vigilant for counterfeit goods. These range from poorly made clothes to dangerous electronics and toys which fail to comply with safety laws. You can claim a refund. The name of a legitimate charity may be used by fraudsters to obtain your donation. Avoid links, enter a website address of a charity you trust yourself. For street collection ask to see the official charity ID which should be carried. Gift card scams - Criminals clone and pretend to be people you know to get you to buy a card for them. They are after the code on the card to spend the money. Do not do it. Examine online e-cards. A scam card could be infected with a virus that could shut down your
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device and you could be held to ransom to restore files. Get an anti-virus installed that will alert you. If you become a victim of fraud – report it to Police Scotland on 101.
Atholl Centre Pitlochry Office hours Atholl Centre Office open hours are Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm. We’re on the ‘Look Out’ for Volunteers for this year’s Community Christmas Day Lunch. Please call or drop in at the Atholl Centre 01796 473044 if you would like to join us. If you would like to book your place at the table, then we will be sitting down to eat at 12.30pm. There will be songs, games, and a visit from Father Christmas too! Contact the Atholl Centre now to book a place. Pitlochry’s Open Kitchen is @The Atholl Centre – Come along to join us on December (17th) Pitlochry’s Open Kitchen meets to share recipes, cook, eat and have a good blether! Everyone is welcome! - For more information send an email to theopenkitchen22@gmail.com As we head towards Autumn weather, donate/swap/take a ‘new to you’ Winter coat from the Atholl Centre Coat Rail. Pitlochry Warm Places open to offer a warm welcome again over the Winter months: Mondays – Bowling Club 11am – 3pm Tuesdays – Atholl Centre 11am – 3pm Wednesdays – Church of Scotland 10.30am – 2pm Thursdays – Library 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 7pm (Warm packs available) Fridays – Baptist Church Welcome All Lunch @ Atholl Centre 11am – 3pm Saturdays – Library 9.30am – 12.30pm 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 of every month, 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. Helen Kirkwood Atholl Baptist Centre SCIO15113, Atholl Centre, Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX Further information from 01796 473044. Continued on page 54
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This Month’s Tricky Sudoku 6
How to play............
9 6 7
3
8
6
3
5
2 5
4 7
3
9 9 3
8 6
1
7 1
2 2
1
5
5
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!
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GrowBiz Grow your Business Sustainably with GrowBiz Sustainability is a core ethos of the enterprise support we provide at GrowBiz — and it has many facets, from the way a business develops, to how we use our planet’s resources: Sustainable enterprise GrowBiz is dedicated to supporting small businesses, social enterprises and the self-employed in rural Scotland, particularly those looking to get started with a business idea. 1-1 advice, mentoring, peer support, learning sessions and networking opportunities are all available for free, as well as specialised support for certain groups, including young people. Sustainable wellbeing Being self-employed and/or running a business can be overwhelming, which often leads to feelings of stress, anxiety and even burnout. GrowBiz believes the most important business asset to take care of is you, and is running accredited Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) workshops to provide you with the tools to do so. WRAP® is a training programme and personal plan to overcome challenges and support wellbeing. Sustainable actions Knowing where to start on the journey to net zero can be bewildering. The team at GrowBiz can provide jargon-free expertise and simple, practical advice adapted for your situation and circumstances, supporting you to make a plan and take the first steps. We can also help you with effectively communicating to your customers the positive things you’re accomplishing. Find out about all of GrowBiz’s services at www.growbiz.co.uk or email connect@growbiz.co.uk
Warm Welcome These Pitlochry locations are open over the winter months till the end of March. The list below shows where and when they are on. They are mostly supported through the Perth and Kinross Council Warm Welcome Fund. All locations are free and open to all. For more information please do contact any location. Mondays
- Bowling Club 11am to 3pm. Soup, bacon rolls & refreshments. Tuesdays - Atholl Centre 11am to 3pm. Refreshments + Winter coat rack Wednesdays - Church of Scotland – in the Tryst lounge 10.30am to 2pm. Refreshments. Thursdays - Library 10am to 1pm then 2pm to 7pm – refreshments Warm packs available. Fridays - Baptist Church Welcome All lunch @ Atholl Centre 11am to 3pm. Soup n roll. Refreshments + Winter coat rack Saturdays - Library 9.30 am to 12.30pm – refreshments Warm packs available with items which help keep you warm. The Library van can deliver when visiting community stop off points when requested. Stay safe – Stay warm – Stay connected this winter 54 Pitlochry Life
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TIPS FOR COPING WITH
LONELINESS L
• Existential loneliness – a ‘feeling of oneliness. Described as ‘a subjective, fundamental separateness from others and the unwelcome feeling of lack or loss of companionship. It happens when there is a wider world’ mismatch between the quantity and quality Other types of loneliness can include: of the social relationships that we have, and • Transient loneliness – a feeling that comes those that we want’. It can affect anyone and goes of any age, regardless of background • Situational loneliness – only occurring at or life experience. In fact in 2022, certain times like Sundays, bank holidays or 49.63%* of adults reported feeling lonely Christmas occasionally, sometimes or always. You • Chronic loneliness – feeling lonely all or most can feel lonely at social events or at work, of the time particularly when you have no shared common interests or values, or hold any - as listed by campaigntoendloneliness.org form of emotional or physical intimacy with them. Everyone will experience RELISH THE FREEDOM OF YOUR loneliness differently and have their own reasons for it. Feeling lonely is not fun and ALONE TIME! We live in a very highly comparable world and social can have a serious affect on our mental health and our physical health. But not to media doesn’t help. When were feeling lonely we can quite easily focus on what we are lacking and what worry, here are some helpful tips to help others may have; such as a strong friendship group, make loneliness feel a little better to cope or a deep connective relationship. All be it these emotions and wishes are completely valid, finding with. *Statistics from campaigntoendlonelieness.org Please note this is a blog article these are simply suggestions and if you’re struggling with loneliness and poor mental health please consult your GP or a certified mental health practitioner to help you feel better.
LONELINESS TYPES There are different types of loneliness. The following three are the most commonly identified in evidence and literature on loneliness: • Emotional loneliness – ‘the absence of meaningful relationships’
activities or hobbies you enjoy can help shift the heavy emotional weight of loneliness. So consider the things that you would love to do with your free time. Whether it be reading a good book, or completing a marathon series on Netflix, baking that delicious cake or bread, taking long walks, or even sitting in the park for hours watching and listening to a podcast or your favourite album. Whatever makes you smile or better yet laugh. Just really relish this abundance of free time and ENJOY IT!
TRY AND DO THAT THING WITHOUT A PLUS ONE We often prefer to go places with the accompaniment
• Social loneliness – a ‘perceived deficit in the of a friend. It can often become a bit of a crutch, and quality of social connections’ we can get hung up on not being able to go and do
fun stuff without a plus one. Just go do it, on your own. You want to go to the museum, go. You want to eat at that amazing new restaurant, go. A cookery class. Go. Wedding. Go. Don’t miss out on having fun and enjoying your free time simply because you don’t have a plus one. By going, you open yourself up to new opportunities to meet new people. Like minded people with the same interests, and maybe, just maybe you make a really good friend. If you don’t. Don’t despair and crawl home in a wallowing mess. Appreciate that you enjoyed your free time, that blissful quality ME TIME! Shifting your mindset towards enjoying the fun things on your own and not holding on to too many expectations of meeting people can become really healthy. You feel more independent and able to enjoy your own company. Time alone can feel more like a gift instead of a curse.
TAKE A CLASS OR JOIN A GROUP Fancy learning yoga? Boxing? Or like running and see there’s a park run every Saturday? Perhaps there’s an interesting new pottery class, or short course in a subject you might like. Whatever peaks your interest, attending groups, clubs or classes is a fantastic way to feel less lonely and help you socialise. It can be quite anxiety inducing, but everyone else taking the class is also there to learn so probably feels the same! Give something new a go!
GET OUT AND ABOUT The simplicity of being around people can help you feel less lonely. I mean, just being in public even not connecting with people. Just having people peopling around. Try doing work in a coffee shop for a while,
or a library. Go for a wander round some shops. Eat at a busy restaurant. Whatever you’re comfortable with, it’s just about being in humanity. We are social creatures, so it’s natural and necessary for us to feel like we’re part of a larger group. You can take it a little further, perhaps make eye contact with people you see, or simply saying hello to strangers, or polite small talk to the waiter. These can be tiny, connections. A little social acknowledgement. It might not be reciprocated, or progress onto a deep rooted connection. But that’s OK. But who knows, you might end up in a wonderful conversation… worth a try anyway.
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF Taking care of yourself is very important to your wellbeing. Ensure you prioritise looking after yourself, by making sure you are eating healthily, being as active as you can be, and sleeping well is very important. But looking after yourself can be finding ways to bring yourself more comfort. What small thing do you really need to do and that will bring some comfort? Do you need to put that huge clean laundry pile away that you’ve been procrastinating over? Order a tasty takeaway? Enjoy a super healthy meal? Have a long hot bubble bath with Netflix on? Actually doing your to-do list? You don’t have to dig deep to be honest about what you really need.
BE MINDFUL OF SOCIAL MEDIA Social media can help some people feel less lonely, by being a part of online social groups, where you an advise each other or support each other, stay in contact with loved ones who live far away. If
you’re older and new to social media, AgeUk offer Silver Surfer courses. However, social media can really snowball loneliness. Social media can draw us into a self deprecating spiral of comparisons and highlight what we lack. Seeing others socialise and live their best lives can really make you feel left out. Instead, call a friend, a family member or a neighbour. These meaningful conversations are far more beneficial than gloom scrolling your loneliness.
HOW DO YOU WANT TO SOCIALISE? Think about that kind of social interaction you’re looking for. What kind of connection do you need? A long conversation? Perhaps just a quick check in text? There isn’t a one universal way to feel connected. It’s entirely individual to our needs. When you’re feeling really alone, look at the easiest point to make a connection. It’s also worth bearing in mind, texting for calling or even FaceTiming your friend you haven’t chatted with in a while isn’t going to annoy them. We all have people in our lives we’ve been meaning to catch up with. Remind yourself of how you’d feel if you heard from them. Go on send that funny TikTok/ meme/quick check in to your friend.
judgmental way (not thinking of them as good or bad), the negative sensations become less intrusive and controlling, allowing the lonely person to find space for more joy and connection. You can find fantastic YouTube videos of guided meditations specifically for loneliness; Live Sonima’s Guided Meditation for Loneliness and Jason Stephenson’s Guided Sleep meditation to Aid Loneliness and Isolation are great examples.
DON’T KEEP IT TO YOURSELF
Talking to someone about how you feel and learning positive coping techniques can be a helpful way to cope with the negative emotions associated TRY MEDITATION with loneliness. You can access talking therapies through your GP, community support organisations, Meditation and mindfulness are helpful in dealing or privately. Find out what support is available in with a variety of negative and distressing emotions your neighbourhood. Your local council may have associated with loneliness. These practices can help a Community Hub to connect you with a range of individuals learn to tolerate uncomfortable feelings services, groups and activities to meet your needs. and avoid turning to maladaptive coping behaviours. Community Connectors and Social Prescribers can Meditation is really effective for loneliness if it is done regularly and with consistency. Picking a specific also help to connect you with opportunities to improve your health and wellbeing more broadly. Talk location and time of day to spend five to 10 minutes to your GP about how to access these services in your of uninterrupted practice is a great way to start. By recognising the emotions and accepting them in a non- local area.
VOLUNTEER By participating in community activities you can create connections and help develop relationships surrounding shared interests, as well as giving you a great hit of dopamine for having done a good deed! www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/what-we-do/ tackling-loneliness/ www.carrgomm.org/help-support/howwe-support/isolation-and-loneliness www.campaigntoendloneliness.org
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Just Singin` Birnam December cheer with Just Singin'! We have just completed four wonderful sessions with a very talented and fun tutor, Hannah Rarity. The group rallied to her request to donate items to the charity Refuweegee, supporting refugees settling in Glasgow, and we packed her van! We are delighted to welcome back Adelaide Carlow to lead our final four weeks of term, on Wednesdays at 7.30 pm at Birnam Arts until 13th December. In addition to welcoming anyone who would like to sing with us to our regular sessions, we would love you to join us to sing some well known carols and Christmas songs in front of the Birnam Hotel to entertain the crowds welcoming Santa at the wonderful local event, Santa Day on 9th December. Hope to see you there. Merry Christmas to all!
Dunkeld & District Strathspey and Reel Society Highland Perthshire and, especially, Dunkeld have a wonderful and continuing history of great traditional Scots music, from the time of Niel Gow in the eighteenth century to the present day. DDSRS, our local fiddle orchestra, meets most Monday evenings during school term time, in the Royal School of Dunkeld. We play an interesting variety of traditional Scottish music, old and new, under the expert direction of the well-known local fiddle player and composer Pete Clark. We love to welcome players of fiddle, cello, double bass, accordion or woodwind, who have the option either to join as full members, or to come along when you can and just pay £5 on the night. We are a friendly bunch who enjoy each other’s company and the shared pleasure of making music together. Further information at www.dunkeldstrathspeyandreel.org
Rotary Club of Pitlochry And there we are… it’s the last month of 2023 and the countdown to Christmas has started! We’ve had a busy year, gained some new club members and a had number of successful fundraisers and events - with many more lined up for next year. We are ending this year on a high note with a very successful Fundraiser, our annual Pitlochry Rotary Quiz, in aid of Polio Plus, which is a Rotary International project aiming to rid the world of this disease. The quiz raised £848.00 and the winner (not yet determined when this issue went to print) will receive a voucher to the value of £30.00. Thank you to all who participated! We had entries from far and wide. Thanks also to those who stocked the quiz sheets on our behalf. Our first big event in 2024, will be our next Dinner Dance on the 2nd February2024 at Fishers Hotel! Please join us for an evening of fun, lots of prizes, Raffles and dancing to the fabulous “Cut the Cake” band. We will update you on the final arrangements next month, or, you can visit our Facebook page: Rotary Club of Pitlochry for updates. We take this opportunity to wish you and yours a blessed Festive Season. Weather permitting, we will again have our Rotary Stall (mulled wine & soft drinks) in front of Fishers Hotel at the New Year’s Street Party on the 1st January 2024, so do pop in for a chat. All the best and stay safe. Continued on page 64
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Sausage and Sage Stuffing Balls Ingredients
Method
25 g Butter
1. Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C fan). Melt the butter in a large frying pan over low-medium heat and fry onion and celery until softened, about 10min. Add chopped sage, mustard and spices and fry for 1min. Tip into a large bowl and leave to cool.
1 Onion, finely chopped 2 Celery sticks, finely chopped 1 tbsp Chopped fresh sage, plus 16 small sage leaves 1 tbsp Wholegrain mustard 1 tsp Mixed spice 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp Ground cloves Fresh grating of nutmeg 450g Sausage-meat 60g Fresh white breadcrumbs 1 Medium egg, beaten 16 slices streaky bacon Pitlochry 62 62 Pitlochry Life Life
2. Once cool, mix in sausage-meat, breadcrumbs, egg and some seasoning. 3. Divide into 16 portions and roll each into a ball. 4. Stretch out the bacon to make longer and cut in half. Wrap two pieces criss cross around each ball, securing a sage leaf under a slice. Arrange the balls on a baking tray, bacon seam down. 5. Cook for 35-40min, until golden and piping hot, you can put them in beside your turkey. Transfer to a warm dish and serve.
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Pitlochry in Bloom Be Part of the Blooming Magic of Pitlochry! Hopefully you’ve noticed our town’s radiant floral displays - from the vibrant hanging baskets complementing our containers and wrought iron figurines, adding life to our Victorian postie, distillery still bed, fisherman in his boat “The Bloom“, the nanny and pram, loving seat and flower seller. Pitlochry in Bloom is proud to make a difference in our community. Though we recently had to retire our Victorian lady golfer her enchanting replacement is already capturing the admiration of many photographers and she helped celebrate our town’s Rotary Club 50th Anniversary. As you will understand all this good work for the town is very dependent on our super volunteers and hopefully your support. Facing rising costs like many, your generosity will ensure Pitlochry’s heart will continue to bloom and make Pitlochry so attractive to our residents and many visitors alike. Our bank details are: Pitlochry in Bloom Bank of Scotland: a/c: 00734440 sort-code: 80-09-41 Please give generously – every little helps! Thanking you in anticipation, Kate Howie - Chair of PIB katehowie@yahoo.co.uk
Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry Inner Wheel is an international women's organisation. Our objects 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. We are looking forward to taking part in the Christmas Tree Festival and will be selling home produce and hand-made decorations at the Fayre on Saturday 2nd December. Proceeds raised will go to Perth-based Social Flock, Multiple Sclerosis and plus other local causes. The club meets in the evening on the fourth Thursday of every month. If you are interested in attending or would like further information, then please email innerwheelpitlochry@gmail.com
Pitlochry & District u3a We are taking a break from whole group meetings over the festive period but will be in the new year with our Winter Blues Lunch. The u3a brings together people in their “third age” – that is 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. Continued on page 66
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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
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Pitlochry Garden Share Food grown by the community for the community! Reduce your food bills. Meet like minded people. Look after your physical and mental health. Strengthen your community. Eat local and seasonal fruit and vegetables Things are quietening down in the gardens now, but there is still a lot to do at the Moulin community garden! We are always looking for more volunteers in the gardens, so please get in touch if you want to get involved or to learn more about us. We share the tools, skills, the harvest and a good blether! Any help is welcome, even if it is just once a month. Contact us at pitlochrygardenshare@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.
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/
Blair Atholl Bowling Club Well as the Loony Tunes cartoon character says, “that’s all folks”: the last input from Blair Atholl Bowling Club for this season. As one who has only recently taken up the sport, it’s amazing just how suddenly the season comes to an end. It seems like no time at all since myself and three other ‘newbies’ were slipping on brilliant white bowling shoes or unveiling sets of brand new bowls - it seems like green, red or magenta are the new black! On the question of new members, get yourself along to Blair Atholl Bowling Club at the start of next season (April) and have a go. You don’t need to buy any fancy gear as there are plenty pairs of shoes and bowls that can be borrowed. Once you start, you’ll be surprised just how quickly you pick up all the various nuances of the sport and there’s nothing better than having a few relaxing games every Tuesday and Friday evening. There is also a full calendar of league matches against other teams in the North Perthshire League and inter club competitions. For the meantime though, come along to the club at 8pm on the first Friday of every month for a game of darts and dominoes - no less keenly fought - a good natter and a drink. The club will be hosting the NPBA A.G.M. on 3rd December at 2pm. Hope to see some new faces next season but for now, wishing all readers a very happy festive season when it comes.
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Pitlochry Bowling Club Our prize giving evening was very well attended and a good social night was enjoyed by all. The proceeds of our excellent raffle was divided between our two charities SCAA and CHAS. Competitions for the winter season are now underway. Short mat sessions take place throughout the week. This is a good way for visitors to come along and give it a try. All you need is flat soled shoes. There is only one more Bingo night this year. Monday Dec. 11th. 7 for 7.30pm. So come along and enjoy a good social evening. Our ever popular Quiz night in November was quickly sold out. Every Monday 11 till 3pm we have a “Warm Space” and a warm welcome to everyone who comes along. We will be serving Teas, Coffee, Soup and Bacon or Cheese rolls. Thank you to Perth and Kinross council for sponsoring these “Warm Spaces “ throughout the town. If you would like details on any of the clubs activities watch our Facebook page or phone John on 07833664121 or Agnes on 07918122415. Pitlochry Bowling Club members would like to wish you all a Very Happy Christmas.
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.
Senior Badminton Atholl Leisure Centre, Mondays 2-4pm, £5 per 2 hour session. For more information contact David on 01796 472781.
Aberfeldy Junior Youth Group Meet the “Aberfeldy Service Warriors”! On Sunday November 5th they spent the day baking cinnamon rolls and shortbread and making hot spiced apple juice with the simple aim of sharing them for free with their local community. They weren’t disappointed! Aberfeldy Square was being cleaned up after the Saturday fireworks and there were some grateful people to take them up on their inspired offerings! The JY group is part of a global programme for youth ages 11 to 15 to encourage them to take an active role in the development of their communities. Here they meet once a week to plan and carry out projects, to have some fun together and to study materials that will enhance their powers of self-expression. In holiday periods there is often a camp when JY groups from other parts join up for a week-end. More information from Mark at 07564 259830 or markcrenshaw9@ hotmail.com and Rachel on 07707994812. 68 Pitlochry Life
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The Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre A huge thanks from the Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre, located in Moulin Square, to all who came and visited us this Summer. We are now closed for the winter but will reopen in the Spring. Remember though, we now have heating so if you are looking for an interesting space to hold an event over the winter, then please contact us, we might be able to offer something for a small fee to cover our costs. For more details, please contact us by email at pandmheritage@gmail.com or through our Facebook page “Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre” or our website www.pitlochryandmoulinheritagecentre.co.uk And the work behind the scenes never stops, so if you have some time on your hands and would like to get more involved, we love to welcome new volunteers. Or if you have some interesting donations for the Centre then please get in touch. The Centre is run by volunteers and stays open only through local support, visitors and donations. The Trustees would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to all those volunteers that have been involved this year and those who have donated interesting items for display. And a big thanks also to David Williamson from Moulin Yarns for his fantastic displays and contribution to the Centre. Finally, thank you to our members for their continued support. Without you all, we would not be able to stay open and have this fascinating insight to local history.
Edradour Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Pipe Band Two of our pipers had a successful day at the solos at the National Mod in Paisley, Lennox Munro won the overall under 16s category and Annabel Charlton was 2nd in 16-18 years. We bid a fond farewell to our Leading Drummer Ryan King who joined us in 2019 and wish him well for the future. One of his highlights was winning the World Championships Drum Corps in grade 3b in 2022. We are delighted that Lewis Taylor will take over the reigns once again. Our Christmas Hamper tickets are on sale, only £1 per ticket, please contact a band or committee member for the chance to win one of these. The draw will take place at our last practice before the Christmas break on Wednesday 13th December. If you require any further information on the band, please contact Pipe Major Christy Kelly 01796 472692 or Claire Scott 01796 481456 or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Vale of Atholl Pipe Band October and November were a bit of a rest for the pipe band, although some of the younger members were doing themselves proud at solo competitions. The World Solo tenor drumming championships were held in Glasgow on 21st October where Flora McNab won the World Championship title for her Grade. She was needless to say, delighted, as she was World Champion last year for Under 14 age group, so to win again in the under 16 age group was tremendous. One of our older pipers, Tom Lewin has also been making headline material in the papers, on the radio and even on the STV news as he paraglided over mountains in Switzerland playing his pipes!!! Continued on page 72
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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
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We had a band day out to Stirling at the beginning of November when we took the youngsters, and the “oldies” to Hollywood bowl. A great afternoon of bowling, pool, air hockey and all the other games followed by a meal. It was a great day (and night!) We led the parade down to the service at the War Memorial on Remembrance Day and the weather was very kind to us! And we're now looking forward to our Engagements in December. On Saturday 2nd December, we're playing at the Aberfeldy Christmas Lights at midday, and later in the afternoon, we're playing at the Perth Christmas Lights. The following day, 3rd December. We're back in Perth playing in the High Street for St. Andrew's Day Celebrations, then a massed band with another three bands parading through the town. Then before we know it, it'll be Hogmanay, where we have members playing at various venues, then the fantastic “Pitlochry New Year Street Party” on 1st January. We're also organising our Junior Piping and Drumming Competition which will be held in Pitlochry High School on the 20th January. Practices continue in the Tulloch Institute on a Tuesday night and we're now teaching tenor drumming and Drum Majoring to learners (as well as piping and side drumming!) If you're interested, just drop an e-mail. Gillie McNab gmcnab00@aol.com 07733152223.
Pitlochry Ladies Golf The Pitlochry Golf Club Ladies Section held their Annual Meeting on Friday 3rd November. The meeting, prizegiving and dinner were held this year in Pitlochry Festival Theatre. The evening was well attended. A great evening was had by all and grateful thanks to PFT for the great set up and excellent food. Congratulations to all our winners. Our Winter league is now under way so we are hoping for some reasonable weather so we can get out on the course.
The Breadalbane Heritage Society The Breadalbane Heritage Society does not meet in December, and is now looking forward to the four monthly talks scheduled for 2024 and the planned summer excursions. During January and February talks are held on Zoom, otherwise at 7.30 pm at the Breadalbane Community Campus. Doors open at 7.00pm for those who would like to come early and look at the displays. Talks in 2024 are held, as always, on Fridays, beginning with one on the Black Watch. The talk in February will be on the archaeology of Kilmartin, the fascinating area which members plan to visit in August on a three-night excursion. The talk in March will be on the Scottish Crannog Centre, the opening of which next year is eagerly awaited, and the talk in April by Donald Riddell on Glen Lyon has been rescheduled from October 2023 when the Breadalbane Community Campus was unavoidably closed due to the storm. The BHS’s website 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 Continued on page 74
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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.
Blair Atholl & Struan Community Council As we approach the end of another year, we can report that we have recently held our AGM and are looking forward to another busy year for the CC in 2024. One of the questions people often ask us is – what is a community council for? The answer is that we are nothing other than a group of local people who want to make Blair Atholl & Struan a better place to live. By coming together on behalf of the community, we can (we hope) influence and put pressure on others, and with a lot of hard work and more than little luck, this may then lead to a positive outcome at least some of the time. Over the last year, the CC has acted in relation to the branch surgery, the lade, planning issues, traffic measures, litter, the maintenance of bridges and walls etc., and we have led on the 2023 Community Action Plan. What happens next is largely up to all of us as individuals and as a community – what do you want the CC to try to do on your behalf in the year ahead? We meet bi-monthly on a Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Armoury Room - 2nd Tuesday of the month and our facebook page is a good place to see what is going on. Email us on blairathollstruancc@outlook.com Merry Christmas from Blair Atholl & Struan Community Council.
Struan Robertson Our Robertson family suffered a tragic loss and would now like to thank the Police, Search and Rescue, and volunteers who willingly and tirelessly searched for his body so that it could bring some peace to our family. We would also like to thank John and Jade Calder and Josie Wilson from The Inn on the Tay who supported me, his wife, in my greatest need. Thank you, Trish Robertson.
Isobel McLauchlan of Abbeyfield, Pitlochry Would like to wish all friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous 2024 xxx
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 Sunday 24th Dec. - Christmas Eve Come to our candle-lit family celebration of Christmas at Tenandry Kirk on Christmas Eve at 6.00pm. You will be welcomed with mince pies, mulled wine, coffee, tea and music before joining in with carols, Christmas readings and more music!
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Everyone is welcome - bring your friends and families to this joyous occasion! (please note there will be no service at 10.30am on the 24th Dec.) Monday 25th Dec. - 11.30am Christmas Day Service at Fincastle Chapel. Sunday 31st Dec. - 10.30am Service at Tenandry Kirk.
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 December 2023. All are welcome at services in our churches and on Zoom. Check our website for updates. Holy Trinity Church, Perth Road, Pitlochry -Contact – Robin Baker - 01796 472005 Holy Trinity is open daily Serenity Garden is open Daily Sunday services 9.30am Holy Communion/Communion by Extension Book Group 5th December 12.30pm at the Aberfeldy Watermill. Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416 for details. Christmas Services 16th December 3.30pm ‘The Pitlochry Nativity’ the Christmas Story for all the family in the Serenity Garden with Pitlochry Festival Theatre and the young people of Pitlochry High School, come along to join in the story with carols and participation, seasonal refreshments, and a visit from Father Christmas. All very welcome. 24th December 10.30 All Age Blessing the Christmas Crib with simple Communion 24th December 8.00pm First Communion of Christmas 25 December 9.30am Christmas Morning All Age, Carols and Stories. 31st December 10.30am Joint Service at Holy Trinity th
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 Christmas Services 17th December 4.00pm Service of Lessons and Carols 25th December 11.15am All Age Christmas Communion 31st December 10.30am Joint Charge Service at Holy Trinity 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) House Group 10.00am Last Wednesday of the month 76 Pitlochry Life
Continued on page 78
Repairs · Virus Removal New Systems · Broadband Networking · Data Recovery Verisure Monitored Alarm Systems Clover Merchant Services Covering Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Kinloch Rannoch, Dunkeld and Surrounding Areas
This Month’s Easy Sudoku 2
4 3
8 9
8
1
1
2
2
5
5
3
3 4 7 5
7 5 4
8
2
7
4
1
6 2
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!
3 Pitlochry Life 77
Christmas Services 17th December 11.15am Service of 9 Lessons and Carols 24th December 11.15am Christingle – A service for all the family 24th December 11.30pm Midnight Mass 25th December 10.30/10.45 Christmas Communion by Extension 31st December Joint with Church of Scotland or Joint 10.30am Service at Holy Trinity All Saints, Kinloch Rannoch Square Contact – Reverend Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005 First Sunday of the Month 9.30am Holy Communion Christmas Services 22nd December 3.30pm The Christmas Story Carols and Stories for all the family 31st December 10.30am Joint Charge Service at Holy Trinity 7th January 9.30am All Age Communion for Epiphany Zoom Services Sundays - 6.00pm Evening Services (see Website) Thursdays - 10.30am Morning Prayer Advent Course Wednesday 6th,13th & 20th December 10.30am ‘Carols of Christmas’ at Grandtully or on Zoom contact Liz 01796 472005 or Lesley 01887 840416 for details Christmas Zoom Services 17th December 8.00pm Compline with Advent Antiphon 18th to 23rd December 10.30am Morning Prayer with Advent Antiphon.
Pitlochry Baptist Church Atholl Road, PH16 5BX Pastor: Rev David Barrie (pastor@pbcweb.net) www.pbcweb.net 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. For quick & easy access to information on our website and social media pages, scan this QR code (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, keep up to date with us on both Facebook and Instagram. December Events: Sunday Worship - Sunday 3rd & 10th December we will gather from 10:30am at our church building on Atholl Road. If you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come as you are and join us. We look forward to welcoming you. Pitlochry's Community Nativity - Sunday 17th December at 4pm in our church car park. Wrap up and pop along for this wonderful wintery nativity for all our community. Watch-Night Service - Sunday 24th December 11:15pm hosted by the Church of Scotland in their building as we come together late at night to see in the first service of Christmas. Continued on page 80
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The Pitlochry Crossword
ACROSS
By Lesley
DOWN
1 Scotsman showing skill with casserole (7) 1 Dismiss gift bag (4) 5 King’s present growled now and again (4) 2 Make a mistake getting into sherry (3) 9 Festival exercises its charms (9) 3 Helps donkey - sits around (7) 10 Entertainment found in stuff unwrapped (3) 4 I’m back in dodgy team headgear (6) 11 Cross, Sam comes back - it happens every 6 Poorly - not on green perhaps (3-6) year (4) 7 Led drunk astray, skipping last bar - it’s beside 13 Horse in trouble, close to beach (7) the Tay (7) 14 Most foul wild beasts (6) 8 Pauses last four applications (4) 15 Copied code he made up (6) 12 Pin it up - some let it twirl (9) 18 He’ll keep opening presents from us 14 Sees he’s bold somehow (7) handy! (7) 16 Pull it - it's a really good one! (7) 20 Crooked martyr was sent back inside (4) 17 It’s said to destroy present vehicle (6) 22 Illuminated in jollity (3) 19 The kingdom of the wee flute (4) 23 “Blinked!” cried elf boisterously, welcoming 21 Dad’s activity counts (4) first of kings (9) 24 Regret Rudolph undermining elf at first (3) 25 Dispensed with outhouse (4) 26 Nervously, she ran with small means of controlling Rudolph (7)
Answers for November on page 88 Pitlochry Life 79
Christmas Day Celebration - Monday 25th December 10:30am. Join us on this special morning as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Community Christmas Day Lunch - Monday 25th December 12:00pm in the Atholl Centre. Pre-book your free place on 01796 473044 and come and join us for a festive meal, provided by Atholl Centre & McKays Hotel & Restaurant. Hogmanay Worship Gathering - Sunday 31st December. Join us for our final worship gathering of 2023.
Blair Atholl & Struan Linked With Braes Of Rannoch And Foss & Rannoch Interim Moderator: The Rev Grace Steele. Phone – 01887 820025. Email - GSteele@churchofscotland.org.uk Session Clerk Blair Atholl & Struan Harold Ingram 01796 481275 Session Clerk Braes of Rannoch ~~ Session Clerks Foss & Rannoch Robert and Elizabeth Anderson 01882632272 Blair Atholl & Struan Church - Weekly service in Blair Atholl Church at 11.15am. Coffee Corner is back in Blair Atholl Church Hall every Thursday at 10.00am – 12.00. All welcome. Christmas Watchnight Service – 24th December at 11.30pm in Blair Atholl Church. Rannoch Sunday services in December 3rd December Joint service in the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch at 11.00am. 10th, 17th, & 24th Dec 9.45am at Braes of Rannoch and 11.30am at the Old Church. 31st Dec Joint Service for all Rannoch Churches in the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch at 11.00am. Carols for all – Christmas Eve – 24th December at 6.00pm in the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch. “Carols at Braes”- Thursday 28th December at 3.00pm in Braes Church, Bridge of Gaur.
Pitlochry Church of Scotland Interim Moderator: Rev Fraser Penny 01350 727 249. Session Clerk: 01796 472791. Website www.pitlochrychurchofscotland.org.uk Sunday Service: Morning Worship at 10.30am. 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. Christmas Eve Services: Morning Worship at 10.30am, a Watchnight Service in conjunction with Pitlochry Baptist Church at 11.00pm. Christmas Day Service: Family Friendly Service at 10.30am – bring your favourite gift! Coffee and 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. Warm Rooms: 11.45 – 1.45pm. Everyone is welcome to come to share a warm space and enjoy a bowl of soup in The Tryst Lounge. Come for coffee and stay on for soup! Scottish Country Dance Group: The Spring Term will commence on 9 January, 2024. Pitlochry Choral: Carol Concert will be on Sunday 17 December at 7.00pm in the Church. Table Tennis: meet weekly on Thursdays 2.00pm until 4.00pm in The Tryst Hall. Continued on page 82
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Christmas Tree Festival: Our popular Christmas Tree Festival, in conjunction with the Atholl Centre and Pitlochry Scouts, will be held on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December. If you would like to provide a decorated tree, have a craft stall, come to the lunch on Sunday at 12.00noon or need further information, please contact The Tryst office, Helen at the Atholl Centre (admin@ athollcentre.org.uk) or Rachael at the Christmas Emporium (rachael@thechristmasemporium. co.uk). On the Sunday, at 6.30pm, Perthshire Brass will feature in the Carol Concert. 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.
St Bride’s Catholic Church Parish Priest: Fr. Emmanuel Adindu Rie-Achan, Pitlochry PH16 5AL Tel. No: 01796 472174 E-mail address: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk Also served by St. Brides; Sunday Masses: St. Columbia’s, St. Mary’s Road, Birnam Vigil Mass 6p.m. Our Lady of Mercy. Sunday 9.30am. St. Bride’s. Sunday 11.30 am. Weekday Masses: Our Lady of Mercy. Tuesdays 9.30am. St. Brides Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 9.30am. Advent/Christmas Programmes 2023. December 5th - 8th - Visiting of the sick and house bounds. December 15th, 5:00pm - Parish Advent Reconciliation service. Sacrament of Reconciliation through Advent/Christmas by arrangement. December 24th, 7:30pm - Christmas Carol. December 24th, 8:00pm - Christmas Vigil Mass. December 25th - Day Mass: St. Columba’s, Birnam: 8: 30am. Our Lady of Mercy, Aberfeldy: 10:00am. St. Bride’s Pitlochry: 11:30am.
Jehovah’s Witnesses In the book of Acts we discover how Jesus set up his congregation and what its priorities were. We will be studying this record over the coming months. 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. Sunday 3rd December, 10.30 a.m. A talk: “Continue…Forgiving One Another Freely”. A discussion: ‘Like Peter, You Can Persevere (Luke 5:8)’. Thursday 7th December, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Job 22–24, “Can a Continued on page 84
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Man Be of Use to God?”, ‘A Positive Attitude Helps Us Remain Useful to Jehovah’, “Filled With Holy Spirit” Part 1—Acts 2:1–3. Sunday 10th December, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Serve Jehovah With a Joyful Heart’. A discussion: ‘Lessons We Can Learn From Peter’s Two Letters (2 Peter 1:12)’. Thursday 14th December, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Job 25–27, ‘Integrity Does Not Require Perfection’, ‘Integrity and Our Thoughts’, “Filled With Holy Spirit” Part 2—Acts 2:4–13. Sunday 17th December, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Show Respect and Love in Your Marriage’. A discussion: ‘Are You “Ready to Obey”? (James 3:17)’. Tuesday 19th December, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Job 28, 29, ‘Do You Have a Reputation Like Job’s?’, ‘God Does Not Approve of All Religions’, ‘My Contribution to Our Good Reputation’, ‘Be Ready to Share “the Good News of Peace”’ Sunday 24th December, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘How to Show Love in a Selfish World’. A discussion: ‘“He Will Make You Strong”—How? (1 Peter 5:10)’. Thursday 28th December, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Job 30, 31, ‘How Job Remained Chaste’, ‘Why Pornography Is Bad’, “Uneducated and Ordinary Men” Part 1—Acts 3. Sunday 31st December, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Who Really Is Jesus Christ?’. A discussion: ‘Explore Every Dimension of God’s Word (Ephesians 3:18)’. 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.
The Baha’i Faith - On World Peace “World Peace is not only possible but inevitable” writes The Universal House of Justice, supreme body of both the administrative and spiritual affairs of the Baha’i Faith, in its 1985 statement, “The Promise of World Peace”, to the peoples of the world. The vision of Bahá’u’lláh challenges the assumption that self-interest drives prosperity and that progress depends on its expression through relentless competition. This view of humanity is a distortion of the human spirit. Instead, we can see that humans have an infinite capacity for good, for compassion, for selfsacrifice, for creative thinking and for the profound concepts that can build a better world. The social principles that must guide us all in the here-and-now, not in some far-off future, in our loyalties as individuals, as communities and in the institutions we have or want to create, are simple to believe in but not simplistic. They are transforming. We need to search after truth independently of others; we must abolish prejudice; recognise the oneness of the entire human race; accept the reality of the harmony of science and religion; pursue the equality of men and women; strive for universal education; adopt a universal auxiliary language; abolish extremes of wealth and poverty; form an international tribunal for the settlement of disputes between nations; and affirm, in both individual and national matters, that justice must be the ruling principle in human affairs. It takes little imagination to see around us, near and far, how we could apply these principles to most problems. Bahá’u’lláh makes an emphatic promise: “These fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.” So much more can be explored at www.bahai.org or ask local Baha’is to meet your bafflement or scepticism in their puny way! Rachel is on 07707 994812 or Hilarie in Grandtully at hilarieburnett@ clara.co.uk 84 Pitlochry Life
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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
Pitlochry Community Hospital Ferry Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 472052 Visiting Hours: 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 Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri - Closed Thurs 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 7.00pm Sat 9.30am - 12.30pm
Housing & Community Safety and Registration Services 26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry Mon, Tues & Fri 8.45am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 5.00pm Appointments arranged out with these days 01738 476000 (select option 2)
Registration of Births, Deaths & Marriages Mon - Fri: By Appointment 01796 474645
More Helpful Numbers to Hand Pitlochry Police Station
101
Perth & Kinross Council
01738 475000
Crimestoppers
0800 555 111
Adult Care Services
0845 301 11 20
Scottish Hydro
0800 300 999
Anti-Social Behaviour
01738 476173
Gas Emergency
0800 111 999
Council Housing Emergency
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Perth Royal Infirmary
01738 623311
Environmental Health
01738 625411
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111
24hr Domestic Abuse
0800 027 1234
Infinityblu Dental Pitlochry
01796 470001
Infinityblu Dental Dunkeld
01350 729198
Citizens Advice Bureau
01738 450580
Homelessness
0800 917 0708
Roads & Flooding
01738 475000
Mental Health Services
0845 301 11 20
Samaritans
0845 909090
SSPCA 24Hrs
0300 999 999
Childline
0800 1111
Perthshire Women's Aid
01738 639043
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.
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DOMESTIC ABUSE IS A CRIME If you are experiencing physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse or are being intimidated or threatened by a current or previous partner, you are being subjected to domestic abuse. You may be feeling frightened, isolated and ashamed. You are not to blame for what is happening to you, it is NOT your fault. Above all, you are not alone and you don’t need to suffer in silence. Help is available to you.
If the incident requires immediate attention please contact your local police station. In an emergency always call 999 (if the incident is ongoing or life is in danger) If you have been the victim or witness to domestic abuse, or have concerns regarding a victim of domestic abuse there are several ways you can report this to the police: At your local police station. If the incident is urgent, this is the best way to report it. If someone is in immediate danger always phone 999. Use an online domestic abuse form. If you are unable to go to your local office (or prefer to remain anonymous) you can submit the form directly to the police. If you suspect some else is suffering domestic abuse, you can report it anonymously and in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 For more information or to seek help, call the Safer Scotland Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234 or visit www.saferscotland.co.uk www.scotland.police.uk
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1 DOUGAL 2 BRAY 3 SEA LION 4 BLACK 5 ARROCHAR 6 TEACUP 12 NORTH SEA 14 UPGRADE 16 CHAIRS 18 LAGGAN 19 CRAFT 21 HAAR
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HOROSCOPES BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN
For December 2023 As we enter the last month of 2023 the enthusiastic sign of Sagittarius strides forth into the spotlight offering hope and optimism for us all. The Sagittarian new moon, the last new moon of the year, is on the 12th and is a particularly special one. Sagittarius is a fire sign that champions bravery and honesty, indicating perfect timing for reaching out for the things that you want and for assessing plans for new beginnings in 2024. Although this dynamic energy inspires expansion and adventure, Sagittarius is also the sign of the higher mind, so do set aside some time for learning new things and taking time out for doing inner spiritual work. Communication planet Mercury arrives in down-to-earth Capricorn on the 2nd suggesting the potential for methodical thinking and solutions to practical problems. Mercury moves into the retrograde phase on the 13th, be sure to check all your correspondences, business matters and travel plans, Mercury just loves being the trickster! The love planet Venus arrives in Scorpio on the 5th, be prepared as relationships and romantic matters could get very intense and passionate. Energetic Mars remains in Sagittarius all through the month, emphasising the vibrant solar energy. Solstice blessings and best wishes to all for a joyous and magical festive season. If you would like to find out what the New Year 2024 has in store for you, please contact me to book a private consultation. ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Mars, your planetary ruler, is making a brilliant aspect to your sign all through this month, and with the Sun in fiery Sagittarius, opportunities will be up for grabs. Your intuition is heightened and you should start to feel that big changes are beginning to emerge. It’s essential that you sweep out the old in order to create space for these exciting new prospects. The powerful Sagittarian new moon on the 12th will ensure that your optimism is at its strongest. TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21 Finances and resources are in the spotlight this month as the radiant Sagittarian Sun, accompanied by dynamic and powerful Mars light up this area of your chart. Uranus and Jupiter are abundant in your sign, suggesting that you can take your chances when the opportunities arise. Neptune and Saturn in Pisces, both indicate that new friendship groups could be about to emerge and offer some innovative ideas that will broaden your horizons. GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21 Partnerships and relationships are highlighted during December as the Sagittarian Sun and energetic Mars emphasise this area of your chart. Communication should be good and that special someone could have a surprise in store for you. Expansive Jupiter and unpredictable Uranus are urging you to connect with your intuition and go with your gut feelings, this way 2024 will be a positive and successful year, offering some wonderful opportunities. CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22 Health and wellbeing are on your mind this month as the Sagittarian sector of your chart is in the spotlight. You could now be open to completely new ways of keeping yourself fit and healthy. Work and group endeavours are also looking rather positive, as new adventures and socialising become more important. The full moon in your sign on the 27th is a turning point, indicating the direction of your life for 2024 LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23 Events in December hinge around powerful contacts from the Sun and dynamic Mars, both in optimistic Sagittarius. These aspects highlight the love and romance sector of your chart and some long lasting decisions may have to be made. Interesting opportunities present themselves around the Sagittarian new moon in the 12th, important breakthroughs are imminent – better to trust your judgement and ignore well-meant advice.
VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22 December highlights all things to do with your home and family, the Sagittarian Sun and dynamic Mars highlight the need for spending some quality time here. The new moon Sagittarius on the 12th stirs up your curiosity and your desire to experience something new and exciting, could a move be on the cards for 2024? Venus arrives in intense Scorpio on the 5th, suggesting some challenges in your love life; it’s a good time to sort out any relationship issues. LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23 Venus, your planetary ruler, arrives in intuitive Scorpio on the 5th, stirring up the financial angle of your chart, anything that needs your attention should be dealt with now before Mercury goes retrograde on the 13th. Expansive Jupiter and unpredictable Uranus are also involved in this configuration, offering you some creative and innovative ways to boost your earning potential. Tune into the new moon in Sagittarius on the 12th, it’s great for communication. SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 Dynamic Mars, your ruler, is in the optimistic sign of Sagittarius all month and the Sun is also shining brightly in that area. An unexpected opportunity to get a great deal closer to your current goal could transform your chances of success in 2024. Whatever projects need finishing should command your full attention now as you can then focus on a period of expansion, particularly in your creative endeavours. The Cancer full moon on the 27th offers a new perspective. SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 December is your birthday month, the radiant Sun and power planets Mars light up your sign, and with the new moon arriving on the 12th this looks like an extremely positive time. It’s important to take stock on how successful you have been over the past year, the emphasis is now on how you value yourself, and making sure that you stay with a positive vibration for the New Year ahead. Mystical Neptune turns direct on the 8th, indicating a perfect time to tune into your intuition. CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 Transformational Pluto is in the last degrees of your sign, indicating a time of reflection and inner work. Take this time to realise how many options you now have, so do not let your recent doubts about the future undermine your confidence or make you overly cautious. Saturn, your ruling planet, is gathering speed in Pisces in the communication sector of your chart; your gift of intuition will be at its height and it’s vital that you use it when making decisions. AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18 Unpredictable Uranus, your ruler, and abundant Jupiter are both in Taurus at the very base of your chart, indicating that home, family and all things domestic will come to the forefront this month. On the other hand, the Sun, dynamic Mars and the new moon are all in the fiery sign of Sagittarius, stirring up the more adventurous sector of your chart. As you feel pulled in two different directions it’s important to stay centred and find a good balance. PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20 Your ruler, Neptune, changes its direction through your sign this month, helping you to see your situation, and your options much more clearly. This move should give you a positive boost as optimism takes over from some rather unhelpful thoughts. What matters now is standing back and seeing the bigger picture as you make your plans for an exciting 2024. Your career also gets a boost as the Sagittarian Sun, Mars and the new moon strengthen this area of your chart. Christine is a professional astrologer offering private consultations in astrology, life coaching and Bach flower essences. Bookings for readings for 2024 are now being taken.
Christine Chalklin, Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach Email: christine_chalklin@hotmail.com Website: www.yourguidinglight.org
Mobile: 07813 483549
Kinloch Rannoch
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26
21
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8
30 112 108 80
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98
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Aviemore
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83
80
52
68
61
71
70
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Perth
26 112 83
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16
47
67
37
31
15
34
Blairgowrie
26 108 80
16
-
45
64
35
30
12
32
Kinloch Rannoch
21
47
45
-
16
16
18
35
17
80
52
Blair Atholl
Blairgowrie
57
-
Dunkeld
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87
87
Aberfeldy
Aviemore
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Kenmore
Inverness
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in Miles
Rannoch Station
Pitlochry
Distance
Rannoch Station
37
96
68
67
64
16
-
32
34
54
34
Kenmore
21
89
61
37
35
16
32
-
7
24
27
Aberfeldy
14
99
71
31
30
18
34
7
-
18
21
Dunkeld
13
98
70
15
12
35
54
24
18
-
20
Blair Atholl
8
79
50
34
32
17
34
27
21
20
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