Pitlochry Life July 2023

PITLOCHRY LIFE

The Pitlochry Tipple

This month Ewan looks at the use of 'virgin' oak casks and their effect on the final taste.

Your Community

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

Holiday Books

We have a great selection of books to keep you enthralled this summer.

Willie's Wonky Computer

Willie looks at keeping your devices safe on holiday.

The Pitlochry Garden

Sheila looks perfecting your garden for the height of the year.

Recipe

This month we have Mediterranean style stuffed peppers.

Advertising

Debbie - 07545299491

Photography & Design

Lynsey - 07305577953

Editor

Willie - 07906375953

www.facebook.com/pitlochrylife

Sudoku

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

Enjoy Your Walk (Part 3)

If you've enjoyed our walking features, lets take it farther - head for the hills!

Fitness With Alan Clinch

Alan looks at Functional Training and the benefits for everyday life.

The Pitlochry Crossword

Lesley is back, to test your crossword ability, along with local and Scottish knowledge!

WELCOME

23 Holiday Books

Welcome to the July edition of Pitlochry Life. It is great to see the town really busy again and all this good weather makes us all feel that little bit happier!

July sees The Secret Garden at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, with Sherlock Holmes on the case soon after that! We have lots of LIVE music every weekend at The Old Mill Inn and Atholl Palace Hotel. For you this month The Pitlochry Tipple looks at virgin oak barrels, in our fitness column Alan looks at functional training, and Willie in the computer pages looks at keeping you and your devices safe, especially on holiday. As this is the gardens peak, it’s time to take stock and see where improvements can be made for next year. Lesley has produced a great crossword, or if you prefer the old favourite sudoko. Give it a goyou may be surprised!

Topically we also look at summer books in 2023, and continue our walking theme and find ways to make it even more of a pleasure. The recipe is a real treat this month and a bit different! With so many hospitality venues here to chose from you might not get around to trying to cook yourself!

Have a great July and see you next time.

written by Arthur Conan Doyle adapted by Lesley Hart

The use of Virgin Oak: is it a benefit or not to Scotch?

With the imminent release of my new bottlings and having completed research on the characteristics of using Virgin Oak Casks, as it is one of the casks I used, I thought I would share some findings with you.

Firstly, let me explain what it is. Virgin oak casks are casks that have not been used for the maturation of an alcoholic beverage. Not commonly used in whisky production as there is potential for the spirit to be overpowered by the character of the oak. So normally it is used for ‘finishing’ whisky, the process of filling the already maturing whisky into a different cask to add colour and additional/ complimentary flavours.

I recently had the pleasure of welcoming Serge Valentin, Whisky blogger and writer, into the shop and his visit reminded me of an article about the use of Virgin Oak where Serge and Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and whisky creation at The Glenmorangie Company were asked about the pros and cons.

There were several points raised as you can imagine, but the debate centered on one question. Could the use of Virgin Oak could be seen as a ‘quick fix’ to getting extra flavour into young or NAS (no age statement) whisky and is it detrimental?

Demand for whisky is such now that younger ages and NAS are commonplace, some would argue to the detriment of character. It is true that age is the best friend to whisky up to a point, but age and virgin oak casks arguably do not go hand in hand. The wood will overpower the spirit, given time, but used in a conservative way, for short term finishing, it adds character and complexity to the whisky that is not expected at a younger age. So, it seems that even industry leaders are split on the use of Virgin Oak casks.

I remember, not long after I took over the shop, being a guest of Glenmorangie Distillery and being able taste a wide range of their wonderful drams. The one whisky which we tasted over that week,

and there were a couple, which stood out for me was their Ealanta. It had just been voted World Whisky of the Year 2014, and I can honestly say that the flavours and texture of that whisky stay with me to this day. Glenmorangie Ealanta, for me, draws a line in the sand with this debate. It was fully matured in Virgin Oak, in the incredibly skillful hands of Dr Bill Lumsden. This whisky typifies this debate perfectly. Yes, Virgin Oak can be too powerful for full maturation unless in the hands of a skilled master. So, getting back to the cask I’m bottling. I researched and read the arguments for and against Virgin Oak and decided to experiment, not only with this wood but by using it to finish a peated whisky. Not an Islay, this is a young peated Highland whisky. The results? Well, it will be in the shop in a few weeks’ time. Why not come in and try it for yourself.

Scottish Country Dancing - 1st July

Pitlochry Town Hall 7.30pm.

Come along and join us on the dance floor or just enjoy spectating from the balcony and listening to the best of Scottish Dance Bands on:

Saturday 1st July Neil Galloway's Band

Saturday 15th July Alasdair MacLeod's Band

Saturday 29th July Jim Lindsay

Dancers: £10.00. Spectators: £3.00.

Further info from June on 01796 473488.

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic - 4th July

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 4th July 2023 between 10.00am12.00 noon at the Pitlochry Community Hospital.

Pitlochry Litter Action Group - 11th July

The tourist season is well on the way. 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 11th July.

Dates for litterpicks in 2023 are: August 8th, September 12th, Octoer 10th, November 14th, Decemer 12th.

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

Pitlochry & District Climate Cafe - 11th & 13th July

“Many individuals are doing what they can. But real success can only come if there is a change in our societies and in our economics and in our politics.” David Attenborough. A Climate Cafe brings people together from across communities and workplaces to talk, share, learn and act on solutions over a cup of tea or coffee. Climate Cafés take place the second week of the month - Tuesdays, 1pm and Thursdays 7pm. The next ones will be Tuesday 11th July & Thursday 13th July (virtual or in person). Venue: Pitlochry Library, PH16 5BX. For more information contact Carol Aitken on new email address pitlochrydistrictcc@gmail.com

New Date Thursday 7th September, 7pm for Climate Reality Talk with Jess Pepper, Founder of the Climate Cafe Network. Jess, who is our local Climate Reality Mentor and helped inspire people in

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Pitlochry Life

Dunkeld, Blairgowrie, Aberfeldy and other communities to create their own Climate Cafes will be presenting her inspirational presentation which began with her training with former Vice President Al Gore (An Inconvenient Truth, 2006). She will focus on climate change solutions that are already available, and ways we can take action.

Equiwatt is a free app which alerts you when there's a surge in electricity demand so that you can opt to switch off or delay using household appliances until it's over. If you have a smart meter, you can connect smart plugs which will automatically switch off your chosen appliance(s) for a short time. This way, Equiwatt can see how much electricity you've saved and give you rewards to convert to vouchers. www.equiwatt.com

Collectively, this reduces the need to use polluting power plants during surges in demand.

Heartland Film Society at The Birks - 16th July

Never Rarely Sometimes Always

When 17-year-old Autumn discovers she’s pregnant, with no question of confiding in her family or obtaining a termination in rural Pennsylvania, she seeks help from her cousin Skylar. Having scraped together some cash, the two set off for New York in hopes of a solution. While touching on vital issues regarding women’s rights, writer/director Eliza Hittman focuses on her characters and the growing bond between the two girls - played by newcomers Sidney Flanigan and Talia Ryder – subtly conveying vast amounts of information with minimal dialogue.

“Perfectly pitched and sensitively played, this is truthful, powerful and profoundly moving fare from a film-maker at the very top of her game.” Mark Kermode

Sunday July 16 The Birks Cinema Aberfeldy Cert 15

Full details: www.birkscinema.co.uk www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk

Everyone’s welcome at HFS screenings, but why not become a member? The £10 subscription brings 12 months of reduced prices for HFS films at The Birks, plus other benefits.

Music in Rannoch - 16th July

Sunday July 16th at 3.00pm in the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch. Music in Rannoch concert. Nicholas Ashton (Piano). Re-invited by popular request. Programme will include Mozart: Sonata in Eb major K282, Beethoven: Selected Bagatelles, Debussy: Work to be decided, Schumann: Ahnung (1838, a recently discovered work), Brahms: Albumblatt (1853 a recently discovered work).

£10 at the door, Children free, Refreshments available at the interval. Easy parking.

Killiecrankie, Fincastle & Tummel CC - 17th July

Our next meeting will be held at 7pm on Monday, 17th July 2023 in Killiecrankie Village Hall. The Agenda will be sent to everyone on our mailing list about a week before the meeting. To add your name to the mailing list, simply email info@ kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk and we will do the rest.

The Minutes of the last meeting, held on 15th May 2023, are on the website: www.kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk

Ballinluig Bazaar - 22nd July

The next Ballinluig Bazaar will be on Saturday 22nd July. The Bazaar is a craft fair running from 10.00am until 3.00pm in the lovely Mid Atholl Hall at Ballinluig. Many of last year’s crafters have rejoined us after winter months developing new products and there are some new faces and ideas too. We use the Mid Atholl Hall because of its excellent facilities and its easy access from Aberfeldy, Dunkeld and Pitlochry. Remember also that Ballinluig Bazaar is completely indoors. There may be gales and snow outdoors but you are well protected as you enjoy our crafts.

Contacts: Jenny 01796 473129; Judith 01796 473003; Julie 01796 482274.

The Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition - 29th July

At the time of writing, registration is going well for our 53rd annual Art Exhibition to be held in the Duchess Anne from 29th July - 31st August. We will have a mix of familiar names along with a good number of new artists.

The artists’ work is showing on our website www.dunkeldartexhibition.com The Exhibition will open at 10am on Saturday 29th July and will be open every day from 10 - 4pm and 12 - 4pm on Sundays. Any further information from dunkeldart@aol.com One of our invited artists is Graham Turpie from Stirling and we look forward to having his work in the Exhibition. We would like to thank Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council for the grant award they gave us towards the cost of our AA road signs.

Pete Wishart MP - Perth & North Perthshire - SNP

At the time of writing, the Ukraine event at Castle Menzies in Aberfeldy is coming up in a few days, organised by Highland Perthshire Welcomes Ukraine and all the Ukrainians who have recently settled in the Aberfeldy area. I have no doubt this will be a fantastic day, and a great opportunity for locals to get to know our new arrivals and welcome them to the area.

Perth and Kinross has now welcomed around 500 Ukrainians since the war began. This is by far the highest number per capita in Scotland, and that number is still very much on the rise. Each week, my office continues to assist with new enquiries from constituents who have acted as a sponsor on a Homes for Ukraine application, and who need help getting them over here due to all the complicated Home Office red tape. It should be a source of great pride for us all that Perthshire has led the way in offering support and solidarity to Ukraine in the face of Putin’s barbaric invasion of their land.

Unfortunately, as we continue to offer as much support as we can to Ukraine, the UK Government appears to be going in the opposite direction, having recently announced their intention to cut the tariff given to local authorities for Ukrainian refugees residing in their council area by nearly half. This is completely unacceptable, particularly in the midst of their self-made cost-of-living crisis. The large number of Ukrainian arrivals in Perth and Kinross is, of course, primarily due to the astounding generosity of the people of Perthshire. However, it is also as a result of PKC’s proficient housing and integration strategies, which is now being used as an exemplar model for local authorities across Scotland. But without proper financial support, the outstanding work that PKC has been doing on this matter will inevitably be hindered. This is a matter I have been actively encouraging the UK Government to reconsider in order to ensure our Ukrainian guests are properly looked after for as long as they wish to stay here.

Pitlochry Life

Strathallan Prep School Welcomes Its Youngest Pupils Ever

Strathallan is delighted to announce this week the expansion of its Prep School to welcome P1 (Year 1) and P2 (Year 2) pupils for the first time, following a period of unprecedented growth that has seen the whole school roll grow by 20% over the last four years.

Strathallan Prep’s Head Emma Lalani said: “It’s been an incredible three years since the launch of the Prep School, and I have been so impressed with the dedication and dynamism of all the staff to strive for excellence in everything we do. We were the first Scottish school to join the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate, and we were recognised for the quality of our teaching with the Primary Science Mark, as well as the BSA Award for Boarding Innovation. Outdoor learning has flourished and I was so proud when the pupils launched their “Bee the Change” initiative at the UN Water Conference earlier this year. Our pupils are so creative, it’s truly an exceptional place to learn and I am so excited to be able to welcome even younger children to our school this year.”

The new Year 1 and Year 2 classes will expand Strathallan Prep School's provision down to age 5, and will follow a shorter day, with lessons 9am – 3pm and wraparound care available. Plans for expansion have been brought forward this year to keep up with demand, with designs for an ambitious new Prep School building

having been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council’s planning in March 2023. The new building will include new classrooms, a multipurpose hall and outdoor learning areas.

Strathallan’s Headmaster Mr Mark Lauder said:

“I couldn’t be prouder of what the Prep School has achieved in the three years since its launch. The hard work and dedication of the teaching and pastoral staff has been rightly recognised with a number of awards already, and I am always impressed with the new initiatives that both staff and pupils bring forward all the time. It will be a great privilege to be able to see younger pupils than ever join us and benefit from this truly special educational environment.”

Strathallan is registering now for the remaining spaces in P1 and P2 starting this September. For more information, visit:

www.strathallan.co.uk/strathallan-prep

Since my last column, I was pleased to attend a joint meeting in Pitlochry about the ongoing issue relating to the introduction of parking charges at Faskally Woods. I think we all left the meeting feeling as though much progress had been made. Significant concessions were made by Forestry and Land Scotland, although I understand that they are still considering other potential solutions. This includes the introduction of a Faskally-only annual parking pass, offered at a cheaper rate than the £50 Tay Area pass.

I know how much this issue means to the people of Pitlochry, and Friends of Faskally continue to have my support. Faskally Woods offers immense benefits to people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and it is only right that it remains accessible for locals to use, particularly those struggling financially or with mobility issues. I am pleased with the progress that has been made thus far, and very much hope that an agreement is reached in the near future that is fair, proportionate and workable.

If there is anything my office can assist you with then please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 01738 639 598 or emailing pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk

Murdo Fraser - Mid Scotland & Fife - Conservative

Summer has now arrived and we are in recess at the Scottish Parliament, with many of us hoping to spend some time with family and friends and hopefully enjoying good weather over the next few months.

Although I will be going away on holiday with my family during part of the summer recess, I will be working prior to that and also when I return, answering queries from constituents and embarking on a Summer Surgery, where I will visit various towns in the region. These are always interesting visits, giving me an opportunity to meet constituents face-to-face.

Local residents will have been delighted to hear that progress is being made to build a replica Scottish Crannog Centre in Kenmore following the awful fire which destroyed the original site two years ago. Readers of Pitlochry Life will remember that the Centre suffered a devastating blow when its replica roundhouse burned down in June 2021. However, great community spirit was shown when £50,000 was donated to an appeal fund within a fortnight.

And with a grant of £2.3 million from the Scottish Government, I am delighted to hear that the centre is being rebuilt on a new site directly across from the previous one on Loch Tay, on land at Dalerb, which was transferred from the Forestry Commission. Volunteers have been working on a land-based roundhouse and I understand that the plan is to work on this during the summer and for construction of a new crannog, over the water, to begin this winter.

The aim is that the new site will include a replica iron age village with demonstration shelters for cookery, metalworking, carving and woodcraft, along with eco-friendly buildings which will host a new café, museum and shop. It is testament to the determination of those involved in the Scottish Crannog Centre that they were successful in their appeal for funding and I am looking forward to the completion of the rebuild.

I was also very pleased to hear that a fish ladder observation point at Pitlochry Dam is nearer completion. The viewing point will comprise of four stainless-steel totems. In addition to the totems, a new circular concrete seating area at the centre of the viewing point will also be built, which will offer visitors spectacular views of Pitlochry Dam.

The new attraction is due to open this summer. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the salmon lifecycle, how they make their journey each year and view fish counter statistics and live footage of the fish courtesy of underwater cameras. It promises to be exciting times at Pitlochry Dam.

Ex rien AN

AFTERNOON TEA LIKE no ot r

At Dunkeld House Hotel, we have upheld the ritual of Afternoon Tea, but with a twist! Experience our unique woodland-themed Afternoon Tea which encapsulates the nature and wildlife surrounding The Dunkeld House Hotel.

Book your Afternoon Tea in July and receive a complimentary glass of fizz if you bring this advert with you.

£29.50 per person

We also o er a summer menu with delicious dishes designed to compliment the summer sunshine and the breathtaking scenery.

View our su er menu

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

In early June, Scotland marked the 39th annual Volunteers’ Week, a nationwide celebration of the incredible efforts of volunteers across the UK. In Scotland, led by Volunteer Scotland and supported by a number of bodies including the Scottish Government, this week-long celebration allowed us all to acknowledge and appreciate the vital role that volunteering plays in our local communities.

The theme for 2023, 'Volunteering for All', resonates strongly with the ethos that everyone has a part to play and that everyone can make a difference. In our Scottish communities, volunteering isn't just an act of service but is woven into the very fabric of society, strengthening communal bonds and improving the life prospects of so many.

During my time as an MSP, I have been fortunate to visit countless charities, and witness first-hand the life-changing work they are undertaking. It is one of the great joys of my role that I have been able to witness the passion, decency and determination of so many volunteers since first being elected to Parliament in 1997.

During the trying times of Covid, volunteers often proved instrumental in offering support to our most vulnerable neighbours. They collected and delivered groceries, provided companionship to the isolated, and lent their skills to charity organisations. They were the unsung heroes in the backdrop of the pandemic, providing invaluable support and comfort.

In Perthshire, our local volunteers consistently demonstrate an inspiring commitment to helping others. This has fuelled the work of countless charities, organisations and community groups across the region, each of them only made possible by the desire of its volunteers to quite simply make life a bit better for others.

Volunteers' Week serves as a reminder of the importance of volunteers in our community. As a society, we owe a debt of gratitude to all those who chose to volunteer and offer their time and skill up in support of others.

Finally, Volunteers’ Week is not just about recognising existing volunteers, but about encouraging more people to get involved. Volunteering, with its myriad of benefits, is a wonderful way to give back to the community, make new friends, learn new skills and even improve personal wellbeing. It is a hugely worthwhile endeavour that everyone, if able, should consider.

After all, the heart of volunteerism is the notion that together we can create a better world. So, let’s build on the efforts of Volunteers' Week 2023 by saying thank you to the volunteers in our midst and welcoming new volunteers with open arms.

GrowBiz

Benefit from GrowBiz Support this Summer

Are you self-employed or a small business owner in a rural area? Or are you thinking of setting up your own business or social enterprise? Free support is available from GrowBiz. Here’s some ways we can help:

1-1 Advice: Whether you’re looking for someone to help you make a funding application, create a

Walk With Me…

Pitlochry Fish Ladder and around Loch Faskally.

Distance - 3.25 miles.

Time - 1.5 - 2 hours.

Ascent - 100m, with some steps.

This is a good family walk with children. It is over well defined paths and some minor roads with lots to see and some stunning scenery along the way.

The walk starts in Pitlochry’s main street (Atholl Road) at Ferry Road, this is lowest point in the main street where you will see Victoria’s on the corner. Turn down Ferry Road, past Fern Cottage, under the railway bridge and follow the road as it curves left. You will then pass the sports field and turn down a path, on the left, sign-posted for the Festival Theatre and Fish Ladder, then cross the bouncy Port-na-Craig suspension bridge, where the kids can count the ‘love-locks’. (Port-na-Craig means ferry by the rock, see if the kids can spot the rock)

Over the bridge turn right past Portnacraig Inn, the Festival Theatre will be above you on the left. The Explorer’s Garden is at the rear of the car park at the entrance to the theatre. Keep on this minor road, pass the Theatre and you will come to the hydro-electric dam which has created Loch Faskally. There is a fantastic new visitor centre here as well as observation chambers for the salmon ladder which allows the fish to swim upstream through a number of tunnels to bypass the dam. If lucky, you might see one pass through. An electronic counter records how many fish pass through each year and is usually in excess of 4,000.

Climb up the steps next to the fish ladder to the top of the dam, then keep left up a few more steps to start the path around Loch Faskally. Soon head right at a fork to some steps down to the shore and follow the clear path. At one point you will go down steps, cross a bridge and climb a longer flight of steps up the other side. The path now climbs away from the water towards the A9. Stay in the woods and you will pass a house at Balmore before emerging onto a minor road. Turn right there and follow

this road downhill, under the A9 bridge then immediately turn right down a path leading to a footbridge signposted for the Boating Station. Over the bridge turn right to follow the path around the other side of the Loch.

You will soon reach the Boating Station, don’t forget to feed the ducks before heading up the road, back towards Pitlochry, passing the Green Park Hotel on the right. Then take the next right, Lagreach Brae (a new housing estate) where in the bottom right corner there is a signed path on the right that leads back down to the loch and the dam. Always keep to the main path near the water and ignore any other paths and tracks coming in from the left.

Go through a gap in the fence and down steps towards the dam. Cross the minor road, climb steps on the far side and continue through woodland. The path emerges onto grass and then continues between the river and some houses before reaching the path leading down to the suspension bridge with the padlocks. Turn left here and retrace your steps back to the main street.

For more walks, keep an eye on our website at www.pitlochrylife.co.uk/getout

THE VERY BEST OF PERTHSHIRE UNDER ONE ROOF...

- Restaurant & Takeaway

- Fuel Station & EV Charging Points

- Clothes & Accessories Shopping

- Gift Shop & Gift Hampers

- Garden & Homewares Shops

- Whisky, Gin, Beer & Wine Cellar

- Deli & Food Larder

- Highland Cows to visit & Nature Walk

Opening Summer 2023 - New Open-air Garden Restaurant

Open daily from 8am to 8pm, just off the A9 at Bankfoot, PH1 4EB.

Call 01738 787 696 or book a table online at www.tasteperthshire.co.uk

business strategy, or improve your budgeting, marketing or other business skills, we have a team member who can help. Email connect@growbiz.co.uk to request an informal chat.

Events: GrowBiz’s online learning sessions are based around topics businesses need support with, such as social media, boosting productivity and cloud accounting. Our networking events are a confidential space to share challenges and experiences with other enterprise owners and be motivated by inspirational speakers.

Mentoring: Our award-winning business mentoring programme trains volunteer mentors to support those who need a confidence boost, a listening ear, or someone to help with personal development. If you’re interested in giving back by training to be a mentor, or becoming a mentee, visit www.growbiz.co.uk/mentoring

REDS: REDS is an online directory and interactive map for small and micro businesses in rural Scotland, offering promotion opportunities, connections and collaboration. It’s free for eligible businesses to be listed. Find out more at www.reds.scot Read all about GrowBiz’s services at www.growbiz.co.uk

Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch

Anxiety and scams

The rising cost of living is leading to increasing levels of anxiety, with the associated physical and mental health problems, for many of us.

During the recent Mental Health Awareness Week, it was identified that anxiety may be both about money and about being affected by the constantly evolving variety of scams. With thoughts turning towards home improvements this season, it is possible scammers may use phone, email, text /social media, doorstep calls to contact their ‘victims’ and two new scams are reported.

B&Q

A new email scam offers ’free’ products if you complete a survey using a link on a site which looks genuine. It asks for contact details and a £2 payment for postage.

To avoid problems

• Check the company’s official website or social media channel

• Check spelling and grammar

• Read terms and conditions

• Never enter personal or banking details

You can forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk

Send links from websites which you think are trying to scam the public to the National Cyber Security Centre's reporting service at www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scamwebsite

If you receive a suspicious text message you can forward it to a free-of-charge service for your provider to investigate/take action at 7726.

Housing repairs

In scam phone calls the caller claims to be from a ‘social housing repairs forum’ or housing maintenance department and offers free repairs or survey. The aim is to obtain personal details and ultimately to gain access to the home.

To avoid problems

• Do not deal with ‘cold callers’. Hang up and then call the council or housing association on a

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publicly available number to verify if the call is genuine

• Do not give personal details or make payments/money transfers

• Make use of devices which can be used to block/monitor calls, such as TrueCall Secure call blockers, or a blocking service from your phone provider, or sign up for the free Telephone Preference Service at 034 070 0707 and www.tpsonline.org.uk

Remaining ‘scam aware’ at all times is an important action to take in order to reduce possible anxiety. At www.tsscot.co.uk there is a weekly Scam Share Bulletin together with information about the most common scams.

More information about anxiety is available at www.mentalhealth.org.uk

To receive alerts from the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland service contact the local Secretary, Cath Marshall at 470575 or marshall16@marshall16.plus.net

Pitlochry Hospital Cars

We urgently need more volunteers to join our small number of drivers who take patients to PRI and Ninewells Hospitals for appointments.

In the first instance and for more information about what is involved please contact one of the coordinators listed below:

Ray Wilson telephone number 473031

Lorna Dobbie telephone number 474009

Nora Finch telephone number 474002

Pitlochry Repair Cafe

Pitlochry Repair Cafe is taking a break over summer and will be back on Sunday 3 September for more repairs, cake and chat!

Dates for the rest of the year are Sundays 1 Oct, 5 Nov and 3 Dec. Sessions take place in Moulin Hall from 12-3pm.

Our talented repair volunteers have already successfully fixed over 180 items, preventing them from going into landfill.

To find out more, or If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, email repaircafe@sproutcommunity-eco-hub.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram @PitlochryRepairCafe. We are always looking for skilled repairers, especially textiles repairers, as well as receptionists. bakers, soup makers and cafe helpers!

Atholl Medical Centre

We would like to make patients aware that the practice generic email account is strictly for non-urgent correspondence. This mailbox is not monitored at all times and therefore it may be some time before an email can be responded to. We do not book appointments via email and we do not accept prescription requests or queries via this mailbox. Prescription requests or queries must be sent to the prescription mailbox as follows: tay.amcprescriptions@nhs.scot

If you send an email that cannot be dealt with via email in response, you may be asked to call the surgery directly.

Please do not send photographs unless you have been asked to by a member of staff, as these will not be seen by a clinician.

Pitlochry Life

Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory

Lucky enough to be going on holiday this year? In all the excitement, you will easily forget how vulnerable your devices are whilst travelling. A family of four will probably travel with 4 smart phones, 2 iPads/tablets and a laptop. That’s a lot to take care of, so here’s a few tips to help keep them safe.

Don’t take what you don’t need. If you are not really going to use it, don’t take it. Less to worry about.

Back it up before you leave. Imagine losing one of them, and all the data, photos, files etc. Nightmare! Back up everything before you go - and don’t back up onto the devices you are taking.

Turn on Find My Device. Android and iOS both have ways of tracking your device. Make sure it is switched on before you go, and learn how to use it by logging in on a different device. If you lose your phone for example, you can track it, wipe it or even leave a message on the screen for anyone that does find it.

Be careful with your connections. The firewall on your router at home protects you from all sorts of nasties. Public Wi-Fi and computers don’t necessarily offer that kind of protection, so maybe consider installing a mobile firewall to protect you or, just don’t use them. If you do have to use them, remember they are public, so don’t log into your bank, or buy anything online. 4G on your phone will probably be faster than any public connection. Your data plan will likely cover use across Europe, or there might be a small unlimited daily charge, which is encrypted so a lot safer.

Also, switch off the Bluetooth when not actually using it and if you hotspot to give your kids internet access through your phone, make sure it is password protected.

Wrap it up. Make sure your devices are protected with an up to date anti-virus/malware program. Most will update automatically, but it's worth double checking their settings to check that's being done.

Patch it up. Make sure your operating system is up to date, as well any privacy sensitive apps you regularly use e.g. banking apps. Having to update on the move can be very tedious. Use a password manager. There’s nothing worse than going through the ‘I forgot my password’ ritual. Also, make sure all your devices are protected with a PIN, password, fingerprint recognition or facial ID.

Keep an eye on it. It is an unfortunate fact that people will steal things, it’s also an unfortunate fact that some are very clever about it. Whilst you probably wouldn’t wander about on a beach and leave things of value in full view on your sun lounger, you might be less careful within the confines of a nice hotel. It is widely known that local gangs can duplicate wristbands that give them access to the hotel and loiter around the pool or bar areas for rich pickings. That's before we start on pickpockets and they are everywhere you find tourists, the busier the better and easier it becomes. Leaving your phone sticking out your back pocket is not a good idea. A pickpocket team can distract you enough for just a second or two... and it is gone. Whilst your phone might not seem attractive to a thief, as it is fairly secure and traceable, all that can be overcome with the right knowledge. It is, however, of more value broken down and sold as spare parts in a corner phone repair shop. So, keep an eye on it.

Don’t post an invitation. It is strangely satisfying to arrive at the airport, open Facebook and check in, add your destination and wind up friends and family with a comment along the lines of ‘well that’s us off for 2 weeks of sun, sea, sand and sangria!’ To others, however, that reads as ‘we are away on holiday for 2 weeks, the house is empty, help yourself!’ Just post the pictures when you come back.

As always, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Happy holidays!

Willie

Breadalbane & District RDA

The summer term has progressed very well with 11 riders attending most weeks and great progress has been made. Developing independence from leaders and sidewalkers has been the aim of the term and the increased confidence of the riders has been very evident.

In the middle of June we were visited again by Petra Humphrey (our Regional coach) who came to assess Helen Webb as a coach for our group. None of us were in any doubt that Helen would meet the grade which she duly did and passed with flying colours. Perfect timing for the group to have a new coach just as Jennifer Valentine retires from coaching and hands over the reins!! The group is now lucky enough to have 3 fully assessed coaches which allows for sickness or holiday time off without compromising the lessons.

Looking ahead we will have our usual stand at the Aberfeldy Show on August 11th and 12th with home baking, jams, jellies, marmalade, bric a brac etc. raising funds to keep the group going. We hope you will support us and look forward to seeing you there.

We have a great team of volunteers but never have too many and welcome anybody who might be interested in joining. We operate on Monday mornings from 9 -12 during the school summer and autumn terms just south of Pitlochry. You can find out more about us on our website www.breadalbanerda.org.uk or contact us by email at breadalbanerda@gmail.com Or you can ring Helen on 01796 470414 or Vicky on 07786262329.

Rotary Club of Pitlochry

Our "Make a Difference" event organised by Rotary Club member, Linda Watt, took place in the Pitlochry Town Hall last month. The Town Hall was packed with more than 33 stands of a huge variety of participating clubs and organisations. I think all of us stood amazed by the number of people, clubs and organisations who give of their time to serve our community. The hall was abuzz with chatter as the attendees shared information with each other and visitors to the event.

We trust that not only the information of the aims & objects of each organisation was shared, but that the opportunities, strength and value of collaboration between all of us, became evident and will grow.

Thanks to all who participated and helped to make the event such a success!

Atholl Centre Pitlochry

Office hours

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

Community BBQ & Mini Health Fair – Wednesday 26 July 2023 4.00 –7.00pm

With visiting Health & Social Care Roadshow 3 – 5.00pm and 6 – 8.00pm Free tickets available from the Atholl Centre Office. Lots of useful Health information and Local Support groups. Come for a ‘Bite & Blether’.

Continued on page 34

Repairs · Virus Removal

New Systems · Broadband

Networking · Data Recovery

Verisure Monitored Alarm Systems

Clover Merchant Services

SUMMER READS 2023

Whether you are taking off on holiday, or just lounging in the back garden, soaking up some sun, there's nothing better to keep you company than a good book. Here's what's on top of our reading list this summer. Hardback, Softback or Kindle - lose yourself...

MICHAEL CONNELLYDESERT STAR

CRIME!

Well what can I say? I’ve been reading about Harry Bosch for over 20 years now. He’s like a pair of old slippers... battered, bruised and torn but we still love them. In this latest episode Detective Renee Ballard is given the chance to revive the LAPD’s cold case unit and find justice for the families of the forgotten. The only catch is she must first unravel an unsolved murder, or lose this opportunity of a lifetime... Harry Bosch is top of the list of investigators Ballard wants to recruit. The ex-detective is a living legend - but for how long? Because Bosch has his own agenda: a crime that has haunted him for years - the murder of a whole family, buried out in the desert - which he vowed to close. With the killer still out there and evidence elusive, Bosch is on a collision course with a choice he hoped never to make… It’s a great read and tackles the question of who serves justice and what is justice really. Won’t spoil the end but there won’t be that many more Bosch stories - so enjoy this one!

REVERAND RICHARD COLESMURDER BEFORE EVENSONG

Who would have thought back in the 1980’s and in the days of The Communards, that we would be here reading this. I have to say this surprises me, he has wit and charm and can tell a good yarn.

Canon Daniel Clement is Rector of Champton, where he lives alongside his widowed motheropinionated, fearless, ever-so-slightly annoying Audrey - and his two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda. When Daniel announces a plan to install a lavatory in the church, the parish is suddenly (and unexpectedly) divided: as lines are drawn, long-buried secrets come dangerously close to destroying the apparent calm of the village. And then Anthony Bowness - cousin to Bernard de Floures, patron of Champton - is found dead at the back of the church. As the police moves in and the bodies start piling up, Daniel is the only one who can try and keep his community together... and catch a killer. If you love Midsummer Murders (don’t join a group that Joyce belongs to) or Agatha Christie then this is for you.

RICHARD ROPER - SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR

FEEL GOOD!

If you enjoyed Eleanor Olpihant Is Completely Fine then this is a read for you!!

This is a page-turning story full of heart that has readers raving, about Andrew, who has forgotten how to live, and Peggy, who helps him remember...

Meet Andrew. Everybody likes Andrew. But they don’t really know him. They know what he’s told them - that he’s happily married with two kids. Living the kind of life that’s either so boring it’s true, or so perfect it’s a lie...

Enter Peggy. Peggy arrives in Andrew’s life in a burst of kindness and possibility. For the first time in ages, Andrew feels alive again. So now that he has everything to lose, can he risk it all and tell Peggy the truth?

TAYLOR JENKINSDASIY JONES & THE SIX

HARRY WHITTAKER - ATLAS THE STORY OF PA SALT

This is the conclusive book (8) of Lucinda Rileys saga The Seven Sisters series - co authored by her son Harry Whittaker.

T.V DRAMA!

Everybody knows Daisy Jones and the Six. Their sound defined an era. Their albums were on every turntable. They sold out arenas from coast to coast. Then, on 12 July 1979, Daisy Jones walked barefoot onto the stage at Chicago Stadium. And it all came crashing down. Everyone was there. Everyone remembers it differently. Nobody knew why they split. Until now.

It is a transporting novel - at once a love story, a glimpse into the combustible inner workings of a rock-and-roll band, and a pitch-perfect recreation of the music scene of the Fleetwood Mac era. You’ll never want it to end. I had to check this out and make sure it wasn’t a real band……just in case. Good fun novel and maybe I might just try and catch the series now?

R.F KUANG - YELLOWFACE

A tantalising and deliciously humorous literary thriller that investigates ambition, greed and white privilege with deadly precision.

Athena Liu is a literary darling and June Hayward is literally nobody.

THRILLER!

1928, Paris. A boy is found, moments from death, and taken in by a kindly family. Gentle, precocious, talented, he flourishes in his new home, and the family show him a life he hadn’t dreamed possible. But he refuses to speak a word about who he really is.

As he grows into a young man, falling in love and taking classes at the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris, he can almost forget the terrors of his past, or the promise he has vowed to keep. But across Europe an evil is rising, and no-one’s safety is certain. In his heart, he knows the time will come when he must flee once more.

2008, the Aegean. The seven sisters are gathered together for the first time, on board the Titan, to say a final goodbye to the enigmatic father they loved so dearly.

To the surprise of everyone, it is the missing sister who Pa Salt has chosen to entrust with the clue to their pasts. But for every truth revealed, another question emerges. The sisters must confront the idea that their adored father was someone they barely knew. And even more shockingly: that these long-buried secrets may still have consequences for them today.

In this epic conclusion to the Seven Sisters series, everything will be revealed.

White lies... When Athena dies in a freak accident, June steals her unpublished manuscript and publishes it as her own under the ambiguous name Juniper Song.

Dark humour... But as evidence threatens June’s stolen success, she will discover exactly how far she will go to keep what she thinks she deserves.

If you’re into a series then this set is worth a read! A feminist story of 7 sisters who individually explore their true heritage that leads them across the world!

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

Pitlochry Baptist Church Summer Specials, Fridays from 2-4pm

18 August — Strawberry Tea.

29 September — Concert with Pitlochry High School Choir. Free tickets available for each event from…

Colin - 01796 470081 Nicki - 07543900641 Helen - 01796 473044.

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.

Pitlochry’s Open Kitchen is @The Atholl Centre - Every last Sunday of the month (next one: 30th July). 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

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.

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

Seedlings are starting to come on well in the gardens now. We will have a stall in Pitlochry giving information about our organisation, and to share any excess produce with the community, on Saturday 15th July, on the main street from 10am to 12noon. So come and have a chat. New Garden Share opportunity in Ballinluig! A new host is very kindly offering to share their garden with locals who would like to grow vegetables. They also have a small orchard and hens, in an idyllic location. Do get in touch if you are interested, whether you live nearby or a bit further afield. The Open Kitchen arose out of the Pitlochry Garden Share. We get together on the last Sunday of every month at the Atholl Centre, Pitlochry. Using produce from our gardens (depending on the time of year of course!) we get together, share recipes, eat and generally enjoy each other’s company. All are welcome, whether you are a gardener or not! 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

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.

T r a d i t i o n a l V a l u e s - M o d e r n T h i n k i n g

P r o p e r t y L e g a l S e r v i c e s

W i l l s , P o w e r s o f A t t o r n e y a n d S u c c e s s i o n P l a n n i n g

C h a r i t i e s & C o m m u n i t i e s

C o m p a n i e s & P a r t n e r s h i p s

A g r i c u l t u r e , E s t a t e s & R e n e w a b l e s

C o n t a c t o u r P r o p e r t y

T e a m t o b o o k a F R E E , N O O B L I G A T I O N

v a l u a t i o n

Tel: 01796 472606

Email: property@jandhmitchell.com

www.jandhmitchellproperty.com

The Pitlochry Garden July

High summer – the proving point of the whole garden year: fresh vegetables, soft fruit and herbs from the plot with plenty of apples, pears and plums in another few weeks, and fulsome borders, crowded with flowers and more on the way!

Look along the beds and borders now: it is easy to spot gaps, disappointing combinations, mad invaders and two-week wonders. To maintain interest for longer with less effort, plant the spine of the border with long-flowering species, interspersed with short-term things like oriental poppies, lilies and alliums (to hide their messy leaves).

Try to position plants that last a short time where they will provide fresh interest when early flowering perennials have finished. For example, some mid-season, butter yellow lilies emerging through a planting of blue geraniums.

Establish the rhythm and repetition of your planting in the middle ranks; this is a strategy for increasing impact and creating cohesion. Remember to use fewer kinds of plants and more of them. Flower shape establishes repetition too: spires and spikes always attract attention. Try veronica or veronicastrum, persicaria, cimicifuga, digitalis or an upright grass like calamagrostis Karl Foerster.

Some good long-season flowers are achilleas, hemerocallis, alstroemeria, aster, lychnis, nepeta, oenethera, osteospermum, penstemon and scabious. Nepeta and osteospermum can also be used for the same reason at the front of the

border combined with other good front edge plants like heuchera, potentilla, violas and stachys byzantina.

Achilleas have flat-headed flowers in a wide range of hues and delicate, ferny foliage. They increase on dry soil in sunshine but languish in the shade and damp.

Hemerocallis accepts varying amounts of light and damp and also has a wide range of flower colours. They have strappy foliage which makes a strong contrast with any other shape of leaf. Clumps should be divided every two or three years to maintain good flowering.

Split up bad colour combinations and re-locate them to better effect. For example, pink and yellow combinations – so much depends on tone: cerise and lime okay, gold and flannel pink, not so much. Avoid planting mauve-blue and turquoiseblue flowers together; they just diminish each other.

Only tolerate mad invaders if you have the time and energy to stay on top of it. For example, persicaria campanulata and lysimachia are excellent plants, but they increase dramatically. Many campanulas spread by underground runners and seed so choose them carefully. Euphorbias can make massive clumps so they may need to be reduced every spring.

Plants that gently self-seed can be useful but getting rid of alchemilla between paving stones is hard work!

Sheila Drummond

The Friends Of Pitlochry Community Hospital

(Formally known as The Friends of Irvine Memorial Hospital)

Registered as a Scottish Charity no SCO 11485

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

Applicaton forms may be obtained from fpch.secretary@gmail.com

If you are interested in joining the Friends of Pitlochry Community Hospital or may consider supporting their work in the community, please contact fpch.secretary@gmail.com

Pitlochry & Edradour Community Bonfire

The Bonfire Group are firing up for this year’s event! The Firework Display will take place on Saturday the 4th of November and we will be fundraising over the next few months. Dates to be confirmed for our Thrift Shop and Raffle - if you are having a clear out please put aside any items for this good cause. If you would like anything collected contact Morag Utyman on 01796 472952

Highland Perthshire Plus

Highland Perthshire plus is a new group covering Dunkeld and North and West to Blair Atholl and Kinloch Rannoch whose aim is to support children and adults with additional support needs and disabilities. The groups' predecessor Aberfeldy Plus had been running for about 10 years supporting children with ASN and disabilities, however, the parent-led group felt the time was right to expand its geographical area and remit.

During these early stages it is important that the group find the right things to focus on that will have the most impact in their community and as such are asking interested people to complete the attached survey and help to shape the group going forward. The link will be open until the end of August.

https://forms.office.com/e/jYuQj4jh7u

If you have any questions, please contact info@hpplus.net

Just Singin` Birnam

Following our happy 20th anniversary celebration, the choir is now on holiday and looks forward to singing together again in unison and harmony on Wednesday 23rd August in Birnam Arts, Station Road, 7.30pm.

We have a wonderful programme for the new season welcoming returning tutors Amy Lord and Adelaide Carlow, and new-to-us song leaders Susie Kelly and Hannah Rarity. If you enjoy singing with others please come and join our friendly mixed a capella choir - there are no auditions or music reading or solos and you will be made very welcome Please check out www.justsingin.co.uk for more information. You can also email to enquiries@justsingin.co.uk or phone Katie on 07765 405203. Have a happy and safe summer.

Scottish Charity No 36400

Continued on page 46

Ingredients (serves two)

2 Red/green or yellow Peppers (about 220g)

1½ tbsp Olive oil plus an extra drizzle

240g Lean turkey breast mince

½ Small onion chopped

1 Garlic clove grated

1 tsp Ground cumin

3-4 Mushrooms sliced

400g Can of chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp Tomato purée

1 Chicken stock cube

Handful fresh oregano leaves

60g Mozzarella, grated

150g Green vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli, mange tout or green beans), to serve.

Mediterranean Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Method

1. Heat oven to 170C fan. Halve the peppers lengthways, then remove the seeds and core but keep the stalks on. Rub the peppers with a drizzle of olive oil and season well. Put on a baking tray and roast for 15 mins.

2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Fry the mince for 2-3 mins, stirring to break up the chunks, then tip onto a plate.

3. Wipe out your pan, then heat the rest of the oil over a medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, stir-fry for 2-3 mins, then add the cumin and mushrooms and cook for 2-3 mins more.

4. Tip the mince back into the pan and add the chopped tomatoes and tomato purée. Crumble in the stock cube and cook for 3-4 mins, then add the oregano and season. Remove the peppers from the oven and fill them with as much of the mince as you can. (Don’t worry if some spills out it – it will go satisfyingly crisp in the oven.) Top with the cheese and return to the oven for 10-15 mins until the cheese starts to turn golden.

5. Carefully slide the peppers onto a plate and serve alongside a pile of your favourite greens blanched, boiled or steamed.

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group has now come to the end of our first term. We finished up for the summer with a fabulous show at Birnam Arts performed by our budding young musicians, from absolute beginners to our junior and senior trad bands.

We would like to thank everyone for all the local support and donations we’ve received; there has been an amazing response from our local communities. We’re currently running on funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, SSE Renewables, The Basil Death Trust, The Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust and our local community council. We are truly thankful to our funders for being able to run DB Trad Group and to keep it free. We would also like to thank The Enchanted Forest and Master Masons at United Lodge of Dunkeld No 14 for their kind donations to our project. We’d also like to thank all the wonderful staff at Birnam Arts for their continuing support and most importantly our young members and their families who are making this all possible. We will return to full classes and band groups after summer holidays.

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

Pitlochry Station Bookshop

No decision needed on what to write about this month. July means lots of visitors in the area and we want them to visit our Bookshop. Here’s a quick description of our work for visitors and for those residents who haven’t managed to find their way to us yet.

Our shop is on platform one of Pitlochry Station in what was once the Station Master’s Office now joined to the defunct John Menzies newspaper stall. The station is just behind the main street, Atholl Road.

We have a large selection of second hand books in excellent condition and at rock bottom prices. Most of our books sell at £1 each with special books at a little more.

The reason behind all our work is to donate as much money as possible to our charities. There are six of them, most of them local and carrying out vital work. Our stock is donated by people who come from far and wide and, like our customers, wish to be involved in our charitable work. Everyone wins.

All our staff are volunteers and since no one is paid and we don’t pay for our stock, and since ScotRail provides our accommodation rent-free, almost all the money we raise goes straight to our charities.

We are open each day, except Sunday, from 9.00 until 4.30. We hope you will visit us. You may find that you stay longer than you intend.

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/

Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Each year the Summer Reading Challenge motivates over 700,000 children of all abilities to read for enjoyment over the summer holidays. It is aimed at Primary aged children from those due to go to school in 2023 to those in their final year of Primary, and this is how it works:

• Children sign up for free through their local library and receive a fun pack.

• They set a reading goal and borrow books of their choice during the summer, collecting special stickers and incentives.

• Library staff and volunteers help children to discover new books that suit their interests and reading level and run a programme of free-themed activities in the library.

• Children who meet their reading goal and complete the Challenge are presented with a certificate and/or a medal.

• Alternatively, children can take part online at https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

The theme this year is Ready... Set... Read! and children can sign up from Saturday, 24 June 2023.

The Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre

The holidays are here and if you are looking for something to do with the family, come to the Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre, located in Moulin Square. We are open Monday to Saturday between 2pm and 4pm with lots to see and do. Come along to our wee museum and take a step back in time through our fascinating local history. Come and take a look - there is something for everyone in the family, including a kids corner. Browse through some of our old records, fantastic Millennium Diary or Old school photos. Find yourself, a relative or old friend and relive the memories.

We have a new research corner, with reference books, some local and parish records on microfilm and old photos for budding historians and genealogists. Moulin Yarns are here every Monday with their live spinning displays. For larger groups, we can arrange visits to the Centre, outwith out normal opening times. Please contact us to discuss further.

Calling out for Volunteers!! The Centre is run through the day by volunteers and stays open only through local support, visitors and donations. We really need some new volunteers to help us open throughout the week. We only open for 2 hours a day and you can help out as and when you can. If you can help, then please contact us by email at pandmheritage@gmail.com our Facebook page “Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre” or call into the Centre some afternoon between 2 and 4pm.

Pitlochry & Moulin Men's Shed

The Pitlochry & Moulin Mens Shed (PAMMS) provides a community space for men to meet, connect, chat and create. Our activities centre on those that groups of men can enjoy together to help reduce loneliness and isolation. Equally importantly, we aim to make them enjoyable. Our Men's Shed can give purpose to those who have either retired or who just have some time on

Continued on page 56

This Month’s Tricky Sudoku

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

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

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

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

Enjoying Your Walk?

Let's Take It To The Next Level And Head For The Hills

I hope our recent articles have inspired you to get out and enjoy a good walk. It’s amazing how quickly a few walks can put a spring in your step and make you feel more energetic. If you keep at it, you will feel all the benefits and live a much healthier, happy life. There will come a time though, that a walk along the river, round the park, through the local woods or just down town and back, seem to lack something and maybe it’s time to be a little more adventurous.

I’m not saying you have to head for the mountains and bag a few Munros, but walking the hills and wild open spaces offer a very satisfying and rewarding sense of adventure. It is a very different game though from walking round the park and requires considerable preparation, skills, clothing and some equipment. Here are some tips to get you going, and they apply whether just walking wild open spaces, walking hills, or tackling a mountain.

Fitness

Are you fit enough to walk for hours on end? It’s not going to be all flat and it will often be over rough ground. So, if you are used to walking for an hour or so each time, you need to increase that, and take in some hills to build up your stamina. Start slow. Increase your distances locally, don’t avoid the inclines and build up your muscles gradually.

Once you feel capable for walking for a few hours comfortably, pick a hill nearby and give it a try. You might not reach the summit first time, but the hill will still be there next week, so go again. Always accept defeat and turn back if it gets too much, and remember - it might feel a long way to the top, but it’s an equally long way coming back. If you prepare yourself however, you will have a more enjoyable day, rather than struggling and wishing you had never started. Everyone gets out of breath on the way up, so learn to pace yourself and stop for the occasional breather. If not ready for a good climb, there are plenty of walks that are relatively flat, but still pretty wild.

Feel Confident

Don’t go alone until you have some experience. There are courses on hill walking, well worth taking or, the best way is to join a walking/ rambling group, not only will you learn new skills, but you will get to explore new places, gain confidence and meet a great bunch of people who share your interest.

Plan, Plan, Plan

If walking somewhere new, always plan your day. There are lots of guides, either printed, or online for great days out. Read them carefully: how difficult is the terrain, are there paths or do you have to trample over the heather, how much of a climb is there and realistically, how long will it take? To begin with, pick a popular route. It will be easier to follow and there will be other people around you. Just don’t be overly ambitious.

Check the Weather

It is essential that you check the weather forecast for the whole day, both before you go and, if possible whilst you are out, as it can change very quickly. Remember, weather on summits can be very different from down in the valleys, usually a lot colder and windier. The ‘feels like’ temperature gives a good indication

of actual conditions. If the forecast is not looking good, consider a different route, or even give it a miss for another day.

There are detailed forecasts provided by the Mountain Weather Information Servicewww.mwis.org.uk and the Met Officewww.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/specialistforecasts/mountain Whilst these give a forecast for mountains over 300m, you might come close to, or even exceed that walking the hills.

Keep Safe

You may be out for several hours, so make sure your phone is fully charged and consider taking a power bank just in case. In remote areas,

your phone constantly searches for the best signal and depletes the battery quicker than usual. Most accidents happen later on the walk, often in remote places, or with limited, even no phone signal. If you have an iPhone 14, it allows emergency satellite texting to emergency services. See https://support.apple.com/en-gb/ HT213426 for more details.

Enable ‘location services’ so others can find you. Keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to turn back if it turns against you.

Don’t walk in isolated areas alone until you are well experienced. If with a group make sure you all stay together and let the slowest set the pace. Don’t let the chatter distract you from where you are and keep a look out for marked way posts and signs.

Learn how to Navigate

Mountain Rescue, and other outdoor groups all advise not to rely on your phone. If you lose the signal, let it go flat, get it wet, or even lose it, you can quickly get lost. So, always carry a map, such as an Ordinance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer map and a compass. Learn how to use them, either from your walking group, from an online tutorial, or consider taking a day/weekend navigation course (https://nnas.org.uk/).

Keep your phone away from your compass, it can completely disrupt its polarity.

The Essentials

Mountaineering Scotland list essential kit that you should carry with you on the hills during summer (www.mountaineering.scot/activities/ hillwalking/getting-started/essential-kit) :

• Boots (with ankle support and soles which will grip on rock, grass and mud)

• General trekking trousers (not jeans or cotton material)

• Thermal top and Fleece top and a spare layer e.g. fleece top

• Gaiters (not always essential)

• Rucksack - about 35 litres

• Waterproof jacket (with hood) and Waterproof over trousers

Call for Help

If things go wrong, don’t be afraid to call Mountain Rescue, they are there to help you, not judge you.

Before calling, you need to know where you are. Use your phone - OS Locate App (free) or What3Words App https://what3words.com/ products/what3words-app (free), or if no signal use your map to determine a six-figure grid reference. If all else fails, explain your planned walk and try to identify geographical features around you that will help locate your position. Call 999 and ask for the Police, then ask for Mountain Rescue. You will need to tell them where you are and your predicament, ie. the number in your party, the number of casualties, their names and ages, the nature of the injury, illness and your location if you know it, preferably with your six-figure grid reference. Don’t change your position until you have spoken to a member of mountain rescue. If you don’t have enough signal to make a phone call, you may be able to use the emergency SMS service. Text 999 and send. Then type Police followed by the details of what has happened and your location. This service will link your phone to any signal available, not just your own providor.

Most rescues are conducted on foot, so be prepared for a lengthy wait. Listen to the advice given, keep warm and don’t move!

• Warm hat, gloves or mitts

• Compass and Map (waterproof or in waterproof case)

• Watch

• Torch (preferably a head torch)

• Emergency survival bag (polythene is OK)

• Whistle

• First Aid Kit (small)

• Mobile phone

• Food and drink

• Sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses

• Midge repellent and consider a midge net

Start slow, start local and start smart. We have some breathtaking scenery in Scotland, so don’t forget to take photos and have some great days out.

Willie

their hands. Activities such as ours aim to improve mental health, knowledge, skills and confidence in an informal environment.

We are located in the old Handam Shop in Burnside Road in Pitlochry, postcode PH16 5BP. Once in Burnside Road, you can’t miss us!

At present, we open every Thursday 2 - 4 pm and also operate as a warm space where people can gather for free in a warm, safe, welcoming place, where they can enjoy a hot drink and some company. We extend an invitation to adults of all ages to come along and join us.

For more information, please contact Peter or Ray via email on pammensshed@gmail.com

Pitlochry Bowling Club

The summer season is well underway and what beautiful sunny weather we have had. If you have not joined us for tea/ coffee and home baking on Monday mornings 10 till 12 noon please do come along. We are open to everyone and always pleased to see visitors.

Our entertainment committee have planned a quiz night on Saturday 8th July and Bingo nights on 10th and 24th July. Everyone is very welcome to join us at 7.30pm.

Thursday nights we have “Hat night” 6.30 for 7pm. A great way to give bowls a try.

Club opening hours are:

10am till 12 noon Monday to Friday.

2pm till 4pm Sunday to Friday. Visitors are always very welcome.

We have a lovely newly decorated club house to sit and enjoy refreshments watch a game of bowls or just enjoy the scenery.

Our club house is also available to hire out. If you are looking to book a local venue please come in and chat to us.

Some results of games played recently:

Arnold Brown trophy was won by John Anderson, Fay Mc Nicoll and Joe Scott.

Tea Pot trophy was won by Zeke Muir and Brian McClure.

Ian Irvine pairs was won by Zeke and Campbell.

A friendly game in Perth resulted in an overall win for Pitlochry. Our League games have got off to a slow start with shared points to Aberfeldy and to Grandtully.

If you would like further information on any of our clubs activities you can contact John on 07833664121 or Agnes on 07918122415

Blair Atholl Bowling Club

The season is well and truly underway with glorious sunshine into the bargain. On Friday evening, 26th May, we held our first club competition, the Mixed Pairs. With help from the ladies at Grandtully we put out 8 teams playing 2 leagues of 4. The top two in each group went through to the semi finals and from that Sandra Morrison & John Reynolds went through to the final against Elizabeth Brown & Paul Figures. It was after 10pm when the game got underway with Sandra & John running out convincing winners. On the 3rd June we played the J. I. Campbell 2 bowl pairs with 5 teams taking part in a round robin competition. The runners up were Nigel Robinson & Lawrence Brown but the winners, without losing a game, were

Ken Beecroft & Paul Figures. On 10th June Helen Hannigan & Jennifer Reynolds took part in a ladies singles event held at Grandtully as part of the North Perthshire Bowling Association 125th centenary. Jennifer made it to the semi-finals and both ladies thoroughly enjoyed their day away. Unfortunately, one of our life members, Lachie Cameron, lost his long-fought battle with cancer on the 6th June. He was a real character and his presence will be sorely missed at the club

Remember if you fancy a go at bowls, we hold free informal coaching sessions every Tuesday from 2.00pm. You can come along and try it out under the guidance of one of the members and if you enjoy the experience, we have an introductory offer of £30 for membership which would give you access to all the club facilities – green, clubhouse, bar etc and the opportunity to play in club and inter-club competitions.

For more information you can contact Paul Figures 01796 481 506 or Linda Newns 07921 264 965

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band

We've been having fantastic crowds at our Highland Nights, which is partly due to the wonderful weather!! and to all of you who send down your guests. Many thanks.

It's been a busy time lately. Thanks to everyone who came along to our stall at the Atholl Gathering. We were delighted to make £705. The Grade 4 band competed at Markinch, but although we didn't bring back any silver, the band had a lovely day. We had a number of solo pipers competing at The Aberfeldy Mod and the following were delighted with their trophies and certificates. Peter Lunan, Chloe Scougall, Hamish Stephens, Archie McNab, Jamie Willbourn and Calum James Bulloch. That same evening the band played at the Landrover Experience “Under the Stars” event in Dunkeld. Once again a beautiful evening which the band enjoyed playing at. The following day it was Grandtully Gala Day. Another beautiful day and the band enjoyed their afternoon tea!!

By the time you read this, we'll have competed at our first Major Championships of the year, the European Championships held in Aberdeen.

July is a slightly quieter month.... Highland Nights every Monday night. We're playing at Kenmore Games on the 5th July, Braco Show on the 22nd July and the Scottish Championships at Dumbarton on the 29th July. Practices continue every Tuesday and Wednesday night.

Gillie

McNab gmcnab00@aol.com

07733152223.

Edradour Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Pipe Band

Our first competition of the season was Dollar Academy where we came 5th in Grade 3 and 7th in Grade 2, two weeks later we were at Markinch Games with 1st place in both Grade 3 and Grade 2. July is slightly quieter with the Scottish Championships at the end of the month.

Many thanks to everyone who came along and supported our stall at the Atholl Gathering, we raised £550 for band funds, many thanks also to Davy & Sally from Food in the Park for their continued support.

Well done to Lennox Munro who came 1st in the under 18 jig at the Atholl Gathering & 2nd in the MSR at Markinch Games. Annabel Charlton also picked up prizes at Markinch, 3rd in the MSR and 3rd in Piobaireachd.

If you would like further information on the band, please contact Pipe Major Christy Kelly 01796 472692 or Secretary Claire Scott 01796 481456 or follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

Continued on page 60

Blair Atholl - Struan C.C. The Blair Atholl Lade

Anyone living or visiting Blair Atholl over the past two hundred years will not fail to have noticed the lade that runs through the village feeding the watermill; in fact, there is evidence of a mill on the site dating back as far as 1600. The current lade takes water from the River Tilt, upstream of a rock-built weir. Over recent years the weir has experienced quite a bit of erosion culminating in the water level upstream not being sufficient to allow a flow down the lade.

Last year (2022) things came to a head and money was found to repair the structure, and following a professional survey the weir was rebuilt in late summer and for a few months we had a consistent flow of water back in the lade. However, in late autumn and early winter the River Tilt experienced two big spates that effectively destabilised the stonework and now we are back to the situation where there is effectively no weir and the lade is dry as a bone.

In April a site meeting was held attended by representatives of the Community Council, Atholl Estates, the owner of the Watermill, with local Councillor, MSP and SEPA. The upshot is a new application has been submitted to SEPA along with further topographic and geomorphological surveys, so that another licence can be issued to reconstruct the weir. The work cannot start until after the beginning of June because of the danger to young salmon still buried in the gravels – the result of successful spawning last autumn. SEPA has agreed that the very large stones that were supplied last year but were not allowed to be incorporated into the previous refurbishment can be used as the foundation of the new weir.

As long as the required financial support is found, the work will take place in July and August – so we will have water flowing in the lade and the Watermill will once again be able to grind its own flour. Everyone will be delighted, not to mention the ducks!

Alastair Stephen

Killiecrankie Village Hall

The Hall is available for private or group hire for all sorts of events. Details of how to book are on the website www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk

Tennis in Blair Atholl

Wimbledon fever hits Blair Atholl

It’s been a while coming, but tennis has made a comeback at Blair Atholl’s Memorial Park as these young and enthusiastic players demonstrate. Don’t miss out on the action! Join us for social tennis on Sunday afternoons at 2pm or book the court for yourself, as a club member or as a visitor (visitors can book through the Atholl Arms Hotel again – with our grateful thanks for this much appreciated service.)

Tennis club enquiries should go to johnc6822@gmail.com or blairathollstruaninitiative@gmail.com

FITNESS

with Alan Clinch

Functional Training and Everyday Life

This is a slightly odd one - for a long time now the fitness industry and training guidance in general has been talking about functional training - the question is, what is it?

The answer… it’s whatever you want it to be! What this means in practice is exercises and physical activity which will help people to perform everyday activities more effectively. This becomes increasingly important as we get older, and our bodies start to accumulate injuries or simply show the effects of age: in simple terms, wear and tear. Not only is this frustrating, but may well mean that we become more susceptible to injury as we try to do things we could once do…. but now can’t. Physical activity then needs to be carefully programmed to ensure that we try to don’t exceed the physical abilities of our bodies.

Most people would agree that there is limited benefit in suffering an injury due to inappropriate training, so it’s best to look at the idea of functional training as a continuum: the level of activity may be low (in the case of people with limited capacity) or high (if you’re an athlete).

We perform a whole range of different movements in our everyday lives – sitting or lying down, getting up, bending down, walking, jogging, running, lifting, moving things around, pushing and pulling… or if we’re involved in sport this might include, twisting, turning, sprinting, or jumping. All these actions should involve smooth movements, as they are less likely to result in injury. Training to improve functionality involves more than simply getting stronger - it focuses more on ensuring that the actions listed above can be performed easily and without risk - this might mean that exercises are done in environments other than the gym.

As I wrote last month, strength is an important characteristic, and another one is flexibility. Both of these will become less effective if we don’t use them: one of the principles of exercise is ‘use it or lose it’. Using activities or exercises in a functional way means performing activities so that the improvements directly enhance daily living. This will benefit the nervous system as well, so the co-ordination between brain and body is improved. Most functional training exercises will use larger movements rather than breaking things down - the brain generally operates in terms of complete movements rather than individual muscles. For example a squat type exercise (for which we need balance and co-ordination) will be more functional than a machine which involves pushing weights with the legs (where the movement is predetermined and may not reflect reality).

This doesn’t mean that machines are not relevant - it simply requires looking for ways in which they can be used more effectively: exercises sometimes need to be broken down to help improve a specific weakness - our knees for example take a hammering over a lifetime, so strengthening the muscles around that joint will generally be a good idea.

To conclude, functional training isn’t all-ornothing: ultimately it’s important that we try to move whenever we can – this will help us to remain strong, flexible and functionally efficient for our whole life.

That said, if you haven’t exercised for a while, or have any medical conditions which might cause problems, check with your Doctor to ensure it’s safe to increase your activity levels. Remember, pain is a sign that something is wrong….

New Viewing Point At Pitlochry Dam

SSE is launching a new Salmon Observation point in Summer 2023. The site, just outside Pitlochry Power Station’s gates, will host 4 information totems where visitors can learn about the salmon journey and the work undertaken by SSE Renewables colleagues to support the salmon lifecycle. It will also provide a home for new fish counting technology and live footage from inside a pool in the fish ladder itself

The Breadalbane Heritage Society

The Breadalbane Heritage Society’s summer programme of excursions to various places of interest in the area took off in May with an enjoyable visit to the impressive ruins of the 17th century Finlarig Castle at Killin, where we were given a guided tour by the owner, and a traditional cruck-framed dwelling, Moirlanich Longhouse.

In June members toured the remains of the prehistoric Moncreiffe Hill Forts near Perth, guided by David Strachan, the Director of P&K Heritage Trust. Also in June members made a tour of the 19th century loch-side Arboretum at Kenmore, guided by expert Christopher Dingwall. Updated information on future excursions will be posted on the BHS website.

Membership of the BHS numbers between 110 and 120 and has now returned to pre-Lockdown levels. The BHS’s website https://breadalbane-heritage.org.uk features a video of local scenes of interest, and provides up-to-date information about talks and activities, events and publications. Ongoing Society projects include the maintenance of the Killiehassie private burial ground in Strathtay, and the recent publication, in association with the Aberfeldy Museum Group, of an illustrated leaflet, The Aberfeldy and Weem Heritage Trail, with a trail map and information on the many places of interest in the area. QR codes with information at each of these sites are currently being installed.

The BHS also provides a free service of assistance with family history research. Recordings of all the recent talks are available on the website.

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

Aberfeldy, Dull and Weem and Grantully, Logierait & Strathtay Parish Churches

Minister – Rev. Neil Glover - nglover@churchofscotland.org.uk 07779 280074.

PA - Judy Ewer - judy.ewer@adwgls.org.uk 07836 565528.

Regular Sunday Morning Worship - Please consult the websites for current information on our services

Dull and Weem Parish Church – 9.30am

This Month’s Easy Sudoku

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

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

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

www.dullandweemparish.org

Strathtay, Grantully and Logierait Parish Churches -10.30am

www.glschurchofscotland.org

Aberfeldy Parish Church – 10.30am

www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org

We ‘meet up’ at our weekly Zoom Service - details can be found on all the Church Websites.

1st Sunday of the month is a joint service with Aberfeldy, Dull and Weem, and Grantully, Logierait & Strathtay (GLS) - 10.30am

Church Based Activities

‘Warm Welcome Cafe’ and Stay and Play in Aberfeldy Parish Church on Tuesday mornings -teas, coffee, biscuits and home baking - all free.

Stay and Play 9.30 - 11.30am Warm Welcome Café - 10am - 12pm

If you would like to be involved in any way, please contact Judy judy.ewer@adwgls.co.uk

Aberfeldy Prayer Meeting - Aberfeldy Parish Church - 5pm every Wednesday evening in Farragon – all welcome to come along

Aberfeldy Alcoholics Anonymous - Aberfeldy Parish Church, Kitchen -7.30 - 9pm every Tuesday

Contact - 01887 820936.

Aberfeldy Quilting Group - Aberfeldy Parish Church, Lawers Hall - Thursdays - 11.am – 3pm

Contact Jane - 07771641390 or Annette - 07736384035.

Dull and Weem - Chit Chat Café – 1st Monday of the month in the Macdonald Room, Dull and Weem Kirk.

For further information please contact Liz Bruce - elizabeth_1_bruce@btinternet.com

Strathtay Coffee Break

The group meet every Wednesday in the John Kyd Hall, beside Strathtay Church at 10.30am - all welcome to come along and join in!

Strathtay Quilting Group – John Kyd Hall

7 - 9pm on 2nd & 4thTuesday of the month. Contact Marie MacLeod – stytchandturn@btinternet.com

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

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

No Service on 30th July Joint service at All Saints Kinloch Rannoch 10.30am

Garden Group meets every Tuesday at 10.30 am. All Welcome

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

Pitlochry Life

*10,000 Copies each Month, with 1 magazine!

• Pitlochry Life - Delivered FREE to over 6,500 homes and businesses every month.

• 3500 Extra copies (max) each month for visitors to pick up from over 100 outlets.

• 100 % Coverage from Kinloch Rannoch to Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Birnam AND Aberfeldy.

• Free magazine - no cover charge for readers.

• Full colour adverts only - your business is worth it.

• Established - Perthshire’s favourite magazine has been running for over 30 years. Our advertisers stay with us - because it works and generates lots of business!

• Price - Pitlochry Life is a cost effective way to reach all the residents and businesses in the Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and surrounding areas and with big discounts - you can save more.

• It is truly local - our advertisers operate in, or close to the area.

• Longevity - Everyone keeps it !

*Up to 10,000 copies during Summer, 8,000 in Winter.

Advertising Rates - In Full Colour Hi-Definition (+VAT)

We offer a generous discounts for repeat adverts in blocks of 3 ,6 or 12 issues. To advertise in Pitlochry Life, to discuss your requirements, or for more information - please contact Debbie on 07545299491 or info@pitlochrylife.co.uk

Contact - Mrs. Lavinia Gordon 01796 481230.

Kilmaveonaig is open daily

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

No Service 30th July Joint Service at Kinloch Rannoch 10.30am

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

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

First Sunday of the Month 9.30am Holy Communion

30th July 10.30am Joint Service for the Charge

Zoom Services

Sundays - 6.00pm Evening Services (see Website), Thursdays - 10.30am Morning Prayer.

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, if that gives you a headache, go to our website or check us out on Facebook and Instagram for current up-to-date information.

This month's highlighted event:

Upcoming Children’s Holiday Club running from Monday 7th August to Friday 11th August in our church building on Atholl Road. It is for P1 to P7 and will run from 10am to 12 noon each day. There will be crafts, games, songs, talks and some energy-sapping fun. Cost will be £5 for the week. Pre-booking is preferable - keep an eye on our website - but children can be registered on the day too. Come along and have some fun.

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.

The wearing of masks within our building is now optional. Everyone is welcome for tea/coffee and juice in The Tryst after the service.

Tryst for Prayer: is on Wednesdays from 10am – 10.30am in the Tryst.

Wednesday 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.

Table Tennis: meet weekly on Thursdays 2.00pm until 4.00pm in the Tryst Hall.

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

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. Services in Rannoch are held weekly, at 9.45am at Braes of Rannoch and 11.30am at the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Do you value the quality of patience? You are invited to attend the free “Exercise Patience”! convention at the OVO Hydro, Glasgow, from the 21st to the 23rd (see below). All the other meetings listed here are held in our 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 2nd July, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Why Show Self-Sacrificing Love’. A discussion: ‘Encourage One Another at Congregation Meetings (Hebrews 10:24, 25)’.

Thursday 6th July, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Ezra 4–6, “Do Not Interfere With the Work”, ‘“Defending and Legally Establishing” the Good News (Philippians 1:7)’, ‘You Can Overcome Problems In Your Marriage’.

Sunday 9th July, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Be Confident of Divine Victory’. A discussion: ‘How Can We Strengthen Our Faith in Jehovah’s Promise of a New World? (Numbers 23:19)’.

Thursday 13th July, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Ezra 7, 8, ‘Ezra’s Conduct Brought Honour to Jehovah’, ‘How Your Family Can Be Happy’.

Sunday 16th July, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Real Help For the Family’. A discussion: ‘Improving the Quality of Our Prayers (Psalm 62:8)’.

Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd July, “Exercise Patience”! Convention at the OVO Hydro, Glasgow (James 5:8). Friday 9.20 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Saturday 9.20 a.m. to 4.35 p.m., Sunday 9.20 a.m. to

Continued on page 72

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

3.45 p.m. Some of the talks will include: ‘Why “Exercise Patience”?’, ‘Treasure the Riches of God’s Patience’, ‘With Patience, Put Up With One Another in Love’, ‘Will God Act in Your Behalf?’.

Thursday 27th July, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: an introduction to the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah 1, 2, “At Once I Prayed”, ‘How Can You Get the Most Out of the Bible?’, ‘How Can You Please Jehovah With Your Speech?’.

Sunday 30th July, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Turn Your Eyes Away From Worthless Things’. A discussion: ‘Keep Travelling on “the Way of Holiness” (Isaiah 35:8)’.

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

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.

The Baha’i Faith

You may have noticed our Junior Youth Group on the Aberfeldy Facebook page engaged in offering service to the community by painting benches at Victoria Park! Part of the purpose of the Junior Youth Group is learning about the importance of being of service to the local community so they identified the park as a particularly important place for Aberfeldy residents. They decided to undertake a service to repaint the benches. It was a great opportunity to show gratitude for having the park and to help maintain it.

The group, which meets once a week in Aberfeldy and has an overnight camp once during school holidays, combines elements of study and purposeful social, sport and artistic activities. The focus of this most recent youth camp was deepening the youth’s understanding of the powers and attributes that distinguish human beings from all other created things. They explored the powers of hearing, sight and speech - but far beyond the simple physical abilities humans share with animals. For instance, they delved into the concept of inner sight. Through this capacity, humans can perceive all forms of prejudice, deception and injustice, choose how to respond to these influences and develop the capacity to search for truth.

Acts of service in the Aberfeldy community helped them to think about their responsibility to also use their skills and talents to contribute to the betterment of society. They shared songs learned during the camp with residents of Dalweem care home which brought the residents much joy.

If you are age 12 – 15 and interested in joining the group or are an older youth who may like to train to help facilitate the group, we warmly invite you to get in touch with Rachel on 07707 994 812 or Mark on 07564 259 830

The Pitlochry Crossword

ACROSS

7 Man obviously head over heels in Mull, actually (6)

8 Kid let loose wearing Scottish garb (6)

9 Infernal grasping plant (4)

10 Mix drink in a nearby hamlet (8)

11 Aye, slip awkwardly near Glasgow (7)

13 Scottish river, a bit like a Scottish lake (5)

15 Island covered in purple wisteria (5)

17 Give all, building Killiekrankie, perhaps (7)

20 Panic before knave produces something to eat (8)

21 Good, but initially not cooked (4)

22 Girl (10) returned boring gear (3,3)

23 Injured fly in a Pitlochry Terrace (6)

By Lesley

DOWN

1 Arrived before Romeo and a picture producer (6)

2 Family call Anne now and again (4)

3 Unfamiliar eskimos seen in Arbroath (7)

4 Penniless relations in street (5)

5 Portobello opal luckily found about town (8)

6 Chaser ruins hunt (6)

12 Evasive, dodgy, sly piper (8)

14 Get angry at start of match (7)

16 Repaired a relic - something sweet (6)

18 Aagh! - Mr. Muddle’s clan (6)

19 Fife village, upper or lower, left and right, greatly opposed at first (5)

21 Alba nemesis, apparently? (4)

Answers for June on page 76

Cycle with me! Pitlochry circular trip via Stone Circle, the Rob Roy Way and Loch Tummel

Great for: Riders wanting more of a challenge and a whole days biking. Steep climbs and fast descents!

Benefits: Conveniently starts and finishes in a town. Challenging climbs for the more adventurous. Mostly on tracks. Length: Approx. 40km round trip.

From any car park in Pitlochry, find your way to the footbridge by the Festival Theatre and climb up towards the A9. Cross the A9 and head straight on past Middleton of Fonab Farm. The climb carries straight on, past a stone circle to reach a brilliant descent on the Rob Roy Way into Strathtay (via the golf course). Turn right to head down the road until you get to a track leading up to Loch Derchulich.

Ride beyond the loch to the highest point of the ride (loose in places, but a steady climb) until it heads down, fast, on a Land Rover track to Loch Tummel. Turn right and follow the road until you can get across the river by a footbridge (Jubilee Bridge). Follow a fast straight down to the River Garry, then head upstream to the Soldier’s Leap in the Pass of Killiecrankie. A minor road then heads under the A9 and leads to a climb onto Ben Vrackie. Follow this road to the Bealach na Searmoin (marked on 1:25000 maps) and then you have a lovely ride back to Pitlochry via Moulin (rewarding beers from Moulin Inn are optional!).

Sally

Last Month's Sudoko Answers

Answers to the June Crossword

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

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

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

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,

More Helpful Numbers to Hand

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HOROSCOPES

BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN

For July 2023

July pushes the sensitive water sign of Cancer to the forefront and the emotional pull of the Capricorn full moon on the 3rd suggests a strong pull between ambition to get ahead and nostalgia and family connectedness. The Cancer/Capricorn axis is concerned with security, both emotionally and materially. This lunation asks you to reflect and find a good balance between wants and needs. Energetic Mars and love planet Venus are in fiery Leo for the start of the month, this dynamic and highly creative energy is available for all, highlighting partnerships and benefitting optimism, confidence and self-esteem. Communication planet Mercury also arrives in Leo on the 11th, the perfect placement for active and inspirational thinking and exchange of ideas. The new moon is in Cancer on the 17th, this is the time for peak lunar energy as the moon rules this sign. Cancer is fiercely protective over home and family, emotions will be high and feeling ‘at home’ with ourselves is of utmost importance.

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

July is the best month to focus on your home and your family. The Sun is in the home loving sign of Cancer and the powerful new moon on the 17th gives you additional energy for new projects in your domestic environment. Action packed Mars and romantic Venus light up your love life this month, make the most of any opportunity that comes your way!

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21

Mercury and the Sun are in powerful conjunction at the start of the month, this bodes well for any new projects that need communicating to others. Dynamic Mars and love planet Venus are stirring up your domestic area; creative new endeavours can get underway, be positive as there’s plenty of exciting energy for making ingenious changes to your surroundings.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21

Venus and Mars, both in fiery Leo, are strong in your communication sector and the radiant Sun illuminates the opportunity for you to review your finances and earning potential. The powerful Cancer new moon on the 17th should offer you the courage and confidence to be bold, step forward and make those vital changes.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22

July is your birthday month and things are looking very positive as the radiant Sun and communication planet Mercury both shine brightly in your sign. The powerful new moon arrives on the 17th, be ready for exciting changes and a new lease of life, whether in social or professional affairs as your energy levels reach new heights.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23

Energetic Mars and the love planet Venus are both travelling through your sign, both shining the spotlight on all forms of creative communication. The full moon in Capricorn on the 3rd suggests that now is the perfect time to take any new opportunity to broaden your horizons. Group and teamwork involvements will work best for you.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22

July’s potent new moon in Cancer on the 17th brings many benefits your way. Interaction with friends and new group activities are suggested, but also take the opportunity to relax and take things easy. Dynamic Mars arrives in your sign on the 10th, your energy levels should be at a peak and a new career opportunity could be on the cards.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23

During July the most pivotal sector of your chart is illuminated by the Sun and communication planet Mercury. Be sure to use your incredible drive and energy to view original and exciting prospects as a new direction beckons. Dynamic Mars and relationship planet Venus, both in in Leo, also indicate some positive activity on the social scene.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

Under current trends you’ll find that broadening your horizons and planning an important journey becomes much clearer, particularly around the Cancerian new moon in the 17th. Mars and Venus, both in fiery Leo, give you the courage and confidence to make an important decision. Jupiter and Uranus are well placed to suggest positive outcomes.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

The powerful Cancerian new moon in your financial area on the 17th suggests there is work to be done concerning your plans for the future. The practical Capricorn full moon on the 3rd illuminates a new pathway. Vibrant Mars, busy in fiery Leo, indicates that you‘d rather fancy moving to pastures new, be positive, a splendid offer might just come your way.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

Your partnerships and relationships are strongly in focus this month. Dynamic Mars and love planet Venus are both powerful in fiery Leo, boosting your energy at a pivotal point of your chart. Plans for innovative new ideas can now be laid down and the New moon in Cancer on the 17th brings a few pleasant surprises your way.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18

The Sun, Mercury and the powerful Cancerian new moon on the 17th highlight some important work and lifestyle issues during July. Let go of any limitations that hold you back as such a lot can be achieved with hard work and determination. Mars’s change of sign on the 10th reveals an interesting financial opportunity.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20

The Sun shines brightly in the soft and gentle sign of Cancer, illuminating the love and romance sector of your chart. As the new moon culminates in that area on the 17th, the offer of new beginnings becomes very real. Mars and Venus are joined together in creative Leo, suggesting that if you go with your intuition you can’t go wrong.

Christine is a professional astrologer offering private consultations in astrology, life coaching and Bach flower essences.

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH these challenging times, discover your unique birth map and take a refreshing new look at this important year ahead. Find out when positive and productive planetary cycles are working in your favour. Aim to reach your fullest potential in 2023 by booking an astrological reading now - Consultations are available on Zoom, WhatsApp or by telephone.

Christine Chalklin Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach

Email: christine_chalklin@hotmail.com Website: www.yourguidinglight.org

Mobile: 07813 483549 Find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/restyleyourlife