Pitlochry Life July 2024

PITLOCHRY LIFE

Dinner is served from 5.45pm - 8.00pm

Dinner is table d'hote and the menu is changed daily to introduce dishes and produce which are at their best on the day, and y ou can view the latest menu on ou r website. Special dietary adjustments can be made wi t h sensible prior notice.

£45.00 for 3 courses I £50.00 for 4 courses

Prices include complimentary s herry or soft drink on ar rival with coffee & homemade shortbread after dinner.

The Pitlochry Tipple

Ewan looks at Signatory Vintage, from Andrew Symington, owner of Edradour Distillery.

Your Community

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

Summer Reads

We are back with our recommendations for a great read on holiday.

The Pitlochry Garden

Sheila looks at filling gaps and keeping your garden looking great until the end of season.

Fitness With Alan Clinch

Alan looks at different carbohydrates and why they are important in your diet.

Willie's Wonky Computer

Willie looks at leaving your digital photos to your family after you pass.

Sudoku

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

Things To Do!

We have some great ideas for the best day out in and around Pitlochry.

The Pitlochry Crossword

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

Things to Do

WELCOME

Welcome to the July edition of Pitlochry Life.

We live in a beautiful town and July is a great month to explore - we have a fantastic piece on the best things to do this summer in and around Pitlochry. Will you get a chance to complete them all?

July is set to be a very busy month as we have LIVE music at The Atholl Palace, The Coach House and The Old Mill Inn. We have great productions at The Pitlochry Festival Theatre including Footloose, Sense & Sensibility and the Carole King Musical.

This month Alan looks at which carbohydrates are good for you in the fitness column, Sheila tells us how to keep our garden looking full all summer long and in the Tipple, Ewan provides special Signatory Vintage whisky notes from Andrew Symington, the owner of Edradour. The Wonky Computer page looks at how to save your photos for the next generation! Lastly our editorial feature is a look at the best books out for summer. I enjoyed reading them all beforehand!

With so many hospitality and entertainment venues here in the town why not indulge yourself with breakfast, lunch or even dinner whilst soaking up the atmosphere and taking part in all the great productions and events. There is so much to see and do in Pitlochry it’s tough to fit it all in.

Have a great July- see you next time.

Signatory Vintage, Independent Bottler

Living in Pitlochry you will undoubtedly of have heard of Edradour Distillery, the last ‘farm’ distillery in Scotland. But have you heard of Signatory Vintage?

Established in 1988 Signatory Vintage was founded by Andrew Symington, owner of Edradour Distillery and his brother. Andrew was a manager at Prestonfield House Hotel at the time but had a real ‘nose’ for good scotch. Where does the name come from? Initially Andrew wanted every bottling to be signed by a famous personality – ‘signed vintage’ and hence the name was chosen, although this never happened. I believe the first cask Andrew ever bottled was a 1968 Glenlivet Sherry Cask.

Signatory Vintage was initially located in Leith but then moved into Edinburgh in 1992 to make use of a better transport infrastructure. At this point a semi-automatic bottling line was built and the business was growing steadily. In the late 1990’s Andrew bought his brother out and has continued to run the business since.

2002 saw Andrew acquire Edradour Distillery and over the course of the next few years expanded the warehouse, build a new bottling line and moved the Signatory business to Pitlochry.

Andrew bottles under a few different labels with Signatory:

Signatory Vintage: In the entry-level series, there are bottlings with a lower strength of 43% abv and are gentler.

Un-chillfiltered Collection: these whiskies are bottled without chill-filtration, ensuring more flavour in the spirit. They have a higher alcohol content, so they won’t ‘cloud’ with the addition of a drop or two of water.

Cask Strength Collection: In this range, Signatory bottles are all whiskies at natural cask strength, aimed more at the connoisseur.

Small Batch Edition: The bottlings appear rarely and have only a small number of bottles. Cask numbers are indicated, and the whisky is nonchill filtered and natural colour.

One of the newest to the range, ‘100 Proof Collection’ is a wonderful selection of 1st fill or refill sherry butt matured whiskies. For those who know the core range; 10yo and 12yo you will know and appreciate the intensity of the 1st fill Oloroso cask matured whiskies. The ‘100 Proof Collection’ reflects the use of these sherry casks which are all bottled at 100 Proof (57.1% abv)

The term “proof” originated from the 18thcentury practice of sailors using gunpowder to test the alcohol content of their spirits on ships. They would mix a small amount of gunpowder with the alcohol and then try to ignite it.

If the mixture burned with a steady blue flame, it was considered “proof” that the alcohol content was sufficient (50% ABV or higher) and was deemed suitable for consumption on board. If it didn’t ignite or burned with a weak flame, the alcohol was considered “underproof” and diluted. For gin this is where the term ‘Navy Strength’ comes from.

Signatory Vintage is particularly successful in Europe where Andrew also bottles under the name ‘Dun Eideen’.

A fantastic range of whisky from one of ‘Scotland’s little Gems’. There are a few of these wonderful bottlings open to ‘buy by the dram’ so why no pop in and try some. You will not be disappointed!

Ewan McIlwraith

Robertsons of Pitlochry & The Bothy Tasting Room 44-46 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry PH16 5BX www.robertsonsofpitlochry.co.uk

Open from 10 until late, serving brunch, lunch and dinner. From our family to yours, we warmly welcome you to Victoria’s.

Brunch, Lunch & Baking Bistro dining & top notch wines by day

from 5.30pm

Tryst Walking Group - 2nd July

Tuesday 2nd July: Newton Bridge to Amulree onto Newton of Ballinreigh (£4). This walk follows General George Wade’s Second Road North (the road from Crieff to Dalnacardoch) in its section through the Sma’ Glen. It is a route steeped in military and droving history. From Newton Bridge, our walk goes north via Corriemuckloch to Amulree (the site of an original King's House). After a break at Amulree, we would continue northwards for a time, through Newton of Ballinreigh where there are double dykes, ruins of old buildings, the junction of the old road to Dunkeld, an original small bridge (built in 1730, and still in use by farm traffic), and the footings of what must have been an impressive Wade bridge over the River Fender (not the Blair Atholl one)! We will then double back to Amulree. As this is a linear walk, we will leave one or more cars at Amulree village hall and the rest at Newton Bridge. Hill tracks some of which may be muddy/boggy. Ht - minimal, undulating. Distance 8 mls. OS Map 52. Please contact Maureen Holmes on 01796 473153 for further information. Please note: the walk organiser/contact cannot be held responsible for any accident. Everyone walking does so at their own risk and should take due care.

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic - 2nd 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 2nd July 2024 between 10.00am - 12.00 noon at the Pitlochry Community Hospital.

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic - 3rd July

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

Do you or someone you know use NHS hearing aids? Do you need new batteries supplied and/ or fitted? Do you need the tubing replaced on either your mould or open fit NHS hearing aids? If yes, then NHS Tayside volunteers will be here to help you on Wednesday 3rd July 2024 between 10.00am - 12.00 noon at the Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice, (Wellbeing Room), Aberfeldy.

Dementia Cafe - 3rd July

A special cafe with a surprise on Wednesday 3rd July! We are looking forward to welcoming our regulars as well as newcomers to the cafe. Ours is a very friendly place where you can obtain information directly from our professional staff or just enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

Volunteers, some of whom have been carers, will be on hand to serve and to make you feel at home.

If by chance you cannot come in July, pop in in August. The cafe is always held on the 1st Wed of the month, which means the 7th August.

As the school holidays will have started, perhaps you would like to bring a teenager or student from your family. We often welcome students who are studying mental health or nursing in the community. They all seem to enjoy and learn from this experience.

Pitlochry and Edradour Community Bonfire and Firework Display 2024 Thrift Shop - 8th July

We are already getting organised for the Pitlochry and Edradour Community and Firework Display. The event will take place on Saturday 2nd November. The first event to raise funds will be the Thrift Shop in the Scout Hut. This will take place from Monday 8th July till Saturday 13th July.

Please bring your donations to the Scout Hut on Sunday 7th July. The Thrift Shop will open on Monday 8th July at 10am. You may continue to bring items up till the last day. There will be no collections from houses this year. Please bring everything to the Scout Hut.

The Thrift Shop will be open from 10am to 4pm each day. You’ll find further information on Facebook.

Later there will be a raffle. See you soon at the Thrift Shop.

Litter Action Group - 9th July

The tourist season has started up again and there are plenty of visitors about. It would be nice for residents and visitors if the town is really clean with no litter disfiguring the streets and green spaces. If you agree that this is important do join our team of litter-pickers. All equipment is provided including gloves, black bags and grabbers. We do try to separate recyclable waste from the other litter.

Litter-picks take place on the second Tuesday of the month and we meet at 10.0am in the Recreation ground car park. The next litter-pick is on Tuesday 9th July.

Dates for litter-picks in 2024 are: August 13th, September 10th, October 8th, November 12th, December 10th.

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

Climate Cafe - 11th July

“We all need to work together to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, to address the steep decline in biodiversity, to better connect people with the natural world around them, and to create the green jobs of the future. Trees are at the very heart of this – the Forestry Commission has a key role to play in helping the Government achieve the targets laid out in this ambitious blueprint for a greener country and we look forward to doing so.” Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission. Published 31 January 2023

Dates of Climate Cafes for the rest of 2024. They take place on the second Thursday of the month, 7pm unless otherwise stated. Our next Climate Café is Thursday 11th July. The other dates are: 15th August, 12th September, 10th October, 14th November, 12th December. Come and join us for a chat about your ideas, suggestions and concerns over a cup of tea/coffee. We look forward to seeing you. The venue is the Pitlochry Library, 26 Atholl Road, PH16 5BX. For more information please contact: Carol and Alison, pitlochrydistrictcc@gmail.com Website: www.pitlochrycc.co.uk

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LIVE @ BLAIR ATHO L

F RIDAY 26 TH JULY 6PM – 9PM

Join us for our very first evening live session at Blair Athol Distillery, full of all your favourite songs played by our special guests, The Outskirts Band, in our exclusive Mash Tun Bar.

See you there!

Choose from our delicious range of handcrafted cocktails, local beers from Wasted Degrees Brewery, our vast selection of single malts and much more…

The Atholl Craft Collective - 13th July

We are a group set up 3 years ago to showcase crafters from the local area and what they create, make and bake.

I found there to be a gap in the area where at a reasonable cost this could be done. Myself and David Hamilton, Segway Ecosse set up the Collective with the ethos to make it accessible, cheap and to donate all monies from the tables back to the local community. We are at present in Blair Atholl Village Hall and our next fayre of the year will be on the 13th of July from 11am - 3pm

No raffle, no tombola, free entry and a cracking cup of tea and cake to be had.

We make no profit from this at all, our reward is seeing crafters selling their handmade items and the table money keeping the village hall going. It has just recently been beautifully renovated to encourage others to use the hall for more events and weddings.

Scottish Country Dancing - 13th & 27th July

Pitlochry Town Hall at 7.30 pm.

Come along and listen to some of Scotland's Best Scottish Country Dance Bands or spectate, or even join us on the dance floor. Dancers £10.00 Spectators £3.00 .

Saturday 13 July Alasdair Macleod

Saturday 27 July Jim Lindsay

All welcome. Further details contact June 01796 473488.

Killiecrankie, Fincastle & Tummel CC - 15th July

Killiecrankie Fincastle & Tummel Community Council will return to Killiecrankie Village Hall for its next public meeting at 7pm on Monday, 15 July 2024. By then we expect to have detailed information from Network Rail on the replacement railway bridge to be constructed in Killiecrankie.

Minutes of our last meeting, held at Tummel Bridge, are now on our website www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk/community-council/minutes.php They include an update from numerous members of the Visitor Management Team on their work in the Tummel area.

If you would prefer to have Minutes and other updates sent directly to you, then please contact info@kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk to join our mailing list.

The Welcome All Summer Special - 19th July

The Welcome All team showed the film Chariots of Fire in May as the first of four events which will take place over the summer months in either Baptist Church or the Atholl Centre. The soup lunches will recommence in October.

As it is Olympic year we decided to show Chariots of Fire. In the summer of 1924 Eric Liddell won a gold medal for the 400 yards in Paris Olympics. But did you know that he came to Pitlochry in the November of that same year at the invitation of the Pitlochry Inter Church Committee. He spoke to well attended meetings on the Friday evening in the Church of Scotland, at the Baptist Church on the Sunday morning, then at the Town Hall on the Monday evening. I think it was perhaps the last film to be shown in the Pitlochry Cinema (now the Leisure Centre) before it closed?

Continued on page 18

The next event will be a Concert hosted by Drew Scott on Friday 19th July at 2 pm. There will be a Strawberry Tea on Friday 16th August, the last event will be the Pitlochry School Choir on Friday 27th September. Do look out for posters round the town which will show the events to which you will be made most welcome.

Should you want any more information please phone 07397 884453

Tryst Walking Group - 20th July

Saturday 20th July - Tentsmuir (£9.) Tentsmuir is an unusual forestry reserve in that the pine trees are adjacent to a sandy beach backed by dunes, and so this walk is intended to show the variety of the habitats and, with luck, provide the opportunity to see some wildlife. Starting to the east of Tayport, (Grid Ref. 464285) we shall walk along the north edge of the trees (probably on the beach) to Tentsmuir Point and then turn south to the 19th century ice house before returning via the forest to the starting point. Height negligible. Distance approximately 8 miles. OS map 59. Please contact Maureen Holmes on 01796 473153 for further information. Please note: the walk organiser/contact cannot be held responsible for any accident.

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

Pitlochry Garden Share - 20th July

We are very busy in all the gardens at this time of year. The veggies grow fast but so do the weeds! We always need more volunteers, so do get in touch if you are interested. The new Moulin Community Garden is of course still very much a work in progress, but things are coming on well. We have three organised sessions in the week for new volunteers to come along: Monday 10-12 and Thursday 9-12, and on Sundays (variable times). These times are obviously weather dependent! Volunteers can come along at other times to suit, once they have had an introduction to the garden. If members of the public wish to visit, please get in touch to arrange this. At present the garden is only open when volunteers are on site, for safety reasons.

We can be contacted via pitlochrygardenshare@gmail.com or via the Pitlochry Garden Share Facebook page.

We will hold a stall outside the Pitlochry Market on Saturday 20th July from 10am. Come along and find out more about us. We should also have some produce and various other items available.

Fortingall 20th Anniversary Summer Art Exhibition July 20thAugust 4th

Molteno Hall, Fortingall

It is with great excitement that after much planning and coordination, we are only three weeks away from the grand opening of our 20th Anniversary Fortingall Summer Art Exhibition. This year we will enchant our public with an array of special displays to celebrate this milestone.

It goes without saying that this event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our loyal community and friends we have made throughout the past 2 decades. For two weeks our beautiful village is abuzz with activity as people come and go hopefully with a painting, print or some other creative work from our huge range of artefacts for sale.

On stage will be 20 identical presentations indicating the diverse styles of 20 of our member artists. This in itself is a work of art.

Continued on page 20

There will be more than 30 members exhibiting this year each bringing their own styles incorporating painting, photography, ceramics, furniture making and jewellery.

We are happy to announce that this year’s Young Persons’ Art Competition will include secondary as well as primary schools in our area. “Celebration” is the theme and we look forward to the interpretations of the subject.

In addition to this, former founding member, Eric Timms has kindly donated a stunning oil painting of Glen Elg to be raffled. Proceeds will be donated to The Scottish Air Ambulance, an essential service for people living in this remote part of Perthshire.

Whatever your taste in art may be, there is something for everyone at this year’s special celebratory exhibition.

Molteno Hall’s unique Arts and Crafts architecture, as well as our beautiful conservation village in the same style is also famous for its 5000 year old Yew tree.

Entrance is free and doors open at 10am and close at 6pm. Free parking is available. Donations are always welcome in aid of the Scottish Air Ambulance.

Once again a huge thank you to our sponsors, members and volunteers for making this dream become reality.

See you there.

Music In Rannoch - 21st July

Sunday 21st July. Nicholas Ashton (Piano). Haydn Sonata in E major. Beethoven: Sonata in A major op. 101, plus shorter works by Chopin, Liszt, Schumann and Brahms, including Schuman's Ahnung (discovered in 2008) and Brahms' Albumblatt (also recently discovered).

Sunday at 3.00pm in The Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch. £10 at the door, children free. Refreshments during the interval. Easy Parking.

Killiecrankie Village Hall - 27th July

The Killiecrankie Village Hall Management Committee is hosting a community barbecue on Saturday, 27 July 2024 to mark the 335th anniversary of the Battle of Killiecrankie. Entry is £5 per person which can be paid on the night. The event starts at 6pm.

The history of Killiecrankie Railway Station (closed 1965) will be featured in an exhibition of photos, videos and memorabilia on 10 and 11 August 2024 from 10.00am to 4.00pm daily in Killiecrankie Village Hall. Refreshments available. Contact info@killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk for all information, including how to hire the hall.

Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition - 29th July

Our Preview Evening is on Monday 29th July from 6-7.30pm. All welcome.

The Exhibition opens on Tuesday 30th July and will run until Thursday 29th August in the Duchess Anne, The Cross, Dunkeld. We are open every day from 10-4pm and 12-4 on Sundays.

We have a good selection of art work, wooden items, stained glass and cards. All work is for sale and can be seen online at www.dunkeldartexhibition.com. Facebook Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition.

SUMMER READS 2024

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...

CHRIS BROAD - ABROAD IN JAPAN

TRAVEL!

Recently a few friends have talked about Japan. It wasn't really on my wish list but I might have to seriously rethink that!

The Synopsis:

When Englishman Chris Broad landed in a rural village in northern Japan he wondered if he’d made a huge mistake. With no knowledge of the language and zero teaching experience, was he about to be the most quickly fired English teacher in Japan’s history? Abroad in Japan charts a decade of living in a foreign land and the chaos and culture clash that came with it. Packed with hilarious and fascinating stories, this book seeks out to unravel one the world’s most complex cultures. Spanning ten years and all forty-seven prefectures, Chris takes us from the lush rice fields of the countryside to the frenetic neon-lit streets of Tokyo. With blockbuster moments such as a terrifying North Korean missile incident, a mortifying experience at a love hotel and a week spent with Japan’s biggest movie star, Abroad in Japan is an extraordinary and informative journey through the Land of the Rising Sun. A great way to see a new country and not just via Google Maps!

ANN CLEEVES - THE RAGING STORM

THRILLER!

I still love Vera more but this series is starting to grow on me. Her new Detective Matthew Venn is definitely more PC than Vera but crime doesn’t care!! The synopsis: When Jem Rosco - sailor, adventurer and local legend - blows into town in the middle of an autumn gale, the residents of Greystone, Devon, are delighted to have a celebrity in their midst. The residents think nothing of it when Rosco disappears again; that’s the sort of man he is. Until the lifeboat is launched to a hoax call-out during a raging storm and his body is found in a dinghy, anchored off Scully Cove, a place with legends of its own. This is an uncomfortable case for DI Matthew Venn. He came to the remote village as a child, its community populated by the Barum Brethren that he parted ways with, so when superstition and rumour mix and another body is found in the cove, Matthew soon finds his judgement clouded. As the stormy winds howl and the village is cut off, Venn and his team start their investigation, little realising their own lives might be in danger . . . A good read but I think I might just re-visit my Vera stories.

DAVID NICHOLLS - YOU ARE HERE

ROMANCE!

The latest novel from author David Nicholls of “ One Day” fame. The synopsis: Sometimes you need to get lost to find your way. Marnie is stuck. Stuck working alone in her London flat, stuck battling the long afternoons and a life that increasingly feels like it’s passing her by. Michael is coming undone. Reeling from his wife’s departure, increasingly reclusive, taking himself on long, solitary walks across the moors and fells. When a persistent mutual friend and some very English weather conspire to bring them together, Marnie and Michael suddenly find themselves alone on the most epic of walks and on the precipice of a new friendship. But can it survive the journey? You Are Here is a novel of first encounters, second chances and finding the way home. If it is anything like One Day you will be gripped.

JOJO MOYES - SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES

NOVEL

This is a Richard & Judy recommendation. I like that they choose books I wouldn’t normally and they are usually really entertaining. The synopsis: Meet Sam. Meet Nisha. Two women living very different lives. When their paths cross, causing each a world of trouble - and finding some missing shoes is the only way to solve it - they’re left with a choice every woman must face: to walk alone, or stand together . . . Good read and a bit different for the beach!

A.F STEADMAN - SKANDAR & THE CHAOS TRIALS (BOOK 3)

SERIES FOR KIDS!

HEROES AND UNICORNS AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE. The epic adventure continues . . .

The Island shall have its revenge. Skandar Smith has achieved his dream to train as a unicorn rider. But as Skandar and his friends enter their second year at the Eyrie, a new threat arises. Immortal wild unicorns are somehow being killed, a prophecy warns of terrible danger, and elemental destruction begins to ravage the Island. Meanwhile, Skandar’s sister, Kenna, longs to join him - and Skandar is determined to help her, no matter what. As the storm gathers, can Skandar discover how to stop the Island tearing itself apart - before it’s too late for them all? Get ready for more action, unforgettable characters, and mesmerizing world building.

A great series and don’t forget you can get Books 1 + 2 to keep your kids busy all summer holidays.

LEE & ANDREW CHILD - THE SECRET

OK a favourite here - Jack Reacher. The latest is co-written by his brother and takes Jack back to when he was still in the army. It is quite nostalgic reading about a time before mobile phones and sat nav!

The synopsis: Chicago. 1992. A hospital patient wakes to find two strangers by his bed. They show him a list of names and ask a simple but impossible question. Minutes later he falls to his death from his twelfth-floor window - a fall which generates some unexpected attention. That attention comes from the Secretary of Defence, who calls for an inter-agency task force to investigate. Jack Reacher, recently demoted from Major, is assigned as the Army’s representative. If he gets a result, great. If not, he’s a convenient fall guy. Reacher may be an exceptional military investigator, but office politics aren’t what gets him up in the morning. As he races to identify a cold-blooded killer and uncover a secret that stretches back 23 years, he must navigate around his new partners. A good read and weird to go back in time to 1992.

I can still remember it!

OUR TOP CHOICE!

Our invited artist is Claire Williamson from Pitlochry and we are featuring work by other local artists, Jane Gray, Marilyn Hale, Sheila Mannion and Alan Wright as well as many others who have supported our Exhibition over the years.

Mid Atholl Hall Quiz Night - 3rd August

The Mid Atholl Hall Committee are holding a quiz night in the Mid Atholl Hall, Ballinluig, on Saturday, 3rd August. The fun starts at 6.30 so be prompt for a good seat! Tickets cost £5 for adults but there is no charge for kids, so bring them along as there will be questions specifically for them!

There will also be a raffle, tickets on sale at the door. So put your thinking caps on and join us at Mid Atholl Hall on 3rd August at 6.30 pm.

Hope to see you there for a bit of fun and banter. For even more fun, bring your own bottle!!

Veteran PALS Club - 3rd August

Veteran PALS (Pitlochry Area Lunch and Supper) Club aim to meet once a month and will be as inclusive as possible. Former or currently serving Regular and Reserve Service Persons welcome and also widows and widowers of Service Persons.

SSAFA have pledged £100 for our first event, which will be on the evening of Saturday 3rd August 2024, at 1900hrs (7pm), in the Old Mill Inn.

Further information from Stu Robertson at robertsonsx66@gmail.com or 07752 395419.

Pete Wishart

The long-awaited general election is now well and truly underway, and I don't think anyone expected that it would be announced so quickly. That was certainly true for me!

Readers will likely know by now that, as a result of boundary changes, Highland Perthshire is not going to be part of the seat of Perth and Kinross-shire, in which I am standing. This means that, should I be lucky enough to be re-elected, I will no longer represent the fantastic towns of Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld, as well as the many other wonderful parts of Highland Perthshire.

This is a really bitter-sweet moment for me. Whilst I am excited by this new venture, I am also sad to be departing from these areas that I have had the pleasure of representing since 2001. It has been the honour of my life to represent you and this beautiful part of the world.

Over the past 23 years, a deep affection has grown, for what is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque constituencies in the UK, boasting the very best of Scottish scenery, culture and community spirit. I have been the envy of my urban MP colleagues to have such gems as the Hermitage, Schiehallion and Queen’s View in my constituency. No wonder Highland Perthshire is the jewel in the crown of Scottish tourism.

I have always striven to stand by Highland Perthshire communities through the good times and the bad; and have watched as they have evolved over the years, but without ever losing their intrinsic charm. I hope that your new MP, whomever that will be, will be as committed to Highland Perthshire as I have been and that they will grow to love the place in the same way that I have.

I would like to thank Debbie and Willie for all their hard work in ensuring that this fantastic publication continues to thrive, and for always keeping me in check with the deadlines! I would also like to thank their predecessor, Alan Walker, who founded and was the editor of Newsround North, the forerunner to Pitlochry Life.

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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

I have written countless columns over the years and have always enjoyed keeping my constituents up to date with what I have been doing, as well as having a read through the monthly editions.

I wish all Pitlochry Life readers well for the future, as I head off on a new challenge attempt to be elected to new communities in south Perthshire and Kinross-shire such as Crieff, Comrie, Kinross and Bridge of Earn.

John Swinney MSP - Perthshire North - SNP

With an election campaign in full swing, and my recent election as First Minister, it is fair to say that my diary is a good bit busier than I would have anticipated just a few months ago.

Despite this, I am determined to remain an available and accessible local MSP.

To that end, I recently facilitated and chaired a meeting regarding A9 safety near the House of Bruar with stakeholders including community representatives, Police Scotland and local businesses.

The Scottish Government has already contributed significant money to improve A9 safety, including improved road markings and signage. And, of course, we have been steadfast in our commitment to dualling the entire A9, which will improve road safety and unlock economic opportunity for the Highlands.

In the interim, however, it is important that I engage with my constituents to ensure that we are doing all that can be reasonably expected to make the A9 as safe as possible to drive on.

I have also been working closely with residents in Calvine, who have been experiencing repeated instances of speeding throughout their village.

Working with the council and the police, I have been able to secure vehicle activated signage for the area, as well as an increase in police patrols to both deter potential speeders and ensure that those driving at dangerous speeds are caught.

I have also encouraged the council to install a number of speed bumps, and have had it confirmed that this is on their list of works that are to be completed within the ward. Whilst no timeframe has yet been offered, I will continue to monitor this situation.

And I have continued to hold in-person constituency surgeries, as well as offering appointments via phone and Zoom.

Meeting with constituents is the bread and butter of my job, and it is vital that the people of Highland Perthshire feel that they are able to speak to me regarding any issues that they may have.

Should any constituents feel that I can assist with an issue, or they would like to arrange a meeting, please call 01250 876 576 or e-mail john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot

Murdo Fraser - Mid Scotland & Fife - Conservative

We are now at the start of the summer recess at the Scottish Parliament and most of us will be hoping for some warmer weather as we either look forward to going on holiday or spending time with family and friends.

It has been a busy time at Holyrood and I have been dealing with constituents’ queries along with weekly meetings at the Economy and Fair Work Committee. In addition, I have had meetings with the Scottish Government about some amendments I have lodged on flytipping in connection with incorporating them in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill. One such Continued on page 34

with Alan Clinch

Carbohydrates In The Diet FITNESS

Much has been written about the requirements for Carbohydrates in the diet, and how important they are – depending on what you read, this can be a cause of confusion: social and print media can provide both valuable information, but also misrepresentation regarding what our requirements are, how the body uses them, and the effects of the various types of carbohydrates. There is no doubt that some people – for example those who participate in regular physical activity - benefit from relatively high quantities of carbohydrates. Less active people may use carbohydrates less efficiently, and therefore may need a different dietary approach.

Over the last few years I’ve written a few articles on carbs generally and their value, but a recent spate of articles and information, together with a general increase in exercise levels suggests that the topic is worth revisiting. Carbohydrates include fibre, sugars and starches, but the balance in many foods changes as they become riper – for example unripe fruit is starchy, but as it ripens, the starch converts into sugar. Vegetables undergo the reverse of this with their sugar converting into starch as they mature. In the body, all forms of Carbs are broken down into glucose which we use as fuel.

Some carbohydrates are more ‘useful’ than others because they offer more nutrients. Starchy food, for example, should make up just over a third of the food we eat. It is recommended that we choose higher fibre wholegrain varieties, such as whole-wheat pasta and brown rice, or simply leave skins on potatoes. Starchy foods are an excellent source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients such as calcium, iron and B vitamins in our diet.

Free sugar (added to food or drinks, or sugars found naturally) contributes calories. Ideally consumption of these should be minimised or we would gain weight, but this doesn’t mean that we should completely avoid sugar. The problem is that currently in the UK we eat too much: average

intake is 700g per person per week, which is huge compared to the guidelines - free sugars should not make up more than 5% of the energy (calories) you get from food and drink each day. This means that adults should have no more than 30g of free sugars a day, (roughly equivalent to 7 sugar cubes). The problem is that sugary products are nice to eat, so it’s very easy to consume too much.

A frequently stated issue is that carbs are fattening: this can be true, though it’s actually excess calories which cause the problem. As long as we concentrate on nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains, there is unlikely to be any problem. It’s important to maintain appropriate levels of blood glucose, and the more active we are (and the more intensely we move) it is likely that we would need to gain more of our calorie intake from carbs. Exercise enhances the way that our bodies transport glucose, with the result that less insulin is needed by the body of a person who is physically active compared to one who is inactive.

The NHS provides a useful series of articles on starchy foods and carbohydrates which can be found here: www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/ food-types/starchy-foods-and-carbohydrates and this link will also point you in the direction of the main source of nutritional information provided by the Government – the Eatwell Guide. Ultimately, carbohydrates are a major source of fuel and nutrients for our bodies, and should be part of a healthy diet, even when the goal is to lose weight. Next month, the role of protein in the diet of older adults.

It’s important to note here that this article is a brief summary, and I have not touched at all on the effects of metabolic conditions such as diabetes. If you are concerned about your diet, or the effects that foods have on your body, the first step should always be to consult a doctor.

Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory

When I visit my mum, invariably, the photo albums come out. Over a cup of coffee we flick through her lifetime, and my childhood, reminiscing over all the good times.

Back home, yeah, I have some boxes of photos in the attic, holidays, birthdays, dogs and a lot of kids. All from a time when we would wind the film out of a camera, pop it in a pre-paid envelope to await the results. The excitement on their return was usually short lived though, with maybe 10 out of the 24 worth keeping, but keep them we did.

I was looking for a particular photo on my phone the other day, amongst the 3,628 that are on there, and the thought occurred to me - there is a generation, if not even two, that only have their pictures in a digital format and probably, like me, all on their phone. So how do you leave them to your kids, who will probably be on most of them, and the generations to come?

Well, you could leave your phone and PIN for it in your will, but there must be a better way.

The biggest problem is longevity. Digital pictures will last forever without deteriorating, the problem might be in what they are stored in/on.

Hard Drives. Not a long term solution as mechanical hard drives last about 3 years, solid state ones about 5 and SD cards or USB drives a little more. Writeable CDs or DVDs will last over 10 years but there’s no guarantee.

The safest way is on what’s called an M-Disc. These are archival, optical discs (like a DVD) with the data physically engraved on them, and supposedly will last for 1,000 years. A 100Gb disc will store about 20,000 photos. Ok, you will need a Blu-ray burner capable of writing on them, but I’m sure there are businesses offering that service. The discs start at about £20 for 4 x 25Gb. If you are computer savvy, an M-Drive will cost around £70.

The Cloud. Both Apple and Google have recognised the problems faced by families trying to access deceased parents’ devices.

Apple have now introduced Legacy Contact This is an easy, secure way to give someone you

trust access to the data stored in your Apple account after your death. This may include photos, messages, notes, files, apps you've downloaded, device backups and more. Films, music, books or subscriptions you purchased with your Apple ID, and data stored in your Keychain – such as payment information, passwords and passkeys – can't be accessed by your Legacy Contact.

Go to https://support.apple.com/engb/102631 for more information.

Google do it slightly differently with Inactive Account Manager where you configure it so that if you don’t log in for say 3, 6, 12 or 18 months, your chosen contacts will be emailed with a link to download all your data.

Go to https://support.google.com/accounts/ answer/3036546?hl=en for more info.

All good ideas. However, will your kids thank you for 20,000 photos? Probably not. So the advice here is start sorting them now. Create folders or libraries for each event, trip, occasion or memory you want to leave behind and fill them with the photos that really matter. As and when you take photos, mark the good ones as favourites. That will make sorting them easier later on, and speed up the whole process of backing them up also much easier.

Finally, why not have some that feel of particular interest professionally printed, mount them in a photo album and let your great, great grandkids do it old school :o)

Willie

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amendment – on increasing fixed penalty notices on fly-tipping to £1,000 – was accepted at Stage 2 of the Bill.

Locally, I was delighted to hear that Pitlochry hosted a new music festival, called the Heartland Festival, which featured well-known bands The View and Idlewild, and took place on June 29 and 30. I feel this event will be a huge boost for the area and is sure to attract people who will be spending money in Pitlochry and its surrounding area.

At the time of writing this column, I have been told that festival organisers expected around 4,000 revellers to attend each day, with the capacity at the Recreation Ground set at 8,000 on each day.

I’m sure it was a great weekend with three funfair rides, a Ferris wheel, food stalls, car park and a bar. I hope it went well and becomes an annual event as it will definitely provide an economic boost for the local economy.

I was also pleased to read that the award-winning brewery Wasted Degrees is returning to Pitlochry after Perth and Kinross Council approved its plan for a new production base and taproom to be built on a woodland site to the south of Ferry Road in the town. The brewery, which is run by brothers Jack and Conall Low, started out in their parents’ garage in Pitlochry in 2016. They were based in Blair Atholl since 2019, where they produced 25,000 litres of beer per month for sale to 13 countries.

I visited their premises in Blair Atholl with Highland Councillor John Duff and was very impressed. Their new venture in Pitlochry will see a brew hall, a taproom serving food and drink for up to 96 people, a small shop and outdoor seating. This exciting plan promises to boost Pitlochry and should create jobs in the town.

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.

Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch

Doorstep scammers frequently claim to work for or on behalf of the local council or housing association. They may ask to enter your property to carry out 'urgent' maintenance or repairs, or offer to carry out maintenance or repair work for a reduced cost.

Here are two recent case studies:

Roofing

Cold callers visited several properties and offered to carry out roofing work, claiming that they were working alongside the local council. They said the council were scheduled to carry out works on council properties in the area and that they could offer discounts for homeowners.

One couple agreed to have work carried out, for which they were quoted £4,500, and agreed to pay a deposit of £1,000. After they had paid the deposit, they contacted the council to ask when the work would be starting, at which point they discovered that the cold callers were not in fact working on behalf of the council and had no connection with them. They tried to get their deposit back, but no contact details had been provided by the cold callers. Driveways

Cold callers offered to repair or resurface several homeowners' driveways, saying that they had been doing work on behalf of the local council and had tarmac left over.

One woman agreed to have her driveway resurfaced for a price of £1,000. However, when the

work was completed the workers demanded £5,000, saying that they had had to purchase extra materials. When the woman phoned the council to complain, they confirmed that the workers were not working on their behalf.

How to Avoid

If someone knocks at your door and says they are working for or with the local council, ask them to wait and close the door while you phone the council to verify their identity. Genuine callers will be happy to wait while you do this.

Most councils will send letters to residents if they are going to be working in their area. They will only attend properties to carry out checks by pre-arranged appointment.

Rather than dealing with cold callers, find traders who have been vetted through a national or local authority approved trader scheme at www.approvedtrader.scot

Sign up for Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alerts to stay up to date with what is going on in your community: www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

Rotary Club of Pitlochry

Our Rotary Club’s Young Artists' Competition delivered some promising talent from the young artists this year! The prize-giving took place at the Community Cafe event in the Pitlochry School Hall on the 8th June. Congratulations to all the winners!

We would also like to thank everyone who participated in or contributed in any way to our “Make a Difference” event held on the 1st June. It was lovely to see the buzz and lively interaction between everybody who attended. This is the perfect platform where we share ideas and plans on how we can collaborate to support and build a strong community.

In the photo: Convenor of the Young Artists Competition: Rotarian, Sheena Brennan and Art Teacher: Jamie Maitland

Atholl Centre Pitlochry

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

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

NB: Emergency contact number: 07443 738240

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

Volunteers Welcome - Please come and introduce yourself to us, if you would be interested in becoming a Volunteer worker in the Food Bank or doing the work of the Atholl Centre. We host holiday retreats, Church retreats, disabled holidays, & Community meetings throughout the year. Call in to the office Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm, or call 01796 473044.

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!

Changing Places Toilet - New and fully equipped Rest room facility for the disabled.

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

The outreach service will be at the Atholl Centre, Pitlochry on the first Tuesday every 2 months, between 10.00am and 12 midday. We can provide support with Housing issues and Benefit queries/applications. We also provide support to access a range of available services. Please feel free to drop in for a chat.

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

Helen Kirkwood

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

Further information from 01796 473044.

Pitlochry Station Bookshop

Recently I was in hospital for an operation (All well. Thanks for asking.) On my return home I looked out my favourite comfort reading which had covered all illnesses since the age of ten, The Collected Sherlock Holmes Stories, especially the edition which contains all the Victorian Illustrations from The Strand magazine. But this time Conan Doyle was not matching my mood.

So I returned to the shelves and came up with a volume I had purchased from our Bookshop some months earlier, The Penguin Dorothy Parker. All I knew of this lady (1893-1967) was that she was a famous American writer whose peak was during the 1920s and 1930s and had a reputation for a sharp and waspish use of language. As I dipped into this book, I was hooked and could only gasp and laugh at her poem, One Perfect Rose.

A single flower he sent me, since we met/all tenderly, his messenger he chose;/Deep-hearted, pure with scented dew still wet/One perfect rose.

I knew the language of the floweret;/ “My fragile leaves,” it said, “his heart enclose,”/Love long has taken for his amulet/One perfect rose.

Why is it no one ever sent me yet/one perfect limousine, do you suppose?/Ah no, it’s always just my luck to get/One perfect rose.

So, I am still developing my relationship with Dorothy Parker and reminding myself that you never know what’s in a Bookshop. Never pass by a section with the easy assumption that there’s nothing for you. The most entertaining books can be found in the most unlikely of places.

GrowBiz

Support to Suit You this Summer

For some self employed and rural business owners, summer brings increased footfall and longer working hours, for others, work takes a back seat while handling childcare and other commitments, and some are juggling both scenarios. Whatever summer looks like for you, GrowBiz is here to support you in a way that works around your needs and schedule:

1-1 support: When you contact GrowBiz for support, an Enterprise Facilitator will get back in touch to arrange a time to chat that suits you. Whether you’re looking for help making a funding application, creating a climate action plan, or improving business skills, simply email connect@growbiz.co.uk.

Continued on page

Saturday 20th July to Sunday 4th August 2024

Open daily 10am to 6pm Free Entry

Thursday drop-in sessions: Our Drop-In Enterprise Support Surgeries run online on Thursday afternoons between 1pm and 2pm. You can book a half hour session and get instant answers to questions you may have, or feedback on a new project or idea.

Care and wellbeing support: As a self-employed person or business owner, your most important asset is you! GrowBiz can support you to learn to take care of and maintain your wellbeing through accredited WRAP® (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) training or 1-1 advice with an Enterprise Facilitator with experience on the topic.

Mentoring: If you would like someone who’s ‘been there and done that’ to be a sounding board, boost your confidence, and be there for you, consider enrolling in our award-winning mentoring programme. You and your mentor can work together within both your schedules, even for just 1 hour a month.

Thursday drop-in sessions can be booked via the Events page on our website, and more information about WRAP® and Mentoring can be found under the Support Services menu tab: www.growbiz.co.uk

Pitlochry Community Action Trust

Pitlochry Community Action Trust (PCAT) works towards progressing the aspirations identified by local residents as part of the town’s community action plan.

Our six areas of focus are - Access to Services and Transport; Community and Recreation; Town Enhancement and Traffic Management; Local Economy and Housing; Environment and Sustainability; and Arts, Culture and Events.

Some of our current projects include looking at improving signage for attractions and facilities in Pitlochry and ways in which the appearance of the town centre can be improved, and we’re very grateful to The Enchanted Forest for the financial support they have given us to help achieve that.

We’re also continuing to work closely with Pitlochry Town Hall Group on a possible community asset transfer of the Town Hall. Everyone involved is aware it’s a big project that will require a lot of time, effort, commitment, expertise and volunteers from the community if it is to come to fruition and to ensure that the Town Hall can be run as a viable and sustainable venture.

We held a very successful eco fair in the Town Hall which aimed to promote sustainable living choices - thanks to Pitlochry and District Climate Café and The HEAT Project for supporting the event – and were delighted to attend the Rotary Club of Pitlochry’s Make A Difference event in June.

We had a useful discussion with Thomas Glen, chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council, and some of the council’s strategic management team. Amongst the issues discussed were the council’s asset review, resilience in the town, resources and funding, rural poverty, and childcare and nursery provision.

Find out more about PCAT – including how to become a member and support the work of the Trust - on our website at www.pitlochryaction.org.uk or by following ‘Pitlochry Community Action Trust – PCAT’ on Facebook.

Pitlochry in Bloom

Well, with the rather inclement weather recently, the flowers and weeds have certainly come on in leaps and bounds! I do hope now we can enjoy some sort of Summer! By the time you read this, the hanging baskets in the town will be up and my grateful thanks go to Continued on page 46

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those businesses who have supported them. Pitlochry in Bloom still pay for many of them and I hope to try and lessen that financial load and encourage more businesses to support us as we all benefit from the impression these displays make on our visitors and residents alike.

At the same time a small band of volunteers spent many hours planting up the containers/baskets outside the Visitors Centre, at the War Memorial, at the main bus stop, all around the Railway Station and at Moulin Church.

At the time of going to press we are still waiting for the Council to plant up the beds they are responsible for – in the Memorial Garden and Carpet bed outside the Library.

Our Willow family is therefore looking a bit forlorn at the moment. I have repeatedly contacted the Council about this matter and hopefully plants will arrive soon

The wee wooden train at the railway station has also been replaced. The barrels were kindly donated by Blair Athol Distillery and painted by yours truly!! It is a real feature at the station and is often photographed as are many of the flower displays in the town.

I would like to thank our volunteers for all their support including members of the Path Group. But again I put out this plea that if you are able to offer some of your time to help, maybe with some weeding/planting or fundraising skills please do get in touch. We really do need some volunteers and the work is not onerous and we have fun getting togetherkatehowie@yahoo.co.uk – 07794 187579

Breadalbane & District Riding For The Disabled

This has been an excellent term with the riders making good progress with several of them getting used to a new pony. The last two or three sessions involved the riders practising their game skills in readiness for the end of term games competitions. With fierce competition amongst the helpers as well, the riders all received rosettes to mark their achievements!!

Our ‘Coach in training’ has made excellent progress and has been building up her experience. She will be assessed by our regional coach early in the autumn term. We are working on a training schedule for all volunteers to ensure that everyone is kept up to date with training including First Aid and Safe Guarding.

Our volunteers are looking very smart in their new polo shirts in our ‘group green’ with the RDA motif. These will be in evidence during our summer fund raising efforts when we will have a stall at the Aberfeldy Show and Pitlochry games.

It has been a disappointment this term not to have been able to have our usual full quota of riders because we do not have the use of a suitable fourth pony. We would be very grateful for any information regarding possible ponies which we could then follow up. Please contact Vicky on 07786 262329 or email breadalbanerda@gmail.com

Heartland Film Society at The Birks

The Heartland Film Society is having a break. There is no film in July but we are putting together a great programme to run each month from August 2024.

To find out more about The Heartland Film Society, what’s on and how to become a member please visit www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk For details of The Birks Cinema and its growing programme of cultural and community events and activities (including films) go to www.birkscinema.co.uk

Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre

Come along and visit the Heritage Centre for our 2024 season, open daily from 12-4pm at Fishers Hotel Pitlochry.

Fishers Hotel have kindly offered to host us all summer, while we await on essential repairs to be carried out in Moulin Kirk. Find us in the Gladstone room where we have set up a display and will be located until the end of this summer. We are still happy to help you access any archives we have that might help in your local history or genealogical research.

Free entry but donations are always welcome to help us keep running. We also have a great selection of local books and other little gifts as well so don’t forget to pop by if you are looking for something a little different.

If you are holding an event in 2024 that we could complement with a pop-up historical display, please do get in touch via our Facebook page, send an email to pandmheritage@gmail.com or visit our website.

Pitlochry Repair Cafe

Pitlochry Repair Cafe is taking a break over the summer and will be back at Moulin Hall on Sunday 1 Sept from 12-3pm. 2024 dates are 29 Sept, 3 Nov and 1 Dec.

We are always looking for new volunteers so if you would like to join our friendly team and can repair things, sew, make soup, make cakes, serve tea, welcome customers or run activities for kids, please get in touch with our Coordinator Julia at repaircafe@sprout-community-eco-hub.com or contact us on Facebook or Instagram @PitlochryRepairCafe

Pitlochry Library

Bookbug session - every Thursday 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 the library to book a spot.

Community Knitting Group - every Thursday 11am - 12.45pm Do you like to knit or want to learn? Come along to our community knitting group that meets weekly in the library. We can provide everything you need to get started!

Digital Skills Course - Thursday 3 pm - 4.30 pm Would you like some free help to improve your digital skills? Then this is the course for you! The course runs in five-week blocks. Topics covered include computers and tablets basic settings and apps; internet navigation and safety; watching, listening and reading online; public services online; and e-mail. Please contact the Learning Curve to book your space on the next course: 07198477092/ learningcurve@pkc.gov.uk

Books on Wheels - For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, this includes books in large print and audio formats. For further information, please get in touch with the library.

Recycling - All libraries accept used stamps and batteries for recycling.

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 Continued

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!

Opening hours

Monday: Closed, Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday: Closed, Thursday: 10am - 1pm/ 2pm - 7pm, Friday: Closed, Saturday: 9.30am - 12.30pm, Sunday: Closed

Pitlochry Library, 76 Atholl Road, Pitlochry PH15 5BX 01796 474635 pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk

Mid Atholl Indoor Bowling Club

Mid Atholl indoor bowling are now playing on a Tuesday afternoons at 2pm in the Mid Atholl Hall, Ballinluig.

Bowls are available flat shoes must be worn . Come along and give bowling a try. For more information contact Frances 01796 482240

Pitlochry Bowling Club

If you have not yet joined us for tea/coffee home baked scones with jam and cream, pancakes and more, all for £4 charge. Do come along. This happens every Monday morning 10am till 12noon and everyone will be made very welcome.

The summer season is well underway with competitions and friendlies.

The above photo was taken when Highland Inverness Bowling club came to visit us in May. We had a great game followed by a lovely tea. Thank you to everyone who helped.

Some results of recently played games, Moulin Vase was won by Val Wilson, Alex MacDonald and Kevin Walsh. Arnold Brown Trophy was won by Agnes Naylor, David MacDonald and Niel Haggart.

We had a very satisfying friendly game at Blairgowrie Bowling Club.

This year Perth came to us and a friendly game resulted in a home win.

We have members competing in Bowls Scotland and in Perthshire Bowling Association. We are also doing well in the North Perthshire League which is played every Wednesday evening. Internal competitions are also underway.

We have welcomed lots of new members this year and we wish them well and happy bowling. Some have already taken part in friendlies against other clubs. We are always happy to see new members. So if it’s something you would like to try please come along we can supply the bowls all you need is flat soled shoes. The club opening times are Monday to Friday 10 am till 12noon and 2pm till 4pm. Sundays 2/4pm and Thursday 6.30pm till 9.30pm and Friday 7pm.

We are a social club and have some good social evenings.

Bingo nights are always well attended. Dates for July are Mondays 1st, 15th and 29th. It starts at 7pm for 7.30pm. Visitors are all very welcome.

Watch our FB page (Pitlochry Bowling club) for information or contact John on 07833664121 or Agnes on 07918122415

Blair Atholl Bowling Club

You know the season is well underway when the club competitions are played off. May 24th saw the club’s Mixed Pairs competition being run off and congratulations to Nigel Robinson and Muriel Findlay for winning through in the final. Special thanks to those ladies from Grandtully Bowling Club who came along to participate in the competition and without whose support, the event wouldn’t have been possible. Our North Perthshire League campaign is well underway and we can only hope for an improvement in the Perthshire weather as the season marches on.

With fingers crossed for good weather, our annual fund raising BBQ is on Saturday July 13th at 4pm. This is open to all members, family and friends. Tickets are £10 (£5 under 12’s) and are on sale from the clubhouse on club nights, Tuesdays and Fridays from 6:30pm.

June is a busy time for the bowling club. By the time you are reading this, we will have hosted the ‘Golden Charter Mixed Open Triples’ competition with a special thank you to Colin Gerrie of W& K Gerrie, Funeral Directors, from Dunkeld, for donating prize money. We will also have hosted a district competition with the ‘Aussie Pairs’ format. Played in a novel way with its unique scoring format, this promises to be a fun event. More on this in the next issue!

John Reynolds, Vice President, Blair Atholl Bowling Club.

Blair Atholl Golf Club

A huge congratulations to our members Susan Graham and Tommy Struthers who have qualified for the Final of the R&A 9 hole pairs challenge.

After winning the qualifying at Blair Atholl the pair went to Dundas Parks, South Queensferry, to play against 62 other pairs from all over Scotland. It was a windy day but that did not cause Susan and Tommy any problems as they finished as number 1 qualifiers. Susan only took up golf last year but with experienced Tommy with her they make a great pair. They are now off to play Royal Troon on the eve of the 152nd Open, with the other 19 pairs who have qualified from England, Wales, Ireland and even overseas. We wish them all best and hope they have a great time. Good luck.

Edradour Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Pipe Band

Many thanks to everyone who came along to our fundraising stall at the Atholl Gathering and especially Davy & Sally from Food in the Park for their continued support. Considering the weather, we had a successful day out. Congratulations to piper Lennox Munro who won the Junior MSR class and 2nd in the Jig & Hornpipe at the Games.

Our first competition of the season was the British Championships in Forres, although not in the prize list, everyone was happy with the performance on what was a very cold and showery day. At the end of this month, we have the Scottish Championships in Dumbarton before a busy August. If you would like any further information on the band, please contact Pipe Major Christy Kelly 01796 472692 or Secretary Claire Scott 01796 481 456.

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Vale of Atholl Pipe Band

The Grade 3 band came back from Bangor in Northern Ireland with the title of Uk Champions for their grade. They also won the title ”UK Champions drumming”. Then it was up to Forres on the 8th June when they came first again, winning the British Champion title for their grade and also the British Drumming Champions!! It was a freezing and very wet day up in Forres, but nothing could dampen the spirit of the band members. A very happy bus coming home. At the competition at Forres, the band were led by Pipe Sergeant Jamie Falconer as the Pipe Major was ill, so that was quite a feat.

Our Highland Nights are well underway with new young members on parade for the first time. We've been having fantastic crowds. Many thanks for sending your guests down, and thank you to all the locals who are coming down too. Lovely to see you and lovely to have Balhousie residents join us as well.

Tuition for learners on chanter and drums carries on every Tuesday night in the Tulloch Institute in Perth. Just drop me an e-mail if you'd like to know more about it.

Our next Major Championship is the Scottish Championships in Dumbarton on the 27th July.

We're playing at Kenmore Highland Games on the 3rd July and the Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace on the 5th July.

Gillie McNab gmcnab00@aol.com 07733152223.

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group

Thank you to everyone who attended our summer concert at Birnam Arts in June, we’re very lucky to have such a supportive community. As always, our young members made us very proud by putting on a fabulous show.

We’re now taking a break for summer and will return to classes and band groups on 19th August when we hope to welcome new members to join in on our musical adventures.

Our weekly tuition, currently for fiddle and piano-accordion, is free and we provide the instruments. Classes and bands run weekly during term–time at Birnam Arts and open to anyone aged P5 – S6.

½ hour group lessons - Mondays 4-6pm

Junior trad band (P5-S2) - Mondays 6:30-7:30pm

Senior trad band (S3-S6) - Mondays 7:30-8:30pm

If you can already play an instrument, even just a little, you can join one of our bands. We welcome a wide variety of instrument players to be involved in our junior and senior bands, and encourage fiddle and accordion players, string, wind and brass players, guitarists, pianists and more to come along and be a part of our ever growing ensemble.

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

Pitlochry Ladies Golf

The Ladies Section continued their winning streak with a win over Crieff Ladies on 31 May. Pitlochry were convincing winners at 2 ½ : ½ . The next Friendly Match will be away to Alyth on 5 August.

The Meeting Place

While the Art Exhibition is in the Duchess Anne we will move to St Mary’s Church in Birnam (next door to the Post Office). This means from 26th July until 30th August we will meet at St Mary’s, sampling their delicious home baking, tea and coffee, meeting and making new friends. Please come and join us on Friday mornings from 10-12. All welcome.

Friends of Blair Atholl Station

Sharing Our Past, Building Our Future – free exhibition

The Blair Atholl station project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and Struan Trust will be celebrated at a free interactive exhibition to be held in Blair Atholl village hall from 16th to 18th August.

Come along to find out more about the past, present and future of the station:

~ PAST ~

Photographs, artefacts, poster displays and live talks telling the history of Blair Atholl Station since its establishment in 1863.

~ PRESENT ~

The work of Friends of Blair Atholl Station in videos and talks. Our floral displays, daily station inspections, producing a film and book for local children, raising awareness and inspiring love for our station.

~ FUTURE ~

Our stationhouse is crumbling – what would you like to do with it?

There will be refreshments for all and a children’s corner with opportunities for games and dressing up. You can buy copies of Mike’s Station, our wonderful storybook for children, based on the life story of a Blair Atholl resident. So do join us on the Friday evening, 7 till 8.30, or Saturday and Sunday, between 10 and 4. And bring your family, friends and neighbours – whether local or visitors! See you then! www.blairathollstation.co.uk

The Breadalbane Heritage Society

The autumn and winter schedule of monthly illustrated talks has now ended and will resume in September. Last month, as one of a series of summer excursions, members enjoyed a tour of the new Scottish Crannog site and its museum. A visit to various ancient sites in Glen Lyon has been provisionally arranged for July, date to be announced. Those interested in joining these excursions should contact Ian Stewart on ian.stewart.bhs@gmail.com

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. Continued on

It’s Going To Be Braw!

Blairgowrie and Rattray arts showcase returns Artists and creatives in Blairgowrie and Rattray are hosting a series of events including workshops, performances and music sessions throughout August as part of the It’s BRAW (Blairgowrie and Rattray Arts for Wellbeing) Festival.

It’s BRAW runs throughout the year and aims to highlight the wealth of creative talent in the area and support the wellbeing of people in the local community and beyond by providing opportunities to participate in arts, crafts, music and drama activities.

Now in its seventh year, it culminates in a month-long programme of activities, encouraging people to try out new skills and hobbies while at the same time giving professional artists the opportunity to showcase their skills.

The popular Rattray Arts Festival – which celebrates the talent and skills of local creative artists and features hundreds of original paintings - will take place in Blairgowrie Town Hall from Saturday, August 24th to Sunday, September 1st from 10am to 4.30pm each day.

The team at Nest Creative Spaces will be leading a number of crafts-based workshops where participants can try their hand at various different skills such as lino printing, tile printing, and jewellery making.

There will also be a number of musical performances featuring local performers such as Austin Wilkie and local groups such as the popular Blair Ukes, as well as taster sessions for anyone keen to try their hand at playing the ukulele.

And there will be a chance to enjoy the latest production from award-winning local amateur dramatic group, the Blairgowrie Players, who will be performing The Vicar of Dibley at Blairgowrie Town Hall from Friday, August 10th to Sunday, August 11th.

For further details and to book a place at any of the events, please visit the website at www.itsbraw.scot

Fishersview Court Afternoon Tea 6th June 2024.

The organisers would like to thank all those who supported us by coming, making cash donations or buying raffle tickets and donating raffle prizes.

To those who baked for us, your cakes and scones were enjoyed by all.

The support of local businesses Drinkmonger, Pitlochry Home Ware and Barnardo’s is much appreciated.

£800.00 was raised for MS Scotland charities. Well done Pitlochry!

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

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

TOP THINGS TO DO IN PITLOCHRY

& HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE

Welcome to Pitlochry Life Magazine’s top things to do in Pitlochry. Whether you’re local, new to the area, or just visiting, we suggest you try them all - because they’re just fantastic!

1

Let’s start with a good walk - Ben-yVrackie. Sitting in pride of place behind Pitlochry, it’s 841metres high (2757 ft) and is a fair hiking challenge! At 5 miles in total, plan to take about 5 hours to do it. You will need warm waterproof clothing - this is Scotland and even on a warm summers day the summit can be quite nippy! Ben-y-Vrackie is also known as the speckled mountain, due to the quartz stones that once covered it; and, it is a corbett mountain - a classification for mountains between 2500 and 3000 feet. The car park and walk starts just behind the Moulin Inn. Therefore remember it also ends here.

2

Lunch - after your walk, you will need brunch, lunch or even dinner. A few of our favourites are Victoria’s Family Restaurant on the high street. Open daily it serves great speciality coffees and cakes, through to chic evening dining. Perfect any time of the day. Fern Cottage is nestled just behind the high street and it’s where Scotland meets the Mediterranean. The team at Fern Cottage offer something a little different including shellfish, lamb and venison. We also love Afternoon Tea at The Castle Restaurant situated within Fishers Hotel. Sip a delicately infused tea whilst enjoying the cakes and views of the gardens. The Pitlochry Hydro Hotel serves delicious food and has its own pétanque court! So not only can you enjoy a great meal you can freestyle your own game of boules!

5

Fancy a game of tennis or a relaxing spa - then try the Atholl Palace Hotel. The Atholl Palace Hotel is a fantastic example of the Scots Baronial style, its size is magnificent and it overlooks acres of wooded parkland grounds. There is a museum too and a games room. The Lavender Spa leaves you relaxed and spoiled for the rest of your stay and uses the powers of natural spring waters to relax you. The leisure facilities include a spa bath, plunge pool, steam room, gym and large pool. Perfect to regroup after Ben - y- Vrackie. 3

4

The Green Park Hotel overlooking Loch Faskally is a must. The hotel is owned by the McMenemie family who have been welcoming visitors to Pitlochry for several generations. The lochside view and soothing waters install a calming effect and relaxed ambience throughout the entire hotel. Many visitors return year after year. The food is wonderful and the view is sublime.

7

Take an afternoon stroll over to the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre for a circular walk that brings you back to Pitlochry when you finish it. Killiecrankie is full of history - the great Jacobite battle of 1689. The only fight the Jacobites ever won. They had 1000 less men but had the better strategy. Jacobites meaning supporters of King James went on to eventually lose at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The Soldiers Leap - a ravine where allegedly Donald MacBean jumped 18 feet between two sides of the ravine to save himself from the advancing army. See the Soldiers of Killiecrankie website for lots of videos and information on the battle and re-enactments that take place every July. The visitor centre has all the history covered but also a very nice modern surprise. Whilst pondering how this fight led to Scotland as it is today take time to enjoy a surprisingly sumptuous coffee and cake in the beautiful little cafe there with a top range of patisserie that comes as a delightful way to survey the woodland and the many red squirrel visitors!

6

A full day might be needed to explore Blair Castle and its grounds. Home to the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, Blair Castle story leads you from Mary Queen of Scots’s visit right up to the Civil War and the Jacobites’ cause to Queen Victoria’s stay. This led to the creation of the only surviving private army in Europe. The Gathering in May is a real spectacle. Its 9-acre walled garden and peaceful wooded groves set the scene for all this history. Beautiful and breathtaking. They have several key events during the year including the Horse Trials, The Atholl Gathering Highland Games and the Highlanders Parade.

Drive a bit further on and have a look at Queens View. Queen Victoria made Scotland the holiday destination that it is today and reportedly stood here to admire the waters. Lots of car parking and easy to walk up to the viewpoint. It will take your breath away. Just past the Queens View is the Inn at Loch Tummel - stop for a drink and gaze across the waters that inspired Queen Victoria!

8

It’s the weekend feeling and time for some LIVE music in Pitlochry with the Atholl Palace, The Old Mill Inn and The Coach House Bar & Bistro - they all have live bands on most Fridays, Saturdays and some Sundays. Check out the listings in the magazine for what’s coming up. Some are ticketed but most are FREE. The bands are well known and they all have a large following in Pitlochry.

10

Pitlochry is world-renowned for its theatre and Pitlochry Festival Theatre has plays throughout the year, as well as a beautiful garden to explore and festivals, such as the Winter Words Festival. It truly is a theatre for all. Currently showing Footloose, Beautiful, the Carole King Musical, Sense & Sensibility and Shirley Valentine. Well worth a visit and plenty of choice too. Check out the latest on our website. In addition to the fantastic shows played here, the theatre is host to a secret garden - The Explorers Garden. Conceived as a Theatricum Botanicum, and built in conjunction with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in the late 1990s, the Explorers Garden offers stunning spaces for art performance including the Pagoda, the Pavilion and the Amphitheatre. This predominantly woodland garden is a rare opportunity to experience art in nature.

The town is also renowned for its Salmon Ladder. It’s a great feat of engineering allowing the salmon to bypass the hydroelectric dam. Built in 1951 it is a great example of green energy helping the environment without hurting wildlife. The salmon are returning to Loch Faskally above. It’s 310 meters long and has 34 chambers. Salmon return from their 6000-mile journey in the autumn - but whatever time of year it’s well worth a visit and you can stop for a wee cup of tea at the top of the SSE Visitor Centre.

9

11

If you fancy a wee trip out of Pitlochry and somewhere not too far to explore you could make your way to Aberfeldy for a day. However you like to relax, you can pretty much do it as you please at Moness. From taking a long slow dip in the pool to stretching your legs on a gentle stroll into the nearby Aberfeldy village, or exploring off into the stunning Perthshire countryside, it’s all so very easy. Or do nothing whatsoever except de-stress in their 35 spacious acres of grounds. www.moness.com

Another short trip outside of Pitlochry is Dunkeld, a glorious little town it is! Plenty of historical landmarks you can explore and it is host to a wonderful little wine merchant and kitchen - Redwood Wines. Offering a fabulous selection of fine, rare and everyday wines from hand-selected producers, monthly themed wine tasting and delicious hand crafted food. It’s certainly an experience worth having!

www.redwoodwines.co.uk

Back to Pitlochry and The Wee-Choo-Choo is Pitlochry’s newest and unique dining experience. Step aboard a fully restored Norwegian train carriage. But not any old train carriage, it’s the train carriage of Tom Cruise’s famous fight scene in Mission ImpossibleDead Reckoning!! The food is a delectable delight of traditional Thai Cuisine bursting with flavour all served in an intimate and cosy setting.

Booking your table is highly recommendedwww.opentable.co.uk/r/the-wee-choo-choo-pitlochry

We can’t not mention the “water” of Scotland - I mean it’s whisky. The Blair Athol Distillery sits at the entrance to the town centre nestled in the foothills of the Grampian mountains. The ancient source of it’s water - the Allt Dour - flows through the grounds from its beginnings on Ben-y-Vrackie. There are small group tours daily with very knowledgeable guides telling the history of Blair Athol and its whisky. The tasting is just to die for, you’ll certainly want to take a few bottles home! For bookings: www.malts.com or 01796 482003.

The whisky coming from Ben Vrackie’s waters - where you started your things to do in Pitlochry brings you trip full circle. We hope you enjoy your stay and see you again very soon!

Pitlochry Life Team

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

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

Holy Trinity is open from Easter to Christmas

Serenity Garden is open Daily

Sunday services 9.30am Holy Communion/Communion by Extension/ Café Communion

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

30th June Joint Iona Communion at Kilmaveonaig 11.15am

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

Garden Group 11.00am to 1.00pm on Tuesdays

Sunday 14th July – Strawberry Tea 2.00 – 4.00pm in Church and Serenity Garden, Cream Teas, Cakes, Plant Stall, Crafts and Children’s Activities. All welcome

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

Contact - Mrs. Lavinia Gordon 01796 481230

Kilmaveonaig is open daily

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

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

30th June Joint Iona Communion 11.15am

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

2nd June Holy Communion

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

30th June Joint Iona Communion at Kilmaveonaig 11.15am

Zoom Services

Sundays - 6.00pm Evening Services (see Website)

Thursdays - 10.30am Morning Prayer

Tenandry Kirk, Killiecrankie

Interim Moderator: Rev. Neil Glover

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

Every Sunday service at 10.30am

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

Pitlochry linked with Blair Atholl & Struan Churches of Scotland

Interim Moderator: Rev Fraser Penny 01350 727 249.

Pitlochry Session Clerk: Ginnie Wilkie 01796 472791.

Blair Atholl & Struan Session Clerk: Harold Ingram 01796 481275

Pitlochry Website: www.pitlochrychurchofscotland.org.uk

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

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

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

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

Church Choir and Country Dancers: The choir and the dancers are having a break for the summer and will resume in September when new members will be most welcome.

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

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

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

Braes of Rannoch linked with Foss & Rannoch Church of Scotland

Interim Moderator: Rev Grace Steele

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

Session Clerk Braes of Rannoch --

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

Services for July:-

5 July - Joint service in the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch at 11.00am (no service at Braes)

12, 19 & 26 July - 9.45am at Braes of Rannoch & 11.30 am at the Old Church.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jesus told his followers to share the good news. At www.jw.org > about us > conventions you can find out more about this summer convention’s theme in Glasgow. All seats are free; no collections ever taken. Details below. The other meetings listed are held at the Kingdom Hall, Moness Terrace, Aberfeldy.

Thursday 4th July, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Psalms 57–59, ‘What Does It Mean to Have a Steadfast Heart?’, ‘Perseverance—What Paul Did and How Can We Imitate Paul?’, ‘Iconium—City of the Phrygians’, ‘“Speaking With Boldness by the Authority of Jehovah” Part One—Acts 14:1–7’.

Sunday 7th July, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Where Can You Find Real Hope?’. A discussion: ‘Never Leave the Spiritual Paradise (Isaiah 65:18)’.

Tuesday 9th July, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Psalms 60–62, ‘Jehovah Gives Us Security, Protection and Stability’, ‘Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love”(Romans 8:38)’, ‘Lystra and the Cult of Zeus and Hermes’, ‘“Speaking With Boldness by the Authority of Jehovah” Part One—Acts 14:8–19’.

Sunday 14th July, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Stand Firm Against the Devil’. A discussion: ‘Trust in the Merciful “Judge of All the Earth”! (Genesis 18:25)’.

Thursday 18th July, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Psalms 63–65, “Your Loyal Love Is Better Than Life”, ‘How We Show Love to God’, ‘Lystra and the Cult of Zeus and Hermes’, ‘“Speaking With Boldness by the Authority of Jehovah” Part Three—Acts 14:20–28’.

Sunday 21st July, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Walk in the Way of Integrity’. A discussion: ‘What Do We Know About Jehovah’s Future Judgments? (2 Peter 3:9)’.

Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July, “Declare the Good News!” Convention at the OVO Hydro, Glasgow (Luke 4:43). 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 3.45 p.m. Some of the talks: ‘Why Do We Need Good News? ’, ‘“Everlasting Good News” —In What Sense? (Revelation 14:6, 7)’, ‘What Will You Do “for the Sake of the Good News”? (1 Corinthians 9:23)’, ‘Why We Don’t Fear Bad News’.

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

Pitlochry Baptist Church

Atholl Road, PH16 5BX www.pbcweb.net

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

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

Highlighted upcoming events:

• The annual Aberfeldy based children's holiday club, Parkfest, week has been booked for 1st to the 5th July,10am-1pm at Victoria Park. It is a collaboration between volunteers from PBC, YMCA, SU Scotland and Aberfeldy Parish Church & Breathe Youth project. It is for P1 – P7 and although free, please contact georgia@breatheyouthproject.com to book your place. It will be great fun with arts & crafts, games, bible stories, music and so much more!

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• The next Summer Special Events is being held on Friday 19th July at 2pm with Drew Scott in concert in our church building with refreshments afterwards. Admission is free; a donations box will be available. We look forward to seeing many familiar faces and new ones too!

• The third Summer Special Event is the Strawberry Tea and Quiz on Friday 16 August at 2pm in the Atholl Centre (behind Pitlochry Baptist Church). A limited number of free tickets are available from the Atholl Centre for this event. Please book early to avoid disappointment. 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.

RC

Parish of St Bride

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

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

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

Parish Priest: Fr. Emmanuel Adindu MA MSP

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

Sunday Mass Times

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

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

Holy Days of Obligation

St Columba’s 9.30am, Our Lady of Mercy 12.30pm, St Bride’s 7.00pm For further information please refer to our Facebook page.

The Baha’i Faith Community Activities

The Baha’i community seeks to commit to an active role in the local community. With this in mind it has started both Children’s Classes for ages 5 to 11 years and a Junior Youth group for 12 to 15s. On each Saturday at 10am to 11am a Children Class, open to anyone in this age group, will be taking place at Aberfeldy Town Hall.

The Junior Youth group (12s to 15s) will meet from 11am to 12 am, also in the Aberfeldy Town Hall. Activities will include games, creative arts, movement- occasionally out of doors- and stories. Different themes each week could include honesty, trust, service to others, kindness, etc.

A contribution of £2 per child is requested. In charge will be two adults with considerable experience.

Baha’is believe that refining one’s inner character and offering service to humanity are inseparable. You can contact either Mark at markcrenshaw9@hotmail.com or Rachel at rachelhelenab@ hotmail.com or parents are welcome to look in at the start of either session.

The Pitlochry Crossword

7 Capital hotel district (6)

8 Lead in Wonka secured! (6)

9 Some animal’s cute wee tail (4)

10 MSP got nurse, unfortunately (8)

11 Birled vigorously, keeping balance (at first) producing drool (7)

13 Toss it out - brace! (5)

15 Head of grey seal confused Highlanders (5)

17 Came dancing with old clan (7)

20 What chaos - deck staggeringly hit (8)

21 Plant masses of soggy seed heads (4)

22 Steal wool? (6)

23 Craftsman reportedly in Fife? (6)

By Lesley

(6)

New herb (4)

Not that odd taller plant (7)

Man, politician, gushes obviously (5)

5 Weirdly, dig lawn in front of large Highland town (8)

6 Figure out fish in river (6)

Village dance, rate - disastrous (8)

Used to have cut fish (7)

Brose perhaps, hot, all curdled (6)

Story made up about low grade seafood (6)

Heavens! Sounds like they belong to a Hebridean island (5)

Tie up Moulin, possibly (4)

The Atholl Medical Centre Ferry Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 472558

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

Except Wednesdays Closed 12.15 - 1.45pm

Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111 Prescriptions - tay.amcprescriptions@nhs.scot

Visiting Hours:

Pitlochry Community Hospital Ferry Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 472052

GP Unit - Contact for further info.

MIIU - Temporarily closed until further notice.

Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice

The Surgery, Kinloch Rannoch. Tel: 01882 632216

The Reception is open Mon - Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm Surgery Hours 9-10.15am, 2-3pm and 4-5pm. For all urgent appointments please phone reception

Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111

Whilst

Pitlochry Post Office

Within Premier Store

63 Atholl Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 474301

Blair Atholl Post Office Tel: 01796 481233

Ballinluig Post Office Tel: 01796 482220

Strathtay Post Office Tel: 01887 840203

Kinloch Rannoch Post Office Tel: 01882 632347

Pitlochry Library

26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry Tel: 01796 474635

E-mail: pitlochrylibrary@pkc.gov.uk

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

Housing & Community Safety and Registration Services

26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry Mon, Tues & Fri 8.45am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 5.00pm

Appointments arranged out with these days 01738 476000 (select option 2)

Registration of Births, Deaths & Marriages Mon - Fri: By Appointment 01796 474645

More Helpful Numbers to Hand

HOROSCOPES

BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN

For July 2024

July starts off with a powerful aspect between impulsive Mars and an emotional moon in Taurus, feelings could run high as will-power collides with sensitivities; think about the bull in a china shop and take a deep breath before you act! Energetic Mars remains in Taurus until the 20th, on a personal level this transit offers the potential for courage, determination and drive; stay focused on your goals and tune into your own energy levels. Venus, the goddess of love and relationships, arrives in fun loving Leo on the 12th, she offers some excellent opportunities for social and romantic encounters. Communicative Mercury in Leo until the 25th brings opportunities for creative ideas, new beginnings and positive breakthroughs. Expansive Jupiter is gathering speed in the communication sign of Gemini, we could see some sensational news on the global platform, hopefully of a positive nature. The new moon is in sensitive Cancer on the 5th, family time will be important around these days and your home will also be in much sharper focus. The moon is full in the very last degree of Capricorn on the 21st; you can expect issues around what you need emotionally versus what you want to achieve (Capricorn) to come to light.

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

July brings all things financial to your attention as the Moon, dynamic Mars and maverick planet Uranus occupy this area of your chart. Decisions about your earning power will need to be made and different ways of making money will start to emerge. Try not to be too impatient, use this month wisely to review all aspects of your life. Jupiter in Gemini suggests that your communication skills should be at their best.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21

The Moon, energetic Mars and inspirational Uranus are all in your sign, indicating that your energy levels should peak this month. Your communication skills are also positively illuminated as the radiant Sun, Mercury and Venus are all in the sensitive sign of Cancer, suggesting that intuitive and original new ways of thinking are coming your way. Venus arrives in creative Leo on the 12th bringing a new project into focus.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21

July brings an entirely different kind of energy to the forefront as the Sun, Venus and Mercury all occupy the intuitive sign of Cancer. The Cancer new moon on the 5th is sensitive, caring and nurturing, indicating that you’ll need to look at the way you value yourself and examine creative new ways of increasing your earning potential. Venus arrives in Leo on the 12th, use that passionate energy to reach out and be bold.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22

July is your birthday month, the Sun, Venus and Mercury all occupy your sign suggesting that, although you might want to party, you’ll feel more emotional than ever and will need some time out for quiet and inner peace. The new moon in your sign on the 5th marks a turning point and you’ll feel a strong drive to improve your life on many different levels. Use your intuition and you can’t go wrong.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23

Your goals and ambitions will be in the spotlight this month as the Moon, energetic Mars and innovative Uranus all culminate at the highpoint of your chart. The sensitive Cancerian new moon on the 5th suggests that you will be reconsidering some plans that you have recently made, the chances are that you may also have to rethink a career move. Venus arrives in your sign on the 12th, expect a creative breakthrough.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22

Expansive Jupiter is at the career angle of your chart during July, suggesting that your goals and ambitions are very well favoured. Planetary indications are that your negotiation and communication skills are at their finest, be prepared to be flexible and to change your mind on any idea that was previously fixed. The Capricorn full moon on the 21st indicates that it’s time to put something firmly behind you.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23

The moon, dynamic Mars and innovative Uranus are stirring up the financial sector of your chart, your investments and resources are in the spotlight emphasising the importance of planning ahead and making long lasting changes. Venus, your ruling planet, is sensitive and nurturing in Cancer, an ideal placement for making plans for a romantic getaway with that special someone.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

Dynamic Mars and unconventional Uranus are in your opposite sign of Taurus emphasising the importance of staying focussed, but at the same time open to new ideas and experiences concerning your relationships. Beneficial Jupiter is now travelling though the financial and resource sector of your chart, this could be a good month to review any investments, funds and assets. Mars offers some much needed extra energy after the 20th.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

This month offers some excellent opportunities for you to be more successful and increase your earning potential. Self-motivated Mars and unconventional Uranus are together in practical and determined Taurus, further indicating that this is the perfect time for you to be much more focussed about where you are heading. Jupiter in Gemini suggests an opportunity for a romantic encounter.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

The radiant Sun, love planet Venus and communicative Mercury are all illuminating the relationship area of your chart, prompting you to go after what you truly desire. A relationship that has been on hold can now be reviewed and there is a good opportunity to advance in a positive way. The sensitive new moon in your opposite sign on the 5th will turn out to be a turning point

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18

Energy packed Mars and innovative Uranus are both strong in the home and family area of your chart. Creative solutions should be in abundance and put you in a good position to work on something that you have been dealing with for some time. Abundant Juputer in Gemini is flirtatious and playful, bringing a welcome boost to all your dealings with partners and loved ones.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20

The Sun, communicative Mercury and Love planet Venus are strong for you this month. New encounters and romance are all in the spotlight for July as planetary trends suggest that a deeply rewarding time is coming your way. Neptune your ruler, encourages you to enjoy the lighter side of life as some positive opportunities arrive from unexpected directions; new beginnings are ready for take-off.

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

Christine Chalklin, Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach

Email: christine_chalklin@hotmail.com

Website: www.yourguidinglight.org

Mobile: 07813 483549

Distance in Miles

Pitlochry

Inverness

Aviemore Perth Blairgowrie

Kinloch Rannoch

Rannoch Station

Kenmore

Aberfeldy

Dunkeld

Blair Atholl

Pitlochry Inverness