Pitlochry Life June 2023

PITLOCHRY LIFE

June 2023 Issue 397

The Best of Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire

Pitlochry - Aberfeldy - Dunkeld - Birnam - Kenmore

Kinloch Rannoch - Blair Atholl

Debbie - 07545299491

Photography & Design

Lynsey - 07305577953

Editor

Willie - 07906375953

10

The Pitlochry Tipple

This month Ewan gets all technical and looks at the chemistry involved in whisky.

12 26 30 38 40

Your Community

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

Enjoy Your Walk

We discover ways of looking forward to walking and enjoying it even more.

Willie's Wonky Computer

Willie looks at Linux and where it is currently used.

The Pitlochry Garden

Sheila looks the horizontal and vertical planes in the garden.

Recipe

74 Crossword 49,61 Sudoku 26

www.facebook.com/pitlochrylife

Pitlochry Life

Manse Road, Moulin

Pitlochry PH16 5EP

info@pitlochrylife.co.uk www.pitlochrylife.co.uk

WELCOME

The Benefits of Foraging

We look at all the health benefits of eating 'weeds'. You will be surprised!

Sudoku

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

Fitness With Alan Clinch

Alan looks at all the advatages of strength training, regardless of your age.

The Pitlochry Crossword

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

46 Foraging

Welcome to the June edition of Pitlochry Life. Not long now and it will be the summer solstice - how did that come round so quickly? Well the weather has improved and it is great to see the town really busy again.

June sees a musical extravaganza at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Les Miserables has to be my favourite. We have lots of LIVE music every weekend at The Old Mill, Atholl Palace Hotel and even a sing-along workshop with the Pitlochry Choral Society… and it is also Les Miserables!

For you this month, The Pitlochry Tipple looks at the chemistry of Whisky, in our fitness column we look at strength training for any age, and Willie in the computer pages looks at Linux. As this is peak gardening time we consider the different planes of a garden. Lesley has produced a great crossword, or if you prefer the old favourite sudoko. Give them a go - you may be surprised!

Topically, we also look at foraging in 2023 - a real hot topic at the moment, we also continue our walking theme and find ways to make it even more of a pleasure. The recipe is a real treat this month!

Have a great June and see you next time.

Pitlochry Garden

23 May - 17 September

Both featuring acclaimed West End musical performers, Shona White and Ben Stock

25 May - 21 September

The Chemistry of Whisky

Those of you who know me will agree with me when I say that I do not have the mind of a Chemist or a Mathematician for that matter, although I can recite Pi to 7 decimal places. My strengths as a student were more in the practical field, music, wood working and metalwork – the latter two involving a few trips to A&E. But the chemistry of whisky has captured me – if only they taught this at school, it would have been a much more appealing subject to me!

Whisky contains hundreds of different compounds. These can be influenced by the types of malt and grain used, the distillation process and the wood used in the barrels for the ageing process. Here are a few of these compounds and the affect they have on flavour.

Whisky Lactones: CIS-3-methyl-4-octanolide and Trans-3-methyl-4-octanolide

These are found in the oak barrels used for maturing the whisky in and are picked up by the spirit during the process. The trans isomer gives a woody, coconut flavour whilst the cis isomer has a strong spicy coconut flavour. These are particularly noticeable in cask that previously held Bourbon.

Phenolic Compounds: Guaiacol & Eugenol

Generally, phenolic compounds contribute smoky flavours and bitterness in whisky. In the case of ‘Scotch’, the peat fires used to help dry the malted barley result in the presence of phenolic compounds, including cresols, which smell medicinal. Often described as TCP or mouthwash. Interestingly, the peat found on Islay contains higher levels of Sphagnum moss, which was used during World War I to pack wounds and even as sponges during surgery due to its antibacterial/ antiseptic qualities.

Aldehydes: Syringaldehyde & Vanillin, Furfural & Hexanal

A number of different aldehydes can be extracted from oak barrels into the whisky. Syringaldehyde lends a spicy, woody aroma whilst Vanillin gives a

vanilla tone. Furfural adds an almond-like grainy flavour while hexanal offers grassy notes.

Esters: Ethyl Hexanoate and Isoamyl Acetate

Esters in whisky can add fruity flavours such as ethyl hexanoate, which gives a sweet apple flavour. Isoamyl acetate, on the other hand, gives a bananalike, pear drop aroma. During the ‘chill filtered’ process the majority of esters are removed to avoid the ‘scotch mist’ or haze that whisky can have.

Other Compounds: B-Damascenone & Phenethyl Alcohol, 2-methyl-3-(methyldisulfanyl) furan & diacetyl

B-damascenone and phenethyl alcohol add floral notes to whisky. Diacetyl, a common off-flavour in beer, contributes a buttery taste. Other burnt, rubbery off-flavours can be produced by sulphur compounds, though they can also add meaty notes. When looking at the impact that chemistry has on whisky it would be amiss not to mention the impact of H2O on the flavour of your dram.

The flavour compounds in whisky are held in long-chain hydrocarbons which are water soluble. The addition of water helps the release of these compounds to enhance the drinking experience. This extract from an article written in 2017 by Björn C. G. Karlsson & Ran Friedman explains it perfectly!!

“Guaiacol is a small and mostly hydrophobic molecule that is able to interact with polar solvents via hydrogen-bonding and polar-aromatic interactions. Higher concentrations of guaiacol have been found in Scottish whiskies than in American and Irish ones. The concentration of guaiacol was found by GC/MS to be 3.7–4.1 mg L−1, or about 3.2·10−5 M in two undisclosed Scottish whiskies."

Ewan McIlwraith

Robertsons of Pitlochry 44-46 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry PH16 5BX

www.robertsonsofpitlochry.co.uk

Scottish Country Dancing - 3rd June

Pitlochry Town Hall 7.30pm.

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

Saturday 3rd June - Jim Lindsay's Band

Saturday 17th June - David Oswald's Band

Dancers: £10.00. Spectators: £3.00.

Further info from June on 01796 473488

Pitlochry Repair Cafe - 4th June

What do you do with a broken beloved ornament, a shirt with a rip, a toaster that doesn't switch on or a bike with dodgy brakes? Bin It? No Way!

Bring it to Pitlochry Repair Cafe! Our friendly team of volunteer repairers will do their best to fix anything (except phones)! They have already successfully fixed over 150 items, preventing them from going into landfill.

Sessions take place in Moulin Hall on the first Sunday of the month from 12-3pm. The next dates are 4 June and 3 September (with a couple of months off during the summer holidays).

While you wait, you can enjoy homemade baking, soup, hot drinks and good chat. Repairs and refreshments are all free and donations are welcome.

Interested in volunteering? We are always looking for skilled repairers, especially textiles repairers, receptionists, bakers, soup makers and cafe helpers!

Email Julia on repaircafe@sprout-community-eco-hub.com if you want to join our friendly team or follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @PitlochryRepairCafe.

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic - 6th June

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 6 June 2023 between 10.00am12.00 noon at the Pitlochry Community Hospital.

Pitlochry & District Climate Cafe - 6th June

“The natural environment sustains the life of all beings universally.” Dalai Lama. A Climate Cafe is an open, informal and inclusive space where everyone is welcome to join the conversation on climate change and the issues we face. It brings people together from across communities and workplaces to talk, share, learn and act on solutions over a cup of tea or coffee.

The Climate Café take place the second week of the month - Tuesdays, 1pm and Thursdays 7pm. The next ones will be Tuesday 6th June and & Thursday 8th June, (virtual or in person). Venue: Pitlochry Library, PH16 5BX. For more information contact Carol Aitken caaitken.naturaldesign@ gmail.com

Climate Reality Talk with Jess Pepper, Founder of the Climate Cafe Network. Thursday 8th June.

Continued on page 14

Pitlochry Life

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

Zerowaste Scotland. How to make your own household cleaning products such as your own household multi-purpose cleaner recipe to save money and the planet: One-part white vinegar, one-part water, lemon rind, rosemary sprigs. Mix and leave to settle. www.zerowastescotland. org.uk/resources/how-make-your-own-household-cleaning-products

Recycling Plastics in the Coop. We can now recycle most types of soft plastic at the Co-op. There's a special box by the photo booth and baskets. Even fruit and veg. nets, sauce and rice sachets, biscuit bags, cling film, pet food wrappers, thin plastic lids, flower wrappers etc. can be recycled. More details at www.coop.co.uk/environment/soft-plastics

Grandtully Gala Day 2023 - 11th June

After a very successful Gala Day 2022, Grandtully & Strathtay Village Hall Trustees are delighted to announce Gala Day 2023 will be held on Sunday 11th June from 12noon at The Grandtully Village Hall and Recreation Park.

We still have some stall spaces available for the day. If you are a local producer or crafter, we would be delighted to welcome you – for more information please email: still42@btinternet.com

Volunteers for the day are also very welcome working alongside The Village Hall Trustees and Local Junior Agricultural Club Members. For more information on volunteering opportunities please email: captain.roddy@gmail.com

We are also inviting Food Producers along, if you would like a stall please do let us know. We are particularly interested in suppliers who can offer food options on the day. If you would like to know more, please email: fionasloan@aol.co.uk

There will be all the usual favourites at Gala Day 2023 and we are hoping to welcome even more of you through the gates this year for a Fun Filled Family Day.

Heartland Film Society at The Birks - 11th June

Queen of Glory - Sarah, the brilliant child of Ghanaian immigrants, is a doctoral student at Columbia University and weeks away from following her married boyfriend to Ohio when her mother dies suddenly, leaving a small but beloved Christian bookstore in the Bronx. Tasked with planning a culturally respectful funeral for the family matriarch, Sarah must juggle the expectations of her loving yet demanding relations while navigating the reappearance of her estranged father and grappling with what to do with the bookstore. In a glorious and vivid depiction of self-discovery that never patronises, Sarah faces her new responsibilities while figuring out how to remain true to herself, aided by an onlyin-New York ensemble of Eastern European neighbours, feisty African aunties and a no-nonsense, ex-con co-worker. US 2022 Cert 15 Starring, written and directed by Nana Mensah

Sunday, 11 June The Birks Cinema Aberfeldy at the earlier than usual time of 16.00hrs

Full details: www.birkscinema.co.uk

www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk

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

Continued on page 16

Pitlochry Litter Action Group - 13th June

The tourist season is well on the way. It would be nice for residents and visitors if the town is really clean with no litter disfiguring the streets and green spaces. If you agree that this is important do join our team of litterpickers. All equipment is provided including gloves, black bags and grabbers. We do try to separate recyclable waste from the other litter.

Litterpicks take place on the second Tuesday of the month and we meet at 10.0am in the Recreation ground carpark.

The next litterpick is on Tuesday 13th June.

Dates for litterpicks in 2023 are: July 11th, August 8th, September 12th, Octoer 10th, November 14th, Decemer 12th.

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

Mid Atholl Hall Quiz Night - 17th June

Mid Atholl Hall Committee are holding a Quiz Night on Saturday, 17th June in the Mid Atholl Hall, Ballinluig. Tickets are £5 each including refreshments. There will be a raffle and a prize for the winning table! 6.30 for 7pm start. So put your thinking caps on and come and join us on 17th June. It will be a fun night. Contact John Grant on 01796 482589.

JustSingin` Concert - 17th June

Just Singin` invites you to come and celebrate with them at their 20th Anniversary Concert! Saturday 17th June 7.30pm in Birnam Arts

Lovely songs from Scotland and beyond under the direction of talented choir leaders Amy Lord and Irene Railley. We are also delighted to announce our Special Guests: the wonderful traditional singer, Christine Kydd from Kirriemuir - founder of Just Singin`and renowned musical duo Dave Amos and Pete Caban. Plus Refreshments and time to Blether! All Welcome. Free admission. Booking essential.

For more information www.justsingin.co.uk : email to enquiries@justsingin.co.uk or `phone Katie on 07765 405203

Best wishes from all the choir for a happy and safe summer. New Term Starts 23rd August, come and join us! Scottish Charity No 36400

Music in Rannoch - 18th June

Sunday June 18th at 3.00pm in the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch. Music in Rannoch Concert. The Cantilena Festival Players. String Trio + Alan Neave (Guitar, from the staff of the Royal Scottish Conservatoire). Programme includes: Sir Thomas Erskine: Trio Sonata in F; Mozart: a movement from one of his duos for violin and viola; Francesco Molino: Trio for violin, viola and guitar; Bach: Sonata for violin ‘cello and guitar: Francois de Fossa: Quartet; Schubert: Dances for violin and guitar; Mozart: A movement from String Trio. McGibbon: Trio Sonata in G.

£8 at the door. Children free. Refreshments available at the interval. Easy parking.

Continued on page 18

Pitlochry & District Choral Society - 21st June

Pitlochry & District Choral Society are celebrating “Make Music Day” on Wednesday 21st June by singing for the residents of Balhousie Care Home followed by singing in Pitlochry Town Centre at 3pm outside Fishers Hotel.

Ballinluig Bazaar - 24th June

The next Ballinluig Bazaar will be on Saturday 24th June. The Bazaar is a craft fair running from 10.00am until 3.00pm in the lovely Mid Atholl Hall at Ballinluig. Many of last year’s crafters have rejoined us after winter months developing new products and there are some new faces and ideas too. We use the Mid Atholl Hall because of its excellent facilities and its easy access from Aberfeldy, Dunkeld and Pitlochry.

Remember also that Ballinluig Bazaar is completely indoors. There may be gales and snow outdoors but you are well protected as you enjoy our crafts.

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

Pitlochry & District Choral Society - 24th June

On Saturday 24th June we are hosting a special “Come & Sing” event. Come along to learn choruses from the fabulous “Les Miserables”. Singing will start at 10am. The session will be led by the charismatic Colleen Nicoll and we are aiming to round off the day at about 4.30pm with a performance of the songs we have learnt. Please go to our web-site for more information and to sign up for this great opportunity. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Cost for the day is £5. Lunch is not provided so come prepared! Hope to see you there!

See our advert on page 23.

www.pitlochrychoral.co.uk

Killiecrankie, Fincastle & Tummel CC - 17th July

Minutes of the May meeting of KFT Community Council are now available on our website www.kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk

Our next meeting will be held in Killiecrankie Village Hall at 7pm on Monday, 17 July 2023. It is easy to keep up to date with community matters. Simply contact info@ kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk to add your name to the mailing list.

The Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition - 29th July

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

The artists’ work is showing on our website www.dunkeldartexhibition.com The Exhibition will open at 10am on Saturday 29th July and will be open every day from 10 - 4pm and 12 - 4pm on Sundays. Any further information from dunkeldart@aol.com

One of our invited artists is Graham Turpie from Stirling and we look forward to having his work in the Exhibition

We would like to thank Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council for the grant award they gave us towards the cost of our AA road signs.

Pete Wishart MP - Perth & North Perthshire - SNP

By the time this hits your doorstep, the Atholl Gathering will have just taken place, which always promises to be a truly iconic spectacle that displays the very best of Highland culture. I very much look forward to attending, and hope that any readers who managed to get along had a fantastic time as well.

Of course, the Atholl Gathering kicks off the Highland games season which will see a sequence of events across the country, with six in my constituency alone. They combine traditional ceremonies, games, music, attire, food, drink and more. You can find more information on all the Highland Games coming up this year at: https://scotlandwelcomesyou.com/scottish-highlandgames

This time of year also marks the start of tourism season, which typically brings a welcome boost for Highland Perthshire as holidaymakers and adventurers flock to enjoy its incredible array of scenery and outdoor activities.

One Highland Perthshire town that will be hoping for a particularly good tourism season this year will be Aberfeldy, after the recent release of world-renowned singer Ed Sheeran’s new album, in which the closing track pays tribute to his love for the town.

The acoustic tune, ‘The Hills of Aberfeldy’ is on Sheeran’s sixth studio album ‘Subtract’ and highlights his affection for the area he has visited many times. Sheeran spent some downtime there in 2014, when some readers may remember him performing an impromptu gig at the Breadalbane Arms to local fans’ delight.

Aberfeldy and the surrounding countryside have been a source of inspiration to artists for centuries, not least to Robert Burns for his poem ‘The Birks of Aberfeldy’. I have no doubt that Sheeran’s new track will introduce this part of Highland Perthshire to a new audience who themselves will come to fall in love with Aberfeldy. Unfortunately, despite all of its benefits, the tourism season also tends to result in a surge in so-called ‘dirty camping’, which blight our cherished beauty spots with litter.

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives people a statutory right of responsible access to land for recreational purposes, including informal and wild camping. But every year a small number of campers fail to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which requires people to respect the interests of others, care for the environment and take responsibility for their own actions. This selfish behaviour spoils the outdoor experience for everyone, harms local wildlife, creates safety risks and causes problems for landowners and local communities.

I know Perth and Kinross Council have been working hard to tackle this issue, with their Safer Communities Team carrying out patrols and liaising with loch wardens, Police and Fire services, to report any issues and concerns which may have a detrimental effect on community wellbeing. If you think you have found evidence of dirty camping, you can help PKC with their efforts by reporting this to the Safer Communities Team at VisitorManagementGroup@pkc.gov.uk

For those with any trips planned, I hope you have a wonderful time, and if there is anything my office can assist you with then please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 01738 639 598 or emailing pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk

THE VERY BEST OF PERTHSHIRE UNDER ONE ROOF...

- Restaurant & Takeaway

- Fuel Station & EV Charging Points

- Clothes & Accessories Shopping

- Gift Shop & Gift Hampers

- Garden & Homewares Shops

- Whisky, Gin, Beer & Wine Cellar

- Deli & Food Larder

- Highland Cows to visit & Nature Walk

Opening Summer 2023 - New Open-air Garden Restaurant

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

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

Walk With Me…

The Distilleries, Blair Athol and Edradour

Distance - 3.25 miles.

Time - 1.5 - 2 hours.

Ascent - 145m.

Visit both Pitlochry distilleries with an easy woodland walk, on good paths and minor roads. During the summer months both are open for guided tours, Monday to Saturday

10.00am – 5.00pm. Blair Athol Distillery is open 12noon - 5.00pm on a Sunday, however Edradour is closed on a Sunday, keep that in mind if you fancy a wee dram and guided tour. Starting from the centre of town (Atholl Road), head south, towards Perth and under the railway line, using the underpass on the right hand side. Cross back to the left and you will find Blair Athol Distillery, home of Bells Whisky and one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, established in 1798. They draw water from the Alt Dour burn to produce their famous 12 year old single Blair Athol Malt - which can only be bought at the distillery. Keep heading south and after passing a row of bungalows you will see a blue sign on a lamppost for ‘Black Spout Car Park’. Turn left here and pass under the railway again. Continue until you reach the car park and follow the clearly marked route along a dirt track to the left which takes you to a path through oak woods. The golf course on the left belongs to the Atholl Palace Hotel. After a short distance you will see a sign to Black Spout Waterfall where there is an excellent platform giving superb views of the 190feet (60m) Black Spout Waterfall and gorge below. It is quite spectacular after heavy rain. Continuing along the path following signs for Edradour Distillery, once out of the oak woods, the path follows the edge of farm fields giving spectacular views towards Ben Vrackie (2,759ft high) and the village of Moulin. As the walk approaches Edradour it passes a stone cottage and emerges at the distillery. Edradour is world renowned as the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland, established 1825. Now turn left and follow the road for a short

distance until you reach a farm gate on your left just before a set of ornamental stone gate posts. Follow the marked and enclosed path (can get overgrown in summer) as it skirts the edge of a field and then heads downhill with good views over Pitlochry.

The path meets a grassy track, signposted for Pitlochry. Turn left onto it and continue through a gate back into Black Spout Wood. The path then meets a larger track where you turn right, downhill. Ignore other paths until you reach a wide bend and take the path branching off to the right following a yellow marker signed for Pitlochry. Continue until you cross a wooden bridge and turn left following the Kinnaird Burn. Ignore a path to the right which leads to the Atholl Palace Hotel.

You will soon come to a junction, marked by a large triangular stone, continue to the right (ignore the optional riverside loop to the left). At the next junction also keep right and you will soon come to a road where you turn left and walk down past the entrance to the Atholl Palace Hotel. You emerge at the railway bridge with the underpass. Turn right on the main road and return to the centre of Pitlochry.

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

Murdo Fraser - Mid Scotland & Fife - Conservative

Many of us will be looking forward to the summer, hopefully enjoying warmer weather, with some of us having booked a holiday abroad or in the United Kingdom.

It has been a busy time at the Scottish Parliament with many debates being held in the Chamber and I have also been dealing with queries from constituents. An important local issue is the controversial decision to introduce parking charges for people that use Faskally Woods. I’m sure that Pitlochry Life readers will be aware of the move by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), which was met with a lot of concern from local residents and users of the Woods, especially with some people feeling there was a lack of consultation from FLS about the plan.

My Scottish Conservative colleague Councillor John Duff had talks with the Friends of Faskally Wood and Pitlochry Community Council after we had asked FLS if they would consider dropping the parking charges. Then the issue took another twist recently when it was discovered that the parking meters that were installed at the Woods didn’t work and visitors were advised to use the RingGo app.

FLS really should have looked at this issue properly before the parking meters were installed at Faskally Woods. It is no good having the meters but then finding out that they aren’t working. Asking people who visit Faskally Woods to use the RingGo app is not the answer as the mobile phone signal there is weak and some people get no signal at all. This problem must be addressed immediately by FLS.

Meanwhile, there is still concern that the SNP Government will not complete the £3 billion A9 dualling project between Perth and Inverness. My party brought a Members’ Debate on dualling the A9 to the Scottish Parliament prior to the Easter recess, when we discussed the high death toll on the road – 13 fatalities last year, with 12 of these taking place on single carriageway stretches of the road.

I welcome the short-term road safety measures announced by the SNP Government but they are no substitute for the complete dualling of the road. Former Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth told the Scottish Parliament that the initial target completion date of 2025 will not be met, and the project has been beset by numerous delays. Time is of the essence here - surely the dualling of the A9 Perth to Inverness road must be a top priority for First Minister Humza Yousaf.

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

John Swinney MSP - Perthshire North - SNP

Since taking office as First Minister, Humza Yousaf has been clear that he is determined to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and take bold action to eradicate poverty.

I am pleased that the First Minister is relentlessly focused on tackling these issues. Difficult economic circumstances have put significant pressure on households the length and breadth of Scotland. To that end, the Scottish Government must do everything it can to make life better for the people it was elected to serve.

Recently, the First Minister chaired an anti-poverty summit, which brought together political leaders from across the Scottish Parliament, as well as poverty campaigners, third sector organisations, and people with direct experience of poverty. The First Minister's goal was to gather diverse perspectives on the cost-of-living crisis and develop bold strategies to tackle poverty in Scotland. Continued on page

Enjoy Walking Yourself Happy, Healthy and Fit

Hopefully, last month we inspired you to get out and go for a walk… or at least consider it! Remember all those benefits to your health and the reduced risk of some chronic illnesses, like diabetes, heart disease, strokes, asthma and even some types of cancer. This month we look to inspire you even more by pushing you on and getting you to actually start enjoying yourself. So get your shoes on, and let’s go!

If you worry about walking alone, invite a friend to join you or find a local walking group. If it’s your fitness that’s holding you back, then start small with a ten-minute walk and build up from there. If you are a couch potato, or do suffer from illness then speak to your doctor, who will check you over, advise on how much exercise you should take on and encourage you.

If you worry about the weather, you will only get as wet, or cold as your clothing allows, so choose wisely. Ensure your jacket is 100% waterproof, a lightweight one can keep you warm and dry over a fleece, so layer up to suit the season. If it’s cold enough to wear gloves, make sure they are waterproof too.

stand tall and stride out. Don’t be embarrassed to use walking poles, they are not a sign of weakness or old age, some great athletes use them regularly as they give you a full body workout as well as balance when you need it. (Check out our fitness article in March on Nordic Walking).

Don’t just march off. Do a few simple stretching exercises to get the muscles warmed up and do them again when you finish. Cooling down at the end of your walk stops you from stiffening up overnight, or next day.

Walk tall. If you slouch when you walk you could end up with lower back or hip problems, so

Take water, particularly on a warm day, or if you plan to walk for an hour or more. It’s easy to overheat and get dehydrated which can make you feel dizzy.

Once your confidence grows, you can have some real fun. We are lucky in Scotland, we have beautiful countryside, woodland, urban trails, parks, nature reserves and incredible coastline. There are hidden gems everywhere and sometimes you don’t need to travel far to find them. Speak to friends, neighbours, other walkers/dog walkers you meet when out and ask them their favourite walk.

Walking is such a popular pastime now that there are numerous online apps and webs that can also help you. Try AllTrails, Komoot and OS Maps. These allow you to see walks other people have taken, plot your own and map you as you go.

Google maps is also great if walking in a town or city. It shows all the roads and some paths, then if tiring out, tell it where you want to go and it will direct you to the nearest bus stop, with bus times!

Local councils and walking groups also publish established walks on their web. There are

usually reviews that let you know how long they take along with a level of difficulty. I enjoy walking alone, my dog for company is better, however dogs have no conversation, no interest in scenery and just run from one scent to the next. You can of course listen to an audiobook or music playlist, but this can take you ‘out of the moment’ where you will miss out on the wonderful sounds of nature all around you.

On the other hand, walking with someone is a great social event. Catch up, gossip, share the view and the satisfaction of enjoying a good walk. That’s where walking groups come in. You get great company whilst learning new skills, like map reading and navigation, which will increase your confidence. If you choose a lead walk, ie under the guidance of someone trained in the outdoors, it will make a big difference. Again you will learn new skills, learn a lot about the area you are in and explore places you would never have thought of.

Walking groups are also a great way to keep motivated, and to make new friends. If walking solo, it is sometimes difficult to keep motivated when the weather turns, or there something good on TV.

Tracking your progress can help greatly. Use a smartphone, smart watch/fitness tracker to keep track of how far you go every day. I always target 10,000 steps and sometimes find myself taking the dog to the end of the street and back at the end of a walk just to achieve that! There’s

a free NHS app called Active 10, it records every minute of walking you do. Just pop your phone in your pocket and away you go! It tracks your steps, helps you set goals, shows you your achievements and gives you tips to boost your activity.

Then there are virtual challenges, usually connected to a charity and involve walking a set distance over a period of time. Walking 1,000 miles in a year is not beyond you!

Another option is to reward yourself, either by stopping for a coffee during your walk, or promising yourself tea and cake when you get back home. I walk my dog every morning for 45 minutes - 1 hour every morning, before breakfast. Breakfasts never tasted so good. The real joy of walking is just being outdoors, in fresh air. It really doesn’t matter how far you walk, every step is doing you more good than you ever realised.

Willie

In the aftermath of this summit, I was pleased to hear the First Minister state that more must be done to address these issues, and that he was committed to using all the powers at his disposal to do so. The First Minister's commitment to taking tough decisions about existing budgets and future tax decisions is welcome, as it is only through such bold action that we can truly make progress on tackling poverty.

Of course, The Scottish Government has already put in place help to support those most in need, such as implementing the £25 per-week Scottish Child Payment, the Carer's Allowance Supplement, and the Winter Heating Payment.

And following the summit, a further £4.5m of support was announced for after school and holiday clubs in disadvantaged areas. This will ensure that safe, enjoyable spaces are available for children in the areas that have been most acutely impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

I am wholeheartedly supportive of the First Minister's policy priorities, and share his view that we must take decisive action to lessen the burden on households across Scotland.

Since coming to power in 2007, the SNP has taken decisions that have led to a better, fairer Scotland. Policies such as the abolition of tuition fees, expanding free bus travel and offering free personal care to all those who need it have already made a massive difference to the lives of so many of our citizens.

I am delighted that, under Humza Yousaf, the SNP Government will continue this proud tradition of bold, progressive leadership with a focus on the issues that truly matter to the people of Scotland.

GrowBiz

4 Things You Can Do for Your Business this Summer

GrowBiz offers a wide range of support for small businesses, social enterprises and the self employed in rural Perth & Kinross. Here are 4 things you can do this summer that can help you develop your business:

1.

Book a Free 1-1 Support Session

You don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re looking for assistance with making a funding application, developing your business strategy, budgeting, or digital skills, we have a team member who can help. Email connect@growbiz.co.uk to request an informal chat.

2.

Get Listed on REDS

Rural Enterprise Directory Scotland (REDS) is an online directory of hundreds of micro businesses in rural and island Scotland. It’s free for eligible businesses to get listed and helps facilitate connections and collaborations. Find out more at www.reds.scot

3.

Join the Mentoring Programme

Is something in your own personal development holding you back, perhaps lack of confidence or time management? Join our award-winning mentoring programme and we’ll match you with a trained mentor who can help you reach your next step. Or become a volunteer mentor yourself and help someone else to unlock their full potential.

4.

Make it Happen with SEED

If you’re a young person aged between 18-25 in Perth and Kinross then SEED can help you explore your ideas, develop your plans, and make your self-employed business dreams happen.

Take a look at GrowBiz’s free and confidential services for rural businesses at www.growbiz.co.uk

Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory

We are all familiar with the Microsoft Windows operating system and quite a few of us with the Apple Mac OS. In third place is something you’ve probably seen mentioned, but don’t realise it has such a wide and extensive useLinux.

Linux (pronounced lin-ucks, lin as in bin, not as in line) is free, open source and used everywhere from phones, smart TVs, servers and data centres, to even supercomputers. The majority of web pages you look at will be stored on Linux servers.

Back in the day, before personal computers, computers mostly ran on an operating system called UNIX. Schools and universities used a variant of that called MINIX. The problem with that was users could not modify the system to better suit their needs, or freely distribute the code.

To try and overcome this, Linus Torvalds, a student at Helsinki University, created Linux in 1991, written almost exclusively in the C programming language using the foundation of an ongoing project called GNU (pronounced G’noo and short for G’noo Not Unix).

At that early stage, Linux was a kernel ie. a program in the system that allocates the machine's resources to the other programs that you run. The kernel is an essential part of an operating system, but useless by itself. At that time GNU had everything, apart from a reliable kernel and after the inevitable happened, GNU Linux version 1 was released in 1994.

The Linux logo, known as Tux, was released in 1996. It came about after Linus Torvalds mentioned he liked penguins, but was wary of them after being bitten by one in an Australian zoo as a child.

GNU Linux exploded in popularity over the next few years and was simply referred to as Linux by its users. The naming still creates great controversy within the GNU camp, as Linux only actually takes up less than 6% of the current release.

Within a decade, Linux was supported by

thousands of different types of devices and received the support of major companies like Compaq, HP, and Dell. Dell became the first manufacturer to offer Linux across its entire product line.

Over the years, dozens of new Linux versions have been released, driven mainly by hobbyist developers. Today, Ubuntu is the most popular distribution of Linux, with over 25 million users worldwide, closely followed by Linus Mint, Fedora and Tails, to name but a few.

Although Linux doesn’t enjoy the huge popularity that Microsoft Windows and Mac OS have, it still caters to a niche audience. Additionally, since Linux is completely open source, there are no licensing fees or costs to use it. It offers a far greater degree of security than any other operating system and requires no antivirus program for protection. Linux also offers a high degree of stability, allowing it to run for very long periods of time without crashing, or requiring a re-boot. It requires little disk space, has powerful networking capabilities and puts software updates in the hands of the user. In industry, it can be easily modified to suit a particular need.

The disadvantages of Linux include limited software availability, limited hardware support, a steep learning curve, lack of commercial support, and compatibility issues. Overall, Linux can be a great choice for users who are looking for a stable, secure, and cost-effective operating system, but it may not be the best option for everyone.

Linux is easy to install and will run on an older, redundant, computer. There are endless books and videos available that will explain and teach everything to get started. Yes, it’s a bit geeky to most of us, but there’s a whole new generation following behind that will regard coding as an essential National 5 (GCSE) class at school, and Linux is so far up their street, it’s already parked in their garage.

Willie

Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch

Keeping you safe from scammers

One of the aims of Neighbourhood Watch is to keep you informed of new scams (and remind you of older ones that are still doing the rounds), to avoid you becoming a victim of fraud.

Impersonation scams are on the increase. These occur when criminals impersonate officials, businesses or even friends and family members to try to get their hands on your money. They contact you unexpectedly and pressurize you into making a payment/ confirm financial details/ accepting a refund/ transfer money.

Tips to help you keep one step ahead:

Stop: Take a moment to think before providing personal or financial information to someone who contacts you out of the blue, no matter who they say they are.

Challenge: Could it be a fake? It’s OK to say “no” or ignore any unsolicited requests. Only criminals will try and rush or panic you.

Protect: Contact your Bank immediately (159) if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Police Scotland on 101.

If you get an unexpected phone call, email or text asking you to make a payment, accept a refund or disclose personal information, ignore it. If the message is supposedly from an organisation you deal with, you can phone them directly on their official number to check. Please leave an interval before phoning or make another call before doing so, as scammers can still be on the line to intercept your call.

Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk

Forward suspicious texts to 7726

If you suspect a scam, phone Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 1646000

To receive alerts from Neighbourhood Watch Scotland, you can register at www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

You can also contact local Secretary, Cath Marshall on 470575 or marshall16@marshall16.plus.com

Pitlochry Garden Share

Food grown by the community for the community!

We are busy sowing at present, and also tending seedlings in the greenhouse ready for planting out in the future. We will have a stall in Pitlochry for information about our organisation and to share any excess produce with the community: Saturday 17th June, on the main street from 10.30am to 12.30pm, so come and have a chat.

New Garden Share opportunity in Ballinluig! A new host is very kindly offering to share their garden with locals who would like to grow vegetables. They also have a small orchard and hens, in an idyllic location. Do get in touch if you are interested, whether you live nearby or a bit further afield.

Reduce your food bills. Meet like minded people. Look after your physical and mental health. Strengthen your community. Eat local and seasonal fruit and veg

We are always looking for more volunteers in the gardens, so please get in touch if you want to get involved. We share the tools, skills, the harvest and a good blether! Any help is welcome, even if it is just once a month. Contact us at pitlochrygardenshare@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.

Atholl Medical Centre

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

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

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

Breadalbane & District RDA

Our first morning’s riding for the year was quite a test of endurance for all involved. The biting east wind together with frequent hail showers was not the ideal start and even the ponies were turning their backs to the wind! However spirits remained high and it was evident that the children who had been before were delighted to be back and to meet the new ponies. Also they quickly demonstrated how much they had remembered over the winter months. Some of our new riders concentrated on stable management getting used to the proximity of a pony while others got mounted and began to experience the wider horizons of riding! It was a big learning curve for all new participants and there were beaming smiles all round.

Due to the May bank holiday and the Coronation holiday we missed two weeks riding so our next time out was 15th May. At the time of writing it is still bitterly cold but hopefully some warmer weather is around the corner.

We are very sad to have lost our only male volunteer due to ill health. He was a much appreciated member of the group and he used his ‘handyman’ skills in so many invaluable ways. Some male expertise and input to the group is always welcome.

Anyone interested in contacting the group or learning a bit more about us can access our web-site www.breadalbanerda.org.uk or by email breadalbanerda@gmail.com Or you can contact Helen on 01796 470414 or Vicky on 07786262329.

Rotary Club of Pitlochry

The Pitlochry Rotary Club is proud to announce that this year, our annual Citizen Of The Year Award, goes to Maureen Cowan.

We had a large number of nominations this year, but it was not difficult to determine who the winner should be! Not only because of the number of nominations she received, but all who nominated her, speak fondly of her and hold her in high esteem for all she does in the community.

Just some of the comments received: "... there are rare people in this world of whom can truly be said: “you can truly turn to them any time of the day or night and they’ll willingly help.”

Introducing J&H Mitchell to Dunkeld & Birnan1

We are delighted to announce our commitment to our new and existing clients in the Dunkeld area offering legal advice & Estate Agency.

You can now find us at Dunkeld Mortgage House where, alongside trusted Financial Advisor Amy Donnelly, we are on hand to assist with any of your legal, property, mortgage or insurance needs.

Amy, with over 20 years experience in financial services, is local to Dunkeld and can provide excellent advice and guide you through the complete process.

Alexander Innes, can offer tailored legal advice. Or, if you are looking for guidance regarding selling your property, contact our Property Manager, Louise Foley, for a FREE, NO OBLIGATION valuation. (See opposite for contact details)

Dunkeld Mortgage House

9 The Cross Dunkeld

PH80AN

Tel: 01350 727052

E amy@dunkeldmortgagehouse.co.uk

www.dunkeldmortgagehouse.co.uk

Alexander Innes

Tel: 01796 472606

E: alexander.innes@jandhmitchell.com

www Jandhmitchell.com

The Pitlochry Garden June

Sometimes we get so focussed on planting the borders that we forget that there are two planes to work on: the horizontal and the vertical. Height is a key element in garden design, no matter what size the garden is.

In small gardens the vertical is even more important because what draws the eye upwards expands the space. In larger gardens vertical elements create divisions inside the space or supply missing architecture, restoring the balance between the house and the plot.

Trees are significant, as are constructions like pergolas and arbours, but in June there are some plants that will make you positively determined to find a place for them. I’m talking about climbers. In June many doorways will display a gorgeous clematis or a climbing rose, drooping with flowers, but there are other things you can do.

Traditionally climbers are used to cover walls or fences, tied in to a supporting frame of trellis or on wires. Self clinging climbers, like ivy and parthenocissus, should be used carefully on old house walls because they can interfere with the mortar.

Climbing roses can be matched with clematis to very good effect so long as you choose clematis that should be cut back hard in late spring. This will allow proper pruning and keep the clematis flowers at eye level. Or you could choose combinations that flower in sequence, extending the interest in that spot; for instance, growing

Clematis alpina with later flowering C. texensis. Another ploy is to use a climber to grow up through a small tree or a large shrub that perhaps has interest in spring and again in autumn but not in the summer; for example, a sorbus with a mid -season clematis, or forsythia with a late season clematis like C. tangutica so old silvery clematis seedheads still decorate the bare branches when the forsythia flowers in the spring.

This strategy can provide endless opportunities to plant climbers but it is essential to choose something that will grow to the correct size. There are some climbers which are a bit opportunistic: the dreaded Russian vine (Fallopia baldschuanica), some vigorous scrambling roses like R.Kiftsgate and Clematis montana. Even wisteria can be problematic without the right support.

Annual or tender perennial climbers are also good fun because you can paint a different picture every year; Cobaea scandens, eccremocarpus, sweet peas, nasturtiums and rhodochiton are all easy from seed. Grow them through other permanent climbers or through shrubs.

No suitable walls or fences? Build wigwams of brushy sticks or weave an arbour or a tunnel and plant it up. Runner beans, mangetout, peas or climbing beans can be used, even more beautiful with a nasturtium or some sweet peas. Have fun and look up.

Sheila Drummond

Ingredients

For the Cod:

2 tablespoons olive oil

700g fresh cod, cut into 4 fillets

Salt and pepper

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 large cloves garlic, finely minced

300g cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

1/4 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (more to taste)

cod in white wine tomato basil sauce

Method

For the Sauce

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and gently fry for 1 minute, or until garlic is fragrant.

Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're soft and blistering, but still hold their shape, 9 to 12 minutes.

Add in the white wine, stir, and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Transfer the sauce into a bowl and set aside.

For the Cod

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Pat the cod dry with paper towels. Then season both sides with salt and pepper.

Place cod in the oil and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Carefully flip over and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, until just cooked through. Be gentle with it!

Pour the white wine tomato basil sauce over the cod, let the sauce warm up for a minute, then remove from heat and serve at once - with pasta, rice or even chips!

"...Maureen has for many years worked for the community behind the scenes. In particular, she seems tireless as she supports people who are lonely, unwell or bereaved by visiting and, if need be, in practical ways”.

"...it is very much down to Maureen’s dedication, enthusiasm, organisational skills and cheerful leadership that this important and much loved service for the local community has been established, maintained and developed over the years".

Maureen is probably best known for the Friday Soup Lunches which she with the dedicated help of her husband Allan, started some 15 years ago. The popularity of this event is evident how by the growing numbers who attend the soup lunches every week.

Congratulations Maureen! You certainly deserve the accolades and we can only agree that you are a worthy recipient!

Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry

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

We are looking forward to our AGM in June and then will be taking a break for meetings over the summer months. Members will be working on The Highland Jewel Country on Monday mornings and hosting Snowball Teas to raise money for Perthshire Women’s Aid. The club normally meets in the evening on the fourth Thursday of every month. If you are interested in attending or would like further information, then please email innerwheelpitlochry@gmail.com

Atholl Centre Pitlochry

Office hours

Atholl Centre Office open hours are Monday - Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm. General Assistant/Housekeeper required at the Atholl Centre.

Part Time – 20 hours per week - £10.82 per hour.

The Atholl Centre is adjacent to Pitlochry Baptist Church and shares its Christian ethos. The General Assistant/Housekeeper will carry out their duties as a member of a team made up of employees and volunteers with the Manager. A Job Description is available from the office or at www.athollcentre.org.uk/jobs

For an application form please email chair@athollcentre.org.uk and include your CV.

Closing date: Friday 30 June 2023.

If you would like to have an informal discussion re the Post, please call in to the office or telephone 01796 473044.

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

NB: Emergency contact number: 07443 738240

Pitlochry Baptist Church – Friday Soup Lunch.

Summer Specials – 30th June, 18 August, 29th September 2023.

All very welcome. Come & enjoy a hearty Soup Lunch and meet new friends.

Continued on page 48

FORAGING

Once a means of seasonal sustenance and survival, or an age old reminiscent tradition with your Granny. Foraging has become increasingly popular in its resurrection. With ingredients such as sea buckthorn, seaweed salt, wild garlic, ceps mushrooms etc gracing restaurant menus, an increase of local foraging events and courses as well as the appearance of super cool foragers creating beautiful recipes of salads with elf cups and nasturtiums, nettle and lemon drizzle cakes, while sipping elderflower champagne!! Foraging also has great health benefits too from improved mental well being to increased physical health benefits, medicinal benefits, even helping offset food costs; as well as the simple enjoyment of discovery and the deliciousness of the ever abundant-seasonalsuper-fresh plants that we call weeds. The Scottish landscape and it’s shores have a lot to offer.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING “WEEDS”!

Eating local wild foods, such as weeds, berries, nuts and mushrooms, have a great benefit to our health. Often very nutritionally dense; full of antioxidants, and vitamins they can even be successful medicinal remedies to common ailments. I’ve listed here a very basic list of easy to find ‘weeds’ that you may not have considered eating, however please don’t use this list as a guide, it is only to show how abundant wild food is on our doorstep, please refer to a reliable identification guide or speak with a professional forager.

Dandelions: Gardeners hate them, the bees love them, but Dandelions are packed with vitamins A, B, C & D and are known to aid digestion, liver and kidney problems, as well as lowering blood pressure and help regulate blood sugar. The whole plant is edible, from the flower, leaf and root. You can add them to salads, decorate cakes, make jam, make tea with hawthorn or ginger, and even make an alternative to coffee from oven dried roots ground in a spice grinder!

Nettles: Super easy to find, they often find you first with their sting! Best to pick the tips and young leaves as they offer the most tender flavour similar to spinach. Makes a brilliant pesto and addition to potato soup!! You can also brew it as a tea with other herbs such as fennel, mint and lavender. High in vitamins A, C, K & several B vitamins, polyphenols, amino acids, and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium to name a few.

Wild Garlic: An easy one to recognise in wet woodlands, due to pungent smell of garlic! Have a similar texture to spring onions but leafy with the delicious herby taste of garlic, full of vitamin A & C as well as calcium and iron and are great for digestive issues. You can eat the leaves, flowers and bulbs. You can slice these into salads, make pesto, add to butter, or scones and even ferment/pickle for up to a year!

Pine Needles: Yep the needles of the pine tree are also edible! Super rich in antioxidants and vitamin A & C; 4-5 x more than orange juice!! You can infuse the needles to make a herbal tea, it’s delicious in black tea. Pine needle tea can help to relieve asthma symptoms, chesty coughs and sore throats as well as help fight fatigue, aid skin cell regeneration and help acne, as well as reducing high blood pressure. You can also, steam fish over a pile of pine needles, as well as add them to shortbread and even infuse them into gin!!

Elderflower and Elderberry: The flowers and berries (when cooked) are edible, but leaves branches and stems aren’t. Full of antioxidants and vitamins A & C, Elderflower and berry is a classic remedy for cold, flu and other respiratory issues. The flowers are best picked at the start of flowering season when they smell sweet and floral, if they smell like urine then they are past their best. You can make a classic cordial, tea or even champagne! (Galloway Wild Foods) Elderberries come later in the year, and are best cooked into jams, jellies and pastels. If eaten unripe, green, or raw they are toxic.

Wild Violets: Almost too pretty to eat, but have become hugely popular in salad bowls and dessert/cake decoration. Just eat the flowers, the seeds and roots are toxic. Full of vitamin C, violets have a delicate sugary flavour. You can make a magic syrup with them, that turns pink when you add lemon.

Daisy: Are high in vitamin C, you can eat the flower, leaves and roots. Add young flowers to salads, decorate cakes or brew into a tea. They have a slightly bitter aftertaste with a slight nutty edge. You can also make daisies into an ointment for burns and other skin inflammations.

Seaweed: Yep the slimy stuff that tangles in your toes and freaks you out while swimming is also edible and delicious!! From Pepper Dulse, to Sea Lettuce, Forest Kelp, Sugar Kelp to Gut Weed and Sea Spaghetti, Seaweed has a salty umami taste, full of antioxidants, vitamins A & C, iodine and high in protein, and was once a very popular ingredient in British home cooking - hello Welsh Laver Bread. Seaweed is known to help with thyroid function, help regulate oestrogen levels, and digestive issues. Galloway Wild Foods has a brilliant guide to help https://gallowaywildfoods.com/an-introduction-to-seaweed-foraging/

A QUICK GUIDE TO FORAGING & THE LAW:

We are allowed to collect for our own consumption the four F’s; fruit, foliage, flowers and fungi. We are not allowed to dig up roots without the landowners’ permission though. The difference between Scotland and the rest of the UK is that we have the right to roam, which means there is no law of trespass. That said, there are some restrictions to that, namely we are NOT allowed to roam across agricultural land, on school property or in private gardens. To read more about Scotland’s outdoor access code: https://www. outdooraccess-scotland.scot/

QUICK TIPS TO GET STARTED:

• Avoid picking from busy roadsides or where there is a lot of dogs.

• If you’re unsure of it’s identification, don’t eat it.

• Use a good plant identification guide to help you properly identify plant species, and it’s always best to cross reference from another source.

• Don’t uproot plants just take clean sharp scissors and take cuttings of the edible parts, this ensures the plant will return the following year.

• Foraging isn’t about picking it all, always ensure you leave plenty behind and only pick what you need.

FORAGERS WORTH FOLLOWING:

And finally my short list of foragers worth following particularly on social media where they make simple and easy guides to plant identification, guide links on their blogs, and plenty of delicious recipes and storage hacks: Eat Weeds, Foraged by Fern, Galloway Wild Foods are my top favourites.

LINKS:

Wild Food UK: https://www.wildfooduk.com/edible-wild-plants

Woodland Trust link: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visitingwoods/things-to-do/foraging/

Totally Wild: https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2022/06/10/foragingin-scotland/

Eat The Planet offer some amazing foraging tours round Scotland: https://eattheplanet.org/foraging-tours-and-classesin-scotland/

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

Pitlochry’s Open Kitchen is @The Atholl Centre - Every last Sunday of the month (next one: 25th June) Pitlochry’s Open Kitchen meets to share recipes, cook, eat and have a good blether! Everyone is welcome! - For more information send an email to theopenkitchen22@gmail.com

Changing Places Toilet

New and fully equipped Rest room facility for the disabled

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

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

Helen Kirkwood

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

Further information from 01796 473044

Pitlochry & District u3a

Pitlochry & District u3a are looking forward to annual outing in June. This year we are planning a visit to the Scottish Crannog Centre. We will then be having a break over the summer with whole group meetings starting back in September. These take place on third Wednesday of each month at the Atholl Centre.

The u3a brings together people in their “third age”. This is defined not by a particular age but by a period in life when full time employment has ceased and/or parenting responsibilities have diminished. There is no lower age limit for membership and people who are working part time may join. The focus is on sharing and learning from each other. In addition to our whole group talks, we also offer special interest groups which are led by one of our members - the emphasis is on learning from each other and having fun while doing so. For further information please visit our website Pitlochry & District U3A: https://u3asites.org.uk/pitlochry/welcome or contact Sandra Cairncross (Secretary) on smcairnx@hotmail.com with any queries.

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group has now been running for two months and we’re happy to report that it’s going well and growing in numbers each week. At the time of writing this we have close to 30 budding young musicians taking part in our classes and bands and our very first end of term concert is coming up on 19th June.

We offer free weekly tuition and instrument provision in fiddle and piano-accordion, as well the opportunity to perform live music as part of one of our Trad bands - and it’s not too late to join.

We also have junior and senior mixed instrument trad bands for those who can already play, at least a little, regardless of the style of music already learned. We’re looking for a variety of instruments and encourage fiddle and accordion players, string, wind and brass players, guitarists

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!

and more. We encourage piano and keyboard players to come and transfer their skills to learning accordion.

Junior trad band is for ages P5 – S2, Senior trad band S3 – S6.

Classes and bands run weekly during term–time at Birnam Arts and open to anyone aged P5 – S6. Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com for more info.

Pitlochry Station Bookshop

Our recent achievement of raising £400,000 for our six charities has prompted thoughts of the little group who began the Bookshop in 2005, selling books from a cardboard box in a corner of the ticket office and so pleased with their first season’s takings of £200.

Amongst the pioneers were our founder, the late Elizabeth Lorimer along with Councillor, the late Eleanor Howie. Norman McCandlish, the first chairman, was responsible for the statement that Pitlochry Station Bookshop is “a bookshop that trains run through,” while John Yellowlees, then with ScotRail, provided stalwart support and encouragement.

A remarkable number of volunteers from the early days are still working with us and one of our volunteers had the clever idea of recording interviews with these “originals” about the Bookshop’s early days.

After a lot of work, the interviews, now packaged as podcasts, are available for listening. They can be found on the Bookshop website, www.pitlochrystationbookshop.co.uk where you just need to follow the links from the front page banner. There are ten contributors, each accompanied by a photograph and a brief background description. The podcasts are laid out separately. You can access them in any order and dip in and out at your leisure. Most of the podcasts are, on average, about seven minutes long and seem to go by at an even quicker pace.

The interviews are a fascinating account of how a small community enterprise for charity was established and how different people contributed their experience for the benefit of others. Thanks go to Bookshop volunteer, Vivienne Cree, whose idea this was and who conducted the interviews and to Heartland FM for technical support and for hosting the series. We hope you will find the podcasts full of interest.

Pitlochry Library

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

01796 474635 / pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk

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

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

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

Summer Reading Challenge 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre

The Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre, located in Moulin Square, is open Monday to Saturday between 2pm and 4pm. Come along to our wee museum and take a step back in time through our fascinating local history. Come and take a look - there is something for everyone in the family, including a kids corner.

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

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

Pitlochry & Moulin Men's Shed

The Pitlochry & Moulin Mens Shed (PAMMS) provides a community space for men to meet, connect, chat and create. Our activities centre on those that groups of men can enjoy together to help reduce loneliness and isolation. Equally importantly, we aim to make them enjoyable. Our Men's Shed can give purpose to those who have either retired or who just have some time on their hands. Activities such as ours aim to improve mental health, knowledge, skills and confidence in an informal environment.

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

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

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

Blair Atholl & Struan Community Council

The finale - Blair Atholl & Struan Community Action Plan 2023

So here we are at the end of the Blair Atholl & Struan Community Action Plan process. By the time you read this, the questionnaires have been submitted, the meetings held, the analysis carried out and even the ‘big conversation’ to discuss the results will have taken place on 1st June. But right now, we don’t know what the outcomes are.

All we do know is that this is a small community which packs a big punch. We have much to be proud of and even more to look forward to, in spite of hard times for so many of our residents. If you’d like to find out more about this or any other aspect of community council business, please email our secretary, Miranda on: blairathollstruancc@outlook.com

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band

By the time you read this we'll have had out first Highland Night of the season, played in our first competition of the year and had our stall at the Atholl Gathering.

We also had an engagement “Beating the Retreat” at the Britannia on the evening of the Coronation Day. A very large and enthusiastic crowd enjoyed our performance.

Our AGM was held on the 8th May and office bearers are as follows. Chairman: Ian Elrick, Secretary: Gillie McNab, Treasurer: Debbie Matthews, Child Protection Officer: Morven Bulloch, Pipe Major: Mark Stewart. Other Board members are Stuart Letford and Amy Fenton (Media), Hugh Kilpatrick (Fund Raising) Roddy Weir (Grade 4 Pipe Major), David Richardson (Lead Drummer) and Lynne Stephens (Membership Secretary).

The bands are looking forward to the competition season with Lochore on the 17th June and the European Championships in Aberdeen on the 24th June.

We're looking forward to a visiting band from Australia, The Knox Grammar School , coming to play at our Highland Night on Monday 26th June so please come along and see them.

We're also looking forward to playing at the Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace on Friday 30th June. Gillie McNab gmcnab00@aol.com 07733152223.

Edradour Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Pipe Band

Well done to band members Lennox Munro, Annabel & Joe Charlton winning prizes at Perform in Perth and at the Scottish Pipers Association Juvenile Competition. Both Lennox & Annabel also played at the Neil Gow Festival with the Gordon Duncan Experience and the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. Annabel went on to represent her school at Perth & Kinross Musician of the Year.

We will have had our first competition of the year at Dollar Academy on 20th May and our fundraising stall at the Atholl Gathering a week later. June will be a very busy month for the band, with competitions at Markinch & Lochore and then the European Championships in Aberdeen at the end of the month.

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

Pitlochry Bowling Club

We started our outdoor season in beautiful sunshine. We are always pleased to be out on the green again. The green looked lovely and was in great condition thanks to Neil Haggart who has worked hard on it throughout the year. A warm welcome to our friends from Blair Atholl who joined us and some visitors who also came along. Ann Egglishaw threw the first jack of the season and was presented with a beautiful bouquet. The winning team of the day, Ken Beercroft from Blair Atholl bowling club,Tommy Thompson,a visitor and Agnes Naylor Pitlochry B.C. playing for the President’s team. We all enjoyed a lovely tea afterwards in our club house. A big thank you to all who helped make it a lovely sociable afternoon.

May was a busy month with competitions. We started our defence of the North Perthshire League. The Forth wine trophy was won by Joe Osborne and Kevin Walsh. The Coronation pairs won by Noel Haggart and Bill McDade. This article has to be submitted before I know the results of other competitions played in May.

Our Entertainment committee have been busy organising some evening events to watch out for as everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy. The first of these is a Beetle Drive evening. Saturday 10th June at 7.30 . A great night of fun. Entry is £3. with lots of prizes. Bar and refreshments available. Watch our FB page for dates of Bingo and Quiz nights.

Pitlochry Bowling club is open to visitors Monday to Friday 10am-12. and 2pm-4pm. We have a good selection of bowls to suit adults and children. A two hour session costs £5. and children are free. Flat soled shoes are essential for the care of our green. For further information on any of our club activities you can contact John on 07833664121 or Agnes on 07918122415.

Blair Atholl Bowling Club

Well, we opened the season with the customary President verses VicePresident game on a dry but nippy day at Blair Atholl. Norrie McLaren threw the first jack and then to kick us off Raymond won the Spider! We managed to play 15 ends which ended in a narrow win for the President.

We have started the Hat Nights on a Tuesday evenings at 6.45pm along with the Open Nights on Friday evenings, also at 6.45pm. The North Perthshire League got underway on 10th May with a home game against Spittalfield. The game ended in a 2 – 6 score to Spittalfield. Not quite what we wanted but there’s always the next week’s game to look forward to.

If you fancy a go at bowls, we’ll be holding free informal coaching sessions on Tuesday afternoons starting at 2.00pm. You can come along and give it a try and if you enjoy the experience, we have an introductory offer of just £30 membership which would give you access to all the club facilities – green, clubhouse, bar etc and the opportunity to play in club and inter-club competitions. For more information you can contact Paul 01796 481 506 or Linda 07921 264 965 who will be happy to help you.

with Alan Clinch

Different Types of Physical Activity - Strength Training

A common belief is that the ‘best’ type of exercise is aerobic – this sort of activity will stress (and should ultimately improve) the function of your heart and lungs. Nothing wrong with that as an idea, and if you read the Nordic Walking/Golf article a few months ago you’ll be familiar with the idea behind this. So, while there is definitely a place for aerobic work, it’s important not to overlook resistance, or strength training.

Strength training is surrounded by myths and falsehoods – for example parents might ask ‘will it restrict my child’s growth?’ or people sometimes ask ‘but I don’t want to develop big muscles?’ The answer to both of these questions is an emphatic ‘no’, though like any other training regime a programme should be developed by a qualified exercise professional. I briefly touched last month on how important it is to use correct technique when moving items around, and trying to do exercises, especially with weights, without proper training may result in injury.

Here are a few of the well documented benefits of strength training for people of all ages:

Strength training should:

• Increase your Basal Metabolic Rate, meaning that you’ll burn more energy all day, every day (research suggests as much as 15%, though other factors such as age, gender and general health also impact this).

• Help with weight loss – initially you might not lose much weight (muscle is heavier than fat), but you’ll have a more toned body, and your muscle/fat tissue balance should improve.

• Improve bone density and help prevent onset of osteoporosis – our bones lose density with age, so increasing bone density makes us less prone to breaks. This can be particularly

useful for post-menopausal women. It should also reduce recovery time following an injury.

• Develop stronger bones, which will result in stronger joints, again making us more stable. This will result in improved balance, stability, and should help with flexibility: better ability to carry out everyday tasks and fewer accidents.

• Increase our lean muscle mass, and consequently strength, endurance, and power. This will allow us to live more active lives.

• Result in lower LDL Cholesterol and reduced blood pressure.

• Improve performance in sporting and/or leisure activities.

• Reduce the risk of diabetes due to improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance levels.

• Improve your posture, making muscle imbalance and back pain less likely.

• Improve the function of the immune system.

• Lower the resting heart rate, making the cardiovascular system more efficient. Remember, every time you move your body weight you’re doing strength training, so adding to this with a well designed training programme is going to have nothing but positive effects. There’s nothing wrong with aerobic fitness training, just remember there are other activities which could be included in any exercise programme.

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

Amulree Village Hall Trust Fund

The Amulree Hall committee are delighted to announce that the main fundraising phase of our redevelopment project has been completed and as of the 7th April 2023, Paul Haley Design & Build was able to start work on the building phase of the development. Work will carry on throughout the summer with a proposed end date of 31st October 2023 when we plan to have a ‘Grand Opening’ that the community, and all involved, will be invited to.

This QR code will take you to a short YouTube video created by local teenager Roddy Mathieson to support our Crowdfunding campaign. The Campaign is still live and any donations are always gladly received.

Please look out for updates and photos on our website and social media ad feel free to pop along and have a look. We will continue to fundraise locally for all the wee added extras and finishing touches that might be required and as such, our Crowdfunder is still live. Please feel free to spread the word.

www.crowdfunder.co.uk/amulree www.amulreehall.org.uk SC029092

We look forward to welcoming you again soon.

Killiecrankie Village Hall

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

Tennis in Blair Atholl

We are delighted to tell you that – contrary to the attached photo – tennis is very much alive and kicking again at the Memorial Park in Blair Atholl!

We’ve stripped off the carpet that was long past its ‘best before’ date and have uncovered some really clean, bouncy tarmac to play on. So by the time you read this, you can either join us again for social tennis on Sunday afternoons or you can book the court for yourself, as a member or as a visitor.

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

Ben Vrackie Path Repairs Project 2023

Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) has been asked to manage the path repairs required on the Ben Vrackie hillside path, that was badly scoured out in the summer of 2021 by heavy rain. Works shall include: clearing loose material, reprofiling & halting further damage by adding water bars, ditches, and some pitching on steeper sections, to make the path fit & more readily maintained for the next 20 years

Bid Strachan of PKCT said “it is a real privilege to take on the task, for Ben Vrackie is a much-loved location, a real jewel in the crown for Highland Perthshire and we need to do the best we can to restore and protect the hillside path from further erosion, for the benefit and joy of all users for many years to come”.

Liaison with various stakeholders is already underway, including the Landowner, Friends of Ben Vrackie (FoBV), Perth & Kinross Council, Nature Scot and Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS). Continued on page

This Month’s Easy Sudoku

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

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

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

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

Timescales for phase 1 of works – sourcing the stone and moving that into position, shall take place, all being well, late July/August, with phase 2 - actual path works and some training in path maintenance techniques by volunteers including FoBV and others, in October/November.

Fund raising has commenced, with £90,000 already secured and other funding applications in progress. It is hoped that a local fund-raising exercise can be started up. Bid Strachan said “Funders do appreciate if contributions towards match funding can be made, to demonstrate the community and business support for the project and the value of the local resource. If anyone would like to help with the local fundraising, that would be great.”

The detail of where funds can be sent is still to be finalised, however any enquiries: info@pkct.org and more information shall be available on www.pkct.org

Our Twins are Visiting!

A group of around a dozen Confolentais – residents of our twin-town of Confolens in France – will be visiting Pitlochry 5th-9th October this year. Pitlochry’s Friends of Confolens now have some fundraising and organising to do – unlike in France we receive no public funding.

The twinning was set up by Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council at the turn of the century, so our 25th celebration is not far away, and it is one of 7 twinnings between PKC towns and France (eg Cognac and Perth). There is a big drive on between the UK and France, post-Brexit, to rebuild on these cultural, business and tourism links (led in Scotland by COSLA) and Pitlochry is determined to play its role.

We want that hospitality to match the wonderful treatment received in the past by our pipe bands and Highland dancers when they’ve performed at the Confolens Festival (which attracts 80,000 visitors each year).

So, we are planning a series of fundraising events over the summer, starting with smaller, limited ticket events, building over the summer to larger, more inclusive, events. First up is

Friday 16th June, 6.30-8pm, Robertsons of Pitlochry’s famous Whisky-Tasting, hosted by Ewan McIlwraith, International Judge and Independent Bottler.

Ewan will advise how to nose, taste and sample the spirit to get the best from it, and then take you through five different whiskies. Afterwards you can stay for three more hours of traditional and contemporary music in the monthly music session. Our whiskies are very popular in France, of course, but there is another connection. Many whiskies are matured in barrels made from Sessile Oak, from the Forest of Limousin just outside Confolens. These barrels are also used to make Cognac and Bordeaux red wine. Thanks to Ewan’s amazing generosity, all of the profits from this event will support the Confolens visit. Tickets £30 from Robertsons, limited numbers.

For Bastille Day we plan “Let Them Eat Cake” -French pastries in the Jacobite Café at Killiecrankie. Then, later in the summer, we plan a quiz night for August and a musical soiree for September. More information tgmcewan@gmail.com

www.festivaldeconfolens.com

www.cosla.gov.uk/about-cosla/cosla-in-europe www.robertsonsofpitlochry.co.uk/tasting-events/

The Meeting Place

We had a very successful coffee morning in April in aid of the Dunkeld in Bloom Committee who do so much work in Dunkeld and Birnam to keep the borders and gardens looking good for the benefit of everyone, visitors and locals alike.

Continued on page 64

Pitlochry Life

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

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

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

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

• Free magazine - no cover charge for readers.

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

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

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

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

• Longevity - Everyone keeps it !

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

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

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

In May we supported the Christian Aid committee when they had their book stalls at the Duchess Anne. Thanks to Joan Cameron and a group of helpers there was a Coronation Afternoon Tea, also in Duchess Anne on the afternoon of the Coronation.

Our usual Friday mornings are from 10-12 in the Duchess Anne where you are assured of lovely home baking along with a cup of tea or coffee and some company. There is no charge but donations are welcome.

During the Art Exhibition in August, St Mary’s Church in Birnam has offered to host the weekly coffee mornings, please come along and join us either at Duchess Anne or St Mary’s.

The Breadalbane Heritage Society

The Breadalbane Heritage Society’s summer programme of excursions to various places of interest in the area took off in May with a visit to Finlarig Castle and Moirlanich Longhouse at Killin. Visits to other notable places include the Moncrieff Hill Forts, Kenmore Arboretum and a guided tour of Mar estate. Updated information on the excursions will be posted on the BHS website.

Membership of the BHS numbers between 110 and 120 and has now returned to pre-Lockdown levels. The BHS’s website https://breadalbane-heritage.org.uk features a video of local scenes of interest, and provides up-to-date information about talks and activities, events and publications.

Ongoing Society projects include the maintenance of the Killiehassie private burial ground in Strathtay, and the recent publication, in association with the Aberfeldy Museum Group, of an illustrated leaflet, The Aberfeldy and Weem Heritage Trail, with a trail map and information on the many places of interest in the area. QR codes with information at each of these sites are currently being installed.

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

Tenandry Kirk, Killiecrankie

Interim Moderator: Rev. Neil Glover

Session Clerks: Marion Faulds - 01796 472415

Edward Elworthy - 07770842502

Every Sunday service at 10.30am

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

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

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

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

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

Dull and Weem Parish Church – 9.30am

www.dullandweemparish.org

Strathtay, Grantully and Logierait Parish Churches -10.30am

www.glschurchofscotland.org

Aberfeldy Parish Church – 10.30am

www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org

We ‘meet up’ at our weekly Zoom Service - details can be found on all the Church Websites. 1st Sunday of the month is a joint service with Aberfeldy, Dull and Weem, and Grantully, Logierait & Strathtay (GLS) - 10.30am

June -Strathtay

Church Based Activities

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

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

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

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

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

Contact - 01887 820936.

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

Contact Jane - 07771641390 or Annette - 07736384035.

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

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

Strathtay Coffee Break

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

Strathtay Quilting Group – John Kyd Hall

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

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

Part of the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane

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

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

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

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

Holy Trinity is open daily

Sunday services 9.30am Holy Communion

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

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

Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416.

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

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

Zoom Services

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

Pitlochry Baptist Church

Atholl Road, PH16 5BX

Pastor: Rev David Barrie pastor@pbcweb.net www.pbcweb.net

Our Worship Gathering takes place every Sunday from 10:30am at our building on Atholl Road - next to the Tourist Information Centre and across the road from Heartland FM. We have a full programme for babies through to teenagers. If you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come as you are and join us. We look forward to welcoming you. Why not check out our website www.pbcweb.net to find out more about who we are and what we’re up to? And while you’re at it, look out for us on both Facebook and Instagram! We often post about events such as ‘Stay&Play’ babies and toddlers group in our building on Wednesday mornings, Tuesday’s ‘Make&Bake’ in Aberfeldy Town Hall and Pitlochry’s ‘Friday Youth Club’ in our building… every Friday. Keep an eye out too for special event dates.

Pitlochry Church of Scotland

Interim Moderator: Rev Fraser Penny 01350 727 249

Session Clerk: 01796 472791

Website: www.pitlochrychurchofscotland.org.uk

Sunday Service: Morning Worship at 10.30am.

We invite you to join us, whether you live locally or are just visiting the area. Worship begins with a warm welcome, followed by a mix of music and words, ancient and modern. The wearing of masks within our building is now optional. Everyone is welcome for tea/coffee and juice in The Tryst after the service.

Communion will be celebrated on Sunday 4 June at 10.30am.

Members of the Church will lead a service of worship at Balhousie Care Home on Sunday 11 June at 2.30pm.

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

Wednesday Coffee and Chat: 10.30am – 11.45am Everyone is very welcome to catch up with friends, neighbours and to meet new people over tea, coffee and biscuits in the Tryst lounge.

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

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

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

Pitlochry Life

Blair Atholl & Struan Linked With Braes Of Rannoch And Foss & Rannoch

Interim Moderator: The Rev Grace Steele.

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

Session Clerk Blair Atholl & Struan Harold Ingram 01796 481275

Session Clerk Braes of Rannoch ~~

Session Clerks Foss & Rannoch Robert and Elizabeth Anderson 01882632272

Blair Atholl & Struan Church - Weekly service in Blair Atholl Church at 11.15am.

Coffee Corner is back in Blair Atholl Church Hall every Thursday at 10.00am – 12.00. All welcome. Services in Rannoch are held weekly, at 9.45am at Braes of Rannoch and 11.30am at the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

How can you find real joy? The talk on the 11th will answer that question. You are very welcome to attend our meetings held at our Kingdom Hall in Moness Terrace, Aberfeldy. If you have a Bible, bring it with you; if you would like a Bible, we offer copies without charge. If you would like a lift to the meetings, get in touch using the information below.

Thursday 1st June, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Chronicles 28, 29, ‘How Can the Meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses Benefit You?’, ‘Jehovah Is the “Father of the Fatherless”’, ‘Are You Ready to Get Baptized?’.

Sunday 4th June, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Walking With God Brings Blessings Now and Forever’. A discussion: ‘“By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples” (John 13:35)’.

Tuesday 6th June, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Chronicles 30, 31, ‘Gathering Together Is Good for Us’, ‘Praise Jehovah by Commenting at Meetings’, ‘Remain Well Established in the Truth’.

Sunday 11th June, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘How Can You Find Real Joy?’ A discussion: ‘What Can We Learn From the Miracles of Jesus? (Acts 10:38)’.

Thursday 15th June, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Chronicles 32, 33, ‘Be a Source of Strength During Times of Distress’, ‘Choose Your Friends Wisely’.

Sunday 18th June, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Who Can Be Saved?’. A discussion: ‘“Your Brother Will Rise”! (John 11:23)’.

Thursday 22nd June, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Chronicles 34–36, ‘Are You Benefiting Fully From God’s Word?’, ‘Unleash the Power of God’s Word in Your Ministry’, ‘Are You Making Good Use of the Audio Bible?’, ‘How to Cultivate Good Friendships’.

Sunday 25th June, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Appreciating the Marvels of God’s Creations’. A discussion: ‘Jehovah Will Help You Deal With Life’s Uncertainties (Psalm 34:19)’.

Thursday 29th June, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: An Introduction to the book of Ezra, Ezra 1–3, ‘Allow Jehovah to Use You’, ‘How Can Your Family Be Happy?—Part 1’. Jehovah is the name of Jesus’s father; to witness is to share the truth. Enjoy a free study of the Bible at your convenience - ring or text 07 802 753 193. At www.jw.org you find the Bible’s answers to life’s questions.

St Bride’s Catholic Church

Parish Priest: Fr. Emmanuel Adindu

Rie-Achan, Pitlochry PH16 5AL Tel. No: 01796 472174

E-mail address: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk

Also served by St. Brides;

Sunday Masses:

St. Columbia’s, St. Mary’s Road, Birnam Vigil Mass 6p.m.

Our Lady of Mercy. Sunday 9.30am.

St. Bride’s. Sunday 11.30 am.

Weekday Masses:

Our Lady of Mercy. Tuesdays 9.30am.

St. Brides Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 9.30am.

The Baha’i Faith

The Cost of Living Crisis

A friend and P.L. reader recently asked what the Baha’is had to say about this blight on the lives of so many. We know there are no quick fixes. However, changing attitudes in society and amongst all individuals can bring long term “fixes”. The majority of Baha’i initiatives for social and economic development are modest in scale and are sustained by resources in the local community that carry them out.

The Universal House of Justice, our appointed supreme authority in interpreting Baha’u’llah’s Writings, sets the bar for us:

“Social Justice will be attained only when every member of society enjoys a relative degree of material prosperity and gives due regard to the acquisition of spiritual qualities”.

How do we reach this Nirvana? As King Charles has been repeating, service is the path to curing this and many of the world’s ills. If we practice living a life of service, we will be generous with our love and compassion, and, speaking practically, give freely of our time, energy, knowledge and our financial resources.

This impulse arises from feeling good about ourselves and from feeling gratitude, and leads to a pattern of generosity in our conduct. We become motivated neither by hope of recognition and reward nor by fear of punishment but by humility and detachment.

Goodwill around the Coronation has been the driver of a huge wave of volunteering and selfless acts. But it should not be seen as the “haves” doing for the “have-nots”. The measure of “having” rests in multiple attributes possessed by each one of us and we all need to share.

Baha’u’llah’s vision is that humanity will reorganise its affairs to ensure that the vast resources of the planet can be used to bring about spiritual and material prosperity for the entire human race.

Local Baha’is welcome exchanges with those of all faiths and none, either over a coffee or in study and prayer groups and in Youth groups and young Children’s Classes. Do contact us via Hilarie on 07967 601423 or Rachel on 07707 994812.

The Pitlochry Crossword

By Lesley

ACROSS

1 Surprisingly fine ram - he’s handy in an emergency (7)

5 Leave car at recreation ground (4)

9 Perthshire village teetering by the Earn (9)

10 Tin buried in scenic Anstruther (3)

11 Some wasps strut - it gets your attention! (4)

13 See you applaud lionheart (7)

14 Royal house begin to contain uprising at first (6)

15 Drills Caledonian Sleepers? (6)

18 Promote wild, lone ben (7)

20 Animated nudist loses it, somewhere in Bewickshire (4)

22 Spoil tartan (3)

23 Get air, oil change, just off the A9 (9)

25 Headless bear in a spin (4)

26 Leatherworker building ladders (7)

DOWN

1 Slow saltire perhaps (4)

2 Dry sounding whisky (3)

3 Men sort out Nessie? (7)

4 Spot isn’t frozen (6)

6 Coo in car bizarrely holding top of delicate instrument (9)

7 Scottish burgh sinks or swims (7)

8 Reportedly, person paying for cowshed (4)

12 Irritated, interpreting nuns’ creed (9)

14 Place to wash your clothes - sounds close (7)

16 Deer had disturbed Prince Harry or Karen Gillan, for example (7)

17 Singer breaks rules (6)

19 Party - bravo everyone! (4)

21 Sean Connery possibly engaged in dastardliness (4)

24 19 Down doesn’t start completely (3)

Answers for May on page 76

Cycle with me! Pitlochry to Killiecrankie via Loch Faskally there and back!

Great for: Low level, flat cycling and beautiful scenery. Benefits: Conveniently starts at a central car park. Forest routes combined with riverside cycling. Use as a one-way or ‘there and back’ route. Cycle as little or as much of the route as you please before turning back!

Length: Approx. 8 miles.

Start at the Atholl Road Car Park in Pitlochry and turn left onto the main street in the town. On the outskirts of Pitlochry, take a left at the sign to the Faskally Boating Station. At the boating station at the bottom of the hill take the track that brings you alongside Loch Faskally. When you come to a track turning right, away from the Loch, look for the signs to the caravan park. You may have to dismount here to navigate the small steps. Do not follow the track alongside the river at this point as there are steep banks and the ride will get very technical. Keep following the signs for the caravan park and this will take you to a tarmac road. Turn left here and continue until you meet another road where you will make another left and continue cycling along the footpath. Go straight across at the junction to Tummel Bridge. Look out for the left hand turn onto a tarmac road and continue downhill on this tarmac until a right hand turn up river takes you to the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre.

You will pass the ‘Soldier’s Leap’ on this path which is a breath-taking view well worth dismounting for! You may want to stay off your bike at this point to continue up the steps to the Visitor Centre.

Sally

Last Month's Sudoko Answers

Answers to the May Crossword Across

Down

Repairs · Virus Removal

New Systems · Broadband

Networking · Data Recovery

Verisure Monitored Alarm Systems

Clover Merchant Services

HOROSCOPES

BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN

For June 2023

June is traditionally a lively month as the inquisitive sign of Gemini comes to the forefront, emphasising the opportunity for good, positive communication and the challenge of new ideas and open discussion. Jupiter and Uranus are both in practical earth sign Taurus; Jupiter is about opportunity and Uranus is about liberation, in Taurus, the money sign, we can expect some significant financial changes in the world economy. Relationship planet Venus arrives in outgoing and courageous Leo on the 6th, be prepared as romantic and creative plans are looking very favourable this month. Action packed Mars remains in fiery Leo all month, suggesting a new level of self-confidence and enthusiasm. The major shift in June is the retrograde movement into Capricorn of the powerful and transformational planet Pluto; this cosmic cycle will be all about revisiting and reviewing what has gone on over the past years. The old structures are falling away, paving the way for new ones to be built once Pluto finally stays in Aquarius for good, which will not happen until November 2024. The Gemini new moon arrives on the 18th and manifests itself on a personal level by the need for changes and spontaneity.

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

June offers exciting potential for interaction and exchange of ideas concerning your financial situation. Be sure to review your options carefully before making any big decisions. Action planet Mars, your ruler, stays in confident Leo all month suggesting that the gift of heightened creativity, particularly for a new project that has been on your mind for a while.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21

Jupiter, Mercury and the maverick planet Uranus are all in your sign this month suggesting that your values and your finances are in the spotlight as some major choices will need to be made. Venus, your ruler, arrives in Leo on the 6th joining action planet Mars; renewed courage and vitality should be available to you. The Gemini new moon on the 18th offers an inspirational solution.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21

June is your birthday month, your insights and communication should now be at their peak ready for new ideas, and even a change of direction or career. Mighty Jupiter is in an intuitive area of your chart offering interesting solutions to a long term problem that has been bothering you. The new moon in your sign on the 18th suggests that amazing breakthroughs are now possible.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22

June is an important month for Cancerians, as Venus joins action planet Mars in creative Leo on the 6th. Your financial sector is emphasised and by taking a more positive approach towards the future your chances of success are looking positive. The Gemini new moon on the 18th triggers your intuition helping you to make the most of your gifts as new opportunities advance your strengths.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23

Connecting with friends and inspirational new groups could turn out to be the most exciting part of your life during this month. The Sun is in pivotal positon for ensuring that plenty of opportunities come your way. Abundant Jupiter, newly arrived in Aries, looks set to bring up some interesting career opportunities, be sure to use your intuition to make the right decisions.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22

Mercury, your ruler, arrives in communicative Gemini on the 11th, with the radiant Sun already illuminating the highest point of your chart this month looks all set for big changes surrounding your goals and ambitions. Abundant Jupiter and the maverick planet Uranus are both travelling through a pivotal angle of your chart. Freedom is on your mind and the spirit of joy and adventure is looming large.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER

23

The Gemini Sun is high in your chart, suggesting that June is the perfect month for reviewing any innovative ideas you have concerning broadening your horizons and stepping up your further education. Mars is in courageous and creative in fiery Leo, and Venus joins in on the 6th, all excellent cosmic placements for the future. The Gemini new moon on the 18th brings a welcome boost.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

June draws your attention to your home and family as transformational Pluto, your ruler, continues its retrograde motion in Aquarius. Big changes may now be on offer and you will need to take your time before coming to a decision. The powerful Gemini new moon on the 18th draws your attention to new ways of making money using your hidden talents, your intuition will guide you.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Energetic Mars remains in fiery Leo all moth stirring up the adventure sector of your chart, travel is on your mind and it’s an excellent time to bring plans to a head. Venus, in intuitive Cancer until the 6th suggests that new insights on a project you have been working on can now come to fruition. The Gemini new moon on the 18th offers an exciting new dimension to your life.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

Dynamic Mars is active in your relationship sector all month, stirring up an issue that has been bothering you for a while. Jupiter and Uranus, both in down to earth Taurus, can help you to be both intuitive and practical and get the very best out of this cosmic potential by making the right decision. The Gemini New moon on the 18th brings a totally different outlook and a more positive approach.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18

June is the perfect month for social activities as the lively Gemini Sun shines brightly on new friendships, and even on the possibility of a new romance! Action packed Mars, in your opposite sign all month, offers renewed courage and optimism, lifting your spirits to a new height. The potent Gemini new moon on the 18th suggests that a new creative phase is about to begin.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19

- MARCH 20

The importance of being open to new people and ideas, and of letting your own intuition be your guide, is strongly suggested this month. Love planet Venus joins passionate Mars in Leo from the 6th, bringing excitement to the forefront. Your confidence should now be at its peak as you receive reassurance from those around you.

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

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

Christine Chalklin

Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach

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

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

The Atholl Medical Centre

Ferry Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 472558

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

Except Wednesdays Closed 12.15 - 1.45pm

Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111

Prescriptions - tay.amcprescriptions@nhs.scot

Pitlochry Community Hospital

Ferry Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 472052

Visiting Hours:

GP Unit - Contact for further info.

MIIU - Temporarily closed until further notice.

Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice

The Surgery, Kinloch Rannoch.

Tel: 01882 632216

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

Surgery Hours 9-10.15am, 2-3pm and 4-5pm. For all urgent appointments please phone reception

Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111

Pitlochry Post Office

Within Premier Store

63 Atholl Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 474301

Blair Atholl Post Office Tel: 01796 481233

Ballinluig Post Office Tel: 01796 482220

Strathtay Post Office Tel: 01887 840203

Kinloch Rannoch Post Office Tel: 01882 632347

Pitlochry Library

26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry

Tel: 01796 474635

E-mail: pitlochrylibrary@pkc.gov.uk

Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri - Closed

Thurs 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 7.00pm Sat 9.30am - 12.30pm

Housing & Community Safety and Registration Services

26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry

Mon, Tues & Fri 8.45am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 5.00pm

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

Registration of Births,

More Helpful Numbers to Hand

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