Pitlochry Life May 2023

PITLOCHRY LIFE

The Best of Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire

Pitlochry - Aberfeldy - Dunkeld - Birnam - Kenmore

Kinloch Rannoch - Blair Atholl

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Editor

Willie - 07906375953

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CONTENTS

The Pitlochry Tipple

This month Ewan looks at the rise of the independent bottlers, of our favourite tipple.

Your Community

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

Spring Garden Trends

We have some great ideas to brighten up your garden this Spring.

Willie's Wonky Computer

Willie looks at the threat of having Tik Tok on your phone or tablet.

The Pitlochry Garden

Sheila looks at why plants relocate themselves in the garden!

Recipe

This month we revisit our favourite muffin and add a tasty twist.

www.facebook.com/pitlochrylife

Sudoku

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

Fitness With Alan Clinch

Alan looks at the correct way to pick things up, and put them down, saving you from back-ache.

Walk Yourself Happy!

Walk yourself happy, healthy and fit with these simple tips.

The Pitlochry Crossword

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

WELCOME

Walk Yourself Happy

Welcome to the May edition of Pitlochry Life. It’s good to see the days are getting much longer and the temperatures are starting to rise… well during the day anyway!

May sees the start of new shows at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, lots of LIVE music at The Old Mill, Atholl Palace Hotel and we have a concert for the Coronation.

This month The Pitlochry Tipple looks at independent bottlers, in our fitness column Alan looks at lifting safely, in the computer page Willie explains the dangers of Tik Tok and in the garden Sheila Drummond gives us an insight into why plants move!

Lesley has produced a great crossword, or if you prefer, we also have the old favourite sudoko. Give them both a go - you may be surprised how well you get on, and, it's a great exercise for your brain!

We also look at new garden trends for 2023 and take a look at why walking is really good for you. Have a great May and see you next time.

The Pitlochry Garden

Support Independents

There are currently 143 operating distilleries in Scotland with approximately 12bn (70cl equivalent bottles) maturing in 22 million casks which are currently sleeping in Scotland’s warehouses. (Source Scotch Whisky Association Jan-Dec 2022)

The vast majority of these casks will be used for blending as around 80% of all whisky consumed is blended. That leaves around 4.4 million casks for single malts, of which the majority will be used to bottle the single malts we know and love. However, there is a growing market for independent bottlings. This is where a company like Robertsons of Pitlochry buys casks from distilleries, usually through brokers, and we add our own touch of magic – genius as I like to call it. For example, I can decide what age to bottle a cask at, what abv % and even whether to transfer from the original cask ex-bourbon, for example, to a finishing cask which could be ex-Pedro Xemenez sherry. By doing this we are creating our own unique whisky, which is probably just a single cask, making it both unique and very interesting. You are, of course, dependent on the person making these decisions about abv% and cask finishes knowing what they are doing!

Locally we have some fantastic Independent Bottlers. Finn Thomson whisky, who I’ve written about before, Signatory Vintage one of the longer standing Indies, and of course the Scottish Field Independent Bottler of the Year for 2021, Robertsons of Pitlochry.

You may question the need for Indies as the range of distillery bottlings is so vast. The core range of distillery bottlings are fantastic and are profiled at 40-43% abv, chill-filtered (the process of removing oils and fats to ensure crystal clear whisky at any temperature), and of course are not usually single cask. So, there is undoubtedly

room in the market for the Indies. Our whisky profile is often cask strength 46% + abv, non-chill filtered, natural colour (some distilleries add caramel to darken their whisky), and usually single cask. The one challenge faced by Indies is the cost structure. As we bottle at higher abv %’s we pay more in duty per bottle, so the cost is higher. As it is single cask bottlings the economies of scale are not at play. Label design, bottling charges etc are all higher. But and it is a big BUT, you are getting a whisky which is literally hand crafted, limited to just a few hundred bottles, if that. Cask strength probably 50-65% abv and with a flavour unique to that particular cask. From the Indies perspective it is fun, we get to experiment, like the Robertsons Allt Dour which won me the award. So yes, you will pay more than you would for an equivalent distillery bottling of the same age, but you get so much more for your money. I say support Independents and give them a go.

Interesting fact. We lose 2% per annum of the volume in a barrel of whisky to the angels, that means at any one time there is the equivalent of 240 million bottles of whisky in the atmosphere above Scotland.

Come and join us at Blair Athol Distillery this spring!

Enjoy a tour around our historic and charming distillery or visit our exclusive Mash Tun Bar for a perfectly crafted whisky cocktail.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic- 2nd May

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 2 May 2023 between 10.00am - 12.00 noon at the Pitlochry Community Hospital.

Pitlochry Repair Cafe - 7th May

What do you do with a broken chair, an ornament with a crack, a jacket with a hole, or a bike with a punctured tyre? 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)! Our talented repair volunteers 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 7 May and 4 June, then we have a couple of months break over summer until 3 September.

While you wait, you can enjoy homemade baking, soup, hot drinks and good chat while you wait with our friendly front of house and baking volunteer team. Repairs and refreshments are all free and donations are welcome.

Find us on Facebook and Instagram @PitlochryRepairCafe. 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

Pitlochry & District Climate Cafe - 9th May

"We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” - Howard Zinn. A Climate Café is an open space somewhere where people who are interested in the climate crisis can meet. There are no committees, no lectures, no judgements, no commitments. We can chat, act, find information or get regular updates through emails. It is inclusive, warm, friendly, supportive, a safe space where everyone is equal. It is a space where you can be honest, take risks, and where we are interested in what everyone has to say. We do provide presentations, talks and events and it does include tea coffee and biscuits.

The Climate Cafés take place the second week of the month - Tuesdays, 1pm and Thursdays 7pm. The next ones will be Tuesday 9th May & Thursday 11th May, (virtual or in person). Venue: Pitlochry Library, PH16 5BX. For more information contact Carol Aitken caaitken.naturaldesign@ gmail.com

Sprout, Company Limited by Guarantee We have submitted a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) application for the old Burnside Toilets as a permanent venue for Sprout, an umbrella community organisation where we can work on anything sustainable. It will include some workshop space for the Mens Shed, a multi-purpose space, a Reuse space and some public accessible toilets. Please help Sprout gather some feedback for the CAT - just one question to answer! So please if you can check our post on Sprout’s Facebook page. www.facebook.com/Sprout.The.Community.Eco.Hub

Guided Tour - Martin Mathers is doing a guided walk in Black Spout Woods on Sunday 7th May at 11am, through the Tayside Woodlands Partnership. Meet up in the bottom car park and dogs are welcome.

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AN AFTERNOON

At Dunkeld House Hotel, we have upheld the ritual of Afternoon Tea and serve ours in the traditional manner of dainty sandwiches, sweet treats, small savouries and pots of piping hot tea, but with a twist!

Experience our unique woodland-themed Afternoon Tea which encapsulates the nature and wildlife surrounding The Dunkeld House Hotel.

£29.50 per person

www.dunkeldhousehotel.co.uk

Pitlochry Litter Action Group - 9th May

The tourist season his about to start again. 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 9th May.

Dates for litterpicks in 2023 are: June 13th, 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.

Moulin Hall Trust AGM - 10th May

Wednesday 10th May 2023, 7:00pm in Moulin Hall. Open to the public. We are looking for new committee members – please come along for a warm welcome.

Heartland Film Society at The Birks - 14th May

Alcarràs

Carla Simón’s award-winning story of Catalonian peach farmers struggling to make ends meet asks important questions about our relationship with the land and the human cost of progress. Quimet, a middle-aged farmer, lives in a rambling house surrounded by peach trees, whose produce supports his extended family. But their home and livelihood come under threat when the new landlord proclaims that the fruit trees are to be replaced by solar panels. Quimet’s reaction is furious and self-destructive, but not all the family members oppose the changes. The non-professional cast bring a touching authenticity to the life and trials of a family faced with the disruption of their lives.

Alcarràs - 14 May The Birks Cinema Aberfeldy

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

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

Killiecrankie, Fincastle & Tummel CC - 15th May

The next meeting of the KFT Community Council will be held in Killiecrankie Village Hall on 15 May 2023 at 7pm.

Minutes of the last meeting of KFT Community Council, held in Kynachan Hall, Tummel Bridge on 20 March 2023 are on our website www.kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk

If you live in our area, please email info@kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk to join our mailing list and receive updates.

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Pitlochry & District u3a - 17th May

We are looking forward to welcoming Rich Hiden, Assistant Director, from The Scottish Crannog Centre to our meeting on May 17th. Rich will sharing details of new developments at the Scottish Crannog Centre, including their exciting new build at Dalerb.

There will be time for questions and discussions. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be served afterwards. A visit to the Scottish Crannog Centre is planned for June.

We meet in the Atholl Centre and our meetings start at 2pm.

Our special interest group continue to be active and we are looking forward to the first outings of our newly formed Theatre Going Group and Garden Visiting Group.

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.

Pitlochry Flower Club - 17th May

Our next meeting, which is the last of of our 2022-23 season of meetings, is on Wednesday 17th May at the Tryst Hall, Pitlochry at 2pm when Karen Buckley will give a talk entitled "Delightful Dahlia". We will have a raffle, and a sales table. A short AGM will also be held.

Visitors will be made most welcome, a small charge of £7 is made. Do come along and have a fun afternoon with friends and flowers. For more information, please contact Lynda Gardiner (01796 472157, lynda.gardiner@talk21.com). We are a small club and new members are very welcome at any time.

We are pleased to to be able to let you know that we will be continuing next year as existing committee members have taken on additional tasks. Wishing everyone a lovely summer and looking forward to meeting up in September.

Music in Rannoch - 21st May

Sunday May 21st at 3.00 pm in The Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch. Ruth Morley (flute) and Scott Mitchell (Piano). Programme will include Bach’s Flute Sonata in G minor, Connesson’s “Le Rire de Sarai” and a selection of Debussy’s Preludes.

£8 at the door, children free, refreshments during the interval, easy parking.

Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry - 25th May

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.

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We are looking forward to welcoming friends and Inner Wheel members from other clubs to our Open Meeting in May. This will be a lunchtime meeting. We are also delighted that we will be joined by Provost Xander McDade as our speaker.

The club meets in the evening on the fourth Thursday of every month. If you are interested in attending or would like further information, then please email innerwheelpitlochry@gmail.com

Ballinluig Bazaar - 27th May

The next Ballinluig Bazaar will be on Saturday 27th May. 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.

Loch Tummel Sailing Club - 27th May

Open Day - Loch Tummel Sailing Club, 27th May 11am - 4pm. All

Have you always wanted to try sailing? Or you have sailed before and want to get back into this fantastic, healthy sport?

Join us on Saturday 27 May at Loch Tummel Sailing Club and join one of our experienced members to go sailing on beautiful Loch Tummel. Whatever you age or level of experience, you will be made very welcome and once you have sailed, join us outside in the sunshine to find out more about the club. We will provide life jackets and all other equipment, all you need to bring along is a spare change of clothes just in case you get a little wet.

ages welcome

Sailing really is a sport for all and at Loch Tummel you can race or cruise in idyllic scenery. And there is a strong social side to our friendly club so if you are looking to make new friends, it is an ideal environment.

If you have any questions about the day, please call Adam Jones on: 07548 360507 or email him at: admin@scm.lochtummelsc.org See you there!

JustSingin` Birnam - 17th June

New members are always welcome to join in our friendly, mixed a capella choir which meets in Birnam Arts on Wednesdays 7.30pm-9.30pm. No auditions, no music reading!

This month we welcome back renowned Scots singer Amy Lord - find out more about her here: www.amylord.scot/about Please visit www.justsingin.co.uk for fees and full details or email to enquiries@justsingin.co.uk or phone Katie on 07765 405203

Save the date! Saturday 17th June - our 20th Anniversary Concert in the BA. Special guests include the choir`s founder, Christine Kydd. Come and meet us all then if not before.

GARDEN TRENDS 2023

It’s the beginning of May and so back out into the garden we go. At this time of year many of us think about a make over for the garden, here are a few of the trends that the gardening experts expect to be popular this year.

The good news in that the biggest trend is that the COTTAGE GARDEN returns. To bring it up to date though there is a move to including modern functionality meaning we want to live and work in the garden. To do this we need to incorporate the GARDEN ROOM. We want to increase our living space and help bring the outside in. A garden room is a great addition for people working from home giving them extra space and enjoying the outdoors which in turn improves your wellbeing.

PLANTING COLOUR TRENDS

Darker colours in planting, with small bursts of colour are a colour trend for this year. Plants with plummy or dark stems and foliage such as Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’, Sambucus nigra, Angelica gigas or bronze fennel will form a backdrop for the brighter colours of dotted, meadow-like flowers such as scabious, verbenas and geums. Smoky purple and grey hues in flowers such as Papaver ‘Amazing Grey’, Aconitum ‘Stainless Steel’ and Amsonia hubrichtii will be prized.

VEGETABLE GARDENS

We already referenced this earlier - but we are all trying to save money and be healthier, so try growing things that are easy and you like to eat. Sow a few of each item a few weeks apart. Otherwise all your harvest is ready at the same time and may be wasted. See Sheila’s Gardening Column in the April issue for full instructions on sowing seeds. A following trend to our veggie gardens the NO DIG method, created by Charles Downing. A simple method of leaving the soil undisturbed as much as possible, allowing soil life to help plant roots grow, and only feed the soil life once a year with organic matter such as compost. And that’s it. Less effort, and fewer weeds too!

GARDEN ROOMS

Possibly the biggest cost in a make over - but they are here to stay. From small wee man caves to full blown structures with power, lighting and heating. Choose with purpose in mind. Can you use it all year, can It be multi purpose e.g gym and home office. See that it has a good spot in the garden and gets lots of light.

GRAVEL GARDENS

These look really nice and effective, especially if you have a smaller garden and grass would take up too much planting space. It’s a great way of brightening a small area and great if you don’t have enough watewr. Combine with another great trend…The SCREEN. They are now available in lots of colours and materials. You can add colour/ shapes or patterns to your garden. If you get bored you an always move them somewhere new next year!

LATE SUMMER BLOOMERS

This is great for Scottish gardens as we are weeks behind the south coast. Pick things such as nerines, salivas, autumn bulbs, grasses, asters and aconitums.

VERTICAL GARDENING

Previously this was in the form of a green wall. This saw lots of garden walls hanging with plants especially in pockets. However this has turned out to be a lot of work and needs lots of watering. Forget that go back to the cottage style of ESPALIER - the traditional technique of espaliering plants so they grow upwards and across walls. Plant things either in a tub or a bed at the base of the fence/ wall and then train them upwards against the wall. You can do this vertically or in horizontal shapes and patterns. If the plants are in soil - less watering! Pick fruit trees for both flowers and a crop!

DROUGHT RESISTANT PLANTS

Salvias, rock roses, long flowering darker colours. Rock roses - will come back into fashion, because of their ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions - low-maintenance, fast-growing and with a profusion of flowers, they will grow over walls, paths, rockeries and in mixed borders.

REGENERATIVE GARDENING

Peat is about to be outlawed - ok maybe not quite, but soon we won’t be able to buy peat compost. So we need to turn to alternatives - let’s see what they come up with. Current thinking is seaweed or biochar- basically carbon ashes left over from biomass production. Back to putting your ashes on the garden! In the meantime we can encourage wild life like birds to eat the bugs, cover cropping - planting comfrey or winter beans over the vegetable bed to suppress weeds. They also help add nitrogen and other nutrients to your soil.

BROWNS AND TAUPES FOR OUTDOOR LIVING

Get rid of the grey boxy sofas. To be honest I like them and think they look smart. The experts are saying ditch them and go back to natural colours like rattan. Paving is going to go back to buff and warmer colours too. Tactile textures such as terracotta and natural stone will turn out to be a key garden trend for 2023. The use of natural stone has been important in schemes recently and there will be more of an emphasis on stone sourced from quarries local to us.

The Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition - 29th

July

The Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition will open on Saturday 29th July and run for just over 4 weeks until Thursday 31st August.

We will be open every day from 1-4 and 12-4 on Sundays.

Artists are invited to enter their work online at www.dunkeldartexhibition.com from 1st May and any enquiries please contact us at dunkeldart@aol.com

Pete Wishart MP - Perth & North Perthshire - SNP

I thoroughly enjoyed getting out and about in Highland Perthshire over the Easter recess. I had the pleasure of visiting the Scottish Crannog Centre in Kenmore ahead of their move to the new site at Dalerb on the North side of Loch Tay.

I met with partners and apprentices to hear about all the work that has been happening behind the scenes to get the new site ready. What was evident was that this has been a huge undertaking which has only been made possible by the dedication and enthusiasm of the whole team there.

They also recently won the award for the ‘SME Employer of the Year – Promoting Diversity’ in the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, for which I cannot think of a more deserving winner. Management at the Scottish Crannog go out their way to offer opportunities to young people, particularly those facing different barriers to work. One of their key partners is Perthshire Autism Society, who they work with extensively to offer opportunities to neurodiverse young people in a way that caters to their needs.

I am delighted to see so many positive things happening at the Scottish Crannog after 2020’s devastating fire, and very much look forward to paying a visit to the new site soon.

Another outing I had was to Birks Cinema & Community Hub in Aberfeldy. This truly is one of the town’s most treasured venues, and I was hearing about how business has been post-pandemic. Despite having the smallest catchment population of any UK cinema, they welcome more than 33,000 moviegoers every year. It’s also used as a social space for the community, with over 200 activities involving 2,500 participants held each year, including music, exercise and children’s activities.

It is great to see this fantastic venue thriving once again and we had a great discussion about ways in which my office can assist them with upcoming initiatives to continue this trajectory. For anyone who hasn’t yet paid a visit to the Birks, I highly recommend it.

By the time this reaches your doorstep, we will be just weeks away from the official start of summer. After what was undoubtedly one of the most difficult winters in living memory, I know readers will be more than ready for some warmer temperatures and (hopefully) sunny weather. For all readers with a holiday planned, whether that is abroad or here in bonnie Scotland, I hope that you have a wonderful time. While there has been a marked improvement at His Majesty’s Passport Office after last year’s backlog crisis, please be aware that they still advise to allow 10 weeks between making a passport application and your date of travel.

As ever, if you have any issues that you think my office can help with then please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk or calling 01738 639 598.

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

Murdo Fraser - Mid Scotland & Fife - Conservative

I hope all Pitlochry Life readers had a nice Easter and had an opportunity to spend some time with family and friends.

We are now back at the Scottish Parliament following the Easter recess and I am continuing to deal with issues raised by constituents and progressing with my Members’ Bill on Fly-tipping.

It is very heartening to hear of good news locally and I was delighted to read that Dunkeld had recently won the Best Place to Live in Scotland 2023 by The Times/Sunday Times newspaper, which is a great achievement. The prestigious award was based on schools in the area, transport, Wi-fi speeds and house prices.

I’m sure that other factors, such as the town being noted for the diversity of its shops, pubs and restaurants, and also its proximity to nature, played a part in The Sunday Times/Times newspaper coming to their decision. It just underlines the attraction of much of Perthshire and how lucky we are to have so much natural beauty on our doorstep.

I was also pleased to hear of the announcement by the UK Government who provided £300,000 funding for Aberfeldy Sports HUB. The funding was provided by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to an additional 30 projects for community groups across the UK to help them buy or take over local assets at risk of being lost to the community through the Community Ownership Fund (COF).

This is fabulous news for the town and for its health and wellbeing. The Sports Hub is a much needed facility for the area and these UK Government funds will help it to take a huge stride forward. Local Councillor John Duff and I previously met with the chair to hear about their ambitious plans and encouraged the committee to apply for these funds.

Looking ahead to the summer, we will see Pitlochry being the hub of activity when Etape Caledonia takes place again on Sunday, May 14. The event, which hopes to attract a phenomenal 5,000 cyclists, will have a brand new 55-mile route option to complement the two existing 40 and 85-mile routes. Celebrating Sportive’s sixteenth edition in 2023, the new 55-mile route option has been tailored for both experienced cyclists and for those looking to push their limits.

Starting in Pitlochry, the closed road cycling route option is a shortened version of the more established and challenging 85-mile route. It takes cyclists up a climb at Trinafour, before dropping down to Kinloch Rannoch, turning left and up Schiehallion. Continuing on the B846, participants will ride on closed roads through Coshieville and Weem, before heading though Grandtully and Ballinluig and back to the finish line in Pitlochry.

The new route option also forms part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Gran Fondo which has been announced for August, so it’s the perfect training ground for club cyclists. Pitlochry is sure to be buzzing with visitors and tourists, giving the local economy a huge economic boost in the process.

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 the publication of my last column, I have officially stepped down from my various roles within the Scottish Government and returned to the backbenches.

As I familiarise myself with my new circumstances, the most immediate and striking difference is the increased amount of time I now have to spend in my constituency. During

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my time in government, I always went to great lengths to ensure that I was a visible and accessible presence in my constituency, and was proud of the local work I undertook. However, it was a simple fact that my ministerial responsibilities and engagements often took up a considerable amount of time.

I can genuinely say that, in all my jobs in politics, the aspect of my role that I have cherished and enjoyed the most is being out and about in my local constituency. To that end, I am hugely excited by the prospect of getting to spend more time travelling across Perthshire North and attending various events such as gala days, community meetings and coffee mornings.

Of course, I will also be undertaking serious work for my constituents. Recently, for example, I hosted surgeries across the constituency at a dozen locations including in Highland Perthshire, ensuring that any constituents with issues were able to come and see me face-to-face. I have also continued to maintain a regular schedule of ad-hoc appointments via phone or video call, ensuring that constituents who either are unable to travel or find these channels more convenient have the chance to meet with me on a frequent basis.

I will also continue to visit with businesses, charities and community groups to see how I can support them and to learn more about the work they are doing within Highland Perthshire and the wider constituency.

I have also enjoyed watching the Scottish Government's new ministerial team under Humza Yousaf hit the ground running. I have been impressed by the new First Minister's assured performances both at First Minister's Questions and in his interviews with the media. I am also pleased that, in his first days in office, he has demonstrated his commitment to tackling poverty and social justice. In his first full week in the role, the First Minister announced £15m of funding to support free after school and holiday clubs across Scotland, £25m of funding to support the North East's just transition and our efforts to achieve our climate change targets, as well as £1m of support for GP practices to help them tackle health inequalities. This is a clear demonstration of the First Minister's desire to build a stronger, fairer Scotland for all, and to the Scottish Government’s ongoing determination to do all that we can, with the limited powers at our disposal, to help the most vulnerable in our society.

I am wholly supportive of these policy ambitions, and I look forward to supporting the First Minister from the backbenches.

GrowBiz Creative Spring Market & Open Studios

There are many reasons for choosing handmade original items for your home, yourself or as gifts. Buying handmade is a conscious decision showing an appreciation for the talented creatives, their skill, and their design know-how, and offers an alternative eco-friendly, sustainable option.

The creative talent across Perthshire is easily enjoyed at www.perthshire-artisans.scot (set up and run by GrowBiz Scotland), featuring 30+ artists working in all genres. Whilst online access to handmade creations is wonderful, it’s still fabulous to see the products and meet the artists and makers in person. The Creative Spring Market & Open Studios, on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May at The Perth Creative Exchange, includes artists based in the building and Perthshire Artisans. Connecting with creatives adds to the experience, story and authenticity of a piece should you choose to buy it, or simply know more about how it is made. Every item has its own personality accentuating the charm and individuality of being handmade. The artist and maker creates from

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Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory

You will have noticed increasing media coverage regarding growing concern over the use of Tik Tok. So much so that numerous countries are banning the app on any government owned phone. Some are even planning to go further by banning it completely. So where has it all gone wrong?

Tik Tok was launched in 2016 as a social media platform that allowed users to upload and share 15 - 45 second videos of themselves singing, dancing, trying to be funny, or just showing off. It took the world by storm and is now used by over a billion subscribers every month. It is owned by the Chinese tec company ByteDance.

Chinese national security laws can compel foreign and domestic firms operating within the country to share their data with the government upon request, creating concerns about China's ruling Communist Party using their authority to gather sensitive intellectual property, commercial secrets and personal data.

That rings alarm bells when you look at the amount of data Tik Tok collects from its users, and includes e-mail address, phone number, date of birth, profile information, including photos and videos, device information, including keystroke patterns, location information based on sim card and/or IP address, app activity, phone contact list, browser and search history, any text, images, and video on your device’s clipboard, if you copy and paste something into the app, biometric information (face and voice print) and information from other social media accounts. On top of this, TikTok requests multiple permissions, such as camera and microphone access, and also detailed information about your location (via GPS) and data from other apps you use. None of that seems important if you just want to watch a 15-second video clip!

In its privacy policy, TikTok also says that it collects the "information you provide in the context of composing, sending, or receiving messages." So - Tik Tok can actively watch what you write in messages to friends, even if you never hit the send button.

Scary stuff in that Tik Tok knows more about your kids than you do and that could allow them to influence kids with placed content, including

politics, religion and all lifestyle choices. That’s not all -

The kids-only version is not 100% foolproofInappropriate content can and does easily slip through the moderation filters.

Serious censorship problems - with racism and sexual content, and with no banned words or phrases. Yet internal TikTok documents say that moderators needed to suppress posts by users who were "too ugly, poor, or disabled”. There have even been cases of ISIS using the platform to promote its extremist propaganda.

Exposure to online predators - any app that has an audience largely consisting of youths will attract predators looking to take advantage.

Cyberbullying is common - cyber bullies and troll accounts often harass other users.

Vulnerability to cyber crime - there are countless attempts at fraud on TikTok. Among other things, kids are at risk of identity theft.

Challenges are becoming alarmingly dangerous - remember the Ice Bucket Challenge? It was just fun, but what about the Penny Challenge, where you have to drop a coin between a wall socket and plug, without either electrocuting yourself or burning the house down? Then there’s the Devious Licks Challenge which encourages students to steal or vandalise school property. If you're concerned about the various issues surrounding Tik Tok, consider switching to one of the best alternatives each with features similar to TikTok.

Triller: allows users to create short music videos. It has a growing userbase and offers a wide range of creative tools.

Dubsmash: allows users to create short videos by lip-syncing to popular songs.

Instagram Reels: - allows users to create and share short videos, but offers more robust moderation and privacy features.

YouTube Shorts: - allows users to create and share short videos. It offers a range of handy tools and a vast community of content creators.

Willie

Kinardochy substation

Kinardochy substation

SSEN Transmission

SSEN Transmission

Transformer delivery

Transformer delivery

As part of our ongoing Kinardochy substation project, we will soon be receiving our Sychronous Compensator Transformer (SCT). The delivery of the Transformer will be undertaken under Police Scotland escort and the only expected road closure will be on sections of the B846, including a short section of the C447 at Strathtay off the A827 from 2-4 June 2023. The route of the transformer from the B846, via the C447, to the Kinardochy substation site is shown in the adjacent map.

As part of our ongoing Kinardochy substation project, we will soon be receiving our Synchronous Compensator Transformer (SCT). The delivery of the Transformer will be undertaken under Police Scotland escort and the only expected road closure will be on sections of the B846, including a short section of the C447 at Strathtay off the A827 from 2–4 June 2023. The route of the transformer from the B846, via the C447, to the Kinardochy substation site is shown in the adjacent map here, for info.

Before travelling on the B846, the vehicle route is from Dundee docks (A85), to the M90 via the A90, will then travel up to junction 10 and exit onto the A9. While travelling on the A roads the vehicle will pull in at intervals to allow traffic to pass.

Before travelling on the B846, the vehicle route is from Dundee docks (A85), to the M90 via the A90, it will then travel up to junction 10 and exit onto the A9. While travelling on the A roads the vehicle will pull in at intervals to allow traffic to pass.

Once arrived at Strathtay, the transformer will be transferred from the 24-axle trailer to a 12-axle trailer and remain overnight. The following morning it will then be transported along the C447 and B846 to Cemserney and stop overnight again.

Once arrived at Strathtay, the transformer will be transferred from the 24-axle trailer to a 12-axle trailer and remain overnight. The following morning it will then be transported along the C447 and B846 to Cemserney and stop overnight again.

On 4 June it will then make its final journey; cross the Camserney bridge and remain on the B846 up to the Kinardochy substation site. While the transformer is being moved and the rolling road closures are implemented, diversions for road users will be in place via Aberfeldy and Kenmore.

On 4 June it will then make its final journey; cross the Camserney bridge and remain on the B846 up to the Kinardochy substation site. While the transformer is being moved and the rolling road closures are implemented, diversions for road users will be in place via Aberfeldy and Kenmore.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Community Liaison Manager:

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Community Liaison Manager:

Louise Anderson

Louise Anderson

Lead Community Liaison Manager

Lead

louise.anderson@sse.com

SSEN Community

200 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 3GH @SSETransmission

Community Liaison Manager

200 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1

3GH

ssen-transmission.co.uk

+44 (0) 1738 341975

louise.anderson@sse.com

+44 (0) 1738 341975

experience and brings out the best of the materials through their knowledge and designs, which stand the test of time in both style and durability.

Supporting local Artisans helps creative talent thrive and compliments their work. It also connects local culture to our homes or when sharing as gifts. Artists’ work includes cards, prints, candles, jewellery, ceramics, glass, leatherwork, photography and original artworks.

The Creative Spring Market & Open Studios are free to visit, 10am-4pm, 20/21 May at Perth Creative Exchange, Stormont Street, Perth, PH1 5NW.

Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch

Back to basics!!

As we all become older, one of our major concerns is that we will ultimately succumb to more and more sophisticated scams which result in devastating financial losses. However it still appears that the basic protection rules are still not being followed. It is estimated that around 23 million online accounts were hacked in the UK because they were still using “123456” as their computer access password.

Police Scotland Cyber team suggest that you use as strong a password as possible. Using 3 random words (e.g. “Cupfishpen”) along with 3 or 4 random numbers and an icon, gives a very strong password (e.g. “Cupfishpen2019!”). This may appear excessive but it will go a long way towards preventing access to your computer.

The Cyber team also suggest that you back up all your files (www.ncsc.gov.uk) and that you secure your devices, such as mobile phones, laptops and desktops, using a two-step verification (2SV) (www.ncsc.gov.uk)

The latest Scams reported by Trading Standards include:

Disney+ Subscriptions, BT remote access scams and Tax refund scams. There are also concerns regarding the safety of buying used cars online.

You may save others a lot of worries by reporting as follows:

Scams: Advice Direct Scotland on 08081646000

Fraud: Police Scotland on 101 or 999

Suspicious E-Mails: Forward to report @phishing.gov.uk

Suspicious Text Messages: Forward to 7726

Andie Millar’s Trust

Applications are invited by 31st May 2023 for donations to either individuals or organisations to be spent in Pitlochry and District (generally assessed as being within a five mile radius of the centre of Pitlochry) for any one or more of the following Trust purposes:

1. the advancement of education;

2. the advancement of citizenship or community development;

3. the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science;

4. the advancement of public participation in sport;

5. the provision of recreational facilities with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities are primarily intended;

6. the advancement of environmental protection or improvement; and/or

7. the relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.

Generally, the Trustees will be able to provide donations of up to £2,500 but in certain circumstances may be able to consider applications for a larger amount.

Application Forms are available from www.andiemillar.org and, to be considered by the Trustees, each Application must be sent by e-mail to j@hmitchell.co.uk by 31st May 2023.

Please note that the Trustees’ decision in respect of any Application is final.

Scottish Charity Number: SC037334

www.andiemillar.org

Atholl Medical Centre

The partners and staff at Atholl Medical Centre are pleased to welcome to the team our new partner Dr Christopher Dixon with effect from 1st April 2023. Dr Dixon has been working in the practice for 6 months so some of you will have met him already. He will be working 3 days - Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

Breadalbane & District RDA

By the time this is in print we will have had our first day’s riding of the year. It is always lovely to welcome back our riders and this term we also have a number of new riders joining the group. A busy start as they all have to be assessed beforehand.

Earlier in March we were lucky enough to have our Regional coach Petra Humphrey visit us to give all volunteers (new and old) a refresher training session. It was an excellent morning and we are very grateful to her for being so generous with her time.

As well as new riders we also have three new ponies who have all passed their assessment tests with flying colours. We are so lucky as a group that new ponies always seem to become available to us just as we need them. Again it is the generosity of their owners lending them to us on Monday mornings.

New riders, new ponies and also new volunteers. Three new energetic helpers whose running abilities (amongst other things) are much appreciated!

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

Rannoch History Society

Rannoch History Society has completed its programme of meetings for 2022-23 but is planning in the coming months to start to create a local archive. The idea is to meet informally and to collect and organise and store the many documents and photographs and tapes recording life in Rannoch over the years so that these very precious records are not lost to the community and to future scholarship.

A few members of the History Society have already expressed interest in being involved and a gettogether will be arranged in the coming weeks to launch the project.

Continued on page 38

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 May

Have you ever planted something to find that it disappeared completely from that spot to emerge somewhere else entirely?

Yes, plants can move about. I don’t mean like Treebeard; trees are pretty much stuck, but a surprising number of other plants can move house if they don’t like their location. What makes them do that?

Light and shade, food, water and space drive plants to relocate. Light is vital because photosynthesis, whereby plants absorb carbon dioxide and energy from sunlight to form carbohydrates from nutrients taken up through the roots, is essential for plant growth. Some plants have different strategies for growing in low light conditions but all plants have a strong inclination to get towards the amount of light they need to thrive.

Food and water are as important to plants as they are to us. Nutrients are absorbed in fluids taken up by the fine root hairs. It follows that if the ground is absolutely dry, no nutrients an be absorbed. Equally, if the ground is completely saturated, only a few species will cope because air in the soil is also necessary.

Different mineral elements affect different parts of plant growth. In poor soils, especially ones that drain quickly, growers supply extra food in the form of specific minerals. The lack of specific elements causes physiological problems that can usually be seen on the plant’s foliage or stems.

Room to grow without competition is especially important when raising productive plants.

Generally, if plants are placed too close together, it will result in small vegetables so it is worthwhile placing the plants and the rows at the correct distances.

In the ornamental garden, most plants dislike being crowded but that doesn’t mean you must plant in rows or leave bare earth showing. You can plant closely by planting in layers and by knowing the ultimate size and spread of each species.

Plants have several methods of movement: some will seed into their desired positions; others will crawl there either on top of the soil or even underground. Some shrubs will tip root, dying out where you put them but spring up in a better place to flourish.

So when a plant looks poorly, the gardener should consider relocation. To find the right place for the plant you need to know its particular requirements. It’s no use just bombarding the poor thing with an overdose of chemical fertiliser and waiting for results.

Sometimes the plant is overcrowded after a few years. Sometimes another plant is shading it out. Sometimes the plant has finally succumbed to unsuitable conditions because of an excess of water in the soil or too many cold winters.

The good news is that, given half a chance, these treasures will recover when you respond by re-planting them in just the right conditions. Maybe that’s why there is always something to do in the garden.

Sheila Drummond

Rotary Club of Pitlochry

Last month marked the return of our Austerity Lunches in aid of 'Mary's Meals'. We had a speaker who gave us more info on the remarkable activities of incredible project.

The Mary’s Meals campaign was born in 2002 after Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow , visited Malawi during a famine where he met a mother dying of AIDS. When Magnus asked her eldest son Edward what his dreams were in life, he replied simply: “I want to have enough food to eat and to go to school one day.”

That moment was a key part of the inspiration which led to the founding of Mary’s Meals, which began by feeding just 200 children in Malawi in 2002. Today, they feed 2,429,182 hungry children every school day across 18 countries.

For more information on this, or of you are interested to get involved, you can visit: www.marysmeals.org.uk which is based in sunny Dalmally in Argyll, Scotland, or speak to our members of the Pitlochry Rotary Club.

There are so many ways you can use your time and skills to get involved with this charity to help some of the world’s poorest communities to build a brighter future. Whether it’s volunteering at community events, hosting your own fundraiser, taking part in a sponsored activity or selling cakes to your friends, your effort will be making an incredible difference to children’s lives.

Atholl Centre Pitlochry

Office hours

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

Atholl Centre Household Hardship Fund, supported by Corra Foundation & Lottery Community Funding - Now Closed.

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. We meet weekly, every Friday at 12 midday, in the Atholl Centre, behind the Church. All very welcome. Come & enjoy a hearty Soup Lunch and meet new friends.

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

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

Shamus Mcphee Art Exhibition Opened on Saturday, 15th April 2023 from 1.30 - 3.30pm. Click on the link www.rajpot.org.uk/ to find out more about his work. Paintings will be accompanied by Story Boards which document the historical treatment of Gypsy Traveller families in Scotland. Call in at the Atholl Centre to find out more and Shamus' paintings will be exhibited until the end of May.

Continued on page 46

175g caster sugar

175g rhubarb halved lengthways then diced

2 tbsp sunflower oil

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla essence

125ml buttermilk (or low fat yogurt)

200g plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

Prepared custard

Crumble Topping

50g light muscovado sugar

50g plain flour

25g porridge oats

1 tsp ground cinnamon

50g butter

before, this version adds an extra twist with custard in the middle!

1. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper muffin cases.

2. Stir the sugar and the rhubarb together and set aside while you make the crumble topping.

3. Mix together the muscovado sugar with the flour, oats and cinnamon, then rub in the butter with your fingertips until clumpy .

4. Stir the oil and egg, vanilla and buttermilk into the sugary rhubarb (don't worry if it's a little bit juicy). Now, add the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda and stir well.

5. Spoon the mixture to fill about two thirds of the cases. Inject about 1-2 teaspoons of custard (use bought ready made) in the centre, just below the surface with a piping bag, or make an indent in the mixture and fill with custard. Quickly spoon the rest of the mixture into the cases, then scatter each with a thick layer of the crumble mix.

6. Bake for 15-18 mins until golden and a cocktail stick poked into the muffin (avoiding the custard) comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

They keep for a few days before topping goes a little soft (but still taste good). Eat warm or cold, with or without the rest of the custard or try them with ice-cream!

Repairs · Virus Removal

New Systems · Broadband

Networking · Data Recovery

Verisure Monitored Alarm Systems

Clover Merchant Services

Last Month's Sudoko Answers

Answers to the April Crossword

Down

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, or phone Helen Tilly 07739 858 987.

Helen Kirkwood

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

Further information from 01796 473044.

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group

We are very happy to announce that Monday 17th April brought the exciting new beginning of Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group, offering 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. For beginners and those who can already play a little, or are new to traditional Scottish music, there are small group classes with local tutors Karys Watt and Gill Hunter.

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 wide variety of instruments to join the bands and encourage fiddle and accordion players, violinists, cellists, flautists, guitarists and players of other instrument suitable for trad music. We’re keen to 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 who will be aged P5 – S6 in August 2023.

For more information please email dbtradgroup@gmail.com

Isobel's Coffee Morning

Isobel would like to thank everyone who came and supported her coffee morning for ICP Support and Alzheimer's Scotland. The support from all the local businesses has been overwhelming and an amazing £1073 was raised.

Pitlochry Station Bookshop

I thought we had left Allen Lane behind in our March edition after recounting how he was stranded, bookless, at Exeter St. David’s station in 1934 and how his distress led to the founding of Penguin Books. Of course, the story is too good to lie down so Penguin Books have returned to Exeter St. David’s for their latest venture, a book vending machine.

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!

Think of the machine that sells you a Twix or can of Irn Bru and the book machine is no different, just packed with twenty-eight paperback books delivered through a slot after payment and pressing of buttons. Of course, it is painted in bright Penguin orange.

The Bookshop used to have a whole section dedicated to orange Penguins but paperbacks are not designed for a long life so our orange Penguins now occupy only one shelf. Penguin itself abandoned its orange covers through the 1970s and early 80s, some people collect them and others have been known to design rooms around them. If you’re looking for them, come quickly; once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Penguin Books are asking the public to nominate a railway station where they can site another book vending machine but don’t rush to nominate Pitlochry. One of Penguin’s conditions is that the station chosen must not already have a bookshop and we were here first. Nice to know that a bookshop on a station platform is now a status symbol. Even better when it’s one that has just raised £400,000 for its charities.

Pitlochry Library

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

Basic Digital Skills Course. A new beginners’ digital skills course will be starting soon at Pitlochry Library. Course content includes computer/ tablet basics; internet navigation; online safety; public services online; and e-mailing. If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact learningcurve@pkc.gov.uk (01738 47792), or alternatively contact Pitlochry Library.

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 contact Pitlochry Library to book a spot.

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

The Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre

The Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre, located in Moulin Square, is open for 2023. 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 records on microfilm and old photos for budding historians and genealogists. Moulin Yarns are here every Monday with their live spinning displays.

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 or call into the Centre some afternoon between 2 and 4pm.

For more details on opening times, please see our Facebook page “Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre”.

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 a informal environment.

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

At present, we open every Thursday 2 - 4 pm and also operate as a warm space where people can gather for free in a warm, safe, welcoming place, where they can enjoy a hot drink and some company.

We extend an invitation to adults of all ages to come along and join us. For more information, please contact Peter or Ray via email on pammensshed@gmail.com

Pitlochry Garden Share

We are turning a year old this month! Happy first anniversary to the Garden Share!

How wonderful that a small group of us got together last year to start a Community Food growing initiative that has since grown into a fully independent organisation with more local residents joining every month! We have multiple gardens that we share to grow food together.

Food grown by the community for the community!

We are very excited to announce this year we are growing about 100 varieties of vegetables, all free of pesticides and we are working with the local Food Bank to supply them with fresh veg on a regular basis. From June we will have a stall in Pitlochry to share any excess with the community on Saturdays (time and location TBC).

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! We can help you reduce your food bills and eat tasty fresh food! Any help is welcome, even if it is once a month! Contact us at pitlochrygardenshare@gmail.com or find us on Facebook

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band

April has been a month filled with practising by both learners and the competing bands. Some of our youngsters enjoyed busking round different places in the Easter Holidays and we were delighted that other members were having fun too. Calum - James Bulloch and Chloe Scougall who are pipers in the Grade 4 band went to play in the New York tartan day parade with their school band, a trip to remember..... and Flora McNab, a tenor drummer in the Grade 3 band played at the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland's 20th anniversary concert in the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. The other guest artistes were Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton, who both came through the Vale tuition programme, and taught by Gordon Duncan, so there was a lot of “Vale” tunes played that night!!

May sees the start of the pipe band competitions, with the Grade 4 band competing at the North of Scotland Championships at Banchory on 14th May and also at the Local branch competition

Continued on page 52

being hosted at Dollar Academy on the 20th May.

We've got Beat Retreats at Gleneagles Hotel and the Britannia and of course our Highland Nights start on Monday 29th May at the Pitlochry Recreation Ground. Please let your guests know what a wonderful evening it is!

We'll also be at the Atholl Gathering on the 28th May where we'll have our usual fundraising tombola stall, so please come along and say hello.

Gillie McNab 07733152223 gmcnab00@aol.com

Senior Badminton

Monday afternoons 3.30-5.30pm at the Atholl Leisure Centre. £5 per session. New members welcome. Come along to a session. Rackets can be hired. If you need more information call David Ramsay on 01796 472781 or Pam Sim on 01796 470160.

Mid Atholl Indoor Bowling Club

Mid Atholl Indoor Bowling Club has changed to Tuesdays. We meet in Mid Atholl Hall Ballinluig from 2pm - 4pm.

For more information telephone 01796482240.

Pitlochry Bowling Club

Pitlochry Bowling club is an active club for all ages. We welcome new members to come along and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Whether you are an experienced bowler or a complete novice all are warmly welcome. We have a good selection of bowls to suit everyone. All you need is flat soled shoes.

Bowls play a key roll in the mental and physical health of most people. The positive prospect of a new season provides a great opportunity to try something new. There is always a club member there to help. So come along and give it a try. If you don’t want to play you can sit in or out of club house enjoying refreshments and the beautiful views. If you wanted to join the bowling club there is an introduction offer of £30. for your first year giving you access to all club facilities including bar.

Our usual opening hours are 2-4pm and 6-10pm most days but it’s always best to watch our FB page as Saturday competitions would affect these times. Our very popular Bingo nights also need to be checked out on FB page.

For further information on any of the above you can contact John on 07833664121 or Agnes on 07918122415.

Blair Atholl Bowling Club

What a quick start to the bowling season – we’re up and running like we’ve never been away!

Back in March we held a Quiz Night which was enjoyed by all. The scoring was quite close and it was down to the last question as to who would come out on top. 'Carry on Cabbies' (George & Brenda, Raymond & Tina) ended up in 3rd with 49 points, in 2nd spot were 'No Idea' (Sue, Ann, Carol & Jim) with 50 points and 1st place went to 'And Graham makes 4' (Gwen

Continued on page 54

& Paul, Mick, Graham) with 55 points. Special thanks go to Neil & Thelma for running the evening and, good news, they've agreed to do another one later in the year so watch this space for details! The gent’s toilets have had a makeover and are looking very smart and shiny. Many thanks to David Ferraioli and Matt Carr for all their hard work.

We hope that all our members, current and future bowlers, have a great season and would also like to wish our fellow bowlers in North Perthshire and beyond a good season.

If you fancy a go at bowls, we’ll be holding free informal coaching sessions starting on Tuesday afternoons at 2.00pm. You can come along and try it out 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.

Pitlochry Golf Ladies

Saturday 18th March 2023 saw the opening match for the new season. The weather was not kind to us however everyone had good fun and a lovely meal was enjoyed post-match in The Red Deer. The day ended with the prizegiving for the Winter League. Best wishes to all our members for the new season.

Faskally Forest parkrun

Faskally Forest parkrun celebrated its 3rd birthday in early March, and has taken place now on over 80 occasions. It's a free, weekly, timed 5km run, walk or jog. It is open to all ages, from babies being pushed in prams to folk 80 years young. Members of the local Perthshire Nordic walking group regularly join us and enjoy the camaraderie of parkrun. We just ask children under 11 years keep within arms reach of a responsible adult and only 1 dog per person on a short hand held lead please. Afterwards we go to the Red Deer Restaurant at the golf club for a coffee.

We are very fortunate to have a great group of volunteers, who ensure we can go ahead each week. parkrun is a great way to meet people and make friendships. There are a variety of volunteer roles all are easy, and we can give you any training on the day if required.

We recently received this testimonial from Carol.

'Today I completed 50 parkruns and what a week to do it - Faskally parkrun's 3rd Birthday! The cakes and biscuits were excellent. I can't believe I’ve got to this milestone, as up until October 2021, the most running I did was only from necessity i.e running for a bus or train!

I was persuaded to give it a try by 3 of the regular volunteers. So it was with trepidation that my husband & I headed to the Faskally forest one wet October morning. I know how we both felt that first week!!! But we came back again and again.

One of the best things about parkrun and Faskally in particular is the people you meet. I’ve met lots of lovely people. I want to say thank you to all at Faskally forest parkrun for the warm welcome and constant encouragement. You are all fabulous! So, I would say to anyone who is thinking about giving it a go - just do it, it’s brilliant, in all sorts of ways.'

Please come and join us 9.30am every Saturday at Loch Dunmore, Faskally. To find out more look at our web or facebook page (www.parkrun.org.uk/faskallyforest/ or www.facebook.com/ faskallyforestparkrun

FITNESS

with Alan Clinch

Picking Things Up….and Putting Them Down Again!

Probably one of the most basic skills in the world – starting from picking up a toy when we’re tiny, to a dropped pencil in our sixties…… we spend much of our lives doing this with no problem at all, then one day, out of the blue, a twinge followed by screaming pain in the back. It doesn’t have to be something heavy or awkward – as a rule the problem results from the way that we do it rather than what we are lifting (though heavier objects have more potential to cause problems). If you’re involved in a job where lifting or moving things is a regular occurrence, you’ll probably have undertaken a moving and handling course. As an introduction, and certainly something we should all be familiar with, general information can be found here: www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/ manual.htm

Manual handling courses are often specialised and deal with work situations, but we all move things on a regular basis in our houses – furniture, boxes, planters or wheelbarrows in the garden, lifting shopping in and out of cars. The aim of this month’s article is to give some simple guidelines on safe lifting: if you go to the gym or enjoy weightlifting, then the deadlift is probably the most important basic lift in the book. This video clip shows how it’s done – www.nsca.com/education/videos/ exercise-technique-deadlift/ and the principles can be applied to lifting anything from a sofa to a shopping bag: the ability to safely pick up an object and put it down is an essential skill. In previous articles I’ve discussed the importance not only of being strong, but for that strength to have a functional purpose: when you are stronger, day to day life becomes easier, the body uses its muscles in a logical order, and you’re less likely to injure yourself. Here are a few pointers:

• Make a plan: consider how you intend to lift the object, and where you’re going with it. This should prevent any sudden movements. If you’re doing the job with someone else, make sure you both know the plan!

• Bend the knees: the muscles in your legs are much stronger than the muscles in your back, so use them! (This is sound advice even when lifting things which are relatively light, as it will help to develop good habits)

• Keep your back straight: focus on a straight spine. Pull the shoulder blades together (again, even if you’re only picking up something light). Keeping your eyes focused forward also helps to keep your back straight.

• Keep your feet shoulder width apart: being well balanced and taking short steps will keep you more stable.

• Tighten the tummy muscles: this will stabilise the lower spine, helping to hold it straight in order to prevent excessive force through the joints. The spinal muscles are actually quite small and easy to damage.

• Keep the object close: heavier items can be lifted more safely if they are close to the body

• Don't twist while you’re lifting – turn the whole body.

• If you're straining, it’s probably too heavy. Maybe get some help!

As always, if you haven’t exercised for a while, or have any have medical conditions which might cause problems, check with your Doctor to ensure that activity is safe. Lifting and moving things is no different, especially if you have a history of back pain. Remember, pain is a sign that something is wrong…

Killiecrankie Village Hall

The KVH Committee wishes to thank George MacLean for devising the fiendish quiz that was held on 1 April 2023 and The Bakery, Pitlochry for the donation of excellent pizza snacks which everyone enjoyed at the half-time break. Details of how to book Killiecrankie Village Hall for special events are on the website www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk

The Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands

Heartland/Highland Perthshire Panel

Groups and individuals in Highland Perthshire have been involved in helping to create and stitch one of the panels for the new Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands. The Heartland group includes those living within the area bounded by Killin, Rannoch and Pitlochry although originally being part of a larger group, that covered the area from Kingussie to Perth and beyond, called the A9 Stitch-up group. However the numbers and area involved became too large and therefore a second panel was created by Andrew Crummy MBE for those further west and living in the Heartlands of Highland Perthshire.

The group is made up of around 40 adults and more than 40 primary school children from within the Heartland area who have been busy over the last few months, with embroidery, applique and cord making, to create the 1m square panel, one of the 52 being produced for the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands project. The youngest stitcher is age 4, the oldest aged 96, and the project has involved individuals from all decades of life.

The design and theme of the panel is Faith is based around a Celtic Cross. This is surrounded by smaller individual pieces of embroidery covering some of the myths and legends, local history and topography of the Heartland area, as well as various aspects of Faith.

We understand that all the completed tapestry panels will be exhibited at Inverness Castle in due course, as well as within community venues across the Highlands and Islands on a rotating basis and possibly as part of a Tapestry Trail. The tapestry is being created as part of the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project, a partnership between Highland Council and High Life Highland in collaboration with VisitScotland. This project is supported by a grant from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund led by NatureScot and funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Blair Atholl & Struan Community Council Community Resilience

Community resilience is about the ability of communities to withstand, adapt to, and recover from adversity at a local level. Health (physical, behavioural, social, environmental and wellbeing) is a big part of this.

The purpose of the Blair Atholl District Group is to: identify, prepare for and mitigate, as far as reasonably practicable, all perceived risks to the safety and general wellbeing of the Community.  This is achieved by us working in close cooperation with Perth and Kinross Council, Emergency Responders and other involved organisations.  We also work independently

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!

in certain predefined situations – for example, monitoring the wellbeing of Vulnerable Persons during extreme weather conditions, pandemics or power outages. We cover the areas of: Blair Atholl, Struan / Old Struan, Calvine, Pitagowan, Trinafour and Dalnaspidal in addition to a number of outlying farms and homesteads.

Our Group is made up of motivated local people who care about the community and the people in it and are willing to volunteer to assist others in time of need. We understand that most of the time people sort problems out themselves or are helped by friends, family and neighbours.  However, we stand by to assist people if and when required and may be called upon to assist the Emergency Responders or the Local Authorities as required.  We have assisted the local council in a number of situations. We also have acquired, arranged the installation and maintain 3 public accessed lifesaving defibrillators located in: Blair Atholl, Calvine and Trinafour and assist people learning how to use them.

During the Covid19 pandemic the group worked very closely with the Pitlochry team and formed the core of a group of local volunteers.

For any information or if you are interested in getting involved, please contact the Group Co-ordinator, Tony Dowson - e-Mail: asd199@hotmail.com

If BASCC related please email Miranda on blairathollstruancc@outlook.com

Grandtully Gala Day 2023

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.

The Breadalbane Heritage Society

The Breadalbane Heritage Society’s autumn and winter season of a variety of illustrated talks ended last month with an ‘extra’ talk by James Stead, manager of Froglife’s ‘Come Forth for Wildlife’ Project on the amphibian and reptile species in this area. This month sees the start of the summer programme of excursions to various places of interest in this area, beginning 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 now numbers between 110 and 120 so is now back to pre-Covid levels. Of this number the average attendance at meetings is 48.

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.

Continued on page 62

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. It is planned to provide QR codes with information at each of these sites. The BHS also provides a free service of assistance with family history research. Recordings of all the recent talks are available on the website.

David Wilkie

Ginnie Wilkie and family would like to thank everyone for their sympathy cards, letters and flowers after the unexpected death of David Wilkie on 8th March. Each and every one was very much appreciated.

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

May - Aberfeldy, 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

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

– 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

29TH April Spring Fair 11.00 to 4.00pm

30th April Joint Service at St Andrews

No service May 14th Etape

18th May Ascension Day Holy Communion 10.30am

10th May Julian Meeting 2.30 – 4.00pm

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

No Service 30th April Joint Service at St Andrews

May 14th – Morning Service at 11.15am (for whole charge)

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

Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416.

Sundays at 11.15am Holy Communion/Matins/Service of the Word/Communion by Extension;

5th Sundays with Church of Scotland (see website)

House Group 10.00am Last Wednesday of the month

No service May 14th Etape

Continued on page 68

Walk Yourself Happy, Healthy and Fit

We walk every day, without thinking about it. Even if you don’t leave the house you will manage over 1000 steps. What most of us don’t realise is that walking is one of the best ways of improving our overall health. Here are some of the reasons that ‘going for a walk’ on a regular basis can make you feel so much better.

Improve heart health

The NHS recommends we aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity). That’s not even half an hour every day and you can break it up into shorter more frequent intervals, or just go out and walk for as long as you want. It’s whatever way works for you.

Regular exercise conditions the heart and lungs, making breathing easier and improving circulation. It also boosts your immune system and reduces the risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes by helping to lower blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and body fat.

Walking can also help ease arthritic pain, keeping your joints moving without over doing it and helps strengthen muscles and keeps cartilage healthy.

This has a positive effect in our daily lives, reducing the risk of falls and makes our dayto-day activities easier. Things like gardening, carrying the shopping or small children, climbing stairs, getting up from the floor all get much easier, then there’s golf, skiing, bowls and much more, all started with a simple walk.

Make muscles stronger

Walking outside, as opposed to on a treadmill, helps strengthen your muscles. The variation of hills, steps and other obstacles also helps with balance, posture, and coordination.

Strengthens bones and joints

We tend to stiffen up and become less flexible as we age, but a regular walk helps keep the joints moving, and as we are more inclined to keep our chest out and head up as opposed to hunching over, our posture improves too.

Walking can also help combat osteoporosis and osteoarthritis by improving bone density. As your legs and feet support your body, your bones must work harder and become stronger.

Weight management

It is difficult to lose weight and keep trim as we grow older. Finding a good walking pace that leaves you slightly out of breath however, is a perfect way to fire up your metabolism, burn fat and lose a few pounds.

If you do see some weight loss, this can encourage you to eat more healthily so you can feel better overall.

Improving many health conditions

Walking can help reduce blood sugar levels, which in turn can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Walking also improves circulation

as your heart and lungs work better, and that helps reduce the risk of blood clots that could lead to a stroke.

Over time, by making your heart work harder to pump blood around your body, it becomes stronger and more efficient, and that will help lower your blood pressure.

Better sleep

Keeping active increases the effects of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate our sleep cycle.

As walking keeps our joints moving and helps increase flexibility, we suffer less from those aches and pains that can keep us awake during the night, so, fall into bed tired and happy for a good sleep.

Improve mood

Exercise releases endorphins, which make you feel happy and have been proven to help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Being outdoors in fresh air also reduces tension, stress, and helps us think more clearly.

Walking with a partner, friend, or a walking group is a great way to socialise, meet new friends or catch up with your current ones and this all contributes to improve our mood. Walking with a dog is also great company. If you don’t have one, borrow your friend’s, you will become its new best friend.

Live Longer

With all the benefits above; fitter, healthier, more active and a reduced risk of many health risks, you will live longer, and happier.

Let's go

No excuse now, just check these tips before you set off:

Make sure you have good footwear, like supportive trainers, walking shoes or boots to get going. Look for ankle support, that have good grip and are weatherproof.

Plan your route. Don’t go too far to begin with, try a local park, or avoid too many hills until your strength builds.

Take water. Particularly if you’re walking a long way or the weather is warm, it’s important to stay hydrated. Check the weather forecast and take extra if it’s going to be hot.

Go with a friend. A short stroll alone is fine, but there’s safety in numbers and if you’re heading somewhere remote it’s best to have someone else on hand, just in case. Remember to take your phone.

Enjoy yourself! Walking outdoors is a wonderful way to experience nature in all its beauty.

Next time we will look at how to enjoy a walk even more and actually look forward to it!

Willie

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

First Sunday of the Month 9.30am Holy Communion

30th April joint service with St Andrews

9th May 9.30am Holy Communion

28th May 9.30 Pentecost 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, our senior’s ‘Soup Lunch’ on a Friday in the Atholl Centre, and Pitlochry’s ‘Friday Youth Club’ in our building… every Friday.

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.

Christian Aid Week 14 – 20 May There will be a street collection on several days during that week. Also for Christin Aid there is a “Soup and Cheese” lunch in The Tryst on Saturday 13 May at 12.30pm. Please support the work of Christian Aid.

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

Scotland Prestige Awards

Winner of Mortgage Broker of the Year 2022

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

Blair Atholl & 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.

Please note no morning services in the Rannoch churches on Sunday 14th May (because of Etape Caledonia) Instead on 14th May you are invited to a short service of “Evening Prayer and Reflection” in the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch at 6.30pm.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Are you prepared for an economic crisis? During the meeting on the 11th we will be investigating what wisdom the Bible provides. Our meetings are 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 contact below.

Thursday 4th May, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Chronicles 17–19, ‘See Others as Jehovah Does’, ‘See Yourself as Jehovah Does’, ‘Maintain a Positive Attitude When People Are Indifferent’, ‘Help Others to Respect Your Beliefs’.

Sunday 7th May, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Religion’s Role In World Affairs’. A discussion: ‘Why Get Baptized? (Acts 2:38)’.

Thursday 11th May, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Chronicles 20, 21, “Put Faith in Jehovah Your God”, ‘Draw Close to God Through Prayer’, ‘Are You Prepared for an Economic Crisis?’, ‘What It Means to Be Neutral’.

Sunday 14th May, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Armageddon—Why and When?’. A discussion: ‘Baptism—How to Get Ready (Acts 8:36)’.

Thursday 18th May, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Chronicles 22–24, ‘Jehovah Rewards Courageous Acts’, ‘Jehovah’s Spirit Will Help You Acquire Boldness’, ‘Be Neutral In Thought and Action’.

Sunday 21st May, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘What Is Behind the Spirit of Rebellion?’. A discussion: ‘Learn More About Jehovah Through His Creation (Romans 1:20)’.

Thursday 25th May, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Chronicles 25–27, “Jehovah Has the Means to Give You Much More Than That”, ‘How Can the Meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses Benefit You?’, ‘Everlasting Life Is Worth Any Sacrifice, ‘Why Make a Dedication and Get Baptised?’.

Sunday 28th May, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Stand Still and See the Salvation of Jehovah’. A discussion: ‘Use Creation to Teach Your Children About Jehovah (Isaiah 40:26)’.

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.

Stations of the Cross

Aberfeldy - Tuesdays after morning Mass

Pitlochry - Fridays after morning Mass

Birnam - Saturdays 5.00pm.

The Baha’i Faith Some Basic Facts

It originated in the mid-19th century in Persia (now Iran).

It claims to fulfill the promises of all the world’s great faiths which have been the progressive Messages of One God to Mankind.

In less than 200 years it has become a universal faith present in every country of the world with adherents from almost every national, ethnic, religious and tribal background.

Worldwide, Baha’is strive to live out the twofold moral purpose of transforming their own characters while contributing to the advancement of society.

Baha’is consider work done in the spirit of service to humanity as the highest form of worship. Individuals pray daily and observe an annual 19-day period of fasting during daylight hours. The Faith has no clergy or sacraments and has simple practices for life’s rites of passage, such as marriage and funerals.

The teachings of the Faith were written and recorded by Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Faith, throughout His 40-year imprisonment in the Ottoman Empire. They have been kept safe and accessible to scholars and are translated into many languages including English and widely published for all on the internet.

For many other facts just search www.bahai.org or ring Hilarie on 07967 601423.

Sheila Drummond

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sheila Drummond. You will know her through the wonderfully authoritative gardening editorials she provided us every month, for over 13 years.

What you might not know is that Sheila was actually Canadian, born in Vancouver and raised in Montreal. She moved to Peebles in the 80s and regarded it as her ‘happy place’. She died at the end of March after a short battle with cancer, aged 76. She is survived by her two sons, Charlie and Robbie and 3 grandchildren.

Before and during her service, we had the pleasure of meeting with Charlie, who now lives in New Zealand, and Robbie who lives outside Vancouver, near where his mother was born. They enlightened us with tales of their upbringing and adventures in Sheila’s life - at the age of 50 she sold her house, bought a sports car and travelled the world, taking in such sights as Peru and Base Camp on Everest. But Peebles was her home and at 60 she returned to pursue her gardening and writing career. She had many friends here.

Sheila’s ashes were scattered at the Sware, in Manor Valley, outside Peebles, her favourite viewpoint. We were piped up the hill on a glorious Spring afternoon and a friend read a poem Sheila wrote for the occasion. In true Sheila form, she had arranged every detail, and insisted she had made peace with her death as she felt she had been lucky enough to have enjoyed a very active and interesting life.

At our last meeting, Sheila presented us with a folder entitled ‘A Year in a Scottish Garden’, in which she had extended her monthly articles to include everything you would need to keep a glorious garden through 12 months of Scottish weather! We hope to publish this soon, so everyone can enjoy and learn from her extensive knowledge. She also gave us permission to continue printing her monthly articles, so she will always be with us. With much love, Sheila, you are sadly missed.

The Pitlochry Crossword

ACROSS

7 Glen adjusted his fee (6)

8 Cast nervous co-star (6)

9 Lum, reportedly, took to the ai (4)

10 Richie and Jonny Gray possibly, ahead (8)

11 On account of rambling, see a cub (7)

13 Hubble-bubble possibly, with small apparatus for making music (5)

15 Scottish island warrants harbours (5)

17 Bugs animals (7)

20 City phone network, Brenda worried about (8)

21 Football club, belonging to that man, brings in thingamabob finally (4)

22 Vest, originally made in troubled times (6)

23 A crowd blew up castle (6)

By Lesley

1 Ill after injury in small boot (6)

2 Tartan stole (not large) (4)

3 Capital sprite overwhelmed by flying bats (7)

4 Youngster I found in outbuilding (5)

5 Get sad in dilapidated farm (8)

6 Clunie game? (6)

12 Sam rang a doctor - that’s one example! (8)

14 Moor craft on ranch (7)

16 Blether, Peter possibly (6)

18 Romeo, revolutionary boy or Scottish folk hero? (3,3)

19 Rupert has held city (5)

21 Bird appeared in church, awkwardly (4)

Answers for April on page 42

If you are visiting Pitlochry - You can’t miss it. Ben Vrackie (sometimes known as Ben Y Vrackie) forms part of the scenic background overlooking Pitlochry. Ben Vrackie translates as `speckled mountain` and comes from a time when white quartz rocks were scattered across its slopes. On a good clear day the view from the summit of 2,757 ft (841 m) is tremendous, with the Beinn a Ghlo range to the north and the sweep of Strathtay and Strathtummel to the west. In exceptional conditions, apparently it is possible to even see Arthur’s Seat to the south, in Edinburgh. Ben Vrackie is a Corbett (a separate hill of between 2500 and 2999 feet in height). Thanks to the work of the Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, the path is well-constructed for most of the route and offers a delightful walk by the Moulin Burn and then across heather moorland. Red grouse and red deer live on the hillside and even the shy mountain hare can sometimes be seen. Depending on your starting point, the walk is either 6 or 8 miles there and back.

Starting from Pitlochry, follow the A924 road to Moulin (a distance of under a mile) and turn left at the Moulin Inn. Follow the road and signs for a few hundred yards to a small car park. It is however worth remembering that the car park at Moulin is very small and, on busy days, it might be wiser to leave your car in Pitlochry.

From the car park the path is clearly marked here, through the trees lining Moulin Burn, until it reaches a deer fence at the edge of the moor where there is a gate. You’ve had it easy so far, but pretty soon you will get a good view of the summit and the task in hand - it is worth it!

Along the way you cross some fairly bleak landscape, but there’s always a great view back to Pitlochry and the River Tummel below. Just stick to the main path all the way. You will see signs for the ‘Bealach Walk’ on the left, just ignore them and keep going.

On the summit there is a horizontal dial indicating what’s visible from that point, including Ben Lawers, Schiehallion, the Cairngorms and like I said, Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh. The view is simply spectacular and one of the best in the southern Highlands. Return by the same path and a well earned Braveheart Ale, or two, at the Moulin Inn.

As with all hill climbs, try to pick a clear day, as low cloud will obliterate your view. In spite of the accessibility of the mountain from Pitlochry, the safety precautions and the equipment always required for mountain walks are just as essential as on more isolated hills - weather conditions can change just as quickly here, so take good care and always be well prepared.

Willie

The Atholl Medical Centre

Ferry Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 472558

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

Except Wednesdays Closed 12.15 - 1.45pm

Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111

Prescriptions - tay.amcprescriptions@nhs.scot

Pitlochry Community Hospital

Ferry Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 472052

Pitlochry Post Office

Within Premier Store

63 Atholl Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 474301

Blair Atholl Post Office Tel: 01796 481233

Ballinluig Post Office Tel: 01796 482220

Strathtay Post Office Tel: 01887 840203

Kinloch Rannoch Post Office Tel: 01882 632347

Pitlochry Library

26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry

Tel: 01796 474635

E-mail: pitlochrylibrary@pkc.gov.uk

Visiting Hours:

GP Unit - Contact for further info.

MIIU - Temporarily closed until further notice.

Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice

The Surgery, Kinloch Rannoch.

Tel: 01882 632216

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

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

Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111

Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri - Closed

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

Housing & Community Safety and Registration Services

26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry

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

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

Registration of Births,

More Helpful Numbers to Hand

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.

HOROSCOPES

BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN

For May 2023

The energies for May suggest that although it is possibly a slightly more stable month, there are still plenty of surprises in store as the influence of Taurus the bull comes to the forefront. The moon is full in the deep and passionate sign of Scorpio on the 5th, full moons are always about energetic intensity and illumination, use this one to check out your life’s direction, do you have a goal, a mission or a philosophy that needs your attention? Love planet Venus arrives in the sensitive and caring sign of Cancer on the 8th, offering the perfect opportunity for outdoor socialising and connecting with loved ones, friends and family.

Lucky and expansive planet Jupiter moves into Taurus on the 17th, where it will stay until May 25th 2024. Jupiter joins the maverick planet Uranus, also in Taurus, indicating that we can expect major shifts and possible shocks in the financial world and in the global economy. Jupiter in Taurus also emphasises the natural world and urges us to make the most of this delightful month by forming a deeper connection to the beauty of nature.

Mercury turns direct on the 15th just before the Taurus new moon on the 19th, be sure to seize these excellent opportunities for some new beginnings!

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

The Taurus Sun starts the month with a powerful connection to maverick planet Uranus, this exceptional combination illuminates the way you value yourself and how you come across to others. Expansive Jupiter leaves your sign on the 16th indicating that a financial overview is long overdue. Venus in chatty Gemini until the 7th assists with communicating your ideas.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21

The Sun is in your sign and starts the month in powerful aspect to the rebel planet Uranus; this month will not be dull and you’ll start to see plenty of unexpected change coming your way. Expansive Jupiter arrives in Taurus on the 17th for a one year stay, this is your time to expand your consciousness, assess your goals and reach for whatever you want.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21

Dynamic Mars in sensitive Cancer is stirring up the financial area of your chart, use you intuition to make some necessary changes, you’ll be well rewarded as new opportunities open up. Mercury, your ruler, turns direct on the 15th indicating that plans and practical matters will start to flow again. Results look encouraging, particularly around the powerful Taurus new moon on the 19th.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22

Energetic Mars is active in your sign until 21st, this transit offers you the courage, self-confidence and determination to stand firm on a recent issue. The Sun and maverick Uranus illuminate the social area of your chart indicating a strong prospect of making new friendships and renewing some old ones. The Taurus new moon on the 19th is particularly rewarding and presents a unique opportunity for you.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23

The Sun, your ruler, is close to the maverick planet Uranus at the highest point of your chart. This powerful alignment illuminates the way for bigger and brighter career prospects; be bold, you need to believe in yourself and claim what is rightfully yours. Jupiter, in Aries until the 16th, promotes keeping your mind open and researching any subject that comes to your attention.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22

This month brings a sense of adventure and exciting new possibilities as the Sun and the unpredictable planet Uranus offer unique and brilliant opportunities to broaden your horizons. Your ruling planet, communicative Mercury, turns direct on the 15th ensuring that your plans can now move forward and confirming that you get the very best out of your social endeavours.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER

23

The new moon in Taurus on the 19th illuminates some of the important decisions that you have taken in recent months. Plans concerning joint resources look favourable and success looks almost certain. Venus arrives at the highpoint of your chart on the 8th, joining action planet Mars and indicating that Improved communications can make a powerful impact on others.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

Your opposite sign of Taurus is crowded with the Sun, Uranus and Mercury as this important month gets underway. Relationships become more important than ever and in due course you will determine who you really are, what matters most and what your ultimate goal is. Mars reaches the highpoint of your chart on the 21st, Leo energy is emphasised and creative ideas should be flowing.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

Jupiter, your ruler, changes signs on the 17th, illuminating your work routines, health and fitness. Jupiter is all about expanding and broadening horizons, now is the perfect time to let go of outmoded ideas and discover inspirational new ways forward in these areas. The new moon in Taurus on the 19th offers new beginnings and will certainly be an important turning point.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

Action planet Mars is in your opposite sign of Cancer until the 20th and love planet Venus arrives on the 8th, paving the way for lots of positive change concerning your home and family life. The Sun and the maverick planet Uranus are working together in Taurus, setting the scene for the winds of change to blow away any cobwebs in your social and romantic life.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18

Action planet Mars is travelling through a pivotal area of your chart until the 20th, this is a powerful opportunity for reviewing your health and fitness goals and for clearing out anything that is not essential to your wellbeing. Jupiter, in Aries until the 16th, highlights all areas of communication, suggesting that a dynamic phase of change and self- determination is about to begin.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20

Communication and new ideas are highlighted this month as the Sun joins forces with maverick planet Uranus, offering innovative new ways to enhance your life. How you relate to others is also about to be challenged and a new plan of action is on the horizon. The powerful Taurus new moon on the 19th suggests that after a delay or setback, a new beginning is now possible.

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