Pitlochry Life November 2022

PITLOCHRY

The Best of Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire

The Pitlochry Tipple

This month Ewan looks at different types of rum and how it is made.

Your Community

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

Willie's Wonky Computer

Willie looks at protecting your PC from power cuts.

Top Toys

Our annual review of what will top Santa's wanted list this Christmas.

The Pitlochry Garden

Sheila looks at some last minute jobs around the garden before winter sets in.

Sudoku

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

High Blood Pressure?

We have a few simple tips to help you keep it in check.

Fitness With Alan Clinch

This month Alan looks at keeping your fitness level up as we grow older.

Let it Snow!

We have some top tips for cleaning your car this winter, without damaging the paintwork.

Recipe

This month we have a delicious recipe for Chinese style Chicken Broccoli.

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

WELCOME

Welcome to the November edition of Pitlochry Life. In this edition we are looking towards Autumn and its spectacular effects on the countryside. Who doesn’t love Scotland with all the reds and golds in the trees and the skies are so much more striking. The nights are coming in now, so that means Bonfire Night and we have a couple of organised evenings here for you. During the day we have walks, trips, visits and many theatre shows. Christmas is coming and what better time to see Peter & Wendy at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. For another Christmas treat you can pop in and see Santa at the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre. Live Music really kicks in for the winter evenings this month. You can see different bands Fridays and Saturdays at the Old Mill Inn and the Atholl Palace Hotel - so check out their adverts for more info and don’t miss out.

Christmas might mean shopping - ok it does. We have lots of great places to help you get just the right gift for that someone special and if you need help with children's gifts, have a read through our Top Toy editorial. Some favourites in there!

As you can see many of our great local places are getting ready for Christmas - so have a good read and make a plan for this Autumn right through until Christmas with Pitlochry Life. Stay safe and see you in December.

High Blood Pressure

Yo Ho, Ho!

And a bottle of rum….

There are a few alcoholic drinks that we don’t have to question what they are made from – whisky from grains, wine from grapes and cider from apples, but what about rum? We’ve all heard of it, and quite a few of us will have tasted it. But what is it made from and what types of rum are there?

Essentially rum is made from sugar cane. In fact, it is made from 100% cane product: molasses, evaporated cane sugar, cane syrup, brown cane sugar and raw cane juice.

In the UK it is distilled at around 95% abv and must have a minimum 37.5% abv. Most rums are bottled at 40% to 50% abv, with Navy Strength kicking it at 57% abv.

The process starts by harvesting the cane, by hand, and then it is transported to a mill to be crushed.

All that is used is the juice, with the pulp being used as a fuel to generate power or heat.

Once the juice has been extracted there are three possible steps that can be taken:

1. The cane juice can be fermented and distilled to produce a natural rum.

2. The juice can be cooked down and made into a concentrate which can then be fermented and distilled. This allows ‘all year round’ distilling, not just during the harvest season.

3. The juice can be processed into crystallised sugar and molasses. The molasses are sold on to distilleries to make into rum and the sugar is sold for use as a sweetener. This is the most common option as the majority of rums are made from fermented molasses.

The next step is to distil the liquid to evaporate the alcohol which is then re-condensed and collected. This can be done in either a continuous column or pot still. Column stills produce a lighter, more delicate rum and pot stills the opposite.

Once distilled the majority of rums will be aged

in barrels, and due to the majority of rum being produced in hot humid climates, the transference of colour and flavour is much quicker than in whisky production, for example. Almost all rums are blended, and some are infused with herbs, fruits and spices.

There are three key types of rum: White – think Bacardi and cocktails. White rum is distilled and aged less than dark rum and can be filtered through charcoal to maintain its clear colour. White rum is lighter and has a simpler taste to dark or spiced.

Dark – The colour usually comes from the ageing process, but it can be as a result of adding caramel which makes it a golden colour. Ageing adds flavour, colour and complexity to the spirit and a barrel aged rum should be enjoyed neat, like a single malt, or with ice, not like a single malt.

Spiced – As I’ve mentioned, white and dark rums are not necessarily young and aged, other factors are at play, but spiced rum is more obvious as to where the flavour comes from. Herbs, spices and fruits such as cloves, cinnamon, anise and vanilla, can be added and the spirit absorbs the flavours. Best used for some cocktails or simply with coke, definitely not like whisky!

Ewan McIlwraith Robertsons of Pitlochry

Pete Wishart MP - Perth & North Perthshire - SNP

At the time of writing, I have just got back from Aberdeen, following the SNP’s first in-person conference since 2019. It was an excellent few days of exchanging ideas and visions for the party, as well as the country and indeed the world.

There was a wealth of topics discussed, from climate change to our NHS, to human rights. The conference culminated with a speech from our First Minister, which included major policy announcements to help people through the Tory cost-of-living crisis.

It was revealed that the game-changing Scottish Child Payment will be made available to under16s, meaning that around 300,000 more children will qualify, and that the bridging payment will also be doubled from £130 to £260, benefiting around 150,000 households.

These additional support measures for Scotland’s most vulnerable are a prime example of the fundamentally different ideologies now apparent between Holyrood and Westminster.

Downing Street has committed to delivering tax cuts that will benefit the richest the most and are considering cuts to public spending to fund them. Meanwhile, the Scottish Government is just as committed, albeit with limited powers, to its approach of lifting vulnerable households out of poverty so that they can reach their full potential.

Another striking ideological difference was the empathy that our First Minister showed towards those fleeing violence and oppression, in contrast to the new UK Home Secretary who said that shipping them off to Rwanda was her “obsession”. Scotland has a long track record of solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers, and in her speech the First Minister both renewed and solidified that principle at a time when the UK Government is following a very different path.

The dynamic atmosphere throughout the conference showed that the SNP is unified and entirely motivated to continue delivering on its progressive agenda. But in London, the Prime Minister now faces a choice between sticking with the mini-budget plans at the expense of the UK economy or scrapping the plans at the expense of her premiership.

With interest rates and inflation through the roof, pension funds at material risk and people already not coping, neither option offers much hope that things will get better soon. The markets’ trust in government is shattered, and has already caused profound and lasting damage.

It is entirely true to say that all governments in the UK must be laser focussed on protecting our NHS, our people and our economy as we approach what will be an extremely tough winter. However, the contrast in approaches north and south of the border will speak to the bigger question of what more would be possible if the Scottish Government had the full powers of an independent nation.

Murdo Fraser - Mid Scotland & Fife - Conservative

So much has happened recently that it is difficult to take it all in at times. We saw the election of Liz Truss as Conservative Party Leader and her appointment as Prime Minister, quickly followed by the announcement of a major intervention by the UK Government to help those facing rising energy costs.

No sooner was that announced, but we had the sad death of Her Majesty the Queen, and a period of national mourning during which I was honoured to have the opportunity to meet King Charles and the Queen Consort at Holyrood. Since then we have had the ‘mini-budget’ from the Chancellor, with consequent turbulence in the financial markets, although the objective of growing the economy is absolutely the right one. One issue that needs addressing is the worrying situation concerning the A9 Perth to Inverness

road. Pitlochry Life readers will be well aware of the perils of this road, and I’m sure will support my concerns that we need confirmation of when the whole dualling of the road will be completed in full.

The A9 has been dubbed ‘the most dangerous road in Scotland’ and it is easy to see why. It has an unenviable record for accidents with sadly, seven recent fatalities on the road. Two people died after a crash on the A9 near Dunkeld on October 6. Before that, an Inverness lorry driver died in a crash on the A9 on September 30 following a collision involving two HGVs near Carrbridge. This followed a crash on the A9, again near Dunkeld on September 16 when one person died.

Prior to that, three American family members died after their car collided with a lorry on the road at Ralia near Newtonmore on August 10.

This catalogue of fatalities has left families devastated and once again, highlights how vital it is to press on with the dualling in its entirety. I previously campaigned to have the A9 Perth to Inverness road dualled and I know how much local residents who live adjacent to the A9, and road safety campaigners, want to hear actual confirmation that the dualling will be finished. So far, this hasn’t happened.

We were initially told that the A9 dualling should be completed by 2025, which now looks very unlikely. The road has seen many accidents and fatalities through the years.

It is notable that the recent accidents all took place on single stretch carriageways of the A9. To have five people dying following these accidents shows that we urgently need confirmation that dualling is progressing and that it will be fully completed. I will keep pressing the SNP Government on this.

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

John Swinney MSP - Perthshire North - SNP

Recently, I met with staff and clients of the Highland Perthshire Debt Centre.

The project, which is operated by Christians Against Poverty, offers free debt advice as well as support to reduce isolation and improve the mental health and self-confidence of service users.

Whether it be offering assistance with budgeting or helping to provide emergency food supplies, the Highland Perthshire Debt Centre has had a hugely positive impact on the lives of people living in the local area.

It was therefore a pleasure to meet with staff and to thank them for the work they are doing. I was fortunate enough to open the project back in 2014 and it was heartening to see how far it has come in the eight years that have passed.

It was particularly moving to meet with a Highland Perthshire Debt Centre client, and to hear about her positive experience with the organisation. It was gratifying to learn how, with the support of Christians Against Poverty, she had rebuilt her life and re-established connections with family members. This is clear evidence of the profound impact that this service can have on the lives of its users.

Our country is currently facing a very challenging economic situation, and it is therefore more important than ever that vulnerable households have access to high-quality financial advice and assistance. To that end, I will continue to support the Highland Perthshire Debt Centre and offer any assistance I can over the coming months and years. I would also encourage any constituents who

Blair Castle & Gardens

Standing proudly in the heart of Highland Perthshire, Blair Castle has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. From welcoming day visitors to hosting large events, we have a range of roles available.

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic individuals for:

Events Manager Housekeepers

Full

more

have across Atholl Estates.

on the roles

It is an honour and privilege to help care for such a beautiful buildling. Filled with original artifacts, no two days are the same at Blair Castle.”

Ailsa, Housekeeper

feel that they may be in need of this service to get in touch with the Highland Perthshire Debt Centre directly.

For our part, the Scottish Government is also taking steps to help with the cost-of-living crisis, such as implementing a rent freeze and increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £25 per week and expanding its eligibility criteria. Whilst we know that this will not solve all the problems that ordinary households across Highland Perthshire are facing, we hope that it will provide some relief.

I would also strongly encourage everyone reading this to visit www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits and ensure that they are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled. This website includes independent benefits calculators and a description of the individual benefits available. Should you wish to contact me or feel that I can be of assistance with an issue, I can be reached via john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot or 01250 876 576. My office is located at 17-19 Leslie St, Blairgowrie, PH107HW.

Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch Association

Are you invisible?

Can you be seen in the dark? Do you have to walk in the road because there isn’t a pavement? Do you walk where there are no or inadequate street lights? Would a vehicle driver be able to see you in the dark? Dogs can wear collars with flashing lights but their owners may be invisible. Children’s outdoor clothing often has reflective material but, apart from cycling jackets and some workwear, adult outdoor clothing is often dark coloured and rarely has reflective parts. Here are some tips to help you see and be seen in the dark.

Buy hi-vis tape to stick on bags, clothing, walking sticks etc. (available from Pitlochry Hardware Centre).

Wear a hi-vis vest (less than £2 online).

Wear a high visibility slap band on your arm, wrist or on a bag. (£2-3 online)

Carry a small torch in your bag or pocket to light dark corners, trip hazards and steps. Use a head torch to keep your hands free (the cheapest is less than £10). Always walk facing oncoming traffic.

Be aware that dark clothing may make you invisible in the dark. Don’t presume that a driver can see you. Stay up to date with Neighbourhood Watch alerts at: www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

Pitlochry & District Climate Cafe

“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” Jane Goodall. In a Climate Cafe everyone is welcome to join the conversation on climate change and the issues we face and the actions we can take. November Climate Cafés:- Wednesday 2nd Nov. 7pm and Tuesday 8th Nov 2022, 1pm (virtual or in person). Venue: Moulin Hall. For more information please contact: Carol Aitken caaitken.naturaldesign@gmail.com Website: www.pitlochrycc.co.uk CO-OP Recycling: All Co-op own brand food packaging can be recycled in our local store, the

bin is located behind the baskets just inside the front door. Labelling on packaging may not be up to date, so not all soft plastics will be labelled as recyclable yet. Their list of what can be recycled includes: - Thin plastic lids of all types. Wrappers from kitchen towel, toilet roll, nappies, cotton wool. Pouches from microwave rice, sauces, pre-cooked mussels, pet food. Fruit & veg. nets, bags and wrappers. Carrier bags. Crisps, nuts, snack bags. Bags from cereal, porridge, dried goods e.g. fruit, pasta, rice, sugar, pulses, frozen foods. Ice cube bags. Wrappers & film from chocolate, sweets, biscuits. Cling film and pizza wrapping film. Bread and bread product wrappers e.g. croissants, naan bread, garlic bread. Fresh pasta bags. Wrappers from cheese, pastry, cakes, Yorkshire puddings, baby wipes, meat, poultry and joints, tea and teabags, ground coffee. Pies, pastries, sausage rolls, household textiles, scourers, rubber gloves. Giftwrap, greetings cards wrappers. Flower wrappers. Pet food wrappers. No compostable carrier bags or wrappers, plastic bottles and trays. They accept soft plastics from any retailer or brand, but cannot guarantee that it will be recycled, although the majority will be.

Repair Cafe in Pitlochry: Next Repair Cafes are Sunday 30th October and Sunday 4th December, 12pm to 3pm. Venue: Moulin Hall.

COP 27, the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference will take place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from 6th to 18th Nov. 2022. For more information https://unfccc.int/cop27

Heartland FM

I often ask myself why I do my radio work with Heartland FM, and often it’s because I enjoy it. It's also because I can see what a powerful medium radio is. It’s instant, it’s now, it can react very quickly to current situations. I am also aware of what other people get out of it too. The joy of learning a new skill, the hobby that can make sure you get some “me” time. The satisfaction of doing some good. The relationship we have with education through the local schools and colleges. We are giving work experience to one of the digital media students at Perth College as part of his foundation apprenticeship course and we have news students working with our news editor to get work experience in real situations. Most of all we do all of this for you, the community of Highland Perthshire.

Sometimes it is nice to be recognised for what we do. Over the last few years we have entered the National UK Community Radio Awards. We have been delighted with our success. In 2021 we were shortlisted in four categories and were placed in all four, a great achievement for the team and the community. So I was delighted when we got the nomination for the Station of the Year for the second year in a row. The only Community Radio Station which has been shortlisted in Scotland for this award, so we are over the moon to say the least.

The awards ceremony takes place on the 19th of November in Bedford, so we have the best suits looked out and working out how to get there for a whistle stop journey from Highland Perthshire to just outside London. So depending when you read this, we will either be looking forward to the ceremony or indeed know the result. Whether we are placed or not, we are delighted to be the only station in Scotland to be nominated in this category for the second year in a row.

We are also pleased that we have some new volunteers doing great work with the station and hopefully you will be hearing some new voices on the air after they have gone through their training. You never know they could be future award winners!

So happy listening, thanks for listening and thanks for making us an important part of your community.

Alistair Smith stationmanager@heartland.scot

Blair Atholl & Struan Community Council

At the time you read this, the Blair Atholl & Struan Community Council is about to begin a new term of three years with some new faces and some old ones, as we acknowledge with gratitude the long service to the community that others have given, especially Donald Isles, lynchpin of so many local groups for such a long time.

Our AGM and ordinary council meeting will be held at the village hall on 8th November at 7.30pm. There we will hear about last year’s efforts, including the campaign to retain some kind of health provision in the village. We will also discuss the challenges that lie ahead, many of which may be addressed in Blair Atholl’s Community Action Plan, should we decide to revisit the earlier 2014 plan. Do come along and have your say and meet the new generation of community council volunteers.

Killiecrankie, Fincastle & Tummel Community Council

Minutes of the AGM and the September meeting of the KFT Community Council are available on our website: www.kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk

At the recent Community Council elections, we had five candidates declared elected. Our newly revived Community Council is, therefore, properly up and running again. We are looking for someone to take charge of our Community Resilience Plan. The blueprint already exists but it will need updating. Volunteers to join the Community Resilience Committee (the group that responds to an emergency such as flooding or landslip) should email info@ kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk

Our secure database is growing. We hope that as many of the KFT community as possible will join our mailing list. If you wish to subscribe, please email info@kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk to add your name.

Our final meeting of the year will take place in Killiecrankie Village Hall at 7pm on Monday, 21st November 2022

Atholl Centre

Food Bank - Thank you for your continued support in making donations of food and household items. You, the Community, enable us to continue the Food Bank Service in this area. Over the last weeks we have been hugely blessed by a large donation from visiting Scouts at Blair Atholl, and a number of local businesses are generously giving their produce. If you would like to help to prepare parcels, help deliver to homes, or help fund raise, please do get involved. Call in at the Atholl Centre, to meet the FB team.

NB: Please note; our new 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. Each day food on it’s ‘Best Before’ date is collected from the Coop shop, and is placed in the Community Larder. This is to avoid food waste and to support many with the rising prices at this time. Other items are donated by locals, in order to share with others.

Garden Share - is also in the Community Larder, sharing fruit & veg that locals have grown in their

gardens and greenhouses. The Community Larder is at the Main Entrance to the Atholl Centre, behind the Baptist Church.

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

The Coat Rail. New at the Atholl Centre, we have a great number of donated Winter coats & jackets. Please come along to choose one that is right for you. If you are struggling, this year to replace your old Winter coat, or if you would like to swap it for another. The Centre is open Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm. This year is a year for sharing with one another. Every coat donated to the Coat rail, has been given with the hope that someone else will benefit from the Service. Christmas Community Lunch - Christmas Day. We are planning a Community event for Christmas Day in the Atholl Centre. Please get in touch with the Centre office, if you would like to join us on Christmas Day, or help in any way. We will provide a Christmas Day Lunch in the Centre, and deliver parcels to homes in and around Pitlochry.

Book your place at the Table, or book a parcel for Christmas Day.

C.A.T.H. Churches Action For The Homeless. The outreach service will be at the Atholl Centre, Pitlochry on Tuesday 1st September, between 10.00am and 12midday. 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.

8th Annual Pitlochry Christmas Tree Festival 2022

Invitation to Participate and Visit

Saturday 26 November 10.00am – 4.00pm, Sunday 27 November 2.00 – 4.00pm.

Carol Concert Sunday 27 November at 6.30pm.

Pitlochry Church of Scotland, The Atholl Centre and Pitlochry Scout Group once again invite local businesses, voluntary organisations, charities, families and individuals to participate in our 8th Annual Christmas Tree Festival by providing a real or artificial Christmas Tree decorated in a way which advertises or promotes the interests or a particular Group, Business, Family, Organisation or Charity. The Trees will all be on public display inside Pitlochry Church of Scotland over a period of two days and during Church services up to and including Christmas Day.

The Church Tryst, will host a Festival Craft and Produce Market, Refreshments, and Children’s Crafts on Saturday 26 November, with …. Santa dropping in for a visit too!!

A Christmas Carol Concert on the evening of Sunday 27 November will celebrate the end of the Festival and reveal the winner of the Best Tree Competition and details of the monies raised for our Charity Partners. For 2022 they are: ‘Malawi Banana Box Trust’, a Scottish Charity, supporting and sending aid to the people of Northern Malawi in Africa, and ‘OUCH UK’, raising general awareness of cluster headache, and offering support and guidance to sufferers and their families. Join in, come along and visit. Enjoy what will be a magical, colourful, interesting and innovative display of decorated Christmas trees, all illustrating different themes captivating the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike.

If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact The Atholl Centre on 01796 473 044, or our organiser Rachael on: 07976 214 967. You can also email either admin@athollcentre.org.uk or rachael@thechristmasemporium.co.uk for more information.

Organisers: Rachael Wood (Pitlochry Church of Scotland) 07976 214 967, Helen Kirkwood (The Atholl Centre) 01796 473 044, Mark Wood (Pitlochry Scout Group) 07980 257 586

Local Christmas Card Delivery Service

This year the local Christmas Card Delivery Service will be raising funds for the Food Bank as well as for our Senior Citizens’ Bus. 60% of the money raised will go to the Food Bank and 40% to the Bus.

This ever popular event will be happening between 5th and 9th December

It is a great opportunity to meet and chat as well as contribute to these worthwhile causes. So please get the date in your diary and get your local cards written, or just pop in to Victoria’s that week to make a donation, if you can.

Local volunteers will sort and deliver your cards for addresses in and around Pitlochry, from Greengates to Aldour; Moulin to Port-na Craig and everywhere in between, as well as Kinnaird; Donavourd; Croftinloan; West & East Haugh; Dalshian; Ballyoukan; and the LogieraitDunfallandy Rd (including Murray Terrace).

The suggested donation is 30p per card.

If you would like to join our team either as a sorter or a deliverer, please phone Cath Marshall (470575) or Fiona Panton (474245) by 7 November.

To volunteer as a Bus driver, please phone Ian Moyes on 472425.

To volunteer for the Food Bank (packing, admin, or delivery) please phone Helen Kirkwood at the Atholl Centre on 473044.

Pitlochry Station Bookshop

We are making a slight change to our opening hours.

From Monday 31st October the Bookshop will open at 9.30am rather than 9.00am. It will still close at 4.30pm and there will still be the same amazing range of donated books for sale.

Recently, I noticed that a bit of tree pruning is required in my garden even though my horticultural skills are non-existent. So I scanned the titles in the Bookshop’s Gardening section for some easy advice. Something like Gardening for Dummies.

Why, then, did I fasten on a specialist volume entitled, “Pruning,” all two hundred pages of it? The cover is dull and the title uninspiring but it gives me an entry to a previously closed world. Never have I seen so many diagrams of trees in one place, from apples and pears to peaches and Morello cherries and all for the cost of £1. The detail in the book enthrals me and all I need is to turn my enthusiasm into manual work in freezing January.

Give our Bookshop Tokens for Christmas and allow someone else to discover the Bookshop’s riches. Tokens cost £5 each for spending as one amount or broken into smaller sums. They can be used on several occasions or on one visit. It’s a superb means of giving great pleasure for low cost and, of course, all money spent goes straight to our six charities.

You may even introduce someone to a world as fascinating as tree pruning.

Festive Creativity in Pitlochry Town Hall.

Several community music and dance groups combine for two special performances in the Town Hall in December.

The shows will be at 7.30pm on Friday 9th and 2pm on Saturday 10th Dec, and will feature 6-8 local troupes over two hours. Participants are drawn from every age group, and this promises to

Community Bonfire & Firework Display

Friday the 4th of November At the Recreation Ground

Gates Open at 6pm with music from Heartland FM The Bonfire will be lit at 6.45 pm. Fireworks at 7pm

More

Guy Competition - bring your entry to the Heartland Stage by 6.30 pm The prize is a Hamper from Love Your Sweets

Food & Drink Stalls Music Storytelling

Bruce Entertainments (Charges Apply)

Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory

There’s lots in the news this week suggesting we could see planned power cuts over the winter as we don’t have enough gas to meet demand and keep power stations running 24/7.

Power cuts can seriously damage your computer or games console. Fair enough, if planned, you can simply switch off in plenty time. If, however, a cold snap causes an unexpected surge in demand, we could lose power suddenly. These cuts also cause spikes, surges and drops in voltage (brownout, as opposed to a blackout)) - all capable of damaging your PC, particularly the hard drive, resulting in potential loss of all your data.

You can protect yourself against this with a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), which is basically a battery backup that kicks in instantly to provide a stable power source to your PC, so you have time to shut it down properly.

I would say at this point that if you only have a laptop, go read the Gardening page as you don’t need a UPS. Laptops simply switch to battery mode, then power themselves off when the battery gets below a certain level. Pull the power lead and test it.

There are different kinds of UPS, but as a home user, a fairly basic model will provide sufficient protection. Here’s what to look for:

Standby UPS is the most common type and is suitable for a home computer. Although it is the simplest system, it is highly efficient, small in size, and low cost.

Line-interactive UPS is the middle-of-the-road system. Line-interactive UPS systems offer more enhanced power protection than a standby UPS, as they provide additional line conditioning. They are ideal for small businesses that network computers or store data on external NAS drives or servers, whilst still relatively low cost and very efficient.

On-line UPS is a more expensive system and more suited for medium to large-sized operations. These are more reliable than cheaper systems because the inverter is running continuously. This offers a great level of protection against surges, spikes, electrical noise, and harmonics, as well as complete power failures. Cost is relative to how much you value your data. Your in house IT guy will keep you right.

For a home user you just need to protect the PC itself, as a minimum, don’t worry too much about the monitor, printer or router, they are far more resilient to power cuts. Keeping your monitor on does make it easier to shut the computer down though. You can, however, programme the power button to shut down properly with a short push, whereas holding the button down is a ‘Hard’ shutdown which will turn off the computer without saving work and will not close down files and apps like a regular shutdown does - so no better than a power cut, and not what you want. The power button settings can be found in System and Security>Power Options.

You will need a UPS that will cover the power (wattage) your computer uses, so that it will stay on long enough for you to power down properly. You will get that from the spec page in its instruction manual. Unless you have a high end gaming machine 4 - 500 watts should cover it.

Most UPS will also come with surge protection. If not, buy a power strip extension that does.

Then check how long the UPS will last. It may only be a few minutes, so it makes sense to always power your computer down if you aren’t able to get to it in that time. Alternatively, look for a UPS that also connects to your PC by USB cable and includes power management software that will power down the PC for you.

Apple Macs don’t need the additional software to shut down. A UPS with USB connection will be recognised by the Mac and can be configured in the Energy Saver tab.

Next up, check the connectors on the UPS, some take a standard 3-pin plug, some take what’s called a C14 connector. With the latter, the easiest way to connect is to buy a C14 Connector Plug to UK 13 Amp 2 or 4 Gang Socket.

Not convinced? Then back up your work every few minutes to an external SSD and don’t leave your PC on or in sleep mode during the night, it might just not wake up again. Willie

TOP TOYS FOR THIS CHRISTMAS 2022

Well it’s that time of year again and as many a parent will know getting the right present is tough. With so much choice and the toys being so expensive, we have taken a look at what the experts predict will be high on the wish list. We also asked our own kids what they really loved playing with as youngsters. Hint - not always the same toys!! So we have some suggestions for you that hopefully won’t break the bank but will give them lots of fun.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse By Charlie Mackesy. The Book and The Film - New Book Launch, £20 (Available from November).

Enter the world of Charlie’s four unlikely friends, discover their story and their most poignant life lessons. Charlie’s first book includes his most-loved illustrations and new ones too. The conversations of the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse have been shared thousands of times online, recreated in school art classes and hung on hospital walls.

Bluey’s S5 Talking Plush Bluey £20

Bring the fun and imaginative play of Bluey home with the Talking Bluey 33cm Plush! Bluey loves playing with her family, especially with her little sister Bingo. Press

Bluey’s tummy to hear 9 fun phrases from the Bluey TV show.

You can even sing along with Bluey to her theme song! Bluey is the perfect size for cuddles. Made with deluxe fabrics and featuring embroidered details, this supersoft plush doubles as a cuddly toy for showtime or storytime. Collect all of Bluey’s plush friends create your own Bluey adventures!

LOL Surprise Boys Series 5 Doll. £10 Each

Unbox the brother of one of the fan favourite LOL Surprise dolls with LOL Surprise Boys Series 5. Each character has a similar fierce style to his sister character, but with his own unique twist. And now they have flocked hair. Reveal an additional hidden hairstyle by using the included toy razor to shave the flocked hair. Feed or bathe doll to discover water surprises, including colour change. There are 12 assorted characters to collect. AGE 3+

Featuring Hogwarts Castle’s Great Hall with house banners, tower with movable spiral staircase, potions room and treasure room! This castle’s toy for kids 4-level tower features movable Grand Staircase spiral steps at its base, potions room, treasure room with chest.

Includes 10 minifigures: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Susan Bones, Professor McGonagall, and Albus Dumbledore, Professor Quirrell with dual Lord Voldemort face, Hagrid, Nearly Headless Nick, buildable Basilisk plus Hedwig & Scabbers figures.Accessory elements include 7 wands, 3 tumblers, an umbrella, lantern, broom, sorting hat, cauldrons, potions, candles, brooms and many more. Will combine with other Lego Harry Potter sets too.

LEGO £113 Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall Castle

Rock

I’m a Stylist Styling Head Ella, £40

Recreate The Rock vs John Cena main event of Wrestle Mania 29 witjh this package. The authentic 14-inch ring features Pro-Tension Ropes for launching attacks and a Spring-Loaded Mat for extra bounce from slams. Included in the bundle are WWE The Rock and John Cena basic action figures, featuring multiple articulation points, authentic ring gear, and detailed TrueFX technology. Colours and decorations may vary. Age 3+

Vtech JotBot (The Smart Drawing Robot), £49.99

Meet JotBot, your very own interactive robot drawing buddy by VTech! This cute little robot loves to draw and promotes drawing through fun dialogue and storytelling! Insert 1 of 15 double-sided drawing data chips to see JotBot draw the image on that chip. Code JotBot to draw using fun draw codes found in the included colour-coded guidebook, just enter the directional codes onto the arrow keys on JotBot’s head and away he goes!JotBot can draw on A3 and A4 paper and features a child-friendly felt tip pen! JotBot can draw with most pens and pencils too! JotBot is full of personality and will even sing as he works!

You can write to Santa direct!! Don’t forget a return address and a stamp!

Santa Clause Santa’s Grotto Reindeerland North Pole SAN TA1

CUT, STYLE, & CHANGE HAIR: Colorful wigs are ready to be cut and styled. The hair is incredibly realistic and soft so it is easy to style. Plus, the hair is interchangeable so you can be creative without fear of permanently messing up. Comes with 1 wig, 6 hair accessories ad 2 face gem sets. More wigs can be bought separately so you can keep on playing with Ella for many years to come.

Hot Wheels - Garage City Attacking Shark Escape Playset £55.

Take a drive through the Hot Wheels City parking garage but beware the dangerous shark that attacks and eats unsuspecting vehicles! The playset has three activators that randomly trigger the shark to break through the track and devour the car. Escape to the end, and the shark gets locked in the cage and trapped cars go free. One Hot Wheels vehicle is included, but there’s parking for more. (Additional vehicles sold separately. ) Connect it to other Hot Wheels sets and track pieces to build a one-of-a-kind cityscape. Aged4 +

Jiggly Pets Pink Pup, £11.99

Jiggly Pets Puppy is the cutest walking dog! Simply press the head to bring Jiggly Pup to life. This electronic puppy walks, barks and wags their tail whilst playing a catchy tune! Batteries Needed/ Included Age 4 +

be a celebration of our community’s creative talents.

Tickets go on sale in Pitlochry from 1st November from Coorie In The Corner (Bonnethill Rd) and The Paper Shop (Atholl Road), and will also be available in the Co-op foyer between 11am and 2pm on Saturdays 12th and 19th November. Price £6 (£3 for under-16).

Refreshments will be available and there will be the ever-popular raffle. Proceeds will support the work of The Pitlochry Town Hall Group.

Pitlochry In Bloom

Working for you in Pitlochry

The Autumn colours are nearly here and all the bulbs for planting in and around Pitlochry have just arrived and are safely stored in my garage ready for planting shortly.

I hope you have enjoyed the glorious baskets and displays this year. We, in Pitlochry in Bloom, really wanted this to be a bumper year with all our visitors and residents valuing the effort of such a volunteer group and appreciating the wonderful floral colours.

As with all organisations we are very dependent on the financial good will of businesses and individuals to continue our good work It would really help if you felt able to support us.

Our bank details are: Pitlochry in Bloom, Bank of Scotland A/C 00734440 - Sort Code - 80-09-41

Or send a cheque to me

Kate Howie, Chair of Pitlochry in Bloom, Tulloch of Pitnacree, Pitlochry PH9 0LW. katehowie@yahoo.co.uk or 01887 840378/07794 187579

Edradour Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Pipe Band

Congratulations to Piper Mark Inglis for his brilliant achievement at Inverness, running his 19th marathon. The next evening Mark and the rest of the band played at the Keepers of the Quaich at Blair Castle. We will be doing our usual fundraising Christmas Hampers again, so please get in touch for tickets from band or committee members. This goes a long way to help us fund uniforms, equipment, travel costs etc.

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

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band

It was with great sadness that we said “Goodbye” to our Grade 4 Pipe Major and principal chanter tutor, Gary Nimmo. After a fantastic season, winning lots of trophies and with his final competition at Pitlochry Games, where his band took 1st place in Grade 4, Gary has decided to go back to University and his timetable just wouldn't allow him the

The Pitlochry Garden November

November is a dark month; the days get shorter and chillier as we all bend to the same seasonal declination. It is natural to gravitate to the light, even if it is a well-lit shop or office, but, if the sun does shine, there is beauty to be seen in the garden and across the wider landscape. So carpe diem and get outside!

November light is low and warm, highlighting the shape of the hills, or the structure of buildings. The shape of leafless trees is etched against the background of field or form, picked out in the light, usually from the west at the end of the day.

Now you can understand the importance of placing shapely trees or plants where they interrupt the light. Using light this way adds a whole new dimension to your garden, but one that may only be apparent after the distraction of leaf and flower is gone.

Multi-stemmed deciduous trees, like birch or amelanchier; bold, upright grasses like Calamagrostis Karl Foerster; sculptural perennials like teasel or cardoon are all extraordinary in the last light of the year. Trees with good bark that shines like Acer griseum, Betula jacquemontii or Prunus Amber Beauty or P serrula also come to mind.

Things to do this month: definitely finish planting the bulbs, tidy the shed, replenish supplies of wood and kindling and do any restorative pruning of mature deciduous shrubs.

To restore a shrub remove one-third of the oldest and thickest stems right back down to the ground.

If you do this again next year and the year after, in three years all the wood will be renewed.

Finish trimming beech, privet, hawthorn or mixed wildlife hedges, remembering to make the hedge narrower at the top so light reaches the bottom branches too. However, it is not a good idea to trim conifer hedges when there is a risk of frost. If you missed the chance, leave it until next spring.

There has been enough rain to move any shrubs that need a bigger space. This can be a heavy piece of work so line up at least one helper. You need a spade with a good edge, a large heavy duty piece of plastic to put the shrub onto and some compost.

Dig a shallow trench around the shrub outside of the branch tips – this will show you how big the new hole has to be. Now prepare the new planting site, digging down at least half the diameter of the circle. Prick out the sides of the hole with a fork to allow good drainage and put some compost in the bottom.

Dig around the shrub, breaking some of the fine feeding roots and finally severing some of the larger anchoring roots. Lift the plant onto the plastic and slide it over to the new hole. Replant so that the soil is at the same level as before, filling in around the sides with fresh compost and heeling in as you go. Water in and keep an eye on it this winter.

Have a look for the fairy lights.

Sheila Drummond

time to do all the necessary teaching.

We are delighted to have filled the big gap he left with Pipe Major Roddy Weir. Roddy is the Pipe Sergeant of the Grade 3A band and is going to take on Pipe Major of the Grade 4 band and the tuition of the Novice Juvenile band and all the learners. I'm sure Roddy will do a great job.

All tuition is free and practices are held in the Tulloch Institute in Perth on a Tuesday night. If you're interested in coming along, just drop me an e-mail.

November is a quiet month. We've got the Remembrance Day Parade on the 13th, which we're looking forward to, after no parades for the previous two years. Gillie McNab 07733152223 gmcnab00@aol.com

GrowBiz

Creative Gifting with Perthshire Artisans

Creative gifting is a win, win, win! An original handmade gift for any occasion speaks volumes. The recipient knows that the piece has been carefully considered and selected to suit them, the giver delights in sourcing and discovering an item and style of work that will have meaning and bring joy, and the Perthshire Artisans love knowing that their work is treasured in a good home!

It’s always an #AllGiftsConsidered Christmas with Perthshire Artisans, the online platform established by GrowBiz, showcasing the work of over 30 creatives living and working in the area. Opting to buy from a Perthshire Artisan supports buying small, locally, sustainably and ultimately buying better!

Part of the joy of giving and receiving a gift from Perthshire Artisans is the local story, who created it, how and where. The inspiration may come from somewhere you or the receiver lives or enjoys visiting. Whatever the story there’s an individual connection to the place, the Artisan and the creative item, making for a delightful and meaningful gift giving and receiving experience. The items found on www.perthshire-artisans.scot are fantastically varied, from the type of product, what it’s made from and also price, demonstrating that creative gifting is accessible as well as much more fun.

From hand-pressed prints, hand-thrown ceramics, hand-stitched leather bags, hand-drawn designs printed onto homewares, hand-poured candles to hand-soldered jewellery, there are over 500 beautifully created items to choose from when you’re looking for something different to gift.

Pitlochry Path Group - Update

Evidenced by the harvests of apples and plums and the height of the grass verges, 2022 has been a year of enormous growth. The group has spent a lot of time on vegetation management – strimming the paths and path edges, cutting back trees and bushes and generally keeping the core path network navigable for our visitors and local neighbours alike. For the first time this year and over four sessions the group cleared the pavement between Faskally caravan site and Loch Dunmore entrance road. We have been lucky to recruit a few more volunteers this year and group numbers feel quite healthy. Some Thursdays we have even had two groups working on different tasks.

In addition to general vegetation management, the group completed some

project work including installing cross drains at the top of our new Auchnahyle steps, installing new drains across the riverside path from the suspension bridge (this may be an ongoing project), renovating the steps below Fonab Castle Hotel, repairing muddy patches at the Rec and on the Kinnaird Path etc.

We recently helped with an unusual task in relocating a signpost (see pic). The group was advised that a signpost had washed up at the boating station having travelled, we think, by water from north of the Garry Bridge down the Tummel, through Loch Faskally and ending up, three miles later, at the Boating Station. We were happy to return the sign to its proper position – no reports of anybody getting lost!

Time now to put the strimmers to bed for the winter and dig out the leaf rakes and the leafblower for the changing season.

Pitlochry Path Group operates constitutionally as a subgroup of Pitlochry in Bloom. All individual volunteers of the Path Group, the Litter Picking group and the Bloom group had a get together recently to put the world to rights over tea at the Atholl Centre. It was good to meet other local volunteers sharing some community spirit and cake!

For more information don’t hesitate to contact either Cath Marshall (marshall16@marshall16. plus.com or 01796 470575) or Ian Sim (i.sim@btopenworld.com or 07772 430434). Cheers.

Pitlochry and District Choral Society

The choir have started weekly rehearsals in The Tryst on Wednesday evenings at 7.45pm. All singers are welcome. Students in full-time education can join free of charge.

We are working towards our annual Christmas concert which will take place on Sunday 11th December at 7.30pm in Pitlochry Church of Scotland. We will be joined by our junior choir. Come along for a feast of festive favourites!

Save the date for “Christmas Together”

The Dunkeld & Birnam Christmas Art & Crafts Fair

The Christmas Fair will be held on 5th and 6th November in The Drill Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld, from 10am to 5pm. As well as old friends we have some exciting new exhibitors including metal work from Rannoch and award winning hat designer Susan Knox. Admission is free.

Rotary Club of Pitlochry

Please join the Rotary Club of Pitlochry on Saturday 27 January 2023 for a splendid Charity Evening in the Atholl Arms, Blair Atholl. A delicious dinner will be served, a young local piper will be in attendance, and there will be dancing to an award-winning dance band, playing music to suit all tastes. Tickets are £45 each, and return transport is available for £5 per person from Pitlochry. For enquiries or tickets please contact Linda Watt on 07713570289, Sheena Brennan on 07725835734 or pop into the Hardware Centre or Homeware Centre in Pitlochry. Proceeds will go to local, national and international charities. Please see the articles below for a sample of the help we give.

Shelter Box - In response to the devastating flooding in Pakistan, impacting more than 33 million people, Pitlochry Rotary has donated another Shelter Box to provide emergency aid to those affected. Pitlochry Food Bank - Pitlochry Rotary have committed to donating a regular payment to Pitlochry Food Bank for the next year to help support local families.

Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry

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

We are looking forward to an introduction to “Escape Rooms on a Suitcase” by Drew Scott at our November meeting. Fingers crossed we can escape our meeting room at Pitlochry Hydro to the dining room so we can enjoy our supper!

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

Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled Association.

Riding ended for the year with a flourish at the beginning of October when as mentioned in last month’s report we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the group. The day was made all the more memorable by the visit of Councillor John Duff who presented long service certificates to Jennifer Valentine and Cecily Hill (both 30 years) and Ros Timperley (25 years). He was extremely complimentary about the work of RDA and in particular our group who have helped children from 7 different schools in the area over the years. Earlier in the day the riders were thrilled to receive special rosettes to commemorate the occasion. The photos show our Chairperson Jennifer Valentine receiving her long service certificate and Emma Williamson with her ‘Endeavour Award’ and rosette.

The late Queen’s funeral being on a Monday rather disrupted our timetable but luckily we were able to fit in a visit from our Regional Coach who came to assess a trainee coach and review one who qualified last year. We were never in any doubt about their abilities and we are now very fortunate to have 3 coaches (and one in training) to take the group forward to next year and beyond.

We also had our week at the Thrift Shop where we were well supported by friends and where we made a net profit of £1,768.31. A lot of hard work produced this excellent result and as always we are so grateful for all the local support given.

Our next big event will be the AGM on November 7th at 11am in the Church of Scotland Rooms, Aberfeldy, to which everyone is invited. If you would be interested in becoming a volunteer come and hear about us.

Pitlochry Library

Pitlochry Library is now open again! The new opening hours are: Thursday 10am-1pm and 2pm-7pm. Saturday 9.30am-12.30pm 01796 474635 / pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk

Bookbug sessions are held at Pitlochry Library every Thursday from 10.15 – 10.45am. Come and

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

join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please contact Pitlochry Library by phoning 01796 474635 or by emailing pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk to book a spot.

Book Fines

Library users will no longer need to pay fines if they return their books later than the return date. Culture Perth and Kinross hope that ending fines will remove one of the barriers that may prevent people from using their libraries, making them accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone living or working in the region. The move also reflects the ambitions of the Forward: Scotland's Public Library Strategy, published in 2021.

Free Online Digital Skills Learning Opportunities

PKC Adult Learning Hub is now offering free digital skills sessions that will cover essential digital skills for life and work such as: staying safe online, communicating with others, setting up an email address, accessing services online and much more. Find out more atwww.pkc.gov.uk/article/21753/Adult-learning-Computing-and-IT

One of our friendly team of staff from Perth and Kinross Council will be available to support you and answer any questions you might have.

To get in touch with our team for more information, please contact: Email: learningcurve@pkc.gov.uk Tel: 01738 477097 Mobile/text: 0777 555 3245

Macmillan Cancer Support News

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan’s biggest fundraising event. What started as a small affair in 1990 with some friends gathering and donating the cost of their cup of coffee to Macmillan has now raised over £290 million so far. The covid pandemic has had a big impact on fundraising for Macmillan as with many other charities, but the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning still raised over £11 million in 2021 & we hope to top that this year. The Highland Perthshire Fundraising Group would like to thank everyone who came to the local World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at the Green Park Hotel in Pitlochry. It was a fabulous morning with an array of delicious food, once again kindly hosted by the very generous McMenemie family, to whom we extend our gratitude, which raised the amazing sum of £2593.70 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Thank you one and all. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated & we are crossing our fingers that the overall UK total surpasses that of last year.

At the time of writing we have just held a very successful One Day Sale at Fisher’s Hotel on Saturday 8th October in Pitlochry which raised a fantastic £1456.76. We would like to offer grateful thanks to Brian Wishart, Krissy Jones & all the fantastic hotel staff. It was a wonderful day with lots of visitors & we are grateful to everyone that popped in to see us. Special thanks to Henry Murdoch & the brilliant staff of Taymouth Courtyard Shop for the donation of the wonderful Food of Scotland Hamper that was the first prize in our raffle. Additional special thanks to all of our supporters out there who also gave donations to the raffle and tombola, we appreciate each and every single one!

Our next fundraising event is the annual Christmas Tea Party, which we are so pleased to be hosting again, on Saturday 19th November at the Grandtully Village Hall. The fun starts at 2.00pm with your entry including your afternoon cuppa & a selection of tasty homebaking. Come along to

join in the festive cheer. We do hope to see you all there!

Finally, Macmillan is here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, providing physical, financial and emotional support. Need someone to talk to? Call free on 08082 396962 8am - 8pm or visit www.macmillan.org.uk To find out how you can donate or help with local fundraising, speak to Liz on 07866556360 or email Fiona at malarkey99@gmail.com

Heartland Film Society at The Birks

Our next film, The Gravedigger’s Wife, will be shown at The Birks on Sunday 13 November. Inspired by events in the writer/director’s own family, the film is a fascinating and moving love story - rooted in Somali culture, but of universal relevance. Guled scrapes a living by waiting outside hospitals to secure employment as a gravedigger, but the family faces a crisis when his wife, Nasra, urgently needs an expensive, life-saving operation. How will they find the money to save her and keep the family together? Breaking new ground for Somali cinema, the film has won multiple awards and offers a unique insight into Somali life.

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

The Gravedigger’s Wife Sunday 13 November The Birks Cinema Aberfeldy Full details: www.birkscinema.co.uk www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk

Rannoch History Society

Rannoch History Society is looking forward to its November meeting, when Ms Keren Guthrie, The Blair Castle Archivist, will give an illustrated talk entitled ‘A Family Divided: The Atholl Murrays and the Jacobite Risings’. This is a remarkable story of bitter tensions and broken relationships, but also of heroism, self-sacrifice and enduring love. The meeting will take place in Kinloch Rannoch Village Hall, on Saturday 19th November 2022 at 2.30pm.

Light refreshments will be served. The cost of admission will be £4 for non-members of the Society. All are welcome.

Pitlochry and Moulin History Society

The November meeting is on Monday 28th November when Mark Bridgeman will be speaking on the Lost Village of Lawers. The shores of Loch Tay and lower slopes of Ben Lawers were once heavily settled and the haunting and enigmatic village ruins above the Loch contain 1000 years of history.

Mark is an acclaimed local writer and historian and this will be an interesting meeting for all those interested in the history of Highland Perthshire. The meeting is at 7.30 pm in the Pitlochry Tryst. All are welcome and entry is £2. Tea and coffee afterwards.

Pitlochry & Moulin Men's Shed

Men’s Shed provides an environment to share skills and learn new skills while having a positive effect on mental Health & Wellbeing. Men’s Sheds can give purpose to volunteers who have either retired due to ill health are struggling with long-term conditions or been made redundant. It improves mental health, creates

empowerment and shares learning in the community in an informal learning space, especially with traditional skills.

Pitlochry Men’s Shed would like to invite adults of all ages to come along and join them for a chat. Meetings are on alternate Tuesdays at 7pm in the Atholl Centre. For more information, please contact Peter on pammensshed@gmail.com

Pitlochry and Edradour Community Bonfire

Only a few days to go!

Come along to the Big Event at the Recreation Ground Pitlochry on Friday 4th November for a sparkling evening of entertainment.

Gates open at 6 pm with music from Heartland FM.

Lighting and Sound by Perthshire Sound and Light.

Please bring your Guys to the Heartland Stage by 6.30pm to be judged. Sorry no parade this year but there is a lovely prize of a Hamper kindly donated by Love Your Sweets!

The Bonfire will be lit at 6.45pm and Fireworks from 7pm.

Entrance is Free but Donations towards next year’s event and The Ukraine Appeal will be most welcome.

There will be burgers, hot dogs,tea coffee and soft drinks for sale.

There will be Story Telling and Music.

Bruce Entertainments will also be there (charges apply)

There is No Parking at the Recreation Ground and only limited Blue Badge Parking by the Pavilion. Please do not bring your own fireworks or sparklers.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Blair Atholl Bowling Club

Following the end of the bowling season we held our prize giving night in early October which was enjoyed by all the members. This year there were 18 different members who got their name on a trophy, well done to all of them. Our AGM took place on 9th October at which Paul Figures was asked to continue in the role of President and Linda Newns took on the mantel of Vice President.

Mick McWilliams, our greenkeeper, has organised the winter work on the green which will see it get a complete make-over and make it good for next season.

It has been decided during the winter months to only open the club on the first Friday of the month for dominoes, darts and a get together.

Over the winter months we intend to start work on the toilet areas within the club making them much more welcoming and user friendly.

If you would like more information about the bowling club please contact Paul Figures 01796 481 506 or Linda Newns 07921 264 965

Pitlochry Bowling Club

Just before our closing day on October 1st, which was well attended, we had one last club final to play. The seniors single. This was won by President John Anderson with Neil Haggart runner up. Congratulations to them both on a great game.

Pitlochry

Tricky

Pitlochry

High Blood Pressure?

Here are a few tips to help keep it down

Hypertension - or high blood pressure is common in the UK, with around one third of adults suffering from it, sometimes without even knowing. There are no symptoms, yet it can seriously increase your chance of having a heart attack, or a stroke.

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers; measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). The systolic pressure is the higher number, and refers to the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is pumping. Diastolic pressure is the pressure inside your arteries when your heart is resting between beats.

Normal blood pressure can vary from 90/60 to 120/80. If higher than140/90 for more than a few weeks, your doctor will probably diagnose you with high blood pressure and may recommend that you take medication. The easiest way to measure your blood pressure is to book an appointment at a local pharmacy, or you could buy a monitor for home use.

As well as taking medication, there are lots of things you can do to help lower blood pressure naturally – and will likely boost your overall health and fitness, too.

Lose Weight

Blood pressure tends to increase as weight increases. If you are overweight, losing even a small amount can make a difference. It is estimated that for each kilogram you lose, you could reduce your blood pressure by about one millimetre of mercury. It’s also worth watching your waistline. The fat there is called visceral fat, and having too much of it can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Generally speaking, men should aim to keep their waist at less than 40 inches, women should aim for less than 35 inches.

Exercise

When you exercise, your heart becomes stronger and better at pumping blood. This helps lower the pressure in your arteries.

Just 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week helps lower your blood pressure and boost heart health, exercising more than this will even further lower your blood pressure.

You don’t have to run marathons or kill yourself in the gym as moderate aerobic exercise like brisk walking, cycling, swimming or dancing can all help. Moderate aerobic exercise on average lowered their blood pressure by 3.9% systolic and 4.5% diastolic – just as good as blood pressure medications.

Cut Back on Salt

Reducing your sodium intake is one of the most important ways to lower your blood pressure. Many studies show there’s a link between high sodium intake and high blood pressure, as well as heart conditions like stroke, so if you already have high blood pressure, try cutting back on salt and seeing if that makes any difference. Check the labels on your food and rather than buying readymade meals which are often high in sodium, try making fresh food yourself. You can season dishes with herbs and spices instead of salt.

Eat a Whole Food Diet

Eating a fresh and healthy diet that’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol is also a good way to lower your blood pressure.

According to the NHS, a low-fat diet that’s high in fibre, like wholegrain rice, bread and pasta, and plenty of fruit and vegetables will also help to lower blood pressure.

You should also cut down on – or cut out altogether – processed foods that are high not only in salt, but in sugar and refined carbs too. Processed foods high in salt or refined carbs include deli meats, tinned soup, pizza, crisps, and other processed snacks. Be wary of foods that are branded as “lowfat” they are also often high in both sugar and salt. Read those labels!

Eat More Potassium

Potassium can reduce the harmful effects of sodium in your body, it also eases pressure in your blood vessels.

The best source of potassium is through food rather than supplements, (consuming around 3,000 to 3,500 mg of potassium each day is recommended). However, if you suffer from kidney problems it’s important to speak to your GP about your optimum potassium level.

Fruits like bananas, apricots, avocados, tomatoes, melons, and oranges are all high in potassium, as are vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, peas, leafy greens, and spinach.

Stop Smoking

Apart from all the other harm smoking does, the chemicals in tobacco are also known to harm your blood vessel walls, causing inflammation, and narrowing your arteries, which leads to higher blood pressure. It’s time to quit.

Cut Back on Caffeine

Whilst various studies now suggest a daily intake of coffee can be good for you, there are people more sensitive to caffeine than others. If you do suffer high blood pressure, try cutting back to see if it makes any difference.

of restful sleep a night can not only prevent high blood pressure but can also prevent fluctuating blood pressure, which can be just as dangerous. If you struggle to get a good nights sleep, seek help or do some research, there are lots of good tips available.

Reduce Stress

When you’re stressed, your heart rate is higher and your blood vessels can become constricted. Plus, when stressed you are more likely to turn to reintroduce those bad habits, like drinking more alcohol, smoking, or eating unhealthy food. It’s difficult to eliminate stress from your life. However, if you can identify the main cause of your stress, you can think about ways you can reduce these triggers, or deal with them better. Listening to soothing music, going for a walk, gentle exercise and even eating dark chocolate or drinking peppermint tea have been shown to relax your nervous system, so try find what works best for you.

As you age, it is definitely worth keeping tabs on your blood pressure with regular readings. Keep in mind though that the readings can be affected by several things like smoking, caffeine, a full bladder, recent physical activity and your emotional state at the time of the test. Since so many factors can affect blood pressure readings, you should have your blood pressure taken several times to get an accurate measurement.

If you have concerns about your blood pressure, you should always speak to your doctor, as it might be that controlling it with medication is the best step.

Get More Sleep

Studies have shown that regularly sleeping for less than five hours a night is a significant risk of high blood pressure in the long term. Six to eight hours

Willie

Congratulations also go to our three young members who have become good team players and contributing to winning rinks all in there first season.

We enjoyed an afternoon of bowls with a visiting team from St. Ives in Cambridge with refreshments afterwards in the club house. Thanks to Stewart,Carol,Val and helpers. We are planning three Bingo nights in November, 1st, 15th, and 29th. 7pm for 7.30pm. Great prizes and bar open.

We are now into Short Mat Bowls season. This is a good way to start off your bowling. Bowls are supplied and flat shoes are required. So come along and give it a try. For more information on the above actives watch our F.B. page or phone John on 07833664121 or on 07703442802

Mid Atholl Indoor Bowling

Indoor Bowling change of day to Monday's at 2pm in Mid Atholl Hall Ballinluig. Phone 01796 482240 for more information.

Pitlochry Golf Club Ladies Section

This year the ladies section went to Boat of Garten for their Annual Outing. We were blessed with lovely weather and a great time was had by all. The last game of the summer season will be on Sunday 23 October. The first game of our Winter League will be on Tuesday 25th October. Our Annual Meeting and Prize Giving will be held on Friday 11th November. Hope to see a good turnout.

Pitlochry Litter Action Group (part of Pitlochry in Bloom)

The tourist season has more or less come to an end. But 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 8th November. Dates for litterpicks in 2022 are: November 8th, December 13th. 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.

The Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre

A huge thanks from the Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre, our wee museum located in Moulin Square, to all who came and visited us this Summer. We are now closed for the winter but will

FITNESS

with Alan Clinch

Use it or Lose it

Age….yeah, about that… sadly, it creeps up on us, day by day. Equally annoyingly, ageing has a significant impact on our ability to exercise — this month I’ll look at how we can retain as much fitness as possible for as long as possible.

Most of us will suffer some decline in fitness each year – our aerobic capacity (that is the ability to use oxygen effectively) goes down, particularly after age 60. Muscle mass declines fairly steadily, becoming most pronounced in our forties and fifties when many people become less active. Muscle requires energy to maintain and use it, a higher amount of muscle needs a higher food intake: this causes a problem if we continue to eat the same amount despite losing some of our muscle bulk as we get older. Overweight people tend to sit or remain sedentary for three hours longer than lean people each day. In an average person this can result in up to 350 calories of ‘unused’ energy being taken in daily. If we use muscles less, this unused energy will be stored (the body will try to hang on to energy sources), we are stockpiling this energy, usually in the form of fat.

When younger people gain weight about 30% is likely to be muscle – sadly the figure is far lower in older folk. When older people lose weight, up to 50% of weight loss is from muscle tissue – a key reason why older people are more likely to injure themselves. The first fibres of the muscle to be affected are known as ‘fast twitch’ – these are used for powerful, rapid movements. With age we tend to move slower, and so favour the muscle fibres known as ‘slow twitch’ – used for endurance type activities. It varies from person to person, but it’s

likely that we’ll lose up to 20% of muscle fibres between the ages of 40 and 70. This means that we’ll experience an associated drop in strength – and thus our ability to react fast to unforeseen events such as tripping.

An effective approach to this problem is lifting weights or doing resistance based exercise. For older people (as with any fitness related programme of exercise) it’s simply a matter of using good technique, selecting an appropriate weight, the correct exercise, and ensuring adequate recovery. It’s possible to gain strength at any age - this enables people to move more efficiently and without pain, carry out daily (functional) activities more easily, and as a result live happier lives.

The critical questions are ‘what is the correct weight’ and ‘what are the most appropriate exercises?’ This is very dependent on the individual – it’s important to get advice from an exercise professional (remember that while there is a lot of valuable material on the internet, beside it is a lot of less reliable opinion and unsubstantiated ‘facts’). A personal programme means that most strength gains occur in the first few months – the nervous system learns the most appropriate order to recruit muscles for maximum efficiency. Lifting weights, as well as helping muscle strength, will also increase bone density and joint stability, assist in developing agility, balance, and co-ordination…. Oh, and burn more energy. So……it’s looking good for continuing exercise and physical activity for as long as possible – as the saying goes: ‘Use it or lose it!’

Here are a couple of sound sources of exercise advice for older folk: www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-guidelines/physical-activity-guidelines-older-adults/ www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/exercise-fitness/exercise-for-older-people www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/exercise/simple-exercises-inactive-adults/

As always, if you haven’t exercised for a while, or have injuries or medical conditions which might be aggravated by high intensity activity, check with your GP first.

Let It Snow?

We spend a fortune on our cars, then leave them out in all weathers with little thought of protecting the paintwork from the elements. Then, we hand wash them and probably cause more damage to the paintwork than the weather ever will - because we do it wrong!

Some people spend hours every weekend ‘detailing’ their cars. We can learn some of the basics from them, as most of us don’t know how to wash a car ‘properly’, and make these three common mistakes:

Using a Sponge. We’ve always used sponges, as did our parents and probably grandparents. A sponge, however, is the greatest offender when it comes to damaging the top layer of paint.

Sponges are great for absorbing water, but dreadful at absorbing dirt and grit, which you then drag across all the paintwork leaving very fine scratches and swirl marks. Over time these dramatically alter the appearance of the car and the colour of the paint.

Instead, use a Microfibre Wash Mitt. These are designed to pull the dirt and grit away from the edges, up into the fibre and out of harms way, minimising the damage they can cause.

Using a Single Bucket. Regardless of what you wash the car with, you end up recycling all that dirt and grit back onto the paintwork.

You need two buckets. A wash bucket for the shampoo mix and a rinse bucket filled with clean water. By cleaning a small part of the car with a shampoo covered wash mitt, and regularly returning to the rinse bucket to clean and rinse the wash mitt, you will remove excess grit and dirt, reducing the risk of causing damage to your paint.

Not Including a Contactless Wash Phase.

You really must try to remove as much dirt as possible without touching your car, using the jet on your hose, or better still, a pressure washer, on medium setting.

If you have a pressure washer you also have the

delightful opportunity of using Snow Foam. This is a high foaming formula shampoo that softens the dirt on the car for easy rinse and removal. It is applied with a Foam Gun attachment, bought to fit your particular make and model of pressure washer. They are not expensive and you might even have one in the box the washer came in.

Foam the car completely and leave for about 10 minutes for the shampoo to do its work. Just don't let it dry. Then, depending on how dirty the car was, either wash the foam off with your microfibre mitt (and two buckets), then rinse, or, simply rinse off with the power washer. Waxing a car is hard work. You can, however, cheat as many shampoos now come with a wax included (including snow foam ones). They will leave a nice shine and bead water for a week or two. You can prolong that shine by several months by finishing with the likes of a Ceramic Spray. This is a very durable top coat that simply wipes onto a clean car, using a minimum amount, with no rubbing, then lightly buffs up to a great shine. Very easy to apply and produces a great result with very little work. Don’t forget the alloys.

The best part is that next time you wash a car coated with the ceramic spray, the dirt just slides off. Top it up when you no longer get a good water bead at the rinse stage. I use Autoglym Ceramic Spray, but there are plenty to choose from.

reopen in the Spring.

With the benefit of some grants we now have some heating in the Centre so will be looking to run some events over the Winter. If you are looking for an interesting space to hold an event over the winter, then please contact us, we might be able to offer something for a small fee to cover our costs. We hope to provide more details for regular bookings shortly.

For more details, please contact us by email at pandmheritage@gmail.com through our Facebook page “Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre” or our website: www.pitlochryandmoulinheritagecentre.co.uk

And the work behind the scenes never stops, so if you have some time on your hands and would like to get more involved, we love to welcome new volunteers. Or if you have some interesting donations for the Centre then please get in touch. The Centre is run by volunteers and stays open only through local support, visitors and donations.

The Trustees would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to all those volunteers that have been involved this year and those who have donated interesting items for display. And a big thanks also to David Williamson from Moulin Yarns for his fantastic displays and contribution to the Centre. Finally, thank you to our members for their continued support. Without you all, we would not be able to stay open and have this fascinating insight to local history.

Pitlochry & District u3a

The next meeting of Pitlochry & District u3a will be on Wednesday 16th November where Tom McEwan will be speaking on “The Making of Beatrix Potter”. Tom will share insights into Beatrix’s time in Highland Perthshire, which he explored when writing a play in collaboration with Birnam Institute Players. This was staged in June. He will also bring his guitar and play a song or two from the show!

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

The u3a brings together people in their “third age” – that is people who have finished working full time or raising their family – to develop interests and to continue learning in informal and supportive environments. The focus is on sharing and learning from each other. In addition to our whole group talks, we also offer 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.

New groups are in the pipeline including a theatre-going group, a garden-visiting group, bridge and crafting! Details of existing ones can be found on our website.

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.

Breadalbane Heritage Society

The Breadalbane Heritage Society has now begun its regular autumn and winter programme of talks, details below. Talks are held at 7.30pm in the Breadalbane Community Campus in Aberfeldy except for the special November meeting which will be held in Aberfeldy Town Hall. Doors will open at 7.00pm. Note that the talks for January and February 2023 will be on Zoom.

Friday 18th November 2022: BHS 60th Anniversary Party – Celebrating 60 years of BHS activities. Aberfeldy Town Hall.

Friday 20th January 2023 (Zoom): Culloden. (History). Speaker: Catriona McIntosh, current NTS Culloden Visitor Services Manager Estate.

Friday 17th February 2023 (Zoom) To be confirmed.

Friday 17th March 2023: Old Ways, New Roads. (History). Speaker: Christopher Dingwall. Chairperson Lesley Whitwood writes: ‘’ Breadalbane Heritage Society is sixty years old! in that time the society has explored a wide range of historical and archaeological topics. We’ve also collected some interesting items about the history of the area. Many people in this area have been residents of the area for a long time, and some have been members of the Society for all or almost all that time. Now we’d like to celebrate this milestone and share what we’ve done and learned over the years. Our November celebration evening at the Aberfeldy Town Hall will give us a chance to reflect on the recent and past activities of the Society, explore its archives and take the opportunity to socialise with all those people that we’ve seen in passing at the meetings. There will be short presentations, wine and nibbles and a display of the archive material that we have collected over the years. Come and share in the celebration! You don’t have to be a member -- all are welcome.’’

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, publications, projects including maintenance of the Killiehassie private burial ground in Strathtay, and services such as assistance with family history research. Recordings of all the talks for 2020-March 2022 are now available on this site.

Updated information on events and talks will be posted on the BHS website. To get the link enabling you to join the Zoom talks, and for any enquiries, please email bhsaberfeldy@gmail.com

Scottish Wildlife Trust Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire Members Centre

The next meeting will be on Monday 14th November at 7.30pm in the Tryst Hall, Church of Scotland Pitlochry. The speaker will be Tom Prescott, Senior Conservation Offier at Butterfly Conservation who will talk about Perthshire butterflies and moths. For further information contact Tim Fison timfison@gmail.com

Pitlochry Flower Club

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 16th November at the Tryst Hall, Pitlochry at 2pm when Christine MacAlpine, will give a demonstration entitled “At This Time of Year". There will also be a raffle, where you may be one of the lucky ones to win one of Christine's beautiful arrangements, and we will also have a sales table. 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 Janice Needham (01738 629933, needham914@btinternet. com) or Lynda Gardiner (01796 472157, lynda.gardiner@talk21.com).

If you are interested in taking part in our Christmas Workshop on Tuesday 22nd November, please contact Janice or Lynda as soon as possible. We are a small club and new members are welcome at any time.

Just Singin` Community Choir

All are very welcome to join Justsingin` community choir in Birnam. Our new 8 week term starts on Wednesday 26th October, 7.30pm-9.30pm, upstairs in the Birnam Arts, Station Road, Birnam. We are delighted to welcome Adelaide Carlow - https://naturalvoice.net/practitioner/adelaidecarlow

Ingredients

300g long-grain rice

700g broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets

2 tbsp light soy sauce

2 tbsp hoisin sauce

½ lime, juiced

2 tsp clear honey

1 tsp crushed chillies

1 tbsp cornflour

½ tsp ground white pepper

½ chicken stock cube, made up to 200ml, left to cool

1 tbsp sesame oil

400g boneless chicken thighs, cut into 3cm pieces

100g bunch spring onions, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

6cm piece ginger, peeled and finely chopped

1 tbsp sesame seeds

Chicken and broccoli

Method

Cook the rice to pack instructions, then cover the pan to keep warm. Meanwhile, steam the broccoli for 6-8 mins until just tender. Whisk the soy, hoisin, lime juice, honey, chilli, cornflour, pepper and stock in a bowl, then set aside.

Heat the sesame oil in a large frying pan until very hot. Sear the chicken for 1-2 mins, without moving, until lightly browned. Stir and cook for another 2-3 mins until browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Set 2 tbsp spring onions aside and add the rest to the pan along with the garlic and ginger. Cook for 2 mins, stirring frequently, until fragrant and just softened.

Reduce the heat to medium-low, stir in the soy sauce mixture, then cook for 2 mins to thicken. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the pan and gently coat in the sauce. Divide the rice between 4 plates, top with the chicken and broccoli. Scatter with the sesame seeds and reserved spring onions to serve.

to lead the first four sessions. Then the happy return of traditional Scots specialist, Amy Lord. https://amylord.scot

If you are new to the Natural Voice approach then please be assured that no previous singing experience is required, there are no solos, no auditions, no music reading. Just inspiring professional tutors with modern and ancient songs taught in the traditional `by ear` method. If you love singing with others then come and try us. You will be made very welcome. Fees and full details are on our website www.justsingin.co.uk or phone Lyn on 01796 482408.

Infinityblu Dental Care Opens in Killin

An expanding Perthshire dental group has opened a brand-new £300 000 practice in Killin, finally giving villagers access to local dentistry for the first time.

For years, residents have had to make round trips of up to 100 miles to attend practices in locations such as Crieff, Callander, Oban and even Fort William due to the lack of a service in the Perthshire village.

The opening of Infinityblu Dental Care and Implant Clinic’s practice has been warmly welcomed, therefore, with new patients forming a queue along Main Street to register on Opening Day.

Such has been the demand, patients have registered from postal addresses including Oban, Fort William, Glencoe and Tyndrum, with both NHS and private patients being enlisted.

Infinityblu was founded by a Scottish Young Dentist of the Year, Chris Barrowman, in Pitlochry in 2007 and has undergone steady growth in the region, and beyond, over the last 15 years.

However, the opening of the practice in Killin also ends a long, unexpected wait for the company.

Chris Barrowman purchased the village’s former pound shop at auction over 18 months ago, with the intention of having the architect designed 2-surgery practice up and running well before now.

Covid restrictions and planning delays meant all parties had to be patient, but the Infinityblu team are finally in place and enjoying their new environment in the stunning location of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park near the Falls of Dochart.

“The Community have been amazing,” said Chris Barrowman, who owns a further 5 dental practices in the county in the villages of Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Crieff, Alyth and Auchterarder.

“There were queues down the street on day one for new patients registering, which was nice to see. There has never been a dentist in the area, and to bring this to Killin and the community, cuts downs significantly the distance people need to travel to get their dental care.

“We knew there was a gap in provision of these services. The dental practice has been incredibly popular, and the community support has blown the whole team away. “The fact we are opening as an NHS practice in the current NHS crisis, has ticked a lot of boxes too for Infinityblu, and it’s great to see that people have supported us and we can give something back.’’

Infinityblu recently completed a £2m investment in its portfolio which includes 9 practices in four regions of Scotland.

To date, over 50,000 patients are registered on their lists, with further acquisitions planned.

From establishing the company 15 years ago, Infinityblu now employs 25 dentists, 5 hygienists/ therapists and a further 100 staff.

As well as Perthshire, the Infinityblu brand extends to sites in Callander in Stirlingshire, and Duns and Peebles in the Scottish Borders.

Moulin Scottish Country Dance Class

Come come along and join us on the dance floor in Moulin Hall at 7.30 pm on: Thursday 10th 17th & 24th November.

No experience required and all levels of dancer welcome. Great fun and proven to be beneficial for both mind and body!!

All welcome. Admission £3.50 nightly. For further details phone June - 01796 473488.

Blair Atholl & Struan Initiative

Blair Atholl’s Memorial Park - A Park for all Seasons?

The Blair Atholl & Struan Initiative is going from strength to strength. The group of people who are now involved has grown from three to ten, with representation from different groups in the community and also some keen individuals who are giving their time and energies to revive the beautiful Memorial Park in Blair Atholl. You are welcome to join our new tennis club members for social tennis on Sundays between 2 and 4pm, and you can also join the club and play any time. But this is just the start. If you’d like to help us, give us an email on blairathollstruaninitiative@gmail.com

Blair Atholl & Struan Action Plan

Just as Pitlochry settles down to try to make its Community Action Plan a meaningful reality in the lives of its residents, so Blair Atholl & Struan may be about to begin work on its own action plan. But this is not its first. Eight years ago, an Atholl Action Plan highlighted many issues that are still facing the community today, including poor transport links and lack of access to health care. How can we, faced with such difficult times ahead, do something that is more than a talking shop? The new community council members are keen to make this a reality in 2023. Find out more from the Blair Atholl & Struan Community Council on www.blairathollstruancc@outlook.com

Pitlochry Repair Cafe

What do you do with a broken toaster, a jacket with a zip that doesn't work, 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)!

Come along on Sunday 4th December at Moulin Hall from 12-3pm. Drop in anytime and enjoy homemade baking, soup and a hot drink while you wait. Free - donations welcome! Find us on Facebook and Instagram @PitlochryRepairCafe.

Interested in volunteering? We are looking for skilled repairers, receptionists, bakers and cafe helpers! Email us on repaircafe@sprout-community-eco-hub.com

Killiecrankie Zip Wire Charity Challenge

Iain and Anne Walker are both celebrating significant birthdays in November. To celebrate, they’d like to raise money for charity by completing the 9 Zip Wire challenge on Monday the 14th November along with their children: Callum and his wife Daisy, Eilidh and Ewan.

They’ll be raising money for 2 charities: the Atholl Centre (which Iain has just retired from) and its Food Bank, and Street Connect based in Glasgow, with whom Anne works as a fundraiser. The Atholl Centre you’ll know well. Street Connect works with people in addiction to help get them off the street into recovery, rehabilitation, housing and employment. Should you wish to support them, please go the their Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/page/iainanne-walker-1665522604606 or put your donation in an envelope and hand it into the Atholl Centre. Your support would be much appreciated for these two worthwhile charities.

Tenandry Kirk, Killiecrankie

Interim Moderator: Rev. Neil Glover

Session Clerks: Marion Faulds - 01796 472415 Judy Thorpe - 01796 473252

Sunday Service - 10.30am. All welcome.

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

The Episcopal Churches In Highland Perthshire November 2022. All are welcome at the services in all our churches and on Zoom. Please check our web for updates. Holy Trinity Church, Perth Road, Pitlochry -Contact – Robin Baker - 01796 472005

Holy Trinity is open daily throughout the year

Sunday services – Normally 9.30am Holy Communion or All Age Communion

Thursday Services – 10.30am Morning Prayer

9th November 2.00pm Julian Group Meeting (Call the Rector for details of this Ecumenical Group) 27th November Joint Charge Service at St Andrews for St Andrews Day, Saturday Nov 19th at 7.00pm Classical Concert with Catherine Nardiello, Piano. Tickets £8.00 Adults, 16 & Under £5.00. The progamme includes works by Aaron Copland, Amy Beach and Christmas Carols in various Styles. This programme is part of Catherine's annual tour of the UK and Switzerland.

Book Group Last Tuesday of the Month 2.30pm

Kilmaveonaig (St Adamnan’s Church), opposite former Tilt Hotel, Blair Atholl. Contact - Mrs. Lavinia Gordon 01796 481230.

Kilmaveonaig is open daily throughout the year

Pitlochry

Sundays at 11.15am – First Sunday All Age Communion third Sundays, Holy Communion. Second and fourth Sundays Matins/ Morning Prayer or Communion by Extension

27th November Joint Charge Service at St Andrews for St Andrews Day St Andrew's, Church, Strathtay, opposite the local shop.

Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416

Sundays at 11.15am - First Sundays Mattins, second and fourth Sundays Holy Communion; third Sundays Service of the Word/Communion by Extension; fifth Sundays Joint Service Church of Scotland. House Group – Last Wednesday of the month contact Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416 for details.

27th November Joint Charge Service at St Andrews for St Andrews Day

All Saints, Kinloch Rannoch Square Contact – Reverend Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005: All Saints is open daily throughout the year

5th November 9.30am Holy Communion

27th November Joint Charge Service at St Andrews for St Andrews Day Online Zoom Services

Sundays - 6.00pm Evening Services (see Website for details)

Thursdays - 10.30am Morning Prayer – from Holy Trinity

Contact the Rector Liz for further details and Zoom invitations.

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

Dull and Weem Parish Church – 9.30am

Please consult the website for the current information on our services. www.dullandweemparish.org

Strathtay, Grantully and Logierait Parish Churches -10.30am

Please consult the website for the current information on our services. www.glschurchofscotland.org

Aberfeldy Parish Church – 10.30am

Please consult the website for the current information on our services. www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org

We ‘meet up’ at our weekly Zoom Service - details can be found on all the Church Websites. Remembrance Sunday and timings for the Acts of Remembrance – 13th November

Dull and Weem Parish Church

9.30am - Short service (30 minutes), 10am - Act of Remembrance at Weem War Memorial, 11am - Act of Remembrance at Aberfeldy War Memorial, 11.45am - Act of Remembrance at Dull War Memorial

Aberfeldy Parish Church

10.00am - Short service (15 -20 minutes), 11.00am Act of Remembrance at Aberfeldy War Memorial

Logierait Parish Church

10.00am - Act of Remembrance at Ballinluig War Memorial, 10.30am - Welcome at Logierait Parish Church, 10.45am - Service will commence –2 minutes silence at 11.00am, 12.00pm - Act of Remembrance at Strathtay War Memorial

Pitlochry Baptist Church

Atholl Road, PH16 5BX

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

Keep up to date with us on both Facebook and Instagram Sundays:

Pitlochry Remembers - Remembrance Sunday - 13th November 10:50am at the War Memorial on Atholl Road. (Our Worship Gathering at the church building will start at 11:15am that morning)

Other Sunday mornings - we gather from 10:30am at our church building on Atholl Road. If you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come as you are and join us. Our provision for the younger ones include - crèche (babies and pre-school), His Kidz (primary-aged children). We look forward to welcoming you.

Community:

We love being a part of our community - whether in Pitlochry, Kirkmichael, Kinloch Rannoch, Blair Atholl, Aberfeldy, and so on. Below is a selection of initiatives we thought you would like to know about: Community Larder - situated outside the Atholl Centre. Bring, or take, whatever is there. Everything is free and for the benefit of the community. Food Bank - situated in the Atholl Centre behind our building. Contact 01796 473044 or admin@athollcentre.org.uk for information.

Heart & Soul - a topical mix of music, chat, news, community focus and issues, plus interviews every Sunday on Heartland FM from 8-9am (97.5FM & www.heartland.scot)

Sounds Inspirational - an hour of gospel, spiritual, and inspirational music with a wee bit of chat thrown in as well. Every Tuesday from 7pm on Heartland FM (97.5FM & www.heartland.scot). Repeated Thursdays at 10pm.

Stay & Play (babies and toddlers group) - a meeting place for anyone caring for pre-nursery aged children. For the children there’s plenty of play, craft, singing and energy sapping fun. In the church building, Wednesdays 10am-12pm during school term-time.

WA - Fridays, starting at 12pm. Located in the Atholl Centre behind our church building. £3 cost. Youth Basketball – for S2-S4 boys, Wednesdays 7:15pm-8:45pm, at the Atholl Leisure Centre. Send a PM on our social media platforms or website for more information.

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 Clerks Foss & Rannoch Robert and Elizabeth Anderson 01882632272

Remembrance Sunday – 13th November

10.45am - Act of Remembrance at Blair Atholl War Memorial followed by Morning Worship in Blair Atholl Church

Blair Atholl and 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.

Pitlochry Church of Scotland

Interim Moderator: Rev Fraser Penny 01350 727 249. Locum Minister: Rev Matthew Rodger 01828 634 265. Website: www.pitlochrychurchofscotland.org.uk

Sunday Services – 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. Guild Meeting on 9th November at 2.30pm in The Tryst speaker is Rev. Matthew Rodger. Remembrance Sunday 13th November 11am at the War Memorial for laying wreaths and 2minute silence and service in the Church at 11.30am.

Christmas Tree Festival in the Church & The Tryst 26th and 27th November Tryst for Prayer: is on Wednesday’s 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 2pm until 4pm in the Tryst Hall. Tryst Walking Group: details of walks are on The Tryst noticeboard.

ScotThoughts Podcast – Thoughts for the day, short stories, Parables, inspiration, Reflections, Hymn writers, sermons. Listen on Spotify or Anchor podcasts. For details and availability of Tryst hire for groups and classes, please contact the office: 9am – 1pm Monday – Friday: tel 01796 474010; email thetryst@btconnect.com

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Does death end it all? That question is being addressed on the 20th. Do come along to hear the Bible’s answer. The meetings are held at our Kingdom Hall in Moness Terrace, Aberfeldy. If you have a Bible, do bring it along; if you would like a Bible, we offer copies without charge. If you would like a lift to the meetings, please use the contact details below.

Thursday 3rd November, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Kings 3, 4, “Pick Up Your Son”, ‘How Might You Imitate Elisha’s Humility?’, ‘Until the Resurrection Becomes Reality’, ‘What Is God’s Purpose for Us?’.

Sunday 6th November, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘How True Christians Adorn Divine Teaching’. A discussion: ‘Jehovah’s People Love Righteousness (Matthew 5:6)’.

Thursday 10th November, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Kings 5, 6, ‘There Are More With Us Than With Them’, ‘Practise Giving’, ‘Why Do Evil and Suffering Exist?’.

Sunday 13th November, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Will We Ever See True Justice?’. A discussion: ‘You Can Trust Your Brothers (1 Corinthians 13:4, 7)’.

Thursday 17th November, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Kings 7, 8, ‘Jehovah Made the Unexpected Happen’, ‘How Can Jesus’ Death Save Us?’.

Sunday 20th November, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Does Death End It All?’. A discussion: ‘Prove Yourself Trustworthy (Proverbs 11:13)’.

Thursday 24th November, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Kings 9, 10, ‘He Acted With Courage, Determination and Zeal’, ‘Imitate the Zeal of Jehovah and Jesus’, ‘Help to Avoid Procrastination’, ‘Show Appreciation for What Jehovah and Jesus Did for You’.

Sunday 27th November, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Friendship With God, Friendship With the World— Which Will You Choose?’. A discussion: ‘Is Your Name in “the Book of Life”? (Malachi 3:16)’.

Enjoy a free study of the Bible at your convenience—ring or text 07 802 753 193. At www.jw.org you can study the Bible in the language of your choice, and, you can 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; St. Columba’s, St. Mary’s Road, Birnam Saturday Vigil Mass at 6pm. Our Lady of Mercy Sunday at 9.30am. St. Bride’s Pitlochry Sunday at 11.30am.

Weekday Mass times

Tuesday Our Lady of Mercy Aberfeldy 9.30am. Wednesday and Friday St. Bride’s Pitlochry 9.30am. Thursday St. Brides 12noon.

The Baha’i Faith

The Baha’i Faith: On the Station of Christ Christ is spoken of by Baha’u’llah in the highest terms: as “The Spirit of God”, as being of a station of Absolute Perfection, as born into this world of the Holy Spirit, as existing “before all things”. In the Bible Christ is referred to as that Ruler “whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Baha’is understand this to mean that the “quickening spirit” called the Christ has appeared on earth not just once, but at various times in human history, in the form of the Founders of the world’s Great Religions.

In our day, Baha’is believe that this same Divine Presence has reappeared as Baha’u’llah, Founder and Central Figure of the Baha’i Faith, fulfilling the Bible’s promises concerning the “return” of Christ.

Baha’u’llah writes: “Jesus, the Spirit of God… hath once more, in my person, been made manifest unto you.” In terms of human identity, these great Souls have distinct human bodies but they are the same divine spirit, manifesting the One and Eternal nature of God.

Baha’u’llah does not ask for blind obedience, but simply for a fair investigation of His stupendous claim that the Spirit of Christ has returned. There is no middle ground. It must be either false or absolutely true. Christ Himself gives the standard by which we must judge any claim of divine authority: “prove all things; hold fast that which is good” and “By their fruits ye shall know them.” Can any Christian fail to investigate this claim? Feel free to delve further into these claims on www.bahai.org

HOROSCOPES

BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN

For November 2022

November pushes the emotional and passionate sign of Scorpio into the spotlight; this powerful energy is exaggerated by the deep thinking and communication planet Mercury remaining in Scorpio until the 16th. The extreme and potent full moon on the 8th is in the opposite sign of Taurus and puts the emphasis on all things financial. Maverick planet Uranus is highly involved in this full moon total lunar eclipse, it is a major celestial event and we should expect the unexpected, probably on a global scale. Mighty Jupiter remains retrograde in spiritual Pisces until the 24th, giving us all some extra time to use our intuition and draw on the optimistic nature of this planet for inspiring faith and giving us hope for any challenging times ahead. Trust in your ability to weather any rough times as best you can; be authentic and focus on making conscious life decisions. Mars, the planet of decisive action, remains retrograde in inquisitive Gemini all month. Curiosity is at an all-time high, but there could also be a lot of aggressive communication around; be mindful, kind and stay focused. Brightness and positivity arrives with the Sagittarius new moon on the 22nd.

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

November presents some financial challenges as the radiant Sun, Venus and Mercury all line up in this sector of your chart. This is the month to be bold and courageous, changes must now be made, particularly around the Taurus full moon on the 8th. Maverick Uranus is also involved and snap decisions may have to be made

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21

Partnerships and relationships are your primary focus for November, with the planetary emphasis in determined Scorpio you will find yourself drawn to assert yourself and ask for what you need. Although you usually resist change, right now you're more open to endless possibilities that in time can lead to greater achievements.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21

November may feel like a difficult month as forceful Mars continues to move backwards in your sign. Take heart as this might be just the right time for a lifestyle/work review as your curiosity as at its peak. The Sun, Venus and Mercury are all lined up in powerful position to assist you with any wise decisions that you need to make.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22

November indicates some necessary changes around your close relationships, as well as a deepening of self-love and acceptance. The Sun, Venus and Mercury are strong in determined Scorpio and it’s time to look carefully at how you are creating the life you're living. The Taurus full moon on the 8th offers you the chance to assert yourself and be courageous.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23

November is an important month for you to set the foundations for your future success. There is an excellent opportunity for you to adopt new habits that will support your dreams and future goals. Domestic changes are also on the horizon and you’ll need to discipline yourself to stay committed to your family and to your own wellbeing and prosperity.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22

November indicates the start of new creative endeavours as you feel enticed to share your talents and express yourself in a more innovative way. Venus arriving in optimistic Sagittarius on the 16th in your domestic sector, suggests that family matters are about to become a top priority. Stay focussed, as anything that distracts you could get you into trouble.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23

Finances and your values are in the spotlight during November as the radiant Sun, Mercury and Venus all in Scorpio, powerfully energise this area of your chart. This is an exciting time, during which you could make some important and far reaching decisions. Communication gets a boost after the 16th as Mercury arrives in optimistic Sagittarius.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

The Sun, Venus and Mercury are all in your sign this month, indicating that your mind is curious and focussed as you prepare to examine new ideas. You need to have faith in your ability to make wise decisions as it's also an excellent time to learn a new skill. The full moon in your opposite sign on the on the 8th gives you the courage to go for any new opportunities that come your way.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

November highlights a rather introspective and private part of your chart, take some valuable time out so that you can embrace the opportunity to overcome any worries, fears and doubts that might be holding you back. A lucky break looks set to come your way after harmonious Venus and communicative Mercury both arrive in your sign around the 16th/17th.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

November is super charged as the Sun, Venus and Mercury all line up in Scorpio and make their presence felt. Community spirit and humanitarian goals look set to be on your agenda as you develop new associations and friendships. The full moon on the 8th offers the prospect of a new romance, as your long held dreams and aspirations finally take shape.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18

November indicates some very favourable planetary aspects

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20

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The Pitlochry Crossword

Lags behind on Cateran and Cape

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starting blog, let her waffle on (7)

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weather features often

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The Atholl Medical Centre

Ferry Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 472558

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

Except Wednesdays Closed 12.15 - 1.45pm

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

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

Visiting Hours:

GP Unit - Contact for further info.

MIIU - Temporarily closed until further notice.

Pitlochry Post Office

Within Premier Store

63 Atholl Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 474301

Blair Atholl Post Office Tel: 01796 481233

Ballinluig Post Office Tel: 01796 482220

Strathtay Post Office Tel: 01887 840203

Kinloch Rannoch Post Office Tel: 01882 632347

Pitlochry Library

26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry

Tel: 01796 474635

E-mail: pitlochrylibrary@pkc.gov.uk

Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri - Closed

Thurs 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 7.00pm

Sat 9.30am - 12.30pm

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

Housing & Community Safety and Registration Services

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

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

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

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