LIFE
April 2020 Issue 359
The 'Magazine of Choice' For Pitlochry and Surrounding Area
FR EE
PITLOCHRY
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Message Contents from the Features Team Pitlochry Crossword Retirement Planning
Welcome to the online April edition of Pitlochry Life. Since going to print we have all effectively been put onto lockdown by the government, which means all our Get Out entries are either cancelled or postponed. All our hotels, restaurants and bars are also closed. Some of our tradesmen are still able to work, but best to check with them before getting your hopes up. We have included all our advertisers and events in this online edition as a reminder of who they are and the services they provide. They are nearly all local and will need your support during the coming months. They will continue to provide excellent service and will want to help you as their neighbours. Several of the local businesses have advised us that they will be undertaking delivery services for people unable to get to them – make a call if that’s you! The usual crew are also here: Ewan looks at the lost Distillery of Ballechin and Alan looks at the benefit of Magnesium in your diet. The computer page is all about cloud computing, Sheila looks at growing your own vegetables and maybe, with all this time on your hands, now would be a good time to make a start. Debbie made a fabulous Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Curry for this month’s recipe and Willie researched how to live well when you retire. In this online edition, all our web links are live and some advertisers come with video, so make sure your sound is on :o) Please do support your local businesses – they need you now more than ever. Together we are stronger.
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Regulars
Pitlochry Tipple Garden Computer Fitness Recipe
10 20 36 66 86
Community Diary Get Out Politics Churches
4 6 26 56
Useful Numbers Index
80 84
Advertising Debbie - 07545299491
Art & Eds Willie - 07906375953 www.facebook.com/pitlochrylife @PitlochryLife
Every month Pitlochry Life is delivered to Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Kinloch Rannoch and everywhere in-between. With over 100 additional pick up points, we've got you covered. Don't forget, you can always read and share this copy and all our previous editions online at www.pitlochrylife.co.uk
Deadline for May Edition - 13th April
Pitlochry Life Manse Road, Moulin Pitlochry PH16 5EP Office - 01721 720129 Sales - Debbie: 07545 299491 Artwork - Willie: 07906375953 info@pitlochrylife.co.uk
www.pitlochrylife.co.uk
Diary - What’s On See the Get Out Section for full details Please check with organiser before attending an event 1st April
10.30am
Dalguise Meditation Group - Dalguise Village Hall
1st April
Cancelled
Pitlochry Supper Club - Craigvrack Hotel - Cancelled
3rd April
10.30am
Tea and Tales Reminiscence Group - Pitlochry Library
4th - 5th April
10.00am
Dunkeld & Birnam Spring Art & Crafts Fair
6th - 9th April
10.00am
Spring Children’s Holiday Club
6th April
2.30pm
Arthritis Awareness in Atholl - Moulin Hall
9th April
9.30am
The Tryst Walking Group – Kindrogan Wood
9th April
2.00pm
Heartstart - Atholl Medical Centre
13th April
7.30pm
Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council - Atholl Centre
14th April
10.00am
Pitlochry Litter Action Group
15th April
Cancelled
Pitlochry Flower Club - Pitlochry Hydro Hotel - Cancelled
15th April
2.00pm
U3A - The Atholl Centre
16th April
7.15pm
Pitlochry SWI - Aldour Hall, Pitlochry
17th April
7.00pm
Climate Cafe - Pitlochry Town Hall
18th April
10.00am
Climate Cafe - Zero Waste Event - Pitlochry Town Hall
18th April
10.00am
Sale of Dressed Teddy Bears for CHAS - Atholl Road
18th April
10.00am
Pitlochry Market - Armoury Road
18th April
1.30pm
Pitlochry Bowling Club Opening Day
18th April
Cancelled
Pitlochry & District Choral Society - Birnam Arts - Cancelled
19th April
6.00pm
19th April
Cancelled
20th April
7.30pm
Scottish Wildlife Trust - The Tryst
25th April
9.30am
The Tryst Walking Group – Kinloch Rannoch & Craig Varr
25th April
tbc
25th April
7.00pm
Struan Trust Quiz Night – Blair Atholl Village Hall
27th April
7.30pm
Moulin and Pitlochry History Circle - The Tryst
1st May
7.30pm
Rannoch History Society - Village Hall, Kinloch Rannoch
2nd May
7.30pm
Yehudi Menuhin School Scottish Tour - Ballroom, Blair Castle
3rd May
3.00pm
Yehudi Menuhin School Scottish Tour - Ballroom, Blair Castle
4th May
2.30pm
Arthritis Awareness in Atholl - Moulin Hall
Heartland Film Society - Birks Cinema Pitlochry & District Choral Society - Pitlochry CoS - Cancelled
Blair Atholl Bowling Club New Season Opening Day
Send your entry to info@pitlochrylife.co.uk, or 01721 720129 by 12th of the preceding month and we will tell everyone else. 4 Pitlochry Life
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Get Out... with Pitlochry Life! All events and meetings in April have now been cancelled or postponed. Please contact the organiser for information and future dates. Wednesday 1st April - Dalguise Meditation Group - Dalguise Village Hall - 10.30am to 12.30pm. See page 50 for more information, further dates in April are 15th and 29th. Wednesday 1st April - Pitlochry Supper Club - Craigvrack Hotel - Cancelled. Our last meeting of our winter programme, our Games Night has been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak. We are very sorry about this, but the health and welfare of our members has to be the Club priority. Thanks are due to all our members for all your support over the winter. Friday 3rd April - Tea and Tales Reminiscence Group - Pitlochry Library - 10.30am - 12noon. Join us for a cup of tea and a blether about the good old days. Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th April - Dunkeld & Birnam Spring Art & Crafts Fair - The Drill Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld - 10.00am to 5.00pm. Silver jewellery from Almondbank and Stanley, leather jackets and bags Pitlochry, knitwear and silk clothes Birnam and many other unique crafts. Old friends and new faces. Demonstrations - free entry. Monday 6th to Thursday 9th April - Spring Children’s Holiday Club - Pitlochry Baptist Church 10.00am to 12.00pm. In the Wild, for P1-7 children. For more info or to sign up, go to www.pbcweb.net/springclub Monday 6th April - Arthritis Awareness in Atholl - Moulin Hall - 2.30pm. Forrest Moffat give an illustrated talk about Taymouth Castle. Everyone welcome. Enquiries 01796 473210. Thursday 9th April – The Tryst Walking Group – Kindrogan Wood - 9.30am. This is a circular walk on grassy and gravel tracks. We follow the Cateran trail to Kirkmichael, pass the Glen Derby log cabins and onto Kindrogan Wood. We return on forest tracks. Height climbed 300m. Distance 11 miles. We are a friendly and informal group, based in Pitlochry, usually organising two walks per month. Visitors / new members are most welcome. For further details, contact George or Cathy Marshall on 10796 470575. Thursday 9th April - Heartstart - Atholl Medical Centre - 2.00pm. See page 54 for details. Monday 13th April - Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council - Atholl Centre - 7.30pm. Tuesday 14th April - Pitlochry Litter Action Group - Recreation Ground Car Park - 10.00am. Help by joining our friendly litterpicking team and picking up all those unsightly discarded cans and bottles. All equipment is provided including gloves, black bags and grabbers. See page 38 for details. Wednesday 15th April- Pitlochry Flower Club - Pitlochry Hydro Hotel Dining Room - Cancelled. All our meetings until further notice, following NAFAS advice, are cancelled. We are very sorry about this, but the health and welfare of our members has to be the Club priority. Thanks are due to all our members for all your support over the winter. Wednesday 15th April - U3A - The Atholl Centre, Pitlochry - 2.00pm. Dr Keren Guthrie, Archivist at Blair Castle, will bring along a selection of documents and items from the archives at Blair Castle and tell us more about them, bringing to life key points in the history of the castle. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and view the artefacts. Non-members are welcome to come along to what promises to be an informative afternoon. For further information contact Margaret Hamilton at mhhamilton@hotmail.co.uk
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Get Out... with Pitlochry Life! Thursday 16th April - Pitlochry SWI - Aldour Hall, Pitlochry - 7.15pm. This meeting will be our AGM. Annual subscription is £25 for the whole session of 8 meetings and visitors pay £4 per meeting at which there is a lovely supper of home baked goodies. Please put the dates in your diaries and all ladies will be most welcome at the meetings. Friday 17th April - Climate Cafe - Pitlochry Town Hall - 7.00pm to 9pm. See page 50. Saturday 18th April - Climate Cafe - Zero Waste Event - Pitlochry Town Hall - 10.00am to 3.00pm. Saturday 18th April - Sale of Dressed Teddy Bears for CHAS - Atholl Road, Pitlochry - 10.00am to 4.00pm. Spring Sale of Dressed Teddy Bears along with the Easter Bunnies to raise money for the Children’s Hospice, Rachel House. Check as May be cancelled due to Coronavirus regulations. Saturday 18th April - Pitlochry Market - Armoury Road - 10.00am to 3.00pm. See page 12. Saturday 18th April - Pitlochry Bowling Club Opening Day - 1.30pm. Opening Day for the summer season, with play starting at 2.00pm. Players are asked to be at the club for 1.30pm. Spectators are welcome. In advance of the opening, club members are asked to share in the big clean on Wednesday 15 April from 10.00-2.00pm. Saturday 18th April - Pitlochry & District Choral Society - Birnam Arts Centre - 7.00pm. A programme of contemporary Scottish Music. Sunday 19th April - Heartland Film Society - Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy - 6.00pm (Check as flexible). 'Roma'. See page 48 for details. Sunday 19th April - Pitlochry & District Choral Society - Pitlochry Church of Scotland - 7.00pm. A programme of contemporary Scottish Music. Cancelled. Monday 20th April - Scottish Wildlife Trust - The Tryst, Pitlochry - 7.30pm. Julia Duncan, Atholl Estates ranger, will talk about her first year at Atholl Estates. There will also be a short AGM. Saturday 25th April – The Tryst Walking Group – Kinloch Rannoch & Craig Varr - 9.30am. Starting near Kinloch Rannoch, the route climbs on paths and open hillside to the ridge and ends at Craig Varr, giving very fine views. Height climbed 400m. Distance 5 miles. We are a friendly and informal group, based in Pitlochry, usually organising two walks per month. Visitors / new members are most welcome. For further details, contact George or Cathy Marshall on 10796 470575. Saturday 25th April - Blair Atholl Bowling Club New Season Opening Day. See page 52 for details. Saturday 25th April - Struan Trust Quiz Night – Blair Atholl Village Hall - 7.00pm. Teams consist of 4 (must be aged 18 and over) which can be made up on the night. Admission £3.50 per person includes refreshments at half-time. Bar available and raffle tickets can be purchased. More details available from the Struan Trust Facebook page or from Ian Mackinlay on 01796 483310 or email struantrust1979@gmail.com . All proceeds go to the Struan Trust, Scottish Charity SC047336. Monday 27th April - Moulin and Pitlochry History Circle - The Tryst - 7.30pm. Bruce Keith will talk on “ Bridgescapes- a history of Scottish bridges”. Bruce will also be promoting his book "Bridgescapes" a personal journey through history, celebrating Scotland's bridge building heritage. Friday 1st May - Rannoch History Society - Village Hall, Kinloch Rannoch - 7.30pm. Professor Jim Hunter will speak about the little-known famine which ravaged the Hebrides and the West Highlands following the failure of the Scottish potato crop of 1846. Professor Hunter’s book : ‘Insurrection; Scotland’s Famine Winter’, which was published recently, describes the hunger, starvation, protest and riot in the North of Scotland as a desperate population sought for help and relief in its suffering. Light refreshments, £4 for non members.
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For reservations please call 01796 473 248 Clunie Bridge Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5JY Email: bookings@thegreenpark.co.uk Web: www.thegreenpark.co.uk
Pitlochry Life 9
Lost Perthshire Distilleries – Ballechin The Ballechin Distillery was founded in 1810 and was situated on the ‘high road’ near Logierait. Nowadays only the footprint and some structure of the buildings remain. The founders were a group of farmers who lived nearby and grew all the barley used for the whisky production. In 1875 it was bought by Messrs. Robertson and Sons, who succeeded the late Mr. Robert Kennedy, the only survivor of the original company. The distillery was described as being a ‘quaint, old-fashioned place’ and sat in 1 1/4 acres. It’s water source was ‘Collins’s Hollow’ or in Gaelic ‘Ghlaichdehalan’ and was apparently of excellent quality. The location of the distillery was such that it had open views across the Grandtully Moors and Strathtay and the hills beyond ‘where every prospect pleases’. The distillery was built taking into consideration the local topography. Built on the side of a hill, the workers were able to employ gravity to make their job easier. The granary had a road leading up the hill to it so the barley could be taken and laid directly onto the floor. The room was 70ft long and 50ft wide and it held 300 quarters of grain – I must confess to not knowing the metric equivalent. Underneath was the maltings floor. It was the same size as the floor above but it had a large stone ‘steep’ at one end and a kiln at the other. The barley was dropped into the steep through sluices and after being soaked for 48 hours it was spread out on the maltings floor to dry. Production in the early days was overseen by Mr James Reid. The Kiln in the old distillery was heated by peat, and was capable of drying 20 quarters at a time, with the peat being brought from Inverness-shire and the Orkneys as the peat mosses on the estate were inaccessible. It is the burning of the peat to heat the kiln which gave Ballechin* its characteristic flavour. Ballechin distillery operated until 1927 when the water source was diverted, presumably for agricultural reasons, and therefore had to close. It was one of the 7 original farm distilleries operating in Perthshire. Of these 7 only Edradour remains in production today. The photo which was taken in 1901 and shows the real character of the distillery, and it’s workers. *Ballechin whisky, was then and is today, peated. In fact, the Ballechin 10yo from Edradour is a delicious sweet and smokey whisky, not as hard hitting as classical peated whiskies and has a soft sherry finish to it.
Ewan McIlwraith
Robertsons of Pitlochry, Independent Retailer of the Year 2019, Business Star Awards 10 Pitlochry Life
Open 10am - late, from our family to yours, we warmly welcome you to Victoria’s. Brunch, Lunch & Homebaking by day Bistro dining & top notch wines from 5.30 pm
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45 Atholl Road, Pitlochry | reservations@victorias-pitlochry.co.uk
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YOU’LL FIND THAT THE PINE TREES HOTEL IS EVERYONE’S CUP OF TEA ENJOY OUR DELICIOUS AFTERNOON TEA OFFER FROM APRIL TO MAY
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EASTER AT BLAIR CASTLE EGG DECORATING AND ROLLING
OUTDOOR EGG HUNT
Saturday 11th of April
9.30am-5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm) Visit us at the Castle for a fun packed weekend for the whole family. Saturday’s activities will include an Easter quiz, bouncy castle and tractor & trailer rides at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. A great opportunity to explore of the Castle grounds!
TRACTOR & TRAILER RIDES
Sunday 12th of April
9.30am-5.30pm (last entry 4.30pm) Activities will include Easter egg hunt in Hercules Garden, egg decoration and egg rolling competitions for all ages with tasty prizes. There will also be face painting, bouncy castle and tractor and trailer rides. Why not join us for Sunday Easter lunch in our Castle Ballroom, where you can enjoy two or three courses. Prior booking essential.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE Pitlochry Life 17 WWW.BLAIR-CASTLE.CO.UK OR TO BOOK CONTACT OUR RECEPTION TEAM ON BOOKINGS@BLAIR-CASTLE.CO.UK OR CALL 01796 481207
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The Pitlochry Garden April Keep all equipment as clean as possible to avoid Growing fruit and vegetables is a good idea for many reasons: your food will be fresh and organic, fungal disease that causes damping off. Fill clean seed trays or pots with fresh seed compost and it will be local, and it will be reliable. strike off excess. Place containers in a bath of Food you grow yourself not only helps to absorb water to soak up from the bottom. carbon dioxide, as all plants do, it does not
Sow seed thinly. You don’t have to use the whole produce emissions from transport. And being outside with your hands in the dirt, listening to the packet at once. Fine seed can go into trays, medium seed in cells and large seeds in individual birds, is good for peace of mind. pots. Cover the seeds with a scant layer of seed That said, you will have to tend your vegetables compost or vermiculite (inert material that helps and protect them. If you have never done this prevent damping off). before start small and simple; you only need a couple of square metres for each adult and one for each child. Try to grow things that you enjoy eating: salads, peas and beans, spring onions, beetroot, radish, courgette, carrots, onions and potatoes are all quite easy.
When you see some signs of germination water with a fine rose. Germination time varies from one vegetable to another depending on temperature so protect trays at night if they are on windowsills or out in the shed.
There are two ways to grow from seed: either sow under cover about the middle of April or wait and sow direct into the ground early in May when night temperatures reach about 7 degrees Celsius.
Once the seeds come up provide steady levels of light, water and temperature for the next two weeks and by the middle of May you will be ready to move them on into larger cells or small pots to grow on and get ready to go out into the garden.
In the middle of April sow seeds for salads, peas and beans, courgette and any hardy perennials under cover. Carrots, beetroot, radish and onions are best sown early next month direct into the ground. Check the information on the seed packet.
Meanwhile, turn over the soil in your vegetable beds to prepare for direct sowing in early May. Make room to sow direct (carrots, onions, beets, radish), space to plant out your seedlings and a bit Starting too early under cover only gives you lanky of room for repeat sowing. weak stems: seedlings should be on the bench for Sheila Drummond the shortest possible time. Portland Garden Design Germination takes about two weeks, growing 07905 397185 on for another two weeks, then potting on and hardening off to go out after the last frosts at the drummond.sheila@gmail.com end of May. A cold frame or cloches can be a big help if you don’t have a greenhouse or a poly-tunnel. 20 Pitlochry Life
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Pitlochry Ready Meals Homemade For You
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Murdo Fraser MSP - Mid Scotland & Fife Regional Member - Conservative Highland Perthshire residents maybe interested to know that next month will see the 75th anniversary of Victory of Europe (VE) Day commemorated across the UK, with Scotland’s focusing on Edinburgh. Those who travel to Edinburgh on Friday, May 8, will be able to enjoy a VIP reception at the Assembly Rooms, followed by a mid-morning parade along George Street and an afternoon concert in Princes Street Gardens. This will include an RAF fly-past and music commissioned especially for the occasion. Meanwhile, the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will lead aircraft from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force in a flypast over London, with hundreds of service personnel supporting veterans who take part in a procession down the Mall. The debt we owe to these Second World War veterans and those who died during the Second World War will never be forgotten. We should never forget the sacrifices made by service personnel during the Second World War to enable us all to live in peace and enjoy the freedom we have today. I would encourage any constituents who served during the Second World War, and who would like to take part in the commemorative events on May 8 to contact Legion Scotland. I understand that Legion Scotland may be able to arrange appropriate transport to and from the event alongside accommodation. I would also encourage local communities in Highland Perthshire to hold their own commemorations and support the creation of educational resources for schools. Developed by Poppy Scotland, these materials will be available in the build-up to the commemorations to teach children about the events of the past and help generate a shared understanding of our national history. For Second World War veterans who are unable to attend events in Edinburgh, Legion Scotland will be arranging local events in Scotland. For more information, constituents should contact their nearest Legion Scotland branch. Anyone wishing to take part in the VE Day event in Edinburgh should email William Millar at Legion Scotland at: w.millar@legionscotland.org.uk On a different note, I was pleased that the UK Government announced a deal with mobile phone operators that should result in rural areas of Highland Perthshire enjoying a more reliable signal. This agreement should provide extra coverage to 280,000 premises across the UK and cover almost 10,000 miles of roads. The move should see the end of the ‘not-spot' in rural areas by providing a reliable 4G signal to around 95% of the UK by 2025, which will come as a great relief to residents in rural parts of Highland Perthshire. As ever, I appreciate the feedback of my constituents and can be contacted at The Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL or via email at Murdo.Fraser.msp@parliament.scot or via telephone at 01738 553990.
John Swinney MSP - Perthshire North - SNP At the moment, our world is dominated by stories relating to COVID-19, commonly known as the Coronavirus. Coronavirus presents a significant public health threat not just to Scotland, but to the world, on a scale not seen for many decades. Whilst it is both easy and natural to worry at times like this, it is important to approach this situation as calmly and rationally as possible. 26 Pitlochry Life
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Accordingly, it is vital that we take steps to keep not only ourselves safe, but our families, neighbours and fellow citizens. Although it can be tempting, I ask that you resist the urge to bulk-buy. Purchasing in large quantities will make it more likely that other people will not be able to access essential products. To compound matters, it is likely that it will be the most vulnerable in society who will be hit hardest by shortages. I would also encourage you all to ensure that you are following high standards of hygiene. Make sure that you are washing your hands regularly, immediately binning any tissues you sneeze into, and covering your mouth with your arm if you are coughing or sneezing. Above all, please continue to follow guidance from the Scottish Government. Medical advice can be found via NHSinform.scot, and I would ask that you regularly check this website. Last month, I wrote about the Scottish Government’s allocation of £383,000 of funding to Pitlochry. At the time, I had been contacted by several constituents who had expressed concern that the local community had not been adequately consulted over how best to spend this money. To compound matters, I also discovered that there was a deadline of the end of March 2020 to submit projects to the Scottish Government. If there was not an acceptable project in place by this time, it was possible that Perth and Kinross Council would re-allocate the funding to other projects within the area, or potentially even lose the funding entirely. As a result, I wrote to the Scottish Government regarding this matter. I emphasised how important this funding would be to Pitlochry, and how it would have the ability to utterly transform their town centre. Due to my intervention, I was able to secure a twelve month extension to the application date, meaning that the council has until March 2021 to submit a project. With this extension now in place, it is vital that Perth and Kinross Council conduct a full and transparent consultation with local residents, to ensure that the final plan put forward is able to command widespread support across the community. It is my expectation that the council make the most of this extension, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely in the weeks ahead to ensure that the people of Pitlochry are given the chance to shape this project. I hold regular meetings with constituents, along with advice surgeries throughout the constituency. If any constituent needs to contact me or would like to book an appointment, I can be reached at 17-19 Leslie Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AH, telephone 01250 876 576, email john.swinney.msp@ parliament.scot
Pete Wishart MP - Perth & North Perthshire - SNP It is difficult to focus on much else right, now other than the global outbreak of COVID-19. One of my roles at Westminster is to sit on the House of Commons Commission, which is a small group of MPs which directs how the parliamentary estate responds to things like this. At the time of writing, we will shortly be meeting to discuss how the House of Commons responds in order to minimise the risk that we play in contributing to the virus spreading further. Whilst we should all remain calm about this and follow the government guidance about how to keep ourselves safe, it is important for MPs to consider the fact that there are 650 MPs and hundreds more staff who travel into London and then back to their constituencies most weeks of the year. At a time when a number of organisations and businesses are limiting travel, it is vital that we consider what role we play in all of this. Whilst I cannot prejudge what the Commons Commission will decide to do, I am confident that we will come to a measured decision, which is in Continued on page 30 28 Pitlochry Life
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line with current medical advice. The media have a lot to answer for in terms of spreading hysteria about COVID-19. Recently we saw that a number of Perthshire’s supermarkets had been completely wiped out of hand sanitiser, tissues, toilet paper, pain killers and hand soap. Whilst it is vital that people are realistically prepared for any possible local outbreak, it is important that we take a measured and reasonable approach which is considerate to our friends and neighbours. The most important things that we can do to halt the spread of COVID-19 are all common-sense measures; such as regular hand washing, keeping homes and workplaces hygienic and following the advice of the NHS that if anyone starts to display symptoms. The most up-to-date advice from NHS Scotland is available at - www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/ coronavirus-covid-19 and it will be updated regularly should the situation in Scotland change. The balance of being suitably prepared, but not panic-stricken about this, will be the key to ensure maximum public safety and ensuring that our most vulnerable still have access to vital supplies. Whilst I know that supplies are already being increased to help mitigate some of the shortages we saw recently, it is vital that we take a responsible approach to only buying what we need once stocks return to the expected level. If anyone needs to contact me, I can be reached at 17-19 Leslie Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AH, on 01250 876576 or at pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk
John Duff - Councillor Highland Ward, Conservative At the Council Budget meeting, we approved a Council Tax increase this year of 4.28%, lower than most local authorities. This meant we did not need to make cuts in several proposed areas such as Parent Council funding, school crossing patrollers, swimming and instrumental music lessons, winter road/footpath maintenance, rural public toilets or recycling centres. We also agreed funding for school First Aid training, £600,000 for two more years of the extremely successful Community Investment Fund, a freeze on school hall let rates, £50,000 for further support to Bloom groups and £3 million for the roads infrastructure. Community Investment Fund applications for the remaining 2019/20 funds were considered recently and £29,000 disbursed to a variety of Highland Perthshire projects/organisations. I look forward to seeing the benefits of this funding in our communities. Readers will be updated when details of next year’s funding is available. The trial of a 20mph speed limit began recently in Aberfeldy with the whole town now being covered by this speed limit. Traffic surveys will be regularly conducted to establish the impact on the overall speed of traffic. This will include an enforcement period where anyone caught speeding will be prosecuted so when in town, please slow down! We are about to enter the lambing season again and drivers are asked to bear this in mind when driving on our rural roads. Every year, lambs are lost as a result of inconsiderate driving on open roads. Dog walkers should also act responsibly and keep their pets on a lead when near sheep. Worrying livestock is an offence. You will be prosecuted and could lose your dog. In some circumstances, farmers can legally shoot dogs if they endanger their animals. Please don’t let this happen to your dog! There was a very interesting presentation on the “K9 Lantern” at Aberfeldy Community Council. Dog poo is placed into the street lamp style bin and the subsequent biomethane produced used to light the gas lamp. The residue can be used to fertilise flowerbeds. The Dog Poo Fairy, alias Lucy Proctor, is working with Growbiz and Perth and Kinross Council to install the first of these dog Continued on page 32 30 Pitlochry Life
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waste fuelled street lamps somewhere in the area. The winning town/village will result from her Facebook poll (closes 31 March) with the lamp being installed in a local park or other suitable area thereafter. It will be interesting to see if the novelty of this development encourages dog owners to dispose of this waste properly. I recently attended the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers Annual Awards ceremony. These 13-18 year olds support the local police through volunteering to help at a variety of events, giving them an insight into police work, inspiring them to participate positively in their communities and strengthening the relationship between the police and young people. As always, I would be delighted to hear from constituents on any matter and can be contacted on jcduff@pkc.gov.uk, Office Tel: 01738 475095 or Mobile: 07826 908542.
Kinloch Rannoch Community Fire Station - Volunteers Firefighters in Kinloch Rannoch are looking to attract new recruits to continue to keep their local community safe. The crew respond to emergencies via an on call pager and balance the role with primary employment. Covering one of the largest regions in Perthshire, Kinloch Rannoch’s volunteer firefighters are paid for the work and activities they undertake including a training night once a week. The crew are appealing to anyone who lives or works within the Tummel Bridge / Kinloch Rannoch or Loch Rannoch areas to get in touch and find out more. If you are interested you must be over 18, live or work within 20 minutes of the station and have a good level of fitness and eyesight. Please email james.black@firescotland.gov.uk for any more information.
Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch Association (NW) This month we highlight an online crime known as Authorised Push Payment (APP). This is where a victim is called by someone claiming to be from their bank or the Police and convinces them to transfer monies to another third party account. The fraudster tends to claim that the victims own bank account has been compromised in some way and that to ensure the safety of their savings they must transfer their money to another account; either online or by going into a branch. They may also use names of genuine bank employees or Police, which they have found from previous alerts about these types of frauds. The victim will always be sworn to secrecy as part of the ‘ongoing investigation’ and maybe told to come up with false reasons for transferring money if questioned by bank staff; or they’ve been told that the bank staff are in some way untrustworthy. Almost £400 million has been lost to bank transfer fraud over the past 2 years which shows that the perpetrators of these crimes are professional and will come across as genuine, authoritative and convincing. But let us be clear: Nobody from your bank or the Police will ever contact you and request that you transfer money from your account or reveal personal/ financial information over the phone. If you receive such a call then politely hang up. If you feel a need to contact your bank then do this from another phone as the fraudsters can continue to hold your phone line so that when you think you are calling your bank you are in fact still speaking to them.
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Alternatively contact the Police. You won’t be wasting their time and the police would much rather attend and potentially prevent a crime than see a victim suffer from these unscrupulous criminals. Either way under no circumstances should you transfer any funds or provide people with personal or financial information over the phone. To register with Neighbourhood Watch please go to www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk or contact Cathy Marshall, our local Secretary on 470575 or marshall16@marshall16.plus.com
Pitlochry Library At the library we have a range of regular activities and services. Simply come along to the library or get in touch if you have any questions. Regular Activities: Tea and Tales reminiscence group – Friday 3rd April 10.30 – 12.00. Join us for a cup of tea and a blether about the good old days. IT Drop-in – every fortnight on Wednesdays 14.00 – 16.00 (April dates:15 and 29) Fortnightly drop-in session in the library with Digital Champion where you can get help with using computers and portable devices. Fraud Prevention and Online Security Drop-in – every Thursday 11.00 – 12.00 Join Alec James, Community Banker for The Royal Bank of Scotland, for help and advice about fraud prevention and online security at these free drop-in sessions at the library. Saturday stories and songs – every Saturday 10.30-11.00 An under 5s activity session with stories and songs led by local volunteers. Facilities and Services: Online library services available via the library website (www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries) or by downloading the library app: browse the library catalogue, online joining, requesting and renewing items. ICT facilities: public access PCs, Wi-fi, printing, and scanning. e-resources available from the library website (www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries): e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines, e-news, and e-reference resources (Britannica, SCRAN, Theory Test PRO and Ancestry). Libraries for health and wellbeing: we have self-help books covering a range of conditions, including mental health issues, common psychological problems, chronic pain and dementia. You can also pick up hearing aid batteries, ferrules for walking sticks and Data Link packs. Books on Wheels: monthly home delivery of books in partnership with the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) for individuals who cannot get out and about, including large print and audio books. Easter Opening Please note all Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries will be closed on Friday 10th April and Saturday 11th April for Easter. Pitlochry Library, Atholl Road, Pitlochry PH16 5BX Phone: 01796 474635 E-mail: pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk www.culturepk.org.uk Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries are part of a charitable trust. We enrich the lives of people in Perth and Kinross through culture, heritage, learning and creativity. Help us inspire people to lead richer and more active lives – donate online or in person at your local library.
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Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory Cloud computing? You’ve probably heard of it, but not that many of us know enough about it to dive in and reap the benefits. Let’s get you started. Cloud computing simply means storing and accessing data and programs/apps over the Internet instead of your computer's hard drive. The Cloud is just a metaphor for the Internet, so for it to be "cloud computing," you need to access your data or your apps over the Internet and you have probably been doing this already without realising it. For example: Microsoft offers a set of Web-based apps, (Office Online), that are Internet-only versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc accessed via your Web browser without installing anything. That makes them a version of cloud computing. Microsoft also offers online storage (Microsoft OneDrive) that comes with Windows 10 and Office 365. Google Drive. This is a pure cloud computing. Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Maps, Docs, Sheets, Slides and so on. Apple iCloud: Apple's cloud service is primarily used for online storage, backup, and synchronisation of your mail, contacts, calendar, and more. That means it is shared across all your devices - even with Windows if you install the iCloud control panel. Apple also offer cloud based versions of its office apps. Amazon Cloud Drive: Mainly for music that you purchased from Amazon, and images - if you have Amazon Prime, you get unlimited image storage. It also holds anything you buy for the Kindle. So, the obvious advantage to the home user is the ability to log into the cloud from anywhere, with any computer, or mobile device and access your documents, photos, music etc. If you have Windows 10 you have 5Gb of free storage included, it is called OneDrive. That’s probably enough for most home users, if not then for a small monthly fee you can ramp that up to whatever you need. Office 365 comes with 1Tb (1000Gb) thrown in for free. The main advantages of OneDrive are: You can easily share files, photos, and even entire folders with friends, co-workers, and family members. And, your backed-up files offer ransomware protection, allowing you to recover previous saved versions from the cloud. Here’s how to set it up in Windows 10: 36 Pitlochry Life
To find your OneDrive, open File Explorer. The OneDrive icon is in the navigation pane on the left of the screen. Click to open, or right click to get into the settings. When you first sign in to OneDrive, you get a chance to choose the folder where any files you choose to sync from the cloud will be stored. The default location is a folder called OneDrive in your user profile. That location is usually OK, but you can change it under settings to a different drive that’s been formatted using NTFS if you need more storage than your system drive. Next, choose which folders you want to make available locally. Open OneDrive Settings, click the Account tab, and then click Choose Folders. Note the option at the top, which by default is Make all files available; even if you have hundreds of Gb of files in the cloud and limited local storage, this is still the correct option, because of a feature called Files On Demand. If you prefer to keep some folders offline only, without listing them in File Explorer, go through the boxes one by one. Files on Demand gives you the ability to browse through your entire collection of OneDrive files using File Explorer even if those files are not synced to your PC. If you open a file, OneDrive downloads it immediately (that's the "on demand" part). You can also mark files to be available when not connected to the internet. Just right-click any file or folder and then click 'Always keep on this device'. A solid green icon in the Status column shows which files are available offline. If you have a file stored in OneDrive and you want to share it with someone else, right-click the file in File Explorer, then click Share a OneDrive link. OneDrive generates a short link and copies it to the Clipboard, ready for you to paste it into an email message or a chat window. One of the easiest ways to use file sharing is to set up a dedicated folder that you and other people can use to share files. In OneDrive, create the folder you want to use for sharing. Give it a name that will make sense, Sync that folder to the cloud and send a shared link to the other person (or persons). Make sure you allow editing. Your friends/family receive a link that takes them to OneDrive on the web, where they can click 'Add to my OneDrive'. Remember, sharing works both ways. Willie
Hand-painted kitchens & furniture Birkwood is an unpretentious and honest cabinet making workshop with showroom. We design, make and install beautiful contemporary and traditional hand-painted kitchens and furniture throughout Perthshire and the UK. Specialists also in the design and manufacture of plywood kitchens and furniture. We welcome visits by appointment or please just drop in.
For more inspiration see our image galleries on our website
www.birkwoodscotland.com
Phone: 01796 482506 E-mail: mail@birkwoodscotland.com Birkwood, Units 1 & 2, Ballinluig, Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH9 0LG Pitlochry Life 37
Pitlochry Litter Action Group (part of Pitlochry in Bloom) The tourist season is about to take off again and Pitlochry should be looking its best. You could help by joining our friendly litterpicking team and picking up all those unsightly discarded cans and bottles. 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 Tuesday14th April. The future dates for litterpicks in 2020 are as follows: May 12th, June 9th, July 14th, August 11th, September 8th, October 13th, November 10th, December 8th. We would like to thank those residents of Pitlochry who are not members of the litterpicking group and who also pick up litter when they see it. We know you do this and we are very grateful. For further information contact Roger West (rogerwest7@btinternet.com) 01796 474255 or Catherine Holmes (c.p.holmes47@btinternet.com) 01796 473400.
Pitlochry Station Bookshop Our volunteers had an enjoyable time running the Bookshop stall at Winter Words. They also managed to raise just over £900 from book sales. Our photograph shows a group of volunteers including Carolyn Russell (centre) who has retired from the Bookshop after 15 years. Carolyn is one of a small group of people whose work in the Bookshop’s early days led to the award-winning organisation that we have now. Her commitment and enthusiasm will be sorely missed. The £900 raised at Winter Words was an icing-on-the-cake moment since it pushed our fundraising beyond our current target of £300,000. Congratulations to our volunteers, our customers, our book donors and supporters. Everyone’s effort counts and each of our charities benefits.
Heartland FM We’ve been having a long think at the Heartland Media Hub, about how we deal with Coronavirus and how it may affect us on how we operate our radio station should we have to self-isolate, at the same time providing information to you about the latest developments. We have turned to technology to help us deliver as full a schedule as we can, should we have to restrict our movements or to isolate. We now have presenters who can prepare, record or broadcast programmes from home, our news can also be delivered remotely, so we should be able to maintain as full a services as we can, along with our social media channels we are well placed to provide a multimedia approach to the ongoing situation. In fact I have already tested broadcasting from my dining room table, I bet you didn’t know when! During March our Media Students recorded the preparations for the performances of The Tales of Beatrix Potter, we visited Pitlochry High Primary, Grandtully Primary and the Royal School of Dunkeld and watched the creative process of the Primary 3 pupils come up with lyrics and music
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for the stories ahead of their performance at Birnam Arts. Our Spring Programme schedule is about ready to go live with the addition of a Blues Music Programme, a new Out and About series looking at towns and villages around Highland Perthshire, a series of short stories including some local writers who you will hear on air, and our brand new request show, including requests from those living in sheltered accommodation, care homes and hospital. We will bring you more news on all of these soon. We have extended our daytime lineup to include Sam Ross and Fraser Lindsay in the afternoon with Fraser on a Wednesday afternoon, between 1pm and 4pm and Sam keeping you company on the other weekdays. As we go to press we will be covering the March Into Pitlochry Music Festival for 2020 and looking forward to interviews and music sessions with some of the bands who will be making an appearance at this year’s event. So keep tuned to our social media channels, our website and of course on air at 97.5FM and online from the listen live button on our website or ask you Smart Speaker to play Heartland FM Thanks for listening Alistair stationmanager@heartlandfm.co.uk
Active Blair Atholl Active Blair Atholl is a community organisation committed to improving the access to and offer of physical activity and sport in the area, and to do this in a way that brings people together and contributes to the wellbeing of the community. Local sports club are currently involved in the hub; Blair Atholl Golf Club, Bowling Club, Smallbore rifle club and Table Tennis Club. We also have a number of individual members, who come along for their own interest, some fitness instructors and other community organisations like the Village Hall Committee and Blair Atholl and Struan Initiative Group! Open Day We’re running an open day on the 31st of May, 2-4pm, at the park and village hall in Blair Atholl. There will be stalls, activities and competitions run by all the above clubs and more! Everyone welcome, come along and say hello! Please visit our facebook page for more information and give us a like! Search “Active Blair Atholl” Our next meeting will be on the 7th of May, 6pm in the village hall, new members, whether attached to another group/club/organisation, or not, are always welcome!
Pitlochry and District U3A U3A stands for ‘University of the 3rd Age’, a world-wide organisation for people who are no longer in full-time employment and with no lower age for membership. There are hundreds of U3As throughout the UK. There are no classes, no teachers and everything we learn or participate in is organised within the groups. The next meeting of Pitlochry and District U3A will take place on Wednesday 15th April at 2.00pm at the Atholl Centre in Pitlochry. Dr Keren Guthrie, Archivist at Blair Castle, will bring along a selection of documents and items from the archives at Blair Castle and tell us more about them, bringing to life key points in the history of the castle. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and view the artefacts. Non-members are welcome to come along to what promises to be an informative afternoon. The talk will be followed by our Annual General Meeting. For further information please contact with Margaret Hamilton at mhhamilton@hotmail.co.uk Continued on page 42 40 Pitlochry Life
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Music In Blair Atholl The Yehudi Menuhin School Scottish Tour 2020 Saturday 2nd May at 7.30pm Recital of music for piano, violin, viola and cello by contemporaries of Beethoven in the Ballroom at Blair Castle. Sunday 3rd May at 3pm Recital of music for piano, violin and cello in the Ballroom at Blair Castle. All programmes will be announced online in April. The Friend’s Lunch at the Steading, Lude at 1.00pm. Tickets: £15. Under 16s £7.50 Wine/tea and shortbread included. Further information: www.musicinblairatholl.co.uk
Vale of Atholl Pipe Band Well, due to the coronavirus, our Beat Retreat at Barnboughle Castle in March was cancelled. Once again, a good number of Foreign visitors were to be there. By the time you read this, many events could be cancelled. We're waiting to see what is going to happen to all the Major Pipe Band Championships, but in the meantime our two competing bands are practising hard. We're delighted to be playing up at Blair Castle on the forecourt for a couple of spots just after midday on the 4th April and we're busy organising the Highland Nights which will hopefully go ahead. Our tuition programme is going along fine every Tuesday night in Pitlochry High School and we'll have two weeks off for the Easter Holidays. We were delighted that our tuition programme sponsors, Landrover Experience, Scotland, won the 1st place trophy for best Outdoor/Adventure Experience in Scotland at the VisitScotland Thistle Awards. Congratulations to all at Butterstone! If you would like to learn to play an instrument and join the pipe band, just pop along to Pitlochry High School on Tuesday nights (during school term). Gillie McNab gmcnab00@aol.com Mob. 07733152223
Edradour Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Pipe Band Practices for the Grade 3 band on a Wednesday night are extremely busy and we also had a Saturday workshop in the village hall in Blair Atholl. Our first competition of the season will be the RSPBA Dundee Perth & Angus Branch mini bands on Saturday 18th April in Dundee. We held our AGM last month and both Chairman Stewart Smart and Pipe Major Christy Kelly reflected on our amazing achievements last year and are looking forward to the year ahead in our new Grade. Our tuition programme on Monday evening in Ballinluig is going from strength to strength and Christy thanked all the tutors for their help and also Atholl Estates for their support. Office bearers for the coming year are: Chairperson – Stewart Smart. Vice Chair – Tanya Matchett. Treasurer – Tracey Cudworth. Secretary – Claire Scott. Child Protection Officer – Caitlin Charlton. If you want more information on the band or come along to one of our practices, please contact Pipe Major Christy Kelly: 01796472692 or Secretary Claire Scott 01796481456. Continued on page 48 42 Pitlochry Life
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01796 470003
52 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry
Pedicures
Facial
Manicures Waxing
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Heartland Film Society Heartland film for April 2020 is Roma. The venue is The Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy on Sunday 19th April at 6pm. Check the time as this may vary. Director and writer Alfonso CuarÓn has chronicled a tumultuous year in the life of a middle class family’s maid in Mexico City in the early 1970s Anyone is welcome to the HFS screenings. Become a member any time for just £10.00 or £5.00 for 15-18 year olds and get 12 months of reduced prices on all HFS screenings at the Birks plus free DVD loans of HFS films and all the benefits of belonging to a friendly film society. www.heartlandfilmsociety.org and Facebook.
Rotary Club of Pitlochry Plastic Waste Project The problem of plastic waste is constantly before us and members of the Rotary Club in conjunction with Climate Café are aiming to highlight this. The public is invited to come and have a look at Macnaughton’s window on Station Road where Elaine Scott and Judith Dingwall, our Citizen of the Year, have made a wonderful sculpture out of coat hangers. Shops cannot recycle coat hangers – in fact they have to pay to take them to the Council tip and they go into landfill. We are planning to have plastic waste sculptures in as many shop windows as possible in the town and plan to have a “Rubbish Trail” in the Summer along with a quiz for children. This is to raise awareness of the amount of plastic we use which cannot be recycled at the moment. So far Jane King and Jenni Moncrieff have visited 9 other shops and have had a very enthusiastic and positive response and they are all going to make a sculpture! So watch out for them. Once again the club is displaying its purple crocuses at the foot of East Moulin Road. Purple is, of course, the colour of the campaign to End Polio Now which Rotary has been supporting for over 30 years.
The Breadalbane Heritage Society The six autumn and winter talks this season have included an update on Perthshire’s ospreys, an account of the life and work of the famous 18th century Perthshire fiddler Niel Gow accompanied by a performance on his original violin, and an introduction to the archaeology of Iona. In March the final talk of the season was by the manager of East Schiehallion for the John Muir Trust. Members now look forward to a series of summer excursions, including visits to Grandtully Wood, Schiehallion, the Antonine Wall and the Old Kirk at Weem. The popular annual Summer Party will be held at the Scottish Crannog Centre on Wednesday 22nd July at 7.30 pm, please note the change from the date advertised earlier.. Meetings are held in the Breadalbane Community Campus in Aberfeldy, with refreshments available from 7.00 pm onwards and talks scheduled to start at 7.30 pm. Annual membership is £12.00 for a single membership and £20.00 for a joint membership. Visitors are welcome at £4.00 per person. For details of events or to join our e-mailing list contact our Treasurer, Sally Rose at sallyrose.bhs@gmail.com or on 01887 820 461.
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Handam is now a newly formed social enterprise with a permanent home!!! From a market stall to pop up shops, we now need your help to take the next step to kit out our first permanent shop in The Square in Aberfeldy! to suppot us visit:
WWW.RBSBACKHERBUSINESS.CO.UK/ HANDAM-REFILL-STATION
WWW.HANDAM.CO.UK Pitlochry Life 49
Andie Millar’s Trust www.andiemillar.org Applications are invited by 31st May 2020 for donations to either individuals or organisations to be spent in Pitlochry and District (generally assessed as being within a five mile radius of the centre of Pitlochry) for any one or more of the following Trust purposes: 1.
the advancement of education;
2.
the advancement of citizenship or community development;
3.
the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science;
4.
the advancement of public participation in sport;
5.
the provision of recreational facilities with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities are primarily intended;
6.
the advancement of environmental protection or improvement; and/or
7.
the relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.
Generally, the Trustees will be able to provide donations of up to £2,500 but in certain circumstances may be able to consider applications for a larger amount. Application Forms are available from www.andiemillar.org and, to be considered by the Trustees, each Application must be sent by e-mail to j@hmitchell.co.uk by 31st May 2020. Please note that the Trustees’ decision in respect of any Application is final. Scottish Charity Number: SC037334
Dalguise Meditation Group Everyone is welcome who would like to learn to meditate, to consolidate a meditation practice they already have, or simply to join our friendly group for quiet contemplation and thoughtful discussion. We are non-religious and there is no charge – with tea, coffee and biscuits too! Feel free just to turn up on the day, or for further information contact faithanstey@gmail.com We meet every other Wednesday throughout the year, from 10.30am to 12.30pm in Dalguise Village Hall. Our April dates are 1st, 15th and 29th.
Pitlochry Art Walk 2020 Hopefully the Pitlochry Art Walk will take place in June - if you would like to take part please get in touch at pitlochryartwalk@gmail.com or call 07925 346613.
Climate Cafe, Pitlochry & District Our next environmental chat will take place on Friday 17th April as 10th April is Good Friday, in Pitlochry Town Hall, West Moulin Road, Pitlochry, 7pm to 9pm. A Climate Cafe is where people come together for a regular monthly meeting which is open to everyone of any age whether they are familiar with climate change or not, but are interested in its effects on the environment. Come chat about any concerns or interests you have, exchange information, find some answers. For Continued on page 52 50 Pitlochry Life
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more information contact:- Carol Aitken: caaitken.naturaldesign@gmail.com or check out our Face Book page: Climate Cafe Pitlochry & District and our new Website: pitlochrycc.co.uk courtesy of Kate Kirby for more tips and information. This month we are organising another Zero Waste event in the Pitlochry Town Hall on Saturday 18th April from 10am till 3pm. The Spring Green Festival will include a selection of stalls providing different products from food to plants, activities for the kids, a Biodynamic garden talk and a yoga session to name a few and we will be providing information on reducing waste, recycling and continue our Big Climate Conversation. We are also working with Jane King and Jenni Moncrieff from both the Climate Cafe and the local Rotary Club to support the reduction of single-use plastic in Pitlochry, to make our town more 'plastic-lite'. We know that we cannot stop using plastics as it is such a useful and practical material, but the aim is to reduce its use, to reuse and refill containers and water bottles and then recycle the rest. We will also be encouraging those with shop windows to create a sculpture made from their single use or non recyclable waste and to display a poster to the effect that we are all working together to make Pitlochry ‘plastic-lite’. Check out Macnaughton's Hanger man.
Blair Atholl Bowling Club - New Season Hello to all potential budding bowlers out there. Our season starts on Saturday 25th April and will continue on throughout the season until September. We are situated just opposite the entrance to Blair Castle and anyone who wishes to give it a go then there will always be a warm welcome. If your staying in the village during the summer then why not pop along - there's always events on including quizzes, B.B.Q. social events or why not come along for a quiet drink. We have extra bowls and shoes so you can have a try, you never know you could be a natural bowler. Social membership is £5, and full playing membership is £50 which includes green facilities, club and league competitions etc.. We are always looking for new members so we may see you soon.
Pitlochry Bowling Club Tay Tummel League The annual indoor short mat competition and trophy was won this year by Dunkeld Bowling Club, to whom we send our congratulations on a deserved victory. Competitions Indoor competitions are now reaching the final stages. Next month we should have lists of winners for all club competitions in bowls, darts and dominoes. Summer competitions can be entered from Opening Day onwards, with sheets inviting entries in the clubhouse. Opening Day for Summer Season Saturday 18th. April is Opening Day for the summer season, with play starting at 14.00. Players are asked to be at the club for 13.30. Spectators are welcome. In advance of the opening, club members are asked to share in the big clean on Wednesday 15 April from 10.00-14.00. Fees and membership For several years now, the annual membership fee has been kept at £70, and £50 for first-time members - a real bargain. For this you can play all year round, and as often as you wish. If you are interested in joining the club, please speak to any members, call at the clubhouse, or phone 01796 470085.
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Dunmore Angling Club Day Ticket Season opens on 1st April. The club controls the fishing on Loch Dunmore in Faskally Wood just outside Pitlochry - reached from the B8019 road to Killiecrankie (the old A9 road). The small loch holds a mixed coarse fish community with perch, roach, rudd, tench, crucian and common carp in amongst the lilies – a most attractive venue to fish. The water was restocked in 2016 with both tench and carp and the new fish showed up well during last season and had put on weight again, as well as the established populations. Day tickets are available between 1st April and mid September each year and can be obtained from The Faskally Boating Station just to the north of Pitlochry (£10 for adults and £5 for juniors aged 16 and under). The club wish to encourage Juniors to take up angling so in 2020 any adult Member or Day Ticket holder may be accompanied by a junior fishing on the same platform without a separate ticket. For for details of membership e-mail Stewart Reid at a.reid16687@gmail.com
Learn to Save a Life with Heartstart. On Thursday 9th April Helen Brady from Tayside NHS Heartstart will be at the Atholl medical Centre, Pitlochry. Please come to learn what to do if someone collapses. Encourage your friends, family and neighbours to attend as it could be you! There will be only one session at 2.0pm. The training is free and there is no need to book –just turn up. Training will be given on the use of publicly accessed defibrillators. Even if you have attended one of these sessions before it is important to come again for revision and to keep up to date. For further information contact Catherine Holmes 01796 473400 c.p.holmes47@btinternet.com
Pitlochry Flood Group Meeting Pitlochry Library Building, Friday 7th February 2020 at 1.30pm Points of Contact/Office Bearers: Cllr Mike Williamson currently Temporary Chairperson. Position of Secretary to be filled. Jill Scougall will set up a Facebook Page as a point of Contact for the Public. A new email address has been set up- pitlochryfloodgroup@gmail.com. Pitlochry Resilience Plan Review: BA&SCC shared their Flood Resilience Plan Booklet and talked us through the events of the flood at Garryside, 2015. Paul Laidlaw and Cllr Mike Williamson to collate other Resilience Plans for Group Members to review and using best practise update the Pitlochry dedicated Resilience Plan for sharing with the town. Please e.mail the group email if interested. Scottish Flood Forum Property Flood Protection Survey Assessment Review: Paul Laidlaw advised that some properties at Fonab Crescent had benefited from having a Survey carried out and will share details with each of the residents/Business Owners and Peter Dixon at PK&C and Group. Anyone wishing a Free Flood Survey contact Paul Laidlaw – paul.laidlaw@scottishfloodforum.org Cllr Mike Williamson to talk to Peter Dixon about reviewing the cost benefit analysis passed in October without any consultation with residents. Contact with Port-Na-Craig Inn and Ferrymans Cottage to provide them with Paul s contact details to enable a Flood Survey to be carried out on their premises. Paul to share the date and location of the Summer Flood Topical Group Meeting. Promoting the Pitlochry Flood Group: Coverage of Group to be carried out using Heartland Radio. Review and coverage of the minutes to be passed to PMCC and Neighbourhood Watch to share at meetings. A Facebook Page is now created where regular updates can be shared. Twitter account to be set up in due course. Anyone wishing to volunteer to take this on?
Continued on page 56
54 Pitlochry Life
Approved Electric Vehicle Charge Point Installers
Pitlochr y: 01796 472 263 Per th: 01738 245 87 7 Aviemore: 01479 810 983 general@rwbell.com www.rwbell.com Pitlochry Life 55
AOB: Pitlochry Flood Study to be shared with Meeting Attendees. Fire Service to attend next meeting. PK&C Gully Clearing Maintenance Programme to be shared and reviewed at next meeting. Residents noticing blocked or covered drains can report these to PK&C on 01738475000. Please state whether covered with leaves or blocked with silt as different types of vehicles are required for each scenario.
Parking in the Black Spout Wood The path network in the Black Spout Wood is maintained with the help of volunteers from the Pitlochry community. We have noticed that people are driving past the yellow notice erected by the Council which is to stop unauthorised vehicles going past it. These vehicles are being parked on the side of the road near the Atholl Palace golf course and are not only causing damage to the vegetation they park on but, more seriously, are damaging the roots of the oak trees which do not tolerate loading of the ground and are likely to suffer as a result. It would be much appreciated if all drivers visiting the Black Spout Wood could always park in the carpark provided. The drivers of unauthorised vehicles proceeding past the yellow sign are committing an offence which could be liable to a fine. Signage will be put in place by the Council reminding drivers to use the carpark and not to pass the yellow sign. Catherine Holmes.
Pitlochry & District Choral Society Due to the uncertainty of the corona virus situation a decision has been taken to postpone our forthcoming concert until later in the year. All rehearsals have therefore been cancelled until further notice.
Pitlochry Church of Scotland Minister: Rev Mary Haddow (01796 472774) 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. Our services combine the traditional with the contemporary. Worship begins with a warm welcome, followed by a mix of music and words, ancient and modern. After service refreshments in The Tryst is currently and temporarily postponed. Tryst for prayer: We meet weekly for prayer time at 10.00am on Wednesdays in The Tryst. Prayers are offered for local, national & international situations. Please join us, or pass any prayer requests to the minister after a Sunday service, or email MHaddow@churchofscotland.org.uk, or drop a note in to the Tryst marked – ‘For Prayer’. Every personal situation is held in strictest confidence. Coffee and chat: currently temporarily postponed. Tryst Talents Group: meet every 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesdays of the month, in The Tryst Lounge. Come along to The Tryst for creativity and fellowship at 10.30am. Church Choir: Rehearsals are held every Wednesday at 6.25pm in The Church. Rock-Pit, Youth Group will meet in The Tryst on Wednesday 22nd and 29th April from 5pm6.15pm for pupils in Primary 5,6 or 7 followed by teen drop-in between 6.30pm and 8pm. Continued on page 58 56 Pitlochry Life
Answers to the March Crossword Across
1. BOOKSHOP 5. CHURCH 9. UNSTEADY 10. BRIDGE 12. CHEVALIER 13. IDEAL 14. WELL 16. ERASERS 19. STATION 21. WEEK 24. EAGLE 25. DISCIPLES 27. DILATE 28. DEADLIER 29. DISHED 30. EDRADOUR
Down
1. BRUACH 2. OYSTER 3. SHEBA 4. OLD MILL 6. HERMITAGE 7. REDEEMER 8. HEELLESS 11. BRAE 15. EPICENTRE 17. ASCENDED 18. CARGILLS 20. NUDE 21. WEST END 22. ALBINO 23. USURER 26. INDIA
Pitlochry Life 57
Scottish Country Dancing: Every Tuesday from 7.30pm, in The Tryst Hall. Table Tennis: Weekly on Thursdays in The Tryst Hall, 2pm until 4pm. Tryst Walking Group: See details of our walks on The Tryst Notice Board. Balhousie: A short service of worship will take place at Balhousie Care Home at 3pm on the first Sunday of the month, with refreshments and a time to chat. CWTA Lent meetings. The Churches Working Together in Atholl are holding a series of meetings in Lent, for discussion, meditation & prayer. This year’s meetings are entitled ‘Hope and Redemption’ and take place on Fridays 2.30 – 4pm at Holy Trinity. Easter Services: Good Friday 10 April: Walk with the Cross - meet at the Church at 7.50am - Ecumenical event) Good Friday Evening Service - 7.00pm Sunday 12 April: 7.00am. Easter Morning, Ecumenical Service at Lady’s Dell - meet at Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre car park. Sunday 12 April: 10.30am Easter All Age Service The Tryst Office - Open Monday to Friday, 9am - 1.00pm. The Tryst Halls are available for hire for both charitable and commercial events. A great facility for classes, meetings, parties, lunches. For additional information please contact: The church office Tel no. 01796 474010. email: thetryst@btconnect.com
Pitlochry Baptist Church Pastor: Rev David Barrie (pastor@pbcweb.net) Youth Pastor: Rev Ken Naquin (youth@pbcweb.net) For more information, check out our website at www.pbcweb.net keep up-to-date with us on Facebook and Instagram. Sundays: We have a full young people’s programme every Sunday from 11am. Coffee & Cake, Tea & Biscuits afterwards. Special Events Spring Children’s Holiday Club – In the Wild - for P1-7 children will run from 10am-12 pm on Monday 6 April – Thursday 9 April at PBC. For more info or to sign up, go to www.pbcweb.net/springclub Regular Events Heart & Soul - Sundays 8-9am. HeartlandFM 97.5 and online at www.heartlandfm.scot Join regular presenters Howard Simpson and David Wilkie as they bring a topical mix of music, chat, news, community focus and issues, plus interviews. James Court Service - 4pm. Third Sunday of the month in James Court. Contact Maureen 472004. Prayer Gatherings - Sundays 10am. Tuesdays 7am. Contact Martin on 473085. Scripture Union Clubs – Every Wednesday, PBC is involved with facilitating a primary and secondary Scripture Union club at Pitlochry High School. All young people are welcome to come along for games and discussion around Christian Scripture. ContacT Ken on 470261. Small Groups - Our small groups are designed to complement our gathered worship events and aim to be missional communities providing a place for people to belong. Contact Debbie on 473085. Sounds Inspirational – Tuesdays 7 - 8pm, repeated Thursdays 10 -11pm. HeartlandFM 97.5 and Continued on page 60 58 Pitlochry Life
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online at www.heartlandfm.org An hour of Spiritual, Gospel, and Christian music, with a wee bit of chat thrown in as well. 'Stay and Play' babies and toddlers group – Mondays & Wednesdays 10am-12pm. Contact Ken on 470261. Welcome All Soup Lunch - Fridays from 12-1.30pm in the Atholl Centre which is located at the back of our church building on Atholl Road. Contact Maureen on 472004. Youth Club - last Friday of the month 6pm in PBC. For P4-P7. Expect lots of fun, invite friends and plan to come along! Contact Ken on 470261. Youth Group – Every Wednesday from 7–9 pm at PBC. Food, games, Bible study, and music. All secondary young people are welcome. For more info contact Ken on 470261.
The Scottish Episcopal Church in Highland Perthshire Offers a Warm And Inclusive Welcome To All Rector: The Reverend Liz Baker 01796 472005: Email: bethmaybaker@yahoo.co.uk Lay Reader: Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416: Email: lesleywhitwood@btinternet.com Ordinand in Training: Rachael Wright Email: rwright.hplc@gmail.com Website: www.hplc.scot Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/ Holy Trinity Church, Perth Road, Pitlochry - Contact – Robin Baker - 01796 472005 Sunday Services - 9.30am Holy Communion or All Age Communion Thursday Services - Mid week quiet space, 10.00 am Morning Prayer/Holy Communion, with Coffee and Fellowship until 12.00 noon. Lent Group “From Now On” – Last Meeting at 2.30pm on Friday 3rd April. Contact Rachael for information. Perthshire Rainbow Table - Thursday 22nd April 7.30pm. Ecumenical Christian worship which offers a warm welcome to people who are LGBTQIA+ and their friends, all who seek an inclusive church are welcome here. Book Club Monday 20th April all welcome. Refreshments with the discussion. Further details from Lesley Whitwood. Holy Week & Easter Services Mon 6th/Tues7th/Weds 8th Morning Prayer at 10.00am with Reflection Maundy Thursday: ‘Eucharist of the Lord’s Supper and Watch’ 8.00pm Good Friday: Silent Prayer & Reflection 12.00pm to 2.00pm. ‘The Final Hour’3.00pm Easter Day: 9.30am Sung Communion Kilmaveonaig (St Adamnan’s Church), opposite the Tilt Hotel, Blair Atholl. Contact - Mrs. Lavinia Gordon 01796 481230. Sundays at 11.15am - Sundays at 11.15am - First Sundays Sung or All Age Communion third Sundays, Sung Communion. Second and fourth Sundays Sung Matins. Holy Week & Easter Services Good Friday: ‘When Jesus Wept’ A Service for Good Friday Evening 7.00pm Easter Day: Communion by Extension11.15am St Andrew's, Church, Strathtay, opposite the local shop. Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416. 60 Pitlochry Life
Continued on page 62
This Month’s Tricky Sudoko 9
5
3 1
8
7 9
9 8
6
3
1
How to play............
4
1
2
6 5
7
9
3 2
3
8 6
8
6
9
Fill the grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! Use reasoning and logic to solve the puzzle - there’s no maths or adding up. Look carefully for what numbers can go where and with a little practice it will get easier!
3 Pitlochry Life 61
Sundays – 11.15am - First Sundays Mattins, second and fourth Sundays Holy Communion; third Sundays Matins/ Service of the Word/Communion by Extension; fifth Sundays Joint Service with Logierait Church of Scotland. Sunday Evening Services – Third Sunday at 6.00pm – Weem Kirk. House Group - 10.00am last Wednesday of the month (Contact Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416) Holy Week & Easter Services Maundy Thursday: Passover Supper 6.00pm (Please contact Lesley for details) Good Friday: The Final Hour 3.00pm Easter Day: The Easter Vigil (Dawn Service) 6.00am. Holy Communion 11.15am All Saints' Church, Kinloch Rannoch Square. Contact – Mrs. Rose de Sales La Terriere 01882 632314 or Mrs. Anne Pealing 01882 634259. Holy Week & Easter Services 5th April: Morning Prayer for Palm Sunday Good Friday: 10th April Compline 6.00pm Easter Day: Holy Communion 10.30am
St Bride’s Catholic Church Parish Priest: Fr. Neil Gallagher Rie-Achan, Pitlochry PH16 5AL Tel. No: 01796 472174 Email: stbridesrcchurch@yahoo.com Also served by St. Bride’s: St. Columba’s, St. Mary’s Road, Birnam, Dunkeld, PH8 0BJ Our Lady of Mercy’s, Home Street, Aberfeldy, PH15 2AL Sunday Mass Times: St. Columba’s Birnam,
Saturday Vigil Mass at 6.00pm
Our Lady of Mercy’s, Aberfeldy
Sunday at 9.30am
St. Bride’s, Pitlochry
Sunday at 11.30am
Weekday Mass Times Tuesday
Our Lady of Mercy’s at 9.30am
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
St. Bride’s at 9.30am
Holy Days of Obligation Mass Times St. Columba’s Birnam 9.30am. Our Lady of Mercy Aberfeldy 11.00am St. Bride’s Pitlochry 6.00pm Easter Services Holy Thursday Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper Good Friday Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion Holy Saturday Solemn Liturgy of the Easter Vigil 62 Pitlochry Life
St. Bride’s 6 p.m. St. Bride’s 3p.m. St. Bride’s 8 p.m.
Continued on page 64
Pitlochry Life 63
Easter Sunday St. Columba’s Birnam Our Lady of Mercy Aberfeldy St. Brides Pitlochry
Saturday Vigil Mass 6 p.m. Mass 9.30 a.m. Mass 11.30 a.m.
St. Vincent de Paul Society Group St. Vincent de Paul Society meets every second Thursday of the month at 10.00am in St. Bride’s Church. New members are welcome. If you wish to get in touch the email address is: stbridessvdp@yahoo.com Aberfeldy Ladies Coffee Morning The coffee morning takes place on the second Thursday of the month at 11.00am at The Watermill Café in Aberfeldy. All are welcome, not just ladies! The Mustard Seed Bible Group Take this opportunity to learn more about the most important book ever written, The Bible, by attending a study group. Its purpose is to implant the seed of God’s Word and Love in our life. The group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7.00pm in St. Bride’s Pitlochry.
Tenandry Church Interim Moderator: Rev Neil Glover. nglover@churchofscotland.org.uk 07779280074. Session Clerks: Judy Thorpe 01796 473252 and Marion Faulds 01796 472415. All are welcome at family worship every Sunday at 10.30am throughout the year. Communion is celebrated on the last Sunday of the month and is open to everyone. Tea and coffee are served after the service. From the B8019 take the road adjacent to the car park at the Garry Bridge.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
On the night before he died, Jesus instituted an anniversary for Christians—the Memorial of his death. In 2020 this Memorial falls on 7th April—after sunset. Your local congregation will be holding this special service at 8.15 p.m. in the Kingdom Hall, Moness Terrace, Aberfeldy. Please join us to remember what Jesus achieved. Sunday 5th April, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Whose Leadership Can You Trust ?’, and a discussion of: ‘We Will Go With You (Zechariah 8:23)’. Tuesday 7th April, 8.15 p.m. The Memorial of Christ’s death. Sunday 12th April, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Choose Your Associates Wisely’, and a discussion of: ‘Jehovah, Our Father, Loves Us Dearly (Matthew 6:9)’. Thursday 16th April, 7.00 p.m. Short talks and discussions including: Genesis 31, ‘Jacob and Laban Make a Covenant of Peace’, ‘The Apostles Ask for a Sign’, Part 1—a discussion of Matthew 24:3–23; Mark 13:3–23; Luke 21:7–24. Sunday 19th April, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Real Help for the Family’, and a discussion of: ‘We Love Jehovah, Our Father, Dearly (1 John 4:19)’. Thursday 23rd April, 7.00 p.m. Short talks and discussions including: Genesis 32, 33, ‘Are You Wrestling for a Blessing ?’, ‘What Is Most Important to Me ?’, ‘The Apostles Ask for a Sign’, Part 2—a discussion of Matthew 24:24–51; Mark 13:24–37; Luke 21:25–38. Sunday 26th April, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Meeting the Test of Christian Loyalty’, and a discussion of:
Continued on page 70
64 Pitlochry Life
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FITNESS with Alan Clinch
What’s so special about Magnesium? Pick up the paper/magazine/open email or look at social media – every month there’s an article somewhere about the amazing effects of different minerals…… so why not eh? They’re essential, albeit in very small amounts, in our diet. Many of us will remember lighting magnesium ribbon in science classes, but it has other, more practical uses! Decide on any bodily function, and chances are actually quite good that magnesium is involved somewhere. It plays a role in over 300 chemical reactions in the body: protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, energy production, oxygen uptake and electrolyte balance. It’s also involved in blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, structural bone development, and ensuring normal heart rhythm. It’s also been associated with healthy, restful sleep. Dietary data collected by the UK and Scottish Governments points to about 50% of adults are failing to consume sufficient - current guidelines suggest that 300mg a day for men (19 to 64 years) and 270mg a day for women (19 to 64 years) is required in order to maintain good health. The guidance remains the same for persons over 64. It’s worth noting as well that diets high in protein, calcium, or vitamin D will increase the need for magnesium. The following provide a good source of magnesium in the diet. • Fruits such as bananas, dried apricots, and avocados • Nuts such as almonds, peanuts (unsalted) and cashews • Peas and beans (legumes), seeds • Soy products such as soy flour and tofu • Whole grains such as brown rice and other high fibre sources • Milk • Vegetables such as Spinach and broccoli, leeks, cauliflower, kale 66 Pitlochry Life
•
Coffee (Espresso)…. But it’s probably not a great idea to overdo this! • Oily fish such as Salmon, sardines and tuna • When cooking try to use whole wheat flour rather than white. • Quinoa • Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa solids. Magnesium Deficiency - Early signs of magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. Some groups are at a greater risk than others - people with gastrointestinal diseases, Type 2 diabetics, or older adults. Overall, most of us should be able to get all the magnesium we need by eating a varied and balanced diet. Taking magnesium supplements unless they have been recommended by your doctor isn’t a great idea (though too much magnesium tends not to be a risk in healthy individuals because our kidneys are well equipped to excrete excess amounts) As with all of the articles which I’ve written on diet, if you think that your food intake is inappropriate or deficient in any way it’s always worth starting with a qualified dietician.
alan@pitlochrylife.co.uk
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Pitlochry Life 67
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68 Pitlochry Life
The Charity Trustees’ Toolkit – 7.00pm, Thursday 21st May 2020, Birnam Arts, Birnam.
J. & H. Mitchell W.S., will be hosting their annual trustee training and updating seminar for Charity Trustees at Birnam Arts, Station Road, Birnam, Dunkeld PH8 0DS at 7pm on Thursday 21st May 2020. Sarah Brown who is a Partner of the firm and heads up their Charities Team will be covering a wide range of topical issues. The seminar will last about 90 minutes, with Q&A afterwards. It is always case of ‘the more the merrier’ at these Charity Trustee seminars, and as many Trustees of your charity as possible are recommended to attend the Seminar together, so that they can speak about it together afterwards, having all heard the seminar content. The seminar is also recommended for those who are involved in the management of a charity J. & H. Mitchell W.S. act for a growing number of Scottish charities and other third sector organisations, locally, regionally and internationally, covering a variety of sectors. Sarah Brown is regularly asked to deliver training to charities throughout Scotland, and speak at events, to ensure charity trustees and managers ensure that they understand their legal responsibilities and follow best practice. If you would like to attend (cost £10 per head - all proceeds to be donated to our hosts, Birnam Arts - Scottish Charity Number SC024975) For tickets please contact Birnam Arts directly on 01350 727 674 or via their website at www.birnamarts.com Pitlochry Life 69
‘Pursue Peace by Fighting Envy (Romans 14:19)’. Tuesday 28th April, 7.00 p.m. Short talks and discussions including: Genesis 34, 35, ‘The Tragic Results of Bad Association’, ‘What is Jesus doing now ?’, ‘Prepare Now to Face Future Events Courageously !’. Enjoy a free study of the Bible at a convenient time and location—get in contact with Jules and Elizabeth on 07 802 753 193 or ministry@akel.co.uk. At www.jw.org you can study the Bible in the language of your choice, and you can find the answers to life’s questions—even the difficult ones.
Blair Atholl & Struan Linked With Braes Of Rannoch And Foss & Rannoch Interim Moderator: The Rev Grace Steele Session Clerk Blair Atholl & Struan Session Clerk Braes of Rannoch Session Clerk Foss & Rannoch
Harold Ingram
01796 481275
Miss A M Phillips 01882 633228
Robert & Elizabeth Anderson 01882 632272
Morning Worship: Blair Atholl 11.15am. Braes of Rannoch 9.45am. Foss & Rannoch 11.30am. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served in all three churches at the close of worship. All are welcome. Coffee Corner meets every Thursday in the Church Hall, Blair Atholl from 10 - 12 noon with a short time of worship at 11.00am. All are welcome. Holy Week Services Thurs 9th April Maundy Thursday Service in Blair Atholl Church Hall at 7pm Friday 10th April Good Friday Joint Service in Kilmaveonaig Church at 7pm Sunday 12th April Early Morning Service at St Brides Kirk at 8am Sunday 12th April Easter Service in Blair Atholl Church at 11.15am
The Baha’i Faith: The Complete Agreement between Religion and Science In May 1912, Abdu’l Baha, the son of Baha’u’llah, was invited by an eminent Rabbi to give a talk in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Abdu’l-Baha presented the basic tenets of the Baha’i Faith and touched on the principle of voluntary sharing and mutual cooperation as the inherent moral element within a human society founded on justice and resulting in both spiritual and material well-being for all. He declared that when humanity establishes the principle of “contributing from willing hearts to the needs of the poor without being forced or compelled to do so, the composure of the world will be assured”. As the reality of the interconnectedness of the world dawns, the social conditions of people everywhere are made plain. “Alongside developments that give hope, there is much that weighs heavy on the conscience of the human race. Inequity, discrimination, and exploitation blight the life of humanity, seemingly immune to the treatments applied by political schemes of every hue. Extremes of wealth and poverty are deepened by the forces of materialism and self-interest that often prevail at the expense of the common good.” Individuals can feel helpless in the face of war and greed, unable to address the needs of so many looking for help. “But it need not be so. Continued on page 72 70 Pitlochry Life
This Month’s Easy Sudoko How to play............
8 7
2
5
3 5
9
6
5
1 1
5
2
6
3
1
3
5
2
8
6 1
9
2
7 7
8
9
4
Fill the grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! Use reasoning and logic to solve the puzzle - there’s no maths or adding up. Look carefully for what numbers can go where and with a little practice it will get easier!
2
Pitlochry Life 71
However much such conditions are the outcome of history, they do not have to define the future.” Abdu’l-Baha stated in his talk, “No matter how far the material world advances, it cannot establish the happiness of mankind. Only when material and spiritual civilization are linked and coordinated will happiness be assured.” He states elsewhere, that “The honour and distinction of the individual consist in this, that he among all the world’s multitudes should become a source of social good…” Baha’is work together with people of all religious faiths and none to explore together how to serve the material and spiritual needs of the communities in which they live. Baha’is in your area would like to connect with you. Or, explore many topics on www.bahai.org or contact rachelhelenab@hotmail.com
Pitlochry Community Council, Minutes 9th March - Atholl Centre Six PMCC members, 2 PKC councillors, 10 others present. Two apologies. Twice yearly Police Community Surgery to be requested. Pupils at Pitlochry High School to study Highers and Advanced Highers. Parent/Teacher Council frustrated by lack of communication from sub-group dealing with buildings. PHS pupils disadvantaged by lack of facilities. Chair of Lifelong Learning Committee to be contacted. Time limit for Town Centre Regeneration project extended to September 2021. Contracts to be signed by end March 2021. Public meeting in Town Hall, 17.30hrs Tuesday 24th March. Public consultation later. Pitlochry Town Hall Group formed 24th February 2020 and Constitution adopted. Live Active Leisure and PKC to work alongside. First Indoor Market a great success and next one 21st March. A plea to the community to support the Town Hall. £25k of the £50k required to upgrade the Pavilion to be provided by PKC. Complete refit downstairs, including external painting and lighting and door for access to toilets. PUGS to take over lease. Pavilion to be a community facility. A football festival planned 13th June and gala day (Fun in the Park) 4th July. Sincere thanks to Bruce and to PUGS. Letter received from COSLA regarding possible twinning with towns in Europe. To be passed to the Confolens committee. The Etape Project Manager to visit 19th/20th March to meet interested groups. 4,000 cyclists already signed up for 2021. PKC offering training for volunteers involved in Community Empowerment. Bench still to be removed from Bridge Road and one speed sign not working. Plans for the Premier Inn not yet submitted. There will be an increase of 4.9% in Council tax and an increase of 5p in school meals. Frozen schools meals to be re-introduced. Increase of funding to Library Services and no winter maintenance cuts. There will be a general reduction of services. Road Safety Event 18th April in the Co-op car park between 10am and 1pm. The pop-up police are not in place yet as a risk assessment is still being made. Faskally Forest Parkrun on 7th March a great success with 128 competitors. Positive feed-back and business brought to the town. 5k run every Saturday at 0930hrs, Faskally Forest. Free to join but please register. Contact faskallyforest@parkrun.com Thanks to organising team. Support requested to ease congestion in Newholme Avenue. Next meeting 13th April, at 7.30pm in the Atholl Centre. 72 Pitlochry Life
The Pitlochry Crossword 1
2
3
By AANDA
4
5
9
6
7
8
22
23
10 11 13
12
14 17 19
24
15
16
18 20
21
25
26
27
28
29
30
ACROSS 1. Will indeed the old lag reach the Pitlochry Brae? (8) 5. Capricorn’s parallel of latitude is right in the theme (6) 9. Backward lad wearing headgear at a local farm (8) 10. They say to set down the fish (6) 12. Obviously deny evil first time when ordered (9) 13. The brae starts at Comrie, Ullapool, Inver, Lundin & Cluny (5) 14. The boundary dyke between England and Wales was a bit of fancy work (4) 16. Con goat into making an eight sided figure (7) 19. Employ fewer, it’s ineffectual . . . . (7) 21. . . . . . and it’s finished, taps away (4) 24. A groove inside, not child proof (5) 25. A rectangle in Aberfeldy or Kinloch Rannoch (3,6) 27. Right vein I puncture at the old Pitlochry hospital (6) 28, Perhaps, Ian, reach Pitlochry road (8) 29. Listen again and join up (6) 30. Negotiated and smashed communist (8)
DOWN 1. Beginner snake on horizontal bars (6) 2. French, but it’s a Scottish language, I hear (6) 3. A, Pete turns out for this Caledonia . . . . . (5) 4... and A.1. actor turns out for a European country (7) 6. Moves to a new place with coal trees broken up (9) 7. Duos in Joppa, I ring so often (5) 8. This Fonab road is in Pitlochry (8) 11. A beginner from the party routine (4) 15. Skin with mixed gins for the actor’s tights (9) 17. Pitlochry road by the stream (8) 18. A gala for our theatre (8) 20. A position for a view, we’ve heard (4) 21. First head of government (7) 22. Preferably it’s part of Condorrat her house is in (6) 23. Sounds like it was wet when curbed . . . . . (6) 26...and the sound of a duck for unqualified doctor (5)
Answers to March's Crossword are on page 57. Pitlochry Life 73
Blair Atholl
Kinloch Rannoch 21
Aberfeldy
Blairgowrie 26
Rannoch Station
Perth 26
-
87
Inverness
87
-
Aviemore
57
30
83
80
52
68
61
71
70
50
Perth
26 112 83
-
16
47
67
37
31
15
34
Blairgowrie
26 108 80
16
-
45
64
35
30
12
32
Kinloch Rannoch
21
47
45
-
16
16
18
35
17
80
Dunkeld
Pitlochry
Miles
Kenmore
Inverness
57
Pitlochry
in
Aviemore
Distance
37
21
14
13
8
30 112 108 80
96
89
99
98
79
-
52
Rannoch Station
37
96
68
67
64
16
-
32
34
54
34
Kenmore
21
89
61
37
35
16
32
-
7
24
27
Aberfeldy
14
99
71
31
30
18
34
7
-
18
21
Dunkeld
13
98
70
15
12
35
54
24
18
-
20
Blair Atholl
8
79
50
34
32
17
34
27
21
20
-
74 Pitlochry Life
Š Pitlochry Life 2019
Pitlochry Life 75
YOUR HOROSCOPE For April 2020 By Astrologer Christine Chalklin Mars, the planet of courage and enterprise, starts the month in a potent alignment with stern Saturn, reaffirming that projects can positively flourish if we cultivate discipline, patience and persistence. Powerful Pluto and expansive Jupiter start the month together in Capricorn, creating the opportunity for some deep and uncomfortable truths to be revealed; but this unusual cosmic pattern also spells opportunity and change. Venus, the planet of love and romance, enters the playful sign of Gemini on the 4th suggesting that April is the perfect month to make improvements to your social life. It’s the ideal time to arrange meetings, network and link up with like-minded people. Mercury arrives in Aries with a fiery flourish on the 11th. In this sign we can expect communication to go up a gear, but beware of quick and often rash judgements. The full moon is in well balanced Libra on the 8th and the new moon culminates in down to earth Taurus on the 23rd. ARIES MARCH 21 – APRIL Jupiter and Pluto join together at the highest point of your chart, shining a powerful light on your career, your goals and your ambition. Your earning ability is ripe for change, be sure to take advantage of a brilliant opportunity to meet new people who can influence your progress. The new moon on the 23rd suggests a practical breakthrough. TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21 Dynamic Mars is stirring up your social life, new friendships and group activities can start to progress positively now; you should be feeling at your most confident as this is your cue to shift gear and turn up the pace. The powerful Libra full moon on the 8th offers new insight and brings you a much more balanced point of view. GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21 Relationships and partnerships are in the spotlight this month as a powerful connection of transformational Pluto and expansive Jupiter offer challenge and change. Fiery Mars moving through unpredictable Aquarius suggests a new passion for life and you’ll be driven to make improvements that broaden your horizons. CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22 Mars and Saturn occupy the finance and resource sector of your chart this month. You’ll be feeling energetic, but do be sure to proceed with caution as all might not be what it seems to be. Abundant Jupiter in positive aspect to Venus, shines a helpful light by empowering you to make the right decisions. LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23 Mars and Saturn are active in your relationship sector this month, at first decisions may seem impossible but by tuning into intuitive Mercury in Pisces after the 11th you’ll find you can’t go wrong. The powerful new moon in practical Taurus on the 23rd offers a brilliant career opportunity, focus on turning exciting ideas into long term projects. VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22. Mercury, your ruling planet, remains in close contact with intuitive Neptune until the 10th challenging you to see a completely different view point in many areas of your life. It’s a good time to capitalise on professional matters as people around you will be very receptive to your plans. The Taurus new moon offers a practical solution. 76 Pitlochry Life
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23 Home and family matters move into the spotlight during April as expansive Jupiter and transformational Pluto highlight this sector of your chart. Some important and lasting decisions may need to be made, be sure to proceed with caution. Impartial Venus travelling through Gemini offers a fresh perspective. SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 Expansive Jupiter and powerful Pluto are strong in your communication sector, both offering you some long term help in building your courage and self-confidence. The dynamic Taurus new moon in your opposite sign on the 23rd triggers intense feelings about a range of situations – a new passion for life is emerging. SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 Neptune and Mercury are in close alignment in Pisces, suggesting that you finally have a vision about what needs to be done now and in the future. Mars and Saturn, both in logical Aquarius, can turn these dreams into reality, providing that you build firm foundations. Breakthroughs arrive at the Taurus new moon on the 23rd. CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 This is a potent month for Capricorns as Mars and Saturn are strong in individualistic Aquarius. This combination can give you great courage and desire to overcome any habit patterns that no longer serve you. The Sun illuminates your home and family life, sit back and enjoy some quality time. AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18 This month bodes well for successful communication and creativity, particularly after the 4th when Venus arrives in Gemini giving you an energy boost and enabling some major shifts to take place. Dynamic Mars remains in your sign all month, suggesting that you should be clearer about your objectives. PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20 Finances are improving this month as the radiant Sun indicates some valuable new insight into how you earn your money. A breakthrough arrives with the arrival of Mercury into headstrong Aries on the 11th and Venus shines a positive light in Taurus by showing you ways to gain through your own creativity. NAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS during 2020 - take a look at your year ahead and plan with in-depth knowledge and cosmic awareness. Tune into your highest potential and be alerted when positive and productive planetary cycles are working in your favour. Consultations are available on Skype or telephone, please contact me for more information. Christine Chalklin Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach, Email: christine_chalklin@hotmail.com New website: www.yourguidinglight.org Mobile: 07813 483549 Find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/restyleyourlife Pitlochry Life 77
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 - amcprescriptions.tayside@nhs.net
Pitlochry Community Hospital Ferry Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 472052 Visiting Hours: GP Unit 2.00pm - 4.30pm and 6.00pm - 8.00pm MIIU Open 9.00am - 9.00pm seven days a week. Phone NHS 24 on 111 for an appointment .
Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice The Surgery, Kinloch Rannoch. Tel: 01882 632216
The Reception is open Mon - Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm Surgery Hours 9-10.15am, 2-3pm and 4-5pm. For all urgent appointments please phone reception Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111
Pitlochry Post Office
Within Premier Store 63 Atholl Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 474301 Blair Atholl Post Office Tel: 01796 481233 Ballinluig Post Office Tel: 01796 482220 Strathtay Post Office Tel: 01887 840203 Kinloch Rannoch Post Office Tel: 01882 632347
Pitlochry Library
26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry Tel: 01796 474635 E-mail: pitlochrylibrary@pkc.gov.uk Sun, Mon, Tues - Closed Wed 2.00pm - 4.00pm & 5.00pm - 7.00pm Thurs 10.00am - 12noon & 2.00pm - 7.00pm Fri 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Sat 9.00am - 1.00pm
Housing & Community Safety and Registration Services 26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry Mon, Tues & Fri 8.45am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 5.00pm Appointments arranged out with these days 01738 476000 (select option 2)
Registration of Births, Deaths & Marriages Mon - Fri: By Appointment 01796 474645
More Helpful Numbers to Hand Pitlochry Police Station
101
Perth & Kinross Council
01738 475000
Crimestoppers
0800 555 111
Adult Care Services
0845 301 11 20
Scottish Hydro
0800 300 999
Anti-Social Behaviour
01738 476173
Gas Emergency
0800 111 999
Council Housing Emergency
0845 301 11 10
Perth Royal Infirmary
01738 623311
Environmental Health
01738 625411
NHS 24
111
24hr Domestic Abuse
0800 027 1234
Infinityblu Dental Pitlochry
01796 470001
Infinityblu Dental Dunkeld
01350 729198
Citizens Advice Bureau
01738 450580
Homelessness
0800 917 0708
Roads & Flooding
01738 475000
Mental Health Services
0845 301 11 20
Samaritans
0845 909090
SSPCA 24Hrs
0300 999 999
Childline
0800 1111
Perthshire Women's Aid
01738 639043
Whilst every care is taken in preparing this magazine to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for loss, damage or omission caused by an error in an advert. Artwork is accepted on the condition that it is legal and copyright free and that the advert is fair and accurate. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers or the views expressed by contributors, nor do the publishers necessarily share such views. We reserve the right to refuse articles and advertisements. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
78 Pitlochry Life
Pitlochry Life 79
J&H Mitchell
WS
SOLICITORS & ESTATE AGENTS
Since 1836
Buy or Sell your Property with Us
80 Pitlochry Life
BEN X
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01796 472 606
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Pitlochry Life 81
Time to Retire? Time to Get On with Life! Go for a health check Prevention is better than cure. The NHS Health Check is a free programme to help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and You plan financially, you plan where you’re going certain types of dementia. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74, who has not already been to live, whether you want to upsize, downsize, diagnosed with one of these conditions or have move to a different country, move to the sea. certain risk factors, will be invited once every But the one thing you don’t plan for - is what five years to have a check to assess their risk of you’re going to do with all the free time you’ll these age-related illnesses and will be given have on your hands. You could live for another 30 years, that’s half your lifetime again. Yes you support and advice to help them reduce or could redecorate the whole house, sort out the manage that risk. If you’re in this category but garden, play golf every day, but eventually one haven’t had a check in the last five years, you can ask your GP for one. day you will clear away the breakfast dishes, look at the 4 walls and think ‘that’s it for today.’ Develop a routine For some it feels more normal to continue Retirement is a whole new life, don’t waste it and don’t waste away. Here are some tips to get getting up, eating and going to bed at roughly the same time every day, but plan in regular you going: activities such as voluntary work, exercise and Get your finances in order It is well worth seeking the advice of a financial hobbies. This will keep things interesting and give you a purpose. advisor. Then organise your money so you can So, you are planning on retiring. Bet you can’t wait. No more early rises, no bringing work home or arranging social events around days off. It’s like being on holiday, right?
Exercise your mind Learning in later years can help you stay independent, so use free time to continue to challenge yourself mentally, whether it’s learning an instrument, a language or getting a qualification. Classes are also a great way to Wind down gently By easing off your workload over several months, meet people and make new friends. even years, you’ll be able to get used to the idea Keep physically active of not working and fill your time in other ways. Aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week, so build up to Ask your employer if you can cut back your this if you haven’t made exercise a normal part working hours or even go part time. of your life previously. Fresh air and exercise Move on is an instant mood booster and instrumental Don’t spend your retirement dwelling on your in maintaining your wellbeing. Check out local working days. Accept that you’ve done all you can in that job and focus on your next challenge. groups and classes - walking, yoga and fitness (for your age) and buy a Fitbit to keep track of You’ve still got lots to achieve. your daily activity. Make a list Eat Well Work out what you can afford to do and plan No more ‘on the go’ work time unhealthy time to make it happen, so you experience a snacks. Make sure you eat regular meals, plan sense of accomplishment, as you would have ahead, shop and try some new recipes. done at work. work out what you’ll have to live on. Gradually reducing your spending in the lead up to your retirement will make it easier to adjust. Track down any old pensions, claim your state pension and check what other benefits you can claim.
82 Pitlochry Life
Socialise Work can form a big part of your social life and it’s common to feel at a bit of a loose end once you retire. Fill the gaps by joining clubs and groups (check our Get Out pages). Get out and meet people, you will enjoy company and learn from them. And don’t forget friends from work, arrange regular catch-ups and keep up with the gossip. Take up a new project You now have time to get stuck into all those things you’ve been meaning to do but never got round to. Mapping your family tree, building a shed, planting a vegetable patch… the list goes on and we all have one. Now you can actually do what you’ve always wanted to, so go for it. Travel Nothing broadens the mind like travel. If you can afford it, travel the world, take a cruise, road trip USA. If on a budget, don’t forget your bus pass and senior railcard, there are fabulous places to visit right here. Volunteer There are lots of volunteering projects designed specifically for older people. So you need not worry that you will be asked to build a local hospital single-handed or even dig a well; you could teach children maths or reading, organise fundraising events, or help someone less fortunate with their shopping. There’s plenty to choose from. Prepare for ups and downs There may be times when you feel lonely or a bit lost, this is normal. If ill health or changes in your relationships temporarily upset your plans, accept that this has happened and get your back-up plan in action. Think positively and share any concerns with friends and family. Get a new pet Research has shown that our furry friends have a positive effect on our health and wellbeing, people with pets are generally happier, more trusting, and less lonely than those who don't have pets. They also visit the doctor less often for minor problems. One reason for that may be that your pet gives you a sense of belonging and meaning. To find out more about rehoming a pet, visit your local animal rescue centre, the RSPCA or Dogs Trust.
Pamper yourself You are due some ‘me time’. Whether your idea of indulgence is a city break, a day trip to a spa, dining out or going to the cinema, plan time for a well-deserved treat. I always remember advice given to me, many years ago, by an elderly colleague on his retirement - “Get up in the morning and put your boots on. Get out, keep busy and you will live a long happy life. If you get up and put your slippers on…. You will just slip away.” You have a great time ahead, make the most of it and fill your time with things, events and people that matter to you. Take care. Willie Pitlochry Life 83
Car Hire
Accommodation Acarsaid Hotel
19
Atholl Palace Hotel
1, 43
Fonab Castle Hotel
2
Pine Trees Hotel
16
Pitlochry Hydro Hotel
11
Scotlands Spa Hotel
15
The Green Park Hotel
9
The Inn at Loch Tummel
13
The Killiecrankie Hotel
19
The Old Mill Inn
88
Activities Blair Castle
17
Building Services
Pitlochry Car Hire
49
Pitlochry Station Bookshop
38
P&M Community Council
72
Riding For The Disabled
Churches
U3A
70
Blair Atholl & Struan
70
Crossword/Sudoko
Jehovah's Witnesses
64
Crossword
57, 73
Pitlochry Baptist Church
58
Sudoko
61, 71
Pitlochry Church of Scotland
56
Scottish Episcopal Church
60
St Brides Catholic Church
62
Tenandry Church
64
Cleaning Services
Dentists Infinity Blu
Blair Athol Distillery
7
Dalwhinnie
14
79
Homefresh Cleaning
68
Driving Schools Go Driving
37
No Pressure Cleaning
35
Brodies Timber
31
TMD Cleaning
51
Davidson Fire Safety
51
Ewan McAdam Joinery
57
Computer Services
79
55
J W Lang Tiler
63
Community
K Allan Joinery
63
Active Blair Atholl
40
McKenzie Strickland Architect
35
Andie Millar's Trust
50
Morrison Joinery
63
Blair Atholl Bowling Club
52
Murthly Sawmill
22
Breadalbane Heritage Society
48
Omeworks
79
Climate Cafe
50
Roofcare
71
Dunmore Angling Club
54
R W Bell Building
68
Heartland Film Society
48
Fitness
66
Horoscopes
76
Map
74
Pitlochry Garden
20
Pitlochry Tipple
10
Ratecard
53
Recipe
86
Retirement Planning
82
Start New Business
81
Useful Numbers
78
Willie's Wonky Computer
36
R W Bell Electrical
55
Heartland FM
38
S Saint Electrical
63
Heartstart
54
Sanderson & Carr Plumbers
51
Financial
Neighbourhood Watch
32
Stevie G Roofing
55
Macintyre Wealth
Pipe Bands
42
Suthers Stonemason
57
Pitlochry Bowling Club
52
Florists
Pitlochry Flood Group
54
Coach House Flowers
Pitlochry Library
34
Pitlochry Litter-Pick
38
Pitlochry Rotary
48
80
Linda Mellor
48
Pitlochry.org
51
84 Pitlochry Life
68
Features Computer Services
J W Lang Painter
Growbiz
27
Distilleries
Aberfeldy Steamie
Birkwood
Business Services
40
Baha'i Faith
37
41
Food and Drink
Pitlochry Garden Care
23
Macdonalds Bros Butchers
5
Acarsaid Hotel
19
Reid Tree Garden Services
21
Pitlochry Market
12
Atholl Palace Hotel
1
Tree Maintenance Services
23
Queen's View Gift Shop
16
Blair Castle
17
The Highland Chocolatier
5
Blueberry Hill Meals
81
Fern Cottage
18
Fonab Castle Hotel
2
Health & Beauty
Macdonalds Bros Butchers
5
Elaine Burns Podiatry
47
Taxi
Pine Trees Hotel
16
GRM Podiatry
41
Highland Travel Taxi
Pitlochry Hydro Hotel
11
Hearing & Mobility
31
Pitlochry Ready Meals
24
Jill Storstein Acupuncture
41
Queen's View Cafe
16
Lesley McLean Footcare
41
Rannoch Station Tearoom
12
Melanie Santorini
Scotlands Spa Hotel
15
Revive Physio
24
The Green Park Hotel
9
Scotlands Spa Hotel
15
The Highland Chocolatier
5
Thistle & Orchid Beauty
47
The Inn at Loch Tummel
13
The Killiecrankie Hotel
19
Live Music
The Old Mill Inn
88
Atholl Palace Hotel
The Town House, Aberfeldy
18
The Old Mill Inn
The Tulach
12
Victoria's
11
Funeral Directors
Golf Clubs Pitlochry Golf Club
67
43,44
MPs & Councillors John Swinney MSP
26
Murdo Fraser MSP
26
33
Pete Wishart MP
28
Strowan Cemetery
33
Councillor John Duff
30
W&K Gerrie
61
Picture Framing Birnam Picture Framing
Blair Atholl Garage
59
Clean Cars Valeting
25
Garden Services
35
Repairs AA Appliance Repairs
80
Perthshire Guitar Services
47
AJ McLauchlan
25
Chris Mitchell Landscape
22
Duncan McLean
21
Frederik Demeyere
22
Shopping
Gatehouse Firewood
57
Hardware Centre
49
Gatehouse Nursery
23
House of Bruar
87
Schools Morrison's Academy
69, 80
J&H Mitchell
Gaulds
Garage Services
Solicitors & Estate Agent
39
29
Vacancies 87
House of Bruar
I N D E X
Pitlochry Life 85
Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Curry Really tasty, very easy to make and could be your first vegan curry :o)
Ingredients • 1 red onion diced
• 2 x 15ml tablespoons coconut oil or veg oil
• 2 - 3 red chillies chopped
• 1 x 400 ml tin coconut milk
• 50 grams piece of fresh root ginger chopped
• 350 ml vegetable stock
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 x 400 grams tin chopped tomatoes
• 15 grams piece of fresh turmeric chopped, or 1 • 500 grams sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces tsp of ground turmeric • 1 teaspoon ground coriander • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
Method 1. Fry the onion, chillies, ginger, garlic, turmeric, ground coriander, cinnamon in the coconut oil for a minute or two, stirring well. 2. Stir in the vegetable stock, then blend smooth with a stick blender, or food processor. 3. Add the coconut milk, tinned tomatoes, sweet potato and butternut squash. 4. Give a good stir, bring to the boil and, once bubbling, turn down to a gentle simmer, clamp on the lid and cook for 40–50 minutes (though start checking at 30) until the sweet potatoes are soft and the squash cooked through. Check for seasoning, then leave to stand off the heat for 10 minutes or so before serving. If too runny, stir briskly and some of the sweet potato will blend into and thicken the sauce. 5. Serve with rice and or nan bread As with all curries, this tastes even better next day, but you will never know! 86 Pitlochry Life
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88 Pitlochry Life