Dinner is table d'hote and the menu is changed daily to introduce dishes and produce which are at their best on the day, and y ou can view the latest menu on ou r website. Special dietary adjustments can be made wi t h sensible prior notice.
£45.00 for 3 courses I £50.00 for 4 courses
Prices include complimentary s herry or soft drink on ar rival with coffee & homemade shortbread after dinner.
Debbie - 07545299491 Photography
Lynsey - 07305577953
Willie - 07906375953
The Pitlochry Tipple
Ewan looks at celebrity endorsements in whisky advertising.
Your Community
All the news from our MPs, Clubs, Groups and Churches.
The History of Earth Day
For 55 years, Earth Day has led the world in critically important environmental issues.
The Pitlochry Garden
This month, Green Thumb gives great advice on Spring lawn care.
Fitness With Alan Clinch
Alan gives great advice on how to make physical activity a habit.
Willie's Wonky Computer
Willie looks at USBs and their development over the years.
Sudoku
Our Sudoku is also online this month, play every day and keep your brain active!
The Art of Brewing Tea
Lynsey gives us the benefits of her professional experience in brewing the perfect cup of tea.
Recipe
This month we have a great recipe for 'Marry Me Chicken'... with haggis!
The Pitlochry Crossword
Lesley is back, to test your crossword ability, along with local and Scottish knowledge!
WELCOME
Welcome to the April edition of Pitlochry Life. Clocks have changed, daffodils out and next bluebells. What a wonderful month!
We are all looking forward to a wonderful spring and to celebrate we have lots of events coming up! Let’s get off to a great start then in 2025, with a wonderful selection of plays from our very own Pitlochry Festival Theatre, and a musical concert of French music courtesy of the Pitlochry & District Choral Society. If LIVE music is your thing then there is always weekend entertainment and LIVE music at The Atholl Palace, The Coach House and The Old Mill Inn.
This month Ewan considers whether celebrities should endorse Scotch whisky in the Pitlochry Tipple. Green Thumb gives great advice on Spring lawn care - tricky with this weather! Willie’s Computer page looks at USB ports and cables in light of new European legislation. Lastly Alan Clinch suggests ways we can make a habit of exercising in the Fitness Column. In the recipe this month we have gone with a great combination. Chicken and Haggis! Our editorials look at the origins of Earth Day and how to make the prefect brew!
With so many hospitality and entertainment venues here in the town why not indulge yourself with breakfast, lunch or even dinner whilst soaking up the atmosphere and taking part in all the great productions and events. Thank you as always, to our advertisers for your continued support.
Have a great April and a see you in town we hope!
Written by Richard Baron and Ellie Zeegen
Directed by Richard Baron
Celebrity Endorsements in Scotch Whisky Advertising – Yes,
Using celebrities to advertise Scotch whisky can be a powerful marketing tool, but it also raises concerns about authenticity and brand integrityespecially when the celebrity isn’t Scottish. While such endorsements can expand the whisky’s reach, they may not always align with the values and traditions Scotch drinkers hold dear.
I thought, this month, I would have a look at the pros and cons of using celebrities to advertise Scotch. Does it ‘add weight’ or detract, particularly if the celebrity isn’t Scottish?
Here are some of my thoughts on it.
Pros: Visibility and Market Growth
A well-known celebrity brings instant recognition, increasing brand awareness and appealing to new consumers. In international markets like the U.S. or Asia, where whisky is growing in popularity, a high-profile ambassador can help build excitement. Younger drinkers, particularly at the lower end of the 30-55 demographic, are often influenced by pop culture, making a celebrity endorsement a potential gateway to the world of Scotch.
If the celebrity embodies sophistication, craftsmanship, or an appreciation for fine whisky, their endorsement can reinforce the brand’s prestige. When done right, it can modernise Scotch’s image without losing its core identity.
Cons: Authenticity and Brand Perception
Scotch whisky is deeply tied to tradition and heritage. A non-Scottish celebrity endorsement may feel inauthentic to purists who value its origins. Many whisky drinkers are discerning, and if the partnership seems driven by marketing rather than genuine appreciation, it can come across as shallow.
There’s also a risk of undermining the brand’s credibility. If the celebrity lacks a true connection to Scotch, their endorsement might be dismissed as a commercial stunt rather than a meaningful association. This is particularly relevant in Scotland, where consumers expect brands to honour their roots.
Local vs. International Appeal
or No?
Scottish consumers may be sceptical of nonScottish celebrities representing their national drink. They tend to favour brands that emphasise heritage over hype. However, in overseas markets, a familiar celebrity can make Scotch feel more accessible, particularly if the endorser has strong ties to that region. For example, a Japanese actor could help Scotch gain traction in Japan, while an American musician might drive sales in the U.S.
Does It Strengthen or Weaken Scotch Whisky’s Values?
A well-chosen celebrity who genuinely appreciates Scotch can enhance the brand’s image and make it more aspirational.
However, if the endorsement feels forced, it risks devaluing the authenticity that sets Scotch whisky apart. The key is ensuring the partnership aligns with the brand’s core identity, reinforcing rather than diluting its heritage. Ultimately, while celebrity endorsements can drive visibility and sales, they must be handled with care. A thoughtful, well-matched ambassador can enhance the brand’s prestige, but an illfitting partnership could alienate core consumers and weaken Scotch whisky’s storied legacy. The driving force for this article is Glenmorangie using Harrison Ford to promote their whisky, why not use someone like Ewan McGregor? What do you think? Brand positive or brand negative?
Explorers Garden at Pitlochry Festival Theatre- 1st April
Explorers Garden at Pitlochry Festival Theatre is open as of 1 April! The months of April and May are a special time in the garden with our National collection of Meconopsis in bloom. Also, our species of rhododendrons are in splendid colour and look fantastic throughout our Himalayan section.
Being a woodland shade garden, spring lends itself to all sorts of wonderful blooms and a variety of interests to delight any garden enthusiast. For hours, ticket prices and more info: www.pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com/explorers-garden
Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic - 1st April
Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic at Pitlochry Community Hospital.
Do you or someone you know use NHS hearing aids? Do you need new batteries supplied and/or fitted? Do you need the tubing replaced on either your mould or open fit NHS hearing aids? If yes, then NHS Tayside volunteers will be here to help you on Tuesday 1st April 2025 between 10.00am - 12.00 noon at the Pitlochry Community Hospital.
Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic - 2nd April
Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice (Wellbeing Room), Aberfeldy.
Do you or someone you know use NHS hearing aids? Do you need new batteries supplied and/ or fitted? Do you need the tubing replaced on either your mould or open fit NHS hearing aids? If yes, then NHS Tayside volunteers will be here to help you on Wednesday 2nd April 2025 between 10.00am - 12.00 noon at the Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice, (Wellbeing room), Aberfeldy.
Dementia Cafe - 2nd April
The Dementia Café is held in the North Church, High Street, Perth on the first Wednesday of the month, April 2nd, from 10am until 12:30noon.
The café is facilitated by the Health and Social Care Partnership and access to both services is available for information, advice, and signposting to other services available.
People living with Dementia, their families, caregivers, friends, neighbours, and anyone looking to gain insight into Dementia attend the monthly café. The café offers a warm, inviting, safe place where people can meet, socialise, gain information, and have some refreshments. All are welcome.
Litter Action Group - 8th April
The tourist season is about to restart. It would be nice for residents and visitors if the town is really clean for their return with no litter disfiguring the streets and green spaces. If you agree that this is important do join our team of litterpickers. All equipment is provided including gloves, black bags and grabbers. We do try to separate recyclable waste from the other litter.
Litterpicks take place on the second Tuesday of the month and we meet at 10.0am in the Recreation ground carpark. The next litterpick is on Tuesday 8th April.
Dates for litterpicks in 2025 are: May 13th, June 10th, July 8th, August 12th, September 9th, October 14th, November 11th, December 9th.
We would like to thank those residents of Pitlochry who are not members of the litter picking group and who also pick up litter when they see it. We know you do this and we are very grateful. For further information contact Roger West (rogerwest7@btinternet.com) 01796 474255 or Catherine Holmes (c.p.holmes47@btinternet.com) 01796 473400
Tryst Walking Group - 10th April
Thursday 10th April: - Glen Banvie (£2). Starting at the Glen Tilt carpark, the route will take us along the north side of the Banvie burn, onto the open moorland and up to the cairn at OS 852691. From there we head south east and then after another short climb we reach a knoll (OS 867681) with an excellent viewpoint (weather permitting), before returning via woodland and the south side of the Banvie burn to Old Blair and the carpark. Height climbed approximately 300m. Distance approx.8 mls. OS map 43. Please contact Maureen Holmes on 01796 473153 for further information. Please note: the walk organiser/contact cannot be held responsible for any accident. Everyone walking does so at their own risk and should take due care.
Pitlochry & District Climate Café - 10th April
Next Climate Cafe is on Thursday 10th April, 7pm in the Atholl Centre. There was a change of plans with the events and the screening of Riverwoods is actually this month, and there will be a chat afterwards. Hope to see you therewww.scotlandbigpicture.com/riverwoods
For more information contact Carol Aitken at pitlochrydistrictcc@gmail.com
Did you know that where you bank matters for the climate?
Many banks and pension providers invest in fossil fuel companies. Do you know if the money in your account or pension pot is being used to fund the climate emergency?
Switching to an ethical bank is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can act for the climate. Money talks. Indeed, it is one of our most powerful tools. Fossil fuel companies are happy for us to recycle our baked beans tins, but if we cut off their money supply, that worries them. You can check out which banks are ethical at Bank Green - https://bank.green
It is easy to switch bank with The UK Current Account Switching Service. Your new bank will switch your payments and transfer your balance, and your old bank will take care of closing your old account.
The Make My Money Matter campaign claims that making your pension green is 21 times more powerful at cutting your carbon than giving up flying, going veggie or switching energy provider. You can click on “switch bank” or “green my pension” on their website at https://makemymoneymatter.co.uk to be led through the process of greening your money.
If you want to know more, Good with Money at https://good-with-money.com gives lots of ideas and useful information, or ask your climate café to email you their information sheet on Ethical Finance.
Loch Tay Skiff Club - Sunday 13th April
Come and have a go!
You may not ever have rowed (or even been in a boat). But perhaps you dream of getting out on Loch Tay in a boat with others? The ‘Red Haired Lass’ is a St Ayle’s Skiff built by a group of people locally and taken out regularly by four rowers and a cox. Most of us picked up basic rowing
Continued on page 20
History of Earth Day
1970: Senator Gaylord Nelson, the junior senator from Wisconsin, had long been concerned about the deteriorating environment in the United States. Then in January 1969, he and many others witnessed the ravages of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, Senator Nelson wanted to infuse the energy of student anti-war protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution. Senator Nelson announced the idea for a “teach-in” on college campuses to the national media, and persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair. They wanted to harness the power of students to act collectively to bring about change. They wanted to use the power of debate and action. However they were up against human rights movement and anti war concerns. Students considered these topics to be more relevant at the time.
Senator Gaylord Nelson recruited Denis Hayes, a young activist, to organise the campus teach-ins and to scale the idea to a broader public, and they choose April 22, a weekday falling between Spring Break and Final Exams, to maximise the greatest student participation.
Recognising its potential to inspire all Americans, Hayes built a national staff of 85 to promote
For 55 years, Earth Day has led the world in raising awareness and taking action on critically important environmental issues. They advocate for the health of the planet, for our air, oceans, soil, eco-systems, wildlife, and human health.
On April 22nd, 2025, Earth Day will turn 55, with 192 countries and over one billion people around the globe expected to participate. This demonstrates how the diverse Earth Day movement remains as dedicated today as it was back in 1970 to bringing everyone together for a better future.
But how did Earth Day come about?
events across the land and the effort soon broadened to include a wide range of organisations, faith groups, and others. After speaking with Julien Koenig a master advertising guru they changed the name to Earth Day, which immediately sparked national media attention, and caught on across the country. They placed an advert in The New York Times with a coupon asking people to join and donate. Earth Day inspired 20 million Americans — at the time, 10% of the total population of the United States — to take to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate against the impacts of 150 years of industrial development which had left a growing legacy of serious human health impacts.
Groups that had been fighting individually against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness and the extinction of wildlife united on Earth Day around these shared common values. Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, urban dwellers and farmers, business and labor leaders.
By the end of 1970, the first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental
Protection Agency and the passage of other first-of-their-kind environmental laws, including the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act. Two years later congress passed the Clean Water Act.
1980: The principal Earth Day event in 1980, held in Washington. D.C. across from the White House, capped a decade of substantial US environmental legislation, including the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Superfund, Toxics Substances Control Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and of course the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. It had seen the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the banning of DDT and of lead in gasoline. Earth Day continued to expand internationally during the 80’s, as did international policy initiatives.
1990 - it goes Global
As 1990 approached, a group of environmental leaders approached Denis Hayes to once again organise another major campaign for the planet. This time, Earth Day went truly global, mobilising 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. Earth Day 1990 gave a huge boost to recycling efforts worldwide and helped pave the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It also prompted President Bill Clinton to award Senator Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the highest honour given to civilians in the United States — for his role as Earth Day founder.
2000: As the millennium approached, Hayes agreed to spearhead another campaign, this time focusing on global warming and pushing for clean energy. Earth Day 2000 combined the big-picture feistiness of the first Earth Day with the international grassroots activism of Earth Day 1990. Earth Day had the internet to help link activists around the world. By the time April 22 came around, 5,000 environmental groups worldwide were on board, reaching out to hundreds of millions of people in a record 184 countries. Events varied: A talking drum chain
traveled from village to village in Gabon, Africa, for example, while groups of thousands and more gathered worldwide for various events, rallies, and marches.
2010: Nearly one billion people around the world took action for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. An estimated 20,000 partners took action on climate change and other environmental issues through climate rallies, Billion Acts of Green™, and by engaging civil leaders in plans to build a green economy, connected through the online action centre at EARTHDAY.ORG. Through the Global Day of Conversation, more than 200 elected officials in more than 39 countries took part in active dialogues with their constituents about their efforts to create sustainable green economies and reduce their carbon footprints.
2016: Signing of the Paris Agreement. It was no accident that the United Nations selected Earth Day to sign the most significant climate accord in the history of the climate and environmental movement. On Earth Day 2016, world leaders from 175 nations broke a record by doing exactly that.
2020: Earth Day 2020 was the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. Activations included activities such as the Great Global CleanUp, Citizen Science, Advocacy, Education, and Street Art. The year’s theme for Earth Day 2020 was “Climate Action.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the planned activities were moved online. Notably, EARTHDAY.ORG and a coalition of youth activists co-hosted Earth Day Live, a three-day livestream commemorating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in the United States. In total, over 1 billion people worldwide participated in Earth Day actions, and 100 million observed the 50th anniversary in what is being referred to as the largest online mass mobilisation in history.
2025 What will happen next?
3 AIMS OF EARTH DAY
• Power - Triple Renewable Energy by 2030 to harness the potential of our abundant resources - solar, wind, water, geothermal and tidal energy.
• People - Empower people with clean, affordable, renewable energy - driving economic growth, jobs, equity and improving the health of billions.
• Planet - The rapid deployment of renewable energy will combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, protect eco systems and eliminate dependence on fossils fuels.
April 22nd, 2025
very quickly and take great joy in being out on the water once or twice a week and sometimes travelling further afield for events and races with other clubs. It's an extremely friendly network of clubs, involving a great deal of cake.
For anyone interested in having a trial row and as a get together for members at the beginning of the new season, come to the small beach at Kenmore Club’s Diamond Resort on Sunday 13th April 12-3pm and bring a picnic (please park off site). For members, we will meet afterwards (4-6pm) with tea and cake at the Kenmore Pavilion for the AGM and presentation of the annual ‘Margaret Jarvis Award’ to a member.
Linda Cracknell lochtayskiffclub@gmail.com
Mid Atholl & Strathtay SWI - 16th April
The April meeting which will be our AGM to be held in Mid Atholl Hall on Wednesday 16th at 1.30 pm.
Competitions: Easter themed Victoria Sponge and a Decorated Easter Egg.
Pitlochry & District u3a - 16th April
The next meeting of Pitlochry & District u3a will be on Wednesday 16th of April.
We will be joined by Fred Cochrane (Assistant Project Officer) who will be speaking about the History of Dùn Coillich and Next Steps. The meeting will be followed by our AGM.
We meet in the Atholl Centre and our meetings start at 2pm and refreshments are provided after the talk.
The u3a primarily brings together people, who have finished working full time or raising their family, to develop interests and to continue learning in informal and supportive environments. The focus is on sharing and learning from each other. In addition to our whole group talks we also offer interest groups which are led by one of our members - the emphasis is on learning from each other and having fun while doing so.
In between whole-group meetings, members take part in specialist interest groups. For further information please visit our website https://pitlochry.u3asite.uk or contact our secretary on smcairnx@hotmail.com with any queries.
Pitlochry Town & Country Club - 17th April
The April meeting of the Club will be held on Thursday 17th April, in the Atholl Centre, where Jenny Walker will talk to the members about Crystal Health Therapy. Meetings are from 2pm till 4pm, cost €3 per member with tea, home bakes & time for a chat.
Should you require the use of the Community Bus, please make contact the day before with Kathleen Scott, on Pitlochry 01796 472765.
Hope to see you there.
Dunkeld and Birnam Art and Crafts Fair- 18th - 20th April
Dunkeld and Birnam Art and Crafts Fair takes place Easter weekend 18th to 20th April in The Drill Hall The Cross Dunkeld from 10am to 5pm each day with lots of interesting and unusual crafts. Meet the makers, demonstrations and free entry.
Tryst Walking Group - 19th April
Saturday 19th April: Kinloch Rannoch & Craig Varr (£3). Starting near Kinloch Rannoch, this circular route follows paths and open hillside on to the ridge ending at Craig Varr, giving very fine views (Grid ref: 671592). We return down the tourist path. Height climbed 400m. Distance 4.5 miles. OS map 42. Please contact Maureen Holmes on 01796 473153 for further information.
Please note: the walk organiser/contact cannot be held responsible for any accident. Everyone walking does so at their own risk and should take due care.
Heartland Film Society at The Birks - 20th April
6.30pm Sunday, 20th April
Samsara
Spanish director Lois Patiño’s remarkable immersive voyage Samsara (the title refers to the Buddhist cycle of deaths and rebirths): part film, part guided meditation, it’s unlike anything else you can experience in the cinema.
To find out more about The Heartland Film Society, what’s on and how to become a member please visit www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk
For details of The Birks Cinema and its growing programme of cultural and community events and activities (including films) go to www.birkscinema.co.uk
Pitlochry Garden Share - 20th April
Spring is here! We are busy in the gardens and the greenhouse planting seeds and caring for seedlings.
By the time you read this, we should have finished building the new raised beds at the Moulin Community Garden. We would like to thank all involved volunteers for their hard work, and special thanks to the Pitlochry Scout troop for their help!
We will be holding our first stall of the year outside the Pitlochry Market on Saturday 19th April. We will have some seedlings and other items for sale, as well as information about the Garden Share.
On Sunday 20th April (Easter Sunday) we will be having a “Spring Day” fundraising event at the Moulin Village Hall. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt from 10-11am. Pre-booking required (via email below) with donations for entry gratefully received! Then the Hall will be open 11am till 4pm for crafts, activities, raffle, café, guided garden tours and much more.
You can find more information about this event, and about the Pitlochry Garden Share in general, on our Facebook page, or on our new website www.pitlochrygardenshare.org Email pitlochrygardenshare@gmail.com
Scottish Wildlife Trust - 21st April
Helping hedgehogs - and AGM notice
It’s the last talk of the season for the Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust on Monday 21st April at The Tryst, 7.30pm – and if you want to help our hedgehogs, you won’t want to miss it!
The talk will be preceded by our local Annual General Meeting at 6.00pm - everyone is welcome to review the previous season’s talks and share ideas for future programmes.
Seeing us out on a high will be Morag Boyd, Rural Hedgehog Officer from the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.
Once a common sight in British gardens and the countryside, West European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) have been declining in numbers - particularly in rural areas - with the International Union for Conservation of Nature recently adding them to the list of near threatened species on its Red List.
Morag will explore the biology and ecology of these fascinating, nocturnal animals, before highlighting the threats that our hedgehogs face and what we can do to help them. This will be followed by an opportunity to put your hedgehog-related questions to her, so don’t miss it!
Date: Monday 21st April 2025. Time: AGM from 6.00pm, talk starts at 7.30pm
Place: The Tryst, Church of Scotland, Church Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5EB. Suggested donation: £3 for non-members, £2 for members (you can donate in person on the day).
Contact markandrosie@btinternet.com for more information. Sign up to hear about events and find out more about activities on the numerous reserves in our area and beyond. https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/sign-up-to-our-mailing-list
Just Singin’ - 23rd April
We have just completed a fantastic eight week term with tutor Emma Neck, who led us through songs from a wide range of musical genres from traditional to jazz and current.
Our next term runs from 23rd April until 11th June, meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings at Birnam Arts, and with tutors Amy Lord, Cecille Irwin and Irene Railley, we expect to cover everything from traditional Scottish songs to polyphonic Georgian folk!
If you would like to experience the joy of singing a few new songs and learning some simple harmonies with a room full of friendly local folk and leaving each week with a smile and feeling uplifted, do please come along and join us.
Further details are available on our website www.justsingin.co.uk
The Friends of Pitlochry Community Hospital - 23rd April
Annual General Meeting will be held at in the Tryst Day Centre lounge- Church of Scotland (Church Road,Pitlochry) on Wednesday 23rd April at 7.00pm.
All welcome - refreshments following our meeting. Contact details - fpch.secretary@gmail.com
Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry - 24th April
Thank you to everyone who came along to our quiz on Sat 1st March – you helped us raise £1000 for Smalls for All and the Disasters Emergency Committee. We are looking forward to welcoming Lynsey Martin from Heather Gems, as our speaker to our next meeting on Thursday 24th April and finding out more about how their products are made.
Inner Wheel is an international women's organisation with an emphasis on service with friendship and international understanding. We use our skills to raise money and support communities locally, nationally and internationally. We achieve this through monthly supper meetings with informative and entertaining speakers, social gatherings and community service.
If you would like to know about Inner Wheel then please email innerwheelpitlochry@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook Page www.facebook.com/InnerWheelPitlochry
Beaver Talk at Dùn Coillich AGM - 26th April
Save the date! It’s the Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust (HPCLT) Annual General Meeting at 2pm on Saturday 26th April and this year the guest speaker will be talking about beavers, a topic which always generates healthy debate.
HPCLT manages Dùn Coillich Community Land by Schiehallion and the Wee Birks Field in Aberfeldy with three core aims: to restore biodiversity, support rural skills development, and encourage people of all ages to embrace the outdoors.
It’s been a really busy year for the Trust, with the creation of a new website, the launch of a Modern Apprenticeship in Rural Skills, new paths and perch seats and the planting of thousands more trees to name just a few achievements!
Come along to The Tryst, Church Road, Pitlochry to hear about what we’ve been up to, find out about membership and volunteering opportunities and enjoy a talk from Jean Oudney, Trustee of the Scottish Wild Beaver Group, on “Beavers: Nature’s Engineer”.
Jean will take us through beaver ecology, history and reintroductions, shine a spotlight on the benefits of beavers and offer management tools for living with beavers when their land management strategies clash with human land management aims!
Visit www.duncoillich.org or join our Facebook Group to discover more about us and the training, volunteering and walking options on offer.
Pitlochry Repair Cafe - 27th April
Pitlochry Repair Cafe's next sessions are at Moulin Hall on Sunday 27 April, then Sunday 1 June.
We look forward to welcoming you to our friendly sessions where our skilled repair volunteers can fix your broken and damaged items. Enjoy hot drinks, homemade baking and soup while you wait!
We can't fix phones or zips but bring along any other items including bikes, ceramics, textiles, household objects, furniture, electrical items and electronics. Kids are welcome and dogs too!
Want to volunteer? Email repaircafe@sprout-community-eco-hub.com or contact us on Facebook or Instagram @PitlochryRepairCafe
Blair Atholl Bowling Club - 27th April
After what seemed a never ending round of gales, torrential rain and more gales, the 27th April marks the opening of the bowling season up in Blair Atholl with the now traditional President v Vice President’s match. With teams from ourselves and Pitlochry, it’s a fun and relaxing way to mark the occasion. This year could be slightly different with our main sponsor, Stuart Richardson, of the Roundhouse Inn officially opening the green by throwing the first ‘ceremonial jack.’
Speaking of sponsors, it is great to welcome Sheelagh and Barry Tyler into the fold, having expressed a wish to sponsor one of our major tournaments, the Aussie Pairs, on 28th June under their company name Ausforce. With Stuart, Sheila and Barry committing themselves, financially, to the club it’s good to see local residents getting involved in the bowing scene.
So why not come along on Saturday 27th April 1:30pm for 2pm start and see what’s happening on the green. Why not come along and give us a cheer, why not come along and try your hand at bowling, why not come along and join the club? Everyone is welcome, especially beginners. Information and guidance is always available from more experienced players. No need to worry about equipment as bowls and shoes are available at the clubhouse free of charge. The club has club nights every Tuesday and Friday at 7pm where you will be most welcome.
Pitlochry and Moulin History Circle - 28th April
The April Talk will be by Bruce Keith on "Scotland beneath the surface". Bruce is well known to us from his previous entertaining talks and is returning to tell us about what goes on beneath the surface of Scotland and its underground heritage. The talk covers the diversity beneath the surface, from tunnels to caves to mines to pipes. Also the rich variety of geology, coal, oil-shales, gas, the rocks that built our cities and much more. Bruce will also have copies of his book on the subject for sale.
The talk will be in the Pitlochry Tryst at 7.30pm on Monday 28th April. All welcome and admittance £3.
There will be a short annual general meeting at the start.
The Breadalbane Heritage Society - 21st May
After a popular series of illustrated talks during the autumn and winter months. The Breadalbane Heritage Society has no activities planned for April. Following on the talk in March on Springtime at Cluny by John Mattingley, who with his wife Wendy, is the owner of Cluny Gardens on Strathtay Road near Aberfeldy, the BHS plans a visit to Cluny in May. Spring is a glorious season at Cluny, with carpets of N. American bulbs and tubers coming into flower in April, while May brings Candelabra primulas and the brilliant blue Himalayan poppies. The visit will be on Wednesday 21st May when John will show us around. For further information please contact Ian Stewart at bhsaberfeldy@gmail.com The BHS’s website https://breadalbane-heritage.org.uk features a video of local scenes of interest and provides up-to-date information about talks and activities, events and publications. Ongoing Society projects include the maintenance of the Killiehassie private burial ground in Strathtay and the recent publication, in association with the Aberfeldy Museum Group, of an illustrated leaflet, The Aberfeldy and Weem Heritage Trail, with a trail map and information on the many places of interest in the area. QR codes with information at each of these sites are currently being installed. The BHS also provides a free service of assistance with family history research. Recordings of all the recent talks are available on the website.
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with Alan Clinch
Making Physical Activity a Habit……. FITNESS
Last month I wrote about the potential pitfalls of a lack of activity – this month, a few ideas to move us in the direction of more regular activity. Best way to achieve that? – Find something you enjoy…. I suppose to some that might sound obvious, but while most people are aware that exercise and physical activity is desirable, all of us know that it’s not as easy as simply saying ‘righto, I’ll start today’. So, here are a few suggestions which could help you get the ball rolling. Ultimately, it’s about trying to establish exercise/physical activity as something you do without really thinking, and the good news is that developing ways to do this can be fairly straightforward. A key issue is not to try and do too much at once – perhaps change one small thing each week, see how well this fits in with your lifestyle, and review whether or not you can stick with it.
Walk wherever possible: Commonly quoted advice is to take 10,000 steps a day for the optimum health results. While this may be a goal for many people, there is no magic number that works best for everyone, and you need to account for your own fitness level, current step count, and build steps gradually. Depending on your age and current activity level you may not need 10,000 steps a day. If you swim, bike, run, or do other cardio exercises, then you may be easily meeting your personal physical activity requirements already. A meta-analysis of 15 studies with nearly 50,000 people, showed that adults aged 59 and younger can benefit the most from 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day, and adults aged 60 and older have the most benefits from taking 6,000 to 8,000 steps per day. That said, going over the daily step goal is fine, so you don’t need to worry if you are doing more. There are many apps, or watches which will help achieve this, and remember a little creativity should make targets much easier to reach.
Take the Stairs: Set yourself the target of never using a lift (especially to descend) or escalators. Walking one flight of stairs every day over the course of a year is roughly the equivalent of climbing a Munro – which is 3000 feet (or 914m) high. (While it might not seem like a lot, a normal weight adult will burn roughly 1 calorie for every two steps climbed)
Try to move around whenever possible: If you take breaks at work, don’t be tempted to sit around, especially if you normally work at a desk! Get up and go somewhere – simply walking for 10 minutes around the building will make a big difference over time: remember that’s nearly an hour a week.
Set some targets: See how long it takes to walk to the bus stop or the local shop - if it normally takes 10 minutes, try to do it in 9, or go a longer way . A little competition, even if it is with yourself, is a great motivator.
Drink often: If you use a small container it needs to be refilled, which helps remind you to drink. Most people should aim to drink enough during the day so their pee is a clear pale yellow colour. The UK government Eatwell Guide recommends that people should aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count. Bear in mind you may need to drink more fluids if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, in a hot environment, physically active for long periods, ill, or recovering from illness
Do things yourself: By making a specific effort to do small activities we can significantly increase our daily movement.
As ever: if you suddenly increasing your activity levels, or have any medical conditions which might cause problems, check with your Doctor to ensure it’s safe. Remember, pain is a sign that something is wrong….
Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory
We are all now familiar with USB - the `Universal Serial Bus', and probably use one every day. The original standard, released in 1996 specified the form of cabling, connectors and the structure of the data that passes through them.
Prior to that we had to wrestle with all sorts of different, bulky cables and connectors, such as parallel, serial, VGA, and PS/2 ports for keyboards and mice, which notoriously looked the same, apart from their colour, but were not functionally interchangeable.
Designed for digital communication, they were actually a god-send as they required no additional drivers, configuration of data speed, input/output addresses, and memory access channels. USB devices are much more interchangeable, can also be hot-swapped and they carry power, meaning they can be used to either power up a device, or charge it.
The problem then though was the interpretation of the word Universal. The original USB, which is of the form USB-A was originally designed for computer peripherals: keyboards, mice, external disk drives, flash drives, printers, scanners, and the like. All was well until other devices caught on to their benefits - phones, tablets and small cameras in particular, that demanded a smaller connection. The wiring stayed the same, but all of a sudden we had different ends. USB Type B, USB Type Mini A, Mini B, then came the micros and something called a USB Micro B Super Speed and we all ended up with a drawer full of tangled cables.
Then, along came USB-C. Same plug on both ends that work either way up,, bidirectional, supports video and audio and is fast. It can transfer 80Gbps and power of 240 watts which enables it to power up the likes of a printer or monitor, and charge a laptop.
Recognising its versatility and convenience, the European Parliament released legislation requiring all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port, and from spring 2026, the obligation will extend to laptops. We are already seeing the positive effect of this - one charging cable for all things handheld, and, the USB-C charging socket is now also common on mains electric outlets.
But, there’s more…
Whilst all this was going on, Apple, in cahoots with Intel, released their Thunderbolt connection. It looks and despite being wired differently, behaves exactly like a USB-C. It is also backwards compatible with previous versions of USB.
At 160Gbps it is fast, and with up to 240 watts of power is capable of running 3 external 4K displays.
Thunderbolt ports look exactly the same as a USB-C, but have their ‘lightning bolt’ logo next to them. To take full advantage of them, the external device you are connecting must also have a Thunderbolt port, and… you must connect with a Thunderbolt cable. Apple on the take again, however I’m sure the next release of USB-C will be capable of similar spec.
The upside is - that drawer will be empty, or at least available for other junk :o)
And, there’s even more…
To simplify USB ports, all new devices that have a port will have an accompanying label next to it that states the data speed and power available through it.
With these new labels, you’ll be able to instantly spot what you need to know and you’ll be able to select the USB devices and cables you need for your use. Need a laptop that’s Thunderbolt-capable? Need a fast data cable for your portable SSD? Easier to spot than having to work out what USB3.2 or USB4v2 actually means.
Willie
Housing Plan for Blair Atholl Station
As readers will know, the Friends of Blair Atholl Station have spent the last 18 months or so talking with others about our empty station building - we believed that ‘sharing our past’ would help us to ‘build our future’. And that future has just got a little bit closer, thanks to backing from ScotRail, Network Rail, the Railway Heritage Trust, Perth & Kinross Council, our community council and the Highland Mainline Community Rail Partnership.
Money has been secured for a feasibility study to investigate how the building might be converted into flats for renting - and we are delighted. Blair Atholl’s Community Action Plan carried out in 2023 identified that housing was a main priority for residents, as was doing something about the empty buildings in the village - and now we have a chance to do two things at once!
Of course, the next stage will require a lot of money - but that’s a worry for tomorrow - let’s just celebrate for now. Do check out our website - www.blairathollstation.co.uk - and social media to find out how things are going. And thank you for your support!
We are now in Spring and many of us will be looking forward to having some time off during the Easter holidays to spend with family and friends.
I have been busy at the Scottish Parliament, dealing with many issues and serving on the Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee. As a member of the Committee, I enjoyed a recent trip to Lothian Buses in Edinburgh, where we spoke to apprentices.
Locally, we had the opening ceremony of the £150 million Cross Tay Link Road (CLTR) and Destiny Bridge on March 31. It is the biggest infrastructure project ever completed in Perth and Kinross.
One of its aims is to reduce air pollution in Perth city centre, as well as providing a new transport infrastructure that offers an alternative to driving through the city itself.
Whilst the project is primarily centred in and around Perth, the CLTR will also see a six-kilometre stretch of new carriageway linking the A9 to the A93 and A94.
I dropped in on Dunkeld and Birnam Railway Station recently to see the work being done to raise the platform height. There has been a long-running issue with the high step-up trains from the platform causing issues for the disabled and those with mobility restrictions. It is good to see this finally being addressed, with the works due to be completed shortly.
Meanwhile, many residents will be aware of the plans to build wind turbines in the Aberfeldy area of Highland Perthshire. If passed by Perth and Kinross Council, this would see 22 x 250m high wind turbines installed and 20 x 200m wind turbines installed. In contrast, the wind turbines for the existing wind farms are 100 metres to the tip of the blade height.
Developers have said that the wind farm would provide up to 145.2MW of generating capacity. I’m sure many residents will have concerns over the height of these turbines. I know campaign group Scotland Against Spin raised similar concerns about a 252-foot height wind turbine in the grounds of Aviva in Perth, so I will keep a close eye on how this application progresses.
Murdo Fraser always welcomes feedback from constituents. He can be contacted at The Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL, by email on murdo.fraser.msp@parliament.scot or by telephone on 01738 553676
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Dave Doogan MP - Angus and Perthshire Glens - SNP
Trump pursuing Ukraine’s surrender not peace
In these Trumpian days, the Prime Minister’s vapid assertion that he will not be forced to choose between the US and Europe in terms of defence and security is increasingly absurd.
At a fundamental level, the problem is the US administration cosying up to the sworn enemy of Europe in President Putin of Russia, the man individually responsible for the death, injury and displacement of tens of thousands of people in the modern age since his brutal invasions of Ukraine first in 2014 and again in 2022. But over and above this calamitous development, for the West generally and NATO states in particular, is the known fact that this Trump/Putin love in is not ideological but opportunistic and based on the further enrichment of already obscenely rich men. Unfortunately, this represents a substantial and knotty puzzle for the embattled Prime Minister Sir Keir to set to work on. He has already demonstrated, ably assisted by his gaggle of incompetents in cabinet, that the Labour Party are not very good at puzzles, see; Family Farm Tax, Employers’ National Insurance, Grangemouth, Winter Fuel Allowance, WASPI Women, GB Energy to name just a few from the last seven months.
So, what should he do? Well, he should protect and enhance trade with the US ensuring this is not contaminated by defence and security tensions. This is vitally important for Scotland in particular. He should immediately defund the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. This abomination threatens to cost the Taxpayer £150 BILLION over the next 10 years. He should ring fence the savings for investment in conventional defence. Whether we agree with the UK’s [not really Independent] Nuclear Deterrent or not, the UK patently cannot afford it, so the point is moot.
With these savings, he should invest emphatically and strategically in Land, Space, Sea, Cyber, and Airbourne defence capabilities in significant volumes so as to ensure they are manufactured domestically to retain an economic return on that investment. He should wrench the UK’s nose from the Indo-Pacific where it certainly does not belong, seeking to impress a newly belligerent White House, and focus exclusively on defending the Euro Atlantic with our European and especially Nordic allies.
And finally end, once and for all, any pretence that there exists anything special about the UK’s manifestly subservient relationship with the US. Defence is difficult and expensive yet, fundamentally for any sovereign state, non-negotiable.
John Swinney MSP - Perthshire North - SNP
Since it was confirmed that the Bank of Scotland branch will be closing in Pitlochry, I have received a significant volume of communication from local constituents who are concerned about the impact of this decision.
I have been clear that ensuring convenient access to banking services locally is not simply a matter of convenience. Rather, it is essential for supporting financial independence, economic development and social inclusion within our community. Accordingly, along with my colleague, Dave Doogan MP, I am currently engaging with LINK, the UK’s leading cash machine network, to advocate strongly for the establishment of a dedicated banking hub in Pitlochry. The impending closure of the branch in Pitlochry will have a significant impact on the town, especially given its status as a bustling tourist destination. The lack of physical banking facilities poses significant challenges—not just to our visitors and local businesses but particularly to the elderly and vulnerable members of our community who often rely heavily on in-person banking services.
It is also unacceptable that, currently, the nearest bank branch will be in Blairgowrie. This is an arduous and inconvenient round trip for constituents in Highland Perthshire who require the use of in-person banking facilities.
I will continue to press for a solution that will allow in-person banking to continue in Pitlochry, and I am grateful to those in the local community who have shared their views on this important topic with me.
In the weeks ahead, I will be continuing to hold regular surgeries across the constituency, including in Highland Perthshire.
Whilst the role of First Minister is a hugely demanding position, I am adamant that I will continue to be an accessible and visible local MSP, as I have prided myself on being since first elected to Parliament in 1997.
To that end, if you are a constituent and wish to make an appointment to discuss an issue or concern, please contact my office via 01250 876 576 or john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot to arrange a meeting.
By the time you read this, you may also have received my annual report for the last year. This is a summary of the work I have undertaken on your behalf along with a number of local success stories that I feel are important to share. I am grateful for the feedback I received on this report and I hope that you find the information contained within it to be useful.
Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch
This month we have a couple of instances of attempted fraud to be aware of. In the first, people have received cold calls that appear to be AI-generated and asked about the insulation in their property. The 'caller' asks to make an appointment for an inspector to visit the property and check if the insulation is sufficient, saying that the inspection will be funded by the government. It is likely that the aim is to generate leads for companies who may go on to visit properties and provide misleading information about the existing insulation. To avoid being caught, don't provide any information to a cold caller and avoid arranging to make an appointment for a salesperson to visit your home. Callers who offer a 'free' loft inspection may try to sell you energy saving or home improvement measures that you don’t actually need and which won’t provide any benefit.
Another scam prevalent at this time of year involves on line holiday bookings. One website listed several holiday properties across Arran and Ayrshire; however, some of them had not given their permission to be featured on the site, meaning that any bookings made would not be honoured. Other websites have also recently been found to have used images taken from the brochure of a legitimate holiday park in Yorkshire. Customers who booked short breaks after seeing social media adverts linked to the website turned up at the address listed, only to find that the holiday park did not exist and that no accommodation was available to them. Scammers may also post fake accommodation listings to sites such as Airbnb and often ask for payment via bank transfer or outside the site’s payment system.
Be wary if a listing asks you to contact the host outside the website’s mail system. And don’t click on links in unsolicited emails or social media adverts.
BT Digital Voice
By January 2027, all landlines in the UK will be digital, meaning that calls will be made over a broadband connection and the current analogue system shut down.
The following information was provided by Neighbourhood Watch Scotland on behalf of BT at
9 Cuil-an-Daraich
Logierait
If you’re planning to sell your property in Highland Perthshire, who better to market it for you than agents who live and work in Highland Perthshire.
Whether you’re buying or selling, we can help you every step of the way.
Pitlochry Town Hall on 4th March 2025. Other providers are expected to be similar. What’s to happen? BT will send customers a postcard 28 days before their switchover date, followed by further communications up to the point of switchover. They will also provide any equipment necessary for the switchover. Customers will have the option of doing the installation themselves or, if they identify as vulnerable, can have an Engineer visit to do it for them. “Vulnerable” covers a wide variety of circumstances and situations, including not being comfortable with new technology.
What difference will it make? The new system promises clearer calls, built-in protection against spam and scam calls and the facility for 3 way calls. However, you will need to dial the area code when making outgoing calls e.g. 01796 for Pitlochry numbers.
If you use a personal alarm or have a house alarm, you will need to speak to your alarm supplier before the switchover date about any necessary upgrades to ensure compatibility.
Don’t have broadband? BT will offer a dedicated landline service.
Power Cuts: The fallback is to have a mobile phone. A battery pack can be provided free to vulnerable customers (£84.99 to others). A hybrid phone is free to vulnerable customers who do not have a mobile (£79.99 to others).
For more information visit www.bt.com/digitalvoice
Atholl Centre Pitlochry
Office hours
Atholl Centre Office open hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm. Wednesdays 10.00am - 1.00pm
Winter Coat rail 2025 - The Coat rail will go at the end of March. Please call in before then to see if there’s a coat for you. We still have a lot of donations to choose from. Good Quality, stylish coats for all sizes, absolutely free. See office open hours above.
Food Bank Perth & Kinross Referrals only. Please ask if you need some help to cope with the increased cost of living, or applying for your referral.
NB: Emergency contact number: 07747 755 194.
The Community Larder– is quite separate from the Food Bank; it is Open 24/7 for anyone to ‘give’ or ‘take’ food items along with other household items, avoiding food waste & supporting many with the rising prices at this time. New Fridge & Freezer Community Larder located by the back door of the Atholl Centre.
Baby Bank – new to the Atholl Centre. We have a small amount of baby clothing & nappies available to support young families. Please contact the office for more information.
Volunteers Welcome
Please come and introduce yourself to us, if you would be interested in becoming a Volunteer worker in the Food Bank or doing the work of the Atholl Centre. We host holiday retreats, Church retreats, disabled holidays, & Community meetings throughout the year. Call in to the office, or call 01796 473044.
Changing Places Toilet - Fully equipped restroom facility for the disabled.
Please note office open hours, or call to book in advance - 07747 755 194. Helen Kirkwood
Atholl Baptist Centre SCIO15113, Atholl Centre, Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX
Further information from 01796 473044
Pitlochry Rotary Club
Not many people in our communities are aware that Rotaract Clubs, for people aged 18-30+, exist. Rotaract affords young people the opportunity to exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills and have fun through enterprising activities. In communities around the world, Rotary and Rotaract members work side by side to take action.
Rotaract has grown and spread right across the world, with over 200,000 Rotaract members in 180 countries. Just like Rotary, Rotaract is a great way to expand your social circles and meet new people.
By working together, you can build new skills, enhance your personal development and undertake leadership roles all of which can be great for your CV and employability. As a member of Rotaract, you also have the opportunity to take up dual-membership and join a Rotary club as well, giving even more opportunities to make a difference.
If there are any young people in our community who are interested to get a Rotaract Club off the ground, make contact with our Pitlochry Rotary Club for guidance and asistance! Contact: secretary@pitlochry.rotary1010.org
Aberfeldy Community Choir
We are always delighted to welcome new members to this very friendly choir! No audition needed, or ability to read music, and the repertoire is a mixture of popular songs and old favourites in 3 or 4 parts, (depending on how many tenors come along.)
We meet every Monday in school term time, from 7-9 pm in the Aberfeldy Church of Scotland, Taybridge road, Aberfeldy. We are led by Anna Glover, and Liz Douglas is our accompanist.
We have members from as far away as Blair Atholl: If you love to sing, do join us, and bring a friend!
For more details text/call Malize McBride (Secretary) on 07754859484.
Pitlochry Station Bookshop
According to Geoffrey Chaucer (‘The Canterbury Tales’), April is the time when “longen folk to goon on pilgrimages”: presumably they had ScotRail in mind. T. S. Eliot declared (‘The Waste Land’), “April is the cruellest month,” but he, poor man, had no Pitlochry Station Bookshop to console him. The good news for everyone else is that, from March 31st, the shop resumes its summer opening hours, adding 30 minutes at each end of the day.
In addition, the Station Bookshop will be holding our Easter Book Fair in Fisher’s Hotel from midday until 4pm on Saturday, April 19th. So you can treat yourself to a drink and browse among our usual eclectic mix of genres and titles, including some put aside specially to tempt book-lovers of all tastes.
In February, while remaining open on Platform 1, we ran a stall throughout Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Winter Words event. The hundreds who turned up, for breakfast and Q & A with new Artistic Director Alan Cumming, yoga sessions, theatre performances and interviews with authors were able to pick up bargains typical of those to be found at the Bookshop. Over the three days,
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Answers to the March Crossword
Across
7 LOMOND 8 HOOTED 9 DUFF
10 RUMINANT 11 ATHEIST 13 RAINY
15 MUNRO 17 GHILLIE 20 STODGIER
21 CODE 22 ODOURS 23 INTROS
Down
1 ROBUST 2 WOOF 3 ADDRESS 4 THYME
5 TOWN HALL 6 PENNAN 12 EDRADOUR
14 CHARLIE 16 UNTIDY 18 INDOOR
19 TIPSY 21 CITY
we raised almost £550 for our six charities, numbering among our visitors celebrated crime-writer Val McDermid and First Minister John Swinney.
Clearly, spring-cleaning has, for many, extended to their bookshelves and we have been gratefully receiving a huge number of donations throughout March. There is always space for more though so, as long as they are in clean condition, from first editions to new publications, we’ll be delighted to help you to free up space on your own bookshelves – and then start to re-fill those spaces from Pitlochry Station Bookshop.
Opening hours are now 9am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Saturday: our staff, all enthusiastic volunteers, will give you a smiling, helpful welcome whenever you decide to call in.
Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group
Our guitar and whistle classes have had a strong start and we’re delighted with our new members. We do have some spaces left for anyone who would like to learn whistle, fiddle, accordion or guitar and is aged P5 - S6.
All classes are in small groups lasting half an hour each week. They are completely free and we provide instruments, without cost, for our members to take home and use as their own. We are based in Dunkeld and Birnam but include surrounding areas from as far as Aberfeldy and Pitlochry, Blairgowrie and Coupar Angus, Stanley and Luncarty and everywhere in between.
Our junior and senior bands are suitable for most instrument players, so long as you can play them at least a little. We have plenty of spaces and encourage anyone who’d like to play in a group to come along to join in our musical adventures.
All classes and bands run on Mondays during term time and are based at Birnam Arts – we’ll be taking a break for Easter holiday break.
As always, huge thanks for making it possible to run our group go to SSE Renewables, National Lottery, Crescendo, Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, Basil Death Trust, Scops Arts Trust, The Lang Foundation, Hugh Fraser Foundation and Enchanted Forest for their funding, and our local residents who have generously donated money and instruments.
If you have any small guitars, fiddles or piano-accordions hanging around your house, we happily take them and put them to good use.
For more info: dbtradgroup@gmail.com 07958 324 766.
Pitlochry Library
Bookbug session - every Thursday 9.15am - 9.45am Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please get in touch with the library to book a spot.
Community Knitting Group - every Thursday 11am - 12.45pm Do you like to knit or want to learn? Come along to our community knitting group that meets weekly in the library. We can provide everything you need to get started!
Books on Wheels - For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, this includes books in large print and audio formats. For further information, please get in touch with the library.
Recycling - All libraries accept used stamps and batteries for recycling. Princh Printing. Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries have installed Princh, a new printing solution in libraries across Perth and Kinross, including Pitlochry Library. With Princh, it is now possible to Continued on page
print from any mobile device, tablet, or laptop from home or in one of our participating libraries. Just print, pay online and pick up your items. You can send your print jobs at any time from any place, and what's more, you no longer have to wait in line at the printer.
Details can be found on our website www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries/internet-and-computers/ princh-printing
Spring is in the air and the Easter break is nearly upon us.
And with the warmer weather in mind, we’ve been working on a number of projects that look to make a positive difference to our community.
Work to improve the bus stop area is ongoing and has made a huge difference to the space there.
We were pleased to welcome Richard Pearson from Etape to our last Trustees’ meeting and are keen to support the event team’s efforts to be more involved in the community. We’re also working with the Heartland Festival on volunteer recruitment and support.
After the opening hours of the public toilets in the town were raised by local businesses as an area of concern, we investigated the viability of bringing the facilities into community ownership. Discussions with local businesses and local elected members, as well as with bus tour operators and other community-run facilities in the region, have demonstrated that at this point in time, keeping the toilets under PKC’s operation is the preferred option of the community. However, this decision can be revisited at any time should circumstances change.
Following our AGM earlier in the year, our new office-bearers have been elected. We’re delighted to announce that our new chair is Judith Dingwall, with Stew Hall taking on the role of vice-chair. Fran Norris and Leslie Gill were both re-elected as secretary and treasurer respectively.
PCAT is a charitable development trust dedicated to working with the community of Pitlochry and Moulin. Everything we do is informed by the aspirations set out in the community action plan for the area.
Find out more about PCAT – including how to become a member and support the work of the Trust - on our website www.pitlochryaction.org.uk or by following ‘Pitlochry Community Action Trust – PCAT’ on Facebook.
Faskally parkrun
Did you know that research has shown that participating and/or volunteering at parkrun really does make people healthier and happier?
There are parkrun events every weekend around the UK. Our local parkrun, Faskally Forest parkrun, meets at Loch Dunmore every Saturday at 9.20am and starts at 9.30am. It’s free, open to all ages, from babies being pushed in prams to folk 80 years young. We just ask that children under 11 years keep within arm’s reach of their responsible adult. You can decide to walk, jog or run the
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beautiful 5km forest route. You can even bring your dog but only one dog per person on a short, handheld lead please. We’d encourage you to register (free) with parkrun at www.parkrun.org. uk/register/ Then bring along your barcode, which will enable you to receive an email with your completion time. You may prefer to volunteer to enjoy the camaraderie, it's a great way to meet people and make friendships. There are a variety of volunteer roles, all are easy, and we will give you any training on the day if required.
Afterwards, we go to the Red Deer Restaurant for a coffee and blether. To find out, more look at our web page www.parkrun.org.uk/faskallyforest or Facebook page www.facebook.com/faskallyforestparkrun
Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled
Riding will begin for this year at the end of April with the start of the school summer term. We are expecting the majority of last autumn’s riders to be returning and any new riders joining the group will have been assessed as to their suitability. For safety’s sake we cannot accept potential riders who have totally unpredictable behaviour. Our ponies are almost completely ‘bomb proof’ but they are animals and this has to be taken into account. It is very important to match riders to ponies as much as possible. Broad sturdy ponies are not good for a rider with short legs but on the other hand they are very suitable for the taller, heavier rider who would be too much for smaller pony. Welfare of our ponies is a very big part of RDA and we have a duty of care for them along side helping our riders enjoy the thrilling experience of being mounted.
One of the most obvious signs that volunteers notice with our riders is their huge increase in confidence as the weekly visits go by. And it is so encouraging to get the ‘feedback’ from the schools where this increased confidence is carried back into the classroom. They have achieved something that probably no-one else in the classroom has. This can be life changing.
As this goes to press we have an encouraging lead on the possibility of a new pony. However our search still continues for the loan of a quiet 13hh – 14hh pony who is reasonably forward going and who lives within reasonable distance of Pitlochry. We operate weekly on Monday mornings during the school summer and early autumn terms. Please do contact us through our email address breadalbanerda@gmail.com or ring Vicky on 07786262329. Also new volunteers are always welcome.
Pitlochry Bowling Club
Happy Easter, everyone!
As we reach the end of the winter season for short mat bowls, we can look back on a fantastic few months of both internal and external competitions. A huge congratulations to Dunkeld for winning the Tay Tummel Cup, with Pitlochry finishing as runners-up. A special thank you to Val Wilson for all her hard work in organising these matches - well done, Dunkeld!
We also recently held the final of the Killiecrankie Cup, our internal pairs competition. A big congratulations to Alex Anderson and Brian McClure for their well-earned victory!
With the change in season, we have now wrapped up our warm hub days. A heartfelt thank you goes to Carol and John Anderson, along with Fay and Willum McNicoll, for their incredible dedication each week. Their homemade soup, bacon rolls, and delicious home baking were served with a warm welcome, and we hope everyone who came along enjoyed the experience.
Now, we turn our attention to the great outdoors! We’re eagerly looking forward to Saturday, April 19th - the big day when our green officially opens for the start of the outdoor season. For those who love a bit of fun, our April Bingo nights will be on Monday 7th and Monday 21st, starting at 7 for 7:30pm. These are always popular social evenings, and everyone is welcome to join in!
Last month, thanks to generous donations and collections from our CHAS can, we were delighted to send a £200 gift to CHAS (Children’s Hospice Across Scotland). A huge thank you to everyone who contributed!
As always, we welcome new members, whether you’re looking to play or just join us socially. If you’d like to give bowling a try, come along and have a go! We can provide bowls and tuition— you’ll just need flat-soled shoes.
For more information, feel free to contact John on 07833 664121 or Agnes on 07981 22415. You can also stay up to date by following our Facebook page (Pitlochry Bowling Club). We look forward to seeing you soon!
Vale of Atholl Pipe Band
Our Grade 2 Pipe Major, Kyle Howie, has unfortunately stepped down from this position due to solo piping and work commitments. His work is teaching piping and playing pipes!! The good news is that he is staying to play in the pipe corps and Pipe Sergeant Jamie Falconer has stepped up to Pipe Major. This is going to be quite a challenging year for the Grade 2 band, having just been upgraded from Grade 3, but they're up for a challenge and they're practising hard!!
The Grade 4 band is also practising away with a few new members in it and the tuition on side drum and chanter is going very well with some players hopefully ready to play at the Highland Nights. The Highland Nights are a great starting point for the learners, plenty of marching, trying to keep in step!! Just to remind you all, the Highland Nights start on Monday 26th May Gillie McNab 07733152223 gmcnab00@aol.com
Rannoch Community Trust - The CornerStone
Nestled between the stunning Schiehallion mountain and the serene waters of Loch Rannoch is our little village - Kinloch Rannoch. Boasting beautiful trails, epic landscapes and nature aplenty there’s something for everyone in our corner of the world. So, what more could you ask for? Well, ‘a place for all to gather’ was the community cry! And so, the Rannoch Community Trust set out to deliver just that - The CornerStone - a bar/restaurant and office space was born. This venue will be a flagship space for the community and beyond. To be a central point to gather, relax, eat, work and meet new people. Integral to this will be the support of our locals and the surrounding Perthshire area, we look forward to welcoming you all this Spring!
We are hiring - if you like the sound of our new space, please visit www.thecornerstonerannoch.co.uk for more information on roles available.
Table Tennis Tryst Pitlochry
Looking to do something different. Whether you can play or not come and join us and have a go. Every Thursday 2 - 4pm, your first time is free. Equipment is provided. Further details contact Irene 07546479249
This Month’s Easy Sudoku
How to play............
Fill the grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! Use reasoning and logic to solve the puzzle - there’s no maths or adding up.
Look carefully for what numbers can go where and with a little practice it will get easier!
Aberfeldy Highland Ball Fundraiser
The Aberfeldy Highland Ball Committee are delighted that the money raised at the 2024 Aberfeldy Highland Ball held in Blair Castle on 7th December 2024, will go towards helping young people in our community and wish to thank all who attended and all who donated prizes for the raffle, and all those who generously donated directly.
Your support and generosity is very much appreciated and will literally transform young people’s lives.
Together we raised £5028.41 which is a record amount for any charity over the Ball’s history. This money will specifically go towards providing accommodation and additional support to young people aged 16 – 25 who are at risk of or are already homeless.
Young people accessing YMCA accommodation in Perth will receive a person-centred support package that will give them the opportunity to gain qualifications, learn life skills and prepare them for employment or further education. The young people will also benefit from 1-to-1 support from a dedicated youth worker who will journey with them as they engage with the YMCA or other appropriate provisions. This support will help ensure that the young people we work with will be ready to move on to their own tenancy and sustain employment.
The Charity for the 2025 Aberfeldy Highland Ball is the Scottish Air Ambulance Service and the date is Saturday 6th December 2025
YMCA Tayside exists to support young people to build a positive future through their engagement of opportunities that develop the Mind, Body and Spirit. Our support is open to all young people aged 8-25 and nurtures their wellbeing by building positive, trustful relationships with the purpose of having "somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to". Our Youth Work services have a particular focus on young people who face multiple and complex barriers to economic, social and education inclusion, including young people who identify as LGBT+, and those with additional support needs. In 2024 we meaningfully engaged with over 650 young people.
Photo L-R: Franny McGrath YMCA, Alison Martin, Colin Smith, Alistair Irvine, Jill McGrath YMCA, Callum McDiarmid and Donald Riddell.
Pitlochry Community First Responders
Pitlochry Community First Responders (PCFR) is a local charity. We assist the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) who have First Responder groups across Scotland.
All volunteers are trained by the SAS, and live or work in the community. Responders can attend certain medical situations until an ambulance arrives.
The ambulance control centre (ACC) deploys the on-duty Responders when a local 999 call is received which they will not be able to reach rapidly. So using their own vehicles, day or night, Pitlochry First Responders selflessly operate in the local area. We cover from Blair Atholl to Ballinluig, and meet with Dunkeld and Aberfeldy groups to ensure a good coverage.
This is an important, life-saving local charity and we need everyone’s support in many ways!
Most importantly at present, we are recruiting more volunteer First Responders. Responders are vital to the community as lives depend on them.
No previous first aid experience is necessary as full training is given by the ambulance service. Responders need to be over the age of 18 and have access to a reliable car.
We are also asking for Friends, supportive volunteers willing to give up an hour or two at fundraising events, information kiosks at shops, festivals, the Highland Games or any other local site. Friends could also initiate their own creative endeavours to raise funds for PCFR. At events, bring a chair, a feast, a friend and a flask!
Please visit our website for all the information you need and find application forms for Responders and Friends. Please share this information with others.
Secure Donations can be made on our website, with our grateful thanks. No personal data is retained and proceeds go to the ongoing supply of expensive medical equipment for First Responders to use.
Visit https://pitlochryresponders.org or email: info@pitlochryresponders.org
We need you, because you might need us! PCFR, saving local lives. Always call 999 in an emergency.
GrowBiz
4 Enterprising Actions for April
As we head into spring, it’s a great time to get energised and ready to take on some new business projects, or refresh your current ideas. GrowBiz’s free support for rural enterprises and the self-employed can give you a boost along the way. Here are four actions you can take this month to ensure you’re on the right track:
Attend a learning session
Our free online learning sessions are based around topics that can help you run your business more effectively. In April the focus is on marketing, with sessions around how to plan your promotional content, and how to use the messaging your customers want to hear.
Speak to an advisor
Meet with one of our friendly advisors and receive support to identify what you need to get started or to achieve your business goals. Talk through your ideas, develop a business strategy or identify areas where you require training and development.
Download a resource
The GrowBiz website has a number of free editable resources to help you run your business efficiently. Download a business plan template, bookkeeping spreadsheet, marketing content planner and more.
Sign up for our newsletter
The GrowBiz newsletter is sent out fortnightly and contains a list of our upcoming events, opportunities for Scotland’s rural enterprises and communities, and positive client stories, so you can stay up to date with what’s happening in the local business community.
You can book our events, request a 1-1 support session, download free resources and sign up to our newsletter at www.growbiz.co.uk
The Meeting Place
We meet every Friday morning from 10-12 in the Duchess Anne church hall in Dunkeld. Come and join us for a cup of tea or coffee, delicious home baking and good company. Further details from mascott47@aol.com
Want
Month’s Tricky Sudoku
How
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!
The Scottish Episcopal Church
Offers all a warm and inclusive welcome to all
Part of the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane
Rector: The Rev Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005: Email: bethmaybaker@yahoo.co.uk
5th Sundays Joint Service with Holy Trinity & Kilmaveonaig (see Website for location)
Zoom Services
Sundays - 6.00pm Evening Services (see Website)
Thursdays - 10.30am Morning Prayer
Holy Week – The Journey to the Cross10.30am Morning Prayer Monday to Friday.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
On the night before he died, Jesus established an anniversary for Christians—the Memorial of his death. This anniversary is on the same date every year on the lunar calendar. Today we use a solar calendar so the date looks as if it changes every year. However, it has always been on the 14th Abib. This year, the anniversary falls on 12th April - after sunset. Your local congregation will be holding this special service at 8.00pm. Please join us to show appreciation for what Jesus achieved. Get in touch for details.
Thursday 3rd April, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Proverbs 7, ‘Avoid Tempting Situations’, ‘“Another Convenient Time” (Luke 4:6)’, “Take Courage!”, Part Three—Acts 24:18–27.
Sunday 6th April, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Can Truth Be Found?’. A discussion: ‘How We Benefit From Jehovah’s Love (1 Timothy 1:15)’.
Thursday 10th April, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Proverbs 8, ‘Listen to Wisdom Personified’, ‘Why Is Jesus Called the Son of God?’, ‘Roman Procurator Porcius Festus’, “I Appeal to Caesar!”, Part One—Acts 25:1–5.
Saturday 12th April, 8.00 p.m., The Memorial of Christ’s death.
Thursday 17th April, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Proverbs 9, ‘Be a Wise Person, Not a Ridiculer’, ‘Do Privileges Make You Privileged?’, “I Appeal to Caesar!”, Part Two—Acts 25:6–12.
Sunday 20th April, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Love Identifies the True Christian Congregation’. A discussion: ‘Jehovah’s Forgiveness—Why We Appreciate It (John 3:16)’.
Thursday 24th April, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Proverbs 10, ‘What Makes for a Truly Rich Life?’, ‘What Blessings Make God’s Servants Rich?’, ‘King Herod Agrippa II’, “I Appeal to Caesar!”, Part Two—Acts 25:13–26:15.
Sunday 27th April, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Real Help for the Family’. A discussion: ‘Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You (Psalm 130:4)’.
Jehovah is the name of Jesus’s father; to witness is to share the truth. Enjoy a free study of the Bible at your convenience - ring or text 07 802 753 193. At www.jw.org you will find the Bible’s answers to life’s big questions.
Pitlochry Baptist Church
Atholl Road, PH16 5BX www.pbcweb.net
Pastor: Rev David Barrie (pastor@pbcweb.net)
Sundays - Our Worship Gathering takes place every Sunday from 10:30am at our building on Atholl Road - next to the Tourist Information Centre and across the road from Heartland FM. If you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come as you are and join us. For the children, we have a full programme for babies through to teenagers. We look forward to welcoming you.
Easter events:.
• Good Friday service on 18 April at 1:00pm, following the WA soup lunch, in the Atholl Centre (behind the church).
• Sunrise Communion at Ladies Dell from 7.30am on 20 April, Easter Sunday morning.
• Baptisms at Ladies Dell from 10.30am on Easter Sunday morning. Join us on the shores of Loch Faskally as we witness some people speak of their faith in Jesus and be baptised there in the water.
• Community Easter Egg Hunt from 3pm at Ambi Park / Delta Park (the one next to the vets) on Easter Sunday. In addition to lots of eggs to be found, there will be all kinds of fun games. Do come and join in the fun. It is open to everyone.
Other highlighted events:
• The Welcome All (WA) Soup Lunch is every Friday in the Atholl Centre (behind Pitlochry Baptist church) at 12 noon; there’s no charge, though donations are welcome. This is part of the warm space operating from 11am-2pm each Friday until the end of April. Come join us and meet up with old friends or make new ones.
• “The Bereavement Journey” course, for anyone bereaved at any time, from Monday 12 May for 7 weeks. For further information and bookings email us at admin@pbcweb.net
For quick & easy access to information on our website and social media pages, scan this QR code (the black and white box thing). Do this by:
(1) Open the Camera app on your phone. (2) Hold your phone so that the QR code appears in view. (3) Tap the notification to open the link in your browser. Alternatively, if that gives you a headache, go to our website or check us out on Facebook and Instagram for current up-to-date information.
Pitlochry linked with Blair Atholl & Struan Churches of Scotland
Sunday Services: Sunday worship is at 10.00am in Pitlochry Church. We invite you to join us, whether you live locally or are just visiting the area. Worship begins with a warm welcome, followed by a mix of music and words, ancient and modern. Tea/coffee and biscuits are served in The Tryst Lounge following the service.
Meetings for Lent: These begin on Thursday 6 March at 7:30 pm in The Tryst, Church Road, Pitlochry. Entitled Hope in Hard Places, journey with us as we look at stories of steadfast faith, hope and trust found in the Bible and reflect on what God's transformational love can mean for our world today. Further details available on our Facebook page.
Easter Services: Good Friday (18 April), Walk with the Cross, leaving the church at 12 noon, followed by refreshments in The Tryst and a Tenebrae service in the church at 6.30pm.
Easter Sunday (20 April), Communion at the Ladies’ Dell at 7.30am and the “Flowering of the Cross” at 10.00am service. Please bring a daffodil. Continued on page 70
Tenandry Kirk, Killiecrankie
Interim Moderator: Rev. Neil Glover.
Session Clerks: Marion Faulds - 01796 472415, Edward Elworthy - 07770842502
Every Sunday service at 10.30am.
1st Sunday of the month Coffee/Tea following the service. All Welcome.
RC Parish of St Bride
St Bride’s, Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AL
Our Lady of Mercy, Home Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2AJ
St Columba’s, St Mary’s Road, Birnam, Dunkeld, PH8 OBJ
St Columba’s Saturday Vigil 6.00pm Our Lady of Mercy 9.30am St Bride’s 11.30am
Weekday Mass Times
Our Lady of Mercy Tuesday 9.30am, St Bride’s Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9.30am
Holy Days of Obligation
St Columba’s 9.30am, Our Lady of Mercy 12.30pm, St Bride’s 7.00pm
For further information please refer to our Facebook page.
We are very happy to welcome visitors to our Parish to worship with us and each Tuesday and Wednesday we light candles and pray for their needs and intentions.
Sunday April 6th - Sunday worship at Braes Church at the west end of Loch Rannoch. The service will start at 12.30, with a time for coffee, tea and fellowship at 12 noon before the service starts. (No morning service on April 6th in The Old Church of Rannoch.)
Sunday April 13th (Palm Sunday) - Sunday worship at 12 noon in The Old Church of Rannoch with a time for coffee, tea and fellowship at 11.30am before the service starts.
Friday April 18th (Good Friday) - Good Friday Vigil between 12 noon and 3pm in The Old Church of Rannoch.
Sunday April 20th (Easter Sunday) - Sunday worship at 12 noon in The Old Church of Rannoch with a time for coffee, tea and fellowship at 11.30am before the service starts.
Sunday April 27th - Sunday worship at 12 noon in The Old Church of Rannoch with a time for coffee, tea and fellowship at 11.30am before the service starts.
An entry in our Community Pages is free to all non profit groups. If you would like to be included, just send your entry before 11th of the preceding month, by e-mai to info@pitlochrylife.co.uk Tell us your news and we will tell everyone else!
The Art of Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea - From Classic English Breakfast to Delicate White Tea
Few rituals in life are as soothing and universally cherished as brewing a cup of tea. Across the globe, tea is more than a beverage; it is a cultural touchstone, a moment of solace, and a healthful indulgence. Yet, achieving the perfect cup requires a thoughtful approach. From robust black teas to delicate whites, let’s explore the world of tea and how to brew each type to perfection while appreciating their unique flavour profiles, health benefits, and ideal food pairings.
Black Tea: The Bold and Familiar
Black tea, the most oxidised of all tea types, offers a strong, full-bodied flavour and a deep amber hue. Popular varieties include the English Breakfast blend, Assam, and some darker Darjeelings. ‘English-style’ black tea is often served with milk and sugar, balancing its malty and slightly bitter notes.
Brewing Tip: Use freshly boiled water (around 95–100°C). Steep for 3 minutes (No longer!) Depending on your taste preference, if you’d prefer a stronger tea, add more leaves as over-steeping leads to bitterness and not a stronger flavour.
Flavour Profile: Bold, malty, sometimes with hints of citrus or floral undertones (Darjeeling).
Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants such as theaflavins and thearubigins, black tea supports heart health and digestion. It also contains moderate caffeine levels, offering a gentle energy boost.
Food Pairing: Black tea pairs beautifully with hearty foods like scones with clotted cream, bacon sandwiches, or rich desserts like chocolate cake.
TOP TIP!
Store tea leaves in an airtight container, away from light and moisture, to preserve their quality, glass jars on the shelf are simply a no-no.
White Tea: Delicate and Subtle
White tea is the least processed of all teas, made from young tea leaves and buds plucked in springtime. Its pale champagne colour, subtle flavour and light aroma make it a gentle, refined choice. Popular varieties include Bai Mudan (White Peony) and Silver Needle.
Brewing Tip: Use water at 70–80°C and steep for 3 minutes. White tea is forgiving and rarely becomes bitter.
Flavour Profile: Very mild, sweet, and slightly floral with a silky texture.
Health Benefits: Packed with antioxidants, white tea supports healthy ageing and skin health while offering a lower caffeine option.
TOP TIP!
Food Pairing: White tea is ideal with light, delicate foods like cucumber sandwiches, fresh fruit, or mild cheeses.
You’ll notice I recommend a brewing time of 3 minutes for most teas, as it typically brings out the best flavour. If you prefer a stronger brew, simply use more tea leaves—remember, a stronger tea shouldn’t be bitter. To measure water temperature, pour boiled water into your cup and let it cool for 2–3 minutes until it reaches around 80°C, then add your green or white tea leaves. Alternatively, you can cool the water by adding a dash of cold water, just like you would when preparing with milk. For accuracy, use a thermometer—or treat yourself to a temperature control kettle!
Green Tea: Fresh and Vibrant
Green tea, minimally oxidised, retains its fresh, grassy character and a wealth of nutrients. From Japanese Sencha to Chinese Dragon-well (Longjing), each green tea variety has its own distinct flavour. Matcha is a Japanese tea currently on trend, this tea is ground tea leaves and served whisked in water. Revered as the most healthy of teas as we consume the whole leaf and not just infused water.
Brewing Tip: Avoid boiling water, as it can scorch the delicate leaves and make them taste very bitter. Use water at 70–80°C and steep for 2–3 minutes, for Sencha, brew for no longer than 1 minute and reuse the leaves for a second 1-minute brew. Matcha should be whisked in 70°C water and drunk entirely.
Flavour Profile: Fresh, grassy, or nutty, often with a slight astringency (which is a drying sensation on the tongue frequently mistaken for bitterness).
Health Benefits: Green tea is celebrated for its high levels of catechins, which have antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. It may enhance brain function, support weight management, and promote heart health.
Food Pairing: Green tea pairs excellently with light and healthy foods such as sushi, steamed vegetables, or grilled chicken. Matcha, a powdered green tea, is a versatile choice for desserts like matcha cookies or cheesecake, ensure to use ‘cooking grade’ matcha for lattes and cakes etc and save the ‘ceremonial grade’ for drinking.
TOP TIP!
Tea is better for focus than coffee in stressful times! Yep, the caffeine will give you an energy boost, while the L-Theanine helps keep you calm and level-headed, allowing you to focus in stressful moments better!
Oolong Tea: The Perfect Balance
Oolong tea lies between green and black tea in terms of oxidation, offering a diverse range of flavours, from floral and creamy to toasty and nutty. Varieties like Tieguanyin (Tee-quan-yin - Iron Goddess) and Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) are particularly revered.
Brewing Tip: Use water at 85–90°C (185–194°F). Steeping times can vary depending on the tea, but 3 minutes is a good rule of thumb. Many oolongs are suitable for multiple infusions
Flavour Profile: Floral, creamy, or toasty, with a lingering sweetness.
Health Benefits: Oolong tea is known for supporting metabolism, aiding in digestion, and promoting healthy skin. Its moderate caffeine content makes it an excellent midday drink.
Food Pairing: Pair creamy oolongs with buttery pastries or quiche. Roasted oolongs are a delightful companion to roasted nuts or spiced dishes like curry.
Chinese Black Tea: Elegant and Complex
Chinese black teas, often known as red tea to the Chinese, such as Keemun or Lapsang Souchong (Lap-sang Soo-Shong), tend to be smoother and more nuanced than their Western counterparts, they are served best without milk. Lapsang Souchong, for instance, has a smoky flavour due to the unique drying process over pinewood fires.
Brewing Tip: Use water slightly below boiling (90–95°C or 194–203°F) and steep for 3 minutes to extract its subtle notes.
Flavour Profile: Floral, smoky, or honeyed, depending on the variety.
Health Benefits: Similar to other black teas, these are rich in polyphenols and can help reduce inflammation, support immunity, and support good gut health.
Food Pairing: Smoky Chinese teas complement savoury dishes like barbecued meats or stir-fried vegetables, but I love it with milk chocolate, while a floral Keemun works well with light pastries or buttery biscuits and almonds.
100-150ml Double Cream
300-400ml Chicken Stock
150g Sun-dried Tomatoes
1 White Onion, chopped
3-4 Cloves Garlic
1tsp Cayenne/Smoked Paprika
20/30g of Parmesan
Salt and Pepper
Olive Oil
35g Fresh Basil
Chilli Flakes (to taste)
1tsp dried Oregano
flour.
3. Gently fry the chicken on both sides and remove once cooked.
4. To the same pan add in onion, sun-dried tomatoes and lightly fry before adding in garlic.
5. Add your stock and cream to the pan and stir together.
6. Add your chilli flakes and oregano (optional).
7. Put the chicken back in the pan followed by half of the basil and cover and allow to simmer for 5-10 mins or until sauce has thickened.
8. Add your crumbled cooked haggis to the pan and stir.
9. Serve with mash, pasta, potatoes or anything you fancy!
10. Finish with remaining basil and enjoy!
The Atholl Medical Centre Ferry Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 472558
Mon - Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm (Doors open at 8.30am)
Except Wednesdays Closed 12.15 - 1.45pm
Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111 Prescriptions - tay.amcprescriptions@nhs.scot
Visiting Hours:
Pitlochry Community Hospital Ferry Road, Pitlochry. Tel: 01796 472052
GP Unit - Contact for further info.
MIIU - Temporarily closed until further notice.
Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice
The Surgery, Kinloch Rannoch. Tel: 01882 632216
The Reception is open Mon - Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm Surgery Hours 9-10.15am, 2-3pm and 4-5pm. For all urgent appointments please phone reception
10 Range of parking ultimately covered by breakdown company (3)
11 Obvious relief if exiting council area (4)
13 Rain had mobilised dyke builder (7)
14 The King introduced highland fantasy language (6)
15 Scottish saint in India embraced by granny (6)
18 Tasty - a bit like a rugby formation? (7)
20 Records pieces of wood (4)
22 Rae diverts attention (3)
23 Unusually clean home - this can change (9)
25 Requirement to work the dough, reportedly (4)
26 Lass set puzzle - some sporrans have these (7)
DOWN
1 Unfamiliar male, hirpling (4)
2 Determined pas-de-basque (3)
3 Yes! Pros misspell fliers (7)
By Lesley
4 Forlorn hope surrounds conservative leaderend of victorious times (6)
6 Scrutinising cut back before digging (9)
7 Unexpected fan near village (7)
8 Exhausted, pondered getting rid of Mike (4)
12 River in E.U. flowing in Aberdeenshire (9)
14 Festival, conclusion of celebration, from Dundee maybe? (7)
16 Will Nessie cover up covid, possibly? (7)
17 Strayed off course after losing final game near Kirkcaldy (6)
19 Island manure (4)
21 Last samurai and chief ninja open nine small pubs (4)
24 You and I go after final loose sheep (3)
HOROSCOPES
BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN
For April 2025
The month of April moves the fiery sign of Aries to the forefront, emphasising the need for decisive action in all areas of life. Never very good at waiting, Aries is impatient and immediate, suggesting that there could be a great deal of irritation and resentment building up on a grand scale. Globally we will continue to see some very challenging events and upheavals over the coming months. Neptune, planet of idealism, inspiration and spirituality, arrived in Aries at the very end of last month; this is a major planetary move, and coincides historically with rebellions, uprisings and crusades. Neptune was last in Aries from 1861 to 1865, rather a turbulent time in history. Freedom and new beginnings are the key motivations for Aries, therefore finding balance between strength and compassion will be the key to successful outcomes. Communication planet Mercury goes direct on the 7th and enters Aries on the 16th. Action planet Mars arrives in fiery Leo on the18th, all this edgy fire energy indicates that the qualities of patience, tolerance and kindness will now be needed more than ever. The Libra Full moon on the 13th offers the opportunity for a more balanced and harmonious viewpoint. The new moon in Taurus on the 27th indicates a good time for focusing on stability and nurturing.
ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20
Neptune, planet of idealism and inspiration, has now entered your sign, this important shift offers a great opportunity for you to you use your intuition and your creative powers to the full. Your ruler, dynamic Mars, is rather emotional in the watery sign of Cancer and highlights your family and home life this month, try to stay calm and patient should any difficulties arise.
TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21
Venus, your ruler, sheds her bountiful light on your social life this month. New friends and networking opportunities start to appear after the 13th as the love planet goes direct. Dynamic Mars in Cancer, assists with intuitive communication as you recognise that it is time to turn up the pace and be more courageous in getting what you want. The new moon in your sign at the end of the month brings exciting new beginnings.
GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21
Your finances and assets loom large during April as energetic Mars moves through this area of your chart. A reassessment is on the cards as you take stock and review your options. Mars enters Leo on the 18th suggesting a much more creative approach to your business affairs. Mercury, your ruler, is at the highest point of your chart, indicating that a career move is possible.
CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22
Your career area is illuminated by the radiant Sun and inspirational planet Neptune. The powerful Aries energy of this month suggests that if you have been wanting to make a change, now might just be the best time. Plans made in the first half of the month can really gather pace after the 16th. The Taurus new moon on the 27th offers new beginnings for group endeavours.
LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23
The powerful line up of planets in dynamic Aries shine a spotlight on higher learning and inner growth for you this month. Perfect timing is indicated now as you strive to make sense of situations that have recently arrived in your life. The new moon in Taurus on the 27th is strong at your career highpoint, make the most of favourable opportunities with positive financial rewards.
VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22
Mercury, your ruling planet, arrives in dynamic Aries on the 16th, this important shift has the potential to revitalise your mind and bring clarity to the restructuring of some of your financial issues. It’s a good time to capitalise on professional matters as people around you will appear receptive to your plans. The Libra full moon on the 13th illuminates the answer to a problem.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23
Partnerships and relationships are high on your agenda during April as the planetary line up is powerful in Aries, your opposite sign. Some important and lasting decisions may need to be made, but try to remember that Aries is a volatile sign, so be sure to proceed with caution and maybe delay any big decisions until after the Libra full moon on the 13th.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22
The Sun is highlighting your health and wellbeing sector this month, suggesting that some major changes may need to be set in motion. Neptune has just arrived in dynamic Aries and is urging you to look at new ways to feel and look your absolute best. The Taurus new moon on the 27th brings some breakthroughs and exciting opportunities your way.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21
Creative new ways of earning your living are important this month. The power of the Aries Sun and imaginative Neptune both push you forward by opening your mind to trying new things. This month confirms that you can turn dreams into reality, providing that you follow your intuition, your heart and your passion. Your love life also looks exciting, particularly after the 13th.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20
Home and family are in the spotlight this month, particularly after the 16th as the Sun and Neptune are joined by communicative Mercury in Aries. Dynamic Mars, in your opposite sign, is challenging you to recognise that many new and innovative ideas are on the horizon. Jupiter in Gemini is beneficial and offers you great courage and desire to push forwards in a totally new direction.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18
Money planet Venus goes direct in your financial sector around the 13th, this should free up any blockages that you may have been experiencing just lately. Bold and courageous ideas should now start to take off. Dynamic Aries energy plays a major part in your future this month and expansive Jupiter in Gemini looks positive for some major shifts to take place.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20
Love planet Venus gathers speed and moves direct from the 13th, this should inspire you to make way for more compassion and tenderness in your relationship. Finances are also set to improve this month as the combination of the Sun, Neptune and Mercury (after the 16th) in Aries indicate some new insights are coming to the surface. The practical Taurus new moon on the 27th could turn out to be pivotal.
Christine is a professional astrologer offering private consultations in astrology, life coaching and Bach flower essences.
NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH these challenging times, these challenging times, and reach your fullest potential in 2025. Take a refreshing new look at the year ahead by booking an astrological reading nowConsultations are available on Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp or by telephone.
Christine Chalklin, Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach
